Loving Right Now: J. Crew's colorful spring collection

Want to stop in J. Crew? Usually, you don't have to ask me twice. But their spring collections have me wanting to run to the nearest store to buy these looks ASAP. This collection strikes the perfect balance of neutral and candy-colored pieces, perfectly wearable basics and fun statement pieces, and the standard J. Crew preppy look with the edgy NYC street look.

Some of my favorites from the lookbook:

White hot.

These wider-legged pants will be mine.

How does J. Crew make grandma-pink-colored pants look so chic?

Love the print. This will be my new weekend wardrobe come summer.

Hello, beautiful lace jacket, perfectly mismatched with safari neutrals? Why don't you come with me?

Socks and sandals have returned! And worn with the coolest gold skirt this side of Midas' kingdom. (Does anyone know if a skirt like this is actually wearable in real life?)

Sequined skirt? Turquoise top? This girl's green with envy.

As a side note, I think this collection underscores the importance of separates to our wardrobes. I have so many friends (and myself included in this) that picked the dress as their go-to wardrobe basic, both for ease and style. And while I think the perfect black shift dress is still a wardrobe staple, the possibilities that separates create are endless. Viva les pants!

Peep the entire spring lookbook over at FabSugar and just try tell me you don't want to hie thee to the nearest J. Crew at once.

We like to party

The other day, I was headed out for a night on the town when I realized I had nothing to wear. I mean, sure, I have my go-to going out dresses, but I've worn them many times now. They no longer feel special or fun.

I've been so focused on revamping my work wardrobe and buying professional pieces that I'd neglected my after-work wardrobe. What I needed was a fun Saturday night dress - pronto. It's hard to find a good balance between cocktail, casual and conservative - I wanted something fun and bright but not so amazing that it was a "special occasion only" dress.

That said, I could not justify spending a ton on a dress that is made to risk getting spilled on at Cafe St. Ex or messed up in a crowded Georgetown bar. So I spent a while poring over some less expensive websites like ASOS, Modcloth and Lulu's - which I'd never really shopped at before! They have some cute stuff.

Here's what I came up with as potential party dresses:

1. Nasty Gal Serious Flare dress: $48
2. ASOS chiffon and mesh drape dress: $77.58
3. Lulu's Own It woven blue dress: $43
4. Modcloth Fevered Rays dress: $74.99
5. Modcloth Glamourous Garnish dress: $74.99
6. Nasty Gal Poppy drape dress: $78
7. Lipsy bandeau dress with draped glitter finish, available at ASOS: $78.44
8. ASOS oversized sequin shift dress: $146.54
9. ASOS plain drape crop top dress: $68.96
10. ASOS woven hem t-shirt dress: $60.34

Can you guess which one I bought already? (Hint: It's got color...)

What's your favorite thing to wear out for a night on the town?

Shopping Savvy: Cheap satisfaction

My new personal goal as a shopper is to buy fabulous, high-end pieces rarely instead of low-end chain store pieces regularly. My wallet/closet will thank me, or so I think.

And yet, even with this thought in mind - that $20 I spent at H&M is $20 I can't put toward the $300 DVF dress I'm lusting after - sometimes you can find great, quality pieces at a lower price point.

I've said it before: If you have taste, you can shop anywhere. Here are some amazing pieces that look more expensive than their price tags would lead you to believe:

J. Crew Factory Blakely bling bracelet: $14.00

Gap knit tulip skirt: $29.99

PII draped jersey vest, available at The Outnet: $37.50

Forever 21 belted wrap dress: $24.80

Steve Madden BClassic: $98

Mango dress: $89.90

Zara short-sleeved lace dress: $129