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!

Organic Cotton Top at ShopBop

There's no such thing as too many white cotton tops in a girl's closet. I love this banded 100 percent organic cotton top by C&C California. Its the perfect easy going top for your weekend activities this summer. Shopbop has a range of sizes still available in three colors for $68.

Milly Chain Halter Top

I found myself drawn to safari-inspired pieces and this Milly halter top is no exception. The print is exquisite and with the chain detailed-neckline, you don't need to worry about a necklace. Just add a sleeve of bangles and roll. Although its pictured with brown shorts, I think I would rock it with white.

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.

Free People Applique Burnout Tee

Now I am not a person who thinks that $78 is reasonable for a freaking t-shirt, but I really like this Free People tee, particularly the color and the applique that runs diagonally down the side. And I am a sucker for tees that are super soft and I tend to think that this one would fall into that category (yes, I can tell that from my screen).

Peacock Tee at Bluefly

How fun is this ruched scoop neck tee by Romeo & Juliet Couture at Bluefly? I love the detailing around the sleeves and the Peacock print. On the model, it seems to hit at the hip, which is my favorite length for my tops.

Splendid Striped Tank

My motto is you can never have too many tank tops. I wear them constantly, either by themselves or under sweaters and jackets. I especially like this striped number by Splendid. I love the empire bustline and the fact that is hip length. Its on sale for $33.60 at Shopbop and they still have plenty of sizes in both the pool and turf (pictured)color.

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.

Green Jersey Braided Tank

I love it when small details are added to basic pieces. And this tank by Romeo & Juilet does just that. A jersey tank top isn't very exciting, but when you add the U-shaped braided strap it gets fun. The lovely shade of green and the hip-hitting length seals the deal for me. Bluefly has it on sale for $51.

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.

Ella Moss Beatrice Top

I happen to be a huge fan of most everything that is Ella Moss, and this adorably chic camisole at Shopbop is no exception. I really like the charcoal version and the crossover v-neck and empire waist are sure to be oh-so-flattering on most gals. Lucky for us, its on sale for $83.

Dip-Dyed Tanks

Are you bored with your standard tanks that comprise your collection? Add a dip-dyed tank from the Gap to your repertoire for a little sass for less than $20. I really like the idea of slipping this under a blazer for work.

Design History Ruched V-Neck

I really like the ruching on this Design History top at Bluefly. The only thing that gives me pause before snagging one for myself is the seam that sorta goes around the bust. I can't decide if the way it swings out would be flattering or not. What do you think? Although I do love the sleeves. Grab it for $32.

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.

Armani Exchange Tank

Here's a chic twist on your standard tank top. An asymmetrical twisted strap adds a little pizazz to this top. The fabric falls from just below the bust, but its not too voluminous that it makes you look like you might be sporting maternity wear, which is a huge issue with some of the empire waisted tops that I have run across. I feel like you get a lot with this piece for only $58.

Piper Tank

Going a little tank crazy tonight, but this Piper tank at J. Crew is lovely. Check out the braided detail around the neckline and don't sleep on the draping either. I think this is another great alternative to the standard tank that can take you to the office and into the evening for drinks. I personally like the fuchsia one, but decide for yourself.