There is a time and a place for practical purhcases that help to build your wardrobe, and there is also a time and a place for fun purchases that help to enhance your wardrobe.  Whether you are working on establishing a well stocked closet or picking up some pieces for special occassions, you should always be on the lookout for garments and accessories that are well made, classic in cut and shape, and have a little something extra that makes them unique and interesting.  For this week’s finds we pulled some pieces that will not only help build your wardrobe, but will also add some special touches through their classic shapes and feminine details.

Style Notes: J. Crew Refined Crystal-Bow Buckle Belt $49.99 / J. Crew Jewel-Neck Top $79.99 / Tailor and Stylist Twiggy Umbrella Skirt $34.99 / ASOS Bow Chain Handle Across Body Bag $49.11 / Kate Spade Get the Show on The Road Idiom Bangle $88 / J.Crew Linen Short in Safari Cat $39.99 / Forever 21 Opaque Rhinestone Necklace $12.80 / Anthropologie Barnegat Shades $38 / Anthropologie Harper Striped Day Dress $58 / Sole Society Stella Peep Toe Pump $49.99

So the holidays are over and 2013 is here. I don’t know about you, but this year really seemed to fly by for us here at Style Tutor. And while you’re probably back to business as usual, it’s still somewhat easy to stay in that holiday spirit, thanks to all the winter sales going on at various retailers like J. Crew, Madewell, LOFT and Kate Spade. Since I’m not quite ready to look at all those spring fashion hitting the stores (it’s only been winter in Arizona for about a month), I’ve selected some pieces that work now but that can transition into those warmer months to come. Best of all, they are all on sale (or just incredibly affordable)!

Style Notes: Banana Republic Stripe Skirt $89.50 (take 25% off until January 6) / [BlankNYC] Thunder Floral Printed Skinny Jeans via Madewell $79.95 / Tory Burch Perez Bead Necklace via Nordstrom rack $119.97 / Warehouse Animal Print Fit & Flare Dress via ASOS $57.17 / Ruche Book Lover Peplum Top $28.99 / Banana Republic Piped Blazer $150 (take 25% off until January 6) / Madewell Sidewalk Skimmer in Suede $69.99 / Ruche Brighter Day Cap Toe Flats $45.99 / Alexis Bittar Long Leaf Statement Earrings via Nordstrom $77.05

Christmas is just a few days away, so today we’re bringing you sparkly gems for your holiday celebration that will have you looking as pretty as one of the presents under the tree. If you are shopping online and want your goodies to arrive by Christmas Day, be sure to place your order at Nordstrom and Anthropologie today, and by noon tomorrow at J. Crew and Madewell (there’s no word on holiday shipping on the websites of ASOS, Forever 21 and H&M, so I would hit up the stores instead).

Style Notes: Sole Society Peony Flat via Nordstrom $49.95 / Stylestalker Richie Rich Skirt via ASOS $119.61 (sale price)/ H&M Top $24.95 / J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Metallic Floral $99.99 (sale price) / J. Crew Glitter Round-Buckle Skinny Belt $19.99 (sale price) / J. Crew Polka-Dot Sequin Top  $79.99 (sale price) / Forever 21 Glitter Minaudiere $24.80 /  Anthropologie Crystalline Bug Brooch Set  $29.95 (sale price) / Madewell Lily Lace Dress $168 (everything online currently 30% off)  / Madewell Frankie Pump in Suede $198 (everything online currently 30% off)

Today’s gift guide features fun clothing and accessories that serve as perfect stocking stuffers and gifts to give a friend, coworker, or sister!  Better yet, they are all $50 or under!  Don’t you just love when something is stylish and affordable?  Perhaps now you can pick up something for a loved one, and then also get a little something for yourself! (I’ve got my eye on those cozy jammies!)

Style Notes: Pieces Huon Mittens $15.83 / Old Navy women’s softest printed-crew sweater: $29.94 (currently 20% off) / Pink And Pepper brianna flat: $42 / Madewell the dispatch card case in calf hair: $28.50 / J.Crew minnie pant in stretch twill: $49.99 / Kate Spade 2013 desk top spiral calendar: $38 / ASOS bow belt with metal plate waist detail: $10.55 / H & M faux fur collar: $12.95 / Xhilaration junior’s pajama set: $24.99

Today we are introducing a new feature: Friday Finds. Friday Finds is a selection of items that have crossed our radar during the week that we just had to share. And while you know we love a good bargain and like to focus on affordable fashion, we might also feature items we’re coveting that are a bit beyond our budget (hey, a girl can dream, right?), like the feminine but mischievous print top (with talk of extra dry martinis and the fact that all girls are crazy) from the just-launched collaboration between Kate Spade and blogger extraordinaire, Garance Dore.

Style Notes: Club Monaco Estella Stud Set / Garance Dore for Kate Spade Jessie Top / Kate Spade London Calling Idiom Bangle / A Wear Panda Sweater via ASOS / Old Navy The Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans (sale price) / Gap Calf Hair Loafers (30% off Gap Friends and Family sale through Sunday 8/12) / Michael Kors Love Knot Ring

Loft Marisa Wide Leg Pants in Oversized Ikat Print Linen: $64.99 online ($54.99 in store) (additional 40% online and instore) / ASOS SUNRISE Wedge Court Shoes: $24.86/ J.Crew Silk Bow Cami in Stripe: $78 / Kate Spade Just For the Fun Of It Idiom Bangle: $39  / Madewell Double-Dutch Shorts: $39.99 (additional 25% off online)