Hints of Purple, Shades of Blue.

Coincidentally, I wore this chambray button-up top from Forever 21 twice this week. Once to work, on the day I mustered up enough courage to let Brian take some pictures, and today.

I love the pictures Brian took for me, but I am a much bigger fan of how I wore the shirt this weekend.
Oh well, live and learn.

Top:
*Cardigan, J.Crew
*Chambray Top, Forever 21
*Pants, Old Navy
*Shoes, DSW

Bottom:
*Cardigan, J.Crew
*Chambray Top, Forever 21
*Scarf, Old Navy
*Skinny Jeans, Old Navy
*Boots, Forever 21

Hoping for Spring

While I typically don't mind winter I have been feeling a little weather weary lately. The thing I hate about snow is that when living in a city it doesn't take long for that snow to turn all back a gross from the car exhaust (thank you pollution). With more snow in the forecast this week I am seriously dying for some spring  temperatures. Until then I just have to settle for "spring-like"

I think the weather is what prompted me to buy this dress from Old Navy. It's not a typical Grace dress. Very girly and pink. Two things that don't usually describe me. But I loved it, I needed it.

Unless I want to get fired though, I can't wear that to work. So I decided to have some fun styling it.

I was hoping to take these pictures outside, in the sun, at work. But at home, at night, in the office would have to suffice. Plus, Chloe wanted in on the shoot too.

*Essential Blazer, Express
*Dress, Old Navy (worn as a top)
*Gathered Skirt, Target
*Grey Cable Knit Tights, Forever 21
* Boots, Zigi Soho, DSW

Saving and Spending

This picture seems to irrelevant now because it was taken last Saturday. I did want to post about it though because it's making spawned from a failed trip to the mall to purchase a pair of grey jeans. I instead ended up with the J.Crew Minnie Pant and this silk ruffle top (also J.Crew). All in all I spent about $145.

I also wanted to bring this up because this was the first purchase I made that I successfully SAVED up for. For those of you who don't remember way back in December I started using sub-accounts in my ING to help me start saving. I created one for Shopping, Vacation, and a catch all cleverly titled "Other Expenses".

Well I was able to sock away $250 in my shopping account. I was able to walk away on Saturday with $100 to spare. Which was subsequently spent on a few items from Old Navy and a totally heat of the moment purchase from Forever 21(oops).

In addition, I did the creepiest thing at work the other day. I've wanted more pictures if my work outfits since I spend most of my week in them so I asked my co-worker Brian, who just happened to study photography, if he would snap some shots of me whenever we had time. I'm excited, but nervous. SSBF is the only one who has taken pictures for me and even with him I tend to be a little stiff in front of the camera.

*Silk Ruffle Top, J.Crew ($59.99)

*Minnie Pants, J.Crew ($89.50 + 15% off student discount)

*Cardigan, J.Crew (outlet) ($34.50)

*Belt, Banana Republic

*Navy Platform Pumps, Marc Fisher, Macy's

Happy 42 monthiversary SSBF!

That's right, we are totally lame and celebrate monthiversary's. We've been doing it since we started dating. I don't really know how it started, but its become a tradition now. Like I mentioned yesterday we decided to go to The Melting Pot to celebrate our monthiversary, Valentine's Day and SSBF's birthday.

If you've never been, The Melting Pot is a fondue place. Meaning you enjoy a three course meal by dipping an array of appetizers, meats, and desserts in cheese, broth, and chocolate respectively. I love it because it is a cozy atmosphere where you get to sit and enjoy your food. SSBF likes it mostly for the "dipping things in cheese". Either way I highly recommend you try it. It's pricey though, be ready to spend at least $100 per couple.

Whew...

First of all, I want to apologize for the posting hiatus. Having a full week of work and school completely threw me.

This week was both busy and exciting and this post in kind of going to be a random mess of this week.

SSBF and I did our taxes on our own despite the nagging from my mother (she wanted us to go to a CPA). All together we got a pretty fat refund that will be going to my credit card debt, our summer vaction, possibly a home reno, and this ginormous carpet house for the kids, I mean cats. (Yes, it was that big.) I'm 50% sure that thing is not going to remain in our living room.

I also am very excited about the new look that will be coming to my blog courtesy of the fabulous Tieka of Selective Potential. I can not wait, check back soon.

Tonight, SSBF and I will be going to The Melting Pot to celebrate his (very) beltated birthday, Valentine's Day, and our 42 monthiversary.

And of course found some new items to drool over.
The dress in the middle I found at Martin & Osa when I was trying on the grey jeans I love so much (sadly, they were a no go, too much stretch.) Bonus: Old Navy is having a "fundementals" sale, basic tee's and tanks are $5.00. I'm seriously in heaven.

annnd, now to start studying, maybe for my accounting exam on wednesday...

Spring Fever by GraceECro featuring Banana Republic pants

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Cocoon Sweater Shrugs, $20
Banana Republic-Silk Cropped Pant, $60
Buckled Ankle Boot, $27
Abstract Floral Tank Dress - Martin + Osa, $130
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories - 1075288022, $11

My love/hate relationship with Personal Finance Books

I recently read a personal finance book called "Shoo, Jimmy Choo!: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More".

Yeah I know, I should have known by the title to steer clear (Shoo, Jimmy Choo? please. Not in this lifetime.) To be honest it was the pink cover is really what drew me in. While I think the author is super cute, and had some good advice to give (but not very novel in the world of PF) I was turned off by some of her remarks. Like when she suggested giving up eating as a way of both losing weight and saving money.
Now, I'm not someone that gets offended easily, but really? I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people that would be.

Which brings me to the problem I have with most personal finance books. They are either insulting or repetitive.

Insulting in that most authors go into writing their books assuming their audience has no knowledge or common sense. Which was totally fine the first time I picked a PF book up because I didn't have the knowlege or possibly the common sense. But reading one should not amount to reading them all.

However, What I did like about this book is that it went into (ok scratched the surface of) the psychology behind spending, as in the drivers that compel you to spend. That is the kind of stuff that is the most ineteresting. Yet, her advice to combating those forces? In a nutshell, put a post-it note on your credit card with " do you really need this?" written on it. I don't know about you, but I would not feel guilty enough to put the card back in the wallet instead of buying what my heart desired that moment.

I guess my biggest problem is that the author never suggested that a healthy budget and a love of shoes (handbags, Seven jeans, insert your weakness here) can co-exist. Which it can. It just requires being a litle more savvy then giving up food.

Anyways, if you are looking for a Personal Finance book that is neither insulting or repetitive I recomment "You're So Money: Live Rich, Even When You're Not." By Farnoosh Torabi
Its by far the best personal finance book for us young, possibly fashion obsessed, readers.

Why I Love SSBF and my new friend Polyvore.com

So let me start from the beginning... back in the early part of January I had decided that I secretly wanted a new camera, with a timer function so I could take photos of my outfits without SSBF. However, I knew I didn't have the money to go out and buy one.

Fast forward to Monday when SSBF and I escaped our house (for the first time since Friday night!) to go to Best Buy (we've had no TV since Saturday morning, thanks Direct TV) to purchase a digital antenna so we could at least watch 24. While at Best Buy I wandered over to the camera section and found the Nikon Cool Pix L100. It was love at first sight.

The last couple days, given all my free time I've been looking all over for the best deal because I was planning on saving up the money for it (even though it would take forever!). I found it on EBay for $100 off retail price. Downside: its used, and I don't know fully how used, but $100!!

Anyway, I was whining about how I wanted it pretty much all this week... when SSBF told me he was going to buy it for me!

Hooray! I bid on the one on EBay, and then found it on Walmart's site for only $199. I'm secretly hoping someone outbids me so I can get the new one off Walmart's site.

Now, polyvore.com. It is basically a website that enables you to make collages from (pictures) of items online. I've been playing around with it a lot today.

Here is my first collage.
Let me explain, it's snow survival not because I would wear it in the snow... but its keeping my mind off the 40+ inches of snow outside.

enjoy!

Snow Survival by GraceECro featuring Juicy Couture accessories

Items in this set:
One Shoulder Ruffle Dress - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic..., $78
Infinite Striped Jacket - Madison Marcus, $325
Round-frame oversized acetate sunglasses, $350
ALEX MONROE TFE4/S SILVER SILVER JEWELLERY, 175 GBP
Juicy Couture Multi Chain Cuff Bracelet, $98

Totally Obsessed

Move over Jaspe... I found a new gray knit to lust over.

This gray cowl neck vest number in Shop Bop's "Ultimate Closet" lookbook. Ok I'll be honest I am coveting just about every thing in there, down to the brown (perfect for spring) western-style ankle boots. Here's the kicker though, you can shop the entire collection... EXCEPT the vest.

What a cruel cruel trick Shop Bop.

Now if you took the time to check shop bop out, or are already familiar with them, you know that all of these items are pretty much out of my price range. I can guarantee you though I will be scouring for identical items with a lower price tag. My must have list just doubled in size.

Now, I realize this is there winter edition, and I should probably be looking ahead to spring/summer but with 2 feet of snow on the ground it hard to think of lightweight spring fabrics. Plus, a lot of these items are great transition peices for those slighty colder spring mornings and nights.

Now the only probably is, I need to know who that vest is by. Yes it is probably pricey, But a good investment piece (as should any sweater be).

Ugh, can anyone help me?

"Snomageddon"

Yeah, I can't believe the President of the United States would say that eaither, but he certainly did.
The State of Maryland issued a State of Emergency in an attempt to keep people off the roads. Of course that didn't happen. But this did. (about 9 cars were stuck on 95 for hours on Saturday after venturing out in the snow)

I enjoyed being snowed in, it gave me and SSBF an excuse to sit around and do nothing. Surprisingly, I avoided buying anything online. I came close on the Martin and Osa website to buying this shirt, but talked myself down after realizing what my credit card bill was going to be this month.

Otherwise, it was a low key day. Really low key, our satellite dish was out, if not buried in the snow on our roof so there was no time wasting TV to relish in.

If only it could be like this a few more days...

On the agenda today: digging out.

On me:
Coat, Puffer, J.Crew
Shirt, SSBF's Flannel,  J.Crew
Scarf, Gap
Belt, F21
Boots, Zigi Soho

On SSBF

Coat, Sherpa Jacket, Gap

Pregnant Chic

No no no... I know what you are thinking. I'm not pregnant. My sister and best friend are though and I received a special request for dressing pregnant chic on a budget.

First of all, just say no to oversize shirts. gross. There are (apparently) tons of clothes out there made just for those expecting. In general, you should follow the rules that apply to your prepregnant body. However, there are some tricks that are super  flattering with a baby bump.

Create a Waist:
In general, you should always accentuate the smallest part of your body, for those of us not expecting that is our waist. When pregnant though that is more often just below the chest and above the baby bump. Look for shirts and dresses with an empire waist,  but that don't flow too far away from the body. The key is structure. Shirts that are too big and flowy will only make you look bigger. Pieces that have some stretch, or even tie in the back will grow with you.

1. Gathered V-Neck Top, Walmart $12.00
2. Crossover Wrap Dress, Gap $59.50

Go Monochromatic:
That doesn't mean you have to wear all black if you don't want to, but mixing blacks and greys is always flattering. Not to mention wearing darker colors on top is instantly slimming.

Layer it:
Pairing basic fitted tees and tanks with cardigans that hit around your hips is a great casual look that will not add bulk.

Love this Belted Boyfriend Cardigan: Old Navy, $19.99! with a tee.

Say Yes to Denim:
Don't give up on your bottom half. Wear jeans that resemble the cuts you already do. Just because your tummy is getting bigger doesn't mean the leg of your pants have too. I live trouser cuts, or even straight leg to create a narrowness. Go baggy only if it something you could pull off pre-pregnancy.

Old Navy Boot-Cut Jeans, $25----->

Accessorize:
You can still do it! And its easier and cheaper then buying tons of new clothes. Throw on a scarf or a chunky necklace. Have some fun.

Where to Shop:
Most stores now have some kind of maternity section, if not in the actual store, online. Invest in pieces that have the potential to last the entire pregnancy, and beyond. But don't waste too much money on trendy items.

The best bet for deals looks like Old Navy, Target, and Walmart. However never underestimate the power of the sales sections at places like Gap, Pea in the Pod, and Motherhood.

Finally, for more inspiration check out Pregnancy Fashion at SheKnows.com

President Obama's Middle Class Plan, and Mixing Prints.

Ok ok, the title of this post definitely sounds a little out there, but bear with me.

In his State of the Union address Obama focused in on some of the issues plaguing middle income earners like costs of child care, college tuition, and lack of saving for retirement. I definitely suggest you read the article here on the New York Times Bucks Blog.

The item I was most interested in was a plan to cap student loan payments for recent grads at 10% of discretionary income (income after basic needs), rather then using net income. The plan also expanded the forgiveness program from civil workers (i.e. teachers) to "all others". What all others entails, I'm not sure yet. But I do know "all others" would have to make 20 years of payments rather then 10.

The initiative also included expanding the saver's credit which is a tax credit for contributing to a retirement plan. I was eligible for this credit my first year as a "professional" because I made less then $15,000 but have been unable to claim it the last couple years because my income was too high.

What these initiatives will do for middle income earners is yet to be seen, but I am very excited about the move toward student loan reform, a move that is long overdue.

On to the pictures, I was feeling pretty bored with my work outfits of late so I decided to mix it up a little last week when the temperature rose to something a little more tolerable.

I threw on my spring-weight cardigan from New York & Co with a striped shirt from F21, and viola. I'm a spring trend... mixed prints.

what do you think?

*Striped Collared Shirt, Forever 21
*Leopard Print Cardigan, New York & Co
*Necklace, Gap.