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

Remember when I told you that a pencil skirt is a wardrobe must have? Even though today’s iteration is more fall and winter appropriate (timely as we head into spring, no?) it still drives home the point that owning a pencil skirt is essential to every woman’s wardrobe. They are instantly slimming, sophisticated, and sexy without being sexual, which is really an important distinction to make when dressing for any occasion.  There is nothing wrong with showcasing your femininity, but it does mean you leave some things to the imagination.

One reason I love pencil skirts so much is that they harken back to an era when women took more care in how they dressed so the back seam stockings seemed like a nice nod to that time.  I am a firm believer that all the details of an outfit matter and if you are trying to achieve a certain look or feel with your outfit it is important to get those details right.  Black tights would look equally as classy with the skirt, but it wouldn’t lend such a ’40s feel.

I love the way the sequined bow on the sweater helps to add some interest to the monochromatic look.  A plain black sweater would look equally as nice, but a great thing about looking for sweaters with special details is that you no longer have to fret over which accessories to add to the outfit.  Let the added features do the work!

Wearing a great pair of colored shoes is another easy way to add some visual interest, and fun, to a solid colored look.

Style Notes: The Limited sweater (several years old; similar style) / Banana Republic skirt (fall 2010; purchased at 50% off; perfect for spring) / Victoria’s Secret stockings (fall 2012) / Paul Green shoes via Last Chance (fall 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Forever 21 bracelet (fall 2011; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Banana Republic statement ring (fall 2011; love this)

Since January was such a blah month, we decided to end it on a fun note by taking advantage of a BOGO coupon at one of our new favorite local restaurants, Federal Pizza.   Since we had to head there straight from work in order to take advantage of the coupon, I opted to go with a mod look inspired by this great coat I picked up for $20 this summer.

Even though I spotted this coat during the dog days of summer, I knew it was the perfect addition to my closet.  I love the color blocking, the big buttons, and the high collar that adds a whole new level of coziness on cooler days!

Since I took my cue from the coat, I decided to stick to a mainly black and blue palate that would be appropriate for both work and play.

Part of what makes the look work is the playful pairing of the sophisticated black with the cheeky blue, the classic cardigan with a great print (the stripes on the sleeves are sequined), and a traditional work shoe with a fun twist.  Nothing takes itself too seriously or gets too silly, which is the perfect balance to strike, right?

Style Notes: Michael Kors jacket via Last Chance (summer 2012; great for spring) / Gap cardigan (Christmas gift 2013; great for spring) / Gap dress (fall 2010; similar style) / J.Crew belt (winter 2011; gift; similar style) / Gap tights (fall 2011; similar style) / Antonio Melani shoes (few years old; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (spring 2011) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Stackable rings via Last Chance (fall 2011; similar style)

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

So far we’ve given you some ideas on gifts in the $25-$50 and the $50-$100 range; today, we are featuring some great finds in the $100-$150 range.  These pieces will add some sparkle, glamour, and fun to any woman’s wardrobe and will work for a variety of occasions!

Style Notes: Anthropologie Gilded Peter Pan Collar $138 / Sanctuary Party Tux Stripe Charmer Skinny $148 / Madewell Dotted Tux Shirt $115 / Zara Long Sequinned Blazer $129 / Kate Spade All Hours Winking Georgie Clutch $98 / Kate On The Town Cocktail Ring $98/ J.Crew Tabby Sweater $98/ Anthropologie Jukka Silk Blouse $118