Apricot Lane Boutique

I have a new love in my life. She is stylish, chic, and classy. She's also affordable and really cool. Wanna know who she is? She's this little boutique named Apricot Lane. I'm sure you've seen their styles all over Pinterest, but have you ever taken a minute to go check out their site and do a little shopping? If you haven't, I definitely would recommend you do so ASAP because their stuff sells out FAST, and it's no wonder why (case in point, the dress that I came over here to blog about has already sold out-I'm guessing in a matter of minutes). They will usually re-stock things, but some things are totally gone forever when they sell out.

I wanted to write about some of my favorite looks from their store and just share my love in general for them. Owning a boutique like this one day is exactly what I've always wanted to do, and I'm hoping that when J is out of the Army and we're more settled, I can make that dream a reality. 

*Remember, all items can be purchased through Apricot Lane's Facebook page or at their website, Apricot Lane Peoria-all photos are property of the store, and I do not claim them as my own. They are solely meant to promote their products (and no, I'm not paid for this, I do it because I truly love their products!*

This is the dress I had originally come here to write about. I was hoping to incorporate it into a few different looks, but since it's no longer in stock, I don't feel right dangling it in front of your face then ripping it away. ;) But I did want to share my love for it and obsess over it a bit more here. I'm not sure what it is about skulls, but I'm slightly in love with them. And what's even more awesome about this dress is the fact that you'd never guess what's on the back. It's a bit like a mullet (a super awesome mullet mind you-lady in the front, rebel in the back. And I think that's pretty sweet. I love this dress on its own, but if you're like me and cursed blessed with long legs, you'll probably have to wear leggings or tights underneath it. I'd suggest trying some printed leggings, something in a light gray. Don't go too crazy with the print, but you can definitely have a little fun with this one! Or, if you just want to feel ultra sexy, add a pop of color with some sexy heels. Add a clutch, and you're ready for a night out on the town. If you're as much in love with this dress as I am, check back regularly to see if they re-stock them.

1. Titans Stepping  Stone Leggings-Urbanog

2. Slithered Path Leggings-Urbanog

2. Dollhouse Kammy Round Toe Platform Pump-Urbanog


This is the "Blueprint Bustier" top. Isn't it so-very 80's? I picture this with a high waisted maxi skirt, something in a fun pattern.Or you could pair it with a pleated skirt in a neutral color and have fun with your jewelry! I think my favorite look would be a pair of loose fitting (think palazzo or harem) pants and some killer bangles. Keep your accessories modern to avoid looking like a mall rat. ;)


1. Pleated Geo Maxi Skirt-Forever 21
2. Pleated Crepe Chiffon Skirt- Forever 21
3. Daisy Print Palazzos- Forever 21



Cheetah Palazzo Pants...do these even need any sort of explanation? They are killer. They look so super comfy, yet can be part of a polished effort with little to no effort. Since the bottoms are so loose, keep the top fitted. A simple black tank and gold jewelry will look fabulous. Bring them into the cooler months by pairing them with a tee or long sleeved shirt or cardigan.


1. Pop Of Color Bustier- Love Culture
2. High Collar Lace Top- Love Culture
3. Basic V-Neck Tee- Love Culture

Here are some of the jewelry pieces I'm diggin' as well...


"Bubbled Up" necklace-this reminds me of the J Crew necklaces, but like 78% off the price! They have a bunch more colors in stock, but snatch these up before they're gone!


"I Zig, You Zag" bangles. I'm obsessed with anything and everything chevron. These would look fantastic together, mixed and matched, or worn alone-anyway you want!


"Turquoise Bead Cross" bracelet. The sideways cross bracelet trend seems to be in full swing, and trust me, they're hard to find (at a decent price, at least), but I am loving the simplicity of this one. Again, worn alone= great, but worn with a bunch of other bracelets=even better!

There are a TON more styles over at Apricot Lane. Seriously. Go check them out now or you'll miss out and really regret it. I'm hoping to order a few pieces of my own once we aren't strapped for cash (numerous visitors in the past couple weeks have really drained our bank account)!

Head over, then come back, comment, and tell me what your favorite piece is!

Happy Shopping!

New shoes!

I love Fall, although I'm usually over it after I've worn all my new clothes. That "new school clothes" high doesn't usually last very long, especially when the cold weather starts creeping in. I love layering though, and get really excited when I get to pull my scarves out of their Summer coma, so I suppose I can handle the dipping temperatures (I am a born and bred Minnesotan, after all)!

One of my favorite things to buy for Fall are shoes. I can safely say that boots are my favorite Fall shoe, and once I can no longer get away with going sock-less, I turn to my trusty leather boots. I wear them every single day and have a wide array of styles. I've got my super cozy Emu's, my sassy knee-high heels, and my tried-and-true leather zip-ups.

This post isn't about boots though (but that will come soon, promise), it's about my other love, the flat. I religiously purchase Old Navy's ballet flats each year (not by choice, I have to, they get eaten by a dog every. single. year.) and pretty much wear them with everything. They're so incredibly versatile, and are super comfy after you get them broken in. 

This season, I'm really excited to try out a new favorite trend-the loafer. I love the whole menswear-inspired trend that is sweeping the fashion world, and this is something I can totally incorporate into my everyday wardrobe. Target has the most affordable styles and the cutest prints I've seen around. For $19.99-$24.99, you can buy a few pairs without totally breaking the budget! I bought the Mossimo Black Vianca Tuxedo Loafer in black and am already in love. They also come in animal print, burgundy, and metallic (which are SUPER sparkly). I think I'm going back for the leopard ones-so chic! You can also choose from snake print, plaid, and houndstooth patterns-there's a loafer for every style. I also purchased a pink and brown pair with the cutest little tassels, but I can't find them online anymore. I snatched them up from Target at $9.99 on clearance-what a steal!

Check out Fashion Lust on Instagram! @fashion_lust_rocks

What are some of your favorite shoe styles for fall? Are you a lover of all things sparkly and feminine or someone who likes the menswear look? Show me your faves!

Happy Walking!

What To Wear--To Work!

My work wear has always consisted of all black. Since I've only held restaurant and retail jobs, I've never needed to build a professional work wardrobe. But now that I'm going back to school, getting internships, and eventually landing my dream job, I think it's important to start finding pieces that I can intermix with my existing clothes to create a more polished appearance.

The majority of my friends have "big girl" jobs (that I'm extremely jealous of, btw), and a couple of them have asked me to make a post about professional wear and where to find it-at an affordable price, of course. I'm not sure what took me so long to make this post, but I think it was the lack of inspiration, even after browsing hundreds of different sites. Like I've said before, you probably already have a good start in your closet. Take a look at my list of "must haves" and check off the things you already own. 

1. Pants: Black and Tan. I love Express's dress pants, but a cheaper alternative is the Mossimo line at Target. You can get any cut you choose, I'm a fan of the trouser pants as well as a slimmer cut version that can be worn with boots. 

2. Skirts: A pencil skirt will be your best friend. It's so versatile and can even make a simple t-shirt appear dressed up. I have two: a black one and a purple one. Purchase a black one that can be worn with anything, another neutral like tan or olive, and then a colorful one for those dreary days. 

3. Cardigans: I'm obsessed with cardis. I wear them with pretty much everything during the Spring and the Fall. They're great for layering, and can make any outfit look more polished. You can leave them open or button them and belt them-they are incredibly versatile. Target again usually has them on sale and come in a wide array of colors and patterns. Buy them in solid colors and a pattern if you're feeling feisty.

4. Blazer: I love my blazers almost as much as my cardigans. I usually wear mine with jeans, but they're great paired with the dress pants or a skirt as well. I buy mine from H&M for $24.99, which is an incredible steal.

5. Dark Denim Jeans: If your office is casual enough and allows you to wear denim, stick with a dark wash. It's casual enough, yet still professional. Make sure there are no rips or holes in them, and pick a fit with a slight flare-American Eagle's "Skinny Kick"s are great-they're like a skinny jean, but have a bit of a flare at the bottom so they can be worn with heels as well as boots. The perfect hybrid!

6. A Crisp, White, Button-Up: No explanation needed here, just go buy two.

7. Accessories: This is where you can have a bit more fun and express yourself. Use scarves, belts, and other pieces of jewelry to show your personality.

8. Shoes: Black pumps are the ultimate "must" here. Make sure the heel isn't too high though, find something with a 2-3" heel. You should also invest in some flats-I love Old Navy's ballerina flats (and so do dogs, every pair I've ever owned has been destroyed by a dog), but just discovered Merona's flats from Target. Super chic and super cheap. I live in boots during the colder months, so I'd recommend a black and brown pair-just no Uggs in the office, please.

That's my list for now, but I know there's a ton of things that I'm missing (basic tees and tanks come to mind right now). I've found a couple great looks on Pinterest, so let's move on to that, and finding an affordable version, shall we? This is my favorite part...

Photo Credit-J's Everyday Fashion (check out her awesome blog!)

1. Pencil Skirt-Forever 21

2. Worthington French-Cuff Shirt-JCP

3. Diba Ryder Pump-DSW

4. Covenants Studded Tan Skinny Belt-Lulu's

5. Goldtone Ocean Blue Necklace-Overstock

6. Caged Beauty Bracelet-Urbanog

7. Metal Bar Detail Envelope Clutch-ASOS

So what do you think? Is this a look you could rock at work? Check out my Pinterest board for more inspiration, I'll be pinning all morning! Fashion Lust is also on Instagram now, follow us at: fasion_lust_rocks-I'll be 'grammin' everything that inspires me!

Happy Shopping (and working)!

Pinterest Fall Fashions-Make Them Your Own!

As much as I love (and can spend hours) browsing the "Women's Fashion" section of Pinterest, I find myself having a serious case of closet envy. Suddenly, I feel like my closet doesn't measure up, and then I feel inadequate. Ok, that's a slight exaggeration, but you catch my drift, right? I hope to one day get to the point with this blog where designers are sending me free stuff to model and write about, but that day is very far away, so for now, I'll have to settle with the things that are in my closet currently, and making them work. You'd be surprised at how many pieces can be repurposed and worn in different ways-it just takes a "fresh" set of eyes and a new perspective. Invite your best gal pal over and ask her to go through your closet with you, you'd be so surprised at what you may find. In the meantime, check out these looks, make a list, and once you're done reading, head to your closet and see what's waiting for you (and maybe clean it up a little bit while you're there-that's what I spent all morning doing)!

This is the perfect case of bringing something from Summer into Fall/Winter. Remember that cute little sundress you bought? Don't stuff it in the back of your closet once the air starts getting chilly, pair it with a chunky sweater (it doesn't even have to be a cardigan, if you have a regular sweater, throw it over the dress and belt it, and VOILA! your sundress is now a skirt) and some tights, or even leggings for those colder months. For Fall, keep it simple and classic with flats, and once the snow hits, switch them out for boots. 

All looks courtesy of Forever 21




Another "chunky" vibe going on with look numero dos. I'm kinda obsessed with that scarf, doesn't it look suuuuper warm?! The thing that I love most about this look is the layers. If you're like me, and living in a frozen tundra, you need to keep warm while you're outdoors, but once you're inside someone's sauna home and it's a bit warmer, you won't need all those pieces on. I guarantee that you have at least TWO of these pieces in your closet too.


Clothing from Necessary Clothing

Accessories from Urbanog




Ok, so I know that this one is a bit more risky, but I am definitely loving it. The furry vest will keep you super warm, and the colored denim can be brought over from your Summer wardrobe! I'm willing to bet you have some ankle booties from last year too!


Vest by Lucky Brand Jeans|Clothing by Love Culture

Accessories by Love Culture


So there you have it, three of Fall's comfiest looks, and you probably already have the majority of the components in your closet!

I need to go watch the Women's Gymnastics team kick more butt, happy shopping [in your own closet]!