This week I paid my first visit to Primark, an Irish fast fashion chain that's just beginning to open stores stateside. I visited the Danbury, Connecticut location (thanks to a tip from alert Budget Babe reader @booshabear about the store opening), and while I realize this post will be a bit of tease for many of you (Primark.com does not have e-commerce yet), it may only be a matter of time before this discount clothing retailer comes to a town near you. So what can you expect when it does? Think fast fashion quality (Forever 21, H&M) in a vast yet highly organized set-up. Rather than multiple styles on a rack, as is the case at Forever 21 or H&M, Primark has fewer styles available in multiple sizes (which is juniors sizing as far as I could tell).

If you're like me, the summer heat makes your hair frizzy and your face oily; two things that are a girl's worst nightmare. Even though I love competing with friends to see who can get the tannest during the summer, I prefer the winter months because that's when my hair and complexion looks its best. I always carry a few products in my tote so that throughout my day I can freshen up without spending hours in front of the mirror. Here are five products that save my life during the summer and that are currently in my tote bag. Number three is my favorite...what’s yours?

Over the weekend, we paid a visit to Westfield Old Orchard, one of my favorite places to shop when I'm back home in Chicago. I had lunch with my blogger friend/kindred spirit Heidi Doud (Wishes & Reality) at Epic Burger - seriously, so lovely to finally meet IRL. Then it was time to ride the mini train with my sister and nephew, followed by a nursing break, more playtime (this time by the lifesize chess set), followed by more nursing, ice cream at Godiva and naps. By that point I was tired and ready to head home, so I did not actually engage in any actual shopping. But I did spot a pair of sandals while passing through Nordstrom that caught my eye...the Steve Madden 'Slithur' ($89.90, down from $109.95). The moment I saw it, I realized it looked identical to the Mossimo 'Kylea' sandals ($34.99) I had just blogged about in Saturday's post. So, all was not lost. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking a link below!




Update: After posting this, I noticed while browsing Pinterest that the Steve Madden shoe is actually a copy of the Schutz 'Juliana' caged sandal, which is $190 at shopbop.com!


Have a good eye for fashion? Check out more Spot the Real taste tests!

In the latest travel-ready ensemble, Milla Jovovich shows us how small details can take an otherwise ordinary outfit and make it pop! Here, Milla wears a bright yellow plaid button up and pairs it with hip-hugging flare jeans, a silver tote, bright red wedges and sunglasses. I love the contrast between the clothes and accessories in this look, the red color makes a bold statement against her already colorful top. Plus I love her bellbottoms, totally on trend! Milla's hair and beauty were kept simple, so in my re-creation I added a sheer balm to emulate the hint of color on her lips. Steal Milla's style by shopping the rest of my picks, with items starting at $5.





Happy Fourth of July! Shop our can't-miss Independence Day Sale picks here.

Blake Lively looked radiant in a lemon yellow ballgown topped with her Madewell Denim Jacket ($118) while exiting The Today Show in NYC earlier this month. I'm not sure if the jacket was merely an afterthought to keep her warm (or cover her adorable baby bump) but I'm loving the juxtaposition of bright yellow with blue accents, carried out in the jacket and her jewelry. I'd copy this look with a simple summery yellow chiffon dress and blue crystal earrings. Blake's exact Madewell jacket is just $118 at shopbop.com and totally worth the price for something so versatile that you'll have - and love - for years!