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?