While browsing my Pinterest feed recently, I spotted this beautiful spring look on fashion blogger Mara Ferreira, author of the always-inspirational M Loves M. It's so feminine and colorful yet still appropriate for many work environments thanks to the flats, blazer and structured satchel. The only downside is that Mara's Aquazurra "Christy" lace up flats alone cost $695, making this a tough look to achieve on a budget. You can shop her exact outfit items on her blog in this post. I did some searching and came up with the look for less that's $170.50 total, head to toe! Shop my girl-on-a-budget picks below:


Get the look for less:
Dress / Blazer / Shoes / Bag / Necklace


Housekeeping Note: I'm hosting my first Instagram loop giveaway along with 12 of my favorite bloggers! Follow me on Instagram for a chance to win a $400 Nordstrom giftcard - you could do some serious shopping with that! The winner will be announced March 27th. Good luck!

Image of Mara via M Loves M

If you take a look in my gym bag, you’ll find a mess of tangled headphones, protein bars, water bottles, extra pairs of socks, a foam roller, and a great watch! Anyone involved in fitness or avid readers of fit blogs and magazines knows that intervals are one of the most efficient ways to work out—and those who are serious about their training know that a great fitness-oriented watch can make all the difference!

When it comes to spring style inspiration, fashion blogger Kendi Everyday has one of my favorite looks of the season: Her floral blouse and pink coat ensemble is both feminine and chic, and represents the perfect way to wear pastels without looking overly delicate. While Kendi's style is totally attainable and wearable - and she often suggests budget looks for pieces that are more of an investment - the look shown above costs $775 (not including the jewelry and sunglasses). I set out to see if I could put something similar together for myself and managed to get the look for $$201.02. You can shop Kendi's exact items on her website here.


Get the look for less:
Coat (also love this one by J.O.A.) / Jeans / Blouse / Shoes / Bag


Kendi Everyday image credit

For easy spring style inspiration, I'm loving many of the casual yet put-together looks by Madewell found on Nordstrom.com (which just recently started carrying this popular line). The boho-inspired look above would cost you $325 without the accessories. (You can visit this page to shop the original items.) My entire look for less is just over $100 including the chevron stud earrings and scarf! Here we come, spring.


Shop the Madewell spring look for less:
Sandals $19.90 / Pants $13.90 / Vest $40 / Scarf $9.80 (I also love this tassel scarf by Merona) / T-Shirt $9.95 / Chevron Stud Earrings $20

While browsing Instagram the other day, this outfit photo posted by Nordstrom caught my eye - it's simple yet doesn't lack interest, thanks to the 7 For All Mankind floral print jeans and luxe Brahmin 'Mini Duxbury' Crossbody Bag. Of course it also caught my attention because this look is easy to recreate on a budget! Just pick up some floral jeans like this pair by HUE, add a neutral lightweight sweater, brown leather flats (the exact flats are just $53! Worth it for real leather!) and a neutral crossbody bag and you're good to go. With over 22,000 likes from Nordstrom fans and counting, I'd say this outfit is foolproof.


The Look:
7 For All Mankind Jeans / Free People 'Everlasting' Pullover / Brahmin 'Mini Duxbury' Crossbody Bag / Biala 'Charla' Flat

The Look for Less:
Floral Jeans / Bag / Sweater / Shoes (also loving these or these)