Minimalistic Sporty Monochrome and your Help Wanted!

First of all I want to super apologize for today's pictures - definitely not appropriate for a blog but I do like the outfit, like ten-fold apology. My little crappy camera fell down and I think it is taking even worse, blurry photos plus I photographed these on a corner with the natural light on my back. With that said, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions/favors today? I am shopping around for two things. I must buy a new camera. I am looking for something decent, maybe a semi-pro one and my budget is $250.00. Any suggestions for me? You can include some links or names of the camera(s) on the comments. An would you suggest EBay too? Secondly, I am also shopping around for a blog designer. There are a couple of you that have made some suggestions for me - thank you. I was looking through Etsy yesterday, too. What are some current or recent, nice and affordable designers you have worked with and have been satisfied with? Please tell me. I appreciate your suggestions and answers to these questions, so very much. Thanks again.

The Minimalistic Sporty Look is IN STYLE this Spring and I am loving it. I have actually loved this type of look a lot, especially since becoming a mom. Slip-on sneakers, wedge sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, Converse and Sperrys usually accompany Skinny Jeans, BF Jeans, Joggers, Leather Pants or Leggings. As far as the top you can do Sweaters, Button-downs, a Plaid Shirt, a Gingham Shirt - another huge trend for Spring 2015, a T-Shirt, or even a Girly Blouse, something Floral, a Kimono over a Tank, etc. Well, I went for a mostly Monochrome Look and styled my Ponte+Faux Leather Skinny Pants with this Soft Merino Black+Gray Sweater in a lovely diamond print and I am wearing my New, Brown, Faux Alligator Slip-on Sneakers which I just got for a steal of a deal: 17 bucks!! I love them. Have you purchased any Slip-on Sneakers for this Spring/Summer? How are you styling them?

Merino Wool Black, Gray & White Argyle, V-Neck Sweater: Club Monaco (very similar from JC Penney's, best deal, love this), (gorgeous option in cream+tan by Brooks Brothers, on sale), (gorgeous option in nude+white by WHBM, great deal, love this).

Black Ponte & Faux Leather Leggings: Forever 21 (very similar, great deal), (similar by JC Penney's, best deal, love these), (fun option, on sale, love these), (gorgeous, sexy option, love these).

Dainty, 3-strand Necklace w/ Black Beads: White House Black Market (very similar, longer option by JC Penney's, great deal), (gorgeous option by Topshop, great deal, love this), (similar, love this), (dressy, dainty option by JC Penney's, best deal, love this).

Square, Black Metallic Hair Claw w/ Red Crystals: Bijoux & Accessories.

Brown, Faux Alligator Slip-on Sneakers: Il Cammino (New) (very similar in chocolate brown, best deal, love these), (similar w/ thick platform soles, Splurge), (fun logo option by Guess, great deal, love these), (soft leather option by Frye, love these).

P.S. Linking up with Alison, Brooke, Carrie with Jill, Danielle, Elle, Elizabeth, Leeanne, Lisa, Liz, Monica, Miriam, Morgan, Rebecca, Rhea, Sarah, Shanna, 

Sydney, Stylish Housewife, Tameka, Vicki and Victoria.

I am also linking up with Megan and Nora Inspiration Monday.

Striped, Turtleneck Tunic Sweater and Boots, 2 ways.

When we have had some colder days (hmmm pre-Spring days) around here, instead of doing many layers which I normally do, I have opted for this cozy, warm, wool, Striped, Turtleneck Tunic Sweater which I love. I have it in Beige also. These 2 Outfits today are so similar and were only worn 3 days apart. It is basically two versions of the same outfit, kind of. First, I paired the Turtleneck Sweater with my Quilted Navy Leggings/Skinny Pants and Layered my Red Plaid Blanket Scarf over it (since I didn't wear a coat). The Scarf brought it a second pattern and added some color to the outfit. It was rainy that day too, on and off, so I opted for my Black Rain Boots. Then, a few days later I wore a slightly dressier version of this Outfit to work. My office is pretty casual. I dress up most of the time but it was one of those days where I wanted to be warm and comfortable. This time I paired the Sweater with Black Skinny Jeans and my Tall Cognac Boots. I also wore my Red Coat that day since the sky was gray and I wanted to be cheerful. And here is a third similar way I wore this outfit, with my Black Velvet Leggings and a Long Crystal Necklace. Two simple, easy outfits for you today. Do you own a Turtleneck Tunic Sweater? How often do you reach for it? Ohh and I just realized March 31st - holy smokes, one quarter of 2015 has gone, vanished! Craaaaaazy!!

Black, Wool, Turtleneck Sweater w/ Thin White Horizontal Stripes: Pull & Bear (similar tunic option w/ asymmetric hem, on sale, love this), (fitted, classic option, great deal, love this), (gorgeous cropped option by J.Crew, best deal), (gorgeous chunky option, Splurge, love this).

Red/White/Black Plaid, Wool-blend Wide Scarf: Terranova (New) (similar, best deal, love this), (similar in gray+white by Madewell, love this), (similar infinity option, best deal, love this), (gorgeous option by J.Crew, on sale).

Navy Ponte, Jersey & Faux Leather Skinny Pants w/ Quilted Panels on the front: A Boutique in Tirana (gorgeous, sexy option, on sale, love these), (similar, best deal), (sexy, liquid style w/ zippers, great deal, love these).

Charcoal Gray, Quilted & Rubber, Lace-up Rain Boots: Costco (similar, gorgeous option by Asos, best deal, love these), (similar black+cognac option, great deal, love these), (sporty option by Sorel).

Black, Wool, Turtleneck Sweater w/ Thin White Horizontal Stripes: Pull & Bear (similar tunic option w/ asymmetric hem, on sale, love this), (fitted, classic option, great deal, love this), (gorgeous cropped option by J.Crew, best deal), (gorgeous chunky option, Splurge, love this).

Black Skinny Jeans: Sublevel (similar by Topshop, best deal, love these), (similar by Gap, 1969 edition, great deal love these), (similar by True Religion, on sale).

Gold Button, "Channel" Logo, Stud Earrings: A Fine Jewelry Boutique (Gifted) (identical by Chanel), (gorgeous button option by Chanel, Splurge, love these), (similar by Gorjana, best deal, love these).

Blue+Black Plaid, Little Bow Barrette: An Accessories Boutique.

Tall Cognac Boots w/ Chunky Heels & Buckle detail on the top of the shaft: Payless (similar, fantastic deal, love these), (gorgeous option by Clarks, Splurge), (similar @ Macy's, come in 3 color options, love these).

P.S. Of course this Outfit is perfect to link up with Lana because the Creative Closet today is "Swooning for Stripes".

Also, linking up with Alison, Amber, Angie, Ayana, Danielle, Erin, Jess, Jessica, Laura, Lauren, Lindsey, Liz, Madeline, 

Saumya, Shanna and Zaz.