Like it. Love it. Buying it: Polka Dotted.

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Stripes and polka dots are having their moment this spring. Graphic prints are dominating the racks at some of my favorite stores, which has prompted me to search for a black and white polka dot blouse to pair with bold pants and skirts. I harbor equal affection for stripes and polka dots, but the cold hard truth is that on my body, polka dots are much more flattering than horizontal stripes. This isn’t true for all body types, but we can all enjoy a good polka dot shirt, right?

Like it.

Equipment shirts are extremely popular with their slouchy fit and high quality fabrics which makes this Adele shirt a seriously stylish option. I even adore its name! However, as much as I love this polka dot beauty, I’m not sure my wallet could withstand the price.

Equipment Adele Cherie Dot Blouse | $238
Equipment Adele Cherie Dot Blouse | $238

Love it.

Ann Taylor Loft has a more professional version with a smaller dot print and a classic button front. Typically, ATL’s tops are too boxy and unflattering for my taste. However, Miss Ann Taylor must be taking notes because their new line of “long and lean” button downs are cut perfectly feminine, flattering and tailored – and it is on sale now for half price!

Ann Taylor Loft Dobby Dot Long and Lean Button Down Shirt | $23.99 (Originally $44.50)
Ann Taylor Loft Dobby Dot Long and Lean Button Down Shirt | $23.99 (Originally $44.50)

Buying it.

Never one to shy away from making a statement, I’m really searching for a bolder polka dot print, which lucky for me, I found at J. Crew. The Blythe blouse comes in an array of colors and this fabulous black and white polka dot print.

J. Crew Blythe Blouse in polka dot | $128
J. Crew Blythe Blouse in polka dot | $128
 
 

Bag Your Workout

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Find the right bag for your workout…that is. A self-professed lululemon lover, I’ve noticed the yoga-wear extraordinaire has been producing some seriously superb workout bags. One of the many reasons I love lululemon is that they seem to think of everything. Running pants with a pocket for your mid-run snack are a must for marathon runners. Shirts with thumb holes, zippers with pulls that double as hair ties and tanks that can go from workout to errands to dinner. And now, gym bags that are cute enough to show all around town.

Urban Oasis Tote | $118
Urban Oasis Tote | $118
Vinyasa to Vino Bag | $128
Vinyasa to Vino Bag | $128
Yoga On the Run Duffel | $118
Yoga On the Run Duffel | $118

All of these bags have pockets galore, wet pouches for your post-workout sweaty clothes, compartments for water bottles and yoga mats and just look darn good! I think sporty-chic has come to life before our very eyes!

The color blocking and fun shape of the Vinayasa to Vino bag make it my favorite, but any of these bags would make my gym trips just a little more exciting.

 
 

A Little Love

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One trend I saw strutting down the runway was statement script necklaces. Lanvin accessorized a series of looks at Paris Fashion Week with oversized gold cursive necklaces. Models sported words such as “cool,” “help,” and my personal favorite, “love.”

Lanvin 2013 Fall Runway at Paris Fashion Week
Lanvin 2013 Fall Runway at Paris Fashion Week

Script necklaces are a huge trend for 2013. I’ve seen lots of women sporting their name on their neck, but why not branch out and make a more original statement? Lanvin’s necklaces will cost a small fortune, but lucky for us that South Moon Under has the perfect, more affordable option. I purchased this gold necklace a few weeks ago.

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And they have a silver version available online, pictured below. Both are available for $38.50!

LoveSmallNecklace

 
 

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I’m taking a deviation from the norm with this week’s LLB by throwing in a bit of decor. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve just moved into a new apartment, that I will incidentally be leaving in six months, so I’ve got interior design on the brain. Like anyone who’s settling in to a new home, my mind is overloaded with new, fun ways to decorate. However, I have to hold myself back from any major furniture or decor purchases  considering I have no idea what my new home will look like in six months. So, I’ve limited my scope to decorative storage items, lamps and other small-scale tchotchkes.

I’ve wanted to redecorate our bedroom for almost a year now, so I thought I’d start by buying some new through pillows, rearranging and re-using some of the furniture we already have and buying some new table lamps. Of course, I decided this without realizing just how expensive lamps can be! I thought I’d share a few of the styles I’m digging – and the budget option that I am ultimately going with.

Like it

This is the little lamp that could. With a minimalist shape and a fun pattern to add some punch, it is a wonderful wallet-friendly option. Yellow and teal is one of my favorite color combinations and the black stripes help keep it from looking too youthful.

Room Essentials Stick Lamp with Flower Print | $21.99
Room Essentials Stick Lamp with Flower Print | $21.99

Love it.

I’m a sucker for anything chevron. A pair of these lamps flocking the bed would be gorgeous. However, I don’t have $400 to throw around, so while I pledge my undying love (insert I love lamp joke here), I knew I needed to look for another option.

Robert Abbey Blue and White Stripes Lamp | $187.91
Robert Abbey Blue and White Stripes Lamp | $187.91

Buying Bought it.

The bold pattern of this shade is exactly what I’ve been looking for and is a fraction of the price. I purchased two from Target’s website and am planning on visiting a local store to pick up some bases on the cheap. All in all, I’m hoping to keep the total to less than $100, making a big impact with a little budget.

Threshold Flocked Large Yellow Lampshade | $19.99
Threshold Flocked Large Yellow Lampshade | $19.99

My usual go-to for home decor is Homegoods, but I wasn’t fond of the lamp selection when I took a trip there this weekend. I was, however, able to stock up on a great chevron rug, some assorted storage baskets and small accessories. What is your favorite home store?

 
 

Spring Savings

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On a chilly day, what could be better than perusing spring styles? Perusing spring styles that are 30 percent off! Right now, all new arrivals at J. Crew Factory are 30 percent off and trust me, you will be grateful once you start filling up your shopping bag! Scrolling through the bright colors, short skirts and nautical influences, I couldn’t help but wish I was on a beach with a tropical drink in hand soaking up the sunshine. But for now, I’ll just continue to daydream – and prepare my real-life wardrobe just in case I magically end up on a beach sometime soon.

FactoryCharleySweaterinScatterAnchor
Factory Charley Sweater in Scatter Anchor | $52
FactoryScallopedLaceTee
Factory Scalloped Lace Tee | $52.50
FactoryPrintedPocketSkirt
Factory Printed Pocket Skirt
FactoryStripeKnitBlazer
Factory Stripe Knit Blazer | $68.50
FactoryPrintedStretchChinoShort
Factory Printed Chino Short | $34.50
FactoryLaceShiftDress
Factory Lace Shift Dress | $82.50
FactoryStoneandDottedCrystalLinkBracelet
Factory Stone and Dotted Crystal Link Bracelet | $21

 

 
 

A Lovely Little Treat

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I’ve been on a blogging hiatus due to the last week of my life being incredibly busy. After what I’d essentially call two moves, I’m finally emerging from underneath the layers of cardboard moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper to be greeted by a seemingly never-ending to do list. But hey, that’s life, right?

So, while I don’t have as much time as I’d like to devote to a post today, I couldn’t help but share an item worth ohhh-ing and ahh-ing over. I’d seen these shoes before at Kate Spade and admired them for quite awhile, but as I was walking in Georgetown over the weekend, I stopped in my tracks to admire them in the window.

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Karolina Bow Pump | $328

The mint color, the darling bows, the perfect heel height. Kate Spade does it again – I just wish they could do it a little cheaper! Perhaps good old Kate has heard our cries! You can scoop up a pair of bow shoe clips for $98 to make any pair of heels you have as darling as the Karolina pump above. While they are pricey, the longevity of a she clip makes it a bit easier to justify.

All Wrapped Up Shoe Clips | $98
All Wrapped Up Shoe Clips | $98

I think I’ll just hope I magically find an additional $328 in my bank account this week…a girl can dream, right?

 
 

A Little Valentines Day Love

Happy Valentine’s Day loves! As I’ve already mentioned I know Valentines Day can be quite the polarizing holiday. Sure, the greeting card companies, chocolatiers and florists are all in cahoots to rob us blind in the name of love, but why not embrace a day devoted to appreciating all of the people we love? I also think we shouldn’t limit love with the lens of romance. Love comes in all shapes and sizes. We’re living love stories every day as friends, sisters, mothers, girlfriends, wives. Let’s make sure we tell those love stories with as much appreciation as we do the ones about our prince charming.

In honor of sharing the love, I couldn’t resist a little V-Day crafting. I purchased a few muslin bags, love dovey stamps, colorful inks and pounds of chocolate to create my own customized gift bags.

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I purchased all of this craft-making goodness from Paper Source.

Small heart stamp: $5.95 (xo stamp not available online)
Muslin bags (set of 6) :$5.95 | Assorted stamp pads | $5.95 each

 
 

BB Squared

I’m always on the search for the next great thing in the world of makeup. BB creams arrived on the scene pretty quickly and now CC creams are pushing their way on the shelves. Before I moved on to the next letter of the alphabet, I wanted to give one more BB cream a try. So, I decided to make one last stop on the BB train and give Bobbi Brown’s version a try.

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At $42, Bobbi Brown’s version is a bit pricier than other BB creams I’ve reviewed, but it is so worth it. I’ve found that I use much less of this product than other BB creams. It goes on so smooth and provides the best coverage I’ve seen while still managing to look natural. It moisturizes and protects my skin from even in the harshest, driest winter temps we’ve had so far. It isn’t oily and is virtually odorless, which was my major complaint with other creams. Below, you can see the texture is more moisturizer than makeup.

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I apply the cream by hand, no brush necessary, each morning with a touch of bronzer and blush for a natural, dewy look. If you’re looking for a bit more coverage for a night out or just a bad skin day, mix your BB cream with your foundation and apply it with a brush. The BB cream will help keep your skin moisturized while the foundation will you give you more coverage.

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With the added bonus of SPF 35, this BB Cream looks good and does good too by protecting your skin from the sun. There are 5 shades available. The Extra Light was too pale even for my Irish skin so be sure to try the different shades on before buying.

 
 

Valentines Day Edition: Like It. Love it. Buying It.

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Valentines Day is one of those holidays that goes either way. You love it or you hate it. Some years you love it and some years you hate it. I tend to fall in the love it category. Not just because its an excuse for seasonal candy, but because its a great reason to buy a new dress – date or not! Show yourself a little love with a pretty new addition to your closet. We’ve got two days left ladies!

Like it. 

This dress is reminiscent of the 1940s. Ladylike and demure, it is the perfect date night option for Valentines Day or any day for that matter. It will transition wonderfully into spring and summer, too.

Anthropologie Jardim Lace Dress | $298
Anthropologie Jardim Lace Dress | $298

Love it.

This flirty little number can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for a surprise Valentines Day date. I love the pink lace detailing and the scoop back, which shows just enough skin. At just under $100, I think I need this dress in my closet. I can wear it now with some tights and a blazer and in the summer with a pair of sandals.

 

Free People Georgia Dress at South Moon Under | $98
Free People Georgia Dress at South Moon Under | $98

Buying It.

I saw this dress in the store and stopped in my shopping tracks. It almost caused me to break my no shopping resolution for the month of January. Great things come to those who wait as it is now $100 off! The only thing keeping me from already owning it is that its not available in my size on the website. Off to the store I go…

Amanda Uprichard Lace Dress from Cusp | $159 (on sale)
Amanda Uprichard Lace Dress from Cusp | $159 (on sale)
 
 

Darling Discovery

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Every once in awhile, I stumble upon a new retail site or designer that gets me so excited that I have a moment. I drop whatever it is that I’m doing, immediately fill up my virtual shopping cart and then seriously contemplate maxing out my credit card to turn said virtual shopping cart into shopping bags. I had one of those moments yesterday (props to Kelly).

Enter ChichiMe, an online site with an insane offering of bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces and other accessories. While the New York City based line has some gorgeous statement pieces, my favorite of the items is the bracelet stacks. With arm parties‘ popularity rising, a set of bracelets that are meant to go together without looking like you actually bought them together is at the top of my list. ChichiMe’s bracelet stacks mix a little leather, a bit of bling and a whole lotta awesome.

chicchimeFALL_STACK_compact
Fall Stack | $53.75
chichimepastelinfinity
Pastel Infinity Stack | $60
shades_of_grady_GDGRY_compact
Shades of Gray | $56.75

This is just a small selection of the bracelet stacks. You can choose from more than 20 different options and they are all great. Some of the bracelets are available for individual sale, too. So get stackin’!

 
 

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