Sweater Weather for Every Budget

(img via chalk full of love -- the cutest mugs you ever did see!)

Ask any female: One of the best parts of Fall is the return of cozy sweaters. After spending all Summer in barely there swim suits and body-hugging dresses, it feels good to let ourselves relax a bit in oversized, chunky knits. And let's all be honest, not only are they more comfortable but there's more room for our favorite Fall comfort meals (chili, soup, baked goods...and all pumpkin flavored, of course... supes #basic).

The perfect sweater keeps you warm, works as a great layering piece and looks great with both leggings and jeans. There are endless options so we've narrowed down a few of our favorites by price point...just so you know, for every save, you're allowed a splurge. It just makes sense!

UNDER $50

UNDER $75

UNDER $150

P.S. How cute is this candle? Sarah knows the way to our cozy hearts!

Happy Shopping (& FRI-YAY!)

Xo,

Rocked it & Swapped it: Polka Dot Skirt

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In our opinion, polka dots are one of the easiest to style in the print family, as they remain timeless and always showcase individual personality. In order to keep them modern (and not Minnie Mouse like from the days of our childhood), we try to pair dots with current trends, neutral staples and complimentary patterns.

Tip for pattern mixing? Your polka dots should be dramatically bigger or smaller than the accompanying print. This shows that you’re aware you’re mixing patterns, and that you’re doing it intentionally. For example, if you’re wearing a striped blouse, make sure those stripes are dramatically bigger or smaller than the polka dots on your skirt. It establishes a pattern hierarchy so that not every design is operating at the same volume, making your ensemble easier on the eyes.

What is your favorite way we have worn this Old Navy style?

source // source  Here are some cute polka dot skirts currently selling at every price point:

Rocked it & Swapped it

I am in love with Kaitlyn's faux leather midi skirt from Forever 21. It can be dressed up or down and styled for so many occasions. It really is a staple piece I never knew I always needed! I truly followed suit when I styled it mirroring the idea of pairing this skirt over a dress (worn as a top). I loved how Kaitlyn's polkadot and leopard print popped when she wore it. When I got my hands on it, navy stripes seemed like the way to go and neither look would be complete without a great denim jacket! 

Do you love this look? Shop your own faux leather midi skirt below! (Most under $45!)

Must-Have Spring Shoes for 2016

Lisa's Wish List:

Each year I try to add some neutral flats, wedges, and crop boots to my wardrobe. Since these will become my daily staples, I like to keep them brown, black, and navy so they effortlessly add to what I already have and wear. I totally want all white chucks this year, a color I have avoided in footwear for years. Yes, it is hard to keep it clean, but I feel like these are a must have for this Spring. In addition, I am loving the gladiator evolution and can not wait to add a few pair of those to my collection as well! And don't forget a pair of pastel pumps, a staple for every spring wardrobe for sure!

Kaitlyn's Wish List:

To a certain extent, I am Lisa's opposite when it comes to my Spring shoe collection. Post Winter, I look forward to incorporating more color into my wardrobe, so I'll be looking for a few statement pairs of shoes in bright blues, pinks and stripes to add a bit of playful qualities to my looks. I have always been in love with sneakers with everything, so I'm really glad everyone else has decided to participate in this trend as well... I love these striped and glitter keds and am also on the hunt for the ultimate pair of women's high tops...keep me posted if you have any suggestions! 
What shoes are on your list this Spring?
Xo,

How We Do Date Night

Whether you've been married 10 years or dating 10 weeks, date night is an event that should never lose its spot on the calendar. It may feel redundant to hear that seeing how every Glamour dating column includes this as a way to "keep the spark alive" but we're beating a dead horse for a reason, ladies. A Redbook survey of readers found 45 percent of couples "rarely" have date nights while 18 percent said they manage to go out around once a month. This is not enough!

Finding time for the two of you, whether it’s as simple as dinner and a movie or trying something new, like a weekend East Coast road trip (hint, husband!), is so important, as these moments are reminders of why you fell in love and contributing factors to creating new shared experiences.

Whatever your plans are for a night with your favorite, we've got you covered! Looking for something new to do in the city? Try this guide on for size. For everything from style to home decor, shop our favorite looks for love right here:

Date night style tip: Soft romantic looks always work...think blush tones, sequin embellishments and tulle. After all, when else can you dress like an adult ballerina and get away with it? ;)

See some of our other date night looks here:

Pin-up glam | Retro Mod | Casual Plaid | Dinner for Two

How often do you do date night?
Do you dress up, even for date nights in?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Us Midwest gals need accessories like blanket scarves to stay warm during the harsh winter months. Or at least that is what I tell myself as my scarf collection is ever growing ;) Personally, I have over five at this point, so when it came to shopping for Kaitlyn's birthday, I knew what I wanted to get her. I picked her up this beautiful scarf (and the hat she is wearing in her outfit below) and I loved how she styled them. The white top and distressed denim are perfect for everyday wear and those boots are amazing! Clearly I loved the hat I got her so much, I bought myself one too. One for you, one for me... I can't be the only one who shops like this, am I? 
When I found her scarf in our most recent swap bag I did a mini happy dance. I did not think I would get to borrow it so soon! I too styled the scarf for everyday wear. We are experiencing subzero weather here now and I am loving styling it with tunics and sweaters, with denim, and my super warm winter boots. 
Here is how we both styled the blanket scarf: 
Do you love this style for everyday wear? 
I added some of my favorite plaid and printed scarves currently selling below so you can shop the look! 

Rocked it & Swapped it

To say we are both vest obsessed would be an understatement. Kaitlyn and myself can not stop styling vests over everything form our everyday wear to our night-out styles. 
When Kaitlyn wore it for a night in the city, she paired it perfectly over a white button up shirt and skinny distressed denim. The bag and heels really take this look up a notch to "night-out chic". I later styled the vest for a normal mommy day of errands and school meetings. By adding it over a short sleeved turtleneck with jean leggings it really took a basic look to a fashion forward one. It's crazy how one clothing item can truly change-up a look so much! 
Here is how were both styled the vest: 

Love vests as much as we do? Shop our favorites here: 

Rocked it & Swapped it

Happy Thursday loves! This week we are rocking and swapping the perfect fall maxi dress. Why is it the perfect fall dress? Let's chat a bit, shall we...

Color: This dress has all the beautiful colors we are gushing over this fall.

Length: Maxi length on Lisa, ankle length on Kaitlyn (better to see those amazing maroon shoes).

Price: Oh Forever 21, how we love you and your great price points.

Style: Great by itself but can not wait to layer over it too! 

Here is how we both styled the floral number: 

(Lisa's full outfit post) 

See, it really is the perfect maxi dress for this season.  This beauty has sold out, but we found lots more that fit all our "perfect dress" criteria.  Shop the look: 

Which dress is your favorite? 

Remix: Overalls

I have to admit, never in a million years did I think I'd be wearing overalls at he ripe age of 36. To be honest though, I totally love them and actually just picked up a second pair, this time in black (over on a Gilt sale). I get a lot of use out of these beauties I found at Nordstrom & they have become a bit of a go-to on my otherwise boyfriend denim wearing days.

I find that just like most things, you can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. I've worn them to everything from an event in the city to everyday mom wear. Whether you get a deal on a pair or splurge, I promise you won't be disappointed.

 

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What are you thoughts on overalls? Looking for the perfect pair? Here are a few of my favorites currently selling at all different price points. 

Remix: Trench Vest

Year in and year out, vests are always in style and a great way to layer without adding lots of bulk. Plus, what better way to mix up some of your everyday looks then simply adding a vest over them? Easy and fashionable additions to any outfit are always a great idea.

Out of all the vests I currently own (I have about 6...that's normal right?) this trench vest from Forever 21 is hands down my favorite. I have worn it countless times over the past 2 years and I love how it looks different each time.

Here are examples of how I have styled my trench vest in the summer, the winter, and the spring:

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I purchased this one in early 2013, so styles in vests have changed a bit since then. I'm loving the longer ones that are selling this season. Can we just talk about the first one in the third row? Swoon!

Are you a fan of vests? Which from above is your favorite? 

Rocked it & Swapped it

Graphic tees are perfect for everything from everyday wear to nights out on the town. They can be dressed up or down and everyone should have a few in their wardrobe (I know myself and Kaitlyn have quite the collection between the two of us)! Cozy and fashionable are two traits you should always look for when shopping. 

This J'Adore tee from Old Navy is a perfect example of how a basic tee can be dressed up or down. It was great for a winter day in Wisconsin paired with jeans and a knit cardigan. The tee also worked well dressed up for a night in the city. 

Her is how we both styled the J'Adore shirt: 

Looking to add a new graphic tee to your wardrobe? 

Shop some of our favorites below! 

Welcome Back, I Have Missed You!

Isn't it fun how clothing trends come and go but ultimately they all come back around again? In some cases when they come back around, they are better then ever. That is how I feel about button front denim skirts. In the past, I never owned one that had a button front, but I loved the way it looks. This is a summer must have as far as I am concerned.

Denim skirts can be styled for everyday wear, a girls night out, or even to a festival. These bad boys are super versatile and they have me dreaming of owning one. Now, if I can just pick a length that I know will look good on both Kaitlyn and I so we can do a swap... ;) 

I am kicking myself that I didn't keep my favorite few from the early 2000's but thankfully I found quite a few currently selling that I've got my eye on. I looked for all different lengths and all different price points because let's be honest, it's not always a great time financially to splurge...But sometimes it is! 

Take a look below and feel free to clink on the photos to shop some of these great finds:

Did you keep your denim skirts from back in the day? 

Is this an item you will be wearing this season? Let's chat in the comments section. 

Remix & Shop!

A great solid colored blazer is a staple piece everyone should have in their wardrobe. I have lots of blazers (both solid and prints) as they mix and match with almost anything I want to wear year-round. I don't care if you don't have a regular 9-5 job or not, everyone over 25 should have quite a few blazers in rotation...just saying ;) 

I love my blue blazer for many reasons, but when I found it 2 years ago at JC Penney, the price tag & vibrant color where what drew me in. The blazer dressed up a graphic tee and boyfriend denim, made my LBD pop by tossing it over and adding a scarf, and matched effortlessly with a tank and print heels as well.

You really can't go wrong when styling this beauty...

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Do you have a lot of blazers in your wardrobe? Which of the styles above do you like best?

Need a blue blazer? I've got you covered. I searched all over the web for great blue blazers at every price point.

Simply click on the photos below to shop! 

Shop Shoes for Spring

One of the best things about Spring is allowing your feet to breathe. Our toes have been cramped up in socks and closed-toe shoes for too many months so it's about time we treat ourselves to a pedicure and walk barefoot in the (albeit, sort of brown) grass. Much like the excitement we experience when shopping for boots at the first sign of fall, we look forward to our first pair of sandals for the new season. 

We are loving the return of espadrilles and wedges, not to mention the the soft colors, t-straps and ankle straps everywhere. We rounded up almost 30 pairs that you need in your life to enjoy the warmer temps so happy shopping!

Which pair is your favorite?

Get Pinspired: The Print Pant

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We love a great print pant styled super chic for a night out with the girls. What fun inspiration to see them styled with a cozy knit, great necklace and bag, and don't forget the killer heels. We are always stalking Pinterest to find inspiration for our outfits but you know what we love even more? A great deal!

Find this pair or pants in Zahra's closet and the rest of these items currently selling on Because I Shop Too Much.

For more inspiration, see how fellow #fbloggers wear the printed pant:

Media Marmalade 

101 Things I Love

 Bows & Sequins

The Chriselle Factor

 Sportsanista

Love Zahra 

Crashing Red

How do you wear the printed pant?

Get Pinspired: Layered Up

Fall fashion is on the brain and I can't stop thinking about all the fun we will have layering this coming season. Being girls from the Midwest means we are all about the layers to stay warm, but who says it can't be stylish at the same time?!

We all love a great Canadian tuxedo, but leave it to blogger Sincerely Jules to put a great animal print twist on the normal denim on denim look. 

Here is her outfit that inspired us and the items currently selling on Because I shop too much to recreate the look at a fraction of the price:

(Pinterest source)
Jacket // Bag // Chambray top // Jeans

Are you a fan of this outfit? Is this something you would wear this fall?

We also looked around and found many more great pieces so you can style the look yourself:

Peaked my Pinterest: Shop the Look

There is so much style inspiration to be seen on Pinterest. I love adding looks to my folders to go back later and recreate these outfits. I do this by using what I already have in my wardrobe or I do some shopping ;) 

Here are two looks that I can not wait to recreate this coming fall:

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Do you look to Pinterest for inspiration as well? Would you wear either of these looks?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Who doesn't love a great item of clothing in an animal print? No seriously, I'm asking? Personally, I am under the assumption that we all need a touch (or TONS) of animal print in our lives. This beautiful cheetah print tank from H&M is the super versatile and can be worn year round. 

Kaitlyn recently styled her tank tucked into a pink maxi skirt and paired it with a denim jacket. I personally am in love with the entire outfit. In fact, I may recreate her look (thanks for the inspiration, Katie!)

When I wore it back in May, it was all about layers and mixing it with nude and gold accessories. 

Here are both of our looks:

Do you have a favorite animal print item of clothing? How would you style this tank?

Shop the Looks: 

Shop The Look: Summer Style

If you are like us, you are always looking on Pinterest for style inspiration. There are so many beautiful street style photos out there, how can you not be inspired?

This summer is all about effortless looks that are easy and breezy. Here are a two looks that we are definitely going to recreate:

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What do you think of these looks? What is you idea of the perfect summer outfit?