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{ on liz: forever21 top, j.crew necklace, h&m bangle, ray-ban glasses, nordstrom bp skirt }

if i haven't mentioned it before, i'm sure you've figured out the blatantly obvious obsession liz & i have with lace. it's one of my favorite recent trends, possibly because we were a little shocked when it started popping up on the runways and in every store imaginable. my style has always been on the romantic side, and i'm happy to see designers are starting to feel the same way! (i've seen enough chains, studs, rips and holes, but that's just me...)

luckily i haven't fallen into the fashion victim trap, as i am acutely aware that one day lace may not be as chic and wonderful as it is right now (sigh). so, i didn't allow myself to splurge on a handmade lace minidress or vintage lace blouse--instead i looked to my favorite bargain stores and sale racks.

this lace shirt from forever 21 has been crowned our favorite piece (although it was hard to pick just one!) - and it only cost $17. you wouldn't know by looking at it, especially since it has those tiny, special details like puffed shoulders, a scalloped hem, and slightly-cropped length. people have asked me more times than i can count if i bought it at anthropologie! but the best part about this shirt isn't just the price, but the fact that liz and i have worn it in so may ways it has basically been rendered free. whether it's mixed with a tight banded skirt and a large chunky necklace or distressed boyfriend jeans and flat sandals, this top makes a stunning impact that leaves me wishing i'd bought two. (you know, just in case we wear holes into this one - it could happen!)

II emily