J.Crew inspired outfit on the cheap

Sorry for the bad quality of this image, but I have had a period of separation from my camera and a camera phone is the best I could get. I really wanted to share this outfit because it was inspired by the J.Crew outfit above. I knew I wanted to recreate it, but I couldn't afford to buy all of the pieces from J.Crew. So I looked in my closet and put this together. Notice I am wearing Hunter Wellingtons. I was wearing high heels with this outfit in the office, but while getting dinner, I just left on my boots. I love these boots. And since we were trying a new burger and beer restaurant, I felt that my lack of formal shoe wear was acceptable. (We went to the new Michael Symon restaurant in Cleveland called, Bspot. It's delicious) I think the boots especially compliment a girly outfit like this one. (H&M Dress: $29; J.Crew striped shirt: $20; H&M Scarf: $15; Ann Taylor Loft Tights: $15; Hunter Wellington Boots: $115)

Splurge worthy: DVF wrap dress

When talking about buying quality over quantity, I think of the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. It's a classic, and it's been in style since the 70s when DVF made it famous. Though, that ample bosom in the first picture would have been totally out of style. Good thing I was born in the 80s.

If you're going to buy something expensive, think of it as a fashion investment. Make sure it's crafted well and made from quality material, and only buy items that have proven their style staying power. Then give yourself a pat on the back (or a slap on the ass if you're feeling especially saucy), because you've just entered the most fulfilling fashion commitment of your life. And possibly your most fulfilling commitment in general (heeyyy-ooohhh!).

Wow, I just made a Bret Michaels noise. New low.

Summer layering

If you work in an office and that office is fairly new with sterile looking walls and bland cubicles, than that office probably has a very strong central air conditioning unit that turns your workplace into an icy prison.

I feel your pain. I am constantly cold. When it comes to dressing, with your office in mind, it is probably a good idea to think in layers. I would never wear a strapless dress to work anyways unless I had a cardigan over it, but this is a different way to layer that creates a completely different look, while taking care of the chills.

All I did was throw on my strapless polka dot dress over a black t-shirt and paired it with these red shoes to add some color to the outfit.

I really felt like I was wearing a whole new dress all day. The polka dots and red shoes remind me of Minnie Mouse, and I like that because it takes me back to that happy place when I was a child.