summer trends on a budget {part 2}

I have had my eye on the chambray shirt trend for several months. I found one online at Old Navy, but it quickly sold out (similar). I turned my search to local thrift shops and eventually found one and wore it a few times. But honestly, the bow wasn't me. About a month ago, I was in an Old Navy store and came across their chambray blouse on the rack! I ended up paying $17 with a 30% off coupon and it was worth every penny!! I've worn it at least once a week ever since I bought it (and possibly two days in a row).

The thing I love about it the most is its versatility; I can dress it up or down. It's lightweight to wear in the summer, and I'll likely wear it in fall and spring too. It's one of those staple pieces that will be in my wardrobe for years to come. It was one of those staple items I added to my list after reading The No Brainer Wardrobe. So here's the skinny on each of the looks I'm sharing... 

skirt (old), boots (Journey's), earrings (Pretties by Meg), necklace (gift)

I call this my Tammy Taylor look (anyone else watch Friday Night Lights and get outfit inspiration from her?)  I have had these boots for two years, but rarely wear them. They're not quite the norm here in the Northeast, but being married to a guy who grew up outside Nashville and having lived in Colorado, I do my best to embrace the western wear. I was seriously so comfortable wearing this outfit to work.

dress (Target), tank (Old Navy), shoes (Toms), necklace (Pretties by Meg), watch (gift)

I wanted to incorporate something bright or neon in this outfit. Neon is a trend this summer and having grown up in the 80s, I really can't bring myself to buy anything neon. The watch is the closest thing to neon I currently own (it was a freebie my colleague brought back from SXSW). The dress (I disguised it as a skirt by layering a black tank over) was a sale rack score last summer and I usually wear it with leggings or as a beach cover up.

pants (Old Navy), belt (Black & White Market), shoes (gift), pearl necklace & earrings (gift)

Who owns bright green pants? I bought these about five years ago and actually took a lot of heat for wearing them (at the time, my job required I wear a black polo with khakis, so I bought a few pairs of colored khakis thanks to Old Navy and J. Crew). I like the unexpected combo of pearls with a pair of pants most people don't own. 


What trends do you love wearing this summer? 
(I'm linked up with Lindsey for What I Wore Wednesday)