My First Guest Post

Today I am doing a guest post for Sharon over at The Tiny Heart. Head on over there for today's post. I hope you enjoy!

Flowers Everywhere

(Click on photo for more information)

Floral prints are so very fresh, feminine, of-the-moment, and I simply cannot get enough of them. When I saw these two prints, I just knew that I had to create outfits around them.

I think that the first look would be very appropriate for the day. This is a great casual but stylish outfit that you could wear to lunch, shopping, or just running errands. 

The maxi dress is something that can be dressed up or down. I chose to dress it up slightly, making it appropriate for a summer dinner date. In the past a clutch has usually been thought of as evening appropriate only. Although clutches are making their presence known as 'day' wear, I still like the idea of one to take to dinner. Since the jewelry is simple (but still elegant), I decided to use a shoe with a bit of excitement. The stones on the heels of these sandals add a bit of elegance.

When wanting to dress this maxi down, I would put on a pair of flats, cinch the waist with a skinny leather belt, add a bright blue cardigan, and finally, a leather crossbody bag.

I hope you guys have a fantastic Friday and weekend!

Two Trends, One Look

As you know (especially if you have been reading my blog), the floral trend as well as the color trend have both been pretty popular for quite some time. I decided to put together an easy-to-wear look that subtly incorporates both trends. 

Since I am pretty much obsessed with blazers at the moment, I decided to start with a bright red one. If you don't own a blazer, it is a must (in my opinion) for your closet. You can get navy, black or camel as a basic (you will wear it forever), but then getting one or two blazers in bright colors will bring a little excitement to your wardrobe. Forever 21 has some great blazers here and here if you want some inexpensive options.

The little floral top works perfectly under the red blazer. I liked the idea of using two bright colors (the blazer and the sandal) to keep the look springy. Of course I had to throw in some distressed jeans to keep the look from becoming too formal. 

I hope you guys have a great day! Don't forget to like my facebook page!

Kick Up Your Heels

Loft tank, Loft jeans, Topshop sandals, Unknown belt,
Charming Charlie ring and bracelet (a necklace worn as a bracelet), Essie's Status Symbol Polish

There is nothing better than a comfortable pair of jeans. Pair them with a cute striped tank and some casual flat sandals and you are good to go. I decided to throw in the red belt for a touch of color.

Anyone that knows me will understand that this last picture is a normal picture for me... I  just had to throw it in for fun. Have a great Wednesday!

DIY - Magazine Gift Wrap

I've always liked looking at the ads in my fashion magazines. I think there are some pretty interesting ones and I love to see new products from designers.

I always hang on to my magazines for a few months before getting rid of them. Before getting rid of a stack this weekend, I ripped out a few ads and decided to use them in an unusual way.

I started by ripping out ads that shared some of the same colors. All of these pages had some form of bright pink, which I found cheerful.

Next, I laid them out side by side and taped them together using double sided tape. (Since I ripped them from the magazines, I had to trim the edges so they would line up.)

Finally, I just used the newly formed single sheet and just wrapped a box like I normally would:

This was so simple y'all! It was fun and you can save some money by not having to purchase wrapping paper.

I also tried making a bow out of balled up ads:

I decided to wrap a small box in black and white ads as well:

This was such a fun project! I know I will be doing more of these in the future. Hope you guys have a great Tuesday and don't forget to like my facebook page!

Blazing Ahead

Zara blazer, F21 blouse, F21 shorts (similar style here), Michael Antonio wedges,
Tobi sunglasses

I'm loving these new pieces that I picked up a few weeks ago. The blouse is especially great because I got it for only $10. Who doesn't love a steal? The jersey blazer from Zara is so soft and comfortable. I know that it will be a staple piece in my closet. I couldn't find the exact color but I did find an off white version (also incredible) here.

As I might have mentioned before, the idea of wearing long sleeves with shorts used to bother me, but now it is something that I do quite often.

Get ready for an easy DIY project tomorrow that anyone can do! And if you haven't already done so, make sure you like my facebook page. Have a great week y'all!

Tough and Sweet

I seem to have a thing for mixing tough and girly items together. Instead of dressing from head to toe in frills and ruffles, I like to add a bit of edge to balance it out. Or I will add a sweet, girly element to balance out a hard, edgy look. Balance is always key!

Since I paired a biker jacket with this high-low skirt, I decided to add a tall heel to complete the ensemble. Wearing flats with this skirt and jacket would seem too frumpy (in my opinion). I don't know about you, but some outfits of mine can feel too heavy and make me look dumpy until I add a heel for height.

And as for the delayed post... My son kept me up from 4:30-6:30 this morning. So needless to say I was a bit tired this morning. I am writing this post and drinking my coffee until my little boys start demanding my attention. Which is now. The toddler just shut his finger in the door.

Don't forget to like my facebook page if you haven't done it already! Have a great weekend y'all!

Summery Brights

I'm all about mixing colors right now. Now that it is spring (and nearly summer here), I find myself embracing bright colors more and more. There is just something about warmer weather that makes me love color even more. Maybe it is the trees finally blooming. Or the flowers burst into bloom. Whatever it is, I'm loving it!

I think this is a great casual summer outfit. Perfect for weekend lunches and shopping. I love to get dressed up but there are times when I just can't run around in heels. This look would be great for when I want to look cute but still need to be able to chase my toddler. (I've had to chase him down the boardwalk running at full speed before so flats are always smart when taking my babies out.)

* A Little Something Extra *

Details about items here

DIY - Spring Wreath and My First Feature

My friend and I got together this past weekend to make pinterest-worthy spring wreaths for our front doors. We made wreaths back in December for Christmas and had a blast so we decided to do it again. Here is what I started with:

A twig wreath found at Hobby Lobby - $6

Pretty florals ranging from $3 to $7 each

I couldn't resist this artichoke...

or this garlic

The finished product

It was so easy! I just started sticking the florals in through the twigs and just made my way around the wreath. I wanted it to look whimsical and wild so I didn't have to think too much about it. This is such an easy thing for anyone to do. If you say that you aren't crafty, then you can still do this! It was so much fun and I get such a feeling of satisfaction when I see it hanging on my door.

*A Little Something Extra*

I am so excited to let you guys know that I have been featured on another blog! Jacy over at My Name is Jacy has decided to do a weekly fashion feature and I was the very first one! Thanks Jacy! Check out her blog for inspiring stories, humor, fashion, and much more.

Lace Shorts

I've created two looks around a single pair of lace shorts (I'm obsessed with lace shorts right now) for two different moods. Do you ever let your mood in the morning determine what you will wear? Sometimes I want to look romantic and feminine, while other times I want to look cool and edgy. It just depends on how I feel.

I love both of these looks! But since I woke up today feeling funky then I think the second look will have to be my favorite.

I just created a facebook page for my blog (you can see it in the sidebar) so make sure you go and 'like' my page. Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Change It Up!

Tobi skirt, H&M blazer, unknown belt, Steve Madden heels

When I buy a piece of clothing, it's important that I'm able to wear it several different ways. When I purchased this skirt, I really only had one top to wear with it. (You can see that post here.) I haven't really been able to wear this skirt as much as I'd like. Yesterday, however, I decided to wear it as a dress with my new H&M blazer. Since the skirt is a midi-length skirt, it became a lovely length for a dress. You can try this with your midi-length skirts or even maxi skirts. (Maxi skirts could be tricky because if they aren't the perfect length then it would look silly as a dress.)

Finally, I was awarded the "Tell Me About Yourself Award" by Giovanna over at Olive and an Arrow. (Thanks for thinking of me girl!)

The rules of accepting the award are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you.
2. Write seven random things about yourself.
3. Spread the love to more bloggers.

1. I am a dance teacher. I teach tap and jazz at a local studio. I also choreograph dances for our performing company. I love my dance girls so much. They make my job so incredibly easy and rewarding.

2. I have two little boys. My toddler (three) is my sweet little wild man. My six month old never stops smiling, even when he is upset.

3. I am scared of flying. You would think that by flying over fifty times that I would get over my fear. Nope.

4. I am scared of snakes. This has become a consuming, irrational fear. I'm convinced that they are going to pop out of my kitchen cabinets or just fall out of the sky. Eeeww. I'm freaked out just writing this!

5. I am bad at adding and subtracting. I panic when under pressure and I can't add or subtract simple numbers.

6. I was pretty good at delivering speeches or presenting papers in college. I would memorize the entire paper (I know you aren't supposed to do that) and I would present it all from memory. I practiced delivering it in a way that didn't seem 'rehearsed.' Don't ask me to do it today. I've had two kids and can't remember my own name most days.

7. I love Jesus.

The bloggers I picked are:

Yi-chia at Always Maylee
Shanna at Because Shanna Said So
Elle at Living in Color

T-Shirt and Jeans Upgrade

Unsure about how to dress up a t-shirt and jeans? Try to start with a t-shirt that has a little more luxe than just your average cotton/poly work-in-the-yard shirt. The neckline and seaming on this shirt are more flattering than just a regular t-shirt. 

A blazer, a nice t-shirt, and some cool mesh heels all work together to dress up a pair of ripped jeans. Rolling the jeans at the cuff shows off the shoes. (Make sure when you roll your jeans that they are slightly baggy in the thigh and leg area. Rolling up tight skinny jeans with this mesh shoe would just ruin the whole look.)

Add some jewelry with cool shapes to help take the look from basic to interesting. The gold cuff would have been just a normal cuff had it not been folded back on the sides. 

As you know (or maybe you don't) I sometimes like to add a little bit of the unexpected to my looks. The ripped jeans may not seem like they are appropriate for a blazer but adding at least one edgy or unexpected item to your outfit usually works. The mix of tough girl and classic elements works for this look. Try it sometime!

Color Shock!

If you are loving the color trend, then you might just love the neon trend that has popped up as well. The electrifying colors are back and in a big way. You can buy the bright colors in just about anything. If you like bold colors in generous amounts, then try a dress. If you prefer just a touch of color, then try a polish or an accessory, such as a belt.

It is hard for me to believe that neon has come back so soon. I'm not old by any means but I'm old enough to have lived through this trend once. I was a mere child, but I remember wearing a pair of hot pink lightening bolt earrings in elementary school. I also remember wearing a matching top and pants that had black and white stripes with splashes of neon pink and green. Naturally I thought I was too cool. Looking back....well, not so much!

It is very hard for me to look at these pieces and not see the little girl with permed hair and crooked teeth. So...I'm not quite sure I can jump on this trend. What are your thoughts? Did you live through this trend? Would you do it again? I would love to know!

One Dress, Two Looks

I loved this floral print dress so much so I decided to style it two different ways. The first option is for when you want an edgy look but still want to remain feminine. The leather biker jacket along with the studded handbag toughen up the sweet floral print just a bit. What is better than a pair of killer heels? A pair of red heels! The shoes in the first option definitely compliment the tough girl look.

The second option is for those of you who prefer a classic, casual look. A cross-body bag is perfect for a casual look as it lacks the fussiness that a clutch or handbag might have. A cross-body bag leaves you hands free, which in my opinion looks casual and laid back. Ballerina flats are an obvious choice when it comes to casual wear. Picking a color (such as red) keeps your outfit from becoming too casual and boring.

I would definitely wear both of these looks but I think that the first look is my favorite. Which is yours?

Mickey Mouse

Unknown top, Francesca's blazer, Charming Charlie jewelry
China Glaze 'Re-fresh mint' polish

I don't think I will ever be too old for Mickey Mouse. I might have worn a sweatshirt as a child with Mickey on it, but this time I am sporting the famous mouse in a very different way. Taking a whimsical print and pairing it with a cool blazer and leather pants tones down the Disney factor.

As you might remember from a recent post, when dressing for the cool evenings in Vegas, I had to wear the blazer/leather pants combo twice. You can see the other post here if you missed it.

When your options are limited, switching out your top and shoes helps a great deal. I also did a top knot instead of wearing my hair down. It just seemed to fit the whole casual vibe of the ensemble.

Polka Dot Peplum

Pep up your wardrobe with a little polka dot peplum! I absolutely love this top. The polka dot print gives it a retro feel but the accessories keep all three of the looks modern.

I came up with three different looks using the same top and different yellow shoes and clutches. I love the color trend so that is why I chose yellow for each look. Perhaps it is a bit old fashioned to match your handbag to your shoes but in this instance I really liked the way it looked.

The black and white print of this top lends itself to endless possibilities. You can use just about any color accessory and look fabulous. I think finding a polka dot pant in a reverse print (black background with white dots) would look great with this top.

I always have my favorites when I put together these outfits. I think my favorite this time might be the pants option. Which is yours?

Peter Pan

Forever 21 blouse, Forever 21 leather-like shorts, Tinley Road pumps,
Forever 21 bangle, Essie 'Blanc' polish

When I ordered this blouse a few weeks ago, I was determined to find a pair of cute blue shorts to go with it. When I visited the large two-story Forever 21 store in Las Vegas, I saw these leather-like shorts and immediately knew that they would be perfect with the blouse. I found so many fun bright colored items that day and I can't wait to share them. 

Beauty Product Review (and Other Things)

I have been using products by St. Ives since I was thirteen. (So basically for more than half of my life.) I have used their face washes, lotions, body scrubs, and now this apricot scrub for blemish and blackhead control. Let me tell you, if you haven't been using an exfoliating scrub lately, do it! I have to admit that I have been a little lazy when it comes to skin care ever since my boys were born. I used to exfoliate at least once a week but somehow taking that extra step seemed too difficult when I had my first baby. 

I found this apricot scrub in the travel section at my local Target a few weeks ago. After using it, I couldn't believe that I had gone so long without exfoliating! It only takes 60 extra seconds in the shower. Really. Who doesn't have 60 extra seconds?

You will love how soft your skin feels after using this scrub. Unlike some other scrubs, it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. It gently removes the dead surface skin and leaves your face fresh and radiant. I would recommend using once a week (or twice if you have oily skin). If you exfoliate too often, however, you risk drying out your skin.

Check your local drugstore or Target for this great product. With something so great under $5, you just can't go wrong!

                                                                          ***

I thought I would post some pictures from my recent trip to Las Vegas. Here are just a few of my favorite ones.

The Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace

Window display at Louis Vuitton

Window display at Alexander McQueen

Have a great Easter Sunday!