My Outfit Essentials

Tags

ballet flats, chambray, city mini, collage, dress, essentials, fashion, H&M, J.Crew, leggings, lululemon, outfit, shopping, skirt, staples, wardrobe

1. J. Crew City Mini.  These skirts are so comfortable and versatile, and they look absolutely adorable!  J. Crew makes them in new colors and fabrics every season.
2. H&M Jersey Tank Dress.  A wardrobe staple, this dress can be styled for work with some tights and a cardigan, or dressed down with heels for going out.
3. Black Lululemon Leggings.  These are so comfortable, and they’re thick enough to wear as pants.  Because anyone who doesn’t believe leggings are pants doesn’t have the right leggings.
4. Black Ballet Flats.  Simple, black flats will never go out of style, and you can wear them with anything!
5. Chambray Shirt.  These tops are so versatile: wear one with leggings, or throw on an unbuttoned one over a dress.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Linking up with Katie today!

Style Spotlight: Throwback Thursday

Tags

1950s, dress, fashion, flower, hair clip, heels, jewelry, necklace, print, ruche, shoes, shopping, stripe, sunglasses, vintage

 

 

I love Ruche because they have the cutest vintage-inspired dresses and accessories.  Even iPhone cases… which we know aren’t remotely vintage at all.

Clockwise from top right:

Cupcake Sunglasses by A.J. Morgan, $14.99

Emerald Knoll Bib Necklace, $19.99

Sail Away Striped Dress, $42.99

Geneva Ruffled Heels, $29.50

Bree Flower Indie Hair Clip by Petit Plume, $10.50

Eventually Polka Dot Lace Dress, $44.99

Hello Hello Slim iPhone 5 Case by Rifle Paper Co., $32.99

What is your favorite decade?  Mine is the 1950s!

MIMM: Photo Fun

Tags

chambray, daisy, dog, dress, Gap, greek, marvelous, monday, whole foods, yogurt

Marvelous… Daisy!  I miss this face!  My family sends me photos of her and they always brighten my day. 🙂

Marvelous… Whole Foods 365 plain Greek yogurt.  It’s so thick, creamy, and affordable.  I wash the containers out after I eat the yogurt and use them for cereal on the go.  #ecofriendliness

Marvelous… denim chambray shirts.  So cute and comfy with leggings.  I always feel like an artist when I wear one, which makes me feel cooler than I actually am.

Marvelous… my favorite dress right now.  It’s from Gap and I love the pattern and bright colors.

 

What is marvelous about your Monday?

Style Spotlight: My Favorites for Spring

Tags

bangle, boatneck, chino, color, cotton, dress, enamel, eyelet, FACE Stockholm, fashion, J.Crew, kate spade, lace, nail polish, necklace, outfits, shop ruche, spring

I love spring.  I’m from Chicago, where it’s 80 degrees one day and 40 degrees the next day, so I savor those perfect spring days where it’s warm and breezy, but not too hot.  Here are some of my favorite spring items that easily translate to summer looks, too.

1. Boatneck tees have always seemed a bit old-looking for me, but recently they’ve grown on me!  Try one with an enamel bib necklace or a fun scarf.

2. I was reluctant to jump on the enamel bib necklace trend, but I’m so glad I did!  These necklaces work with casual and formal outfits, and they’re not too heavy on your neck like some large necklaces can be.

3. Cotton dresses are perfect because they require very little thought.  No need to match tops and bottoms, just throw one on with a cardigan and know that you’ll look great.  I especially like dresses that can be belted around the waist for a little something special.

4. Colored eyelet lace looks so pretty, and adds a fun pop of color and texture to any outfit.

5. J.Crew 3″ chino shorts is so versatile and comfortable.  They come in plenty of bright patterns and colors.  Dress them down with a simple tee, or dress them up with a tucked-in chambray shirt.

6. Bright nail polish just makes me happy, especially in spring.  FACE Stockholm is a great brand of polish, and I absolutely love this color!

7. Bangles are great spring accessories, and these adorable Kate Spade ones have phrases engraved on the inside.

What do you love to wear in spring?

Style Spotlight: Humble Chic

Tags

blouse, deal, dress, fashion, humble chic, necklace, sale, shipping, shopping, skirt

Have you heard of Humble Chic?  It’s a site full of unique, affordable clothing and accessories.

Here are some of my favorite items that you can find on the site!

Clockwise from right:

• Monet Sleeveless Blouse, $48
• Carrie Skirt, $48
• Crystal Garden Necklace, $48
• Alayna Dress, $88

Check out Humble Chic – you won’t be disappointed!  Click the image below to receive $50 your $100 purchase.  You also get free shipping on any U.S. order over $50.  So get shopping!

I’m participating in the Just Because Link Up today… go check it out!

Style Spotlight: Windsor

Tags

chevron, dress, earrings, fashion, handbag, style, sunglasses, watch, windsor

All products available at Windsor Store or on the site.

1. Black and White Strapless Chevron Tunic, $37.90

2. Beige Chain Wrap Watch, $12.95

3. Round Celeb Sunglasses, $8.90

4. Beige Key Lock Handbag, $34.90

5. Gemstone Chandelier Earrings, $10.90

Style Spotlight: Francesca’s

Tags

color, dress, earrings, fashion, francesca's, jewelry, necklace, pastel, shopping, spring, weather

I’m in a spring mood, even though I’m from Chicago and spring doesn’t officially start until we’re sure there won’t be any more snow.  So basically it starts in May.

I love Francesca’s.  It’s a chain of boutiques located all over the US.  They’re full of unique, affordable, and adorable clothing and accessories – perfect for spring shopping!  I love that pastels are in style.  I’m all for simple, sweet, girly clothing.  And sparkles.  And bows.  And all things pretty.

Here are some of my favorite items.  All are available on the Francesca’s website.

 

 

I love pastels and pretty details in spring.  Hopefully the weather will get warm enough for actually wear spring clothes soon!

Maybe eventually? 😉

 

What are YOU most looking forward to about spring?

 

 

Presidential Fashion

Tags

anthropologie, dress, fashion, obama, president, print, shopping

I was watching the DNC last night when I saw this shot of the Obama ladies.

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My first reaction?  OMG I KNOW THAT DRESS IT’S FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE AND I TRIED IT ON!!!!

My second reaction?  It looks way better on Sasha than it did on me when I tried it on.  Lucky her because the dress is adorable.

 

Voila!  The Jacquard Circle-Skirt dress.

 

It comes in both regular and petite sizes and I’m pretty sure it will be out of stock once people realize the connection.  It’s $138 at Anthropologie.  Go get it and say you’re a part of presidential fashion.

 

That’s all for now,

Style Update

Tags

andy warhol, anthropologie, art, bowls, collar, cosmetics, craft, dishes, diy, dress, H&M, Lilly Pulitzer, makeup, nars, print, refinery 29, rent the runway

Hi everyone!  This post is going to be long and full of photos.  I hope you don’t mind. 😉

Anthropologie has the best dishes.  One day I’ll have cupboards full of them and all will be right in the world.

Lilly’s got new fall prints.

Ever heard of Rent The Runway?  I’m probably a little late to visit this site, but I recently made an account and all I can say is WOW!  There are so many dress and accessory options from little black dresses to evening gowns, and it’s a great way to try out a designer dress for a special occasion without spending all your money.  I’ll definitely keep this site in mind when I go shopping for a dress for my sorority’s formal.  The website allows you to make a list of dresses you like, so it’s easier to decide on a dress to rent.

This makes me the most excited.  NARS Cosmetics is releasing a line inspired by Andy Warhol on October 1st.  I’ve got my eye on the red lip gloss and turquoise eye liner crayon.

I’m currently obsessed with collars.  They make any outfit look dressy and expensive.  You could buy a blouse with a contrasting collar.

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Or get the collar separately.  I prefer this because there’s less of a commitment.  I see no use in buying a nice blouse if it might go out of style soon!  I’m thinking of a way to DIY a collar myself.  Refinery 29 has a tutorial that you can check out by clicking the source link below.  Of course I’ll let you all know when I make one!

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That’s all for now!  Enjoy the rest of this beautiful 3 day weekend.

Marvelous Monday #2

Tags

ballet flats, boots, carnival, clothing, denim, dress, DSW, duck, fashion, forever 21, funny, garden, H&M, jeans, marvelous, monday, neon, scone, shopping, weekend, work

I liked doing Marvelous Monday last week, so perhaps it will become a weekly thing.  It’s always good to talk about positive stuff.  We don’t do it enough.  Case in point: NBC’s Olympic coverage.  I can’t stand how they only focus on the negative outcomes of the events and the mistakes athletes make.  I’d to see the newscasters try the sports they’re critiquing!

So, what is marvelous in my life right now?

Funny signs at the carnival.

larger person, smaller person

Never force or allow a frightened child to ride!

Back-to-school shopping!  I made a specific list of items I need because if I didn’t  then I probably wouldn’t end up buying anything ever.

Stuff I Need for School:

• boots that aren’t Uggs
• neon shoes
• casual dresses in neutral colors
• dress for Fall Formal
• jeans
• black pants that aren’t yoga pants
• red sweater

I think too much when I buy clothes; there’s always a “Do I REALLY need this?” dialogue in my head.  With a list, I can remind myself that YES I do need this item and I work 50-hour weeks so I have money to spend spend on it.  I got these great boots from DSW.

White Mountain Pinwheel Boot, $49.94

Jeans from H&M to wear with the boots – I’m extremely picky about jeans, so much so that I rarely even wear them.  This pair was comfortable and stretchy, but doesn’t resemble the dreaded jeggings.  Fashionable as they may be, I refuse to stoop to that level.

Slim Jeans, $19.95

Also from H&M, a pair of neon yellow ballet flats.  These are very comfortable, which is surprising for ballet flats.  One would think they would be comfy because they’re flat and made of soft material, but ballet flats usually give me the worst blisters!  I couldn’t find a photo of the shoes in the color I bought, but they look just like this pair except they’re neon yellow.

Ballet Flats, $12.95

And a great simple, structured dress from Forever 21.  I love that this looks expensive, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  This fits me perfectly so I don’t have to get it tailored, unlike most structured clothing (suits, nice pants, etc.).  I’m excited to wear it!

Retro Shirtdress with Belt, $29.80

Yesterday, my boyfriend Sebastian and I took a trip to the Botanic Gardens.  We made a duck friend!

And I enjoyed the best chocolate chip scone of my life.  Which is saying something, because I’m a chocolate chip scone aficionado if I do say so myself.  The garden sold Justin’s nut butter packets (!!!), so I topped my scone with some almond butter.  It was a great combo.

I had a marvelous weekend, but now I’m back at work waiting for the toddler I nanny to fall asleep.  Here’s to hoping he does soon, or else he’ll be cranky for the rest of the day.  Thanks for reading, and thanks to Healthy Diva Eats for hosting MIMM!

 

What is marvelous about your Monday?

What is your favorite kind of scone?