Barbie

Shirt: Envy, $15 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Scarf: Gift // Shoes: Forever 21, $25 // Earrings: Vintage, $1

Yesterday, I reveled in several lovely shades of pink. Today, I can't contain my excitement for the coming weekend! It's a beautiful 80-degree Friday, and tomorrow is the Fashion Show! For those in the area, it's at the Granada. Doors are at 6, show at 7. Hope to see you there!

Yellow Belly

Sweater: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Dress: Old Navy, $15 // Socks: Courtesy of We Love Colors // Shoes: Forever 21, $30

This is what I wore for yesterday's rather chilly weather. Rather than thinking with dismay that it should be warmer at the end of April, I tried to disregard the season, approach my closet with an open mind and ask myself what I'd like to wear for a day in the fifties. This cropped sweater didn't get much wear during the winter, and I thought it would play nicely against the black and white base of the dress. From there, I added the stockings to keep me warm and complete the look. It's funny how over-the-knee socks can make even the squarest outfit feel slightly saucy. After all was said and done, I really liked the mix of warm and cool colors at work. The best part? As of today, gorgeous spring weather is both upon us and on the horizon.

Win a $25 Credit to Ruche!

Enter to win a $25 credit to Ruche! Simply visit Ruche, pick a favorite item and leave a comment on this post. One comment per person. Enter before Tuesday, May 3rd at 11:00 PM Central Time. Open to international readers. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Wednesday, May 4th. Bonne Chance!

Queen of Hearts

Trench: Old Navy, $20 // Scarf: Payless, gift // Hat: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Dress: Old Navy, $20 // Tights: Target, $5 // Shoes: Kelsi Dagger via TJMaxx, $20 after credit

When I picked up this simple striped t-shirt dress several months ago, we were still in the thick of winter. I tucked it away and dreamed of wearing it when warm weather finally rolled around. Though it's the end of April, we're still having some chilly days here. Tired of waiting, I gave this summery dress a cool weather spin with bright tights, a trench and charming heart accessories.

Clockwork Orange

Top: Plato's Closet, $6 // Necklace: Kohl's, $15 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Shoes: RJ Girl via Piperlime, $50

After a brief break, I'm back to brights! I couldn't resist pairing pink and orange once again, but this time I went with a paler pink to complement the hot coral.

Boys Don't Cry

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Jacket: H&M, $30 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Shoes: Steve Madden, $30 // Scarf: GAP, $6

In contrast to Friday's bright, feminine outfit, I went for a decidedly neutral, menswear-inspired ensemble on Sunday. Despite the differences, both looks live happily in the world of my style. Variety is the spice of life, eh?

Apparently a lack of color did not get in the way of a good mood. The Bloody Mary I polished off minutes before these shots were taken probably didn't hurt.

The Bright Side

Dress: Forever 21, $25 // Scarf: Gift // Shoes: alice + olivia for Payless, gift

I've definitely gotten swept up in the color craze! As summer approaches, I can't get enough coral and orange, especially when paired with other brights. This dress hasn't gotten much love since I bought it over a year ago, but this season has given it new life.

Catwalk for a Cause

As I mentioned in my previous post, one of the activities occupying my time of late is an exciting project that I'd like to share with you all. On Saturday, April 30th, there will be a local fashion show called Catwalk for a Cause. I am styling a run for my new sponsor, Plato's Closet Lawrence! It's been so fun combing the racks for vibrant summery pieces and playing with my patient models like paperdolls. After the final fitting last night, I'm feeling great about the show!

A benefit for the GaDuGi SafeCenter, Catwalk for a Cause boasts an impressive lineup of local designers, artists, stores and stylists. The LOLA ladies, who I love and have worked with on a few occasions, will be selling their wares beforehand.

Local readers, don't miss this event! For my faraway friends, I intend to fully document my run with outfit pictures and hopefully a video, so stay tuned!

Forgive Me?

Yes, it's a cheap trick, but using an adorable picture of my dog to win you over was a last resort. Prepare for a pity party! As you may have surmised from my lack of posting, this week has been a bit out of control. I've barely had time to catch my breath, much less put together a cute outfit and take pictures. The weather's been crappy. I'm behind on sleep. Work is busy. Boohoo, you get the idea. But it's not all bad. One of the reasons I've been busy is a super fun project that I'll tell you about later today!

Casual Cool

Shirt: Old Navy, $8 // Jeans: Courtesy of Fossil // Jacket: TJMaxx, purchased with gift certificate // Shoes: Courtesy of Wanted

This is the kind of typical weekend outfit that I usually don't think to document, but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of my super casual style. This was worn on a chilly Saturday for running errands. Out of sheer laziness, I often wear different versions of the same outfit on weekends.True to form, on the sunny, warm Sunday after this, I kept the shirt and shoes, ditched the jacket and swapped my jeans for high-waist denim cut-offs. I didn't snap any photos of that look, but you get the idea. Do you dress down on weekends?

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Turban Tutorial



I'm always looking for ways to avoid washing my hair, and lately turban headbands have been my cute cover-up of choice. A few people requested a tutorial, so here you go. It's easy as can be!

Secretary

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT, secondhand, $16 // Skirt: Vintage, thrifted, $3 // Shoes: Urban Outfitters, gift

Sorry for the lull. It's been a crazy week! This is what I wore to speak on a career panel at my alma mater. Though I don't have to dress like this for work, I thought I'd go for a professional look.

My turban headband tutorial is coming soon! Happy Saturday!

Top Trends for Summer

Spring is in full swing, and summer is just around the corner. You know what that means. It’s time to go shopping! Here are some of my favorite trends of the season:

*wide-leg jeans

The '70s are back in a big way! Set your skinny jeans aside and opt for wide-leg denim. Bonus points for a high-waisted pair!

*platform wedges

In keeping with the '70s trend, platforms (especially wedges) are the must-have shoe this season. Whether you go for classic espadrilles or something more daring, platforms will keep you chic and comfortable all summer long.

*bright colors

Don't be afraid to play with color -- and lots of it! Bold, vibrant hues are popping up everywhere. The shade du jour is coral in all its hot variations. Give the color-blocking trend a try by wearing multiple brights in one look.   

*crisp white

If loud colors aren't your cup of tea, all-white ensembles make a fresh statement. You can also use simple white pieces to tone down brights.

*bold patterns

Spice things up with playful prints. From bright stripes to flirty florals, patterns will add interest to any ensemble.

*long skirts

Give your mini skirts a rest and try a more demure length this year. Whether your're drawn to bohemian maxi dresses, fifties circle skirts or fashion-forward midi (hits at the mid-calf) styles, longer hemlines are a chic choice for summer. 

*lace & crochet

Channel your inner flower child with crochet or macrame tops and dresses, or go for a more ladylike feel with lace pieces.

Blunt

Dress: Tucker for Target, $40 // Shoes: LuLu*s, $29 // Earrings: Arizona Trading Company, $10 // Ring: Courtesy of Lucky Magazine

Yes, you've seen the dress and the shoes, but I figured my new hair made these shots blog-worthy. I went in to get my roots touched up and came out with a whole new look! After an affair with feathery side-swept bangs, I was planning to return to my edgier ways. It happened sooner than expected, but I'm totally loving it. I've always been a sucker for blunt bangs. As always, I'm indebted to my fabulous stylist, Teri at Green Room Salon.

Center of Attention

Shirt: Thrifted, $3 // Skirt: Forever 21, $20 // Boots: Forever 21, $30 // Necklace: Forever 21, $6

All the details of this skirt -- the soft blush color, delicate lace, layered chiffon, covered buttons -- really caught my eye. Worn on a cool day last week, this pretty piece added a hint of spring to an otherwise basic outfit.

Block Party

Top: Forever 21, $10 // Skirt: Courtesy of bluefly.com // Shoes: Payless, gift

One of the trends I'm loving most for spring is color blocking! It seems like this style has had a few moments in the spotlight over the past several years, but this is the first time I've really wanted to wear it. While it can be a tricky look to pull off, it's really striking and fun when it works.

While getting ready to go out on Saturday night, I found myself in the mood for something bold and reached for a couple of my brightest separates. Since the colors were so contrasting, I  kept the look simple with neutral shoes and no accessories. I love the way it came together can't wait to try a more tonal look next time. Will you try the color blocking trend this season?

From the Vaults

Dress: Vintage via a shop in Austin, $30 // Cardi: Target, $10 // Boots: Wild Man Vintage, $15 // Necklace: Gift // Belt: Thrifted, $1

I was caught up in my nephew's birthday party last night and completely forgot to photograph my outfit, which is too bad because I rather liked it. Maybe I'll put it back on this weekend and get a few shots. It's such a pain to re-create outfits, but I'm always glad when I do. In lieu of something new, here's an outfit from a month or so ago. I adore this vintage floral dress I scored in Austin, but I wasn't thrilled about the way I styled it that day. It's too heavy and covered-up with the tall boots. I'll have to try a light, springy spin on it soon!  

What a Wonderful World

Top: Courtesy of Spotted Moth // Jeans: Delia's, secondhand, purchased with credit // Shoes: LuLu*s, $29 // Belt: Forever 21, $8 // Necklace: Payless, gift

The weather has been delightfully springy this week, paving the way for carefree ensembles like this one. It's been a long time since I've worn this top from Spotted Moth, but I still love the dramatic voluminous sleeves and sweet floral print. Paired with rustic accessories and my go-to platforms, I felt a bit bohemian but still pulled together.