time to SUIT UP

With Memorial Day this coming weekend (can't believe it, already!) it's time to bust out those bikinis, tankinis and one pieces!  Whether you're showing off some cleave, belly button or legs grab a pattern, mix and match and soak up the sun!

I'm loving the idea of mixing and matching.  I know that Old Navy and Target always have great suits to pair with multiple bottoms.  For me, I keep a black bottom and rotate through a pink, black and patterned top.   As bottom styles come and go, keeping the top (which rarely changes in style) is the best way for me to make a good mix and match.
Concerned about colors?  Stick with classics such as red, white and blue.  Black, white and red, black and grey or a solid.

Which suits your style?

Shop my swimwear picks:

inspired

Where do we find inspiration?  For outfits I read a lot of different style blogs.  Mostly with the same basic preppy, classic, trendy style; some with more edgy style.   I use Pinterest boards to hoard outfit looks and Instagram serves as inspiration too! I read magazines (InStyle, J.Crew Style Guide, Lucky, Vogue) and websites (Gap, Lauren Conrad.com, J.Crew).  There are so many creative and innovative people out there.  I'd like to think that sometimes I'm an innovator of a look or a trend, but honestly I'm likely still copying someone.   That's ok, though, right?  Copying or imitating is the biggest form of flattery.

Getting dressed and planning outfits is so fun for me.  I may drone on and on about "what am I going to wear" but that's only because each piece of clothing I own is like a slide, and the carousel in my mind is just putting them up against each other...

White top

black pants, blue pants, floral pants, polkadot pants - STOP- 

This goes on and on.  Sometimes before bed I'll think of something that could potentially look great together and just jot it down as a note because I'm too lazy tired to get out of bed and pull the articles out!  I will put together probably 2-5 outfits at a time.  I may not wear them all in that order and sometimes I switch out and decide that I'll wear it another day.  I do feel, though, that this helps in making sure each piece gets love.  

What inspires you?

Details:

Shirt - H&M, similar

Skirt - J.Crew Factory no longer avail, similar

Shoes - Target

Necklace - Sira&Mara

Belt - Target

one dress - two looks

The shirt dress is a must have this season.  It's simplicity and ease is something I crave when I get ready every morning.   I have a few in my own closet, but I'm desperately seeking more.  I know I'll be living in them the rest of spring, summer and into fall!

I've styled this dress two ways - for the office or more formal event, and then a weekend, casual or (as I like to call it) picnic look.

I don't have a dress code in my office, so this dress would be appropriate.   I'd say that if it comes within an inch of your knee you'd be ok, though!  Cover up the sleeveless-ness with a cute blazer, add a few simple accessories and you're off.  I love the idea of the open toe bootie - it adds a little bit of edge to this preppy outfit.

The casual look is perfect for a Memorial Day cookout, or family gathering.  I'm loving this straw tote and chic sandal that pull the look together.  Keep your accessories simple so you can play bean bag and frisbee games in comfort!

send me on my way

Today is my Friday - woot!  Sorry, not sorry for rubbing it in all of your faces! 

I'm headed out of town for a friend's wedding, but not before I enjoy some lovely festivities!  Rusted Root is playing tonight for free.  They actually come quite frequently to our area and are amazing every time I go! 

Tonight after work a few of my friends and I will head up to Highland Park to sing along to 90's folky favorites like "Send Me On My Way".    A theme song of my sisters and me growing up as it is used in the movie Matilda.  Remember that movie?  That adorable stinking kid with the super powers and Danny DeVito?    It was one that got a lot of play time in our household!   

Don't worry - I'll have some lovely posts scheduled for you including a workout for your weekend! :)

Happy Thursday

Details:

Shirt - Old Navy

Pants - Target old, similar

Shoes - Target 

colors + patterns

It took a lot of fashion courage to rock this busy look.  I'm slowly getting better at pattern mixing and bold colors.  I went light on the accessories, despite my want to try to glam this up it's not really office appropriate.

 These pants are swiftly becoming favorites of mine, though.  They are so comfortable and look so much more expensive than they really were.  

That's all for now!

thanks for stoppin by

Details:

Shirt - Old Navy

Pants - Target, similar

Shoes - Old Navy found in stores, similar, SUPER cute

may wish list!

After assessing my closet and what I need to replace/replenish/upgrade for this spring and summer this is is the list I've compiled for my Memorial Day shopping trip.

1. Boyfriend shorts and bright colored shorts - I have a few pairs of shorts that are still wearable, but I'm really digging the new longer inseam trend.  Honestly, my hiney does too.
2. Denim Vest.  This is definitely on the "extras" column of my list.  It's not a necessity, but paired with a great tee and cute colored shorts or jeans this could take an outfit from boring to BAM!
3. Versitle flat sandal.  I have a couple pairs already with backs on them, but a slip on that's not your typical "flip flop" to me is ideal and a little more mature looking.
4.  Bright colored cardi's.  I'm lame and own 3 cardigans; white, burgundy, and black - how boring is that?
5. A couple bold maxi's.  A great "I don't know what to wear" go to for spring and summer!
6. A bold colored crossbody.  Been searching for one for a while.  For me, it's important to not have to empty the contents of my wallet when switching to a weekend bag.  So, size matters.
7.  I adore my Toms this time of year, so it's natural to want a second pair.  This time a little more girly and decorative.



Shop my May shopping picks: