Pale blue

I've really been embracing the pastels this spring, and enjoying getting reacquainted with my boyfriend jeans (hello bare ankles) and pumps. The days are finally getting noticeably longer, and this feels like the first time I've taken photos during the golden hour in ages. I'm not sure why, but every year it's such a marvel when it's 8pm and not yet completely dark. Before you know it, it will be the longest day of the year.

The Rundown
Blue Merino Wool Sweater Gap
Boyfriend Jeans Old Navy similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Shoes Me Too via TJMaxx
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Earrings Banana Republic
Necklace c/o A Jewelry Crush
Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar
Gold Chain Bracelet Thrifted similar
Opal Ring T Tahari
Gold Open Ring c/o Lumo
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Embrace the Grey" OPI

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this sweater)

and

Penniless Socialite's Look What I Got

Gifts for Mom

With April quickly coming to a close and Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time for a little list of some cute gift ideas for Mom.

I was aiming to provide pieces at every price point, but most of these things are $58. Though you could get an equally cute pom pom throw at TJMaxx for $30, or get a completely splurge worthy Celtic Motherhood Knot necklace for $660, complete with birthstones for each of Mom's children...actually the birthstones are extra and vary in price by the stone. I'm sure Mom will be just as happy with a nice card and bunch of flowers ;)

Happy Spoons, $13 by Zak Designs
Chaimae Mug, $12 at Lulu & Georgia
Mother's Day Card, $4.50 at Rifle Paper Co.
Celtic Mother's Knot Pendant, $124 at The Irish Gift House
Mom Idiom Bangle, $58 at Kate Spade
White Pom Pom Throw $58 at Hattan Home
Polish Pottery Watering Can, $58 at Blue Rose Pottery

Jeans and a tee

Few things work better on a rushed morning than the perfect combo of denim, a tee shirt, and a blazer. Add in a statement necklace and a pair of heels sure to catch eyes, no one will be the wiser that you got dressed in five minutes.

The Rundown
White Tee Loft similar
Black Blazer Kohl's similar
Distressed Jeans Old Navy similar
Leopard Pumps "Okala" Sam Edelman similar $
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Necklace Heidi Daus via The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Embrace the Grey" OPI

Floodgates

Not shopping during March was surprisingly easy and oddly satisfying. For me shopping is quite often about obsessing. I like this item, so can I get it on sale? Can I find something similar for less? It sold out?! Now I have to track it down to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost! (Within reason.)

Over the weekend I treated myself to a mini shopping spree at TJMaxx, resulting in a blush pink silk blouse, then did some secondhand shopping at Coco's on the Green, where I scored a J.Crew sequined tee and pair of J.Crew navy Minnie pants.

A stop at the thrift store yielded a black merino wool flyaway cardigan from Gap, in addition to an irresistible gold vase.

An extra half off at Banana Republic resulted in a new pair of earrings, and now I've got my eye on this pair.

A black scalloped edge swimsuit from Charlotte Russe found it's way to my doorstep, and oh yeah, I placed an order at Old Navy too...

It would seem that once I allowed myself to shop again, all self control went out the window, and the struggle to find happiness in moderation continues. Also, I really want this pineapple necklace.

The Rundown
Striped Tunic J.Crew similar
White Jeans Old Navy
Denim Jacket Gap similar
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Panama Hat J.Crew
Earrings Belonged to my Grandma similar
Knot Necklace Thrifted similar
Knot Bracelet Banana Republic
Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar
Brianna Bracelet Perry Street via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Knot Ring c/o Emitations similar
Nail Color "Embrace the Grey" OPI

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

Monday Mingle

Those lips

There is something about a quirky print that always brings a smile to my face, and this lip print sweater from The Shopping Bag is especially cheeky. If you have yet to hear of the Shopping Bag, they are an online boutique which strives to provide a variety of unique items at attainable price points.

Their goods rages from housewares, to beauty, to clothes and jewelry and seldom does an item cost more than $100. I love their nautical inspired items, like this adorable striped dress, and cute anchor ring. Feeling sad you missed out on Lilly for Target? I bet these pineapple jars will cheer you up! Another highlight of the Shopping Bag is that many of their clothing items, such as the aforementioned striped dress, are made in the USA, so be sure and keep an eye out.

I hope you take a look around The Shopping Bag and should you find something you love, be sure and use the code CHICONTHECHEAP for 25% off your order! Code expires May 24, 2015.

The Rundown
Kisses Knit Sweater c/o The Shopping Bag
Denim Pencil Skirt Lux via The Label Exchange similar
Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar
White Mini Satchel Tignanello via TJMaxx similar
Pavé Bar Earrings TJMaxx similar
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Pearl and Rhinestone Ring Forever 21
Nail Color "Back to the Fuchsia" Sally Hansen

Impossible to resist

I went to J.Crew to make an exchange last week, and the item I needed was not in stock at that location. While the sales associate was calling other stores to track it down, I was left standing idle at the counter, with a huge pile of marked down jewelry staring me in the face.

Hexagon bangles were obviously hugely tempting, but in the end it was this 'Cloudy Agate Bracelet' that I tried on and could not take off (thankfully, unlike many rings I've tried on, I mean this figuratively).

The extra 40% off sale items in the store really made it irresistible, and I'm counting it as a birthday treat :)

The Rundown
Striped Blazer Loft similar

Navy Tank Gap similar
Boyfriend Jeans Old Navy similar
Shoes Me Too via TJMaxx similar
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Taner Bar Studs Sophie Harper via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)

Necklace Gorjana via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Necklace Banana Republic similar

Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Gold Framed Monogram Ring c/o Onecklace
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Back to the Fuchsia" Sally Hansen

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore these jeans)

and

Penniless Socialite's Look What I Got

A few favorites

I never manage to plan my outfits the night before. There once was a time when I did this, and no matter how lovely or relaxing the following morning would be, I can't seem to stick with it.

Therefore, I find myself reaching for the same pieces, because they work and I love them, and I don't care that I spill something on these white jeans every time I wear them. I will just keep washing them until they fall apart.

The Rundown
Polka Dot Chambray Shirt c/o JACHS
White Jeans Old Navy
Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via ebay similar$
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana & Griffin
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova via Lucky Fabb
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports
Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban via Ditto
Nail Color "Back to the Fuchsia" Sally Hansen