Summer Break

 After having to spend three work days at school this week I finally feel like it's summer break.  I'm excited for shorts, sandals, and staying in my jammies until I have to put on shorts and sandals. : ) This outfit is pretty basic, but my favorite part is my new necklace from Edith Marie Jewelry.  The super sweet Amber named it after me and sent me this one too.  I'm seriously flattered and adore this necklace!  If you haven't yet, I highly recommend checking out Edith Marie Jewelry.  The prices are amazing and I've been very happy with the quality too.

Jacket: The Limited similar

Top: Target similar

Shorts: Kohl's similar

Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same

Bracelets: Style this Life c/o same and Stella and Dot same

Shoes: Target same

Four Ways to Wear: White Jeans

I've been wearing my white jeans like crazy!  Today I thought I'd share with you some ways I've worn them recently. Before I got these I don't think I thought white jeans were very versatile, but it turns out they go with pretty much anything. The outfit below I wore for the last day of school last Friday.  The outfit was inspired by this pin.  I decided to pair it with orange, forgetting I had a shirt similar to the pin. FYI, it was in the dirty clothes, and yes, the fact I forgot I had it in the course of the week since I'd worn it last means: A). My brain is fried from school B). I have too many clothes.  Regardless, I like the orange here and can wear the stripes next time.

Jacket: JCP same

Shirt: Arc and Co (Plato's Closet) similar

Jeans: CAbi (thrifted) similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Chimera and Renegade

Wedges: Target similar

Another way I've worn my white jeans is more of a date night look with my python shirt and pop of neon in my necklace and shoes.

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I've also dressed them for a work look with a blazer and my gold heels. I also wore this to Go Blog Social in April to feel put together and comfortable at the same time.

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I've worn them more casually with my denim jacket, a tunic and sandals, I love this outfit and can't wait to wear it again!

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Linking up with:

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Chevron to the Max

I am crazy about this chevron maxi skirt!  One of my good friends actually wore the same one to church, and I knew I needed it for myself.  I also got it for a steal at JCP at only $15.  I'm pretty sure I will be wearing it like crazy this summer.

I actually wore this last week and today have to report to work for a work day. We also have one tomorrow and Thursday.....could be the longest three days of my life....

Denim Jacket: The Limited similar

Top: Old Navy similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot  same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot renegade, moxie, chimera

Skirt: JCP same

Black Wedge: Target similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Find the Right Suit for Your Shape

Well folks, it's officially swimsuit season, and if you're anything like me walk through a sea of suits unsure of what will look good on you.  I decided to take the tips from my  Dressing for Your Shape series and apply them to swim suits.  Today I decided to try to help you all out and share some suits from Target that could be great options for your body type. I've picked both one pieces and two piece options for many of these, but you know your comfort level, so if you're past the point of a bikini (like myself) I've got some great tankini and one piece options too!


First up, I thought I'd share some great options for you ladies who have larger chests.  Below I'm showing four great options:

• The first two are bikinis and what makes these two options great is the wider top and built in cups.  This will give you the support you need when you're living it up at the beach or pool.  
• The third option is a tankini that also has great built in support and the panelled sides will also help accentuate your fab shape.
• The fourth suit comes in red, black and green and also has great built in support.  I also like the halter style because you can easily adjust it to fit your needs. 

polka dot tank / polka dot bikini / color block bikini / tankini

Next I thought I'd share some great suits for you pear shaped ladies:

• The first two options are bikinis with ruffled tops, just because you're a pear shape doesn't mean you can't rock a bikini and the ruffled details will draw the eye up and away from any curves you are self-conscious about.  The bottoms on these two are a bit wider, but a boy cut could also be a great option if you feel a little self-conscious in a bikini brief.
• The third option is a great tankini.  The top is a great stripe to draw the eye up and the basic bottom will help to downplay any curves you'd like to.
• The next two suits use colorblocking which can help trick the eye and downplay curves too.
• The last option is a great one shoulder tank with flattering ruching.  This will also draw the eye up and is a great feminine pink while modest at the same time.

one shoulder tank / pink bikini / color block bikini / stripe tankini / white bikini / color block tank

Next I'll share some great suits for you apple shaped ladies:

• The first option is a loose fitting tankini.  This can help to hide a tummy you're self-conscious about, and the ruffle details will help draw the eye up too.
• The next two options are get one pieces with ruching.  This is very flattering and both suits come in multiple colors. 
• The last option is a long tankini with ruching.  If a one piece isn't for your this tanki is a great option as it's modest, but the details on top help draw the eye up and away from your tummy.

teal tankini / teal tank / polka dot tankini / orange tankini

Lastly, I'll share some great options for your girls who are rectangularly shaped like myself.  I am not a bikini girl myself, and honestly created this with myself in mind.  Just because you're rectangular doesn't  mean you can't wear a bikini, however these once piece and tankini options will help create the illusion of an hourglass figure where there isn't one.

• First is a tank with white piping, the polka dots are adorable and the piping will help create more of a shape for you.
• Second is this beautiful tank with this great angular pattern, This print will help create a shape and the details up top are so perfect too.
• Third is a tank with cut-outs on the side.  There are lots of options for cut-outs this year and this can help to define your waist too.
• The last three options show side panels which trick the eye into thinking you have a more defined waist.  I adore the polka dot and striped one!

polka dot with piping one piece / cut out tank / blue tank / polka dot and stripe tank / side panel tankini / geometric pattern tank

Pineapple Print

This month I added this pineapple print shirt to my wardrobe as a birthday gift from my sister and these green shorts too.  I love the combo together and added my denim jacket to finish off the look.  I wore this last weekend while Brian was a class and Grant was at my parent's house.  It was the first time since I can remember that I had the day to myself.  It started by drinking coffee and watching a movie, then after lunch I went and got a pedicure and treated myself to a moolate'.  That evening Brian and I went out to dinner for my birthday. I'd have to say it was an all around wonderful day.

As for today, it's the last day of school!  Summer here I come!

Also, have you entered to win my giveaway for a $50 credit to The Hidden Trunk here yet?

Shirt: Merona same 

Denim Jacket: The Limited similar

Short: same 

Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot renegade, moxie, chimera

Sandals: J.Crew Factory same

Color Blocking

About a month ago I bought this dress and love it.  We were at my sister's house for Mother's Day, so of course Chelsea and I slipped of to Target while Brian, Grant, and Chelsea's husband were to some sports store.  I was excited when I found this dress on clearance.  It fits just like my print one and I love the color blocking.  I decided to pair it with my teal blazer and necklace from Stella and Dot.  With the exception of Sundays this is one of the last times I'll be really dressing up for a while, school's out tomorrow.  Whoop, whoop!

Dress: Merona same

Blazer: Kohl's similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot  same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot renegade, moxie, chimera

Heel: Nine West similar

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

What I Wore to Work Link-up

Print Love

I was recently contacted by eShakti again to pick out a piece for review.  I worked with them twice last year and honestly didn't love the dresses I picked.  I did the custom fit and still did not like the fit of either dress very well, one was too big and the other was too long in the shoulders.  I was a little hesitant to try a third time, but decided to try anyway.  This time I picked a dress similar to this one because I really liked the print.  I also customized the neckline to make it round, changed the shoulders to sleeveless and the length to above the knee.  I also decided to chance it and just order a medium instead of doing custom measurements.

When the dress arrived I was really happy to see the great print in person and I love the flowy fabric too.  And what do you now, if fits great!  I decided to pair it with my white blazer for a more polished look, but will definitely wear it more casually with a cardigan or denim jacket this summer.

My overall experience was great this time.  I love that I could customize the dress and am happy that it actually fit like I'd like too.

Also, have you entered to win my giveaway for a $50 credit to The Hidden Trunk here yet?

Lastly, check out the styling I did for Susan at Charming Lucy on her blog today. : )

Dress: eShakti c/o similar

Blazer: JCP same

Necklace: Edith Marie  same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot 

Heels: Audrey Brooke similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Styling Services

A few months ago I decided to start offering Styling Services after finishing my series on Dressing for Your Shape. I started to get a lot of emails with styling questions, so felt the transition to services made sense.  I've been having a lot of fun and am actually showing off some styling I did for Susan at Charming Lucy on her blog this week.  I thought I'd show you all today a little bit of the process I go through when styling someone.

First I like to get to know the client and their lifestyle.  I really want to create looks that each woman loves, so I work to learn about their job, stores they like, their budgets, colors they love, etc.  I also like to get a picture of the client, so I can best see their shape and create outfits based on that. After getting these questions answered and picture I get to work.  I work by sourcing pieces that will best fit their needs, lifestyle and budget.  

Then, I create sets with links to all the pieces I recommend.  A recent client was 59 and looking to freshen up her wardrobe.  Her job setting is more casual and she mostly liked to wear pants. She did request a few dressy outfits for wedding and baby showers or other occasions she might need to dress up for. She also wanted a few casual weekend outfits too. She shared some colors she loved and didn't and also mentioned the necklines she preferred. Here's an example of a some of the recommendations  I had for her:

Chambray $23 / Stripe Blazer $35 / Jean jacket $30 / Coral Blazer $35 / Print Henley Shirts each $23 

Loft blouse $50 / Coral Stripe Blouse $20 / Mint Tank $14 / Black and White Stripe Tee $22 / Black and White Stripe Blouse $18 / Polka Dot Tank $13

Merona Jeans $25 / Black jeans $25 / Black, White, and Tan Ankle Pants $22 each

I also created sets for dresses, cardigans, shoes, and accessories to fit her needs too. Then, I went to work to create outfits based on all the pieces I picked. Here are a few examples:

This client requested five hours of styling and in that time I was able to create three and a half weeks of outfits, plus I listed outfit variations and styling tips for each set as well.  Everything was sent to her in a PDF with links.

I'm also working with a client on outfit planning right now.  For this option the client takes pictures of existing pieces in their closet and I create outfit collages with the pieces.  I also make recommendations on styling and pieces they could add to fill closet "holes."  Just as above, I can create 25-30 outfits in five hours.

Like I said, I'm really enjoying this new aspect of blogging.  If you're interested in being styled you can learn more about options here.  You can also email me with questions or to book a styling session.