Friday Finds Under $50

I have beaches on the mind this week with only (ahem) two days, 10 hours and 59 minutes left until take off. But lounging on an ocean shore doesn't come often for Wisconsin gals; we usually opt for time at the lake - ideally in a feminine bathing suit, offset by a jaunty fedora.

1. Stetson Straw Fedora, Madewell, $60 $49.99
2. Liberty-Print Bikini Top, Undrest, $105 $42
3. Liberty-Print Bikini Bottoms, Undrest, $115 $46
4. Woven Road Bracelet, Banana Republic, $45 $30
5. Beaded Hoop Earrings, Topshop, $20

Last Day!
Enter to win a Kendall K. coat!

{ love the look } '70s Summer

I'm yearning for summer in the '70s this year with ankle-grazing maxi dresses, including my mom's disco dress and the Modcloth stunner above. With a bold cuff and wood heels, a retro revival is on the horizon.

1. Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, Diane von Furstenberg, $345
2. Make a Dash for Dress, Modcloth, $124.99
3. Jersey Maxi Dress, T-Bags, $220 $99
4. Wire Thread Cuff, Cusp, $70
5. Wide Pink Stone Cuff, Topshop, $35
6. Two-Tone Cuff, BCBG, $28
7. Kairu Pumps, Michael Antonio, $65
8. Zoe Pumps, Diane von Furstenberg, $310
9. Fanya Wedges, Calvin Klein, $128
   

{ love the look } Mix It Up

It's entirely too easy to reach for an all-black ensemble for humdrum Monday workdays. But a strategic mix of patterns can be equally chic in a casual office. Start with a billowy polka dot top tucked into a patterned skirt. A bold bangle bracelet complements such a confident pairing.

1. Office Party Top, ModCloth, $84.99
2. Polka Dot Cotton and Silk Top, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, $390
3. Dot it Down Top, ModCloth, $49.99
4. Striped Cotton Jersey Skirt, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, $290
5. Printed Tulip Skirt, Vionnet, $1,745 $523.50
6. Tie Waist Skirt, French Connection, $88
7. Painted Enamel Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane, $75 $30
8. Enamel Bangle, Topshop, $20
9. Sandpiper Bangle, Kate Spade, $42

Reminder: Enter to win $25 to ShoeClips.biz!

{ love the look } Easy Glam

Now that the holiday festivities are over, I've put the party dresses back in the closet in favor of cozy layers. Simply pairing a slouchy sweater with a knit skirt is a deceptively comfortable ensemble - and those elastic waistbands slide easily over any post-holiday pounds! A pair of sparkling earrings adds just enough versatility to go from brunch to evening cocktails with grace.

1. Stone Sprayed Studs, ABS by Allen Schwartz, $55
2. Black Diamond Glass Earrings, Lee Angel, $190
3. Rhinestone Drops, Noir, $75
4. Chalet Shawl-Collar Sweater, J.Crew, $69.99
5. Fine Knit Fishtail Sweater, 3.1 Phillip Lim, $350
6. Mixed Yarn Sweater, Kensie, $68
7. Ruched Mini Skirt, James Perse, $135
8. Mini Weave Skirt, Topshop, $44
9. Wool Bell Skirt, J.Crew, $69.50
   

Inspiration Board: Gray Skies

When I first met my boyfriend nearly three years ago, he peeked inside my color-coded closet and scoffed at the rows of black, brown and gray garments. I've consciously added more hues over the years to appease him (and to prove to myself that I'm not as depressive as my closet indicated). Now he swears that he brought color to my life. Groan.

Either way, I haven't given up my soft spot for shades of charcoal, asphalt and smokey gray.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Faceted Collar Necklace, $49.99 (sale!)
Forever21, Vested Sublimation Tank, $19.80
Alexis Bittar, Diamond Dust Tiny Hoop Earrings, $125
Forever21, Tweed Mini Skirt, $17.80
Topshop, Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag, $110
Banana Republic, Portia Chained Flat, $98
Chan Luu, Circle Dress, $325

I ordered the Banana Republic flats late last week. Hopefully they find their way home soon!

Little Luxuries: Sequins

Of course diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I'll take anything that sparkles.

Under $100

Add vintage-inspired glamour to your little black dress or slouchy tee with this beaded and sequined shrug from Topshop ($90).

Under $50

Do you work in a creative office? Pair these sequin pumps ($34.90) with a pencil skirt, sweater and tights for a fun way to beat the Monday morning blues.

Under $25

Sequins don't always have to be over the top. A tank with an embellished neckline ($19.80) punches up your weekend staples.

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part Five: Luxe Lingerie

Once the thermostat begins inching its way down, I have an insatiable urge to envelope myself in lush fabrics - and I'm not just referring to cozy wool and thick cotton. I'm also left yearning to overhaul my underwear drawer with romantic lace and supple satin.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Mimi Holliday by Damaris, Belle Amour Satin Bra, $60
La Perla, Lace Silk Chemise, $395
Nine West, Mixed Pattern Open Work Stocking, $12
Topshop, Silky and Lace Thong, $10
Topshop, Longline Satin Bra, $40
Stella McCartney, Kate Beaming Silk Shorts, $60
Wendy Glez, Lace Racerback Cropped Camisole, $48
Stella McCartney, Lauren Whistling Thong, $75
Topshop, Riviera Triangle Bra, $32
Myla, Suki Hipster Briefs, $63

Fall 2009 Shopping | Part One: Plaid

With a heavy thud, each September issue has been landing on my doorstep reminding me that fall fashion is only one calendar page away. I've been pouring over the ads and editorials, dog-earing pages, scribbling notes in a journal and carefully considering pieces to add to my seasonal shopping list.

I'm eager to embrace plaid this autumn. As a Wisconsinite, my view of plaid has been slightly marred by years of growing up around those who consider plaid flannel shirts an everyday uniform - and a pressed cotton version as formal wear. In spite of that, here's what I'm looking to for inspiration:

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Topshop, Tartan Box Cross Body Bag, $44
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi New Propaganda Plaid Jacket, $793.65
Yesac, Unisex Tartan Plaid Fedora Hat, $22.99
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Multi Bale Sunday Dress, $646.80
Gender Bias, Puff Sleeve Ruffle Front Plaid Shirt, $288
Barneys New York, Plaid Shawl, $129
McQ, Tartan Ruffle Front Skirt, $295

And, of course, a copy Tartan: Romancing the Plaid for my coffee table.