OOTD- Working the Runway

Okay, I'm not working a real runway because I am not a model (I only pretend to be on this here blog ), but I am rocking Rent the Runway. You've guys heard of them right? Have an event you need to go to, but don't want to fork over the money for a really nice dress, well you can just rent one from Rent the Runway. I've used them twice before and had great experiences so I was pleasantly surprised when they offered to send me a free rental recently. Free and a nice dress to wear, no need to twist my arm. So armed with this lovely Shoshanna dress I was ready to tackle the day while feeling sassy and pretty. And thinking that I need more dresses in my closet. A girl should always feel that good. The best part is I don't have to spend a ton of money with RTR just a click away.

Have you used RTR before? Do you usually have something in your closet ready for a fun occasion or are you one to usually run out and buy something new?

This post was not sponsored by RTR. They just sent me a complimentary dress to wear and I love them enough to share.

Outfit Details:

Dress (via Rent the Runway)- Shoshanna (available here, alternative plus size version here)

Leopard belt- J.Crew outlet

Twisted sandals (from last year)- Loeffler Randall "Lila" (same color, different style available here, similar style here, alternative here)

Brown quilted bag- Rebecca Minkoff "Studded Affair" (same style, different color here and here, cute budget alternative here)

Ring necklace, leopard bracelet and white studded bracelet- Forever 21 (necklace available here, similar leopard bracelet here, similar cuff bracelet here and a really cute alternative here)

OOTD-Ride Along

I broke out the bike again. This time in the form of a skirt from Target awhile back that was just too adorable to leave behind. Sadly, it spends most of its time in the closet because I should have tried it on before purchasing (slightly too big), but I'm not sure I could give it up because it makes me smile when I see it. The weather broke a few times over the past couple of weeks to temperatures that weren't sweltering hot and I took the opportunity to put on this sweater that I've been dying to wear. Why a sweater in summer? I'm just crazy like that sometimes. Sure it's oversized and baggy, but it's also so comfy and the perfect shade to work with everything. And you can't beat a price of $15! My wallet was very happy that day.

Have you scored any major deals with all of the summer sales that are going on now?

Outfit Details;

White sweater- LOFT

Knit belt- J.Crew (this year's version here on sale)

Bicycle skirt- Target (bicycle print skirt here, pleated alternatives here and here)

Sandals- Sam Edelman (limited sizes available here, very similar here, cute alternative here)

Ring necklace- Forever 21 (I combined the rings of 3 necklaces into one) (available here)

Striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff (same bag in a different color here, alternative here in red and on sale)

A Girl Needs Options

You guys know I love myself some J.Crew, but sometimes my wallet isn't so enamored. Every once in awhile, I'll fall in love with something and buy it at full price; but there are other times when I can wait to buy on sale or I'll find a budget friendlier alternative. Here are a few lovely new arrivals along with their doppelganger. So whether you want to splurge or not, know that you always have options!

J.Crew Cafe Capri in Photo Floral, $595.00, available here

F21 Floral Panel Skirt, $14.80, available here

Okay, an FYI. There was a photo floral pencil skirt on J.Crew's website that seems to have disappeared. I thought I was going crazy when I couldn't find it. I'm not sure where it went, but if you would prefer a lovely wool/silk blend pencil skirt it is item #98312C and it is $595.

J. Crew Bubble Earrings, $45.00, available here

F21 Shimmering Circle Earrings, $3.80, available here

J.Crew Lace-Trim Shift Dress, $425.00, available here

ASOS Shirt Dress with Lace Top, $66.28, available here

J.Crew Colorblock Stripe Top, $49.50, available here

Old Navy Buttoned Drop-Sleeve Dolman Top, $17.94, available here

J.Crew Tippi Sweater in Polka Dot, $89.50, available here

MINKPINK Domino Effect Sweater, $44.99, available here

I'm Over Here!

I'm guest posting over at Angie's Closet today, so swing by her blog and take a look. I'm talking about a closet favorite--accessories. You ladies know I love my accessories!

OOTD-Wrapped in Flowers

You can't beat a nice breeze on a hot morning!

With summer almost half-way through I've been trying to figure out how to get the most out of my wardrobe without running out of cute outfit ideas. I've worn this cardi before in its basic comfy, flowy state. It's a perfect piece for summer with a silk content and a loose fit (see post here) and I've been lamenting about the fact that my wardrobe is seriously lacking in printed tops. Lo and behold this cardi lends itself perfectly as a wrap top. It still maintains its bohemian vibe, but with a more streamlined feel that's great for the office. Nothing better than multi-function clothing. If I can do this with some other pieces, then summer will surely not get the best of me.

Outfit Details:

Floral cardigan- Winter Kate (pretty alternatives from the same line here and here, other alternatives here and here)

Peplum skirt- Leifsdottir (cute peplum options here, here and here, mustard yellow options here, here and here)

Black sandals- LOFT (cute alternative here)

Black/cream handbag- Jason Wu for Target (love this smaller alternative here, similar here, would totally get this one that's on sale too)

OOTD- A Nice Visual

I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was extremely low-key, but it was all made complete when I bit into a peach straight from the farmer's market (thanks mom). Unbelievably sweet and juicy; it tasted just like summer. 

The weatherman uttered my least favorite word earlier...heatwave!! So, I'll be over here using whatever method I can to stay cool. I think I'll start with wearing lots of blues to transport myself to a Caribbean beach with a cool breeze blowing. Ahh, I can feel it already. You guys should join me. We can go for a swim, play some volleyball and then have a bonfire when the night comes. That settles it, I'm starting a vacation fund this minute. It only consists of $1 right now, but if I can manage on an apple and water everyday, I might get somewhere by the end of the summer! Too bad I love food too much and that will never happen, so I'll have to make due with my visualization techniques. C'est la vie!

Do you have any fun summer vacation plans? Come on guys, I have to live vicariously through you!!

Outfit Details:

Watercolor tee- Anthropologie (similar here and here)

White tank- H&M

Turquoise belt- Forever 21

Orange skirt- Simply Vera Vera Wang (same skirt in different colors here, similar here with a little sparkle)

Tan sandals- Sam Edelman "Trina" (most sizes still available here, limited sizes available here on sale)

Blue handbag- Zara (same bag with some differences here on sale)

OOTD- Cold Shoulders

How often do you dress out of your comfort zone? Strapless dresses are usually avoid territory for me due to my body shape and the mechanics of keeping said dress up where it belongs, but when I saw this dress in my local store, it was immediate adoration. Seriously, you guys know I like my fun prints and what is more fun than bikes. Bicycles always bring back fond memories for me as I remember when I was a young girl and one year my father bought me a pretty pink bike for Christmas. It was so warm that particular year that I was outside riding a few minutes later with no coat. I can still remember that carefree feeling while I rode up and down the block. 

So what was I talking about...oh, yes, saying no to strapless. I tried this on and couldn't stop smiling in the mirror. Always a good sign to buy in my book. I threw caution to the wind and made it mine and the construction is perfect for being flattering and it stays in place so I am happy to report that I'm glad to step out of the box on this little lady. Now, I probably won't be wearing strapless items every day, but I will definitely take another look at something I said "no way" to before. A good surprise might be in store!

Do you have any items in your closet that makes you think of your past? Old ex's tee? A jacket from hs? A fun print?

Outfit Details:

Bicycle print dress- Anthropologie (different print but similar style here and cute plus size alternative here)

Brown woven belt- thrifted (similar here, here and here)

Tan croc print handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAM (cute textured alternative here and here)

Tan sandals- Sam Edelman "Trina" (this website had the most sizes available here, almost the same shoe in a different brand available here)

OOTD- Just Breathe

Whew, it is hot!! We are supposed to get a reprieve from the high temperatures next week when it goes down to the 90's. That is simply laughable to me when the weather people call that cooler weather, but it sure would be nice right about now. To make it through somehow, silk and cotton are my new good friends, so it was a perfect time to break out my fun flamingo skirt. This has been sitting in my closet for MONTHS and as much as I love it and its whimsical print, I find the color combo a bit tricky to style. So instead of a simple white blouse, I went with a neutral tee. Certainly not groundbreaking to say the least, but there was no way I could let summer past without the flamingos getting some time in the sun.

Have a great weekend!! 

Outfit Details:

Tan tee- Madewell (similar tee here in multiple colors)

Triple strap belt- J. Crew outlet

Flamingo skirt- Charlotte Taylor for Anthropologie (similar skirt here, here and here in plus size)

Cream button heels (thrifted)- L'Autre Chose

Sunglasses- StyleMint

OOTD-Sizzling in the Frying Pan

I had no intentions of taking a hiatus from the blog and you wonderful readers, but this ridiculously hot weather has left me lacking cute outfit mojo. All I want to do is throw on a tank, shorts add in an icy cold drink and call it a day. I'm going to get back on track (hopefully), but here is one outfit that I managed to put some effort into for an evening of happy hour.

I think I'll spend the rest of the day trying to sneak into the apartment building nearby. They have a rooftop pool that teases me from across the distance. So cruel!!

Stay cool!!

Outfit Details:

Panama hat- Gap (available here)

Burgundy top- J. Crew

Striped body con skirt- Forever 21 (similar here)