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| Jacket: H&M, Top: Express, Jeans: GAP, Booties: Old Navy (similar) |
Sometimes, you don’t have to take responsibility for your recent purchases. Why feel guilty when you can blame your dear blog friends instead? If they hadn’t made an item seem like SUCH a must-have, you wouldn’t have HAD to buy it, right? Like this Express Baroque Tiered Lace Tank that Gina’s been making me want since June! Not only is it beautifully embroidered…it layers so well with contrasting camisoles. I’m wearing it with a white tank – but look at how cute it looks when paired with a pop of orange! I waited patiently for it to go on sale – and it was worth it – it’s currently $20 instead of $59!
My second blogger-inspired purchase was this H&M Draped Wrap-Style Blouse that I spotted on my forever favorite blogger – Jean of Extra Petite. As she mentions, the quality of the fabric is not that great – it seems a bit delicate and prone to snagging. Still, it’s so beautifully designed that I HAD to keep it – I’ll just be extra careful when I’m wearing it!
I know EVERY blogger owns this plaid blanket scarf – but there’s a reason for that…the colour combination is just so classic and gorgeous. While the ZARA one sold out a while back, Target has a similar option – for under $20! Given my love for plaid blanket scarves, I definitely needed to add this to my wardrobe. (Click here for my top scarf-tying tips: How to Wear Scarves.)
While at Express, I was drawn in by the bag display – they have so many well-made choices, including “designer-inspired” versions of all the hottest IT bags. I had fun matching the Express bags (on the right) with their designer counterparts! Which of these do you like the best?
Louis Vuitton Alma (1) Express Patent Bowler Bag
Clare Vivier Clutch (2) Express Haircalf Clutch or Foldover Clutch
Celine Tricolor Trapeze Bag (3) Express Color Block Turn Lock Satchel
Chanel Flap Bag (4) Express Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Bag
Givenchy Antigona Bag (5) Express Color Block Winged Satchel
I ended up purchasing this wristlet (how could I resist the black quilting!) to hold my essentials (wallet/keys/phone). It easily fits within my bigger bags, and I can carry it by itself when I only need the basics.
On a more serious note, no matter WHO inspires you – it’s always important to shop responsibly and stay within your budget 😉 That being said – have you made any blogger-inspired purchases recently?
P.S. If you enjoy reading my blog – PLEASE click here and press the vote button (no registering required – just one click and you’re done!). I’m in the Best Fashion Blog category for the MIB2014 Awards!
Linking up with More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.
I came here from your link on TPF, saw your Mini Tanner post, love that bag. BUT I love your scarf and wondered how to get it to drape like you are wearing it. I'm so glad that you actually featured the scarf information on your blog post! I've never had an oversized scarf/blanket scarf so I guess I need to experiment. I need to search youtube and see if I can find a tutorial on this scarf style. I am terrible at even basic tying of scarves, need help….LOL!
Hi Cate – thanks for stopping by 🙂 I've done a quick post on how I tie my scarves here – hope it's helpful… My Top 6 Tips: How to Layer Button Downs with Sweaters & How to Wear Scarves I would use the square scarf technique for this one 🙂
Thank you so much! That was just what I needed to get started. I always evened out my scarf rather than grabbing a corner at the beginning. That just made a huge difference when I tried out a rectangle scarf; the bottom draped so nicely! Now I will be more excited to shop for scarves since I have some help on how to work with them.
So glad to be included s one of your influences here. 🙂 And I have to say you will LOVE that tank and be so glad you got it! I thought it would be summer-only but I was so wrong. I haven't tried mine with a blazer yet but obviously I need to do that! I also LOVE your rundown of the designer-inspired bags! I am not a designer bag expert so while some of the bags looked familiar I couldn't have placed the brand, other than the infamous, inaccurately named Clare V Clutch. 🙂 Love the black quilted wristlet you picked up! So chic!Gina – On the Daily Express
Thanks Gina – I don't visit the Express store that often – so I get super excited when I go inside – especially when it's sale time 🙂 I have to say – I LOVED the bags – they're all so well-made and such great designs!
Kinda funny but I think I prefer the dupe bags looks over the designer bags! But then again I'm not seeing them in person. How is the quality?
Loved the bags – the stitching was very neat – and the materials (although synthetic) were of great quality – I think they'd definitely last for a couple of years!
Bag number 3 is my absolute fav! I'm such a fan for structured, neutral coloured bags. This one is right up my alley and with a very reasonable price! xo
I love structured bags too!
Blogger influence will always be my favorite part about belonging to this community. It's good for my wardrobe, but often bad for my wallet! I think Gina has also inspired some recent purchases – the Barcelona camis come to mind!
I love the Barcelona camis and am sad I missed out on the white & black lace one – it was SOOOO pretty!
That scarf pops up on my reading list everyday =) lol I love it though. I need to stop by Target and pick up that similar version. Love all your outfits, Ella!
I know what you mean – I'm sure I see the scarf on Instagram ALL the time – yet I still love it too 🙂
Yes, all the time!! Although recently, I've been on a mission to wrangle in my spending, I recently purchased a utility jacket because every blogger I loved owned one. Luckily, it is something I wear all the time, so I was totally worth it. I also own the same scarf, it's perfect, I would have never purchased the Zara one because I'm cheap when it comes to accessories, but was so excited to find a similar at Target! Your post now has been craving your jeans, they are so cute!!Brookewww.pumpsandpushups.com
I know what you mean – some blogger pieces are totally worth it – you get to see them styled on so many different people – and if they all look good in them (like the utility jacket) then you know it'll be a worthwhile purchase 🙂
I can totally relate to this post! There are some items that I think everyone in blog land has but nobody in "real life" does. Like the Herringbone vest, for example… I saw that on blogs for FOUR years before I ever saw anyone outside of the blog world wear haha. Same goes for the blanket scarf!www.amemoryofus.com
The funny thing is – I've actually seen this blanket scarf in person a lot too – and I was so sad that it was sold out at ZARA…but there are definitely some blog only pieces – like I've rarely seen a non-blogger where those bubble necklaces (I bought WAY too many versions of those!)
I think I'm the only blogger that doesn't own a plaid blanket scarf. Those tips on tying on scarves will really help me with the scarves I already own. I love all the items you're wearing in these shots.
Thanks Lorna – I'm glad you found the scarf tying tips helpful!
I don't have one, but I am sorry I don't, beautiful! Marie
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Marie!
These designer bag finds are so pretty – I would not have guessed they were from Express! http://www.avecamber.blogspot.comhttp://www.bloglovin.com/avecamberI hope you are having a great week so far!Amber
Thanks Amber – the Express bags are just sooo pretty in person, I'm seriously tempted to go back and get some 😉
I just love the scarf! so pretty and the target one is pretty similar and affordable :)Love Rebecca | http://www.ohmyaccessories.com/
I looove that lace tank. And that dupe designer bag? So gorgeous!! I feel the same way, too, when you see something nice from your blogger friends. It just makes you want to buy them. Ha :)Checking your look from the linkup. I hope you can swing by my blog too, or connect on social media if you want? Either way, I'd love to hear from you. xoAbby,http://www.fashchronicles.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by from the linkup Abigail – I'll definitely swing by!
I love the drape blouse!http://the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk