Style Notes: J.Crew Factory Factory Printed Pleated Shift Dress $79.50 (currently 30% off) / Modcloth A Class Act Flat $29.99 / Gap Striped chambray mini $54.95 (30% of until 4/7) / Stripe by N Bonjour Tully Pullover $89 / Anthropologie Piped Peplum Blouse $88

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

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

Plaid is a classic print that transcends the passing of time and trends; depending on the color combinations it can range from preppy chic to cool mod to a touch punk.  One of my favorite things about plaid is that it coolly straddles the line between the masculine and feminine (like that great bow tie from local company, Dapper + Dash), which means no matter the garment it can be easily dressed up or down.

Style Notes:  Lands End Women’s True Slim Caroler Pants $49 / Land’s End Women’s Bow Front Flannel Blouse $39.99 / J.Crew Collection Janey Printed Flats $248 / Gap Plaid Academy Blazer $98 / Topshop Plaid Skater Skirt $72 / Dapper + Dash Huckleberry: The Scottsman Bow Tie $42 / J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Ivory Tartan $88 / Kate Spade Plaid Foxtrot Hill Alexie $148 / Madewell Plaid Trousers $104.99 /  Hazel Plaid Coat $139

Today’s gift guide features fun clothing and accessories that serve as perfect stocking stuffers and gifts to give a friend, coworker, or sister!  Better yet, they are all $50 or under!  Don’t you just love when something is stylish and affordable?  Perhaps now you can pick up something for a loved one, and then also get a little something for yourself! (I’ve got my eye on those cozy jammies!)

Style Notes: Pieces Huon Mittens $15.83 / Old Navy women’s softest printed-crew sweater: $29.94 (currently 20% off) / Pink And Pepper brianna flat: $42 / Madewell the dispatch card case in calf hair: $28.50 / J.Crew minnie pant in stretch twill: $49.99 / Kate Spade 2013 desk top spiral calendar: $38 / ASOS bow belt with metal plate waist detail: $10.55 / H & M faux fur collar: $12.95 / Xhilaration junior’s pajama set: $24.99

Burgundy, oxblood, maroon, ruby red…whatever name the fashion industry chooses to call deep red colored garments and accessories we are absolutely crazy for the hue!  It’s the perfect blend of moody and sophisticated to usher in fall and when paired with the right garments or accessories it can carry you through a multitude of holiday soirees!

Style Notes: Baublebar Red Gem Bloom Bib $34 / Madewell Counting Sheep Sweater $108 / Topshop Toplock Bowling Bag $76/ Arturo Chiang Avia Pump via Piperlime $59.99 / JCrew Pleated Sweater Skirt $79.99 (currently an extra 30% off!) / Anthropologie Sequined Jacquard Dress $228 / Essie Leading Lady $8  / Modcloth Collar Me Maybe Flats $29.99 / Topshop Clean Felt Hat $50 / Kate Spade Small Square Studs $38 / Loft Marisa Straight Leg Corduroys $59 (currently 40% off!) / Pim + Larkin Polka Dot Crew Cardigan via Piperlime $47.99