Sweet Style Steal: Navy and Orange Corset Top

I know this is super summery but would you believe it's been above 30 degrees here this week? It's truly a glorious October so my head is still in the summer game!  Except for the Thanksgiving part...I'm already drooling at the thought of turkey dinner at my mom's this weekend.

Okay gals, let's talk seriously about Anthropologie. I personally have been IN LOVE with their clothing for many years now. I feel like their brand is totally 'me' with the girly styles, unique accents and chic colours. The problem? It's soooo pricey, so I splurge once in a blue moon. The rest of the time, I covet...ha ha!

The one thing I noticed is that every item I'm drawn too has something a little extra special about it. A ruffle here, a pretty neckline there, a cool print here, a girlish touch there. So in order to recreate an Anthro look, it's more about being special and different.

Take this strapless top with printed belt. What do I love? Navy as the main colour, the unique palette of navy + orange, the pretty printed belt and the feminine flourish of the big bow! Sadly, it's $88.00

  via Anthropologie 

But what if I could recreate the 'special-ness'? American Eagle Outfitters often has cute knock-offs like this navy sweetheart corset top for only $36.26. Looks pretty plain on it's own, doesn't it?

 via AE 

But what if you picked up a yard of really vibrant and punchy orange floral printed fabric like this one from Etsy? Cut it to size (sew it if you're handy like that!) and wrap it around your navy top, tying it in a big bow. Ta da! Just as special and cute and unique, for half the cost!

via Etsy

Do you do anything to make your outfits more special and a little more 'you'? I'm always amazed and impressed with what a little pop of colour or fabric can do...from a DIY headband to a fabric flower corsage to a simple wrap belt.

Have an amazing day friends!

Sweet Style Steal: Delicate Dots

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you've had a great week and have many fun things planned for the weekend. Thanks for tuning in to Joe Fresh Beauty Week! A huge thanks to Joe Fresh for such fabulous, fun make-up at such great prices. It will be hard to resist a regular trip to the beauty section during my grocery shops at Superstore! If you missed any of the four Joe Fresh looks, you can see them all here.

I've always loved polka dots. There's actually a photo out there of me in Grade 9, wearing an oversized polka dot Le Chateau blouse buttoned up to the neck. I know it's dated, but I kind of still love that pic because polka dots have never really gone out of style for me. So it's great to see their resurgence in so many shops this fall.

But as usual, I'm on the hunt for a bargain, so even though I adore the box pleat neckline and gathered cap sleeves of this little gem by Zara, I'm not ready to part with $50. It's not a bad price for a good quality piece (plus I love how delicate the dots are) - but with my wishlist so long, I'm trying to extend it as far as I can!

via Zara

I can always count on Old Navy for pieces that are on trend for much less. For half the cost at $25, this polka dot top has a cute silhouette, pretty sleeves and a similar delicate pattern.

via Old Navy

How about you friends? would you rather pay a little more for something that might last longer? Or are you looking for the best price?

Have a lovely, amazing weekend everyone! We'll be back to regularly scheduled programming now with Style Peeks back in the mix...

Sweet Style Steal: Chunky Cable Knit Sweater

Sweaters! I love a big snuggly sweater. It feels good and let's be honest - sometimes it's nice to hide inside. I heart summer but sometimes it's hard to always be baring so much skin. It's time to cocoon...

So during my online window shopping, I stumbled across this gorgeous handknit Italian merino wool sweater from J. Crew. Amazing right? The yummy caramel colour, the chunky cable detailing...and - wait for it - the sticker shock! Yup, $374 big ones. Wowza! Not in my budget baby.

JCrew

So I found you this little steal from Old Navy for a mere $36.94. Cozy softness...check. Warm fall colour...check. Cute knit detailing...check. NOT a week's worth of pay...check. You're welcome.

 Old Navy

Have you found any sweet style steals lately friends? Even watching the New York Fashion Week shows for Spring 2012, I'm already excited to see how my fave affordable shops will interpret the saturated colours and sporty trends. There's always a way to do it for less!

Have an amazing day!

Sweet Style Steal: Mustard Checked Shirt

Okay I maybe lied to you, but just a smidge...I also did a wee bit of shopping on the weekend. Admitting it is the first step, right??

So I'm kind of giddy because the first glimpses of fall are making an appearance in the shops. I'm seeing spices, lots and lots of spices. I'm talking saffron, paprika, mustard, oregano and cumin. I've always loved colour with a neutral undertone so count me as a fan! I had been eyeballing this top from J.Crew for part of the summer but budget-wise it was not meant to me.

 {image from J.Crew via Polyvore}

So imagine my delight when I walked into Old Navy on the weekend and found this on sale for $22! Plus I did that crazy spin to win and got buy one get one 50% off.  So I also picked up a super cute skirt I'll show you later this week.

 {image via Old Navy}

And a quick pop-in to the Goodwill scored me the most fabulous aqua beaded necklace that I've paired with a new T from Joe Fresh...that's to come tomorrow!

Did you score any good fashion finds on the weekend friends?

Sweet Style Steal: Delicate Discs Necklace

Happy Friday!

One of my fave things...finding an amazingly cheap look-alike of something I'm dying to buy. For a while, I've been coveting this pretty necklace from Stella and Dot. We had a jewellery party here at work and then a friend from Splurge showed up wearing it and looking fabulous. I love the delicate long strand and pretty, shimmery little discs. Sadly, I just could not justify the $100 price tag for a necklace, at least right now.

{image via Stella and Dot}

So imagine my delight when I found this oh-so-sweet knock-off from American Eagle Outfitters for only $19.95! It's very similar but has clusters of discs, instead of individual ones. I snapped it up with big plans to wear it tomorrow for my engagement pics!

The cherry on top? It's even cheaper when you order online! Something crazy like nine bucks!

 {image via American Eagle Outfitters}

Don't you love it when that happens? Have you found any sweet style steals lately friends?

By the way - how great is it that it's Friday!! Any big plans?