Rather than the usual slew of budget-friendly details, I’m gonna tell a little story.  I recently decided to treat myself to a shopping splurge, in a search for some new, cute capris to wear this summer, but of course, that didn’t happen (otherwise the name of this post would be about capris).  I ended up bringing home 5 dresses, 4 of which were from my old stomping grounds, New York & Company.  Having worked there this past holiday season, while saving up some extra cash for my recent trip to Italy, I got to see some of the best sales in action- or so I thought.

When I went into the store, during this particular trip, most items were BOGO 75% off & I had a spend $150, get $80 off coupon.  Now, I had set a spending budget for myself, so my best friend / shopping partner in crime combined our purchases to get the best deal & use the coupon & between the two of us, we did pretty darn good.  Naturally, as a way to get out of the crazy unexpected heat wave that was going on that week, later in the evening, I returned to the store with a second coupon in tow & really went at it.

Long story short, these were just 2 of the fantastic items that I bought & b/c of the super sale that was going at that weekend, I think the total of these 2 dresses alone came to about $36, which is why New York & Company is my dress destination for the summer.  The black & white pinstripe summer dress was originally marked up to $59.95.  I should also mention about the rosey pink dress, which originally went for $42.95, I also took home in black too!  I was able to get some super cozy tanks with ribbon details, as well as a few pullover tops that would work well all year long for work looks with pencil skirts or for at night with an embellished cardigan & animal ankle booties.

These will come in especially handy since I’m headed out to Southampton in July for a Writer’s Conference! These are just two of the looks that I’ll be wearing, as I’ve already been forewarned that there will be come evening events where dressier clothes are recommended.  Now.. what shoes to pack?!  Happy Styling!