Here's a great plaid shirt by BB Dakota with flattering 3/4-length sleeves and a nipped waist in a soothing forest green hue, just $44 at chickdowntown.com. You can wear it now layered over a tank with shorts, then again in the fall with jeans and boots.


Need another option? This buffalo plaid shirt is one of the cuter items I spotted in the newly released Miley Cyrus & Max Azria clothing line for Walmart. Keep in mind the sizing is juniors, but I think this top would work for many ages. It's just $12 and also comes in red plaid or purple plaid. Check out the rest of the collection here, especially if you're in back-to-school shopping mode.

Here's a great wardrobe essential that you can wear now and into the fall: It's a classic pencil skirt by Juicy Couture with an Herve Leger twist, and it can be yours for $138.


Why invest in an investment piece if you don't have to? Save on this office-to-evening bandage skirt from Charlotte Russe for the low price of just $19.99.

Although I wear contact lenses most of the time, I rely on my trusty glasses in the evenings, lazy mornings and times when I just need to give my eyes a break. So when GlassesUSA offered to send me a free pair of eyeglasses, I jumped on the opportunity to try a new style frame. Besides, as all contact- and glasses-wearers know, it's a good idea to have a spare pair handy in case of emergencies.

Ordering prescription eyeglasses from the site is simple and straightforward. The only downside is that you obviously can't try on the frames to see how they suit your face, so if you're a first-time buyer, I would recommend shopping in-person at a boutique instead. But if you're a veteran like myself, and you know exactly what you want (in my case, I wanted narrow rectangular solid black plastic "hipster-meets-sexy-librarian" frames), then GlassesUSA.com offers a nice selection that won't overwhelm at very affordable prices.

I think I received my prescription glasses just two days after ordering, a definite plus, packed neatly in a hard storage case along with a discount code to use on future purchases. I got the "Joey Black" style (shown above), just $34.95 w/lenses, and I can't believe how cute they look (at least I think so!)

I'm no eye doctor but my new glasses are lightweight, comfortable and perfectly correct my vision. Once again, if you haven't been to your eye doctor in a while, I'd advise going to the pros in person to get new glasses, but if you do go for regular check-ups and just want to try out a new style on a budget, GlassesUSA might be right for you.

Recommended Reading:

• 
  Choosing the perfect frames for your eyeglasses [youlookfab]
  


• 
  Finding great glasses to suit your face (and your style) [Already Pretty]

Thanks to GlassesUSA for the new specs! P.S. Use code Mommy5 to get 5% off your final order. No expiration!

Statement necklaces have proven to be an inexpensive way to add high-impact, runway style to your everyday wardrobe. But figuring out exactly how to wear them can sometimes prove to be a challenge. Here, I've gathered together some inspiring photos from a few of my favorite bloggers to show you the many ways you can wear your statement necklace. As you'll see, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Experiment with different necklines to create a new look each time.

[1] Cupcakes and Cashmere layers this white stone-drape necklace from Forever 21 ($13.80) over a boat-neck black top to make those baubles truly pop.
[2] Nitrolicious dresses up a white tee and jeans with a shiny statement necklace and sequin jacket for a look that's both laid-back and luxe.
[3] Over at Work Chic, Sydne Summer of Think Thru Fashion elevates a v-neck white tee and black pencil skirt from simple to chic with this floral statement necklace from Forever 21 ($12.80).
[4] Anwhere But Here looks garden-party gorgeous by lining her v-neck vintage floral dress with the very same stone-drape necklace we saw in look one.
[5] The Budget Babe (snuck myself in here, hehe) mirrors the triangular shape of her Kendra Scott statement necklace with a lightweight, v-neck cardigan in a complementary coral hue.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, tarte cosmetics, Bric's Luggage and Vendoro Jewelry starts today at noon ET over at Gilt Groupe. I'm heading there now to check out the offerings from tarte cosmetics, created by natural-beauty enthusiast Maureen Kelly. According to the Gilt e-newsletter, Tarte cosmetics offers healthy products in chic, luxe packaging. Maureen's on a mission to prove that glamour can be good for you by pioneering the use of high-performance minerals and earth-friendly products.