On the Hunt - Casual Dresses

As I've spent my earlier summer months in shorts, I've been looking at other stylish mom's who've been rocking maxi dresses at all the same kid/family friendly hot spots around town. I have a few cotton maxi's in my wardrobe, seen here and here, but nothing like the ones I've recently seen. But it's not just the maxi dresses. I've seen some super cute short ones as well. So I've decided that while I'm loving my stylish shorts summer, it's time to add a few dresses to the mix. And, I've found some super cute ones! Here are a couple few of my favs!

There is nothing like a simple black dress and it's even better when it's a cotton shirt dress! This one from LOFT is literally a work-horse piece for your closet. It can be dressed or down and definitely a piece that will last for years.

How comfortable and easy does this dress from Zara look? I seriously can see myself wearing this for the rest of summer!

Then there is this super cute dress from Zara! I love the asymmetrical cut, the watercolor design, and how truly streamlined it is.

 I have been eyeing this top from J.Crew Factory for months now and just recently discovered the dress! I'm not sure which I like more, but I'm pretty sure I would be happy with either one. Or both!

This actually might be my favorite! This dress from J.Crew Factory is darling!! A little retro in design but modern in its cut. And you know what a huge black and white fan I am. Oh, and the enormous circles are the cutest!

What do you think of dresses versus shorts for a day at the zoo? I'm personally excited at the change in wardrobe! Now, which one to get? Stay tuned...

Happy Friday!

XOXO

On the Hunt - Casual Tops

Since there has been a huge change in my wardrobe, I've noticed that I'm lacking in the casual department. I've got some cute shorts that I've been sporting lately, and I've made a few pairs well. I have a couple of maxi dresses, but I wouldn't mind having a few shorter ones for play. But I'm really lacking in tops. Most of the ones I own are silk, or some kind of silk blend, but I can't really wear those to the zoo or the Deanna Rose Farmstead. What I really need are cotton or polyester styles. So I'm on the hunt for some casual pieces to get me through summer and here are some of my favs.

(In order from top to bottom)
Anthropologie (1/2)/Ann Taylor (3/4/5)

I am in love with cream, as you've seen from this top here/here/here/here. I'm thinking the three above would be perfect with shorts, jeans, and my drawstring pants. However, I'm on a navy high as well and these are lovely! Now, which one ones to chose....

Which ones are your favs?

The Perfect Camo Shorts

 Jacket: Wrangler (my mom's/similar); Tee: Gap; 

Shorts: Made by Me (Simplicity Pattern 7655/similar); Sandals: Target (similar); 

Belt: J.Crew Factory (similar); Bag: Steve Madden (similar); 

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs;  Necklace: Gift; Hat: Arden B; 

Lip Color: Laura Geller Beauty Watermelon Cooler

I have been searching for anything camo since my On the Hunt post last month. I finally found the perfect camo print shorts because I found the fabric at Jo-Ann's and made them myself!! That's right, I made these shorts. These are actually the second pair I've made, I just haven't worn the original creation yet!

My mom and I purchased a Simplicity pattern years ago and made this skirt. We have been in the process of making a second skirt for over two years now but the fabric scares us! We're so fearful of not getting the pattern exactly right when we cut and we know we can't replace the fabric. This pattern also offers pants, shorts, and three versions of a skirt. So, we cut out the shorts pattern, whipped these up, cut off miles of fabric (the pattern calls for a Bermuda style) and here they are! I LOVE THEM!

This is how I styled it for an afternoon at the Deanna Rose Farmstead. A simple white tee, a little black belt to dress up the elastic waistband, and my trusty cross-body bag! A hat to ward off the sun and cute sandals finish off the look.

Hope you guys had an awesome holiday weekend! We did! Oh, and these shorts were the first thing I packed for our trip! So chic, no?