Casual Dress

Dress: Jacqueline Smith for Kmart (similar); Jacket: My Mom's (similar); Belt: Target;

Sandal: Tory Burch; Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar); Shades: Ulta (similar);

Necklace: My Mom's

As I typed last Friday's post regarding being on the hunt for casual dresses, I decided to pull this one out. I feel like it's harder to re-style because it's black and white and a maxi dress. Not much that can be mixed up here. 

This time around I ditched the self-belt and added my neon yellow version and I think it helped brighten it up. I reached for my cropped denim jacket and leather flip flops for a more casual look. I definitely will keep this dress in the rotation for summer!

The Dress: Before and After

 

Throw Back Thursday

Vest: Benetton; Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Pants: MICHAEL by Michael Kors (similar);

Pumps: Nicole Miller (similar); Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff via Gilt; Necklace; Ann Taylor;

Bracelets: Silpada; Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs

Talk about Throw Back Thursday, this denim vest was purchased by my aunt in 1986 from the Benetton store in New York! I was thirteen, my first trip to NY, and my mom and aunt decided that I needed a makeover. I was dressed in cute little dresses for the trip, but after taking a look around, they both decided I was too old for the little girl look.

I remember all of the pieces that were purchased on that trip, but this is the only item that lasted. I found it several months ago in a moving box in my parents basement. I've been thinking of just the right way to style it, and I am so happy with how this look turned out! This will not be the last time you see it.  

The Top: Before and After

 

This is what I wore to the Beauty Brands Laura Geller Beauty event. It was the perfect mix of casual Friday and event attire. And the pop of colors with the yellow pumps and neon necklace pulled it all together. Gotta love a vest that can be styled 28 years!

Things I'm Loving Right Now

I love summer! The heat, the outdoor activities, the BBQs and the vacations lend themselves to a fulfilling three or four months. And with summer comes fun, bold colors and designs in fashion! Don't get me wrong, I love fall fashion. It's actually my favorite time of year. But there's just something about summer. Here's what I'm loving right now.

 

I adore this maxi dress from Ann Taylor! The lemony yellow color and print remind of something straight out of the 70s, an era I adore!

 

 

The minute I saw this wallet from the Kate Spade Saturday line, I immediately thought of my Spirograph set from childhood. Then I saw that the name of the wallet is Spirograph! Did you have one these? I actually still have mine.

 

 

I have been looking for a neon yellow pump for about a month now and these from Kate Spade are on sale. I'm pretty sure they will find themselves in my shopping cart soon!

 

 

I saw this dress in Target the other day but they didn't have my size. I went online to find it, and it's sold out there too. It says they have some at various locations around the metro. Who's up for a scavanger hunt?

 

I got an email from LOFT a couple of weeks ago featuring new arrivals and this scarf was one of them. You know me and birds. These are parrots, to be exact, and who isn't a Parrot Head at heart? "Livin' on sponge cake. Watchin' the sun bake..."

 

 

Yet another maxi from Ann Taylor and they are killing it in the 70s print department. Mosiac or Psychodelic? I go with the latter!

 

 

There you have it! Those are the things I'm loving right now. Can you tell I'm having a love affair with bright yellow? No? Well, I am!



Shorts Suits - A Styling Session

Suit: Ann Taylor; Tank: Target; Belt: Target; Shoes: Kate Spade;

Handbag: Kate Spade; Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sunnies: Prada

 

Last week it was in the upper 90s and I was ready for the heat! We've had a relatively cool start to summer, which was nice for a while, but I don't live in the Midwest for cool summers! Bring on the heat, I say!

 

So, what does one wear to work when it's stifling outside? A shorts suit! This suit was purchased in early spring from Ann Taylor and I couldn't wait to wear it. It's seersucker, which is a perfect fabric for summer, because it's very light weight. The pink and white stripes are subtle which lends itself for various styling options. And it's a chic option for the office when styled appropriately.

 

Let's discuss how to style a shorts suit for the office. First, you have to work in the right environment. I'm lucky because we have a pretty laid back dress code. (And when I say laid back, I often see people walking around in jeans and tennis shoes.) I would say that if you work in fashion, for yourself, a smaller company that has a relaxed dress code, a creative environment or retail, then you are cleared! If you work in a law firm or in high-powered corporate job then a shorts suit is completely off limits!

 

Second, when purchasing a shorts suit, make sure the shorts are good length. You don't want to wear a four inch short to work. Save those for vacations and weekends. However, you don't want a Bermuda short either. Those are a tad too long. These are a six inch short and I think the length is perfect. Third, if you are going to wear a heel, make sure it's not any taller than two inches. I personally think anything taller is really moving into a dangerous territory.

 

 

I had fun styling my suit. Because the colors are so light, I decided to add a punch with neon yellow. You only need a nod here and there. The belt just peaked out from under the jacket allowing the bold necklace to really be the focal point. I rolled up the sleeve and pushed them up to my elbows to create a more fun look. I kept my heels neutral in tone, as well as my bag, and I really love how the whole look came together!



I wouldn't stop myself from purchasing a shorts suit because, like a pants suit, it really is a great investment. You can wear it as a suit or mix and match the pieces with other things in your closet. They are great for dinners out or summer deck parties. Pack it for a vacation so you have several different looks for your trip! The jacket would be great with jeans or over a dress. The shorts would pair nicely with basic white tees, a chambray shirt for layering and a denim jacket for cooler temps.

 

What are your thoughts on wearing shorts to work? Is your office ready for this type of attire or is it a complete HR no-no? Let's discuss!

 

Happy Monday!

 

All photos courtesy of Richard Lawson



Style My Way - Trend Alert

 

Last January I blogged about neon and how popular it was going to be for spring 2012. Well, here we are on the verge of summer 2013 and it's just as hot as it was a year ago! I love neon! I have since the 80s. So I thought I would share with all of you some of my picks for summer. You can go little or big! It's completely up to you. I personally think accessories are key, but I do have a day-glow pink dress that I swear you can see from space! (Blog post to come for sure!)

This cross-body bag from Cambridge Satchel Company was on the list in 2012 and is still a piece I would love to add to my handbag collection. I've said it before, I'm normally not such a pink girl, but this bubble gum color is calling my name!

 

These pieces from Ann Taylor are a great way to add color without feeling like you're going overboard! And, I love the mix of snow white. It really makes the yellow pop.

 

 

Another great accessory is shoes and these flats don't disappoint. Remember Jelly shoes? If you were a child of the 80s you do. The Kate Spade's on the left are a great upgrade to those I bought at Venture so long ago. The Coconuts on the right are a great little fabric flat and on trend with the pointed toe.

 

Another great way of adding neon, without feeling overwhelmed by color, is to dress up your high tech pieces. The tablet case from Marc Jacobs is super cute and the iPhone case from Kate Spade is sumblimely happy! 

 

 

I just purchased this wristlet today! A piece from the Milly Collection at Banana Republic, it has the metallic trend with a hint of neon on the zipper!

 

And for those of you who want to go all out neon, below are three pieces that will make your closet zing! The dress from Michael Kors is a simple sheath in daring hot pink. The Equipment blouse is all you need when equipped....see what I did there....with the right skinny jean.

 

 And nothing says shocking like these hot pink chinos from J.Crew Factory! They will definitely give your legs a jolt!

 

Lastly, with it raining like cats and dogs this week, I'm loving my Hunters for protection. I live in my black pair, but would LOVE to expand the color pallette and include these! They aren't necessarily neon, but oh how bright they are! Have I mentioned that red is my favorite color?

 

 

 So, is neon your new favorite color for summer? When paired with white and black, you really can't go wrong! Is this a trend you're going to try or do you already have a closet full? Let's discuss!

Happy Shopping!
 

It's a Sunshine Day

 Jacket: My Mom's (similar); Top: Ann Taylor; Skirt: Ann Taylor (gift); Shoes: Kate Spade;

Belt: Target (similar); Necklaces: Silpada; Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs

Yesterday was a gorgeous spring day and I couldn't have worn a more appropriate look! This sunny yellow skirt represents just how sunny the day was and the lady like lace is a big trend for spring. The stripe tee gets a little dressed up but the denim jacket helps keep it grounded. And, it kept the chill at bay.

In keeping with yesterday's blog post, this is definitely a way to wear layers without losing the cute outfit you pulled together. If anything, it added that finishing touch!

 

  

 

Happy Friday!!

2012 Year in Review - Spring/Summer

Summer brought brights, neon and birds! Oh, and stripes. I definitely left my love of black in the dust and wore pops of color all season long. If you're going to do it this is the time, right? 

The love affair with my red pants was ridiculous! As was the affair with my blue pants! I loved neon yellow more than I ever thought I would. It's a softer hue than expected and pairs well with so many things! There were stripes in black and white mixed with color. And stripes in so many colors!

It also seemed to be the year of the dress as well. 

Here is a look back over some of my favorite looks from the summer.

 

 

 

 

I really look forward to what's on tap for summer of 2013!