Hi there everyone! It is definitely mid-season here and I've been doing some shopping.

A few weeks ago, I ordered a cashmere cardigan from Lands' End. It was kind of pricey (what happened to off-season bargains?) but I thought IF it was just perfect, and I could wear it in the Summer A/C and with my Winter clothes that it might be worth it. Well let's just politely say that it didn't wow me. At all. So I drove to the Sears store at the nearby mall to return it to avoid the shipping. While I was there, I just happened to see this floral short sleeved sweater at Ann Taylor Loft. I fell hard for the pattern at first sight, but I steeled myself against an impulse purchase and left to run a few errands close by. I couldn't get it off my mind though, so I went back to the mall to at least try it on (most of the time this step alone will rule out a purchase for me). But it fit and I loved it even more on! The S was the smallest size they had, but I think it works for a fluid fit. I did a mental run through of my clothes to make sure it would go with all of my bottoms (it does) and work in a variety of seasons and settings (check, check). It's cotton, super fine, but not sheer.The store was offering it for 40% off and that was good enough for me! I've worn it a lot already and took it on my recent trip to Minneapolis.

While I was there, I went into the Nordstrom in the MOA to check out a few things I had seen online. I was curious about the color of one of the Halogen cashmere scarves. It was a "just looking" kind of thing. The SA determined that her store didn't have the color I was interested in, nor did any other Nordstrom, nor was it available online. Fast forward 24 hours. On my way home from the airport back in Phoenix, I stopped at Last Chance to do a little shopping. Lo and behold they had a tangled bin of scarves and wraps on sale for 40% off. After some digging around, I unearthed this 100%cashmere Halogen scarf/wrap. It's the exact color (and style) I was wanting, although I have no idea what it's called. I don't think it's the Blue Calm pictured in my Find, but I collected it because it's close. This will be a year-round item for me, and it's solid, so it won't fight with my patterns. Oh, and it rang up at $11.98. That is my kind of shopping!

A more recent and subsequent trip to Last Chance yielded these pointy-toed ankle strap flats by Dolce Vita. I was looking for a light neutral sandal, but could not resist trying these babies on. They are nice leather and in good shape. I really like the iridescent snake on the front part, and the pretty gold hardware. These are not as comfortable as my AGL ballet flats, but they pack a much more trendy style punch, which is what my wardrobe needs right now. For $18.99 I thought I'd give them a whirl.

Oh, and in case you're wondering how all this fits into my ten-item wardrobe, the accessories and shoes don't count, but the floral sweater is a new core item for me. One of my dresses purchased in January is on it's way out. It was a little more worn than I realized when I bought it, and the front hem was also uneven, which can't be fixed due to the linear nature of the print. I have some other new items, but I'll save those for another post. I've been jostling my F/W items around to make room for them.

Also pictured is my new wash and wear hairstyle. I grew my mangy hair out for 6 long months so I could let it curl this Summer and not look too short. I just had it shaped and trimmed on Saturday and this is the first time in my life I've ever been able to let it dry naturally and do it's own thing--and like it! My hair texture has really changed with the grey. The straightener and blow dryer were not doing it any favors. Any ideas for moisturizing hair products that you feel are a good value? I have always been a such a greaseball and never had to worry about this! Thanks for reading, and for any tips, tricks, styling ideas (clothes or hair) or advice; your input is invaluable to me.