College Girl Loungewear - Look for Less

MY LITTLE SISTER IS STARTING AT A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY IN THE FALL!!!!

That being said, I've had college style on my mind lately.  Specifically, how I remember wanting to look pulled together while still being *comfortable*.  You're busy enough between classes, studying, and holding a job that you need a 'no fuss' solution for your wardrobe.  Mixing and matching becomes ESSENTIAL and your budget is typically tight.

::especially if you've been saving up some of your hard earned dough for 50c beer night!::

The other day I stumbled across the following depiction of the modern College Girl's go-to wardrobe..

{source}

And thought to myself how right they were. 

I love leggings and if they were more professional I would still wear them everyday. 

Cardigan is a must as you never know what temperature your next class is going to be.

Comfy T? YES, YES, YES!  Workout, Sleep, Class.. this is a staple in every young woman's closet.

Comfortable shoes for walking around campus.

And of course some good ol' chapstick and headbands to keep those fly-aways in check when you've been leaning over books for hours at a time.

J's report of the Images pictured above:

Petite Black Ponte Panel Leggings $36 - Topshop

Felicity V-NECK T-SHIRT $75 - Reiss

QSW Storm Stripe Cascade Cardigan $94 - Quiksilver

TOMS 'Classic' Glitter Slip-On (Women) $53 - Nordstrom

Paisley & Floral Headband $2 - Forever 21

Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm $3 - Smallflower

Without hesitation I forwarded the article to my little sister, Mari, who replied

"super cute but not really for in a college budget! lol(: "

WOW. I hadn't even stopped to notice the prices... sans the $2 headbands and $3 chapstick this list is overkill for what I believe most college students consider affordable!

So I decided to re-vamp the look FOR LESS.

{Look for Less after the JUMP!}

How to be a Mah-Jor Mommie!

My friend Stella is a Stellar mom. 

Ever since she has been pregnant with her 2nd child {Penny who is due in just a few weeks!} I have been seeing countless uploaded pictures on facebook of the new renovations she has been working on preparing for this little bundle of joy.  ::nesting anyone?::  Meanwhile, she continues to look super chic - so here's a post to a hot mama who has it all!

Step 1 to being a Mah-Jor Mama:

{Have a ridiculously CHIC little family!}

Step 2 to being a Mah-Jor Mama:

{Penelope}

{Post picture of the soon-to-be newest addition of the family so others can be uuber jealous!}

Step 3 to being a Mah-Jor Mama:

{Rock the huge belly}

Work it Stella!!!

{For Steps 4 thru 8 just click to Keep Reading!}

A Summer Staple - The Black Espadrille

Looking for a multi-functional summer shoe that can take you from a casual lunch straight out to a beachy club at night?  A picnic rendez-vous or a Friday night movie date?  Look no further than a classic pair of black woven espadrilles!

Steve Madden Fantasik $80 Bestseller at Piperlime.com

Steve Madden Fraid $80 sale $69.50 at Piperlime.com

7 For All Mankind Jules $195 at Nordstroms

Stuart Weitzman Alex Sandal $365 at jildorshoes.com

Bettye Muller Sage Espadrille $170 at jildorshoes.com

GREAT FIND!!!

Qupid Konya Knit Espadrilles $24.90 at UrbanOg.com

Slightly different than the above due to the 'slide on' nature of these next wedges versus the around-the-ankle look but keeps with the same black criss-cross wedge theme...

Fiza Espadrilles $40.20 at UrbanOg.com

And I think the unique chain trim on these almost gives them a bit of a 'Rocker' vibe!

I have been known to splurge on what I call "to-die-for" items, especially when I cannot find anything similar, but when it comes to great finds I never turn my nose up at a brand before I try it - to me fashion is all about the resulting 'look', not the label! 

Question for the Day:

When you need a basic staple for your wardrobe, do you typically splurge or keep searching for that perfect deal?

Wedges - A Reoccurring Theme

Lately I've been seeing a reoccuring theme of mixing neutral & colored leather with the woven espadrille look on summer wedges - and you can scoop up some of these sexy shoes for anywhere from $49 - $118 all on sale!

Paloma Barcelo - Amaya leather and raffia wedges  $295 sale $118 at The Outnet

Naughty monkey - Divine $99 sale $79.99 on Piperlime.com

Seychelles - Harlow $90  sale $69.99 on Piperlime.com

Mia - Biscotti $59 sale $49.99 on Piperlime.com

Personally, I'm rather enamored with the Mia Biscotti's myself!  And as luck would have it, they're the best deal! (Dontcha love it when the universe seems to work out in your favor every once in awhile?)

Now the only question is, which color should I choose? Hmm...

Thoughts?!