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

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

With Valentine’s Day around the corner I thought it appropriate to do a quick round up of all the  things I am currently loving.

See that crossword box in the top right corner? It’s a crossword scarf.  So cool!  The literary nerd/wordsmith side of me could definitely rock that scarf!  Or how about that glasses bangle?  My love for Kate Spade bangles is well documented on this blog and that quirky bangle needs to be part of my collection ASAP!  Those sequined sleeves add just the right amount of girly glam to a masculine blazer; it would be a great piece for date night or girl’s night out.  Every girl needs something a little extra special hanging in her closet, right?

My personal favorite, though, is that mod inspired Marc by Marc Jacobs dress.  At $300 (on sale too) it is way out of this high school teacher’s budget but that won’t stop the irrational love I have for this dress.  I seriously check on it every few days in hopes it becomes a lot more budget friendly and yes, I’ve scoured the internet looking for a similar dress at a more affordable price to no avail.  Trust me, though, if I find one that can hold a candle (even if dimly) to this dress you will be the first to know!  Until then, I am going to continue to do my online stalking and dreaming about taking this dress out for dinner and a movie!

Style Notes: J.Crew Liberty-Collar Merino Sweater in Stripe $125 / Anthropologie Glitzen Frame Blazer $79.95 / Kate Spade Goreski Glasses Bangle $78 / Madewell Mini-Bow Ring $15 / Modcloth Chance Greeting Flat $39.99/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Scooter Stripe Dress $298.99 / Gap Perforated Oxfords $69.95 / Kate Spade The Glass Is Half Full Idiom Bangle $40 / J.Crew Factory Pleated Skirt $74.50 / Madewell Crossword Scarf $45

I’ve been feeling under the weather for the last week or so with the dreaded sinus, flu junk that everyone seems to have right now.  It’s been a whole lot of pajama wearing and sniffling into Kleenuxes rather than wearing pretty clothes and cute accessories over here.   So today, I am dragging myself out of this funk by obsessing over beautiful things!

Style Notes: Pim + Larkin Ponte Bow Dress $89 / Kate Spade Kissing Canaries Ring $68 / Pim + Larkin Jacquard Metallic Skirt $79 /Anthropologie Crystal Collision Posts $29.95 / Anthropologie Open Bloom Top $68  / Madewell Sequin Jacket $124.99 (currently and extra 40% off) / Anne Klein Wrenn $89 / Anthropologie Bonhomie Bobby Set $28 / Banana Republic Floral Bouquet Brooch Necklace $98

This week got off to an auspicious start with a major stomach ache that came rolling in during my last class for the day.  Monday night found me skipping dinner and heading to bed super early (as in the sun had barely set early) in hopes of sleeping away whatever funk was trying to take hold.  I awoke feeling less than refreshed and opted to skip both my morning caffeine and breakfast for fear what havoc either might wreak on my stomach come first hour.

When it came time to get dressed for the day I knew I wanted something that would be work appropriate while still getting as close to the actual garments (pajamas) that I wished I could don.

This jacket was yet another after thought I picked up at Gap earlier this fall.  I am a sucker for a moto jacket; they are cool and provide just the right amount of edge without making me feel like I am trying too hard.  This particular one happens to feel like a sweatshirt, but clearly provides a lot more structure and style.

I layered the jacket over a t-shirt and thin sweater for some extra warmth and paired it with some skinny black jeans for a downtown chic kind of vibe.   I might not feel well, but that doesn’t mean I want to broadcast that to the world via my clothes.  Plus, I am firm believer that something as simple as a great outfit can go a long way in lifting one’s spirits.  And honestly, these jeans are about as close to leggings as one can get and still be able to wear them to work!

Because of the black, monochromatic look I opted for a fun scarf to complete the look.  The scarf provided a welcome pop of color and print without going overboard and, more importantly, made me feel a bit like I was still snuggled under the covers, which is where I really wanted to be!

Style Notes: Gap jacket (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Old Navy (spring 2012; purchased at 30% off; similar style) / Gap jeans (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Halogen shoes via Last Chance (purchased spring 2012; similar style) / Urban Outfitters scarf (fall 2012; similar style) / Madewell ring (summer 2012; purchased on sale w/ an additional 50% off; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Kate Spade bracelet (spring 2011; love this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)

This week’s Friday Finds take a cue from Marc Jacob’s genius spring 2013 collection.  If you haven’t seen the images or watched footage of the collection take a moment and let Jacob’s knack for reinvention season after season carry you away with its graphic prints and nod to mod: Marc Jacobs Spring 2013

Since first watching the video in September, and then obsessing over the collection for months, I’ve had to talk myself down from wearing black and white every day.  I love the bold crispness of a black and white combo, which can be easily dressed down or up, making it both appropriate for work and play.  And while I long to own one (or all) of the pieces from the collection, my wallet, and my children’s tummies, are thankful that there are plenty of more affordable options to satisfy my want for a little fashion fun!

Style Notes: Gap Ponte Academy Blazer $88 / Kelsi Dagger Eliza $84.99 / Madewell Stripeplay Tee $52/ Banana Republic Stripe Knit Skirt $89.50 (30% off until 1/14)/ Gap Dot Calf Hair Belt $29.95 / Kate Spade Checker Place Georgie $78 / J.Crew Factory Pencil Skirt in Colorblock $39.99 (currently 30% off) / H &M Dress $29.95 / Ella Moss Mazzy Top $88