Spring Shots

 It's freezing cold outside but I refuse to ignore the fact that it is indeed spring. We've seen pollen, brighter colors, flowers abloom...all signs indicate a change in season except the weather. Maybe we need to invoke a mind over matter mentality so here are a few shots to get you in the right mindset.

Mixing prints and textures with Troubadour

Penny and her pollen porch

The brightest roses you've ever seen!

Winter clothes banned from the closet

Blooming azaleas

You might be tempted to break out your Easter dress this Sunday even in wintry temps. My vote? Go for it. Pull on a pair of tights and booties and layer your fabulous dress with a tweed jacket. Get the most out of every inch of your wardrobe by cleverly mixing those seasons. Come summer, your dress will still feel brand new because you'll be wearing it in a whole new way...one that hopefully involves espadrille wedges. Oh warm weather, how we long for you.

Wednesday's Look For Less: Pajama Time

Whew, who is exhausted? Thank goodness it's a short week! I don't know about y'all but I feel like a walker from "Walking Dead" these days. (Hopefully I look a little better than they do...) When I finally get home from the office, my pajama sets call my name. I do my best to keep lounging still chic but sometimes an oversized tee and baggy pants are the best I can do. 

But loungewear doesn't have to look sloppy. While we might pull out our Sunday best on Easter, wouldn't it be just splendid to make ready for the Easter Bunny in some cute minty green pj's. Can you tell which is the bargain and which is the budget buster?

  With the two items featured above, I can vouch for the pair on the left- they are a heavenly, lightweight cotton pair from J.Crew that seem to only get better with time. And guess what- they are today's Look for Less! The set is currently on sale for $59.99, marked down from $85. The pair on right by Eberjey rings up at a steely $100. I don't know about you but I have a hard time buying sleepwear for more than two digits. With $25 in saving from the J.Crew pajama set's original price, you might be able to spring for the $10 monogram...now we're really styling as we snooze!

J.Crew is also offering 25% off and free shipping on all orders over $150. Just enter the code LOVEJCREW at checkout. It's a great time to stock up on shorts or splurge on that dress you've been eyeing.

Tomorrow I'll dive into some fun Easter styling. Until then, let's be dreaming about lounging in chic jams. 

PS- Did you notice that weird script in the image above? That's my handwriting turned into font! Let me know if you are interested in finding out more about that!

Plug Into the Creative Outlet

This blog is obviously all about style and mainly fashion, which of course segues into shopping. But I think there might be a misconception about the author of this blog- ahem, me- and I thought it might be time to clear the air.

I am by no means a shopaholic but I am addicted to style. This place serves as a creative outlet for me and it's my hope that you enjoy plugging in a time or two a week. With Pinterest, the blogosphere and Instagram, inspiration abounds and Savoir-Flair is the place where I keep all of my crazy thoughts organized. The clothing, accessories and decor pieces I choose to display on this blog are sometimes total fantasy pulls and other times more practical, i.e. sometimes expensive and sometimes cheap. Let me be very clear that I certainly do not own every single piece I discuss here and do not always intend to buy or end up buying what I suggest. These items are pieces I pull for fun. They are meant to inspire you and me to work with something we might already own in a new way or, if we're lucky, they can be great additions to your wardrobe or home should you be looking to spend some money!

Fashion is supposed to be fun. Blogs are supposed to be fun. Blogs about fashion should therefore be the most fun! I absolutely love discussing this blog with my friends, family and even people I've never even met in person. It's so wonderful to make connections over a creative outlet. But please don't mistake my suggestions for spent money. I did not publicize this fact because, frankly, it's not anyone's business but I have not been "shopping" since November 14 when a local store offered 25% off everything and I had a gift certificate to that store. Since then, I have only paid bills and bought food and fuel. (Even my Christmas shopping was done before then!) Maybe that doesn't sound like a long time to you and I certainly don't owe anyone any explanations about my own personal finances. I just want to be clear that writing this blog is how I fantasy live, not actually live. I don't always WANT things but I still post here because someone else might be on the hunt or might need inspiration.

Okay, enough of all that. When you ARE ready to go shopping, here's my advice:

Only buy the things you looooove. If you buy what you love, then you will keep it forever. If you just kind of sort of like it, then you may grow tired of it and won't get the most for your money. 

Buy quality pieces. You don't need a closet full of clothes. I'd rather have two nice tops than 10 crummy ones. If you buy one nice top in spring and fall, then over a few years, you'll have a lovely collection of great pieces.

Look out for sales, coupon codes and markdowns. If I can avoid paying full price, I absolutely will. 

But beware the snap decision. Every once in a while, you'll feel an urgency to buy because a deal is going to expire. Take 24 hours to decide if you really need an item or not.

Eat beans. Make sacrifices when necessary. That is just good discipline.

If you've made it to this point, thank you for sticking with me! Obviously this post isn't the norm around here. I love getting feedback from readers and I am going to do my best to scout out great buys. They won't always be affordable but they will be awesome. 

Going Bananas

Are you bananas for yellow in your wardrobe this year?

(Clockwise from top right) Tank/Clutch/Sandals/Bracelet/Dress

I'm finding myself in the midst of a full-on yellow movement. What gives? Is it the perfect complement to the Pantone color of the year? Perhaps. Maybe after months of chill and dullness, we're ready for some warmth and invigoration? Sure. But I think it's really about that banana clutch. Obsessed.

Lizzie Fortunato Clutch

When I was a kid, I used to eat so many bananas my grandmother would tease me by telling me I was going to turn into one. The banana clutch might just be the perfect ode to her notion. Sadly, the clutch is a cool $500. Hmmm...how much do I really like bananas? Somebody might be going ape.  

Wednesday's Look For Less: Fringe Mocs

Oh wait- it's not Wednesday? Oops. Sorry this post is a day late but thank God it's little Friday. As we supposedly transition into spring (hey, where did the warm weather go?), it's a great time to start talking spring flats...while I'm wearing a sweater and boots. Nevertheless, warm weather will be here and you will need shoes. But what to wear? 

Is it wrong to admit that I'm a little over ballet flats right now? That is so un-francophile of me to admit. But I'm really digging mocassins and Keds-style sneakers right now. Just can't help it. Here are two classic and fabulous leather fringe moc options. Can you guess which pair is the save and which is the splurge? 

You can't go wrong with either of these unless you are on a budget. If you need to pinch your pennies, then go for the option on the right. They are from the Gap and ring up at $49.95. Not too shabby. If you consider your footwear a worthwhile investment, then slip your tootsies into the pair on the left. The Coach driving moc rings up at $158. 

With so much color and texture going around this spring, a neutral pair of classic shoes will be a great grounder to an otherwise wild wardrobe. On the flip side, if you're a classic prepster not into the trends, then you may want to replace your last pair of driving mocassins with one of these! Hopefully you'll find a pair that fit your feet and your budget!

Pop It & Lock It

It's here! It's here! Spring is here! Sure, we'll have a few chilly moments and not every day will be bright and sunshiney but I do not care. See ya, winter. Pack up those cords and sweaters. It's time for spring!

Spring wardrobe scouting is officially underway. Last week, I picked up this J.Crew tee below during their 30% off tees and shorts sale and today I'm wearing it for the first time. I put on this top this morning and realized it screams for some pops of neon. (Shoulda bought some shorts at 30% off too. Shoot!) For now, I'm wearing it with jeans and my new Loeffler Randall sneaks but I could definitely use a rope necklace...one that doesn't cost $500. Ouch. Thank goodness for the Internet. Today I found this lovely DIY tutorial on how to make your own rope necklace. Can't wait to get started on that little project! With so much bright color and fun pattern, I think it's best to ground the look with a neutral shoe and bag. I love this cork clutch from J.Crew and the Coach sliver wedges to avoid looking like a crazy person. 

DIY Rope Necklace/ J.Crew Tee/ J.Crew Shorts/ Coach Sandals/ J.Crew Clutch

A note about the fit of this top: It is so cute and comfy but it is super boxy. I bought a medium and if I have on low rise jeans and lift my arms, there is a definite midriff flash. Keep that in mind when choosing a size. I love the elbow length sleeves though.

Happy Spring Shopping!

Spring's Scent

This weekend, it felt like spring here in the South! It has me reenergized and excited for the year ahead. It also got me thinking about spring cleaning, spring wardrobe swapping and spring scents. Do you swap out your perfume as the seasons change? 

I find that certain scents are more appealing to me in the cold weather than in the heat of summer. Do you as well or am I crazy? Wait, don't answer that...

In the fall, I gravitate toward musky/spicy scents like Kiehl's Original Musk or Atelier Cologne Bois Blond. But the springtime is time to lighten things up. Anything too fruity or sweet tends to make me feel sick but recently, someone introduced my to Cartier Baiser Vole. Last week, a sample of it came to me from Sephora and now I am obsessed with its light yet lovely fragrance. It reminds me of walking into a room with one beautiful bouquet of lilies freshening the air...not overpowering but delightfully alluring.

I may take the plunge and invest in a small bottle for this spring and summer. Until then, you can find a bouquet of Stargazer lilies in the hallway at my house. Do you have any warm weather fragrance favorites? 

Low Maintenance Beauty

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

One of the best things about the change in season is tracking the new beauty trends. Frosty and dark exit stage right as bright and natural saunter in for spring. With 5 a.m. wake-up calls and long days at the office, I'm all about a low maintenance beauty routine these days. I'm particularly excited about spring's fuchsia lip. It looks great on all skin tones with the least amount of overall effort required. Just sweep on a little highlighter and black mascara and the rest is all lips! (See Camilla Belle, second photo above.) Make sure you keep your lacquer/pencil/what-have-you with you throughout the day so that you can touch up when your shade wears off. With so much natural make-up on your face, that pop of pink is key to keeping your face flushed with beautiful color. 

Background: MAC lip pencil in More To Love

Clockwise from far right: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Plushest Punch/ Jane Iredale Eye Highlighter Pencil/ L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Lacquer in Infinite Fuchsia/ Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Pink Quartz/YSL Rouge Volupte in Opera Rose

Will you try this spring trend? Is there another beauty trend you are excited about? 

Wednesday's Look For Less: D'Orsay Flat

This time last year, these little D'Orsay darlings were my shoe crush. I was loving all things Jenni Kayne and her flats were no exception. But I could never justify opening my wallet for them, not with so many other items on Spring 2012's wish list. And so the season passed me by...

I'm not the only one who has a hankering for a daytime D'Orsay. Starlets 'round the world have been spotted in Ms. Kayne's creations and I might have even seen a certain Hollywood someone rocking these in person...though I'll never tell who. ;) 

via FabSugar

unknown

via FabSugar

But now you don't have to be an A-list actor to afford this look. The design has trickled down and these little flats are accessible to us normal folk. Hallelujah! 

Jenni Kayne Flat/ Steve Madden Flat

Are you a D'Orsay flat fan? The great thing about Jenni Kayne's designs is that she offers such a wide variety of colors and materials. Hopefully we'll see more colors and textures emerge on the lower end soon. Until then, a black flat is always classic...

What I Want To Wear Now

I hit winter's wall last weekend. It's official- I'm OVER it. The winter blues haven't necessarily set in but my cold weather wardrobe has bored me to tears. Here on the southeastern seaboard, it's still awfully chilly but I can't help but crave a spray tan and a pair of shorts. Maybe that's because my jeans have been squeezing my love handles since September and I'm just plain tired of being pasty.

A pop into our local J.Crew got my wheels turning- a springy sweatshirt might be just the perfect piece to buy now. When the weather warms, it'll be darling with a pair of pastel chinos. But to avoid looking too precious, I'll toughen up the tiny embellishments and pinky pastel with some rustic chambray and just a touch of black leather. Cabachon earrings pick up the iridescence in the sweatshirt's beads. This look makes my heart pitter patter.

J. Crew Sweatshirt/ Madewell Chambray Buttondown/ J. Crew Shorts/ Dolce Vita Flats/ Pim + Larkin Cabachon Earrings (on sale!)

Who's with me?