What I Wore: Old Navy FTW

I was perusing the GAP website the other day and decided to make a hop, skip and a jump over to Old Navy...and I'm so glad I did. I've been on the lookout for some easy, relaxed-fit summer dresses to get through the hot and humidity of DC summers. Something to throw on for a trip to the grocery store or to run errands. They had just what I was looking for - and even in "tall" so it's not a mini dress! Old Navy with the striped linen-blend shift dress for the win! 

As you can see, it's not the most form-fitting dress, but every once and a while it's okay to sacrifice a little bit of fashion and fit for function - especially at these temps (did I just type that?)! If you're a regular in the blogosphere, you've probably seen a few girls wearing the same dress in red and white (they claim red, I swear it's pink). 

I also picked up this white denim jacket for chilly Idaho summer nights or D.C. air conditioned buildings. 

What I Wore to Work - Old Navy Stripes

Before we left for Sun Valley, I was perusing the web and found myself on Old Navy looking for fun summer tops. While I didn't find the lightweight, eyelet top I'm in search of, I did strike gold...or navy and white stripes, which are pretty much the same as gold in my book. 

This boatneck fitted top looks (and feels) much more expensive than its $18 price tag. The one I have on in this picture is a tall, which has a bit more of a tunic look (I ended up returning and ordering the regular fit). Between the shirred shoulders and exposed zipper in the back, the shirt is long on little, cute details - making it perfect for work or play. I like it so much I also ordered it in black and white (it runs true to size). It's also sold in a pink stripe and bright pink. 

I know I'm going to get more than my $18 out of these shirts. 

It's Hunting Season

Hunting season is quickly approaching, but let's be honest, I don't think many of our C&C readers are interested in hunting season. But, I know many of you are interested in the print associated with it: camouflage! 

So, if you are interested in hunting down some camo this fall, here are a few pieces worth tracking. 

Gap 1969 camo front-zip always skinny jeans $69.95

Gap printed Utility Jacket $78

Old Navy twill Pocket Shorts on sale $15

New Balance 501 Camo $65

Free People Camo Printed Thermal $58

Nixon Quad $125

And, the great news is that all of these items come from Gap companies (Gap, Old Navy and Piper Lime), so you can order from multiple sites and combine shipping! 

A Real Deal

This may be a bold assumption, because I haven't seen it in person....BUT, I think this Target Mossimo Women's Long Sleeve Tunic Blouse could be pretty amazing. Like go with anything, buy in all four colors kind of amazing. And did I mention it's only $22.99. 

Because you're our loyal readers, I thought I should probably share. Now who is going to go out and buy one and report back? We can't do all the work here people!

Wednesday Wrap Day

A good wrap dress is a staple in any wardrobe. When I saw this spring-time gem from Old Navy, I was hoping it wasn't too good to be true. And it wasn't! 

While the fabric is a little thin, add a pair of spanks or some good seamless undergarmets, and you're good to go. While it's no Diane von Furstenberg, it's a nice, less-expensive alternative. If you are in the market for the quintessential wrap dress, a DVF is the way to go. I've got a few, and they'll be in my closet through thick and thin. 

Here are a few favorites available now.

Last spring I was at the DVF outlet in New York and passed up a full-length wrap. Kicking. Myself. Still. I guess that means I've got a reason to return this summer. 

Before It's Too Late

Today Old Navy launched a $40 tweed cardigan (in five colors) that will only be available for six weeks! Check out Old Navy to get yours before it's too late. Their SVP of design said the jacket was inspired by "stylish women and trend leaders he spots on design trips to New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, and Milan." It does have a Chanel-esque feel to it, now doesn't it.

 

Use the code THANK YOU at checkout today for 30% off! 

Falling for Floral

I've been thinking about floral a lot lately...I guess that's natural since the change of seasons is upon us. I can never decide if floral say to me "Spring" or "bad Easter pattern I wore as a kid in the 80s."

Nevertheless, flower power is back, and I'm thinking about how to incorporate it into my warm-weather wardrobe. One of the things I love about the suite of Gap.inc sites is that you can shop all of them with one shopping bag - and the floral abounds. Here are my favorite picks in a range of prices. 

Old Navy Mixed Floral-Print Cardi - $24.50

Old Navy Long-Sleeved Wrap Dress - $29

Banana Republic MonogramFloral Crop Pant - $89

Banana Republic Monogram Floral
Jacquard Pencil Skirt - $98

Gap Floral Sateen Dress - $69.95

Gap Shrunken Boyfriend Printed Shirt - $54.95

Piperlime Tinley Road Floral Print Blouse - $54

Piperlime RD Style Floral Blazer - $89

I'm seriously considering the Old Navy wrap dress and the Tinley blouse. Which are your favorites? Will you be falling for floral this season?

Black and White and Striped All Over

When I found this Baily 44 skirt at T.J. Maxx this summer, I knew I was going to get a lot of wear out of it. Last week with the addition of tights, a sweater, a blazer, and some suede pumps, it made the transition into winter.

J. Crew Blazer (old - similar on sale here) / J. Crew cashmere sweater

I've gotten a lot of inquiries from friends, readers, and instagram followers about where they can find something like it. While I haven't found the exact skirt, I did track down two really affordable, similar options.

If you buy this wool knit version today from GAP, you can get 35% off. Just use the code GAPGIVE.

And if knits aren't your thing, here's a cotton/spandex option from Old Navy that's on sale for $19. Tis the season for giving...to yourself. 

Don't forget to enter our Angela Caputi bracelet giveaway before Wednesday. We'll announce the winner on Thursday. 

What I Wore

It's been a long time since I've done a "What I Wore" post, so I figured I better get out my iphone and document the fact that I don't always wear workout clothes.

Last weekend we went downtown to meet some friends and their kids for a drink and for the tree lighting ceremony at Jamison Square. Here's what I wore...

Scarf- LOFT, a gift from Katie last Christmas (similar here), Shirt-Old Navy (similar here), Jeans- J Brand Super Skinny in Starless (here), Boots- The Bridge, I bought these in Bellagio, IT 

Coat- D.E.P.T. from Seams to Fit Consignment in Portland

Excuse my once again amateur photos, they were taken in the pool locker room...we took the Mini Fashionista swimming beforehand!

What I Wore - Black and White Stripes

Remember when I found this skirt by Baily 44 at TJMaxx?

I've gotten a ton of wear out of it...at home in Idaho before the wedding, work, and play. Pair it with a simple colored top and I'm good to go (and, of course, add my Angela Caputi bracelets). 

Many of you have sent me notes about wanting to find the same skirt. And while I haven't been able to track it down, here's a similar option from Old Navy, nonetheless! And it's only $20!

Splurge v. Save + What I Wore

Silk blouses are a great staple in any wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down and have a clean and polished look. When it comes to finding the right one the J. Crew Blythe blouse is definitely a winner.

It comes in an array of colors and is moderately priced at $110. Right now you can get select colors on sale for $59.99. 

The Equipment Signature Blouse is another great option, but is on the high-end at $208. Equipment really knows how to use great textiles...so one could be worth the splurge for just the right piece.

But, if you're looking to try out the style and don't want to commit, the Old Navy Roll-Cuff blouse is a great alternative. And as low as $22.50, you really can't go wrong, even if you only wear it for one season. I recently used a 20% coupon to buy two - one in bright nite and the other in minty fresh. Here's how I wore them to work.

Do you have a favorite silk blouse?

P.S. Don't forget you have until the end of the month to save 10% at Serena Italian Imports using the code "fallcardicouture"! 

What I Wore - Napa Wedding Weekend

Nearly two weeks ago, my +1 and I took our first vacation together without the Mini Fashionista. We spent four fabulous days in Napa, Ca wining, dining and celebrating the wedding of our friends. I spent a lot of time planning my weekend wedding wear, so I thought I would share a few of my outfits.

1) Travel clothes: Zara blazer, Old Navy striped blouse (which I blogged about here), Zara jeans and Cole Haan Wedges.

2) Wine tasting: Tory Burch blouse and shorts (Consign design) and Target wedges. 

3) Sunday Brunch- Polka dot J Crew dress (borrowed from my dear friend SW), NY&Co wedges (from Seams to Fit) and Kate Spade Franca cat's eye sunglasses. 

For the wedding I was so close to getting a dress from Rent the Runway, but I decided to shop in my own closet and save the money. Instead I wore this Trina Turk that I've only worn once (nearly four years ago). I paired it with my gold Ferragamo Sandals (also from Consign Design) and an Angela Caputi chain link bracelet. It's not my favorite dress, but no one was looking at me anyway.  The bride was stunning in Monique Lhuillier, so I guarantee no one cared about my 4-year old dress!

Splurge vs. Save

Pink and navy is one of my favorite color combinations, so when I saw this Lilly Pulitzer Elsa blouse I knew I had to have it. Then, unfortunately, I saw the price tag, $158. At that point I knew I had to find something like it.

While this Old Navy striped blouse isn't exactly the same, it's close enough, and certainly the right price, only $25. I will be sure to post a "What I Wore" when I wear it! It's actually much cuter than it looks in this photo.