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)

Apparently I wasn’t kidding when I mentioned that I was feeling a strong draw towards graphic florals this spring because when I spotted these pants on sale at Anthropolgie I was beyond delighted. 

What keeps these pants from taking a turn for the saccharine is the graphic floral and leaf prints in hues that are not overly feminine but still utterly perfect for spring!  After a long dreary winter who needs bubble gum pinks and soft blues?  Bold pops of color are what’s necessary to enfuse our days with a little energy and whimsy!

This orange peter pan collared shirt is the perfect compliment to the pants.  I love the way the collar and button tab play off the various tones and shades of orange in the pants while the rest of the shirt remains neutral enough to keep the overall look from going overboard! 

Style Notes: Anthropologie shirt (spring 2013) / Anthropologie pants (purchased on sale; spring 2013; similar style) / Gap Belt (fall 2013; similar style) /  Classiques Entier shoes via Last Chance (spring 2012; love these) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) /  Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (spring 2012; 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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It has been noted that while not a huge floral print fan in the past, the idea has been growing on me of late.  I still find myself steering clear of tiny floral prints, but when done in a larger, more graphic way, I find myself gravitating towards them.  Imagine my pleasant surprise, then, when I rediscovered this dress after doing a little spring cleaning in my closet.

What I really love about bigger, bolder floral prints is that they read more sophisticated, adult woman rather than sweet, little girl making them a print that can be both work appropriate when paired with a tailored blazer or cardigan and play appropriate when paired with a few key accessories.

Because I am currently on spring break and we are busy flitting about town finding family friendly things to do, I decided to play up the feminine cut of the dress by adding some sparkly accents that play off the grey in the floral print.  Remember, that bolder floral prints can just as easily make the transition to a day of work with more subdued accessories.  Take it from me, though, that it is far more fun to face the day with a little extra sheen!

Style Notes: Classiques Entier dress via Last Chance (spring 2009; great for spring) / Gap belt (winter 2011; great for spring) / Enzo Angiolini shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) / H&M necklace (summer 2012; 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)

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!