Striped Dress c/o Carson’s // Tassel Necklace c/o Carson’s // Strappy Tan Heels c/o Carson’s {similar} // Cuyana Purse {similar version here}

The trees are blooming, the sun is out and it’s finally starting to feel like spring in Chicago! I honestly feel like a huge weight has been lifted off me now that the weather has been turning around, and everyone seems to be a million times happier when I’m walking down the busy downtown streets of Chicago {believe me, we were all pretty grumpy when we were covered in snow and freezing winds!}. Even on the days where I have to stay in the office late, I can’t help but have a smile on my face since the sun is shining and it feels more like 4PM than 7PM. I’ll take every little extra ounce of happiness I can get!

One of the other things I’m so excited about is I can finally dress like it’s spring again too, and I’ve been gravitating towards all things feminine and springy. From floral everything to blue and white stripes {my personal favorite!} I’ve been filling my closet with new pieces and busting out a few of my old standbys to celebrate the season.    I’ve been working to stay on a budget since I have a few big trips and expenses in the coming months, so I’ve been trying to find classic pieces that won’t break the bank {but still look chic and expensive – you know, totally reasonable expectations ;)}. I’ve been searching for the perfect, springy but versatile dress, and last weekend I  stumbled across this pretty piece from Carson’s for a steal. I used to shop at Carson’s {or as we call it in Wisconsin, Boston Store!} when I was younger with my mom and it was always such a treat scouring the aisles for the best deals and filling up our carts without breaking the bank. Ever since I moved to Chicago I hadn’t been back, so I was excited when I was out in the suburbs to visit and find the best deals on so many of my favorite brands – from Michael Kors, or Ban.do, to Marc Fisher and more.

I probably spent well over an hour exploring the store and picking out this pretty outfit, including the kitten heels, tassel necklace and this gorgeous dress. It’s become my go-to look for days in the office when I have a big client meeting, and I’m planning on wearing it to at least a few summer weddings I have on the books in the coming months. Best of all, I got the whole look for under $150 with all the extra sales and coupons going on at Carson’s {all which you can find on their handy app too!} Anyways, I could go on and on about how much I love this look, but I’ll spare you the diatribe for your Wednesday morning. But in other news, happy happy hump day! I don’t know about you, but this week is dragging and I can barely contain my excitement for the weekend! My mom and dad are coming to Chicago to for the weekend to take in a show and get my condo in check {my mother’s favorite activity, haha}, and enjoy some much needed family time together. Special shout out to parents being the best 😉

Hope you all are having a wonderful week and a fun weekend to look forward to! xx