20% off dresses at J. Crew - 3 days only

In the event that you need a dress for a wedding, a shower, work, or anything you could possibly be attending this spring and summer - you need to check out J. Crew

I make fun of them a lot for charging $98+ for basic items, but right now all their dresses are 20% off.  If you're at all curvy, or wear your dresses for a few years, you could get a good deal this week.  I only have 3 J.Crew dresses but all of them fit great and have held up well after a couple of years of wear.

A few of my favorites...

Solid Embossed Beach Dress - $78  (I'm considering this one in black for bridesmaids...)

Solid Embossed Lorelei Dress - $78

Jessie Cotton Dress - $56

Silk Chiffon Twist Tank Dress - $136  (Also a bridesmaid dress contender if it gets marked down more)

Cotton Cady Alexa Dress - $69  (If you have the skin tone for this yellow color)

I really want to find a nice J. Crew cocktail dress under $100 for my bridesmaids to wear, so this sale was welcome news to me.  I just have to decide who the bridesmaids are... :-/

I'm in love...

Ever since I interned in London back in 2004 I've had an affinity for all things British.  I've always wanted some crazy Liberty of London prints, but at 100 pounds per shirt they were out of reach.  Even the Christmas ornaments were $35!  Thank goodness for Target!  I usually skip the designer collections because, like most clothing at Target, the quality is awful and the prices aren't that great (I consider $30 to still be a bit of an investment for a top).

However, I've been pleasantly surprised by the Liberty of London line.  The top I did buy ended up fitting poorly and went back to the store but there are lots of other things I want.  It's too bad the upcoming wedding means my shopping days are over... sigh   But if I can't buy, then I can at least point the rest of you towards the lovely things.

A few of my favorites...

Engaged!!

I promise this will not turn into a wedding blog, but from here on out you may see a post a week about some kind of wedding decision I have to make because I hope to be getting married in about 6 months!  Eeek!

I'm so excited and can't wait to start putting all the ideas I've had tucked away in my head onto paper and into the venue.  That said, if you know of any cheap vendors in Dallas please let me know.  This is going to be my biggest bargain shopping challenge ever because this average cost of $13,000 is way more money than I've got laying around.  (Who are all these people anyway?!  Since when is $3500 an acceptable cost for a photographer?)

I've already had my local J. Crew store order me a couple of dresses to try on next week, so keep your fingers crossed that my favorite one looks good on a non-model body!  (And it's on ebay for $169...  so seriously, cross those fingers.)  More on that next week...

Now I have lots of work to do... while I'm not busy staring at my new ring

Cheap and chic maternity clothes

Disclaimer:  I have never been pregnant and am totally unqualified to write this, but my friend Jennifer asked me to give it a shot.  So here goes...

There must be something in the water here in Dallas because it seems like every week someone else announces that they're having a baby.  I've already covered what to buy for the babies and now I'm going to attempt to find things for mom.

Since I've never been pregnant, I am imagining that the following criteria is important but please correct me if I'm wrong:

• Outfit should accommodate a supportive bra.  Nothing too thin or too bare on top.
• You don't feel like shaving your legs all the time, especially in the later months. 
• Fabrics need to be comfy and not require lots of ironing 
• Pieces should be versatile since you're only wearing them for about 5-6 months (assuming you can still wear regular clothes at first)

 That said, here's what I've found and how it could be worn:


Black Jersey Dress - Overstock.com
Fancy Filigree Necklace - Shop The Look

This material looks like it would be breathable and not constricting, but the cut is chic and the v-neck means you can showcase some crazy jewelry.  You can also take off the black sash and replace with another color.  Pair with rubber soled ballet flats, dressier sandals, or work heels.

Urban Trouser Maternity Jeans - Overstock.com
Low Rise Denim Pencil Skirt - Old Navy

I've never heard of this brand of jeans, but they got a 5 star rating and the cut is what I'd pick if I were to only wear one style of jeans for 5 months.   The dark wash and wider leg can be dressed up for going out to dinner and is appropriate for work on Friday.  I'd hem them to wear with flats, converse and sandals to get the most wear out of them.  (Unless you love your heels, of course)

The skirt looks very versatile as well, and the waist is elastic, but it doesn't look like it would be very comfortable in the final weeks before the baby comes.

Essential Tank - Gap
Marled Cardigan - The Limited
Smocked Solid Cardigan - The Limited
Folk Stone Luxe Necklace - Shop the Look

My thought is that you don't want to look like a different person just because you have a baby in your belly.  If you didn't wear synthetic printed tops before you got pregnant, don't start now.  So, if you're into layers like me, find a thick non-ribbed tank to wear underneath open, flowy cardigans that you can wear when you're not pregnant. 

Low Rise Legging - Old Navy
Tie Shoulder Jersey Dress - Old Navy
Double Layer Front Knot Top - Old Navy
Smocked Jersey Maxi Dress - Old Navy

Next I wanted to find cheap things for the days when you just want to say 'Screw it, I'm pregnant and I need to go to Target.  These sweats are fine."  I'm not sure how high quality these items are, but the prices are right and you won't feel too guilty donating them to a friend after you're done with them.  Both of the tops could be paired with leggings or jeans and all could be paired with a cardigan and fun jewelry if you're going out but want to be comfortable.

Braided Thong Wedge - Ann Taylor Loft
Puma Tinsel Sneaker - Endless.com
Dr Scholl's Graduate Ballet Flat - Endless.com

For shoes, I think that a hard slippery sole and no padding are a big fat no.  Here are a few flats that are stylish but don't look like they'll kill your feet. 

I hope this was helpful, though I suspect I just found things everyone knows about.  Even I am scared at the prospect of finding clothes when pregnant, and I wish all of you luck.  But as hard as it may be, don't give in to the pink gingham babydoll top.

Dear Gap, This looks dumb. Love, Me

I guess the next trend will be 'hobo chic' when we're all done dressing up like sailors.  I think I'll pass.

Crazy Spring Jewelry! (under $25)

Today is a gorgeous day in Dallas, and as I sat recovering from my yard work, I started looking at all the colorful jewelry that I want to wear this spring and summer.  And there is a lot of it!  I know some of these pieces look like dress up jewelry a 7 year old would wear, but I love them all.  It's kinda funny that I'm so basic when it comes to clothing, yet I'll hang anything around my neck. 

And because I'm me, nothing is over $25 and is from either the fashion jewelry section at JCPenney or a new site I just discovered (thanks to The Tipsy Society) called Shop the Look

 Enjoy!

In case you're interested: Clearance coats on Overstock

I know we're all sick of coats, but if you're not opposed to planning ahead for next year there is a huge selection of clearance coats on overstock.com

Some of my favorites (all under $60!!)