Skimp or Splurge?

Last week, I saw this beautiful open cardigan by Joie on fellow blogger Christine Andrew.  #Need.

I loved it. I wanted it. I saw the price tag. I passed out.

Maybe it's just me, but I can't fathom paying $448 for a sweater.  I love high-quality pieces that I'll use forever, but that price was way too steep.  So when I was perusing Target last week, I noticed they had sweaters on sale.  Then I spotted this beauty - and immediately couldn't believe how similar the sweaters are!

The Target sweater is thick and is surprisingly higher quality than their stuff normally is.  Bonus: it's only $29.99!  Target is also currently having a sale on sweaters.  They're buy-one get-one 50% off (and be sure to check Cartwheel for coupons, too - I got an extra 10% off).  So I ended up with that sweater and a faux fur vest (I can't find the one I got online UPDATE: the vest can be found here!) for about $40. Booyah.

So, which one would you get?  Would you splurge on the the by Joie or go with the Target sweater?

Oversized Plaid Scarf + Sneak Peak

Last week when Fran posted about this scarf, I knew I had to rush over to Target to get it!  I've been loving the trend and wanted to make sure I had one when the temps started to dip.  What's even better?  It was cool enough this weekend to wear it!

Me and my friend Katie (aka "sister")

Even though we're die-hard Bama fans, we couldn't pass up going to the Auburn vs. LSU game and tailgating with friends! Notice how I am not wearing anyone's colors :)

That's me in the center! So, you get a better idea of the scarf.

I really love the scarf!  I can already tell it's going to be a staple this fall and winter.  It's big and oversized, the colors are wonderful and it's super warm!  I could actually use it as a small blanket if I really wanted to.

The best part?  It's only $16.99!  So get ya'self one.

So I'm still working on a few tweaks to our living room, but here's a sneak peak at our layered rugs...

Hope y'all are having a great week!  We're halfway there folks.

Personal Styling Without Obligation

Well, we have been MIA for awhile now. I have been home about one day a week for the last three weeks due to work travel (and I leave again today!). So, it's been a crazy month. 

But, I'm here today to tell you about a new obsession of mine. Have you ever longed for a personal stylist without the obligation or awkwardness of buying what they pick out for you? Well, look no further than Keaton Row.

Via

My friend, Alexia (shout out!), introduced me to the free service. Basically, you fill out a style profile and they match you with a stylist. The stylist puts together several looks for you based on your preferences, and you can pick and choose what you want to buy. The stylist then gets a commission from the retailers, so there's no obligation for the client!

All of the clothes/shoes/accessories come from Nordstrom, Shopbop, asos, and Les Nouvelles, so there are tons of options and lots of price points and name brands. 

My stylist, Melissa, has put together several looks for me already, and I've purchased a few items that I really love including this little number...

Via

And, for those natural fashionistas out there, you can apply to be a stylist with Keaton Row and start getting paid for what you love to do!

So, check it out. Like I said, there's no obligation. And, you can get $25 off your first purchase of $200+ with the code REFERFRIEND25.

Let us know if you sign up, and tell us all about your stylist!

This is not a sponsored post. I just love Keaton Row, and I thought you would too!

Hunting: Black Leather Wedge Booties

Last year, DV by Dolce Vita came out with the 'Gino' bootie and I immediately loved them, pinned them and purchased them (especially after Maeci told me she already had them and loved them).  Maeci and I both have them in the cognac color...

Since I'm shorter and have shorter legs, I need to stick with booties that hit at the ankle and not above it so it it elongates my legs and doesn't cut them off.  I was bummed that these booties didn't come in a plain black leather - they came in the cognac, black suede and a black leather with a leopard back.  So now I'm on the hunt for a comfortable pair of black leather wedge booties.  I've found a few options that seem to fit the bill...

Via Spiga 'Harrison'

Kenneth Cole 'Sloane'

Seychelles 'Won't Wait' Bootie

Bandolino 'Siaka'

Vince Camuto 'Karmel'

What do you think?  Did I miss any options out there?  Have you found some I need to try?  If so, send them my way!

Cat-like Reflexes

Happy Friday! Thank goodness for a short week this week, right? The past several years, leopard print has been a huge trend - and I definitely don't see it going anywhere any time soon.  I love leopard as an accent, the focal point for an outfit and I love that leopard is considered a neutral now!

Here are a few of my favorite leopard items I've seen for fall...

via Piperlime

I picked up the dress below recently and let me tell you: the picture online does not do it justice.  It is the perfect little shift dress, and looks great dressed up or down. Pair it with a blazer and pumps for work, or denim jacket and black ankle boots (like these) for a more casual look.  I'm on the hunt for some brightly colored blazers to pair with it, too!

via Ann Taylor

via American Eagle

via Ann Taylor

via Banana Republic

via Nordstrom

via Nordstrom

Also, Ann Taylor has been killing it lately. KILLING IT.  They definitely stepped up their game, which is good considering Montgomery doesn't have a whole lot of shopping options.  Do y'all love the leopard trend?  Or have you completely decided against it?

Link Love

1  ::  This hack has me thinking I need to make an Ikea run.
2  ::  I love a good monogram.



2  ::  This video is pure joy.
3  ::  I want to wallpaper my entire house with this paper.

4  ::  This mirror needs to find its way to my home asap.
5  ::  This outfit has me yearning for cooler temps.

6  ::  I could eat this several times a week and be completely happy.

7  ::  I would be perfectly happy with this art all over my home - good thing there's a giveaway!

8  ::  My favorite lipstick (especially the Mulberry color!).

9  ::  I've got these boots on my radar.

Happy Friday!

Fashion Trend :: The Jumpsuit

Good Tuesday morning ladies (and the two gentlemen who only read this because they are married to us)!  A few weeks ago we had a few lovely days that made us think fall was right around the corner.  Wrong.  Mother nature tricked us again.  It's hot and humid and dreary today, which only makes me more ready for fall weather, college football, jeans, sweaters and all of those adorable fall outfits.

One piece I've seen popping up is the jumpsuit - which I LOVE.  It's so easy, but looks incredibly chic.  Here are a few favorites I found...

DVF 'Dezi' Blouson Jumpsuit

Secret Charm Geo Print Jumpsuit

H&M Jumpsuit

Blue Life Boho Romper

Splendid Jumpsuit

Are y'all digging the jumpsuit look?  Have y'all found any out there that are just too good to pass up?  Let us know!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

Last week, we had one odd day here in Montgomery that gave us a glimpse into some wonderful fall weather.  Of course it's back up in the 90s now, but that little glimpse got us totally ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!  It's the moooost wonderful tiiiiiime....sorry.  But this is probably my favorite sale of the year.  So, here are a few of my favorite picks from the sale...

Tildon Scoop Back High/Low Shift Dress

Halogen Mixed Media Sheath Dress 

Franco Sarto Obelisk Knee High Boot 

Jolt Colorblock Faux Leather Boucle Knit Coat 

Kendra Scott 'Elle' Drop Earrings 

kensie Faux Leather Mixed Media Dress 

Tildon Textured Open Front Cardigan

Hobo 'Lauren' Clutch

Kate Spade One in a Million Initial Pendant 

Pleione Mixed Media Tunic

I'm definitely going to pick up a few items - just need to narrow down which ones!  Maeci already got her order in, so I guess I need to catch up :)  Do y'all shop the anniversary sale every year like we do?  Let us know what you picked up or what you have your eye on!

Currently Crushing :: Anthropologie

Hello!  Happy Monday!  Sorry for the radio silence guys.  With Maeci on her honeymoon still and me being out of town for business last week, this little ol' blog fell to the wayside.  But don't worry - things are back on track!

I received the most recent Anthropologie catalog in the mail last week and while skimming through I saw several items that I wanted to make sure I pinned to my style board on Pinterest.  The jewelry drew me in, but I found much more once I was online.  Isn't that how it always is?

Lately, Anthropologie has been killing it.  The past few years their stuff has been a little iffy.  Almost like the stuff looked kinda cute, but the quality and fit just weren't there.  I don't think I even bought two items there over the past several years, when I used to find stuff all the time.  But lately, I've found several items I'm really loving.

Here are just a few of the items that caught my eye...

Pincelada Tunic (bought this one a few weeks ago and LOVE it!  It's on sale now with an extra 20% off!)

Joliette Pendant Necklace

Flower District Jumpsuit

Verity Pearl Necklace

Solana Swing Dress

Filifera Slingbacks

Alsace Tee

Aren't they lovely?  I'm going to keep my eye on several of these to see if they get added to their sale, although I don't know if I can wait on some of them.  Do you have your eye on any of these items?  Are you finding more items at Anthro recently like me?