AG Jeans The Daisy - Denim Bianca Shorts: The Look For Less

The Daisy - Denim Bianca shorts by AG Jeans

$198

www.agjeans.com

The Liberty Collection for AG Jeans has many pretty florals and I'm strangely drawn to The Daisy shorts above (I say "strangely" because I never thought I'd like the floral denim trend, but once again I've fallen victim to fashion. Oh well.) While super cute, I can't justify the nearly $200 price tag for a pair of trendy shorts.  But one day while shopping at Kohl's, I came across these LC Lauren Conrad denim shorts. 

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Distressed Denim Shorts

$29.99

www.kohls.com

Item: LC Lauren Conrad Floral Distressed Denim Shorts

Price: $29.99

Size: 4

Overall Rating: 3/5

I give these shorts a 3/5 rating because I'm not entirely sure I'm sold on the floral denim trend. In a way, I think it looks very vintage-inpired and boho chic. But the cutoffs cheapen the look for me and make them seem a bit...er, trashy (for lack of a better word). If they were a finished hem, I would have liked them MUCH better. I tried on my usual Lauren Conrad size 4 and they fit very well - the rise is not too low or high, and I like where they hit me on my thighs. The inseam makes me feel comfortable and covered up. There is a bit of stretch that helps give you a custom fit. Overall, a cute pair of shorts and definitely a great and more affordable version of the AG shorts.

Mother's Day Gift from Orla Kiely Mercer Street

Orla Kiely Mercer Street in New York is giving away a complimentary body cream and shower gel with a minimum purchase of $250 (if I were there, I could easily spend this much in their store!) Oh, how I wish this same offer was available online! Having trouble deciding what to purchase to receive your free gift? Here are some ideas, perfect for mom!

Ottoman Seaview Print V Neck Dress

$458

Have a new mom in your life? Well, if she's anything like me, then she's probably still struggling with losing those post-baby pounds. This Orla Kiely dress is not only adorable, but the pleats and patterned skirt help camouflage that baby pooch while she's getting back into shape.

Nautical Multi Stem Print Baby Changing Bag

$244

I have an Orla Kiely diaper bag in the Oval Stem Amber print and I absolutely love it! It has many compartments for storing all your baby needs, and even comes with a changing mat in the same adorable print. People stop me on the streets and ask, "Is that an Orla Kiely diaper bag?!" Yes, yes it is.

Car Park Camera Case

$48

What mom doesn't take tons of pictures of her little tot? This case if perfect for storing your digital camera and tossing into your purse.

Home Sage and Cassis Scented Candle

$37

Moms lead busy and hectic lives. This candle will provide a soothing scent to fill her home and help her relax.

Multi Stem Kitchen Apron

$68

Moms wear many hats, and a chef's hat is probably one of them. Gift her with this adorable apron, and she'll enjoy cooking even more.

"To Catch a Thief" at Orla Kiely Mercer Street

This Thursday, Orla Kiely on Mercer Street is hosting a screening of the classic Hitchcock film To Catch a Thief. The movie's location serves as the inspiration for Orla Kiely's Spring/Summer 2013 collection. If you're interested in attending, please send RSVPs to mercerstreet@orlakiely.com. Wish I could be there!

Since I will be unable to attend this event, I will just have to appreciate this movie through Orla Kiely's SS13 collection. Below are some of my favorite pieces.

Double Faced Cotton Sleeveless Dress

$398

Come Fly With Me Cotton Blend Bib Dress

$398

Cloud Organza T-Shirt Top

$298

Solid Cotton Poplin Sleeveless Top

$188

Flower Shadow Dot Jersey Boyfriend T-Shirt

$118

Outfit Of The Day: Penguins

I took my son to the mall yesterday because SeaWorld was there to promote their latest attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Pegnuin opening May 24. I thought this was the perfect occasion to don one of my favorite blouses, appropriately adorned with penguins.

What I'm Wearing:

Bagatelle Buttondown by Maeve

Pilcro Stet Slit Crop

Tortoise Cirque Belt

Amelia Flats by Pilcro

My Mom bought me this penguin necklace a few years ago and I absolutely adore it. 

These yellow cap-toes are the perfect complement to the yellow wings and feet on my penguin blouse.

Geometry Toms

I'd been eyeing these Geometry Toms for awhile, but for some reason never got around to ordering them. Then one day I decided to go ahead and buy them and to my disappointment, I found that they were no longer available online. As luck would have it however, Zulily recently had a sale on Toms shoes and I was able to purchase a pair for only $34.99 (originally $54).

As a math teacher specializing in Geometry, I found that these Toms were perfect, just made for me.

I already have a pair of their Ash Canvas Classics in a size 7, my typical size, and I found these Geometry Toms to fit the same. I've tried on other Toms before that seem to run large, so I was worried buying these because they are nonrefundable, but they fit me perfectly.

I was happy to see that the equation for the area of a trapezoid was correct :)

What I'm Wearing:

Navy Geometry Women's Vegan Classics

AG Stevie Polka Dot Ankle

Anthropologie Colored Pencils: The Look For Less

Madurodam Colored Pencils

www.anthropologie.com

$38

A few months ago, Anthropologie sold these amazing giant colored pencils. They were so cute and whimsical (they're nearly a foot long!), my husband and I wanted them for our son Noah (he's still a baby, but he'll be able to use them eventually!) We waited and waited and waited and they FINALLY went on sale - $19.95 with an additional 25% off. 

Now that price may still be a little high for some colored pencils that may end up being more of a decorative piece than for actual use. If that's the case for you, here's a less expensive alternative that can be found at your local T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, or Home Goods.

Branch Pencils

Set of 10

$5.99

These pencils are not quite as long (only about 7"), but they're still adorable and quite frankly, more user-friendly for a toddler.

Perfectly housed in one of my Orla Kiely mugs :)

High Top Wedge Sneakers

I was inspired by Carol over at In Pursuit Of Pretty Things to write a post about high top wedge sneakers. I admit, I never was a fan of high top sneakers, much less high top wedge sneakers. But now they're kinda growing on me, especially after seeing this picture of Anne Hathaway.

www.inpursuitofprettythings.com

And now Jessica Alba.

www.lipstickalley.com

And a slew of other celebrities.

www.instyle.com

Many of these celebrities are probably wearing a pair by Isabel Marant, which will set you back about $650. Fortunately, there are a TON of affordable knockoffs on the market now. And probably one of the best deals can be found at your local Target (where else?)

Xhilaration Kahsha High Top Wedge Sneaker

$34.99

www.target.com

Item: Xhilaration Kahsha High Top Wedge Sneaker

Color: Black

Price: $34.99

Size: 7

Overall Rating: 4/5

I am, as my Mom likes to call me, a fashion victim. When it comes to trends, I pretty much jump on the fashion bandwagon right away. I mean, that's the whole point right? Fashion trends are meant to be enjoyed. Sure, there are some that I shy away from in the beginning, but eventually I'm convinced that it's something that I have to have. Case in point, these wedge sneakers. When I first saw them, I thought, "No way." But as I began seeing more people wear them and styling them with such cute outfits, I started to warm up to them. I showed a pair to my husband while we were out shopping one day and he said, "Those are hideous. You are not ghetto." Apparently, my husband will not be warming up to these shoes anytime soon.

What's great about these shoes is that they have a hidden wedge, so you get the height of heels but the comfort and laid-back style of sneakers. I was skeptical at first about how comfortable they'd be, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to wear. I tried on my usual size 7 and I'd say they fit true to size. They're easy to wear with skinnies, but I'd say these look best when you're trying to go for a tougher, menswear-inspired look (dark denim and trench coat ala Hathaway and Alba above). If you want a more girly look, try the multicolored ones seen below.

I really do like this color also, but if I do ever purchase these shoes, I'll definitely pick up the black ones as I see more styling options with those.

What do you think? High top wedge sneakers a fashion do or don't?