Don't Sweat It

If you follow me on Instagram (@trendyonabudget), you will recall that I spent last weekend in Brooklyn & Manhattan. Whenever I make a trip to NYC, I always have a long list of to-do's and places to eat. Knowing that I would be on the move most of the weekend, I made sure to pack comfy and weather appropriate clothing. Lucky for us girls, embellished and graphic sweatshirts are on trend this season. We get the best of both worlds: comfort and style. Gone are the days where sweatshirts are relegated to running errands or as a throw on after the gym. Sweatshirts can actually dress up an outfit. Who would have thunk it? I paired my sequined polka dot sweatshirt with my skinny jeans and riding boots to create an effortlessly sporty chic look. This outfit carried me through a busy day, starting off with a brunch date with blogger Geleen of geleenmichaela.com in Brooklyn with multiple stops throughout the city: Kate Spade Saturday, Bloomingdale's and Piperlime, just to name a few. By the time we crossed the bridge back to Brooklyn that Saturday night, I was exhausted but completely satisfied with checking off everything on my list.

Outfit Details:

Sequined Sweatshirt: Old Navy, $10.20. I purchased this sweatshirt a few weeks back when there was a 50% off promotion. Currently, it is on sale for $25. Use code HOL2013 and save an additional 30% off ($17.50).

Black Skinny Jeans: Club Monaco, $49.50.  I purchased these on sale last winter. For something similar, I recommend Gap's 1969 legging jeans, $69.95. I own them in other colors and they are super comfy. Use code HOL2013 and save an additional 35% off ($45.47).

Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples (braverman), $125 (retail $420). On my first day in NY, my fiance and I were leaving Laduree when he spotted a sample sale. I LOVE sample sales so we immediately walked over to the store front to check it out. The Oliver Peoples store on E.68th and Madison cleared out their inventory for the weekend only sample sale. After browsing for about 20 minutes, we both walked away with a new pair of shades! As an alternative at a much lower price point, I recommend the Greenwich in revolver black from my favorite sunglasses company, Warby Parker, $95.

Gold Aztec Triad Collar: Bauble Bar, $42.

Plaid Cuff: North River Outfitter, $gift. I wasn't able to find this on the website but found a similarly styled plaid cuff in autumnal colors on Etsy, $31.

Tan Riding Boots: Coach from Macy's, $Gift. This was a Christmas gift from my mom 2 years ago. Knowing her, these were definitely on sale and she used a coupon of some sorts.  She is the bargain queen; I learned everything from her. Here are a few worth checking out: (1) Nine West Vecelia Classic Leather Riding Boots from L&T, $159.99. Use code SAVEMORE thru 11/6 and save an additional 15% off ($135.99). These boots may qualify for the buy more save more boots & shoes promotion;  (2) Target: Merona Kasia Leather Riding Boot, $74.99; and (3) Steven (Intyce Tall Boots) from Macy's, $149.

Crossbody: Tory Burch, $420. I purchased this during an F&F event, so was able to save 20%. A bit of a splurge but has lasted me a few years already! Investing in a few classic pieces is worth it. If this is still a bit much, check out Piperlime's selection of black crossbody bags under $250.

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