The Basic Three

Spring is that great time when some days might be warm and other days might be cooler. I have been really watching what I spend because I am saving up for a lovely September vacation but a girl still needs to update her wardrobe, correct?

I've narrowed down three basic pieces that one can consider investments during this season.

The Draped Cardigan. You can find them nearly anywhere these days from high end to Target to Macy's. I have been steadily collecting them in a few basic colors. I have them now in black, gray, white and wheat color. But I've been really considering getting it in a non-neutral tone just to spice things up. This cardigan will save you from what I like to refer to as 'over thinking the outfit'. From skinny jeans and flats or cinching the waist with a belt over the cardigan and a dress underneath, you can use this for nearly anything.

Versatile - The Cardigan by isabellecs featuring Splendid tops

The Basic Trench Coat. I bought my first one some years ago and I've had it since and then this year while perusing thrift stores I found a fabulous one for $19! Since then I am convinced that I need to use it all the time. Plus it's perfect for rainy days, keeps you dry and warm. Note, these can also be used on top of lace underwear to surprise boyfriend/husband to GREAT effects.

Versatile - The Trench by isabellecs featuring Carvela shoes

 
The Jean Shirt. Now this is a new one for me. For starters I had to mule over how this piece would fit into my seemingly "dressy" look. I'll be honest, I dont 'dress down' much. I own one pair of sneakers and those are used to work out. I dont own sweatshirts and the only article of clothing I steal from my bf is his dress shirts which I love cinching with a belt. Yet after thinking it over I discovered that I quite like it if done tastefully. Now, be it that you're a rocker-goddess or a conservative like me this can definitely work for you.

Versatile - Jean Shirt by isabellecs featuring Jessica Simpson shoes

Girl Crush: Carey Mulligan

It happens every once in a while that I become completely infatuated with a celebrity. Today it'll be Carey Mulligan. I predict she's going to be BIG, like Keira and Kate W. type of big. The next big English rose for America to love. She's just waiting for that big role. To me, she's got that old Hollywood sense to her. The pixie haircut, the adorable dimples, the classic sense of style and she can act. Hallelujah! I found some of my favorite looks for her this year, she's just so adorable, I want to pick her up and put her in my pocket!

I think I've decided that I want her entire closet. <3 But this is a quick and simple outfit that is totally Carey.

Dress, ModCloth $62.99, Shoes, Wanted $49, Tights, Aldo $7, Purse, TopShop $65, Necklace, Giles & Brother $175, Polish, CHI 'Love that Milkyway Shake' $10, Lipsgloss, Clinique 'Raspberry' $14

today's outfit: the girly prep

Going back to my ever so favorite preppy looks I continued with my dress/skirt tirade. I can't help it. There's something fun and lovely about wearing a skirt with sky-high heels and a lovely purse. I grabbed a purple dress that had been chilling in my closet for a while without any interaction and I paired it up with my new cream fishnet stockings that arrived in the mail. (<3 the mail)

It come out something like this:

Dress, Calypso $175, Cashmere Cardigan, Jcrew $99, Cable Stockings, DYNY $18, Shoes, TypeZ $79, Handbag, LV $690, Belt, Michael Kors $22, Necklace, Charlotte Russe $15.50, Polish, Essie 'Mink Muffs' $8.50

Very simple and you can recreate it at home. Grab your favorite girly dress, throw on a cardigan, belt-it, add some fishnet or cable stockings, some heels, your favorite cream shoes, some faux pearls and a neutral bag. VOILA! Instant hottie!

I bought my LV Speedy back when I was in my early 20's, to be honest it comes out to play like never. I think it's a bit pretentious but for the money I paid for it I just use it every once in a while then I quickly switch to my Michael Kors which is my current favorite <3 Because that LV is the most uncomfortable little thing in the face of this planet. I can barely squish my purple netbook in it before I have to take it out and it creates another dilema. /end of purse rant

Love that Look!

I am absolutely in love with this look I created, I have lookalikes of everything here except the dress which I will be hunting for this week (since the website doesn't carry mu size) but I wanted to share it because it's so very adorable that I could wear it all week long. It's still warm here in Florida but I too the look from warm, the cooler weather and brought it down to a casual look (which I can already pull off and did on Friday with the girls).

Dress, Redflare $58, Shoes, Wanted $50, Purse, TopShop $135, Necklace, Aldo $18, Polish 'Starfish-Patrick', Rescue Beauty Lounge $18

Already a bit cooler where you're at? Just add a cardigan and some ribbed tights and you're set :)

Cardigan, Jcrew $88, Ribbed Thights, Falke Elegance $35

And to tone down for a casual look, loose the dress and pick up your favorite jeans.

Jeans, Old Navy $34.50

You see what I mean that I can wear it all week long?