Hey Let's Get Away

Lately it seems as though every weekend is a graduation, a wedding, a wedding shower, bachlorette party, or engagement party. Celebrations like these are a wonderful opportunity to get dressed, take pictures to document your fabulous outfits, and hopefully see other fabulously dressed people to give you inspiration for the next event. After those events have passed, one can feel the need to get away, go on vacation. But before you start grabbing your vacation shorts and fanny packs, take a look at these hot vacation items.
If you are going someplace hot, then interesting pieces in light airy fabrics will have you feeling beautiful and comfortable.
From left to right: Silk Watercolor Floral Dress (Martin + Osa) $120; Drawstring Romper (Cache) $118; Textured Organza Jacket (Ann Taylor) $88; V-Neck Empire Waist Dress by Wyeth (Ann Taylor) $88; Micro Climate Dress (Anthropologie) $88

Now if your plans are a little cooler, like traipsing through Williamsburg, getting away to Mackinaw Island or an Alaskan cruise, cozy up with these vacation alternatives.
From left to right: Shawl Collar Vest (Lands' End Canvas) $49.50; Ivory Linen Gazebo Trouser (J. Crew) $98; Red Label Long Cardigan (New York & Company) $34.40; Adrianna Papell Matte Jersey & Hammered Satin Sheath Dress (Nordstrom) $158; Batik Print Floral Scarf (Ann Taylor LOFT) $29.50

So get out there and grab those "Get-Away" items before they go away. See all the sale information on the featured items below:

New York & Company: All shorts, pants and crops are buy one get the second for $10!

Martin + Osa: 30% off your entire purchase online AND in stores!

Lands' End Canvas: Lands' End 25% off regularly priced men's and women's items (Ends today!)

J. Crew: 20% off all online orders of +$150; Code: SUMMER
Nordstrom: Free standard shipping on orders of +$200

Ann Taylor LOFT: Free shipping on all orders +150 (Limited time offer)

Ann Taylor: 50% off all full-priced styles; Free shippping on all orders +$150

Cache: n/a

Anthropologie: n/a

Crew 4 Less

I love J. Crew. I am a J. Crew Aficionada. The style, the material, the smell of the store (don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about), it's beautiful. But what I love even more is a J. Crew sale, because I don't always have J. Crew money to get the J. Crew look. So after flipping through last month's (April 2010) J. Crew catalog, I charged myself to create a similar J. Crew look for at least half the cost. The solution: New York & Company.

Many people have been sleeping on this clothing retailer, however a closer look at their line will reveal very fashionable items that may lack the attention to styling that J. Crew has-a diamond in the rough. I chose this look from J. Crew to "crew 4 less" because it has a classic J. Crew style, layers and unexpected accessories. The look also has simple pieces, layered together with items that can be found at other retailers.





At New York & Company, I pulled a few items that closely resemble this classic J. Crew layering look. Here I quoted the online prices, however New York & Company is having a wonderful sale as well with many of the items an additional 30%-50% off.

In the end J. Crew's $822.50 outfit is modestly replicated at New York & Company for a mere $117.30. What a deal! This is something anyone can do by pulling inspiration from a styled outfit from your favorite store and purchasing items within your budget from quality retailers. Great style for a better price.