Festival Wear - The Do's & Don'ts

With Lollapalooza less than one week away, I've got festival outfit ideas on the brain! Last year, I shared my outfits post-fest, but figured that this year, I would give y'all some ideas of what to put together or buy before setting foot in Grant Park. But first, let's get inspired by some street style pics from yours truly, Song of Style, Solange Knowles, Late Afternoon, On the Racks, Kate Bosworth, and Natalie Off Duty.

Option #1 :: Printed shorts, a loose-fitting tee/tank, pendant necklace, and oxfords

Option #2 :: Maxi skirt, crop tank top, stone cuff, a straw hat, and gladiator sandals

Option #3 :: Mid-length dress, a braided belt, head wrap, beaded bracelets, and flat ankle boots

You will earn extra points for wearing... 
sunscreen, tribal print/lace/crochet/sheer/cut-out items, jean vest, your hair in a top knot, a flower crown, cross-body/belt purse, circle frame sunglasses, or tying a shirt around your waist.

You will be cursing yourself for wearing... 
a romper/jumpsuit (which increase the amount of time spent in the port-a-potty), shape wear, leather, anything tight enough to show sweat marks, a clutch purse, or heavy make-up.

A Flip of the Hair

As I'm growing out my hair, I've been noticing myself attracted to a certain hairstyle, which is reminiscent of Cher Horowitz in Clueless. While I don't condone the return of responding to situations with, "as if," I do encourage you to consider a change if you have a haircut without bangs and are tired of a center-ish parting of your locks.

If you love this look like I do, you can style it yourself according to these steps my main mane lady, Kristin. Start with a root lift or some sea salt spray at the crown. Clip up the top half of your hair and dry the bottom half per usual. Then, unclip and flip the top half to the opposite side you want it to go and direct your blow dryer with a paddle brush. When your hair is dry, literally flip it to the other side and tousle with your fingers and finish with a flexible hairspray. Obviously, some of the looks above feature curls or waves, so however, you achieve that look yourself - go for it!

Crush of the Month - Kendi Everyday

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many fashion bloggers who I visit every day, you might not. So, I've decided to showcase one stylish fashionista per month to broaden your scope of inspiration and increase their influence, because they deserve it! My next installment of this series (see the others here), in giving credit where credit is due, is about Kendi Skeen from Kendi Everyday.

Kendi was one of my first follows (and you always remember your first, right?) and she has maintained my daily interest for three years. First of all, she's adorable. I've tried to pull off the half smirk that she expertly displays and I look like I just ate a lemon or am giving the camera a duck face. Secondly, she is clever and witty and most importantly, honest. Not only is it entertaining to read the words attached to her pretty pictures, it's also empowering. Third, she has done and inspired others to do the 30 x 30 remix challenge and I can't even venture the energy to consider that possibility. Lastly, she has made her dream a reality - she opened up her own boutique, Bloom, which is stocked with reasonably priced and completely on-trend items, last year.

To you, Kendi!

All images via Kendi Everyday

Colors of Nature

This past month, I've seen a lot of beautiful color combinations in sunsets, flowers, and countryside through road trips in the midwest, on my own street, and in my wedding research. I have been noticing more and more how influenced I am by the colors of nature when making outfit ensembles and designing our apartment.

Lavender + Cobalt draws inspiration from lilac trees against the blue sky that I walk by every day in Lincoln Square.

Light Blue + Orange draws inspiration from a sunset over a lake, similar to one we saw in Traverse City, Michigan.

Peach + Yellow draws inspiration from blush dahlias that I hope will make an appearance in my bridal bouquet.

What color combinations gives you inspiration?

The New Sporty Spice

I'm guessing that every single one of you, especially if you graduated high school in the late 90s or early 2000s, loved the Spice Girls. How could you not? It was incredibly easy to identify with one of them since they appealed to five very different personality and style types. Personally, I liked Baby Spice - probably because she was a blonde and I was too; however, if you asked me now, I'd be 75% Posh Spice and 25% Sporty Spice. So how would that combination of spiciness dress, you ask? Your answer is in these sporty chic street style photos.

You need the following five items that will combine easily with items already in your closet.
1. Athletic shirt - Casually half tuck it into skinny jeans, jogging shorts, or track pants
2. Baseball cap - Bend the rim and leave your hair over your ears
3. Ankle strap heels - This is the only shoe acceptable with these ensembles
4. Jogging shorts - Loose fit and elastic waistbands are a must, then top it off with an athletic/graphic/striped tee or even a silk/chambray button down
5. Track pants - Apply the same rules as the shorts
Also, don't forget some gems in the form of statement earrings or necklace with your boyfriend watch!

All athletic tees found at ASOS

All baseball caps found at Lids and ASOS

All ankle strap sandals found at Zappos

All shorts found at Forever XXI

All trousers from Piperlime

Crush of the Month - Late Afternoon

While I know how much I am inspired by the many, many fashion bloggers who I visit every day, you might not. So, I've decided to showcase one stylish fashionista per month to broaden your scope of inspiration and increase their influence, because they deserve it! My next installment of this series (see the others here, here, and here), in giving credit where credit is due, is about Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon.

Liz previously did styling at Chictopia, shopruche.com, and Nastygal and is currently merchandising with Supermuse (an online retailer); therefore, she can put together quite the ensemble. Through her creations, because she is making something out of nothing, I have realized there are many patterns, textures, and colors that go together that I never thought of! She seamlessly transitions between girlie, glam, and rocker chic. Also, there is nary a simple pump or flat in her shoe closet and the incorporation of unexpected and edgy booties or strappy sandals is what makes her looks unique. This girl is the epitome of what I would consider southern California style.

To you, Liz!

All images from Late Afternoon

What I'm Lovin'

:: A textured gold cuff on tanned skin ::

:: Short overalls & tying a jacket around your waist ::

:: The hands free and oh so versatile belt purse ::

:: Cuffing your pants with ankle straps ::

:: Adding edge to a fancy ensemble with an ear cuff ::

:: A loose crop top and full skirt ::

:: An update to the french - the half moon manicure ::

All images via Pinterest

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 ::