Makeshift Peplum

Top: Forever 21 // Skirt: H&M // Shoes: Gift // Belt: Vintage // Ring: Courtesy of InPink

I'm glad the peplum is enjoying popularity this season. It makes for such a pretty a silhouette. Unfortunately I don't have very many peplum pieces in my closet, so I grabbed a boxy blouse with a ruffled hem, belted it and poof! Worked like a charm. On another note, this outfit made me realize how seldom I wear flats. It felt downright strange!

The Clash

Dress (actually a skirt): Old Navy / / Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear // Necklace: H&M

Apparently wearing skirts as dresses is one of my trademarks... here I go again. I really liked the way this necklace looked with the neckline of the "dress," but I almost didn't wear it because the colors didn't quite go. The more I looked at the pairing, though, the more I liked it. Rather than opting for something more coordinating, I took the discordant color scheme a step further with non-matching shoes.

Poolside Style

Swimsuit: Courtesy of Swimspot // Sunglasses: Courtesy of ModCloth

With this summer's intense heat, I've been spending a lot of time at the pool. In past years, I've worn the same suit again and again, but this season I finally added some new ones to my collection, including this eye-catching one-piece from Swimspot! When they asked me to do a review, I took one look at the website and agreed! Their selection of women's swimsuits is vast, and it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for using filters like style, color and body type. While I usually go for more retro styles, I was won over by the bold details of this pink piece. The intricate back is totally worth the wonky tan-lines. Stay cool out there!

Sherbet Shades

Shirt: Rebecca Taylor // Jeans: H&M (similar style) // Shoes: Lucky Brand // Headband: Target // Necklace: Forever 21

As fate would have it, my mint skinnies and this pink silk blouse were hanging next to each other on the drying rack. I knew the pastel pairing was meant to be, so I threw it on without hesitation. Some girly accessories complete the look.

Mix It Up

Shirt: Old Navy // Skirt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear // Belt: From a dress // Bracelet: Forever 21 // Necklace: jcpenney

Sticking to patterns in the same color family is one of my favorite ways to mix prints. It makes for an understated, put-together look with just enough quirky charm. Plus -- black, white and red is one of those tried and true combinations I never tire of. I forgot to include it in the photos, but I also carried my red bag today, which really completed the matchy-ness of the look!

Lightbulb

Skirt (worn as dress): Vintage  (similar style) // Belt: Vintage // Shoes: TJMaxx (similar style) // Necklace: Target

I've always loved the sunny yellow color, tiny polka dot print and cute button detail on this maxi skirt but felt that it overwhelmed my frame a bit. No stranger to re-purposing items of clothing, I don't know why it took me this long to think of wearing it as a dress! I'm glad the thought popped into my mind though. It may be a new summer favorite.

Blue Jean Baby

Top: Urban Outfitters // Jeans: Cheap Monday // Belt: Vintage // Necklace: Vintage // Sunglasses: H&M (similar style)

When the temperature dipped again the other day, I seized the opportunity to wear jeans! Although easy breezy summer dressing can be fun, I always miss my denim something fierce during the warmer months. I don't think they've made an appearance on the blog, but these high-waisted jeans are by far my favorite pair!

Coming Up Roses

Top: ModCloth // Shorts: Urban, cut off by me // Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear // Socks: Gap

So sorry for the lack of posts lately! July has been one crazy month for this lady. Here's what I wore to a recent Beach House show. The high temperature was finally under 100 degrees, so a long-sleeved shirt and socks seemed completely appropriate. It's all relative, right? Also, I feel like my hair-growing patience is starting to pay off. These milkmaid braids are almost passable! They're messy, but I'm getting there!

By the Book

Dress: H&M // Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear // Necklace: Forever 21 // Belt: Taken from a shirt // Glasses: Urban Outfitters

When it comes to my favorite stereotypical looks to channel, librarian is definitely up there. This combination of shirt dress, geeky accessories and prim up-do totally appealed to my bookish sensibilities.

More of the Same

Shirt: Courtesy of jcpenney // Shorts: Vintage // Shoes: Target // Bracelet: Forever 21 // Belt: Vintage

Another crazy hot day! I handled it with an outfit similar to my last one -- simple separates with a bit of color and pattern. Stay cool out there, and enjoy the holiday tomorrow!

Bells & Whistles

Shirt: Old Navy // Shorts: Shop in San Francisco // Shoes: Courtesy of B.A.I.T. Footwear // Headband: Target // Belt: Taken from a shirt

It's been so hot recently that I've been trying to add interest to my minimal outfits with accessories.
The bow belt and flower headband take this frilly outfit even further into girly territory.