Shopping Blues

With gas prices climbing, yet again, its hard to drop a bunch of hard-earned cash on revitalizing a girl's fall wardrobe. Plan A might be to mix a few trends into the basics you already have. Here are a few for less than $50 that might do the trick.

Go International Red Plaid Jumper - $39.99


Go International Shirred Skirt - $26.99


Go International Ruffle Tee - $17.99


Pebble Print Dress - $24.80


Kaelyn Sweater Dress - 22.80


Ruffle Neck Satin Blouse - $48.00


Ponte Pencil Skirt - $38.00


Split Neck Blouse - $29.95


Canvas SB Trench Coat - $49.80

Affection for Anthropologie

I have tons of reasons for being smitten with a lot of stuff that Anthropologie offers. The first being, their pieces have lots of personality. I also feel like (whether its actually true or not is another thing) that I don't run the risk of seeing stuff that I grab from Anthropologie on one of my friends. That's not to say my friends don't have great style, I just feel like its more likely to happen with stuff from J. Crew or the Gap. And finally, I always feel like their clothes are feminine without being too girly, which I absolutely love. I am smitten with three different dresses that I discovered in my newest catlog, including Buttonwood Sweater Dress - $158.00; Rippled Jade Dress - $158.00; and Alloy Strapless Dress - $188.00.

I am also digging the Labyrinthine Tee - $48.00; the Sidewalk Bistro Pullover - $88.00; the Contoured Cardigan - $88.00; and the Gouache Blouse - $78.00. I think I have narrowed it down to one or two pieces that I can swing, so enjoy the others for me!

MINT Jodi Arnold Shirred Tank

Here's a great little floaty Mint Jodi Arnold piece on sale. I love the coral colored piping that edges this delightfully fun tank.

Ivory Pleated Chiffon Tank

Have you ever realized that you have the makings of the perfect outfit in your closet, but are missing one small piece? That's the boat I found myself in last night. I tend to wander into my closet a few times a month and try to pull some outfits together. This process is similar to picking out tomorrow's outfit tonight, but I have found that I need a few options in the morning because sometimes I am just not feeling that one specific look. Anyhow, back to my perfect outfit. I am missing an ivory top. I have tons of white, but only one ivory blouse and its just not the look that I need. I am really close to settling on this top at Bluefly. This lovely pleated chiffon tank from Sine by Parameter might be the missing piece.

Safari Wrap Shirt

Here's an easy way to incorporate the safari look into your summer wardrobe. The classic white wrap shirt at Banana Republic with pockets and sleeve tabs. It comes in white, brown, and black for $69.

Ruffle Front Top

How fun is this top? The colors (grenadine-pictured, saffron, and olive) and the ruffles are totally delightful. Perfect with white jeans for date night or under a jacket for meetings.

Twelth Street Pintuck Belted Blouse

What can be better than this chic neutral pintuck blouse by Cynthia Vincent? The fact that its been marked down from $275 to $192.50. I am certain that these piece will go quickly, so grab one from Basic while they are still available.

Tessa Top

Up until this year, I never had any sort of bright pink in my closet. However, I have recently added a few items and I really like them. I am not sure why I ever shied away from the hue before. Its a good color for me and its almost impossible to wear it and be blue (yellow has the similar effect on me). The poppin' pink is what drew me to this floaty number at Forever 21. Outside of coming in a great summer color, I really like the tie accent and the layers of the Tessa Top. And as with most items at 21, it's totally budget-friendly at $17.80.

Lorick Mere Mere Top

I love all things Gossip Girl, although I was a wee bit disappointed with the season finale's ending. Did we really need to pair everyone up with someone new?!?! All things Gossip Girl now includes Abigail Lorick's line. And this yellow blouse at Buy Definition is my new favorite piece. I am bananas for yellow this season and when you add the ruffles and the banded short sleeves its all over.

Sweet Pea Tie Tank

I have noticed that lately I am really digging paisley prints, which is why this Sweet Pea tank initially caught my eye. And then the adjustable strap and shoulder tie reeled me in even further. If the red paisley print isn't your thing, Bluefly has lime and sky versions too. I think this could be a really versatile tank for the summer. Add jeans and heels for the evening or a jacket for work. Definitely lots of bang for your $48.

Charlotte Ronson Dotted Blouse

I adore the neckline on this airy white Charlotte Ronson blouse. Although its not really budget-friendly at $168. But but if it helps you rationalize buying it you could probably get a lot of wears out of this number. Think with jeans, under blazers and cardigans, with skirts...you get the idea.

Lux Sutton Buttondown

This vintage-inspired blouse is perfect for work! Urban has it in three colors, but I dig the navy one. It can be yours for just $48.

Asos Star Print Chiffon Blouse

Here's another keeper at Asos. The star print chiffon blouse is adorable. I love the juxtaposition of the conservative neck tie with the fun star print.

Abstract Feather Print Blouse

I really dig banded tops; I think they are ultra flattering. And this feather print blouse at Arden B has great sleeves and a colorful print. What more could a girl ask for? For me its really important to buy pieces that can I can use for work and play. Who has the time or money to shop for completely separate wardrobes? And this blouse can do both for me. Grab it for $68

Flock of Hearts Top

How great is this Marc by Marc Jacobs Flock of Hearts top? Its that perfect shade of red that will look stunning with white whatever (jacket, pants, skirt, you name it). I love the ruffles and the cap sleeves.

Ashley Blouse

Here's another great New Orleans boutique that I l0ve, Trashy Diva. And this adorable 1930's inspired blouse is delightful. Its on sale for $115, but if you can't swing that be sure to check out some of their other sale items.

Chiffon Key-Hole Tie Neck Blouse

I really wish I had stumbled onto this blouse sooner, but I really don't want to go crazy on purchasing too many tie neck blouses. I doubt the working girl phenom will last much longer than next fall. But this Nanette Lepore blouse is lovely with its puffed sleeves and banded waist.

Gap Design Editions

Need a new white shirt? Look no further than your local Gap (or their Web site). The Gap has partnered with this year's finalists of the CFDA/Vogue fund to offer new takes on the classic white shirt. Designers include Phillip Lim, Michael Bastian, Philip Crangi, Three Asfour, and Band of Outsiders. My two favorites are the low neck tie top and the patchwork shirt, but check out the design editions for yourself.

Blouses for Spring

I am loving the focus this spring on womanly suits and feminine dresses. I can't get enough of the floaty blouses. Check out some of my favorites that I have stumbled upon.


I love this Tucker Print Smocked blouse at Shopbop for $264 with skinny jeans, but I think it would look equally as stylish with a vest and wide legged trousers.

Shopbob is chock full of great blouses. Diane von Furstenberg puts a slight twist on your basic white cotton top with puffed sleeves and V neckline for $198.


In addition to puffy sleeves, ruffles have also made a comeback this season. I really like the decorative cream trim on this black chiffon blouse at Forever 21. Add this inexpensive piece to a pair of tailored white pants and you have a chic work outfit.

Kohl's offers a less expensive version of a pretty cotton blouse with puffed sleeves, but this option has a ribbon tied around the waist. That way the volume doesn't add extra poundage in the mid-section (always a plus). This top is on sale for $30.80

This romantic flutter sleeved blouse is so soft looking! Clearly (no pun intended) you would need to wear a camisole with this rosey pink top unless you wanted to really turn some heads. But this top is adorable with its pleating that stretches across the top. Check it out at Maxstudio for $69.

I have been meaning to check out the Twenty8Twelve line, but really haven't had a chance. This 50's print silk blouse at Revolve looks so comfortable and I like the layered collar, but its a little pricier at $286.

And last but not least, this tomato-colored georgette blouse is spectacular. I get ridiculously excited about color. Macy's offers this mandarin collared blouse with cap sleeves in "frost" too, but why would you get white when you can get tomato. Check it out for yourself and then grab it for $59.

Ruffle Trim Bubble Top

Sick of ruffles yet? Me neither! This top is really lovely. I definitely think I would need to add the belt like the model here has, to reduce some of the volume in the mid-section area, but I love the grey color and the ruffle trim and capped puff sleeves are sweet.