OOTD- My Piece of Sunshine

Ugh, I finally emerged from the madness of work of my desk. Good thing the weekend is here!!! I'll keep this short and wish you all a happy weekend. Get out and do something fun.

Outfit Details:

Brown/white cardigan- Walmart

Tan tee- Madewell (available here)

Yellow skirt- Leifsdottir (an option here and here)

White bag and gold bracelet (available here)- Forever 21

Amethyst earrings- JewelMint (available for waitlist here)

Tan suede flats- Zara (old)

OOTD- Orange You Glad I'm Blue

Yay, I figured out how to put pictures next to each other!!!

The weather has been steadily heating up. How do I know??? Well, my hair told me so when it went all poofy. Ah, good ole' humidity! Before it becomes hotter than Hades, I figured I should get some wear out of my sweaters. Blue and orange is one of my favorite color combinations, so this outfit was a natural pairing. For a little change of pace, I used a scarf as a belt. I've been on a roll with finding new uses for my scarves other than just wearing them around my neck. What should I try next??? I wonder if I could fashion one into a vest (the wheels are turning in my head). If you want ideas too, check out the Hermes guide for having playtime with your scarf.

What's your favorite go-to color combination??

Outfit Details:

Orange/red sweater- Banana Republic outlet

Blue "silky-suede" pants- J Crew

Blue leopard scarf- South Moon Under

Nude studded tank- Cosabella (?)

Tan flower print pumps- Madden Girl

Blue/orange handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Bracelets- ASOS (white studded, available here), Target (blue studded)

OOTD- Walking Shorts Stroll

Pardon the goofy face, but isn't that wind action awesome!!??  :)

I've come to the conclusion that linen bottoms just don't work for me, so I broke out some of my warm weather items that were packed away last year and took these linen shorts for a last hurrah (off to the consignment shop you go). I have a pretty purple pair in mind to replace you.

Elaine of I'm Clothed Much posted a picture last week wearing the cutest scarf headband bow in her hair. I commented to her that she shouldn't be too upset if she sees me rocking it. Although I only have a little baby bow going on, it was the perfect touch to keep my hair off my face and add something fun to my outfit.

Are you big into headbands/turbans/headscarves??

Outfit Details:

Scoopneck tee- J. Crew (similar color here)

Blue cardigan and blue anchor belt- Madewell (similar cardigan here on sale)

Tan linen shorts- Banana Republic

Yellow/white scarf (as headband)- Forever 21

Yellow wedges- Target (available here)

Handbag- Louis Vuitton Speedy

OMG, It's Me!!! Instyle Magazine May 2011

Have you guys checked out the latest issue of Instyle magazine with Kate Hudson on the cover????

(Source)

If you turn to page 80, you might see a familiar face at the bottom right!!!!

It's me!!!!!!!!!!!!   :)

Back in this post I featured an outfit wearing my red jeans. I was inspired by an article in the magazine and I had to tell them. Well, they were great and put little ol' me in the latest issue. Although I knew there was a possibility of showing up, I still couldn't help but gasp when I saw it for real.

If you need me, I'll be over here doing my happy dance.

OOTD- Scenes from a Saturday

Fake toilet peeps!! I'm not that crazy!!!

Did you have a nice weekend? Enjoy some Easter yumminess (in the form of candy or dinner)?? I spent my weekend tackling a mile long list of things to do (and still not done crossing everything off) and that included a trip to Ikea for a bookcase. I'm in the midst of a some serious spring cleaning and order is the goal I'm aiming for at home, which can be a problem for someone with pack rat tendencies (seriously, why do I still have receipts from 2008?).

Are you a big vest wearer? Vest give me uniform flashbacks and just always seem a bit stuffy to me. However, this new vest of mine and after seeing a few bloggers wear a really cute Banana Republic moto vest has me rethinking the whole vest thing. I feel like a paring it with a dress, tanks or short-sleeves would give it a chicer vibe. Here are a few that have good potential:

Cotton Slub Sweater Vest, $69.50, available here

Perfect for throwing on with almost anything

Zest Vest, $118, available here

A little bit bohemian

QSW Love Potion Vest, $68, available here

A nice funky option, the back is pretty cute too!

Hepburn Vest, on sale $43.99, available here

Great option for work (minus the little hat)!!

Outfit Details:

White tee- Target

Chiffon feather print vest and olive jacket- Forever 21 (vest available here)

Gray ankle jeans- J Brand

Black wedges- Steve Madden (thrifted)

Black/white striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff (sequin style available here and nice option here)

OOTD- Channeling Teen Spirit

Today's outfit was inspired by this image of Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars in Teen Vogue:

(source)

Despite the fact that I'm a woman about her thirties, I have to admit I'm still into teen things. I like to watch Vampire Diaries every Thursday, I still flip through Seventeen and Teen Vogue and I'm still shopping Forever 21 just like my teen self did. What can I say, they are a source of enjoyment and inspiration even though I'm am definitely not the target demographic.

While flipping through Teen Vogue a few months ago, I came across a picture of Lucy Hale wearing an outfit that immediately had my fashion wheels turning. I had a yellow top, a wine colored skirt and a statement necklace. I loved the outfit on her and loved how it came out with what was in my closet. Although my necklace from this past weekend would have been a better choice, adaptations had to be made for office appropriateness (boo!).

I can't be the only one!! What teen-related guilty pleasures do you still indulge in?

Outfit Details:

Yellow twist top- Zara (old) (cute option here)

Black/yellow circle cardigan- Target (option similar to inspiration pic here)

Skirt and pendant necklace- Forever 21

Black pumps- Hot in Hollywood from HSN (available here and they are comfy!!)

Tan trench- Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

OOTD- Small Step to Blocking Color

I've been in a skirt mood lately and after deciding to nix wearing pants yesterday, I figured I would take one of my favorite skirts out for a spin. This little hot pink number was purchased for my birthday a few years ago and it still manages to make me happy.

I'm very excited to try out the color blocking trend that's big this season, but am seriously lacking the bold color in bottoms. I look in my closet and wish for a pair of purple pants (a la DvF) or an orange skirt (like here). Until those magically appear, I took a small step with the shoes and skirt. Next step is to make Crayola proud with a brightly inspired ensemble.

Are you color blocking yet? Show me what has inspired you with this trend?

Outfit Details:

Cashmere tee- Banana Republic

Pink silk skirt- J Crew

Blue suede pumps- Zara

Gold choker Astoria necklace- JewelMint

Gray handbag- Botkier

OOTD- Who's Hiding the Snacks?

Forgive me all, for I have wrinkled, but that's what you get when you buy pretty little linen things. This skirt from J. Crew  has been making the rounds in the blogosphere with those who are fans of the brand and I figured it was about time that I take mine out of hiding. Blue is usually one of those colors that I'm naturally drawn to (along with pink and purple) and this skirt's color was a must have for me. And best of all, it has snack pockets as Rosa of Love at First Shop like to call them.

What surprise design detail makes you love an item even more?

(I'm a sucker for a cute lining)

Outfit Detail:

Pink mohair sweater and pink studded bracelet- J. Crew outlet

Blue Dorrie skirt- J. Crew (available here)

Flower blouse- Rebecca Taylor (similar here)

White lace tank- Gap

Gray suede pumps- ??? (Nordstrom Rack)

Blue cuff- Target

OOTD- Out in the Fields

The weather guy told me it was going to be warm and I thought I'd throw caution to the wind and wear white (and I received no fashion citations for not waiting until Memorial Day to break out my white clothing). Although we moved one step up in the spring category with some warmth, the cool breeze wanted to make a serious debut while taking pics.

Do you have an item in your wardrobe that you love, but don't wear very often because you know it will attract attention wherever you go? That would be, what I like to refer to as my jingle-jangle necklace for me. I love the statement it makes, but I sound like I'm ringing Santa's sleigh or something. Oh well, sometimes a girl just wants a little attention. If you start wondering why you think you hear jingle bells, it might be me around the corner.

Outfit Details:

Tan tee- Madewell (available here)

White blazer- Forever 21 (similar here, similar here in linen, similar here)

Denim jeans- Paige Premium Denim

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Statement necklace- Forever 21 (really cute one here and fun one here)

Brown/blue handbag- Rebecca Minkoff

Notes from the Dressing Room- Blooming at LOFT

During a recent lunchtime stroll, I decided to give LOFT a look see. I'll admit that LOFT isn't one of my usual shopping hangouts, but I know they have great sales (judging by the 40% off email I received) and can have some really nice items (my otk boots are one of my faves and the jewelry section always has interesting pieces). My strategy was to look for color and pattern, which was surprisingly difficult. They definitely took the nude trend and ran with it for spring. You'll also notice a theme with what I did find on the racks.

Watercolor Floral Shift (not online yet, Style#256985), $79.50, similar dress here

This dress is like a flower explosion, but done in such a pretty way. I thought this was a cute dress and it fit well (no shapeless sack here). As you'll see in the second picture, it doesn't zip all the way up because there is a keyhole tie at the very top. When I look at the pictures now, I think it would be a total winner if the neckline was a bit lower or the straps were more tank like, but overall, this was a thumbs up. My regular size wasn't available so I sized down in this. It was a slightly snug fit, but not uncomfortably so. I would say it is true to size.

 

Pintuck Dot Trim Dress in Pink Cloud, $69.50, available here

I thought this would be a pretty feminine dress to try and it certainly is. But this dress was just meh and nothing spectacular. I tried this on in my regular size and had some major peek-a-boo action going on with some of the buttons. If I were interested in this dress, I think it would look a lot better with a different belt.

 

Hidden Placket Button-Front Shirt in Raspberry, $44.50, available here in multiple colors

Watercolor Floral Print Pencil Skirt in Milk White, $98.00, limited sizes available here but check stores

I love the vibrancy of this top (although it does come in more subdued colors; the navy is lovely too)! But be prepared to find a pretty sheer and blousey looking top. Judging from how it looked when I pulled the fabric back, this could be one of those times when sizing down would be a bit more flattering.

Does this skirts pattern look familiar?? LOFT was really loving the flowers this season and if that dress is just too much for you, this skirt would make a great sub. It was comfortable and well-fitted. I definitely love the print and the length was just perfect. Be aware that this is a linen blend so wrinkle city will be the destination.

Foil Knit Sweater (not online, Style #254852), $49.50

Pansy Bloom Shorts (not online, Style# 255917), $44.50, similar available here

And it's the return of the flower print!! You know I love the other two flowered items and these shorts are no exception. So vibrant and perfect for a relaxing weekend paired with a tee, espadrilles and a cute straw fedora. The length didn't feel indecent, the shape was flattering and fit was true to size.

This sweater gets a thumbs up and it's because of some wonderful gold shimmer throughout. The main color is rather neutral, but the gold thread gave it just enough interest to make it more fun. I sized down in this sweater and it fit just fine.

As you can see, flowers were pretty much the only pattern I found through out the store (other than stripes) and there weren't a ton of fun colors. Despite that, there are some gems to be found in the store and I will certainly be back. Are you an Ann Taylor or LOFT fan?

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OOTD- Working Double Duty

As I was viewing these photos, I noticed that my new pants had some weird crotch action going on. I would so be chastised by Michael Kors if these came down the Project Runway stage. However, that may have something to do with the fact that I gave my Rachel Rachel Roy dress extra work by acting as the top in my outfit. After wearing a dress as a tunic the other day, I was totally inspired.

Speaking of inspired, do you see the shoes I'm wearing? I found these designer shoes in the thrift store and thought they were pretty cute. I'm not enamored with the color though. After checking out an article in Lucky magazine about how to dye items in your wardrobe to give them a second life, I think I want to do that for these shoes.

So I ask, what color do you think I should dye these shoes?

Outfit Details:

Dress (as top)- Rachel Rachel Roy

Cardigan- Proenza Schouler for Target

Gray paperbag pants- Madewell

Gray handbag- Botkier

Lilac belt- J. Crew

Cream shoes- L'Autre Chose