One of my roommates is getting married in early August, so needless to say, wedding fever has broken out at my house. I’m a bridesmaid, so I won’t have to worry about what I’m going to wear on my friend’s big day, but I have been searching for the perfect outfit for the rehearsal and groom’s dinner that will take place the night before. I want to look summery and fun but also dressed up and polished enough for such an important event. When in doubt, I usually end up in some version of a little black dress paired with bright accessories – it’s a never fail combination, and this $100 or under outfit is no exception.

This silky dress is on sale at American Eagle right now and is the perfect combination of flirty and classic. The ruffles and dainty tie add a fun touch, but the dress itself is still fairly simple. I’d add these basic black peep toe heels and a pair of eye-catching blue earrings to give the outfit some color. The best part is, I’ll be able to wear this dress over and over again by mixing and matching it with different accessories – and isn’t a rewearable dress every bridesmaid’s dream come true?

Dress: American Eagle: $49.95

Shoes: Forever 21: $22.80

Earrings: Forever 21: $3.80

Summer is officially here and with Fourth of July weekend looming over those of us who are stuck in the cube, there’s no doubt that most Minnesota girls are trying soak up every possible second of sunshine. Since weekend days mean lounging by a pool at the local country club, catching a few rays on a beachy vacation, or playing games near one of the 10,000 lakes, getting your hands on a versatile bathing suit is key. I recently graduated from college and won’t be going on any more crazy spring break trips, so I’ve decided my swimwear should be a little more grown up and polished.

Finding cute, affordable swimwear that is still high quality can be a challenge, so keep your eyes peeled for early summer deals. Most stores start putting bathing suits out during the late winter months, which means that June and July bring some of the first clearance sales of the season. I’m digging the preppy, classic look this year, and these separates from J. Crew are fun and flirty while still looking put together. I love to top off any summer outfit with a trendy fedora, and I’m adoring the “big earrings on the beach” look that seems so popular right now. How cute is this sand dollar-inspired pair? These rose-colored thongs match the color of the bathing suit perfectly, and you can throw anything you need into this cute, lightweight denim bag. Everything for less than $100, as promised!

Swimsuit top, J.Crew – $29.99

Swimsuit bottoms, J. Crew — $29.99

Fedora, American Eagle, $14.95

Bag, Old Navy, $12.50

Sandals, Forever 21, $7.50

Earrings, Forever 21, $3.80

Total: $98.73

May marks the beginning of everyone’s busy summer social schedules, and after I begin receiving invitations to parties and barbeques, I usually start panicking about what I’m going to wear.  This $100 or under outfit is perfect for any graduation,  shower, or “meet the parents” brunch you have to attend this month. The floral dress is a sign that summer has arrived, but the crisp white blazer keeps the look classic and put together. The fun tan wedges are comfy and a bit dressy, and a pair of gold-rimmed aviators complete the look and add a touch of glamour. All of the pieces are available at Mall of America stores.

Dress – Heritage 1981, $19.90

Blazer – Old Navy, $29.50

Shoes – Old Navy, $24.50

Sunglasses – American Eagle, $15.50

Total: $89.40

Hola ladies! I’m back with another style playlist and this one’s brand new. Francesca’s Collections is one of the most recent additions to Mall of America. Hope you enjoy

Ladies, there is a new boutique in our town (MOA) and you better prepare your plastic!  Francesca’s Collections, one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country and beloved since 1999, is truly a treasure chest overflowing with darling duds & sugary sweet accessories. 

 As a part of the Retail Marketing team, it was my job to take a peek (rough, I know) and see what they have to offer our guests.  Well, 45 minutes and 2 purchases later, I walked out a huge fan.  Oops!  I just couldn’t resist an adorable clutch adorned with ruffles and a simple, chic pair of drop earrings – both pieces in this season’s ‘it’ color, turquoise.  All I’ll say is that I’m in trouble.  Big trouble. Oh, and the prices are pretty appetizing as well.  At $29.99 for a killer floral print dress, try saying no.  Good luck

 Be sure to pop in the next time you’re at MOA and get addicted yourself.  Francesca’s Collection is located on Level 1, south.    

Does our early spring heat wave have you itching to show off your warm weather wardrobe? It might not be time for swimsuits and tank tops just yet, but you can still enjoy the warmth this weekend by adding a couple of summery touches to a wardrobe classic.  Try pairing these fun sandals and bright shorts with a crisp white button. Add this funky, tribal-inspired necklace and you’re ready for a Saturday afternoon lunch date or the year’s first trip to the Farmer’s market. The best part? The entire outfit costs less than $100.

Necklace: Old Navy, $14.50

Shirt: Gap, $54.50

Shorts: Forever 21, $17.80

Sandals: Forever 21, $9.50

Total: $96.30

Meet Sarah

Sarah coins herself as a huge bargain shopper and wants to share her fun & fashionable (yet inexpensive) finds with our MOA Fashion Sense readers.

Name Sarah Van Nevel
Job Background: Communications and public relations savvy. Currently working at my first job out of college as an intern at Bloomington PR agency Weber Shandwick
Educational Background: BA Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Minnesota
Favorite MOA Store: Fossil & Ann Taylor Loft
Current obsession: Floral print, ruffles, & embellished accessories

Has the P-word gotten to you like it’s gotten to me? Who knew that pollen could be such a silent killer of good moods and clear sinuses? I’m a ball of congestion and aches. Besides the passing of spring, there are few things that can save me from these allergies—and I’m not going to regale you with stories of Flonase and a good vacuum. Rather, let’s talk about the product I lovingly reach for in times of malaise: Origins Peace of Mind ($10 at Origins). Possibly one of the most ingenious products of all time, this pepperminty, lotion-like potion relieves headaches and tension when dabbed on your temples or the back of your neck. It’s like an Advil/massage/cold compress in one. And it’s TEN DOLLARS. I keep one on my desk and nightstand, right next to the Aveda Hand Relief and lip-balm-of-the-moment. Origns is located on level two, West.

On Friday, February 12 Sephora will host a Two Faced event at Mall of America from noon – 6 p.m.  Enjoy makeovers, samples and a two piece gift with purchase.  Call to book a consultation (952–854-1517).

day of the event.

Trade Secret at MOA seems to have quite a few items currently on sale including Kenra, Big Sexy Hair and select Liters.

For Love  21 has introduced their new beauty line Love and Beauty which features many items at very low prices.  Check out the$2.80 nail polishes, $1.80 lip glosses and $1.80 blotting papers.  I’m interested to try the Shimmer Brush for $3.50, a gigantic brush with shimmer that clicks in from an attachment.  At these prices you can pick up a pair of earrings to match!

It’s that time of year again – the Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale is taking place now!  Holiday bath sets are 50 percent off and other holiday scented items (like shower gels and lotions) are 75 percent off.  During my visit I stocked up on their spa socks (considered a holiday item, but really could be used any time of the year) at $3.50/pair, antibacterial soaps at $3/each and foaming body wash at $3/each.  Stop in before the end of the month to check out the bargains.