J. Crew Sale Picks: Fall Basics for Less

Happy Friday!

Summer might just be kicking off, but some of the amazing deals in stores right now won't be around when temps start to cool off. J. Crew currently has amazing deals (especially in store - 40%-50% off sale items!) and so many of the items in the sale section are perfect to pick up for fall on the cheap.

More money for iced coffees, I say!

Here are my picks for some pre-fall shopping:

J. Crew Sale Picks: Fall Basics for Less by leopard-spot featuring a blue skirt

New Schoolboy blazer in navy or black - If you are looking for a classic blazer, this is the one to get! The Schoolboy is a J. Crew classic and it is perfect for mixing and matching with business casual wear, adding some polish to jeans, or wearing as a jacket on a night out with the girls. I love the slightly longer length on this one; it has a much more slimming, tailored look than the original (more cropped) Schoolboy. Check out your local store for this one, it will be a much better deal in store! 

Merino zip-shoulder sweater - This sweater is a great piece to wear with jeans or with dress pants/skirt! I love that this one is a little bit boxy and that you can add a scarf for a different look. It's currently available in several color options and is only $20 after the additional percent off sale! 

Fluted skirt in double crepe - Ahhh, this deal is probably my favorite. Honestly, I did not think this skirt was for me until a couple a days ago! I've been slowly losing weight and wasn't able to make this skirt work a couple of months ago; I tried it on a whim earlier this week and bought FOUR COLORS that day. This is a great day to day skirt but it's also fabulous for wearing on a night out - the fluted shape is so flirty and fun! $30 after discount + 8 available colors = must have. 

(Krista from Covering the Bases has this skirt in every color - check out her blog for some styling ideas! Carly from The College Prepster is also a huge fan!)

Andie chino (available in petite, regular, and tall!) - A great alternative to jeans, the Andie is a slim fitting chino pant. Tons of colors are available and these are a total steal in stores! Psst... see a color you like but it isn't in store? Have an associate order it for you AND get the in store price! My favorite color is the safari fatigue color - so versatile! 

Merino triple stripe sweater - Stripes are a wardrobe essential for me, and I love this ivory/tan iteration! Plus - elbow patches. Another slightly boxy sweater, this one looks great on its own or layered over a button up. Perfect with jeans and cognac riding boots!

Flower bud tassel necklace - This necklace just got marked down in my store and now that it did, I am obsessed. I think this is a really elegant and unique necklace that will work for a lot of different occasions. 

Houndstooth baseball cap - I am a baseball cap freak (no, really... I keep having to upgrade to a bigger bin for all of them. Oops.) and this one is really fun for fall. I would pair it with my green fatigue jacket but it would be great with a black outfit as well. We all have those days where a hat is necessary.... why not make it this statement cap? It clocks in at about $14 online. 

Size zip varsity dress - This knit dress is a great basic. I think this one is great with flip flops, a chic pair of sneakers, or even boots as we look ahead to fall! 

Minnie pants in stretch twill - These were the unofficial uniform of my sorority for our weekly chapter meetings. At first only a few women had them but they looked so good with everything we all ended up buying a pair... plus they are incredibly comfy! Pro tip: these will stretch out as you wear them so buy them snug. Sounds scary but you will be so glad you did! I know from experience. These are a great deal online but are also on promotion (some colors) or on sale (in other "seasonal" colors) in stores. 

The Downtown Field Jacket - This water-resistant is a chic staple for women everywhere. It's a little bit pricey but is well worth it - it goes with everything! Dresses, skirts, jeans, leggings and a baseball cap.... This is a great deal online -$128 with an additional 30% off - doesn't get much cheaper than that (it's another classic J. Crew piece that never gets marked down). Available in dark olive green (a.k.a "mossy brown"), navy, and black. 

Embroidered button top - I have this top and LOVE it! It's my ideal peasant top - the white on white embroidery is timeless and seasonless. I think this one is great for the summertime but I plan on wearing it with jeans and boots this fall too. 

If you are heading to a store this weekend, be sure to keep in mind that you can order anything that you don't see in store right there in the store! That means if you have been checking out something in the sale section but don't see your size in store, you can have it ordered and still get the in store price but have it sent straight to you instead of going from store to store! LOVE that about J. Crew! 

What are your pre-fall shopping picks? Or are you not even thinking about fall yet?! Honestly, I don't blame you.... it has been so hot and humid this week! Thinking cool thoughts helps though, right?! 

Enjoy your weekend!

xx, Amy

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First Day of Spring Inspiration

Hi!

Today is the first day of spring, and it started off incredibly dreary and snowy. I was in a grumpy mood all morning until I left work and it was sunny and warm enough (47 degrees!!) to go without a coat. I was browsing the internet with an iced latte I purchased without feeling weird about (am I the only one who drinks iced drinks year round?) and came across the adorable pajamas from Aerie below!

First Day of Spring Inspiration by leopard-spot featuring a ceramic coffee mug

top // shorts

I think these PJs are so cute! They have it all - a color palette I am currently obsessed with, a flower detail, and some bright embroidery. They look perfect for lounging around with coffee on a Saturday morning! 

I have been obsessed with pajamas lately - it's becoming a serious addiction. I regularly have to stop myself from buying a new pair of PJ shorts! I'm looking for some cute new ones for spring at a price that won't break the bank. Where do you like to get your PJs? 

xx, Amy

Pinterest // Polyvore // Instagram // Tumblr // Twitter

A Golden Holiday (Holiday Gift Guide)

Hi everyone!

Hope your week is going well! Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday have passed, it's really time to start crossing gifts off your list!

Something I have been loving lately is gold. There are so many great golden goodies out there and I'm loving adding gold into my wardrobe and my decor. I've selected some of my favorite golden goodies for you so you can be giving the gift of gold this holiday season!

Worrying about what to give? I've included several options at several price points. There's big, luxurious items (that gorgeous J.Crew necklace!) as well as smaller gifts for your girlfriends (glam cosmetic pouches from Forever 21... add a Starbucks card and you're set!) and home decor accents that are perfect for a hostess (the Kate Spade candle!).

j.crew necklace // kate spade candle // j.crew stripe tee 

forever 21 cosmetic bag // forever 21 cosmetic pouch // kate spade bow earrings

ss print shop "bisou bisou" print // butter london nail polish // j.crew earrings // forever 21 pouch

j.crew earrings (boxed and ready to gift!) // forever 21 cosmetic bag // j.crew crystal link bracelet 

lands' end sparkle pouch (with monogram!) // anthropologie mug // kate spade coin purse // jcpenney spike bangle 

What are you loving from this gift guide, whether it be to give or to get? Let me know! 

xx, Amy

Holiday Gift Guide!

Hi everyone!

I apologize for my absence - yet again I have gotten busy and put many things on the back burner! Hopefully this post will make up for my absence....

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the rush to start shopping. At my job, we've been prepping ourselves, the store, and our customers for the holidays since the middle of October - we know what the big sellers are and what customers come to the store to buy every winter season and always advise people to pick up goodies early while we have everything in stock! Makes life easier for you and for us! I've been thinking about gifts for so, so long and I am excited to introduce my first post in my Holiday Gift Guide series! I will be posting every Thursday from now until the end of the holiday season so be sure to stay tuned!

I will be focusing on different occasions and "people" in the coming weeks, but today I want to share something that I am personally loving and know would be a great gift for any woman: cold weather accessories.

holiday gift guide: cold weather accessories by leopard-spot featuring an infinity scarf

j.crew hat // j.crew wool tech gloves // j.crew fingerless gloves // j.crew scarf

I'm personally all about this combination gift for customers that come into my store. As a Chicagoan (and recent Madisonian), I can always say that a new hat, scarf, or set of gloves is a welcome and necessary addition to a wardrobe. What sets this set below apart from others is two things: first, the pattern (love!) and second, the functionality. The solid gray gloves up there? They have tech-friendly fingertips, so using your smart phone or tablet is a breeze. In an age where almost everyone has a smart phone or a tablet they're using while commuting or walking to class, these are a serious upgrade!

Another thing I love about this gift idea is that you can break up these pieces and wear them together or separately, indoors or out! The scarf is a perfect layering piece for college students and the fingerless gloves are also great for layering with a longsleeve and keeping your hands warm (and fingers free!) while using a computer, tablet, or writing. The neutral gray and white color palette I've featured here also goes with pretty much any color outerwear, so it works for just about anyone!

Check out J.Crew for tons of fabulous cold weather accessories (cashmere! leather! patterns!) in solids and patterns and in the perfect color for everyone, and stay tuned for next week's Holiday Gift Guide!

xx, Amy

What I'm Loving: Layered Jewels

Happy Sunday everyone!

I discovered this pairing of necklaces a couple of weeks ago at J.Crew and fell in love. The crystal and stone row necklace is beautiful on its own, but I never would have purchased the lace stone necklace on it's own! The pair look perfect together and I've had countless people ask where my one necklace is from - no one guesses it's two pieces!

Layered Jewels by leopard-spot featuring J.Crew

lace stone necklace // crystal and stone row necklace

This necklace combo looks amazing with green and great with burgundy, navy, pumpkin, black, or gray! It's an incredibly versatile color pairing and I can't wait to wear it with more outfits in the future. 

Here's how I wore it a couple of times last week - I love the necklaces layered or solo!

Use code SHOPNOW for 25% off your purchase of $150 or more at jcrew.com from now until 11/1/13 at 11:59 PM ET! 

xx, Amy

Kate Spade Friends & Family Sale Picks

Hi everyone!

October seems to be the month of the "friends and family" sale - what company hasn't had one lately!? I'm trying really hard to resist buying everything, especially because I am trying to build up my work wardrobe while saving my paychecks, but this Kate Spade sale is major!

Below are my picks - I am a sucker for anything black & white, striped, polka dotted, tortoise, or leopard (obviously!). I'm also in love with Kate Spade's cheeky twist on motifs like shoes, bows, and glasses - a lot of the time motifs like these seem childish but Kate Spade makes them appropriate for all ages! The "literary glasses" print is one I have fallen hard for, so much so that I still can't decide on what agenda I want! But the clock is ticking - the 30% off sale ends tonight at midnight (Pacific Time!)!

Kate Spade Friends & Family Sale Picks by leopard-spot featuring Kate Spade

city booties // shoe charm bracelet // polka dot clock

glitter bow earrings // striped crossbody // leopard heels

glasses pouch // polka dot candle // tortoise earrings 

Someone needs to take my wallet and hide it. 

Have a great Sunday! Start that holiday shopping early :)

xx, Amy

Fall Finds: Save or Splurge?

Hey everyone!

I'm kind of an Instagram addict. I may not post a hundred times a day (oops) but I check my feed religiously throughout the day - when I wake up, when I'm on my break, when I'm waiting for my boyfriend to text me back, and as I'm falling asleep. Last fall, Instagram became one of my biggest outfit inspiration sources! It's such a fun, easy way to post outfit pictures and see what other people are wearing. I think it's also part of the reason why some products that are instant sell outs are such limited edition cult objects. Enter: the J.Crew Excursion Vest in Herringbone.

This vest was all over Instagram/blogland last year and when the J.Crew Factory stores dropped the Factory version this year, well it's all over social media again (especially now that it's finally starting to cool off). The vests sold out in a matter of days!

Well, unfortunately not all of us have $98 (or more! in the case of this year's patterned vests) to spend on these vests so our closets had to go without. But! I was looking online at Lands' End and in their sale section they have down puffer vests in a wide range of colors (and sizes!) for $33! I was immediately drawn to the green color and I snapped it up, with a monogram, for way less than the J.Crew Factory version that recently came out! The Lands' End vest is available in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes, not to mention a ton of colors. I also love Cinnamon Stick, a burnt orange, and Garnet, a deep wine red.

Save or Splurge?: Fall Finds by leopard-spot featuring a down vest

Find the Lands' End vest here, and if you've got ca$h burning a hole in your pocket, pick up the J.Crew Factory version here. I'll be honest, I own both Lands' End and J.Crew Factory vests, but only because I did a lot of stalking and waiting before I dropped the cash!

 J.Crew is also selling a navy and white striped version of the vest here. I like this year's version less than last year's because of the pockets - I prefer the slanted pockets! They seem much easier to use and I think they contribute to the overall streamlined look of the vest. But.... if the striped version ever hits the sale section, you can bet it will be mine. Let's see if they last that long though!

Pssssst! If you use the code GRAND and PIN 2055 at landsend.com you'll get 30% off your purchase and free shipping if you spend over $50! Buy two vests to test out sizes and colors and whatever doesn't work can be brought back to a Sears or Lands' End store! Code expires 10/1/2013. 

xx, Amy

Four Favorites: Leopard

Hi everyone!

I have returned (for now) from blogging silence. Like I have mentioned in the past few posts, my life has been a little bit chaotic and I haven't been able to sit down and read blogs or write (!) anything for a while. Part of it has been because yes, I have been busy but the other part of it is that I have just been trying to work on making myself happy and that has required a bit of a blogging break.

Since I've moved home, I've been feeling very... off? from myself and who I am and what I want. I have really been trying to remove material garbage from my life (magazine tear outs from 2007, clothes that I hate or do not fit, accumulated junk from when I was in college) as well as purge my mental archives as well (iPhone photos/apps, cleaning up my laptop desktop/files, removing negative influences). Over the past few days I've really tried to avoid junky foods or anything overly processed and even after a couple of days I feel so much better! So cheesy, but I am really tired of feeling like a slow moving slob so I have to keep myself on track. Clean room, clean(ish) eating, clear mind - that is what I am aiming for! 

I sat down last night to catch up on some a lot of blog reading, and I came across this week's Four Favorites link up - leopard print! Um, hello, my blog's title is leopardspot, you might be able to guess that I love anything leopard print! It's kind of my thing. So, without further adieu, here are my current leopard lusts.

Four Favorites: Leopard by leopard-spot featuring boden shoes

scarf // dress // baseball hat // sneaks

I am obsessed with the leopard hat! I saw it on Instagram a few weeks ago and had a vague inkling that it might be J.Crew and then I saw it on the website. Ugh. Guys. I died. If I owned this hat, I would be sporting it with a gray crewneck, an army jacket, jeans, and a little bit of sparkle. And longer hair, ideally - I love baseball hats but I have not enjoyed wearing them since I cut my hair! My inspiration for looking fab in this hat comes from Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black, one of my favorite blogs. 

What are you loving in leopard print lately? I can't wait to break out my leopard scarf when the weather cools off!

xx, Amy

Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram // Polyvore // Tumblr

Kate Spade Agendas!

Hi everyone!

It's finally Friday - which for me is both good and bad. Good because I've managed to get a post prepped for every day this week (yay!) but bad because it means I move back home on Sunday (boo). I hope the end of this week finds you in a happier place!

A little piece of happy I am looking forward to is getting this Kate Spade bangle in the mail! I saw it during the Kate Spade flash sale earlier this week and it immediately went in my cart. I need to stop thinking negatively about myself and about life, so this bangle is the perfect reminder to "look on the bright side"!

I unfortunately missed out on a wallet I was eyeing but I think it's for the best because I have really been loving camel colored leather wallets for some time now. Remember how I had a bunch of camel colored bags in a post a while back? Well I have also been eyeing a camel wallet, and saw several that I liked at the Kate Spade outlet store close to my house. Guess I will have to start saving my pennies for one of those! 

Speaking of saving my pennies... Earlier this week Lifeguard Press debuted the first part of the new Kate Spade stationary line, agendas! I am really glad I haven't ordered a Lilly Pulitzer planner yet, because I need one of these Kate Spade ones! The tough part is which pattern to pick - stripes or literary glasses (although those rosebuds are growing on me!)? 

Kate Spade Agendas! by leopard-spot on Polyvore

Which agenda would you get? 

Have a great weekend! 

xx, Amy

PS. Follow me on Twitter (@leopardspotblog) and Instagram (@leopardspot)! 

Summer Whites + A Pop of Color

Hey everyone!

Since I have been traveling so much this summer, I've tried to pack and wear outfits that give me a lot of style for not a lot of space in my bag. Everywhere I go, I pack my denim shorts from Old Navy, some basic white tees from J.Crew, classic accessories, and simple shoes. Since the same few items get a little bit repetitive, I've been picking up white tops with special details like eyelet or cutouts and pairing them with some statement jewelry. It's easy to forget to pack and wear jewelry, so I make sure to leave it out where I can see it and remember to put it on! I also don't pack anything too elaborate, so it's often a leopard print bangle, a colorful cuff, or a bubble necklace that I can throw on with any outfit and make it a little more special.

Below is an outfit I wore to work last weekend! I love this eyelet top - I bought it right after I cut my hair earlier this summer when I found out I could pull off some outfits I wouldn't wear with long hair! It's super lightweight and doesn't require an extra tank underneath (a godsend in hot weather), plus the eyelet detail makes it special. I threw on a bubble necklace for a quick burst of color, and I was all set to go!

Summer Whites + A Pop of Color by leopard-spot featuring jean shorts

Here's a quickie photo I snapped with my iPhone when I got done with work for the day (hence my bedraggled state) to upload onto Instagram! 

Like this top? Pick it up from JCPenney for $22!

xx, Amy

Lately...

Hey everyone!

Sorry things have been quiet on here lately... I zipped home to be with my dad when he had a surgery last week (all went well!) and then headed straight back to Wisconsin to work all weekend and close the store this week. With a three day street sale (long days + a lot of customers) and now helping my managers close the store (long days + lots of boxes) I've just been exhausted once I get home! Check out what I wore for my last day of work below.

I've also been struggling with planning my next move in my life. My lease at my current apartment ends in 3 weeks (eek!) and while I wait to hear back about a full time job (... I was supposed to hear back last week but nothing yet) it is time to start thinking about what I will be doing. Well, technically I guess I should have started a long time ago, but better late than never. I think I want to stay in this area for now, so I need to do some research on a new apartment/rent, parking, and jobs.... and then talk to my parents about what's next. I think I know of some openings at a store within the company I am currently employed for so I might be able to find something to do for a few months. It's just difficult for me to reconcile where I thought I would be at this point in life versus where I am in reality, as well as balance what all of my loved ones want for me with what I want to do and what will make me happy.

I believe today will be my last real day at the store. Yesterday we packed up all of the merchandise, visual supplies, and fixtures upstairs and prepared them to get shipped back to our corporate offices or other stores, and today we will be watching these things get put onto a truck while we dismantle the office, break room, and stock room. It's incredibly strange to see the store completely stripped down, and thinking about it reminds me of what else in my life is (or might be...) coming to a close. It might be the end of my time at the store, but I hope I am able to find other opportunities within the company or in the city so I don't have to leave quite yet. Fingers crossed.

Last day of work OOTD! by leopard-spot featuring lands end tote bags

Find a dupe of the necklace in this set at GroopDealz for only $7.99! Crazy deal!!

xx, Amy

PS. Find me on Twitter now! @leopardspotblog 

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, etc., to feature any of these items in this post. As an employee I chose to purchase items with my employee discount to wear to work; I was not required to do so.

Wishlist Wednesday

Hi everyone!

Happy Wednesday! Hope your week has been flying by like mine has. I feel like I haven't really been "busy" but I've been making myself do things I normally wouldn't do (work out, extensively grocery shop, food prep) and it's made me feel so much more productive. I tested out a delicious new recipe that will be appearing here soon and catching up on my reading - of blogs and of books! I started Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg on Monday and I had to stop myself from reading it in one sitting. So far it's an incredibly thought provoking read and I highly recommend it.

Today, I want to share with you some of my latest finds for unique personalized necklaces. That sounds like a redundant phrase, but I feel like we're at the point of the monogram necklace trend where it has stopped being unique and just commonplace (not to mention all of the weird places monograms are showing up... jean pockets... tattoos... yikes). Since I've been waiting to purchase a monogram necklace for about a year now, I've found several other fab personalized necklaces and now it's just a matter of choosing one... or two!

1. brevity signature necklace // 2. swoozie's lotus name bar necklace

3. three jane ny map necklace // 4. fifth & mae initial necklace // 5. fifth & mae state necklace

I think all of these necklaces offer lots of possibilities! I love the Brevity signature necklace as a memento of a loved one or a child's handwriting, the map necklace to remember a favorite location or where you met your significant other, and the initial necklace to represent your name or that of a loved one, and the state necklace to represent home, past or present. I also love the potential of these necklaces to be layered with one another - layered necklaces has always been a favorite of mine!

Can you blame me for wanting them all?! Stay tuned for which necklaces will be added to my shopping cart... I doubt there will be only one!

xx, Amy

PS. Find me on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram for more updates and content! 

Happy Fourth of July!

Just some patriotic items I've been loving as the Fourth has grown closer... I'll be wearing a striped tank and denim cutoffs with Sperrys for sure!

July Fourth Inspiration by leopard-spot featuring american eagle outfitters

Lands End lands end swimwear
landsend.com

Banana republic
bananarepublic.gap.com

American eagle outfitter
ae.com

Converse sneaker
$68 - bankfashion.co.uk

Sperry Top-Sider american shoes
sperrytopsider.com

J Crew j crew bracelet
jcrew.com

J Crew palm tree hat
jcrew.com

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses
piperlime.gap.com

Forever 21 apple iphone case
forever21.com

USA Flags
orientaltrading.com

Latest Lust: Leather Handbag Love

Hi everyone!

Since I've been back in my apartment and had full access to the internet (!!!! I'm still geekin out about it, internet, I love you!), I've been catching up on the latest goods from my favorite online retailers. While I've been looking around, one item has been particularly catching my eye: a structured leather tote. Some of my favorite Instagrammers and bloggers have been featuring some new arm candy lately and I've caught the bug.

I love carrying a tote to work or shopping - I can fit everything (and then some) into it! An umbrella, a Tervis, my large wallet, a cosmetic bag, a snack, my sunglasses, even a couple of small purchases... and if I know I'm going to be doing some heavy duty shopping I can throw in my reusable shopping bags and be set! I've been rocking a bilberry Longchamp for the past four years and I'm kiiiiiiind of ready for a different alternative. Here's the beauties that have caught my eye: 

Leather Handbag Love by leopard-spot featuring 100 leather handbags

one // two
three // four // five
six // seven

I really like all of these.... in a perfect world I wouldn't have to choose just one! I have a slight obsession with Tory Burch products (we're in the same sorority!) and I have been pining over a Tory bag for years now - maybe sometime soon my dream of owning a Tory Burch bag will come true!

Linking up with Sara from Pearls & Curls (With a Hint of Bourbon), Chloe from Rainbows & Honeysuckle, Hayley from A Beautiful Exchange, and Jordon from Love Always, Nancy J! 

Happy Wednesday! Halfway to the weekend :)

xx, Amy