My #AEOStyle

Thursday, August 28, 2014



Dark Mended Blues Jegging - c/o American Eagle
Willow & Clay Blouse - Ross
Heels - Steve Madden









I received an American Eagle gift card as part of my relationship with the Quality Blue Community.  
All opinions expressed are my own. Especially my love for denim.

For the past few months I have been looking for the perfect pair of jeans. I already have tons of dark jeans and few with a lighter wash, but none that were super distressed. In my opinion, distressed denim is a closet staple. Some outfits just need that extra edge to complete them!
I wanted them to have lots of distressing (not just rips in the knees), I wanted them to be tight instead of the traditional boyfriend fit, and I wanted a nice dark wash. I tried so many different brands and they were either too thick and boxy or just not the perfect fit. I was beginning to loose hope until I discovered the Denim Guide from American Eagle. I don’t normally buy jeans online, but I was able to see the actual jeans on models and there were so many different sizes and measurements that it was hard to get it wrong! American Eagle now carries 
22 fits, 84 washes, and 88 sizes for their jeans, so I was able to order the jeans in confidence and knew that if the jeans didn’t fit, I could just return them in person! This made the process so much easier! Once I ordered the jeans I seriously couldn’t wait to see them in person. The shipping was free and fast, so I didn’t have to wait long. 
The hardest part of the whole process was deciding which jeans to buy. I mean, there were SO many to choose from- hi-rise, skinny, jegging, or a flared Artist fit. All the washes were totally different and there were so many fits and cuts to choose from. After shuffling through so many options, I decided on the jegging in Dark Mended Blues. American Eagle boasts that this is their “sexiest, skinniest fit” and that it looks like a jean but feels like a legging. I’ll admit that I was a little skeptical at first, mainly because the word jegging freaks me out. I imagine that fake denim look that’s nothing like a real pair of jeans. But they were nothing like that! They are the comfiest pair of jeans I own. They fit like a glove and they’re such an amazing dark wash, with tons of rips and distressing. But the real best part- the affordable price! These jeans were only $29.99! So head over to American Eagle and check out their new Denim Experience. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed!  

I wanted to add a little feminine touch to the jeans, so I added an embellished peplum blouse and some killer studded heels. I can’t wait to style these jeans with so many different items I have in my closet. 

Summer Florals

Friday, August 22, 2014


Romper - Necessary Clothing
Sandals - Marshalls
Necklaces - Gift + Walmart









I saw this romper on the NastyGal website, but it was out of stock and more than I would have spent anyways. The more I saw it pop up on other blogs and Pinterest, the more I loved it- it was such a pretty color and print and I was crazy about the kimono sleeves. I was browsing a website called Necessary Clothing and there it was- the lovely floral romper I had been day-dreaming about. Not only was my size available, but it was HALF the price of the romper I saw earlier. What?  Done and done. If you follow me on Instagram (@FrancescaPenko), you've already seen this romper pop up. It just might be one of my favorite summer purchases.

Happy Friday and thank you for reading!

Chunky Knit

Tuesday, August 19, 2014



Blouse - H&M
DIY Cutoff Shorts
Chunky Knit - Thrifted
Heels - Target





I'm all about a good knit sweater. I mean, I probably have 10 tan sweaters but they're all so different! What I love about this one is that it's a chunkier knit, has short sleeves, and a tapered bottom. This sweater can transition easily throughout all the seasons. 
Sweaters are one of the easiest items to find at a thrift store. They range in all colors and sizes and don't have to fit perfectly. Plus, you find brands that you wouldn't normally shop for or find at your usual shopping locations. For example, this sweater is from Coldwater Creek-I'm pretty sure I get those catalogs delivered to my house and they go directly into the trash. But I totally love this sweater...maybe because I only paid $4.99 for it. Thrift stores for the win! 
Sunday was "national thrifting day" - did anyone celebrate with a trip to the thrift store?
I was disappointed because no shops in my area had extra discounts or specials. Boo!

Enjoy your day and thank you for reading!



Girly Ruffles

Friday, August 15, 2014


Free People Dress + Heels - c/o Marshalls
Necklaces - Walmart + DIY










On my trip to Boston, I met so many fabulous bloggers and seriously drooled over so many cute outfits. There was one dress in particular I fell in love with. Vittoria had it on in white and I knew exactly what designer it was the moment she stepped in the room- Free People. Now I know Free People isn't crazy expensive compared to other designers, but it's still expensive! I told her how much I loved her dress and she quickly said, "Marshalls!" Done and done! I knew it would be affordable and something I could hunt for once I got home. I found it at the first Marshalls I went to, but instead of white, I found it in coral. I debated between the colors, but then decided I loved the coral against my skin tone and the pretty lace detailing in the back didn't hurt either. While the gauzy fabric, flirty ruffles, and embroidered front are all amazing, the best part about this dress was the price tag - $29!

Every time I've mentioned all the great brands I find at Marshalls, people are always shocked! They're even more shocked when they find out how they are a fraction of the price as retailers that are currently selling those pieces. No joke! I could blab on forever, but I rarely buy things full priced and what I love about Marshalls and TJMaxx is that I always can say yes to the price tag. 

Another favorite of mine are these dainty handmade rings by Reed + Oak. They're perfect worn alone, stacked, or paired with your favorite accessories. Best part- they're affordable and come in so many gorgeous colors. 

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 
in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB. All opinions are my own!





Everyday Glam

Tuesday, August 12, 2014


Blouse + Necklace - c/o Marshalls
Jeans + Heels - Savers
Burberry Tote + Rayban Sunglasses - Nordstrom









This is an everyday look, with just a touch of glam.
If I could wear this outfit all week- I would! This oversized, brushed silk blouse has become such a popular item in my closet. I picked it up in Boston, while shopping at the downtown Marshalls and I've worn in countless times since. It has such a flattering cut and the draped back makes it perfect for pairing with boyfriend jeans. I love the look of boyfriend jeans...from the front. Don't get me wrong, the comfort of these slouchy jeans is comparable to a pair of sweats, but boyfriend jeans tend to sag in the backside area. Maybe it's just me! I usually like to pair them with a longer blouse (to cover my bum) and occasionally a pair of heels to have a dressier look.  Plus, I'm on the shorter side, so it's nice to have my legs appear a bit longer. Can I get an amen to that? 
 I think I'll be pairing this blouse tucked into a skirt next, so don't be surprised if you see it again soon!

Thank you so much for reading!

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 
in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB.

#ProjectFab in Boston

Tuesday, August 5, 2014


DIY cutoff shorts + sandals c/o Marshalls



ice-cream with Rachel from La Mariposa & Kiley from a Sequin Dress at Breakfast












River Island romper + Schutz heels c/o Marshalls



photo credit for last two images from Stephanie, over at The Style Bungalow

And you know I had to stop in a the Marshalls downtown!

This past week I had a quick trip out to Boston as part of the new year with Project Fab. And what a fabulous trip it was! Not only is Boston an amazing city, but Marshalls planned an incredible couple of days for us. I felt so blessed to be able to be apart of the new year with Project Fab and so thankful Nick was able to watch Uriah for the time I was gone.

The trip consisted of lots of yummy food (duh!), exploring the city, shopping, and checking out the Fall trends and what to expect in Marshalls this year. You guys, after seeing some of the items they will be carrying in stores, you better believe I can't wait for Fall to get here. Here are a few snapshots from my trip. And that grey leather jacket? I'm still thinking about it! I didn't want to take it off- it was the softest leather ever, one of my favorite brands, and fit like a glove.
 I will definitely be hunting for that this upcoming season!

Thank you to Marshalls for an incredible trip and to all of YOU who read my blog.
 Without your support, I wouldn't be able to chase my dreams and share my outfits with fellow budget fashionistas. I can't wait to share what's to come this year!

Thank you for reading and your continued support!