Gift Guide: Under $250

Assouline book set {$135} Michael Kors watch {$250} Le labo perfume {$130} Saint Laurent card case {$225} Maria Black bracelet {$210} J.Crew sweater {$190} Charlotte Tilbury makeup {$250}

Just think of me as your gifting fairy godmother...

Today, I present you with the first installment of my budget friendly gift guides. Over the new few weeks, I'll be bringing you wallet-lovin', won't be broke by 2015, gifts that everyone on your list (including yourself) will love.

Along with helping you save a little, each guide will be specific to an online retailer that I shop and adore myself. Beginning with beloved Net-A-Porter. Known for it's splurge-worthy items, here are some ideas that ehem, aren't the cost of the latest "It" bag.

The party never ends...

Sailor's Holiday Shop // Instant updates // What to wear...

Luxe Opposites

Madewell sweater // Zara pants // Chanel ballet flats // Clare Vivier clutch // Michael Kors watch 

 // Madewell & Bauble Bar rings // KJP bracelet c/o //

In fashion, it's all about opposites- as quoted by Nina Garcia last week at an event I attended. It is so true; you can mix high and low, girly and edgy, the list goes on and on. In addition to mixing styles, I am a big fan of mixing textures and fabrics: chunky and silky or tweed and cotton for example. Here I'm showing a contrast of chunky- with the knit sweater- and sleek- with the coated jeans. Mixing opposites can make any look much more unique and eye-catching. Always remember that fashion is not meant to be taken too seriously- take risks and play around.

Color Pop

         Eight Sixty Dress (old, last worn here) // Tory Burch Shoes // Michael Kors Watch 

// Marc by Marc Sunglasses // Sephora Lip Gloss in "pin-up pink" 

Happy Wednesday! Thank you for all the sweet comments about my hair! (: These pictures were supposed to go up yesterday but I was sailing all day and my computer has been acting out- if you follow me on Twitter, you will hear about my #techproblems. 

 I haven't gotten much wear out of this Eight Sixty dress since I bought it last winter. The loud print is quite hard to pull off and I never knew how to style it. Over the weekend, I wore it with neutral heels- I love the gold detailing- and minimal accessories. I think the key to rocking a bold print is to keep everything else very simple! As I've mentioned before, I have been having fun with my makeup and hair recently. I tend to keep my makeup very natural and light. During the summer, I don't wear that much because I'm either sailing, swimming, or doing something that involves water. To add a pop to my basic look, I went with a pink lip. Definitely a change for someone who only wears lip balm but it's fun to play around with color! 

LBD + Short Hair

Asos Dress // Ray Ban Sunglasses // Rebecca Minkoff Sandals // Catbird Rings // Celine Bag // Michael Kors Watch // J.Crew Belt (old)

On Friday, I did something I never thought I would do- cut my hair into a lob- long bob. To be honest, I didn't mean to cut it this short. I only wanted about an inch off and my hairstylist (who was from Europe) thought I meant 4 inches. Needless to say, I like the length and it's fun to play around with my short(er) hair! (Some hair tutorials videos are in the future)

With my new hairstyle, I feel that I can experiment and try out different outfits and looks. For example, I never wear black- I own 4 black items of clothing- but I recently purchased this simple dress from Asos and I'm kinda digging it. 

photos by Katie

Shocking

Splendid Tee (last worn here) // Clover Canyon Skirt // DV Dolce Vita Sandals // Ray-Ban Sunglasses 

// Michael Kors Watch // Essie "Mint Candy Apple" 

This was kind of a spur of the moment outfit for me. I tend to never wear a super bold outfit, but when something works, it works! The causal baseball tee dressed down the skirt creating a perfect weekend look with minimal jewelry and simple sandals. What do you think?

Neutral Mix

HIHO Dress c/o // Converse Sneakers // J.Crew Belt (old) // Celine Bag // Michael Kors Watch // Loren Hope Link Bracelet // Asha by Adm Bracelet // Essie "Madison Ave-Hue" Polish

Normally I don't wear a ton of neutrals- except white- during the summer. Over the weekend, I decided to mix it up and wear a neutral outfit. I wore this HIHO dress (which I also have in blue & white) for an easy daytime outfit. I added neutral accessories; white kicks, classic bag, and simple bracelets. It's definitely a new look for me but I like it a lot! The light material of the dress is also perfect in the scorching summer heat (like this past weekend!) 

Spring Fling

           Parker Dress (love this one) // Club Monaco Jacket // Loeffler Randall Rider Bag // Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (old) // Pour La Victoire Heels // Michael Kors watch // Essie "Flirt" 

During the Spring, there is nothing I love more than to wear a silky, printed dress with a structured jacket.  This beautiful Parker dress was a Christmas present from my brother, that has been  in my closet. I love the print, it reminds me of watercolor paintings. I paired the dress with two updated classic pieces; a tweed jacket and a neutral bag. This Club Monaco jacket (which I scored on an amazing sale) is the perfect Spring outer piece. The bright color is super wearable and you can also layer the jacket during the colder months. 

I have been coveting Loeffler Randall purses!  I have been saving my pennies for the Rider bag and last week I went ahead and splurged on it! Seriously, I'm in love! It's the ideal size and the neutral color works all year round. Hope you all have had a good weekend!

Emerald

Otte Blouse // J.Brand Jeans (old) // French Connection Heels // Julie Vos Animal Bangles c/o 

// Michael Kors Watch // Julie Vos Necklace c/o // BaubleBar Monogram Necklace

I cleaned out my closet recently, only to discover I have no shirts in red, emerald, and orange. Because of that, this past week  I went to my favorite stores; Intermix, Otte, and Joie. While I was shopping, I bought three new shirts in all those colors. I love having a variety of different colors to mix and match! I tend to wear a lot more colors during the Spring and Summer too! I love this blouse I picked up from Otte. The simple cut makes it a versatile piece, but is chicer and bolder with the emerald color! (Emerald is the Color of the Year, too!) I paired with simple jewels and a fun, colorful pair of heels! I have to add, I am obsessed with these shoes! The lucite heel and colorful metallic are a super fun! 

Neon Florals

Eight Sixty Dress- in love with this one // Free People Jacket // Ray-Ban Sunglasses 

// Tieks Ballet Flats c/o // Michael Kors Watch // BaubleBar Jewels

Yesterday was the first real dose of Spring we have had! The funny part, right after a snow storm. The weather called for bright colors and a fun print, thus I whipped out this dress. After seeing this dress on Piperlime, I knew it was meant for me. Anything neon and printed is always welcomed into my closet! On top, I wore another one of my new favorites! This faux leather Free People Jacket. I have been on the hunt for a light leather jacket, and I died when I saw this one! The price was ideal and it fits perfectly! Lastly, I wore my third love, ballet flats from Tieks! They are ridiculously comfy and the colors are fantastic! I will be definitely buying more for Spring. 

Keep on Sailing,

Sloane

Playing with Neutrals

Recently, I've been mix and matching neutrals for an easy look. I think it's really important to have a solid base of basic neutrals in your closet that you can wear over and over again. Most neutrals are also season less, which is an added bonus! For this look, I paired my favorite Equipment blouse with a sheer Haute Hippie sweater. To make the look different, distressed denim is a no-brainer. I finished the look off with a pop of color of with a maroon hat.

Keep on Sailing,
Sloane

Equipment Blouse // Haute Hippie Sweater // Current/Elliott Jeans // Shopbop Hat // PLV Wedges // Theodora & Callum Scarf // Urban Outfitters Sunnies // Michael Kors Watch // Hermes Bracelet