Cheap and Cute. Isn’t that all you need to hear?
Yesterday, I ran into Old Navy to return some items I ordered for my sister as Christmas gifts. I decided to do a little run through the store first to check out the jewelry.
And then? I spotted these tanks:
Rosette Applique Tank
The fantastic rosettes are made from grosgrain ribbon. They add a slight touch of preppiness, but the black color keeps them from being too sweet. These tanks are also extra long, which is critical to me when making a tank top purchase.
For colder weather, pair these with a black cardigan. Or you can stockpile a few to save for spring. My guess is that you will love these tanks long after you purchase them. Here’s to hoping my lucky sister will appreciate the one I bought for her!
Rosette Applique Tank at Old Navy, $14.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Lazy, Yet Refined.
I have the misfortune of living not only across the street from Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Gap but also of living on top of a Brooks Brothers. While super preppy is not generally my style, there is something about their conservative cool window displays that get me every time. I’ve yet to purchase a tennis skirt or anything from their golf collection, but the temptation occurs daily. What I have bought are their Non-Iron dress shirts. As my husband and his collection going on 100 strong can attest, these shirts are amazing!
Brooks Brothers Tailored Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt
I am especially fond of the tailored fit and fitted fits. It is hard for women to find button down shirts that don’t add bulk under suits, or that are not just terribly unflattering. These tailored shapes get the job done. And after you are done wearing one, you can hang it up in your closet and rest assured than when you want to wear it again, it will be completely wrinkle free with no effort on your part. Just a note: While you can indeed wash and dry these shirts at home without them shrinking or losing their look, I recommend taking them to the cleaners every third or fourth wash to renew them.
Tailored Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt at Brooks Brothers, $89.50 or two for $149.00. In sizes 0-20.
Forever 21 Goes Luxe. And Grows Up Just a Bit.
It’s no secret around here that I love Forever 21. Sometimes there is no greater thrill in life than scoring a fabulous sweater for $17.80 (seriously- all of their prices end in $0.80??!?!). But even I have to admit, stalking around the brick and mortar store amongst the youth of America can make me feel a bit ridiculous. This is why I try to shop their store online as much as possible. I find that it is wiser to buy tops online, as opposed to dresses or pants, because the sizing is more consistent and easier to predict. Not to mention the fact that the items that are shipped from the online store tend to be in much better condition that those found in store.
I also feel slightly less ridiculous shopping the Twelve by Twelve line, which is at a slightly higher price point, and has slightly more adult pieces. For example, this gorgeous cardigan sweater:
Twelve by Twelve Pleat Chiffon Cardigan
This cashmere blend sweater is slightly more refined that your average Forever 21 find. It is actually made of natural fabrics! The chiffon trim at the neckline is a detail most appreciated by those who have already graduated from high school, and the rhinestone buttons add just enough sparkle without venturing into teeny-bopper territory. I love the gathered waistline as well.
Pleat Chiffon Cardigan at Twelve by Twelve, $42.00. Availabe in sizes XS-L. In colors navy or black.
Not-So-Basic Basics
As J.Crew’s self declared Ultimate Number One Fan, I believe thus far I’ve shown remarkable restraint by failing to make every day’s featured item something from my J. Crew wish list. But I would be remiss in failing to highlight some of the awesome things available in J. Crew’s sale section right now.
First up, this fantastic cardigan:
J. Crew Tartine Cardigan
This sweater is marked down to $49.99, from the original price of $88.00. I love that is a basic piece, a cardigan, with an extra something special in the chiffon ruffle trim. This cardigan is available in a variety of colors, but my favorites are buttercup and bright rhubarb.
I also love this pleated tee with the metal square accents:
J. Crew Pleated Cotton Tee
Once again, a basic piece, with something extra to take it up a notch. The pleating and metal studs make this much more than your average shell top. In addition, the standing collar with the button back detail make this top not only perfect with casual jeans, but also fancy enough for your office.
Tartine Cardigan at J. Crew, $49.99. Available in sizes XS-XL, in ten different colors!
Black Cotton Pleated Tee at J. Crew, $34.99. Available in sizes XS-L.
A Fantastic Combination
Fall is the season of layering. Sweaters with camis. Cardigan and shell sets. But why layer like everyone else is layering? Allow me to present to a slightly more unconventional brand of layering:
This look is comprised of two pieces. The bottom layer is a silk ruffle top and the top layer is an adorable wrap front sweater.
The great thing about this ensemble is that the ruffled detail on the top eliminates the need for a necklace- it serves as built in jewelry! Both pieces would also be great on their own, or with other layers. For example, you could pair the silk ruffle top with a simple cardigan (which you probably already have in your closet anyway). Or you could pair the wrap sweater with a coordinating turtleneck for cooler days. They can also be dressed up or down, with jeans or dressier pants. So really, you are getting multiple looks with the addition of just two new pieces. And who doesn’t love that?
Silk ruffle top at Old Navy, $26.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Wrap sweater at Old Navy, $34.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
The Tee Room has all the best tees
I don’t usually write about entire SITES here at Fashion Find, but every so often there’s a site that does something so wonderful and special that it deserves it’s own post. The Tee Room is that site.
Subtitled A t-shirt blog for grown-ups, The Tee Room is a clearinghouse for the coolest tees on the web. The site is simple: the best tees, with links to the vendors. The tees are funny and quirky and interesting, as tees should be. But here’s the BEST part: in a category called “Requests and Dedications,” The Tee Room solves readers’ tee shopping dilemmas. Looking for a DANCE YOUR ASS OFF tee? No problem. I dare you to try and stump The Tee Room. DARE YOU.
The Tee Room is updated daily-ish. Full information on the popsicle shirt pictured here is available at The Tee Room.
The Fussy tee: Tell the world how you REALLY feel
By now I am sure you all own a Writing well is the best revenge tee, from the fabulous Mrs. Kennedy. (Good god, you DON’T?!? Well get one! NOW!) I love my writing well tee, although I am often worn out by having to explain it to people (seriously WHAT’S NOT TO GET?!?) and sometimes find myself longing for something a little more straightforward.
That’s where the classic Fussy tee comes in. Simple and to the point — fussy! What is there to explain? So easy. I wear mine a surprising amount of the time, both because it is so soft and comfortable and is the absolute PERFECT length, and also because I am crabby more often than I like to admit, and I consider this fair warning to anyone who crosses my path.
Fussy tee available at fussy.org for $20.00 — or get a Writing Well tee AND a Fussy tee for $30.00. Now THAT is a deal.
Tees for Change keeps it positive
I’m at the beach this week, which means nothing but swimsuits and t-shirts. So this week at Fashion Find, I bring you a few of my favorite tees — because if you’re going to wear a tee, you might as well make a statement.
Tees for Change makes the softest, most comfy tees ever, from bamboo and organic cotton. Each is emblazoned with a positive phrase (my tee says today matters, which I love). Their slogan is “sustainable tees on a mission” — and for every tee you buy, Tees for Change plants a tree. It’s a small gesture, but one that matters.
Their tees are well made and incredibly comfortable. And of course, if you want to preserve both your tee and the environment, you can hand wash and air dry (although they do well in the machine, too).
practice kindness organic cotton tee, $32.00.
Old Navy tanks keep you cool for less
The tank top is perhaps the most useful piece of clothing in your closet; the right tank can be dressed up or down, worn layered or on its own. And fortunately, you don’t have to spend a mint to find the right tank.
The secret to a great tank top is fit; you want one that is long enough to keep your midsection covered and wide enough to keep the girls under wraps. And while you could spend a fortune on a chichi tank from a designer label, there’s no real need; tanks wear out no matter what you pay for them, so opt for the least expensive option you can find.
I’m a big fan of Old Navy’s tanks, because they are affordable and they fit well and they hold up nicely through about four seasons. By the end of the summer, mine are not really fit to be seen on their own, but they’re still useful as a layering piece, under a sweater or jacket. The next summer, I toss the worn out ones into the pool bag as cover ups and start over with a new batch.
Old Navy layering tanks are available in sizes XS to XXL, in a wide range of colors. Currently they are $5.00 each if you buy two or more at oldnavy.com, but the color selection is limited; they will cost a little more in store, but you will probably find more selection.
J. Crew printed beach tunic brightens up your apres swim
I’m always hesitant to buy a swim cover-up; most of them look a little frumpy, honestly, and then there’s the whole issue of investing in something that only gets worn for a very brief time (from the car to the pool, for example, or only in the summer).
I think that’s why I love this particular tunic from J. Crew so much — I can see this working long after the pool is closed, with some skinny white jeans and sandals. And the bright color and floaty fabric make it perfect for actually WEARING to the pool — full coverage without the warmth and weight of the typical terry cover up.
J. Crew printed beach tunic, available in XS - L, and currently on sale for $39.99. Also available in four solid colors for $29.99 (if prints aren’t your thing).