If there's one thing Free People can make us do, it's dream, and the January lookbook titled "Into the Great Wide Open" has me yearning for wide open plains, watercolor skies and warm breezes. By layering two fresh hues, indigo and nude, we get a hint of spring. The "prairie influence" of this lookbook - modeled by Marth Hunt and photographed by Anthony Nocella - is played out with printed denim, washed overalls and smocked skirts. Feminine with a rough boyish twist. Who's ready to trade their fur trapper hat for a leather fedora? More eye candy after the jump.

I recently flew to Los Angeles to go behind-the-scenes at the spring 2013 fashion shoot with The Fitting Room at Walmart, and today, I'm so excited to finally be able to share everything we did! All is revealed at The Fitting Room's just-launched spring site, where you can browse and pin all the latest spring fashions at prices that won't break the bank, like studded collars, bold denim, fun dresses, leopard loafers, and retro swimsuits.

I can tell you, there are a LOT of pieces you guys are going to love, and I'm really proud of the videos we put together - Walmart gave me free rein to speak in my own voice and pick the pieces I loved most and wanted to share with all of you. It was really cool, you guys.

Check out the videos and photos I've included in this post, then be sure to head on over to The Fitting Room to see lots more - including my fellow budget-fashion blogger Shauna Miller of Penny chic - as we share our favorite looks of the season and how to style them.

Which pieces are you loving? Stay tuned because I'll be sharing more spring fashions and hosting an awesome giveaway, too.

"Do you know where I can find a fur vest? Every time I find one that I like online, it is out of my size or completely sold out. I'm looking for a light brown-ish one that I can layer over plaid, denim, everything! I'm not looking to spend more than $100." —Sarah

Without hesitating, I would get this Pins and Needles faux fur vest that's now just $49.99 (down from $79) at urbanoutfitters.com. It comes in brown or black and I'm pretty sure it's the perfect faux fur vest. The cut is super versatile so you can pair this vest with button down shirts and jeans or over a boho dress with boots.




{Shown above: Fur vest style inspiration via Wendy's Lookbook, Jessica Alba on Zimbio, Bows and Sequins.}

During my recent trip to Los Angeles to shoot some behind-the-scenes spring fashion videos with Walmart's The Fitting Room, I got the chance to model in a fun fashion shoot for my budget-blogger-BFF Shauna Miller of PennyChic.com. It was totally one of those full circle moments because I had first met Shauna during New York Fashion Week and she thought it would be cool to collaborate - but when am I ever in L.A.?! And when is she ever in Connecticut?! Almost never!

But somehow, the planets aligned, and there I was, enjoying the sun, marveling at the beauty of Venice Beach and striking a pose in the cutest preppy-chic outfit ever put together by Shauna, who is a genius when it comes to styling. Everything I'm wearing is under $25, and you can get all the details on the items featured over at PennyChic.com. Thanks again to Shauna and her fabulous photographer mom for the star treatment, love you ladies.

Photo credit: Shideh H. Miller

Mikkat Market's phenomenal winter sale has me dreaming about all the cool-girl looks I could put together right now, or for spring. Could I pull off this leather skirt? For under $34, heck yeah I could. Or a bold faux fur coat? At under $55, what's stopping me? See what trends you might try by checking out the winter sale now at MikkatMarket.com. Plus, enter code 15WEEKEND at checkout to get 15% off outerwear and bottoms (I believe it's this weekend only).

{BB's picks: Silk red shirt, $29.40 (down from $49.00); Crochet lace skirt, $23.40 (down from $39); wedge sandals, $29.40 (down from $49)}