For this week’s Friday Finds I thought I would change things up a bit and share this adorable (and affordable!) jean jacket I found in Target’s junior’s section for a mere $20!  Jean jackets are kind of a big deal for spring, which I had been pretty much on the fence about until coming across this on a recent trip to Target to purchase cleaning supplies.  (I swear; is it even possible to get out of that place without at least three things you never intended to purchase?)  As a child of the 80s, jean jackets generally take me back to an era of Aqua Net hairspray, slap bracelets, and parachute pants.  Um…no thanks.

This jacket, however, with its quirky polka dots is refreshingly updated.  Since I purchased this jacket in the juniors’ section (size L) it is a little more fitted than a typical jean jacket, which is also part of its charm.  One thing I have always disliked about jean jackets is how bulky they feel and look on me.  The more tailored fit of this jacket lends itself to being layered over dresses or a cute top with some colored skinny jeans.  A great floral pin or statement necklace are the perfect accessories to add a little extra fun this spring!

Style Notes: Target jean jacket (spring 2013) / Dee & Ray Mona Dress via Last Chance (summer 2012; love this) / Classiques Entier shoes via Last Chance (spring 2012; love these) / Old Navy pin (spring 2012; love this) / J.Crew bangle (fall 2011; love this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)

Ever since I have been old enough to make my own wardrobe decisions, I’ve avoided florals at all costs.  Far too many years of my youth involved Christmas and Easter dresses from Laura Ashley, which was probably the sole proprietor of floral textiles in the mid-late 80s. However, the floral prints that are cropping up in stores have taken such a refreshing turn for the modern with a variety of hues, shapes, and applications that I find myself toying with the idea of incorporating some in my spring wardrobe!

Style Notes: J.Crew Floral-Stripe Tee $49.50 (20% off through 3/8) / Sabine Cabachon Floral Bib Necklace $44 / Madewell Silk Boyshirt in Pansy $89.50 / Madewell Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans in Sungarden $74.50 / Xhilaration® Juniors Peter Pan Collar Lace Top $15 / Gap Floral Sateen Dress $69.95 / Anthropologie Floret Rope Necklace $58

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

What are your plans for the three day weekend?  I’m hoping to get some much needed rest, catch up on some reading, and perhaps venture out to do a little shopping, even if it’s mainly of the window variety.  If you plan on shopping as well definitely check out both J.Crew and Madewell as markdowns are an additional 30% off at both retailers!  To get you inspired, we chose several pieces we think worth a second glance whether you head to the mall or shop from the comfort of your couch!

Style Notes: Madewell Tailored Blazer in Stripes $109.50  / J.Crew Etta Patent Pumps: $129.99 / Madewell Silk Dulcet Top $84.99 / J.Crew Classic Wide Bangle $19.99 / J.Crew Merino Colorbloack cardigan $89.50 / Madewell Colorblock Sequin Dress $84.99 / J.Crew Tuxedo Pencil Skirt $109.99 / Madewell The Sidewalk Skimmer in Glitter $79.99 / Madewell Silky Dot Tee $49.99

Since January was such a blah month, we decided to end it on a fun note by taking advantage of a BOGO coupon at one of our new favorite local restaurants, Federal Pizza.   Since we had to head there straight from work in order to take advantage of the coupon, I opted to go with a mod look inspired by this great coat I picked up for $20 this summer.

Even though I spotted this coat during the dog days of summer, I knew it was the perfect addition to my closet.  I love the color blocking, the big buttons, and the high collar that adds a whole new level of coziness on cooler days!

Since I took my cue from the coat, I decided to stick to a mainly black and blue palate that would be appropriate for both work and play.

Part of what makes the look work is the playful pairing of the sophisticated black with the cheeky blue, the classic cardigan with a great print (the stripes on the sleeves are sequined), and a traditional work shoe with a fun twist.  Nothing takes itself too seriously or gets too silly, which is the perfect balance to strike, right?

Style Notes: Michael Kors jacket via Last Chance (summer 2012; great for spring) / Gap cardigan (Christmas gift 2013; great for spring) / Gap dress (fall 2010; similar style) / J.Crew belt (winter 2011; gift; similar style) / Gap tights (fall 2011; similar style) / Antonio Melani shoes (few years old; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (spring 2011) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Stackable rings via Last Chance (fall 2011; similar style)

Oh boy, it has been one of those weeks months full of all sorts of funky sickness, busy work schedules, and all manner of time sucking, unplanned stuff.  I’m feeling weary and overwhelmed everywhere I turn, so when I stared down my closet to get ready for work I decided I wanted to end this rather treacherous month on an upbeat, fun note.  I adore these quirky printed pants and Cruella Devillesque sweater, so pairing them up seemed like a match made in fashion heaven and just what I needed to help lighten my mood!

If putting a zany printed top and pant together seems too much for you, remember the easiest way to venture into wearing prints is to pair the printed garment with a solid color piece that plays off the print’s main color.

When mixing prints I always stick to my own advice of choosing one or two main colors of the prints so things don’t get too crazy. The same rule of thumb applies to accessories; there is no need to pile on tons of accessories when mixing prints as the prints are the focal point of the look.  Instead, choose a few key pieces that play off the main color of what you are wearing.

I opted to accessorize with a sequined Peter Pan collared shirt that plays off the color of the sweater, a couple of my favorite bracelets in black and gold that echo the pant’s print, a fun little bag that not only plays off the green in the sweater and the black in both the sweater and the pants, but also practically begged me to carry it (seriously, there isn’t much more fun to be had than carrying a sweet little fur trimmed bag), and a lovely pair of black heels that lend just the right amount of sophistication to the overall look.

Style Notes: J.Crew sweater (fall 2012; purchased at 25% off; love this) / Loft shirt (summer 2012; currently 50% off; purchased at 30% off; similar style)/ Loft pants (summer 2012; purchased at 30% off; similar style) / Isaac Mizrahi shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / Kate Spade bracelets (winter 2011 and fall 2012; love this) / Coach bag via Last Chance (fall 2008; love this)