Towel Off

I spend a lot of time at the local water fountain here in Portland. We have a small collection of random beach towels, but nothing too fancy. My friend Meaghan showed up a few weeks ago to our fountain "date" with a gorgeous Pendleton beach towel. I've been dreaming about it ever since. And then, last week my brother-in-law showed up at my house with not just one but two.

I took that as a sign that I need to upgrade my beach towels to Pendleton.

I just can't decide which ones. There are so many amazing patterns to choose from.

The towels are available at a number of websites including Pendleton, Made in Oregon, Urban Outfitters  and on Amazon. I'm adding them to my birthday wish list. 

Dressed to the Denim

For the first day of my freshman year of high school I wore a Gap denim dress that was short sleeved, ankle length and had mother of pearl snaps up the entire dress. It was in style at the time, but today it's been replaced with other styles of denim dresses, which is probably a good thing.

So what got me thinking about that denim Gap dress? Last week I had dinner with my friend and fellow fashionista AL. She was wearing this adorable denim shirt dress that she got from BP at Nordstrom.

The popularity of chambray has prompted a resurgence in the denim shirt and the denim dress. Here are a few other ways to dress yourself in denim this fall. All of these dresses are $80 or under. Which is your favorite?

Lands End Canvas Women's Chambray Weekend Shirtdress $80

Urban Outfitters BDG Chambray Shirtdress $69

Gap Chambray Shirtdress $59.95

Animal Style

Nearly a year ago, I posted this photo from my birthday dinner. All together the ensemble is pretty basic, but the shoes are definitely fun! Who doesn't love a good animal print. I got them at Zara, and at the time they were the last ones in the store. 

Last week I found these Pointy Tow Pony Skimmers from Urban Outfitters that are nearly identical and only $42!

They also come in 3 other "animal styles". 

For that price you could get two or three pairs! 

What I Wore to Work Wednesday - Accordion Pleats

Earlier this year I was at Zara and found this accordion slip dress for $10. When I saw it, I wasn't really sure what I was going to wear it with, but for that price, I could figure it out. Don't worry, I didn't wear it like this. Worn alone, it looks like a nightgown. But, with a little layering, this $10 find turns into a 10, proving what you can do with a simple sheath dress. 

I added a Land's End Canvas tweed blazer, H & M leopard scarf, and Urban Outfitters belt. At first I tried the belt on the outside of the jacket.

But then I decided I liked it better with the jacket open and the belt on the inside. This outfit goes to show you can wear your nightgown to work. Or not! But you can take what looks like one and turn it into a real winner of an outfit! 

Splurge V. Save

Last weekend when we were in Charlottesville, despite being the season of giving, I had a moment of weakness and did a little giving to myself. Dear Katie, Love Katie. I'm so thoughtful. I just couldn't pass up this gem from Urban Outfitters. 

Urban Outfitters - $59.00

What's great about this bag, other than the price, is that it's very similar to bags in the Prada Resort 2012 Collection.   

Prada Madras Shoulder Bag- $1,670

I'm sure I'll have all sorts of people on the street thinking I'm carrying Prada (I'll keep telling myself that). Despite the short-term buyer's remorse, I'm feeling pretty good about my purchase. I deserve it after my recent root canal. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up now and again. Off to do some outfit planning. How would you style my new find?

Splurge vs. Save

Colored jeans are one of the top trends this year. That said, are they worth investing in, or is it better to spend your money on more classic denim? Whatever your price point, there is a pair for you. 

If you are looking to SPLURGE, check out my personal favorite the J Brand Twill Skinny Jean for $176. They come in a variety of colors, and these jeans fit like a glove! If you haven't tried J Brand skinny jeans...well, you're missing out!

Or, if you prefer to SAVE, the Urban Outfitters BDG Cigarette Jeans are equally as cute and only a third the price at $58. Either way you will be looking Red Hot! 

Not Your Average LBD

Just in case you don't have (or want) a little black dress in your closet but feel the social pressure to own one, here's an alternative.

That said... every woman should have at least one LBD....and maybe the t-shirt too!


Urban Outfitters $24