Get your Jcrew fix for LESS!

Jcrew is one of my all time favorite stores to shop at. With timeless pieces that you can mix and match in your wardrobe, it's hard to not love everything in the store. However, sometimes for the basic's, I would rather spend a little bit less and then splurge on something that makes a statement. So, I came up with three alternatives that will leave you happy and your wallet as well!

Currently Craving: The Peplum Trend

Clean lines and a beyond easy way to accentuate your waist...who wouldn't want to hop on the peplum "trend train." This slimming style has been a major hit lately and I don't find it going anywhere anytime soon. Take a look at a few of my favorites.

Zara

Asos

sQ The Label

Nanette Lepore 

Bobeau

Zara

Revival of the Denim Vest

So lately I have been obsessed with finding a denim vest. Granted I probably owned about five a few years ago but they all got taken to goodwill thinking I would never use one ever again.....wrong. I found this vest at a consignment store for two bucks. It originally had the sleeves but I decided to omit them and make it more of a summer staple...and now I am so glad I did!

Tippi Sweater: Jcrew

Vest: American Eagle thrift find with the sleeves cut off

Jeans: Gap

Scarf: Embellish Boutique 

Flats: Sam Edelman

Bangles and Earrings: Jcrew and Kate Spade

Wedding Bells

Wedding season is in the air! With five weddings to attend this summer that also means five new dresses to add to the wardrobe....right? Of course! I'll take any reason to get a new dress. I was lucky to find this dress at Zara while I was over in Paris and my favorite purchase is my vintage clutch that I found at a thrift shop for $1.50....yep you heard it...one dollar and fifty cents.

Dress: Zara

Shoes: DSW

Clutch: thrift find

Bangles and Watch: Jcrew, Nordstrom, Michael Kors

Collection Obsession: Resort 2013

One word: obsessed. With designers just releasing their Resort 2013 Collections, I had to let you in on my favorites. From mind blowing 3-D graphics, mix and match separates, to the perfect balance of modern retro with a floral twist... it's easy to see why these collections made a bold statement.

Peter Pilotto

Altuzarra

Valentino

New Painting: The Florida Way

With my sister moving to Fort Myers in less then two weeks (still jealous as I will be stuck in good ole' Nebraska), I thought a custom painting for her new apartment would be the perfect way to send her off. My inspiration for this painting came from all the beauty Florida has to offer: pristine waters, breathtaking sunsets, and white sand beaches.

Close- up detail

Close-up detail


Medium: Mixed Media 

Coveted Bags

These beauties are one of a kind, show-stoppin', make-you-want-to-drool type of bags with a price tag that follows. Take a look at what I've been drooling over lately... 

1. Milly

2. 3.1 Phillip Lim

3. FENDI

4. Celine Vintage

Outfit Alert: Florals Take the Win

Florals have definitely taken on a major role in my closet. From sheer tanks to silk dresses, vintage to modern, there's just something about them that speaks two things: timeless and fun.

Top: Forever21

High-Low Skirt: Forever21

Nude Wedges: Forever21

Belt: Jcrew

Necklace: Forever21

Clutch:? Paris Boutique 

Watch: Michael Kors

Bangles: Jcrew and ?Paris Boutique 

Earrings: Kate Spade

Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson 

It's all about "the backs"

Who said the main focal point of a dress needs to be the front? The cut-out backs are making a comeback, take a look at some of my favorite picks!

Riller & Fount Phoenix Cutout Mini Dress- Black-$152

Charlie Jade Milan Dress- Hot Pink- $142

                        LNA Cardiff Cutout Dress- Red- $88

 

                Pencey Open Back Dress- Cool Blue- $319

Winter Kate Esha Dress- Peacock -$325

Trend Alert: LWD---Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm a strong believer in staple pieces. Now that doesn't mean I don't like to spruce up my wardrobe with the seasons latest trends, BUT staple pieces will take you a lot farther then just one season. The LWD (little white dress) is something that you can always find a use for....especially in the spring/summer seasons. Go ahead and make some room in your closet next to your LBD because the LWD is just as deserving!

Summer Lovin'

Summer Lovin' by libbyrlemke featuring a draped skirt

J Crew camisole top, $98
J Crew draped skirt, $80
ASOS ankle wrap sandals, $61
Necklace, $298

A Denim Phenomenon

Denim, denim, and MORE denim! Long are the days when just a couple of dark wash jeans would do. With denim being a staple in every women's closet, who wouldn't like a switch-up from the norm of blue and bootcut. With fall just around the corner, I don't see the patterned jeans going away anytime soon. So why not switch it up. Go ahead and indulge in a new denim favorite....who knows, it may be your new staple piece!