I heart Marc by Marc Jacobs

I am gonna keep this short. I am in love with the  Marc by Marc Jacobs lookbook at Shopbop.  I love how each of his looks involves some kind of headband. I've been playing around with my hair a lot lately and it amazing how one little addition to the top of my head can change the entire feel of an outfit or bring it all together.

All the looks are playful, but not juvenile.The top picture epitomizes how I want to live out my summer. In cool, interesting pieces that don't require a lot of bulk. The blazer is also one of my favorites because it's not your typical black, gray, khaki or white. And the shoes? Swoon..

Hooray for Thursday!

photos courtesy of shopbop.

April Challenge: Day 26

I can't believe it is day 26 already. At this point I feel like I am pretty much coasting to the finish line. It feels really good to be in control of where my money is going.

With that said I have been kind of reaching for outfits and inspiration. The other day I was inspired in a major way by Krystal from This Time Tomorrow. I've been following Krystal for awhile and am always in awe of her clever styling tricks. A couple days ago she styled her scarf as a turban. As soon as I saw it I had to do it myself. Check out her version here. This shirt was one of the items I picked for my challenge. I was so focused on the turban I neglected to realize until after I had the outfit on that Krystal was wearing a striped top also. Oh well. I kind of feel like a casual gypsy in this picture between the sandals and scarf. I also realized that all the items in this outfit are from Old Navy minus the scarf and the sandals. I can't believe how much Old Navy I have in my closet. Cheap is dangerous

This weekend was pretty crappy weather-wise. Even though it looks bright outside that window it is actually gray, cloudy skies. SSBF's dad was nice enough to come over on Saturday and cook us some dinner. It's always nice when he does because he is an amazing cook. SSBF and I watched The Graduate on Saturday too. Neither of us had ever seen it. It's pretty messed up.

On a separate note today marks the beginning of the end of my career at Enterprise. If you missed my last few posts I received a job offer from Under Armour which I have accepted! I will be working in the planning and allocation team as an allocator. I've always dreamed about working for an apparel company in the merchandising department. I can't tell you how amazing it is to know that I will be doing just that.

Anyway, hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

*Scarf (worn as headband), American Eagle

*Sweater, Old Navy

*Tank, Old Navy

*Jeans, Old Navy

*Sandals, Target

Introducing: Money Smart Fashion's Spending Diary

In an effort to introduce a more consistent financial aspect to my blog I've decided to keep a spending diary each week and share it with you, my lovely readers. As I mentioned in my previous post I got the idea for this from Ramit Sethi's blog I Will Teach You to be Rich. While Ramit normally features anonymous readers my spending diary will be all my own (for now at least). I'm very excited about this because I think by keeping this diary it will help me better understand and control my spending. Plus who doesn't like reading about other peoples business right? Right.

Without further ado, here is my spending from week one:

Day One: No spending today. All my time went to homework and laundry. Funny how that’s both good and awful at the same time.

Day Two: Today is the day most of my bills will be drawn out of my bank accounts.$1144 in total. When I woke up this morning I did my usual double check of my accounts to ensure I had enough funds in all of them. I know that I do, I just tend to second guess myself and worry. Got an offer for a new job today also. I will be making $5000 more then my job now which roughly translates to about $300 more a month. It's a little less then I wanted, but it is a step in the right direction.

Day Three: I double check my accounts today to make sure only the money I expected came out. I also check my credit card to make sure there is no suspicious activity. You can never be too careful. Thanks to the April Challenge I've managed to only spend $50 on my credit card since the beginning of my last statement on the 11th. For me that is amazing. At this rate I am on track to spend only $330 this billing cycle (after you add in the $130 for my automatic bill payments)! 

Day Four: Big day today. I had to put gas in the car and I had lunch with a friend. My goal was to spend less then $45. I ended up spending $32.71 on gas and $6.41on food. Mission accomplished. I normally pack my lunch, but every once and awhile I get together with my friend Mark.

Day Five: Had to squeeze in a doctors appointment before my benefits go away. My co-pay was $35. I also hit up Target, the Post Office and the grocery store. The bill for Target went on SSBF's card but I owe him $5.44 for my gum and an envelope. I bought two multi packs of gum because they were on sale, I saved just $.78, but it least it will last awhile. At the post office, I spent $1.73 on postage to mail my signed offer letter back to Under Armour. Finally at the grocery store I spent $5.99 for coffee creamer and a special monthiversary treat for SSBF.

Day Six: No spending today! It was SSBF's night to buy Chick-fil-a. I was tempted to go out and buy something for lunch because what I packed did not seem appetizing but I was able to resist.

Day Seven: Hooray for Saturday! Not just any Saturday, today officially marks my last Saturday at Enterprise!! I came up with an idea a couple days ago to make a scrapbook of all the letters, cards, and notes that SSBF and I have wrote to one another. I hate throwing stuff like that away, but as of right now its just sitting in a box in a closet. We went to Michael's today and I bought a scrap book and some card stock, total for that came to $27.54.

Thoughts: All said and done this week I spent $1258.82 with $1144 of that being on credit card bills. $700 of that being from the credit card that I pay off on a monthly basis. Sick gross.While credit cards are the bulk of my monthly spending I've noticed that my seemingly small purchases tend to add up.

Since this is my first time doing this, please let me know your thoughts. Good? Bad? Needs Improvement? Also, I would love for any of you lovely readers to contribute your own spending diary. Please e-mail me if you are interested: grace.croshaw@gmail.com.

maybe you'll be just my summer boyfriend

It's been a busy, busy week! Let me start by first of all saying thank you again to Morgan of Runway Daily for featuring me along with some other lovely ladies in her Tuesday post honoring Ked's via their recent contest on Chictopia. Check out the full post here along with the rest of Morgan's blog. She has great taste and is a total sweetheart. Thank you Morgan!

Secondly, Money Smart Fashion now has it's own Facebook page! My plan is to update it daily with more random things I come across, the kind of things that may not require entire blog post. Feel free to stop by and check it out:)

Today is also our 44 monthiversary! Early on in our relationship SSBF and I would celebrate little milestones, like our 1 monthiversary that eventually turned into what is now the 44th! I think the tradition evolved out of the fact that SSBF didn't think I had a long term relationship in me. Ha! I showed him. Although I think the only other long term relationship I've had is the one with this skirt. I've had it just a touch longer then I've had SSBF.

I bought it almost four years ago at the Urban Outfitters on Grand River in East Lansing. My memory is a little foggy now but I'm pretty sure it was a great deal too. I always try to find ways to work it in to my wardrobe for work but have a hard time making it look office appropriate. Luckily, I wasn't at work today and soon enough I will be able to wear it whenever I want (but more on that later).

This skirt can be a little fussy and girly.I like how adding a military inspired button-down toughened it up a  bit. I really wish the print would come out a little clearer in the head-to-toe shots but I think there is only so much magic you can work with a point and shoot camera.

I chased SSBF down out back of our house while he was watering our plants to take these photos. He made me take the first couple holding the hose. I looked ridiculous. Note to self: no more props. 

Anyways, finally I am excited to share with you guys a new piece I am working on. Basically, I'm doing a version of "The Money Diaries" from Ramet Sethi's blog I Will Teach You to be Rich. In his version he has guest posts from anonomyous readers detailing their spending for a period of seven days. My posts will be my own spending from the previous week. However, I am open to guest posts, so if you are interested in doing something like this e-mail me.

Whew! I think I got it all. Thanks for sticking with me through this marathon post.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

*Shirt, Old Navy
*Skirt, Urban Outfitters
*Belt, Banana Republic
*Shoes, Chinese Laundry via DSW

April Challenge: Day 20

I've been thinking a lot about what is going to happen once this challenge is over. I've decided there are two possible outcomes to this whole experiment.

1. I will be enlightened by my experience and it will change how I look at shopping forever.

OR

2. I will fall easily back into my old ways after not shopping for a month and run up quite the tab.

I'm hoping for the first but preparing for the second. In an effort to curtail my spending once May 1st comes around I decided to try and put together a list of the things I feel as though I can't live the summer without. I plan to use this list as a guide for when I'm shopping. If an item is not on the list, then I will really have to justify buying it.

Summer 2010 by GraceECro featuring American Apparel dresses

A couple of these items have been reoccurring lately on some sets I've put together on polyvore which is a good sign that I won't lose interest in them. I'm still searching for the right white jeans at the right price. The bathing suit is also to die for. I can just see myself laying around on the beach in the OBX with that beauty. The dress from American Apparel also never found its way into my closet. I plan to change that. Even with 3/4 sleeves that dress will be perfect for anywhere the AC is blasting this summer. In my mind the fedora and the romper speak for themselves.

ah! I can not wait for this month to be over!

What are you filling your closet with this summer?

items from left:

AE Herringbone Straw Fedora, $24.50

J.Crew Merino Popover Tunic, $68

Martin &Osa Skinny Jeans, $89.50

Steve Madden Genevvaa Sandals, $79 (via Piperlime)

Luca Couture Silky Zip Romper, $58  (via Urban Outfitters)

AA Pique Dolman Sleeve Dress, $36

J.Crew Pindot Underwire top & bottom, $100

debating a life sucked out the energy

When we first moved to Maryland SSBF and I would take little day trips to go hiking. It was almost 3 years ago that we went to Mt. Catoctin and Cunnigham Falls. With nothing else to do today, SSBF came up with the idea to go back. Seconds after he mentioned it I was reaching in his side of the closet looking for his most "mountainy" shirt. He vetoed a few before I styled this one enough to be acceptable. My problem is that the sleeves always look HUGE on me. (Nothing a little rolling can't fix) Even though its spring the weather today reminded me more of a fall day with a crisp breeze so I opted to channel a little more autumn in my outfit with the plaid.

 It was a coincidence that he mentioned going back to Catoctin after I spent the night before reminiscing through our first couple years here by reading through some posts on my old blog. One thing that bummed me out about reading it was realizing not that much has changed since then. Besides the fact that we bought a house I still do most of the things now, that I did back then. Which was primarily complain about my job, gush about my cats, and wish my credit card and student loan debt would just disappear.

I know I am being simplistic by saying nothing has changed, because in reality I am in graduate school, much more realistic with my financial situation, and on the verge of something in my career. I just don't feel like I have grown much at all in the past few years. It's strange to feel like I have been sitting still while life keeps on moving. I have this urge to just go outside and run. Not quite away, but in a direction that will make something happen. Anything. 

The next couple weeks are bound to be interesting with my semester wrapping up and some changes happening with work. I am looking forward to a month off from class to be able to spend a little more time focusing on my blog, and SSBF of course.  

*Shirt, Old Navy (borrowed from SSBF)

*Vest, Kohls

* Shorts, DIYed from an old Gap pair

*Boots, Rocketdog via DSW

P.S. The small hole in my tights is courtesy of Dolce (my cat). I guess he wanted me to go for the distressed look.

Happy Friday!

I am kind of disappointed at the void that was this week, but could not be happier that it is finally (almost) the weekend. I have off tomorrow which means I get to sleep in,  enjoy my morning coffee with SSBF and get a jump on whatever it is we want to do tomorrow. We hardly ever make plans for the weekend, we just let it unfold. The rest of our week is always so regimented so its nice to just go with it.

I'm also proud to say I've made it through the half way mark of my challenge. I'm sorry for the lack of outfit posting, my resident work photographer has been MIA and I have yet to purchase a tripod. But so far I feel like I have been successful at bringing some of my older pieces back to life.

Like this Betsey Johnson ring for example, I bought it at least 3 years ago and haven't worn it in as mean as 2. I've worn it a couple days this week and can not believe I let it sit idly on my dresser for so long!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Crazy Cat Lady Post

I know. This is totally random. But if you kow me you know I love my cats probably more then some humans. Typically in the morning when I am getting ready Dolce will lay in my bedroom on top of my slippers. He does it every single morning. Normally he is alone, but yesterday Chloe decided to join him.

Last night, SSBF found these two holding paws too. Seriously.

And who says cats don't have personality?

I promise more fashion to come.

quick trip to philly

I've been dying to wear an outfit like this ever since I saw Julie of Orchid Grey rock the Dynamite Dress from Modcloth. Check out how she styled it here.

SSBF was grumpy today because I was going to Philly and he had to finish the laundry for me so he took limited pictures of me. haha.

We only live 2 hours from Philly but the drive to there is almost always dreadful. Not only does Delaware charge you $8 in tolls to simply drive through it for 30 minutes round trip but there is often construction, congestion, and simply terrible drivers littering the road. The only good thing about the drive up there is getting to see three different city skylines. When I a kid I used to tell my dad that I wanted to become a photographer and dedicate a book to photos of city skylines. I don't know why it is I love them so much but anytime I drive by one I tend to get lost in the visual.

The reason for going up there is always worth the drive though. Today was my best friend Kristi's baby shower. I've known for Kristi what feels like a lifetime and was just in her wedding last March.

We were such crazy teenagers growing I can't believe how much both of us have settled down. When I was driving up there I couldn't help but think about how much her friendship has meant to me over the years. The funny thing about Kristi and me is that we always seemed to find each other. When we first met we were like 8 and played on a softball team together. Then after 6 years we ended up on the same SEPTA bus going to high school a block way from each other.  Finally, Junior year of high school we applied for the same job at Gap. After the third time I think we realized we were meant to be friends. Kristi will always be with me. She has to be, her name is the tattoo on my foot.

Even though Kristi ruined it by having the baby via an emergency C-section on St. Patrick's Day (jkjk) it was a lovely afternoon. Mom and baby are doing well and I am looking forward to meeting little Cameron Mari very soon.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

*Boat neck Tee, J.Crew

*Dress, Old Navy

*Scarf, Target

*Sandals, Target

April Challenge: Day 10

This is starting to get difficult. My wish-lists on various sites are starting to get to a critical level. There is so much spring stuff I'm dying to buy, and everything seems to be on sale! But I can't, I refuse to cave this time.

I impressed SSBF with my self-control yesterday when we went to Old Navy to return the pair of jeans I had ordered (which I'm pretty peeved about since the size below I couldn't even zip up, and these were baggy!). We went in and I walked straight to the counter. I knew I wasn't even about to walk around cause I would get myself in trouble, but SSBF was surprised to say the least.

We got out to a late start today because I had work in the morning. I always dread working Saturday's, it kind of kills the momentum and excitement of the weekend. Anyways, we were running out of time to take photos so on our way out to dinner we pulled into a random industrial park where we found these stairs. We've never really took any pictures when the sun was setting, so as you can imagine there were only a few useable pictures.

I don't know if I've ever mentioned, but I'm kind of a no frills girl, and love outfits with structure. Which is why I tend to where a lot of button-down shirts. This is one of my favorites and also one of my challenge pieces. It is light-weight and longer in length. I decided to pair it with my boyfriend jeans that made their first ever appearance rolled down! I really am in love with them like that, especially with the wedges. The coat of course is J.Crew.

*Coat, J.Crew

*Top, Forever 21

*Boyfriend Jeans, Gap

*Shoes, DSW

April Outfit Challenge: Day 6

At first I was going to do a post about the 15 peices I picked to be the foundation of my wardrobe this month. However, the pictures didn't do the clothing any justice so I scrapped that plan and thought I would just introduce them to you as they come. This was my first offical challenge outfit this month. (In case you missed it I've challenged myself to a month of no spending, check out the details here.)

Both the shirt and the skirt in this outfit are part of my 15. I love this button down that I picked up from New York & Co. one random day. Its not a regular haunt, but it seems like from time to time I can stop in and find one peice I love at an amazing price (aka. $14.99, ladies) My favorite detail that I foolishly disguised in this outfit is the pockets. I love pockets. The skirt is from the J.Crew outlet. It got shoved away in some dark corner of my closest until about a week ago. I was so excited to find it so I could start working it in to heavy rotation.

I love both of these peices but I'll be honest, after seeing these pictures the first time I wasn't the biggest fan of this outfit. It just seemed too boring and drab for the beautiful summer-like weather we've been having. It's grown on me a little but in hindsight it definitely needs a pair of pumps in a bright color next time around.

What do you guys think?

Odds and Ends

Well, we put the finishing touches on our entry door project this weekend. We bought some new address numbers and a new light fixture in nickel to match the hardware on our door. These finishing touches took the better part of an afternoon to complete because a few unforeseen circumstances.

First, the numbers we originally bought from Home Depot involved drilling pretty big holes and some caulking, basically a little more expertise then either of us possess. Then came the light. SSBF took the original light down only to find the person who put the last one up had half-assed the job completely. So in attempting to put the new light up it kept ripping the screw that held the bracket out of the brick! After two trips to Home Depot, an extra screw, adhesive, and some waterproof sealant we finally got the bugger to stay... for now.

On another note I've decided I can finally call it Spring because SSBF and I had our first taste of Rita's water ice this weekend. If you have never had Rita's and live in these states you must go and quickly. It is the best Spring/Summer treat. I personally recommend the Mango Gelati. For all the rest of you, just keep it in mind when visiting those states.

Other then that it was a pretty low key weekend. SSBF and I went for a walk around our neighborhood on Sunday. We have tons of little walking paths in the community and there is this little bridge that we always drive by, so I had him take some pictures down there.

Nothing too special. Sunday was probably one of the nicest days temperature-wise we've had so far. I've seen some people in some seriously Summer outfits, which I have no real problem with.  I just prefer to be conservative, play it slow, savor Spring if you will. That, and I'm kind of obsessed with this scarf right now. You can't really tell because of how bright the sun is but my tee is actually a faded yellow. It is also one of my favorites.

It was just one of those quiet weekends where I got to spend a lot of time with SSBF and we got some things done. It was relaxing, and wonderful... Why did it have to end?

*Scarf, Old Navy

*Boyfriend Cardigan, J.Crew

*Tee, J.Crew

*Tank, Old Navy

*Jeans, Old Navy

*Boots, Forever 21

Challenge Accepted

Last night while I was consoling SSBF (with head rubs) after the Michigan State game we got to talking.
((Sidenote:  After being with SSBF for 3 and 1/2 years, and buying a house together, we often get the question "So when are you getting married?")) Well last night jokingly I said, so when are we getting married. SSBF's response? "When you stop buying clothes."

Challenge Accepted. There will be no clothing purchases for the month of April.

Now clearly I will never stop buying clothes and for financial reasons other then my shopping habit, I don't expect SSBF to propose at the end of this. However, that little statement got me thinking a lot. I attempted a shopping ban once before back in October. My goal was to go the entire month without buying clothes in an effort to save for Christmas gifts. However, not surprisingly, I failed.

In hindsight, I did a few things wrong, first and foremost I didn't pinpoint the reason I shop. I've come to the conclusion that the sheer act buying something new and the excitement that comes along with styling something new is what drives my spending. It doesn't matter if its $5 or $50. It's new. After a few weeks though that excitement wanes and I look for something else to fill the void. Secondly, I didn't create any consequences to failing. There was no punishment when I cheated a little, and then a lot. Obviously with no punishment, there was no incentive to not cheat. Finally, I didn't reward myself at the end. I didn't give myself anything to look forward to.Yes, I would have more money for Christmas gifts, but what does that really do for me?

So here are the ground rules for this month:

1. I am going to pick out 15 pieces (tops, bottoms, accessories) and try to incorporate them into my outfits each week. More to come on which ones...

2. If I cave, I will have to pay for Chick-Fil-A dinner every Friday in May.

3. If I survive, SSBF will join me for one day of shopping, courtesy of the money saved in my ING sub-account :)

I know the third ground rule sounds a little counter-productive, but I see this exercise as a way of developing self-control and wardrobe satisfaction rather then just as a money saving challenge.

Wish me luck.

J.Crew Spring

So considering this is a fashion blog, I'm sure you guys were sick of hearing about my nonexistent gardening knowledge. Luckily for you all the April J.Crew catalogue arrived a few days ago. Naturally, I found plenty of things I loved and thought I share a few of my favorites with you.

J.Crew Spring by GraceECro featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
Metropolitan leather ankle boots, $265
Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew- Carrington chain and needle, $195
Crystal rock bracelet - J.Crew, $50
J.Crew - Watercolor potpourri swing coat, $595
Merino popover tunic - J.Crew (Black), $120

I am loving the slouchy, relaxed fit of the merino sweater. It is like something out of my dreams and  conveniently it is the most affordable thing in this set at $68. (I'm sensing a trip to J.Crew in my near future) The coat is my second favorite, everything about it just screams spring, and the cropped sleeves allow plenty of time for it to be worn. I've seen this dress

Visit hm.com


from the H&M garden collection floating around weardrobe and chictopia. For those of you that love watercolors, but aren't adventurous enough for that dress, this coat is a great alternative.

The boots and jewelry, well those speak for themselves.

Now where can I find the $1100 needed for these pieces?

ahhhh, day off.

With SSBF on spring break I decided to take a couple days off work this week to get some things done around the house and catch up on some of my school work. Today we headed out to River Hill Nursery in Clarksville to finally pick out some foundation plants for our garden. Well, actually we went there knowing next to nothing about what we wanted and had a few of the people there point us in the right direction. We ended up with 4 shrubs, a small tree, and some perennials for both the front and back yards.

That is the back of subbie all loaded up with the our new plants. It was fun going to a privately owned nursery, most of the employees were really helpful and well versed in gardening. Apparently there is a lot more to planting flowers then I originally thought. Like for example it is a good idea to plant flowers that bloom at different times to keep the color going throughout the year. Also, a perennial will come back every season, but annuals you need to replant every year.

By the time we got home from the nursery (after a quick stop) at Home Depot we only had time to put the flowers in out front. The ones we put in will bloom orange and yellow and eventually will spread out to about 18 inches wide (which is why we left so much room in between). We will probably head out again sometime this weekend to get some more to fill in the gaps.

The entire time we were outside today, whether it was out back or front, we had a little audience. They are such snuggy bums. Dolce (in the front) was the most curious, and quite brave. He ventured outside for a few minutes to sniff around.

I had SSBF take a few pictures of the outfit I wore, but the area we took them in was riddled with shadows so they didn't come out very well. Between Home Depot and River Hill we spent about $350 today on plants, a hose, a hose storage box, gardening gloves for me, a small shovel, and weed killer. With the shrubs costing the most at about $35 a pop.

Now about that homework.....

*Twill Blazer, Gap

*Sequin Tank, Old Navy

*Boyfriend Jeans, Gap

* Shoes, Keds