Romantic Ruffles for Spring!

Thank you to everyone who popped by to meet Karen and read my guest post for her blog on Monday! I really appreciate it. If you didn't catch that post, you can read it {here}.

When springtime comes I instantly feel attracted to everything delicate, soft, airy, girly and pretty. Ruffles have always had a place in fashion but over the past few spring seasons we've seen them make a big comeback in both our home as well as the runway. Everything from blouses, dresses to scarves to ruffled blazers, clutches and shoes. A lot of brides are opting for dresses adorned with ruffles now more than ever.

My sweet friend { L} got married a few weeks ago wearing this beautiful ruffled gown. She is  shown here alongside of her flower girl and was such a stunning bride!

While I'm a bikini kind of gal I do love this turquoise ruffled one-piece swimsuit by Shabby Apple.

True Parisian glamour! I rarely wear a dress with sleeves, especially in spring or summer but this one is stunning! You can find it featured {here}.

 This ruffled cardigan is from JCrew and comes in 4 different colors, it's perfect for Spring's unpredictable weather.

My closet is home to a few ruffled tops, a scarf and even a dress which I've had for a few years and love today just as much as the day I purchased them. You might remember me sharing these comfy ballet flats from Target that I purchased a few months ago which are trimmed with just the perfect touch of ruffle detail.

I'm also a fan of small doses of ruffles in home decor. Lately I've been doing some shopping for clients and coming across some really beautiful items. I wanted to share a few for those that are  into romantic ruffles also.

A Few of my Ruffled Favorites

This is Potterybarn's ruffled jersey organic sheet set. What's not to love?! Not only is it soft and romantic but it has cottage charm and it's good for you and the environment. That will help you sleep at night. They also offer a ruffled turkish organic duvet cover and sham set as well, so over or under, they've got you covered!

I found this image and tutorial at Just a Girl and thought this would be a cute lampshade DIY. Her finished product shown above was inspired by the Anthropologie ruffled lampshade.

Target offers this ruffles shower curtain for just $25! I've seen something similar available in other stores like Anthropologie for about 4x the price so this is a steal! The soft and feminine detail would add a bit of 'pretty' to any bathroom.

This Floret ruffled rosette pillow from Zgallerie was a recent selection for a client's master bedroom reading chair.I love that it is linen, so light and airy.

I hope you all have a sweet weekend! :)

Have you bought anything with ruffles recently? I'd love to hear about it!



*tablecloth, cake

Secrets to Fall Fashion for Less!

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I'm loving all of the gorgeous fall fashion trends this year, there really is something for everyone. As much as I'd love to go out and buy a ton of cool-weather goodies, the budget simply does not allow for it, as is the case for many I know.  Instead of thinking about all the fun stuff I'd be missing out on, I decided to find a budget-friendly resource and have I found just the thing! Since my latest blog poll voter asked for more fashion posts, I wanted today's post to share just that. Ask and you shall receive!

Last month I discovered a great blog which focuses specifically on whole outfits that are under $100 and include accessories too! I am so glad I found it and I've been having so much fun looking at pieces that I adore, but are on the cheap. Without further ado, here is my favorite fashion blog. Awesome, right? Dana does a great job assembling outfits seen on celebrities for a fraction of the cost as well as costume inspiration and specific items for under $50, etc..

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES:

Jennifer Aniston's Look for $96.78

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Cindy Crawford's Look for $91.30

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5 Under $50: Ruffle Shoes

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Victoria Beckham's Style for $99.27

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5 Under $50: Banana Republic

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Every day I'm continually amazed by what Dana is able to find. She also does a lot of reader requests such as those that are going to a highschool reunion and haven't a clue what to wear. If you write her, she'll suggest something great for you.

Do you adore a great handbag? I have another little secret website that I've fallen in love with, it features the red bag at the top of this post. It's called HandBagHeaven and ALL handbags start at $15 and are no more than $75!

If you missed it, here is my last post on 2009 Fall Fashion Trends!

How about you? What are your favorite fashion trends? What is your latest and greatest purchase? Leave a comment and share it with us!

Update your Spring Wardrobe!

Spring has sprung and many ladies are packing up their winter wardrobe in favor of beautiful spring pieces. Here are a few tips to keep your Spring clothing trendy, tasteful and classy!

1. Sort through what you have. Set aside about 30 minutes for yourself. Sort through all of your spring/summer clothes and try each piece on in front of a mirror, if you have a 3 way mirror, even better. Trying everything on now ensures that you know what fits, what may not and what you absolutely don't want in your closet anymore. Now, create 4 small piles-One for pieces you love and they fit and do not need repair, one for pieces that need repair such as a button sewn on or a hem re-stitched and the third for donation/give-away items. These clothes can be donated or sold to a consignment shop. The last pile is for items that don't currently fit. You'll need to make the call on whether you plan to lose weight and keep it or if you just need to put it in pile 3 for donation, etc. This allows you to know now what needs to be repaired/dry-cleaned so you have it ready when you need it, this sorting process also organizes the items you own so that you have more room to keep the clothes you love wrinkle-free and you know now to buy another white v-neck tank top.

2. Decide how much you have to invest in new pieces and accessories. It may only be $50-100 and that will work. In this case, you'll want to watch for sales and look at shops like Ross, Target, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Pick pieces that add a bit of trendiness. Maybe you purchase one new dress or tank top in a spring color like fuschia or a new pair of inexpensive gladiators to add to your shoe collection. You could also invest in some fun belts to use with dresses or to wrap around your waist over a fitted blazer. Cinched waists that create a feminine silhouette are all the rage! You can also invest in some longer necklaces, hoop earrings, or some bangles to add some interest to your outfit. An outfit is not complete without accessories, so I highly recommend adding some, even a colorful scarf added to your handbag works as an accessory. Have fun with it, you don't need to break the bank!

3. Wear ONLY what Flatters and Fits! Too many women make the mistake of keeping and wearing clothes that are one or more sizes too small. Some think that the tight clothing makes them look younger and makes them feel that they can still fit into a size "x". The fit is more important than the number on your jeans. Wear only what fits you and flatters your body type. It's better to spend your money on a few classic pieces that will last and really flatter your figure rather than use it all up on numerous pieces that are trendy but don't fit your or highlight your best assets.

4. Just Add Color! Many people are so used to be trapped in the black, brown and gray zone, especially during winter months that is sometimes continues into spring. Spring is all about blooming flowers, rejuvination, new life and color. Add a little color to your outfit even if it is only in the form of a handbag or a pair of shoes. Go outside of your comfort zone and buy a bikini in jade green or purple instead of the usual black. Start introducing white into your wardrobe too to lighten it up. Don't get me wrong-the combination of black and white is very classic and can be seen on many spring runways however don't let it be ALL that you wear. Color naturally adds interest, draws attention to you and appears more "happy" too.

5. Go Feminine- Springtime fashion usually conjures up thoughts of florals, pretty colors, pastels and girliness. There's no time like 2009 to crank up your femininity. With ruffles, sheer fabrics, flower prints and cinched waistlines, you're sure to find something that appeals to you and will show off your figure. Dresses are a must this season, but if you don't enjoy heels there are a lot of cute styles that do incorporate ballet flats or sandal flats. Try cuffed shorts, a pretty blousy top, a cute floral dress with your flats. So enjoy being comfortable, fashionable yet still feminine.