My fave new Spring dress

Oh my gosh, I need this dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Seriously, need. This is exactly what I want to wear this Spring. Love the pattern, love the colors, love the banded waist, the full skirt, the puffed sleeves, the pockets (yes, you guys, it has pockets!). Eh...not so crazy about the price. $328 at Shopbop, and I'm sure worth every penny (sigh!).

Pajama Jeans

Just saw this article about "pajama jeans"--basically lounge pants styled like denim.

"The aptly named PajamaJeans are made of a mixture of cotton and spandex with a gray jersey lining to provide a snug and relaxed fix, complete with pockets and rivets to give the illusion of trendy denim."

I can't really tell what they look like from the picture, but I kind of like this idea! Immediately when I get home from work, I change into sweatpants and look like a total slob. This jean/sweatpants hybrid seems like a more presentable option. They're $40. I have no reaction to this price because my reaction depends so heavily on the pants. I can't tell if you would actually want to wear these out of the house, in which case $40 seems quite reasonable, or if they should be relegated to the house, in which case, $40 seems like a lot for cute sweatpants. Either way, I am very intrigued. Anything that would let me wear jersey pants out of the house is going to get my stamp of approval.

Skinny Cords

Well, I like my Martin + Osa skinny jeans so much, I'm now seriously considering these velvet slim jeans! They're the same slim fit as my jeans, which I love because they are not skin tight, and thus very flattering. Also, I love the idea of wearing these tucked into my new brown riding boots! I love them in the kettle brown color. They're $69.50, so very reasonable.

On the other hand, I also like these matchstick cords from J. Crew, just a little more at $79.50. Serious dilemna. Can only be solved by dragging one of my friends to both stores with me to watch me try them on and advise.

Sale Alert: Cashmere at Ann Taylor!

So I posted about this Ann Taylor cashmere ruffle sweater a few weeks ago, and it is seriously on sale right now. It was originally $155, and it's now $67.49, after an additional 25% off that shows up once you add it to your basket. At the same price is this beautiful, ladylike cashmere cardigan. $70 for 100% cashmere!! This would make a seriously great gift...possibly for myself!

Anna Sui for Target

I was so excited to hear that Anna Sui was doing a line for Target based on one of my favorite shows, Gossip Girl. You can see the full line here, but most of the stuff is sold out online, so I headed to my neighborhood Target to see what they had. I wanted to get this blue dress, but they didn't have my size, so I bought these two dresses and headed home to decide which one I liked best. I liked both of them a lot. They're $60 each, so fairly expensive for Target, but the designs have so much great detail, and they actually feel very substantial. I really like the empire waisted dress on the left, with its studded criss-cross ribbon detail, but I have been looking for a drop-waist dress for a long time, so I'm keeping the one of the right instead. I love the way the vertical lines on top contrast with the horizontal layers of lace and velvet on the skirt, and the little faux-belt detail is so cute. If you want to snag a piece from this line, get to Target immediately, because they're going fast.

Plaid Coat

I was in Wyoming last week for the Texas/Wyoming game (hence the lack of blog posts, sorry!) and after the game, my girlfriends and I spotted this adorable plaid peacoat on a fellow Texas fan. We loved it so much, I had to ask her where she got it. I was shocked when she told me she got it at Delia's. I absolutely love the color, the fur-lined hood, the cute pockets and the button tab sleeves. But I especially love the price - $100! They have a bunch of other cute plaid coats too, check them out here.

Tweed-y Black Blazer

Check out this sweet, structured tweed-like jacket from...wait for it...American Eagle? It's cotton, not wool, so it may not hold its shape as long as pricier versions, but at $69.50, it's a bargain. And at the same time, it has some great details, like the contrast stitching and cute pockets. Personally, I'd remove the rose pin, but that's just me-to me, the pin looks a little dated. If you are trying to build a work wardrobe, get this jacket or one like it. I have one a lot like it, and I wear it with everything. You can wear it with trousers or a pencil skirt to work, or with jeans and flats on the weekends. Such a great wardrobe stretching piece.

Cashmere blend striped cardigan

I am way into stripes right now, and this striped cashmere and silk blend cardigan from Martin + Osa is so adorable. It's so versatile, I know I would wear it all the time. And it comes in a gorgeous deep blue color with black stripes. $160--but get on their mailing list and you'll get some great coupons.

Burnt Orange Cords

Attention UT fans! Old Navy has burnt orange cords right now for $29.50. The color looks much better in person. They have a classic boot cut leg, and are really soft and comfy. Perfect for the one or two cool weather games we get. :)

Cheap Tights Found!

Tights are yet another of my fall obsessions. They're a really great, inexpensive way to update dresses and skirts that you already have in your closet, and add some color to your wardrobe. I love these Old Navy tights, they're only $6.50, and they come in great colors, including this gorgeous teal color that I really think I must purchase, and a really pretty purple color. They have argyle and herringbone styles as well for $9.50.

Now if only the temperature would drop below 100, I might actually be able to wear them! My friend Jocelyn and I discussed this in the following email exchange:

Me: I'm way into tights this year.

Joc: I want cold weather for fall. I just can't get into tights when its 80 outside.

Me: That is what is really depressing me right now, because mentally, I'm over summer clothes and am ready to start wearing fall stuff, but it's so hot that actually wearing fall clothes would look inappropriate, not to mention be completely uncomfortable. This is when I feel I wished in a small village in New Hampshire or similar New England state.

Joc: Not sure about your village reference because I quickly got a picture of you churning butter.

Me: Yes, that is the image I intended to project. While wearing tights and platform heels, obviously.

On second thought, maybe I'll stay in Texas. Tights really don't go with butter churning.

On my wish list - AT Cashmere Sweater

Okay, I really need this sweater! I love it in the Aubergine and Island (a really beautiful teal) colors, but it also comes in gray and black. It's $155, and it's 100% cashmere. I love the gorgeous details: cascading ruffles and super long, gathered sleeves. So much more exciting than a regular old cashmere sweater. Ann Taylor impresses me again!

Shrunken Blazer

I've been on the hunt for a shrunken blazer for fall, and I find this one at Gap, only to discover it's totally sold out in every size under 8! Whaaaat??? Uncool Gap. Uncool.

If you wear an 8, 10, 12 or 14, you still have a chance at grabbing this for $98. I'm going to have to start doing some store searching. Or maybe I'll just go raid the boy's department, I dunno.

James Perse Tees On Sale at Bloomies

Here's your Friday sales fix! Bloomingdales has some really great James Perse long sleeve tees on sale, just in time for fall. This Vintage V-Neck tee is on sale for $33.75, off of $60 (this price reflects an extra 25% off applied at checkout). They have a couple of other styles on deep discount as well, so go check it out!

Striped Boatneck Top

I'm so excited to see "Coco Avant Chanel", the new biopic starring the gorgeous Audrey Tautou (above). One of the classic Chanel looks shown in the film is the classic navy and white striped boatneck sailor top. It's a classic piece you can wear forever, and there are some great looking, affordable versions out there. Here are a few of my favorites--the L.L.Bean version is a steal! Just be careful how you wear it. If you pair it with white pants, boatdockers, and a straw bag...let's just say you've gone overboard (yes, pun intended). I'd style it with skinny jeans, bright colored flats, and a big leather hobo.

Navy Striped Boatneck Tops by austinshopping featuring Calypso

Rachel Roy's Collection for Macy's

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Rachel Roy, her ultra-feminine, high end clothes are typically carried by places like Neiman Marcus and Saks, and most pieces retail for over $1,000. So I was really excited to hear about her new, more widely accessible "Rachel Rachel Roy" line for Macy's.

To the right is a dress from her original Rachel Roy line, which retails at Neiman Marcus for $1,395.

Above are a few pieces from the Rachel Rachel Roy line which are available now at Macy's: the beautiful, softly sculptural, black origami dress (above, left), at $109, and the pretty but kind of tough looking chain tee (above, right), at $59. Great style and incredible prices. Check out all the currently available pieces here.

Ikat print skirt from Banana Republic

Okay, I tweeted this a few days ago, but I think it deserves its own blog post now that the price has dropped. This super cute ikat print silk/cotton blend skirt from Banana Republic is on sale for $39.99, off of $70. I love the elastic waist and big volume with the short length. It would look great with a more fitted tank or tee. Comfy and chic! Hurry, I think this one may sell out pretty quickly.

Skinny Jeans Found!

Well, I screwed up my courage and ventured out to find skinny jeans today. I was not too excited about trying on anything with a tapered leg and skintight fit, so I grabbed my friend Ilyse for moral support.

I've resisted this trend pretty vigorously, but I ended up finding some great jeans. I settled on this pair at Martin & Osa from the "Slim Fit" line--they're skinny, but not scarily so. They're fitted enough to wear under boots, but they have enough room to still be flattering and not cut off my circulation. I actually think I might be brave enough to wear these with flats.

They come in a ton of washes, and are very well priced, at between $80-$120, depending on the wash.

Nancy Drew

I loved this article from the New York Times about the continuing influence of Nancy Drew.

"Nancy Drew was invoked last week during the Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor. She has said that her Nancy Drew represented boldness and intelligence, the books a gift from a hardworking single parent. In recent years, Laura Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gayle King and Diane Sawyer have described themselves as fans."

Nancy had a big influence on me as well. I grew up reading all the old Nancy Drew books, and loved reading about such a fearless, smart heroine. Yes, I loved her sleuthing, but I also loved her style: classic, preppy, all-American, and okay, maybe a little prim. My image of her is in a little sweater set and pencil skirt, with a scarf in her hair as she drives her little blue roadster around River Heights. What would Nancy wear in 2009? I'm thinking Marc by Marc Jacobs, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and of course Tory Burch.

Nancy Drew Modern Wardrobe by austinshopping featuring Tory Burch

The new Ann Taylor

Have you guys been in Ann Taylor lately? The old girl's had work done, and she is looking fabulous! Now, Ann Taylor has great quality at reasonable prices, and I used to buy a lot of stuff there. But in the past few years, the clothes have been downright matronly. Well, I went in the other day and was really excited to see really modern, cool clothes. Apparently, they have a brand new design team, and in my opinion, they are doing a great job at performing some much needed updating.

The collection for fall is all about gray and purple, sheath dresses and pencil skirts, and soft, feminine tops. I am loving it. My entire closet is already gray, so I had made a rule that I would buy no more gray or black for fall. What can I say, I'm weak. I already can tell I'm going to have to buy some of these pieces, they are so pretty and so reasonably priced.

Here are a few of the standouts:

1. Ruffle Front Shift Dress (top, left) -- sleek, but the ruffle collar makes it a little softer. $170

2. Merino wool grosgrain trim cardigan (above, left) --gorgeous deep blue color, ribbon trim at the neckline and little rhinestone buttons. $95

3. Tropical wool pencil skirt (top, right) -- beautiful, classic shape in a great lightweight wool. $110

4. Chiffon trim cardigan (above, right) -- the picture does not do this justice. This cardigan has a really sweet vintage feel to it, and feels slightly distressed. So pretty, and only $55. Also comes in gray and black

5. Short sleeve long cardigan (left)--the softest cotton, and I love the long, modern shape. You can wear this now and into fall (and here in Texas, winter for that matter). On sale right now for $60. Also comes in a bunch of other colors.

Boyfriend Jeans

I love the boyfriend jean trend, and after seeing Sloan's outfit on the season premiere of Entourage, I became a little obsessed with recreating her look. (See above - I know this is a horrible picture, but it's the best one I could find) I love the way they styled her for this episode.

So the thing about boyfriend jeans is that since they're slouchy and distressed, they can look a little bit sloppy if worn wrong. So I like the idea of wearing them with

something a little dressier on top. It could be a tank with a blazer or cardigan for day, or a little sequin top for evening. I like them worn with a belt and heels for the same reason, and I like a chunky, strappy leather shoe as shown above.

I really like these boyfriend jeans from Ann Taylor Loft for $69.50. They're distressed, but they don't look ratty.

For the gray tank, I like this one from Splendid, for $44 at Neiman Marcus, which has the drapiness of the original.

And for the blazer, this black one button blazer from Urban Outfitters for $78 is the perfect length, not too baggy and looks cute with the sleeves rolled up.

You've got to top them off with some chunky leather sandals, and I like this pair from piperlime for $79, which have the ankle strap and the right toughness about them. If you don't want to wear heels, I think this outfit would also look cute with black gladiator flat sandals.