Spring & Summer Style Guide

I'm so excited for Spring and Summer trends this year that I wanted to put together my ultimate guide for navigating your own wardrobe. It's always so tempting to go out and buy alllll the new things but it's not necessary! This is especially true if you're like me and begin to feel overwhelmed by what you see your favorite bloggers wearing on Instagram. Now is the time to re-think your style, clean out items that don't work for you anymore for whatever reason, make a wishlist of things you want to add, and even style outfits for any upcoming events.

Hopefully you have jumped on the bandwagon of "buying less, choosing wisely" so that you can incorporate some new, fresh pieces that excite you, but still have a solid foundation of basics that you can pull from as well. Camisoles, cardigans, kimonos, turquoise jewelry, denim, moto jackets, airy skirts, tie-waist dresses, and feminine prints are all on my radar right now.

Remember, there's no need to go crazy buying everything you love all at once! When you put your list together, prioritize and keep an eye on sales. Also, buy the things you'll need first and save other things for later once the weather really warms up.

1.State camisole, House of Harlow 1960 skirt, LOFT dress from last year

Love, love, love the flattering dresses I'm seeing! Wrap styles look fabulous on all body types.

Target flats, Steve Madden sandals, Sam Edelman pumps

The only three pairs of shoes you'll need! Throw in some metallic or neutral flat sandals (or rose gold flip-flops in my case) and you're good to go from work to play, day to night. 

Loeffler Randall bag from two years ago, Clare V petite alice

I know straw bags are all the rage, but don't forget about other pretty, practical styles. A simple crossbody or a large tote are still relevant. 

Kendra Scott necklace, Target bikini

I personally love bathing suits in vibrant shades and prints. The more colorful, the better! Don't be afraid to stand out, even if you're like me and often dread bathing suit season. 

I hope this little guide is helpful in some way, and it also illustrates what you'll be seeing me wearing for the next few months. Happy Monday! Linking up with Caryl & Rachelle

More options to consider...

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LOFT Lace Midi Dress

I haven't been this excited about a dress in quite some time. The vibrant green color, the quality of the lace, the halter style, and the midi length all had my attention and I knew when it was 40 percent off that it had to be mine. You never know when you'll need a versatile dress such as this one.

Wearing //

LOFT dress (wait for a sale)

Hinge heels, love these on sale!

Express bag

Silver bracelets, similar here

Beauty //

Lips in M.A.C. "Shy Girl"

Face palette by Charlotte Tilbury (so worth it)

This is EXACTLY what I wore in Hollywood a couple weekends ago when my best friend and I went out to SUR and Pump. And I mean exactly! I wanted to recreate this look for you ladies because the dress is still available, and I really enjoyed pairing it with these trendy lace-up heels and a darling little baby blue bag. I tend to stick to nudes when it comes to more vivid outfits but I think an unexpected color combination makes things much more interesting. 

Before I let you get on with your day, I just want to say that I didn't blog last week because I didn't have any content and I don't like feeling pressured to put out something in haste. I hope you understand! I still plan on sticking with Mondays and Wednesdays so I will be back tomorrow with another outfit, albeit much more casual than this one. Also, I know some people who are going through a tough time right now so let's all please keep things in perspective. 

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As Festival Ready As I'll Get

Wearing //

Jack by BB Dakota dress (sold out) but cute matching blouse

Chelsea 28 bag

Splendid booties on sale!

Stella & Dot necklace

Kendra Scott ring

Various bracelets, great option

As much as I love music, there is one big name festival that irks me to my core, and I suspect you all know which one I'm referring to. I live an hour and a half away from the desert where it's held every year, and yet I don't know a single person who has ever gone to it. I feel like it's such a scene - meaning it's for celebrities and bloggers to be seen, and not really about the actual bands and performers who play there. What a waste! I guess if you're getting everything comped, it really doesn't matter. Week two begins today, and well...I'll be happy once it's over and my Instagram feed doesn't resemble the second coming of Woodstock. Now that would have been amazing!

As for me, I'm heading to L.A. where I'm hoping it's less crowded because everyone is in the desert! Wishful thinking I know, but I'm excited to celebrate my best friend's birthday a few weeks early. Every year, we try to do one girls trip, just the two of us. It's a perfect excuse to reconnect and catch up without feeling rushed. Usually when we get together it's in a group setting or with our husbands, naturally. So one occasion where we can talk, laugh, and not have to worry about annoying other people in a group is a welcomed escape. Follow me on snap if you care to see what we're up to! Have a great weekend, even to those going to #Coachella ✌

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Shades of Blush

Wearing //

Scalloped tank, similar here & here

Cardigan (sold out) but similar, love this too

Express skirt (sold out)

Asos pumps, similar here & here

Chelsea 28 bag

Beauty //

Glo Minerals kit in "Bold Pursuit"  c/o 

There are three things that I can't get enough of this year:

*Blush tones

*Scalloped details

*Laser cut bags and shoes

I know quite a few bloggers who own the tote version, and while that one is certainly tempting, I opted for this crisp white shoulder bag instead. I love a great tote and believe it's a staple, but I often find that mine is an excellent excuse to haul around things I don't even need! A structured bag will also always be in style, but one with delicate details like this adds that Springtime feel. I paired it with a feminine camisole with scalloped edges, and my favorite taupe/lilac cardigan. If you follow me on snap and IG, you would have seen that Nettie made her way through one of the sleeves, and while it hasn't been repaired, I came up with a simple solution in the meantime - fold the sleeves up!

She is such a doll, but at almost three years old, my pup has managed to get her paws and snout on quite a few of my shoes, lace tops, a bag, and now my cardigan. It's my fault for leaving the closet door open so often. My house still needs puppy-proofing, but I love her no matter what she gets her claws into.

How is your week? I will be back on Friday!

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Spring '17: Tie Waist Trousers

Wearing //

1.State top, similar here & here

Express pants

Express mini bag

Asos pumps, similar

Kendra Scott bracelet & ring

Beauty //

Lips in Nudestix "Mystic"

Let me preface this by saying that I bought these pants because of Rachelle. After seeing them on her, I immediately headed for Express and fell in love with the easy, breezy style of the tie waist trouser. They come in four different colors, but of course I had to go with my favorite shade (although the olive pair she has is very tempting. They didn't have any in stock so I went for the next best thing). This is quite the departure for me in terms of what I normally feel comfortable wearing, but I can't rave enough about them. Is it appropriate to go out in public wearing pajamas? Not unless you're heading to the ER, but these feel like pajamas, and who can complain about that?

A few quick notes:

1) At 5'2, these are definitely long on me, but they don't drag on the floor even when barefoot. However, they look best with heels. I may get them hemmed a bit...thoughts?

2) The material is a stretch jersey, so they are incredibly forgiving. I normally wear a size 8 in jeans, but was pleasantly surprised that I took a size small in these. Size down if you're interested. Also, I highly suggest wearing spanx or any type of under garment that is seamless for a smooth appearance from behind. No shame here, you guys know I love my spanx!

3) They don't have any zippers. Just pull them on and go! The tie can be pulled into a bow like I did here, but note how Rachelle wore hers.

4) A tucked-in top is a must, otherwise you'll look ridiculous. Crop tops would be cute as well, but I'm way past that phase in my life. I mean if I had great abs, I'd go for it though 😉

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Bell Sleeves & Booties

Wearing //

Lush dress, similar here, here, & here

Splendid booties on major Sale!

Stella & Dot ring under $30

Beauty //

Lips in Too Faced "Spice Spice baby"

I've been dreading blogging recently. I haven't the faintest idea why, but every time I open my laptop I am filled with this nagging feeling that I don't have anything to add to this community. It was refreshing to take a short break last week, and I really needed that time to focus on myself, school, and just living life without the compulsion to be on social media much. I think we all experience this, so now as I write, I realize how good this space is for my psyche, even though I have bouts where I feel defeated and uninspired. I hope you all understand.

One thing I haven't been dreading - gentle nods toward Spring, and these new booties I bought from Amazon are probably my favorite purchase so far this year. I love that they are cut in a way that allows for more of a leg lengthening appearance. Being that I'm only 5'2, I struggle to find booties that don't make me look even shorter. Certain styles that come up higher on the ankle tend to make me look squat, and that's not what I'm going for! I also love the sleeves on this loose fitting sheath dress. The 60's trend is one I am definitely gravitating to for Spring. This dress is obviously more appropriate for the weekend, but I've seen options that can be pretty for the office. Just choose a longer style that is a bit more fitted throughout the body and can be worn with small pumps or flats.

What are your favorite Spring trends? It's right around the corner. I can't believe this is the last day of February!

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Spring 2017: Feminine Colors & Details

 Soft neutrals with delicate details are going to take over my closet this Spring. Everything I seem to be "liking" on Instagram or "pinning" on Pinterest resemble a page from one of those flowery romance novels. I'm eyeing everything in shades of blush, taupe, light grey, and cream. Ruffles, bell-sleeves, velvet, suede, soft fabrics...I think you get the picture. Even my beauty products look similar! Some of the items shown below I have recently purchased, some are similar. and a couple are on my wishlist.

What are you loving?

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Last Spring

I did this exact post last year, and now I'm doing it again. Spring has quickly become my favorite season for style (the allergies not so much). I think I like it because it's a great transitional period - not too hot yet, but still a slight bump up in temperature from California's "Winter". Which was completely non-existent by the way! Last Spring, I was still getting accustomed to my new shorter hair, I wore nudes on my nails quite often, my blue Kate Spade bag was (and still is) my obsession, and I definitely had a thing for midi skirts and ladylike silhouettes. I guess not much has changed, but I'm looking back and taking some of my own style cues. I feel like I'm in a rut lately. I keep complaining that I have nothing to wear, even though I have a closet filled with clothes. Typical.

"The Midi Skirt"

"Watercolor"

"Simply Classic"

"Sunday Best"

"Midi Madness"

"Flirty in White"

"Poolside"

"Tropical Tee"

"Chambray & White"

"Pleats and Picnics"

Now that Summer is around the corner, I think I'll be pulling all of these looks back out. What's old is new again.

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Cobalt & Denim

Wearing //

Olivaceous dress here and here

Loft skinny jeans

Zara kitten heels, similar here (I have then in coral) and here 

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Elizabeth Stone necklace

Beauty //

Lips: Lancome Lip Lover # 340 mixed with CoverGirl gloss in Plumlicious

Glo Minerals Moisture Tint

Benefit blush  (one of my favorites)

This is the dress I was hoping would be great for a friend's upcoming wedding. However, the material is super flimsy and one false move and my lady bits will be on display. Not exactly appropriate for a wedding. Hell, not exactly appropriate anywhere! I'm very modest as you ladies may know, and I just can't imagine wearing this on its own. It's such a shame because it's beautiful! The soft layers flow around the body in a very feminine way. The color itself is extremely vibrant, and you know cobalt is my absolute favorite shade. I think I'll stick to wearing it like a tunic though, or perhaps over a bathing suit in the Summer by the pool. It's quite revealing, and I'm just not prepared to reveal. I don't regret buying it because it takes me out of my comfort zone. And, it was on sale :)

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My Favorite Spring Trend & Monthly Reads Reunion

Wearing all white is probably my absolute favorite "trend" for Spring. Once afraid that I would look like a giant sack in this ethereal hue, I now am crazy about it. I really blame my wedding for this love affair. I felt so special that day in my gown, that I think it's carried over into my daily wardrobe. It brightens my complexion, lifts my spirits, and is the perfect canvas for jewelry. I like to use it just as I do with black, meaning I let my accessories be the stand-out, or I just go with it and keep everything very simple and understated. The look is crisp, youthful, and chic. You'll be seeing me in similar outfits all season long. Light and bright! The epitome of my Spring wardrobe.

Wearing //

Express dress

Express portofino 

Sole Society pumps

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Express druzy necklace, check stores

And now for something exciting, something I've been itching for! Once upon a time, I used to participate in a monthly must-reads series. If you've been following me from the beginning, then you have undoubtedly read those, and if you are new to my blog, just type in "monthly must-reads" in my search category and they will pop up. I started blogging in 2009 and during this time, I met some of my best blogger friends. It feels amazing to do this once again with them! I love them to pieces. If you haven't checked their blogs out, I suggest you exit this page and do so immediately.


A warm hug to Zeba for putting this together, as she did back then :)

• Alison*Elle - Alison has been embracing 2015 with a helpful reminder from this love wall.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle discovers her favorite Express camisole comes in a Spring-worthy floral print. 
• Ella Pretty - Zeba was super-excited to get a full page feature in a Canadian magazine!
• Fifth & Bloor -  Mehreen is loving her extremely ripped jeans! She talks about how to style them here.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen just announced Baby #2 and shared some pregnancy updates.
• Schnelle Couture -  Danielle discusses her new hair care finds.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette channeled her inner Betty Draper with this dress for spring.
  

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Watercolor

Wearing //

Express cami (love)

H&M blazer, similar

Loft petite jean leggings (so soft)

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Sole Society pumps

Beauty //

Lips - YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in Pink in Devotion

Essie nails in "Find me an Oasis"

When I saw this watercolor floral cami, I knew I needed it. Okay, so I need more of these suckers like I need a hole in my head.  I also know that florals for Spring are nothing new or ground-breaking, but the pattern of this was unique enough for me because I don't have anything remotely like it. These camisoles are so great for layering. They don't add any extra bulk underneath a jacket or blazer, something my chubby little arms can appreciate. In fact, I'm beginning to count how many I own and I'm at number six! That's very close to portofino status! When I find something I love, I'm guilty of getting it in multiples.

How are you ladies? I apologize for my lack of posts, but I spent all weekend with friends in San Diego and then I came home to nurse an injured pup. Thankfully, I think the craziness is about to slow down. I'm trying to get serious about not only my physical health, but also my mental these next few weeks. I'm determined to finally lose some weight, start cooking at home more often, spend my free time doing an activity to get my body moving, and just a general detox from all the stress (and fun) I've been experiencing lately. I'll keep you posted, if anyone cares ;)

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