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)

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!

 That time right before spring truly sets in is one of the hardest times of year to get dressed isn’t it?  All those sweaters, tights, and corduroys we longed to don as summer kept its sweaty grip on us have more than had their turn throughout the winter months; yet, it remains a touch chilly and a tad seasonlly inappropriate to completely embrace springlike attire.  Transitional dressing: the bane of all women!  So I say, why not have a little fun during this time of the year and begin to mix and match some of your favorite pieces you will miss come warmer weather with some of the pieces you have been longing to wear once the thermometer begins to climb!

By now my love for these pants has been well documented (see here and here), but everytime I wear them I am amazed anew at just how comfortable and easy to style they really are.  The comfort level is pretty obvious, isn’t it?  What’s not to love about a wide legged, linen trouser?  My guess, though, is that most women wouldn’t give these pants more than a glance because, while they might really like them, they would never think of purchasing them for fear the pants would only hang in their closet once it came time to actually pair them with something and walk out of the house!

Honestly, the ikat isn’t all that difficult to handle.  In fact, these pants have quickly become one of my go-to transitional pieces. When considering what to wear with a bold print, the easiest route is to play off the predominant color (navy) and wear tops that are either in the same color or compliment the print and color scheme.  In the case of today’s look, I decided to fully embrace the quirky print by pairing it with a printed sweater.  If you will note, though, the sweater is a basic grey with a print that plays off and compliments the color of the pant’s print, so while it may be a bit quirky, it’s nothing super crazy or over the top.

And why not?  Fashion doesn’t always have to be straight laced and serious minded; sometimes a little fun is all we need to break through the monotony of waiting for spring!

Style Tutor: Target sweater (summer 2012; great for spring) / Loft pants (summer 2012; purchased at an extra 40% off; similar style) / Halogen shoes via Last Chance (similar style)  / Gap belt (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / H&M necklace (summer 2012; similar style) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style)

Lest you think fashion bloggers any different than the average girl, I am going to let you in on a little secret…I wore this shirt (screen printed by my husband) with some dark denim to work on Friday and then again Saturday with some faux leather tuxedo striped leggings to story time and a play date.  In fact, with the exception of the pants, everything else about the look remained the same from Friday to Saturday.  And why not, right?  It’s super comfortable, stylish, and has an element of fun.  In my style book, that’s a look that should be on repeat.  (The less thinking I have to do on the weekends the better!)

One of the great things about a classic Breton striped shirt is that it is a stand alone piece that requires little to no accessorizing, which is perfect when you are going for a laid back feel to your weekend attire that doesn’t compromise on style.  On the other hand, because of the classic nature of Breton stripes they are also very easy to lend a little more of a sophisticated air to with a few key accessories.  I chose a simple collar necklace that echoes the black stripes and one simple bangle that, just like the shirt, makes a playful nod to the chic Parisian style associated with Breton stripes.

The tuxedo stripe detail on the pants takes a regular black legging style trouser to a more stylish level and when paired with a simple black heel this is a look that can easily transition from day time fun with the kids to a night out with girlfriends or your guy!

Style Notes:  Loft shirt (winter 2012; purchased w/ an extra 30% off) / Ann Taylor pants (fall 2012; purchased w/ 40% off; similar style) / BC shoes via Last Chance (winter 2012; great color) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (summer 2012; love this) / H & M necklace (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Stackable rings via Last Chance (fall 2011; similar style)

Winter might still have its icy grip on parts of the country, but spring will be here before we know it. This is the time of year I start pouring over fashion magazines and retailers’ websites in order to figure out which of the season’s trends I want to incorporate into my wardrobe through a few purchases or, even better, discover that on trend pieces already hang in my closet.

One of my favorite trends for spring is the mod look, which can range from bold, graphic stripes, color blocking to shift and A-line dresses, miniskirts, and checkerboard prints.

A checkerboard print is a fun way to add a touch of the ’60s into your look.  In black and white it adds some sophistication as well; thus, making it a print you could wear to work, on date nights, or a fun day of shopping or coffee with your girlfriends.

Just add a fun shoe in either a quirky print or a bold color and you’ve got a look that exudes a cool, carefree vibe without being too costumey, making it a perfect way to transition from woeful winter to sunny spring!

Style Notes: Loft shirt (summer 2012; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Loft pants (summer 2012; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Antonio Melani shoes (few years old; similar style) / Kate Spade bag (won at FNO 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelets (spring 2011; winter 2011; fall 2012) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this)/ Earrings (random boutique in Boston years ago; similar style)

In addition to leisurely mornings spent perusing our favorite blogs and watching HGTV, one of the best parts of the weekend is the sales that seem to abound these days, both online and in stores. This week, we’re bringing you some of our favorite finds from three retailers who are offering special weekend deals: LOFT, Gap and Old Navy. LOFT’s sale includes 30% off all new arrivals online (use code NOW30) and in stores through Sunday. LOFT has also discounted its winter sale items by up to 80% — a perfect time to pick up on some winter staples for those who are still battling winter temperatures. Both Gap and Old Navy are running online offers for today (Saturday, Feb. 2) only — Gap is offering 25% off select tops, while Old Navy is offering 25% all purchases (use code GAMEDAY –  some restrictions apply). Both sales offer plenty of fun choices for spring. Enjoy your weekend, and happy shopping!

Style Notes: (all prices listed are sale prices – see above for more sale details) LOFT Marisa Side Zip Ankle Pants in Scribble Print $48.65 / Old Navy Lightweight Graphic Sweater $24.94 / LOFT Placed Floral Print Dress $55.65 / LOFT 3/4 Sleeve Lace Top $34.65 / Gap Striped French Terry Funnel-Neck Top $33.71  / Old Navy Sueded Ballet Flats $22.94 / LOFT Floral Drapey Crepe Blazer $68.60 / Gap NYC Postcard T $22.46

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)