Caving to the Crop

I've been trying to figure out a way to get into the cropped sweater trend, and until now I honestly wasn't feeling it. Styles I've seen often appear too winged out at the sides, or in too thin of a fabric which (to me) come across as cropped for the sake of being flirtatious vs. legitimate fashion. (*If that's your thing though, rock it! It's just not for me.) Anyway, so when I saw the cropped sweater pictured above I thought, "Ah! I've found it!"– what I appreciate about this particular cropped style is the fitted structure as well as the heavy knit. 

I've paired this preppy and Autumn appropriate look with a casual up-do inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker's infamous character, Carrie Bradshaw. Keep reading to find out what other items I've pulled to style it!

Earrings: Etsy seller 'smallbluethings' Gold Hoop Earrings w/ London Blue Briolette Charm, $22

Top: ModCloth Crop Star Sweater, $54.99

Top: JCrew (Factory) Drapey Stripe Pullover Hoodie in Blue Stripe, $39.50 (*Sale)

Pants: Madewell Widelegger Jeans in Explorer Wash, $79.50 (*Sale)

Shoes: UO Kimchi Blue Wood Platform Pump in Brown, $49

Total Cost of this Outfit: $244.99

Almost $300 for a denim look? By swapping in a few of your own items, this look is certainly accomplishable for less!

• Omit the denim cost. While I love me some wideleg tailored-looking denim, a bootcut jean would suffice here as well. A skinny jean would also work, but I'd style them with riding boots instead– for visual interest.
• Omit the brown leather heel cost and swap-in a pair of brown heels, clogs, ankle boots or oxfords of your own.
• You could just as easily finish off this look with a simple gold hoop or statement earring of your own – be creative!

And maybe complete the look with a nice bronzey/brown eye like this one by TiffanyD: Tiffany's Everyday Smokey Eye Makeup.

Nautical Goes Autumn

After what was a gorgeous weekend in Chicago, the final clusters of leaves have turned their colors and we start the depressing process of bringing our colder weather clothing out of storage, as we know winter is on the horizon. In leu of the last hints of Summer and sunshine making their departure, I figured I'd compose a 'nautical-goes-Autumn' outfit of the day as a send-off. Coupled with a runway-inspired pony and casual smoky lower-lash-line swipe of navy via the lovely Sienna Miller, this look feeds our final Summer cravings.

The Breakdown:
Earrings: Kate Spade Signature Spade Studs in 14k Gold, $38
Top: TopShop Knitted Striped Short Jumper in Camel, $80
Necklace: Etsy seller 'BriguysGirls' Genuine Aspen Leaf 24k Gold Necklace, $36.55 (*Sale)
Pants: Zara Palazzo Trousers in Navy, $89.90
Shoes: NineWest Beeout in Dark Red Suede, $62.30 (*30% off Sale)
(Shadow pictured: Urban Decay Shadow in Goddess, $17)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $306.75

Sccrrreeeech!! Hold the phone– we can do better than that!

How to Save on this Look:

• While I'm sucker for ultra-classic touches like Kate Spade jewelry, to be reasonable one could out with the spade studs and in with a solid gold stud of their own.
• Same story with the Etsy necklace... If you already own a piece of gold, long pendant jewely or a maybe even a cameo pendant – use your own.
• Even though the NineWest shoes are on sale, you could save (almost) $15 and nab a similar pair from Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Suede Pointy Kitten Heel in Red, $49. Or, save altogether and swap-in your own camel, cognac or brown leather or suede shoe.

By making a few swaps and compromises, you can easily cut the bill in half!

Pretty in Pink

As I popped a grapefruit Halls Vitamin C drop in my mouth this morning– battling an on-coming cold, I had an idea for today's outfit of the day! I know, random... but I went with it. A preppy punch of pink to contrast what is a cool and grey day in Chicago (55º), and cozy high-neck cardigan paired with a casual pony inspired by Reese Witherspoon is the recipe for this cold medicine inspired look! :)

The Breakdown:
Earrings: Etsy seller 'PaintSwatchJewelry' Recycled Pink Earrings, $15
Top: JCrew Factory Perfect Shirt in Mineral Grey Plaid, $44.50 (*Sale)
Top: ModCloth Corner Coffee Shop Cardigan, $59.99
Belt: American Eagle Braided Leather Ring Belt in Brown, $29.50
Pants: Express Zelda Jean Legging in Spiced Guava, $69.90
Shoes: DSW Heaven Patent Flat in Taupe, $39.95
(*Cuff on model's right wrist: Express Sculpted Metal Cuff in Shiny Gold, $24.90)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $258.84 (not including the cuff).

Not terrible, but not great...

How to Save on this Look:

• Omit the fun paint chip earrings, and swap-in your own pair of solid silver of gold posts or hoops.
• Don't purchase an accessory if you have one that could do the trick! Therefore, use a brown belt you may already have.
• Same principal with the shoes– if you have a neutral flat, use your own!

By swapping-in your own accessory basics, you can accomplish a similar look for under $175! You could afford two more tops with the savings!