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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

LWD

when a woman hears "LBD," she doesn't even need to process what exactly this acronym stands for. every classy lady needs her trusty LBD - little black dress, boys - but as a midwestern college girl who spends her days lounging on the porch, buying nail polish at cvs, and going to music festivals, a black dress is the last thing i will reach for this summer.

instead, i have an LWD - a little white dress. when in doubt, i reach for this forever21 number i bought at the beginning of the summer and have since worn at least twenty times. if i'm worried about the scorching indiana heat, want something comfy and easy, or just can't settle on a decent outfit, this embroidered ivory dress never lets me down! it always feels fresh and breezy - just what i need on a fashion-frustration day. i can dress it up or down, and can accessorize it in countless different ways so it never feels tired. i truly believe a little white (or cream) dress is an everyday summer essential.

one of the best parts? this dress cost me around $25 - and while i hope it lasts forever, i'm never bothered by the nagging fear of wearing it to death or, god forbid, ruining it in some way. (in fact, i almost want to go back to forever21 and see if i can buy one (or two) more to save for next summer...)

here are some other great LWD options for you!

Forever 21 Feminine Feat Dress ($29.80)

Forever 21 Raschel Knit Lace Dress ($24.80)

Mod Cloth Cake from Scratch Dress ($73.99)

Free People Lace Trim Shift Dress ($118.00) -- a bit of a splurge, but i think it would be worth it! {just look at that detail at the hem...}

- emily