Live Colorful

 

Happy Hump Day! Closer to the weekend and we have beautiful weather, how perfect is that? Spring and summer are quickly approaching and I see the colorful wardrobes for the next few months. Now I love color...hot pink, cobalt blue, bright yellow, you name it and I will wear it (or at least attempt it!).Warmer months are the perfect time to experiment since there are so many options available and something in the spring just wants to make you want to throw off your basic black and try something different!

 

I love this ASOS Dress, off the shoulder trend, super flattering, bright pop of red and it's under $30? YES!

ASOS

Another brand I love all year round but is very prevalent in my summer wardrobe is Lilly Pulitzer. Yes, they can be somewhat pricy but the dresses last for years! The quality is amazing and they never go out of style. Lilly launched their new spring pieces last weekend and here are a few of my favorites (and I may have purchased a piece. Or two. Or there).

Lilly Pulitzer Crop Top and Skirt



 

Ophelia Swing Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Jillie Swing Dress

 

Lilly Pulitzer Monterey Tank Dress
 

Another brand that I really like but is a bit pricier is the Reese Witherspoon created Draper James. True southern charm and great quality, I especially like the jewelry and handbag selection. If you aren't ready to take the plunge and wear all color then this is a great way to get your feet wet with bright colors!

Draper James Peabody Tote

Draper James Printed Lady Bag
 

Draper James Floral Printed Mini Bag (under $100)
 

Now I can't leave out some of my favorite places like Forever 21 who are inexpensive and can come in great use when you are on a budget (like most of us!) so you can really get some fun items like this white embroidered lace-up tunic (LOVE), this blushy pink bomber jacket, and if you aren't ready to part with you basic black add some color to it with this floral kimono (under $10!).

I also really look to H&M, if you get overwhelmed in the stores I highly suggest online shopping! You can take your time and really find some good pieces! This jersey tee adds a vibrant touch of pink (and under $10), this off the shoulder dress would be great for dinner out or drinks on the patio, this lovely chiffon dress would be perfect for Easter (under $30!), and this artistic dress would be wonderful on a lunch date or one of those days when you want to looked pulled together but still be comfy!

So, don't be afraid to wear bright colors! I guarantee you will get compliments, there is just something that makes your a bit peppier and have a "spring" (lol) in your step. If you aren't ready to wear full on neon orange (not sure anyone is) then take baby steps. Add a bright clutch, swipe on that flamingo pink lip color you have been dying to try, pop on some sunny yellow sandals, you can start incorporate colors day by day if you are used to a more neutral palette. If you still can't part with your basic LBD then add a colorful shawl, jacket, or kimono. Just a bit of color can brighten your whole day!

xoxo,

Monday Blues and Pinks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Monday! Mondays can be hard. I mean you look at the alarm clock and don't want to move hard. That's why I always try to be a little brighter than normal on the first day of the week. It doesn't get much brighter than Lilly Pulitzer, am I right? This festive, almost Picasso/60's-esque dress caught my eye with it's mixture of bright blues and pinks. The fact that it is a pull on style is also a plus (sometimes you just don't want to deal with zippers) and the shape of the dress is super flattering. The style of the fitted bust that pulls in tighter at the waist creates a lovely hour glass shape but the material is stretchy so you don't have the uncomfortable tightness that are more evident in clingier dresses. Lilly has done a great job in making pieces more affordable and this particular style of dress is more budget friendly coming in at under $100. Since it has been so humid and sticky lately, I love reaching for items like this which are as comfortable as pajamas but still look fashionable. Color is a great fashion ally in my opinion. I know we are most likely to pull a black dress or skirt but sometimes color is the answer.

 

Don't be afraid of color! It instantly brightens up your features and can make you look lively even if you got one hour of sleep. When I was in college, I kept a stack of Piko 3/4 length dresses and tops in colors such as fuchsia, turquoise, lilac and mustard. Piko's are AMAZING, they are budget friendly (under $21), flattering and offer a wide selection of styles. Pairing one of these bright dresses or tops (I often wore Nike running shorts with the tops) with a scarf in the cooler months or a statement necklace (layering necklaces is also a good choice) always made me look polished and put-together. Even if I had been out late the night before or just pulled an all nighter for an exam. I still reach for this staple which is perfect for work, class or can even be dressed up for a night out.

 

Color can often break up your wardrobe choices, sometimes I feel like pulling out my trusty off the shoulder, bell-sleeved LBD but I also like mixing it up. Brightly covered prints like this sea blue dress and this giraffe print (look closely!) are two of my favorites. Prints can often draw attention away from a small bust and can equally camouflage a large chest since you are more focused on the graphics, you don't look at specific areas of the body. I will suggest to go with an outfit that is a little more form fitting or a style that offers the ultra flattering hour glass shape (as seen in today's dress). Some dresses that are perfect for all body types and boast bright colors are this blue off the shoulder peplum dress (under $17), the ultimate red long sleeved dress (under $16) and a beautiful rose red long sleeve leopard print maxi dress (only $12!). Go find the rainbow!

 

Happy Shopping!

 

XOXO,

 

 

 

Windsor Strapless Pull On Dress// Lilly Pulitzer  Rayne Necklace in Yellow// Kendra Scott  Tori Burch Sandals// old but new version  Turquoise Alma Bag// super old but can be found online for sale Sunglass Ring// Kate Spade  Pink Wood Bead Tassel Bracelets// Accessory Concierge

Bright Blazers and Denim

 

 

 

Happy Hump Day! Today I am so excited to show you one of the my favorite styles. I first  discovered this flowery, summertime blazer on Instagram when I came across a boutique account by the name of The Shadee Palm located in Oklahoma. Instagram often suggests accounts for you to follow and they were right on the money with this one! I love sopping at boutiques, don't get me wrong I frequent stores such as Nordstrom and Forever 21 but boutiques often provide a little more unique touch to fashion. I fell in love with this bright blazer and knew I had to add it to my collection. It's light enough to wear in the summer and with a little styling can be worn into fall by adding darker colors and booties.

Blazers have been a staple of mine for years staring when I was in high school. Have a shirt that might be a bit too revealing for the classroom or office, throw a blazer on. Super short dress and/or skirt, a blazer can be added to add more coverage, especially if the dress or top is sleeveless. Light jackets are the perfect solution when you want to add more clothing but not bulk. I steer away from shoulder pads and heavily lined jackets, which is why this certain piece was so flattering and comfortable. I really like this soft pink and white blazer which is great for work or a lunch date. I also think a color such as coral is a good option, color is summery and would look good paired with white denim but with some tweaking can still work in the fall. Every woman should own at least one black blazer, I prefer the slouchy, more relaxed look to pair with a shorter dress or skirt in a soft hue like blush or lilac to add a bit of femininity. But also looks great with a graphic rock tee and leather leggings for a cool nighttime look. Bottom line...get a blazer!

Pink and black are two of my favorite color combos. I think it makes the pink pop. Shop the entire look below and check back here later for a list of some of my favorite local and online boutiques!

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,


 

Shine Bright Blazer// The Shadee Palm  Bandit Denim Cutoffs// Free People  Pink Crossbody Bag// old but newer version and on sale!  Shark Bite Necklace// Accessory Concierge  Sunnies// old Ray-Bans but plenty of Wayfarer options on sale!  Black Tassel Tank// Ella Moss