Don’t you just love when you find something so perfectly you at an amazing price?  This skirt was a return at work (did I mention I am now working part time at Anthropologie) that immediately caught my eye.  What’s not to love about an a-line shimmery, lace skirt?  It is a tad wintery, but when I saw the price ($10) I knew it was worth purchasing even if I had to wait nine months to take it for a spin.  Low and behold, though, we are currently enjoying a bit of a cool spell, so I figured why not wear it at least once before it has to be officially retired until fall returns to the valley?

In an attempt to not veer too far into wintery terrain, I opted to pair the skirt with a light weight, sleeveless chambray shirt, purple ladylike purse, and some peep toe kitten heels.  (The cardigan was an after thought that morning when I walked outside to a crisp breeze!)

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (ancient; similar style) / Anthropologie shirt (spring 2013) / Anthropologie skirt (spring 2013; purchased on major sale; love this) / Enzo Angiolini shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Forever 21 bracelet (fall 2012; great for spring) / Coach bag (spring 2009; love this)

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)

Another day; another peplum top!  What can I say, I was serious when I said this top is really flattering.  While the black version lends itself well to dressier looks, this striped version is an excellent way to infuse a little casual fun into your spring wardrobe without compromising on style.

I know some fashionistas advise against buying multiples of garment pieces, but, in my opinion, if a piece is well made, flatters you, and is at an affordable price point (the trifecta of clothing) why not buy a couple different versions you can work into your wardrobe for a variety of occasions?  I think one reason fashion intimidates so many women is because they simply don’t have the time to scour the internet or run all over town trying to assemble a wardrobe unique piece by unique piece.  So I say, save yourself the stress and the hassle and when you encounter a piece you fall totally in love with go ahead and scoop it up in a few different colors or patterns.  Trust me, on those mornings you overslept, the kids are cranky, and you simply don’t know what to wear, having some go-to pieces you know look great on you can be a real life saver.  It’s safe to say this peplum top has become just that kind of garment for me!

Never one to shy away from pattern mixing, pairing the peplum’s stripes with the dots on these skinny jeans was like second nature.  The quirkiness of the stripes, the peplum, and the dotted pants all work together because at its most basic level the outfit is based off of three colors (white,dark blue, and yellow), so even though the prints differ they compliment one another nicely instead of standing in stark contrast to one another.

I’m such a sucker for the bright yellows of spring, but because of my personal coloring I have to be really careful about wearing them or I can look completely washed out.  One of the easiest ways to get around a color that you adore, but that is particularly tricky for your personal coloring, is to incorporate the color into your look through accessories. In the case of this outfit, I just love the way the bold pops of yellow stand out against the dark navy stripes and skinny jeans.  The bits of yellow here and there help add another dimension of fun and style to the overall look!

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (ancient; like this) / Target peplum (winter 2013) / Gap jeans (winter 2012; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Jinny Kim heels via Last Chance (spring 2009; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Banana Republic bracelet (spring 2012; like this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / Modcloth necklace (fall 2012; similar style)

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Spring has sprung and I find myself gravitating more and more to uber-feminine pieces in classic colors, so when I spotted this skirt at Anthropologie I was instantly smitten by the exaggerated silhouette, eye-catching graphic stripes, and classic vibe of the skirt.  Once I tried it on my suspicions were confirmed; it is quite possibly the best skirt ever!   (It’s currently a toss up between this skirt and the Loft pencil skirt I urged you to drop everything to buy during the fall.)  Even though the skirt is a bit pricey, and definitely more than I would typically spend on a single piece, I know I will get a lot of wear out of it, so it was easy to skip over some other wishlist items in order to purchase this skirt.  And while I would never encourage someone to spend beyond their means, sometimes it is important to revise your spending plan and adjust for well made, classic pieces that will play an integral role in your wardrobe for years to come.

When it came time to style this skirt for work, I chose to keep it simple since the skirt’s shape is enough of an attention getter. The simple black tee with feminine cut shoulders, the statement necklace that doesn’t make too much of a statement but adds just enough color, and the simple black shoe with a heel that is just the right height to help lengthen the legs without going overboard or compromising comfort all work together to play off of and compliment the skirt.  And, even better, this is a look that will keep you looking stylish during the day and later in the evening when you meet some friends for drinks.

Style Notes: Loft cardigan (summer 2013; similar style) / Gap t-shirt (fall 2011; similar style) / Anthropologie skirt (winter 2013; budget friendly version) / BC shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (summer 2012; love this) / Dillards necklace (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style)

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I am a huge fan of dresses, especially for those days when I am too tired to think about what to wear or just don’t feel creative enough to come up with the perfect shirt and skirt or pant combo. The right dress, though, can be a bit difficult to track down.  It’s not that I can’t find dresses I like; that never seems to be the issue.  Instead, I find that while there are scads of dresses I adore, the options start to narrow significantly when I consider things like ease of wear and care, the variety of situations in which I could don said dress, and, most importantly for this teacher, the price point.

Enter this Mossimo dress from Target: it fits like a dream, is appropriate for work, special occasions, and a night out, and is at an amazing price point- $27.99! (It comes in two variety of stripes and solid black as well! I am pretty sure I need to head back for another!)

For a work look try pairing the dress with a classic, tailored blazer.  The blazer will add a tad more structure to the overall look, serve as a great layer for cold offices, and give off a professional air to you and what you are wearing. Black tights and a simple black pump, or one with a little quirky touch, is all you need to add to complete the look.

Transitioning this dress from day to night is as simple as ditching the blazer, changing into a fun pair of shoes, and putting on a great lip color!  Remember, just as you did during the day, keep the accessories to a minimum for night; let the dress do all the work!

The dress’s classic lines, flattering silhouette, and fun print make it a stylish choice for evening.  The feminine cut and details make it a super easy dress to wear straight out the office doors and through the doors of the restaurant where you are meeting your girlfriends for eats, drinks, and laughs.

Style Notes: Gap Blazer (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; perfect for spring) / Target dress (winter 2013) /  Gap tights (old; similar style) / Isaac Mizrahi shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) /Kate Spade shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; love these) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; purchased at an extra 30% off; love this) /  Kate Spade bag (fall 2011; similar style) // Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)  / Kate Spade bracelets (fall 2012; got my eyes on this)

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Are there pieces in your wardrobe that make you immediately feel beautiful, stylish, thinner, happier, confident, or ready to tackle the day?  These are the pieces that I would consider go-to pieces; ones you have collected over time and can trust, like an old friend, to save the day on a sleepy morning when you don’t want to think about what to wear or when a friend calls last minute to see if you are up for a girls’ night on the town or you have an important meeting at work or you are feeling a little down and need a quick, reliable pick-me-up!

This yellow sheath dress is exactly that kind of garment for me.  One reason I love sheath dresses so much is that they remind me of Jackie O., the First Lady of Style.  In fact, when I walked through the library at school today the librarians both gasped, “Oh, you look so Jackie O today!”  You can’t ask much more of a garment that draws comparisons between yourself and a woman who exuded style and grace with every fiber of her being and clothing! I swear every time I wear this dress I wonder why I don’t wear it at least once a week, especially when it elicits comparisons to a major style icon!  (Now I just need to get a pill box hat and some white gloves!)

Another reason sheath dresses rank so high on the style factor, and why every woman should have a few hanging in her closet, is that they are ultra flattering.  The silhouette is quite slimming and has the right combination of demureness and sex appeal. They are great dresses for work, special events, date night, and a fun night out with the girls.

When it comes to accessorizing a sheath dress channel Jackie O.; remember she always kept things minimal but stylish.  This particular dress is a breeze to accessorize because of the embellished collar- it’s like a built in necklace.  If you are someone who doesn’t want to think too much about what to wear and what accessories to pair with your outfit, dresses, tops, and sweaters that have special little details like this neckline are your best friend!  A great cocktail ring and a girlie pair of shoes are all that are needed to complete the look!

Style Notes: Chetta B dress via Last Chance (spring 2011; love this) / Banana Republic shoes (fall 2011; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this)

In other news: Please vote for us in Arizona Foothills Battle of the Blogs.  Voting is UNLIMITED and ends on April 15th.  You can vote for us here!