If I had $118 to blow right now, this is where I’d spend it—on Anthropologie’s Lemon Liftoff Top, a blouse with a big, fat bow, and small owl designs on the shirt. It’s remarkably adorable with puffy sleeves and a flattering cut. Pair it with jeans and contrasting bright heels. Or, if you dare, take a look at the image online at Anthropologie.com and tell us new sewers how to do a knock off of this design. Granted, we’d have to give up the yellow owl print, but for $20 we could probably make this shirt. If only we knew how. Fashionistas and seamstresses out there—can you give us the scoop? Say we have a simple button up shirt pattern. What’s the best way to alter it to make this shirt? Weigh in here with your thoughts on Obsessive Beauty.

If you’ve ever bought a piece of furniture from IKEA, you well know that you get what you pay for. In my case—I bought a $100 white couch. I was so enamored by the price and cute style, that I didn’t ever check to see if there was a slip cover for it that I could replace or even wash for that matter. There wasn’t. And now, a few years later, well, let’s just say the couch isn’t really white anymore. I’ve scrubbed and scrubbed to get dirt off it, and the dirt just won’t budge. It’s time to buy another sofa—another cheap sofa. I’m pretty reluctant to take the IKEA route again, so I found what I think is a great and affordable alternative. MUJI is a Japanese-inspired store that I came across in New York. It features spare, modern designs in furniture, housewares and more. What I’m eyeing right now is the “Compact Sofa Light Grey,” which really looks more like a cream color. And it has a slipcover that you can remove and wash. The size is compact but perfect for two people and it has a sleek aesthetic. Price: $327.50. muji.us/store/furniture.

It’s that time of year. (Unfortunately.) And for curvy girls, this time of year just doesn’t feel fair—waif-like women flaunt their skinny legs and cavort around the beach, while us thick legged, full hipped ladies try to cover everything up. Well, curvy fashionistas, it’s time we change and join in on the fun, and look quite stylish while doing so. I have found the perfect bathing suit. This one covers up your tummy and tucks in your tush, while at the same time serving up a very stylish look. Find this swimsuit on sale now at Anthropologie.com or for full price at Nanettelepore.com.

During a recent shopping trip just down the street in Santa Cruz, to Wallflower Boutique, I noticed a stunning patch of wallpaper that literally “makes” this store what it is (besides the cute clothes and charming accessories). Wallpaper can do that—absolutely change the visuals of a room, and give it character. Such is the case with this Anthropologie “Paeonia Wallpaper,” which sells for $148 a roll. Sure, it’s expensive, but simply wallpapering your home or workspace is a lot more cost effective than buying all new furniture. Try pairing it with grey curtains (find them cheap at IKEA), or a navy colored rug. Either way, stay in “bloom” with this wallpaper.

I’ve been obsessing over this 3-D Flower Mesh Jumper top in the color “Blossom” for quite sometime now. It sells for $88 at American Apparel and comes in one size only. It’s sort of like a sweatshirt/blouse combo, in an exquisite hue, with a soft texture. This is really a one-of-a-kind top. You can pair it with pretty much anything, but because it cuts off just at the waist, you need to be comfortable not covering up the junk in your trunk. Can’t afford to fork over the $88 to buy it from American Apparel? Try making your own version. Obsessive Beauty is currently taking sewing classes at Judy’s Sewing Center in Capitola, and in a few months (after we’ve learned quite a few more skills), we’re hoping to re-create this divine frock. You can pick up a similar type of fabric at Harts Fabric in mid-town: http://www.hartsfabric.com/rosettes-fashion-fabric61255.html. Harts has a black version of this rosette fabric currently in stock. The white and pink versions are on back order and are supposed to arrive sometime this summer.

I had always wanted to meet Kaight—an eco-boutique in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. During a recent trip to the Big Apple, I finally had a chance to visit, and the store is indeed worthy of the press that it has received. With an enormous selection of Melissa Plastic Dreams shoes (my favorite), and environmentally friendly (but still stylish) clothing and accessories, it’s one of those stores where you could easily drop a bunch of money. Even if you don’t have dough to burn, but you’re visiting Manhattan, take a stop at this little boutique. It’s edited beautifully, and even if you leave with nothing, you’ll at least take with you some fashionable inspiration and a new look at the word “green.” Kaightshop.com.