JCP 2012

JCPenney's started out February with a new pricing structure that eliminates confusing coupons, daily price deals and door busters. Now, they offer three  pricing structures: 1) Everyday Prices, 2) Month Long Values and 3) Best Prices. And, if you don't like it, or it doesn't fit, you can now return the item anytime and anywhere! I've always been a fan of JCP, but I love that they are taking a simplistic approach to customer service, and most importantly, fashion! 

I received the JCP catalog in the mail the other day and I've ear-marked several pages and circled several items per page! Spring is on its way and these are items I know I need!

Worthington's high waist skirt is packed with high wattage color! And, its right on trend for spring. Want something in one color? Their ankle pants are a perfect choice!

 

 I love that maxi dresses are still in! There is nothing more comfortable than a dress that moves with your every step and this Worthington dress fits the bill! To combat the chill that early spring can offer, pair with this MNG denim jacket.

The colored jean craze is here to stay! Two different options in fun, bright colors! (Left a.n.a. and right Bisou Bisou)

    

 My love of MNG continues! Super cute black/white skirt that can be worn with any color and the color block dress flatters all!

 

For those casz spring/summer weekends, spruce up your look with a St. John's Bay gingham button down in black/white, blue/white or mauve/white. Add their boat neck tee to jeans, shorts or layered over your button down for a little something extra. It comes an array of color combos!

I know we are only in February, but I definitely have a spring in my step as I look forward to bold colors, multi-tonal stripes and color blocking! Thanks JCP, for keeping us looking fashion forward at super affordable prices!

All photos courtesy of JCPenney.

Summer 2012

I am obsessed with the Ann Taylor Summer 2012 Lookbook! The colors, the cuts and the details are fabulous! It appears that they have gone in a new direction this summer and I'm following right behind! I've always loved their clothing, but now I'm in love! Below are a just a few of the pieces I can't wait to add to my ever growing Ann Taylor collection!

This gorgeous Marigold dress is a must-have. I love the criss-cross neckline, the draping of the skirt and how appears to glide across the body. A perfect dress for all summer festivities!

This look encompasses two of fashions hottest trends: nudes and sheers. Both of which are trends I was intending to follow! The sweater would be great layered under a blazer or worn alone, as pictured. As for the skirt, there are so many options. Take it casual and pair with a chambray or denim button down. Dress up with sequins. I love pieces that can be worn several different ways, in several different venues and make statements every time!

Who says shorts and sequined top don't exude sexy! I saw this look the other day on Twitter. This top would look lovely with the sheer skirt mentioned above, but looks so casual when paired with these shorts. And, who doesn't love shorts that can be worn to work, dinner or poolside. Now, if only I had a pool....

When life gives you lemons, wear this top! I am love yellow and would pair this with gray and navy as well as the white shown. Not only is yellow super cheery, but the sheen in this top makes it shine!

The shoes and clutch are amazingly luxe! The color is cool in tone and the texture makes it super rich. Both can be worn with a tank top, jeans and statement necklace or the royal blue sheath pictured. 

And I've said it before and I'll say it again, statement jewelry can take a bland look to a whole new level. Worn that tired blazer with the same scarf over and over? Add this amazing necklace to a low cute tank. And paired with a white tee and jeans, stunning!

Gotta great tan from lounging by the pool in the above shorts/top look? Show it off with this crazy cool cuff.

And you know how I feel about an arm party! I'm loading up my wrists these days with bangles, cuffs and chains. These acrylic bangles can be stacked four or five high for just a little extra drama!

I don't know about you, but I am ready to make a splash this summer in Ann Taylor!

And After...

Dress: Bar III, T-Neck: Land's End (gift);

Belt: Target; Boots: Halogen via Nordstrom;

Necklace: Ann Taylor (gift)

 I've read in several magazines about how to take your summer dresses and making them work for winter. In thinking about my summer dresses, I've wondered which sweaters I could pair them with and which dresses made the best sense to test. After a very long deliberation, I finally found the one! Originally, I tried pairing this with a jacket, but because the dress is actually one shouldered, the neckline was awkward. The turtleneck is perfect!  Belted to add color and a statement necklace to add drama, I am so happy with my And After look. See the Before look below.

 

It's All About Ruching

Dress: Ann Taylor (gift); Tights: We Love Color;

Shoes: Chie Mihara (gift); Sunglasses: Prada (gift)

Watch: Emporio Armani (gift); Ring: Hope Faith Miracles

Bracelets: Fossil, Ralph Lauren, JewelMint

I don't normally wear body hugging anything! Why? Well first, I don't have a body that is fit for body hugging clothing. Second, I'm afraid people will think that I think I have a body fit for body hugging clothing. And third, I've never found anything that actually fits. That is until now! This dress was a gift for Christmas and I first wore it to a post holiday party. I was amazed at how well it fit, how it didn't hug my body in all the wrong places and that it made me look thin! I decided from that moment on I would LIVE in ruching! 

The fabric is cotton so there is a lot of give. Had it been in a spandex material, well this blog post would never have taken place! When looking for something similar, make sure it is a cotton blend but heavier in cotton. Make sure the ruching isn't too tight. You should be able to place the folds where you want them, not the other way around. And, a little spandex underneath doesn't hurt either! These tights definitely help in the tummy area! And SPANX would be a great alternative when going bare legged.