All Photos are from the J Crew September 2012 Catalog

After picking up the most recent J Crew catalog, I don't think I have gasped more in my life. There is something to say about the way that this company communicates its brand to the public. First off, the clothes are incredible--from the designs to the styling, even the the models exude a cool factor that few retailers are able to achieve. So many women {and men} lust after J Crew clothing, and I can honestly say that I am one of them. J Crew is able to take the traditional preppy look, push the envelop and create something new and interesting every season. I am always excited to see what their new collections look like because it never disappoints.

Okay, I have way too many good things to say about J Crew, I know. But why did I post these images--I mean this is a budget blog? Well, I truly believe that in order to be a budget shopper you must have some sort of designer inspiration in order to have an idea of what pieces to look for and how to style them. And this would be {one of} mine. Therefore, I had to share these images.

Also, I wanted to just mention some trends that I have noticed from the J Crew catalog and various other resources. {I will try to incorporate some of these trends within my future outfit posts--so stay tuned}. The trends are as follows: navy, stripes, chunky jewels, cheetah print, lots and lots of patterns, bright colors, the classic Jackie O. look, and mixing and matching sporty and elegant styles {such as a baseball hat with a dress, military print with heals or boyfriend jeans with a peplum blouse}.  

Any thoughts? Who else loves J Crew!?

Steals & Deals: Cotton On Dress, $5.00//Joyce Leslie White Leather Jacket, $25.00//Cat Eye Sunglasses, $7.95//J Crew Booties, $78.00//Trifari Vintage Necklace, $22

Yay, finally I have a new post after a long week of finals madness, and it is not over yet {less than one week till summer, thank god!} If you can not tell by now my three current obsessions include: summer dresses, this white leather jacket, and my cateye sunnies. I have been wearing them every chance I get.

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer, sunshine and week! xo

Steals & Deals: J Crew Plaid Flannel {Boys Crew Cuts}, $14.95//K Mart Blue Denim{J Crew Tooth Pick Alternative}, $19.00//Thrifted Banana Republic Sandals, $9.00//Target Cateye Sunglasses, $16.99 {similar}//Piperlime Melie Bianco Bag, $36.99
Chloe + Isabel Jewelry: Retro Glam Chrystal Necklace//Pave Ball Stud Earrings

Okay, so I have a little story about my first time trying to do a sock bun. Let's just say it took me about 5 times to get it to look like this {aka somewhat decent}. Jesus, it was not an easy thing to do, who knew it was that hard. Well it might have been easier for me if I actually took the time to look at the instructions on Pinterest {here}. Yeah, I after trying multiple times I realized that I did it wrong. Of course there is a much easier way to do a sock bun! Well you live and learn. And folks sometimes it is just better to look at instructions. Lesson learned. 

Another thing to note is this super cute plaid flannel from J Crew. Maybe you saw this shirt {Boy shirt in blue vintage camp flannel} during fall/winter in the women's department for $78.00? Well, the same exact shirt was offered in the little boys department in Crew Cuts not only for less, but also on sale {at the time of purchase}. Crew cuts price + sale + employee discount = $14.95 {ish}...SCORE! First of all if you are petite, browse through the boys clothing {size 10-14}. Honestly, they may fit you better than women's. It is so worth it to try because the garment that may be be a similar style to a women's piece will be much less and it may fit better.

If you haven't already follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram {@mgiraudo} to get more fashion info and some steals and deals. xo