Two Ways to Wear...

...lace shorts!

For day, pair them with a knotted blouse, beads, and flat sandals. Remember that one way to wear the chic and clean look of all white, all year round is to mix tones and textures.

For night, mix them with a lace tee, which adds more drama than a plain one and add some structure with a sleeveless blazer. Remember the night calls for accessories so layer up the bracelets and throw on your favorite statement necklace!

Recreate my look:
Outfit #1 | Lace shorts via Crossroads (similar here and here), American Apparel blouse, Sam Edelman Gigi sandals, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here), Stella & Dot Mesa necklace, Layering necklace, and Sidewinder necklace, Target sunglasses (similar here and here)
Outfit #2 | Lace shorts via Crossroads (similar here and here), Elle lace top, vest from Crossroads (similar here), Stella & Dot pendant necklace (similar) and bracelets, Target sandals (similar) and sunglasses (similar here and here)

Rethink

I've worn this shirt many times, but I had never considered the fact that it had a full zip on the back and therefore, could be turned around and become a jacket/cardigan! This opens up so many more layering opportunities, especially for summer since it's lightweight and bright. 

Recreate my look:

Target blouse worn backwards, Finders Keepers crop tank (similar), vintage belt (similar here, here, and here), Francesca's midi skirt (similar), Bacio 6 sandals (similar), purse via Crossroads (similar), Stella & Dot Lakra cuff and wrap bracelet (both on sale), Tokyo Bay watch, Francesca's earrings (similar)

Chambray for the Workday

A chambray shirt might be more notably worn tied at the waist over a maxi dress or casually tucked into denim cut-offs for your weekend fun; however, with a pencil skirt, ladylike pumps, and a jacket, it can add some fun to your business casual attire, while still fitting in to the dress code.

XXI bomber jacket, H&M denim shirt (similar), MNG by Mango belt, XXI skirt (similar), Stella & Dot necklace (similar), Tahari Sarina pumps, Revlon Persian Melon lipstick

Fuchsia

As far as brights go, fuchsia would have to be considered my most versatile. After purchasing this linen jacket from the Zara sale, I have wanted to wear it every day. And as you can see from Instagram, I have done almost that! It compliments primary colors, moody darks, and soft pastels. Although I have to credit my Nars Schiap lipstick with broadening the influence of the color "fuchsia" in my daily life. 

Have any lipsticks helped your color combining skills?

Zara blazer, J.Crew blouse via Crossroads, Gap boyfriend jeans, Nine West heels, Stella & Dot Bahari necklace, vintage rings

Fancy Pants

Normally, I reserve these pants for the 9-5; however, I felt like dressing 'em down. Despite the initial instinct to pair them with other other fancy duds, printed pants work really well with more casual attire too. On this particular night of errands and Indian food, I threw on a knotted tee, colored denim jacket, and my trusty fedora. My favorite part of this ensemble is the rose gold, showcased with my newest gems and flat sandals. Actually, scratch that - my favorite part was the elastic waistband, which allowed for over eating of chicken tikka masala and lamb kebobs.

Recreate my look:

Narcisco Rodriguez for DesigNation pants (similar here and here), Anthropologie jacket (on sale!), Old Navy tee, Sam Edelman Gigi sandals, Stella & Dot Mesa necklace, Tribute Bracelet, Wrap Bracelet, Sidewinder Necklace, Goorin Brother's fedora

The 9-5 Patriot

Red, white, and blue are a patriotic combination that can come off as too casual or juvenile for the work day. One way that I ensure this doesn't happen is by adding another neutral into the mix. For this ensemble, I grounded the colors of July 4 with black through a statement necklace, wide belt, and classic pumps.

Recreate the look:

Narcisco Rodriguez for DesigNation pants (similar here and here), Target blouse (similar here and here), Worthington blazer, statement necklace (similar), Nine West pumps, Stella & Dot wrap bracelet and Lakra bangle, similar belt

No Need for Shoulder Pads

I'm a sucker for blazers (obviously), so finding a unique, vintage one is my ultimate score. I just  ensure that I remove the shoulder pads as I don't need any help in the big shoulders category.

Recreate my look:

Vintage blazer (similar), Kohl's silk top (similar), XXI lace skirt (similar), similar belt, Stella & Dot necklace, Nine West sandals (similar)

Nothing Like The Lion King

If you live in or around Chicago and haven't seen "The Book of Mormon," please, please, please do so. It's incredibly heart warming and not at all anti-religion. Don't believe me? Read this review.

Recreate my look:
Worthington skirt, top via Crossroads (similar here and here and here), Target belt and shoes (similar),
J.Crew tote (similar here and here), Old Navy cuffs (similar), Stella & Dot earrings, OPI Samoan Sand

To The Brim

Recreate my look:
XXI pants (similar here and here) and sweater (similar), vest from Crossroads (similar), Gap wide brim hat (similar), Stella & Dot necklace (on sale!) and earrings, Steve Madden booties (similar), Longchamp tote

To Network

Photos by Glitterary.com

 A few weeks ago, I attended my first blogger event hosted by Chicago Blogger Network to celebrate 500 members at RM Champagne Salon. My ridiculously fashionable friend, Diyanna, was my plus one and wing woman and we met some amazingly adorable and stylish ladies and gents. I can't wait to attend another networking function and talk shop with my new buds!

NY & Co jacket, XXI blouse and skirt (similar here and here), Target booties (similar sandals), vintage clutch (similar),  and Stella & Dot fringe necklace 

White Out

Maybe it's all the wedding planning, and by that I mean my fab MOH finalizing plans for my wedding shower and bachelorette party and me being lazy and feeling loved, but I'm in the mood to wear white! Even though it will take at least one more bottle of tan moisturizer to make my appendages worthy to stand up to it, I can't wait to incorporate a few of these pieces with some tropical print, pastels, camel, stripes, black, or cobalt.   

:: A flounce skirt is more flattering than a skater skirt, and more playful than a peplum skirt ::

:: A drape collared vest adds structure and coverage for a silky tank on casual fridays ::

:: A textured peplum (with a back cut-out) is perfect with floral shorts at the the music fest ::

:: White oxfords add a gentleman's touch to a floral skirt or distressed jeans ::

:: A beaded necklace with gold and bronze tones (and no weight) will be your summer statement ::