Trust me on this one!!

Have you ever walked into a boutique or an unfamiliar store and saw a basic silk blouse and instantly fell in love until you nonchalantly peak at the price and see its upwards of $250!  For some reason, silk is a small fortune... I've fallen in love with a couple brands over the years, Equipment, Parker and Joie to name drop a few but I'll tell you what, I'm protesting the $200 silk blouse starting TODAY!   Why, you ask?!! Well, yesterday I took my 7 year old to the American Girl fashion show (locally, not in NYC) and had a specific look in mind... I wanted to wear a solid silk blouse half tucked into a skinny jean with high boots and a statement necks from Stella and Dot! Sounds easy, right?!!  Not so much... first I picked up a beautiful blue Joie blouse I bought from a local boutique last year for my Christmas pictures.  I only dry clean it and have probably worn it 4 times.  I put it on and there are at least 5 pulls and 3 or 4 little stains. I don't even know what to do with it, do I throw out a shirt that cost that much money? That makes me feel awful! Next I pick up a navy blue Parker number...SAME STORY!! I was beyond annoyed... My number 3 choice was another Joie in black... I see the seam is ripping... seriously? 

was this too much to ask for??!!!! 

 At that point I hit up old faithful... an ivory "portofino" blouse from Express... I have about 5 of these and priced at under $50 and made of silks step sister polyester, it has that feel and look but can be thrown in the washer and tossed if stained or pulled... Did I mention this blouse comes in 4000 colors and patterns?!!  I worked for Express for over a decade and it always drove me crazy how they brought out every color under the sun in the same shirt but in this case, I am thankful... I can pair this with ripped jeans, boots, silver spiky jewels and a leather jacket for a trendy biker chic look, tucked into a pencil skirt for the office, tucked into jeans with a jacket for that "safe" work week look or how I wore my ivory one yesterday with dark blue AG skinnies, my black boots and a blue and purple stone stella and dot statement piece... easy and comfy and I didn't have to worry about ruining it!!!! If you don't own one of these shirts, get on it!! I really do love them and am so happy I had it to throw on.  I put a cami under it yesterday but thats not necessary with all the colors. Click the link here... 

           http://www.express.com/clothing/Women/Portofino+Shop/cat/cat910002

With spring only days away, its time to spruce up the spring wardrobe...grab a Portofino or two and pair it with some amazing new Stella & Dot jewels.. I am loving the Aviva chandeliers and the sardinia bracelet in blue!!! 

http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/whats-new/new-arrivals/aviva-chandeliers-blue