Casually Chic – and on a Budget!

So since I’m “saving” money for this adorable rug (in yellow!), which my dining area need-need-needs in order to differentiate itself from the living area…and since I haven’t been shopping in SO LONG, I managed to finagle a stop at Old Navy on our way home from Madison this weekend.

Although I’m not typically a big Old Navy shopper, I’ve always had a soft spot for their basic tees since I wear out one after the other of them.  This trip, I found myself drawn to so many pieces that were perfectly cut and on the *cheap*; I’ve literally lived in them all week long, so you know I had to share!

These jeans are *amazing*!  As a hippy/thighy/big bootied girl, I’ve never been able to wear the Express jeans that my friends raved about, or the premium denim I tried on and on again every time I stopped into Bop while in college.  Instead, I’ve been a devotee to Gap’s Long and Leans, Banana’s trouser jeans, and even the limited edition Mossimo Premium straight-legs that I found at Target a couple of years ago.   I couldn’t turn this pair down even though the lack of stretch in the denim forced me to get them a size (or two!) larger than I typically wear in order to get the maximally slouchy fit.  Please note, I style mine differently – either with Havaianas or my Tory Burch Reva flats.

I went completely overboard and bought this pocket tee in six colors!  I’ve taken to wearing this color, with the front tucked into my Weekender jeans, and no jewelry but a big men’s watch and a pendant on a long, thin chain.

I’ve also been pairing these items up.  The top was another multiple-purchase because it’s got a great drape like a silk version would have, but I prefer the matte of a knit and the ease of wear in the cotton version.  With the skirt pulled up high and the top slightly bloused, it’s the perfectly mussed way to embrace summer’s end.  In my opinion, at least…

And lastly, I was more than a little disappointed to not have been able to find these flawlessly cut skinnys in my size.  I love them, as does my sister, even though she’s a size 6 while I’m a 14.  The sizing sucks, but the jeans are fab!

On that note, it’s off to bed for me – Good Night!!