With the country opening up, many of us—hopefully—will be able to celebrate special occasions in person. And Spring and Summer are full of them: from Easter to Mother’s Day to weddings to graduations. There are so many opportunities to get together and share a little love and joy—and much needed too! As the weather warms up (for some of us), we’ve been thinking about Spring a lot over here on the blog. We’re continuing on with our theme this week: budget-friendly Spring shopping.
Easter dress 2022
Today’s spring dress is from Scoop (available at Walmart), and it’s available in 3 colors. (I’m also loving the pink.) I’ve styled it with a pair of cap-toe pumps (similar here and here). The cap-toe pump has been a favorite of mine this year. So much so that I featured it on one of my real vs. deal segments reprinted below:
Cap-toe Slingback
The cap-toe slingback might not need any introduction due to its iconic status. Coco Chanel introduced this beauty in 1957 and nicknamed it “the height of elegance.” This shoe ticks all the classic boxes and is a cult favorite due to its neutral color scheme – black toe and nude body. The heel is not too high nor too low and looks fantastic with skirts, dresses, pants, or blue jeans.
Walmart carries the Easy Spirit cap-toe pump that’s easy on your budget. Hands down the best dupe are the Exclusive Baton Heel available at TuckerNuck that looks almost identical to the Chanel slingback. Karen White pointy toe slingback is elegant and sophisticated thanks to a v-shape opening. And the Vaneli Aliz slingback is a perennial favorite available at Nordstrom.
Dress (available in 3 colors) | Hat | DeMellier handbag (similar here and here) | Cap toe pumps similar here and here | Silver bracelet | Silver hoops
Shop the post (click below)
Spring special occasion dress
I’m loving this dress because it would work for just about any special occasion I can think of this year. My accessories are subtle but compliment the outfit nicely. I’m featuring a DeMellier handbag (similars here and here) and a silver bracelet and hoops. Understated but elegant.
Dress (available in 3 colors) | Hat | DeMellier handbag (similar here and here) | Cap-toe pumps similar here and here | Silver bracelet | Silver hoops
Shop the post (click below)
Sprint hats
Who doesn’t love a hat, especially in Spring? This straw fedora is also from Scoop and is going to get a lot of use this Spring.
Dress (available in 3 colors) | Hat | DeMellier handbag (similar here and here) | Cap-toe pumps similar here and here | Silver bracelet | Silver hoops
Shop the post (click below)
In case you missed it
We’re in the Spring transition phase over here at SAACA. Yesterday we featured a budget-friendly skirt from Scoop that you can dress up or down by swapping out just your accessories. Make sure to check it out.
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Happy March, ladies! We made it through February and are headed straight into Spring. First and foremost, I wanted to say, “thank you”. This February was our best February ever over here at SAACA. And that’s solely due to your continued, daily support of what we’re doing here. To kick this month off, I’m styling a black skirt and top set from Scoop (available at Walmart) 2 ways. I’m going to show you how to dress that set up for an evening out at dinner or down for a day of shopping. And the best part is: all you have to do is swap your shoes!
Also—and I’m pretty excited about this—speaking of shoes, we’re featuring another real vs. deal. We’ll look at the iconic Hermès Sandals and I’ll show you some similar, more budget-friendly options. Happy Tuesday!
Skirt and top set
For our first style today, I’m pairing a black cap sleeve top with a black ruffle smocked skirt. Both are from Scoop available at Walmart. To dress this outfit up, I went with a pair of black strappy sandals from Vince Camuto. With the country opening back up again, I imagine many of you are spending evenings out again. This is the perfect outfit for a Spring night out.
This Kensington cross body bag and London cuff bracelet from Kurt Geiger really push the outfit over the edge and give it a little pizazz.
Black Cap Sleeve Top (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Ruffle Smocked Skirt (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Strappy Sandals (Vince Camuto) | London Cuff Bracelet (Kurt Geiger) | Kensington Cross Body Bag (Kurt Geiger) | Brown Flat Sandals (Sam Edelman) | Macrame Handbag (Scoop) | Wood Bangle (My Amazon Storefront) | Cat Eye Sunglasses from Scoop
Dress it up
Black Cap Sleeve Top (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Ruffle Smocked Skirt (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Strappy Sandals (Vince Camuto) | London Cuff Bracelet (Kurt Geiger) | Kensington Cross Body Bag (Kurt Geiger) | Brown Flat Sandals (Sam Edelman) | Macrame Handbag (Scoop) | Wood Bangle (My Amazon Storefront) | Cat Eye Sunglasses from Scoop
Dress it down
Alright, now for the power of shoes and accessories. Same black cap sleeve top with a black ruffle smocked skirt. But this time, I want to dress it down—slightly. Perfect for resort wear or a regional travel day, I’ve swapped out my strappy sandals for brown flat ones from Sam Edelman. I also traded my cross body bag for a macrame handbag from Scoop—a real steal. It truly is amazing the power of accessories, and how they can change the nature of an outfit!
Black Cap Sleeve Top (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Ruffle Smocked Skirt (3 colors, yellow, fiery red, and black) | Black Strappy Sandals (Vince Camuto) | London Cuff Bracelet (Kurt Geiger) | Kensington Cross Body Bag (Kurt Geiger) | Brown Flat Sandals (Sam Edelman) | Macrame Handbag (Scoop) | Wood Bangle (My Amazon Storefront) | Cat Eye Sunglasses from Scoop
Real vs deal
Alright, something a little fun today: real vs deal. We’re all familiar with the iconic Hermès Sandals. Totally gorgeous. Totally classic. Very similar to what I featured above. And are they not perfect for Spring? Today, I’ve rounded up four more budget-friendly dupes/copies of those sandals below.
Real
Deals
Shop the widget (click below)
In case you missed it
We’re trying something new today: we’re running 2 posts at once. Click to see February’s top 5 reader favorites as chosen by you!
Earlier this month, we ran our 2022 denim trends that you will love (and hate). Almost paradoxically, one of the most loved (and hated) styles was the wide-leg jean. They’re a denim style we’ve featured over the years, and the truth is wide-leg jeans this Spring are in. This pant silhouette is trending and will be for some time. So let’s kick of Monday by channeling some Spring vibes—-color, color, and more color. And let’s see if I can convince you to try one of this year’s hottest denim styles.
Wide-leg jeans this Spring
Today’s outfit is super simple, but a lot of fun. We’re featuring a white tee and blazer from Ann Taylor that’s already sold out. (Darn it.) But per usual, I’ve grabbed similars you can find here and here. I’m loving bright colors this Spring: reds, yellows, and oranges. (Last week, I featured a pair of red pants, very similar to my blazer color today.) The wide-leg pants are old, but I’ve rounded up some similars too: here, here, and here.
Blazer Ann Taylor (sold out, similar here and here) | White tee (Ann Taylor) | Wide leg pants (old, similar here, here, and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Handbag (old, similar here, here, and here)
Shop Wide Leg Pants (Click the widget below)
Shop the Post (Click the widget below)
This pant silhouette is trending this Spring
Gone are the days of skinny jeans. Wide-leg is the trending silhouette this Spring. And while some may think their body type prevents them from pulling these pants off, not true. Try pairing wide-leg pants with a pair of pointed-toe pumps for extra length; tuck in your shirt for a more tailored look; and whether you’re feeling color or not, going monochromatic is always a great way to create a tight, clean look that attracts the eye up and down the entire outfit.
Blazer Ann Taylor (sold out, similar here and here) | White tee (Ann Taylor) | Wide leg pants (old, similar here, here, and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Handbag (old, similar here, here, and here)
Shop Wide Leg Pants (Click the widget below)
Shop the Post (Click the widget below)
Women’s denim trends
As I saw all the time on the blog, denim trends come and go. But sometimes it’s good to break out of our fashion comfort zones and try something new. Wide-leg pants are a fun and easy way to do just that.
Blazer Ann Taylor (sold out, similar here and here) | White tee (Ann Taylor) | Wide leg pants (old, similar here, here, and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Handbag (old, similar here, here, and here)
Shop Wide Leg Pants (Click the widget below)
Shop the Post (Click the widget below)
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
In case you missed it
Yesterday, we continued our Essential Series with 5 timeless fashion essentials every woman should own. Make sure also to check out our entire Essential Series:
- essential tops;
- essential bottoms; and
- essential jackets;
- essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.
Our first entry into our Essential Series this month is 5 timeless fashion essentials you need in your closet, including the essential Spring raincoat (’cause it’s almost that time of year). They are:
- trench coat;
- classic satchel;
- gold hoops;
- tweed blazer; and
- cap-toe pump.
This post continues the Essential Series we began in January:
- essential tops;
- essential bottoms; and
- essential jackets;
- essential accessories that every woman should have in their closet.
One of the goals of this series is to help you build a classic and timeless wardrobe that you can “shop” for years to come. So for each essential item today, I put together a widget of shoppable items. I’ve also gone back into the archives and found different ways you can style each item.
5 timeless fashion essentials
The trench coat has made many appearances on the blog over the years. To my mind, it is the essential Spring & Fall raincoat. Did you know that during WWI British Officers wore trench coats that had been modified with shoulder straps and D-rings? the ring was included so that map cases, swords, or other equipment could easily attach to the belt. (After all, necessity is the mother of invention.)
Burberry reigns supreme when it comes to a khaki trench, but other retailers like J.Crew have them at lower price points. I’ve put together a shopping widget below for a variety of different options.
Essential Spring raincoats: Trench Coat
Style tip: If you already have a khaki trench, but want to add another, consider something more exotic like animal print.
Shop trench coats (widget below)
Shop trench coats (widget below)
Satchel Handbag
We ran a list of essential accessories back in January. Handbags were featured there heavily. If I had to pick one and only one handbag I would carry with me, it would be the satchel handbag. Yup, even above a crossbody or clutch. What I love most about the satchel is its versatility. Style them up, or style them down—satchels can work for you in just about any situation.
Style tip: Pick one time in your outfit to match your bag to create a perfect synergy between your accessories and that outfit.
Shop handbags (widget below)
Shop handbags (widget below)
Gold Hoops
Jewelry is the most personal part of any woman’s closet. From heirloom pieces to costume jewelry, choices reflect highly specific and often memorable points in our life. It truly is difficult to recommend jewelry for other women to buy.
But if you backed me into a corner, I would say that every woman should own a pair of gold hoops. If you were to scroll through my past posts, I’m willing to bet that I’ve featured gold hoops more than any other piece of jewelry. I get that much use out of mine.
Style tip: Pair gold hoops with gold bangles to create a subtle, easily reinforceable theme for your outfit.
Shop gold hoops (widget below)
Shop gold hoops (widget below)
Tweed Blazer
Just like trench coats, blazers are a regular fixture over here at Style at a Certain Age. Tweed blazers are such easy transition pieces from Winter-to-Spring or Fall-To-Winter, they can be reused often. And given that they can be dressed up or down, you’ll have no trouble finding new ways to wear them.
Style tip: Pair a tweed blazer with denim, because it works every time.
Shop tweed jacket (widget below)
Shop tweed jacket (widget below)
Cap-Toe Slingback
The cap-toe slingback might not need any introduction due to its iconic status. Coco Chanel introduced this beauty in 1957 and nicknamed it “the height of elegance.” This shoe ticks all the classic boxes and is a cult favorite due to its neutral color scheme – black toe and nude body. The heel is not too high nor too low and looks fantastic with skirts, dresses, pants or blue jeans.
Today, we’re introducing “Real vs. Steal.” Who doesn’t love a bargain?
Walmart carries the Easy Spirit cap-toe pump that’s easy on your budget. Hands down the best dupe are the Exclusive Baton Heel available at TuckerNuck that looks almost identical to the Chanel slingback. Karen White pointy toe slingback is elegant and sophisticated thanks to a v-shape opening. And the Vaneli Aliz slingback is a perennial favorite available at Nordstrom.
Style tip: this shoe is as practical as it is beautiful because the nude color lengthens the leg while the black toe shortens the foot.
Shop cap-toe slingbacks (widget below)
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
In case you missed it
Winter is still here for a little while, but here’s a comfy sweater to beat the cold.
Of course, it’s important to stay on top of Spring fashion color trends. Some colors like Soft Lilac and Sky Blue are in; others are out. And that’s the thing about fashion trends, really. In and out, out and in. But colors that never go out of style, no matter the trends: neutrals. Yup, I’m talking blacks, whites, and grays. Ok, I know what you’re thinking: we’re just heading out of Winter and into Spring. Why are you featuring a neutral-based outfit? Simple: I’ve got a neutral tweed jacket today that’s anything but boring. And it’s a perfect transition piece as we leave February behind us and enter into the springtime months. Without further ado, here’s that tweed jacket styled two different ways.
Spring fashion color trends
Today I’ve got one tweed jacket (on sale!) styled two ways—both keeping with our neutral theme. The first jacket is layered with a black merino sweater from Banana Republic, paired with tuxedo pants from Ralph Lauren. A perfect monochromatic combo that you can wear just about anywhere, really. And, of course, accessories can provide the perfect but subtle counterbalance with a metallic pop. I’ve found this similar, layered necklace (similar) that will set off any similar outfit.
Tuxedo Pants | Merino Sweater | Tweed Jacket | Pumps (similar) | Necklace (similar) | Handbag
Denim | Tee | Tweed Jacket | Sandals (similar) | Handbag (similar) | Pearl Necklace (similar) | Station Necklace (similar)
1 neutral tweed jacket 2 ways
Tuxedo Pants | Merino Sweater | Tweed Jacket | Pumps (similar) | Necklace (similar) | Handbag
Shop Tweed Blazers (click below)
Denim | Tee | Tweed Jacket | Sandals (similar) |Handbag (similar) | Pearl Necklace (similar) | Station Necklace (similar)
Shop Necklaces (click below)
Spring fashion
The second look is the yin to the first’s yang. I’ve swapped the tuxedo pants for white denim and the sweater for a tee. Again, accessories and shoes take the outfit over the top. I love metallic sandals this year—or any year for that matter because they act as a neutral.
Denim | Tee | Tweed Jacket | Sandals (similar) | Handbag (similar) |Pearl Necklace (similar) | Station Necklace (similar)
Shop Gold Sandals (click below)
Shop the Post
Daily looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
In case you missed it
As you get ready for the changing season, make sure you check out 5 must-try hairstyles this Spring to get you ready.
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