Joe Fresh for JCP

On a much needed break from the boys this past weekend, I decided to venture to my "happy" place...the wonderful world of retail. In Greenville, SC this means the mall on a cold, dreary March day. After hearing about JCP's new store within a store, Joe Fresh, I had to check it out. I normally do not shop at JCP and on the few occasions I have ventured into the store, have left disappointed. Since their recent restructuring and re-branding, I have still struggled to find items that peak my interest. This time was a different story. I was immediately drawn in by the bright, cheerful, newly renovated and ironically, "fresh" looking space.  I loved the boutique-like feel and the organized, easy to shop tables and racks.  The spring line was full of color and right on trend.  I was even more impressed after I saw the price tags, so cheap! So far I had found cute, trendy items that seem to be of somewhat good quality at a reasonable price. They were merchandised well in an easy to shop environment. The real test was to try on some items and see about the fit. I will admit that I only tried on tops but was pleasantly surprised. Even though I didn't try them on, the pants and denim looked and felt great!  I did have a hard time finding my size in several items.  After talking to the sales associate, I found out they were selling the heck out of Joe Fresh, so that explains why it was hard to find my size.  I ended up leaving with 2 tops and a receipt totaling $30.   I am impressed and will definitely add Joe Fresh to my places to shop. I just hope they can keep it going.

My personal finds:

 

This tank will go with all my colored skinnies and shorts.  

Crochet-Trim Tank Top in Off-White 

 

I honestly wasn't sure about this top until I tried it on...love it!  

The color is fabulous and will look great with white skinnies or shorts paired with a wedge.

Smocked-Neck Crinkly Chiffon Top in Aqua

Other great Joe Fresh items:

 

Bubble Tank Top 

Ribbed Cardigan

Gingham Shirt

  

I want a pair in every color!

Slim Fit Color Jeans

Print Canvas Short 

 Pleated Peplum Pencil Skirt 

Some great styles, right?!  

Now ya'll go check it out for yourselves!

Spring Dresses

Easter is upon us, so time to start thinking about Easter outfits.  As a little girl, I remember I couldn't wait until Easter.  Well obviously the Easter Bunny would be bringing me goodies, but I loved getting to wear my new Easter dress and new white shoes to church.  It's a little bit different with boys since I can't put them in dresses, but I can shop for other items.  :)  I was so excited to buy them their first pair of little white shoes, knee socks, and white sweaters.  I know I know, but I couldn't resist.  After getting the boys squared away, I decided I needed to update my Easter wardrobe as well.  I have had the same Easter dress for years now.  There are so many pretty spring styles out right now that it's hard to narrow it down to just one.  I did splurge on my dress, which I rarely do. Side-note:  I do not normally buy the boys' clothes at a boutique or full price, but I feel that one nice splurge outfit a season is perfectly fine.  I shop consignment, sales, eBay, and lower price stores for the boys' everyday clothes.  That is a post for another time though.  

Here is my personal Easter dress find:

I will add a white cardigan, pearls, and some great wedges.  This dress will take me from Spring through Summer and will last years.  I have no problem spending a little extra money on items that I can wear for a very long time.  These pieces need to be classic and timeless. 

Lilly Pulitzer Payton Dress

Here are some other great purse-friendly options:

 

Pineapple Punch Dress from ModCloth

 

Love this sundress from J.Crew Factory.  

So simple, yet you can dress it up with jewelry, shoes, scarves, or a cardigan.

J.Crew Factory Sundress

 

Floral prints are huge this spring.

Secret Garden Dress by Rhyme Los Angeles 

You can't get more classic than navy and polka dots.

Pim + Larkin Taylor Polka Dot Dress 

This is for all the Vol fans.  This is will take you from Easter to football games in the fall.

Judith March Orange and Cream Seersucker Dress 

 

In love with this dress!  Judith March knows how to do it.

Linen Sweetheart Neckline Dress with Belt 

 The ever popular chevron in a shift dress. 

Zig Zag Shift Dress from Sosie 

 How cute is the back of this dress?  Another Judith March creation.

Turquoise Pique Criss Cross Bow Back Dress with Moroccan Tile Skirt 

  

Workout Gear

Most of ya'll know I'm kind of obsessed with working out.  I teach 2 different types of classes at the gym (weight and cardio based) in addition to running, occasional yoga, and running after 2 little boys. :)  To be honest, I am in workout clothes more than regular clothes.  I have tried several different types, brands, etc of workout/yoga apparel and have found what I like the best.  I have highlighted some of my favorite outfits and fitness apparel below.

 Lululemon is so expensive, but I have yet to find a pair of shorts that I like better than their speed short.  I have mentioned these before, but they truly are the best running shorts ever! 

 

Black tank from Target (old)similar, 

VSX Incredible Sports Bra in Neon Pink and Black 

Speed Short in Chevron

Black tank from Target (old) similar

VS Runway Sports Bra in Black
Speed Short in Big Polka Dot

 Cool Racerback in Navy

Speed Shorts in Yellow and Navy  

Cool Racerback in Petit Dot Faded Zap

Speed Short in Black

Here are some other great fitness apparel finds:

Love the color and side tie. 
This is a great tank for those bloated, fat days.
Old Navy Mesh Bubble Tank

 FYI-This tank is very comparable to the
Lululemon Cool Racerback and only half the price!

GapFit Racer Tank


Love love these!  They fit perfectly.
Under Armour Perfect Leggings

The best crops ever: fit and feel amazing! 
Pricey but worth every penny.
Of course they're Lululemon.
Wunder Under Crop

The fit on this is amazing.
Plus, love the thumb holes.

Nike Half Zip Top 

 

Can't beat Target sports bras for the price.

Seamless Racer Bra

Now get ya sweat on!

The Denim Jacket...A Staple

As Spring is approaching, we are seeing all the new light, airy, fun, and colorful clothes on the racks.  It is finally March and unfortunately winter is still very much around.  I know we are all dying for a wardrobe change.  Even though it might be a little too cold to bare your arms with all the new spring tops and dresses, the perfect solution is a great fitting denim jacket.  Perhaps the most basic of items and, in my mind, a must-have year round.  It's the perfect item for transitioning into spring and so easy to throw on over dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, etc on these last chilly days.  I have to admit I have had the same denim jacket since my freshman year of college, which was over 12 years ago...what?!  Yes, it's true.  That just goes to show how classic and timeless the denim jacket is.  That being said, I finally broke down and updated.  Here is my find:

Express Denim Jacket 

This jacket just happens to fit me perfectly, and naturally I had a coupon to use which made it much cheaper.  :)  Of course there are many great styles of denim jackets out there at wonderful prices.  

Here are some others I found:

 

 Totally Boss Jacket from ModCloth 

 Zara Ripped Short Denim Jacket

Asos Cropped Denim Boyfriend Jacket 

 Blank Denim Jacket 

I couldn't resist sharing some ways to wear a denim jacket...endless possibilities.