A little while back, I visited the set of Walmart's The Fitting Room spring photo shoot in LA, and one of my favorite pieces for spring was this Brooke Leigh Studded Collar Long Sleeve Blouse. Well, spring isn't here quite yet but here's how I'm wearing my blouse - which I got for just $14.88 at Walmart.com - right now!




Paired with forest green jeans and tan ankle boots, plus a flyaway cardigan for warmth, my stud collar blouse in ivory is the perfect layering piece. I love the feminine sleeves, prim buttoned-up look and edgy gold stud detailing.

See more of my favorite spring fashions in the video below!



Also, be sure to follow me on Walmart The Fitting Room's spring fashion website as well as on Pinterest where I'm pinning all my favorite budget-fashion finds for spring (nothing's over $20!)



{What I'm Wearing: H&M MAMA skinny jeans, LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff bag via T.J.Maxx, Duro Olowu for JCP umbrella, Simply Vera Vera Wang sweater vest, Lancome Rouge In Love lipstick, LC bow ring}

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Fitting Room at Walmart. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I've been on a very long quest to find the perfect all-natural deodorant - even more so now that's I'm expecting - and Lavanila was high on my list of brands to try. Recently I got a complimentary sample of Lavanila's The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender to put to the test, and here's how it went...

What they say: Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant is all-natural, aluminum-free! It delivers superior odor protection and vitamin-rich nourishment without the use of commonly feared harsh chemicals.

What I thought: Lavanila totally works - for regular, everyday use. A typical day for me includes brisk walks with my dog, running errands, and lots of sitting in front of a computer. Basically your average workday. At the end of the day, I do a smell check (LOL), then subject my husband to the highly scientific "smell check" - and ladies, I passed! Lavanila helped keep me "presentable" for all intensive purposes.

However, if I have a really important meeting or something (like when I did my satellite media tour and could not be seen sweating buckets on national TV), I will probably resort to using my chemical deodorants. But for me, those moments are few and far between. I'd much rather wear a natural deodorant that works "good enough" than slather on toxic chemicals - because if you think chemical antiperspirants and deodorants are good for you, they're not.

Lavanila might not stand up to an intense workout either, but if you're going to the gym and showering afterwards, I think you'd be totally fine.

What's more, Lavanila's packaging is chic, the botanical fragrance blend is beautiful and it feels great on your skin. It will get on clothing though so be careful with delicates and dark colors.

Lavanila has no harsh chemicals, no petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic dyes, sulfates or parabens. It's also not tested on animals and it is made in the USA.

Priced at $18.00 (for 2 oz) or $10.00 (for .90 oz Mini Deodorant), Lavanila is a relatively small price to pay for a safer deodorant that works well and smells great.

Shop this post:


See also:
My favorite natural deodorant, Avalon Organics deodorant spray

Kate Spade New York's striped "Carolyn" dress costs $333.99 (down from $478). The girl on a budget can get a similar dress style for $59.90 (down from $98) elsewhere. Can you spot the real from the steal? Click either image below to check your guess!

Yesterday I headed to my local Kohl's store to shop their Grand Opening Sale which is going on now through Sunday March 17th. Do not miss this sale! I tweeted my favorite finds as I shopped and shared two spring outfits, then purchased the items that got the most "likes" from readers - because honestly I loved both looks and couldn't decide which to go with! Thanks to everyone who commented, you guys are seriously the sweetest and you made this mama-to-be feel like a million bucks.





So here's what I got: A coral red blazer ($45.50, saved $24.50), lace stripe white tee ($23.40, saved $12.60), polka dot skinny jeans ($35.10, saved $18.90), and bow ring ($9.60, saved $6.40, similar ring here) - all from the LC Lauren Conrad collection - plus an Apt. 9 bangle ($12, saved $12).

Everything paired perfectly with my favorite ankle boots, the "Kinley," which I bought on clearance at Target for $10.48. It's not sandal season yet, but these ankle boots are perfect for that spring transition weather. So comfy and they go with everything! Seriously love.



I also couldn't help but check out the home decor at Kohl's, which is also on major sale, and picked up a chevron bath rug (in-store only), chevron hand towel, chevron shower curtain (in-store only) and chevron straw baskets! OMG chevron overload. I could not resist. I wish I was one of those sophisticated people who decorate everything in all white but I don't have that kind of restraint. I love color and fun prints that make me smile. My new bathroom accessories are definitely doing that.



On top of the sale prices, I used a 15% off coupon which I received in the mail (since I have a Kohl's charge) and the cashier was sweet and gave me 20% off instead (must be the pregnant lady discount). I also got $20 back in Kohl's cash. Between the home decor and clothing items I purchased, I saved $162.72.

Thanks to Kohl's for giving me a $100 gift card to shop this sale, I still can't believe the opportunities this blog has given me - I know it's just a gift card but having grown up without a lot of cash, it means so much more. I feel like a kid in a candy store each time.

And stay tuned, because I'll be giving away another $100 gift card to one lucky reader to help you shop the spring deals at Kohl's!!

Keep reading for a few more pics plus details on the sales you can find during the Kohl's Grand Opening Sale:

Recording artist Sky Ferreira is the face of Forever 21's spring campaign for their Festival 2013 Capsule Collection. Combining music and fashion, the collection features a range of festival favorites and must-haves like dip-dye denim, lace-up details, studded embellishments, crochet, bold colors and patterns, crop tops, desert ready sheer styles, and bandeaus. I like the leopard print jacket in the second to last photo below. Click through for more festival fashion inspiration...