Fashion February Week 3: Tartan

Another week, another topic for Fashion February!  This week, we're turning to tartan for inspiration.

What is tartan, you say?  Isn't tartan the same as plaid?  Actually, plaid and tartan are very different.  As I learned just moments ago (thanks, Google), plaid is a garment typically worn as a "belted blanket" while tartan is the criss-cross multi-colored pattern that most North Americans like to call plaid.  So, plaid = garment (whether tartan or solid color) and tartan = pattern.

Do you feel misinformed, fellow Americans?  I know I do.  My European ancestors would be appalled at my misuse of the word plaid for the past 25 years!

Now that we've had our history lesson, let's take a look at how I've styled this trendy pattern:

Chic for Cheap Spotlight: New York & Company

In this new series entitled "Chic for Cheap Spotlight," I'll be featuring some of my favorite brands and how you can get your hands on their products while on a budget.  Please note that these spotlight posts are not sponsored in any way; I just want to share my favorite brands and products with you in hopes that you'll love them as much as I do!

There was a time not long ago when I wouldn't even have dreamed about shopping at New York & Company.  As a 20-something in college, I thought "those kinds of stores" were for real grown-ups - you know, people with REAL full-time jobs who have cars with power windows and people who think "eating out" is more than just grabbing a bite at Taco Bell.  It was those kinds of people who should be shopping there, not t-shirt-and-jeans-wearing, I-don't-have-a-clue-what-fashion-is me.  My first encounter with the brand was me walking into a NY&C store to apply for a job (I was hired, of course).  Thus began my love affair with New York & Company.