elements of style v.2!

I recently mentioned how I figured out a little key to simple and lovely outfits... I call it the elements of style.  Through lots of research (painstaking time spent reading magazines and combing catalogs - it's a rough job, but someone has to do it!) I found that there are three simple elements for a comfortable and stylish outfit: something casual, something neutral and something dressy.  Of course, you can always do several pieces in each category, but touching on all three makes for an interesting and cohesive look.

Here I pulled together a simple and gorgeous spring or summer outfit to illustrate the three key elements in place.

(jeans - tried these on and swoon, loved them!, top, wedges, necklace, clutch)

Have a fun and stylish weekend ladies!

my outfit: white denim with Old Navy!

Denim is a no-brainer for me... sure it's practical, but I just love it too.  And while classic blue denim is my go-to for cooler months, white denim takes the cake for me for the warmer months.  It pairs well with just about anything and everything in your closet.  In fact, I can't think of one item in my closet that wouldn't work with white denim shorts or pants.

It never fails that when I post about white denim someone will say "what about staining?"... I have two pairs of white jeans, one pair of shorts and a white denim jacket and I haven't encountered a little stain here or there that hasn't washed out in one try!

Old Navy has tons of white denim options lately, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, shorts and even a cute jacket!  You should pop on over there and check out all the options!  Are you hooked on white denim? If so, what is your favorite thing to pair it with?  Here I went super fresh with white on white and a touch of navy...

Details:
Shorts, Old Navy (c/o) - they also come in several fun colors!
White Oxford, Old Navy
Blazer, Gap
Shoes, Sole Society
Watch, Daniel Wellington (c/o)
Sunglasses, Kate Spade (c/o Shop it to Me)

see you around...

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This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

what to pack: Southern California!

I'm prepping to head west in a few days here and I couldn't be MORE ready for a little break from my mom-duties and for lots of sun mixed with plenty of relaxation.  If you remember I was supposed to go to Southern California a few months ago, but the weather was terrible and then I got sick, so thankfully (!!!) the trip was rescheduled.  So far the weather is supposed to be top notch and I am primed for some serious chill time mixed with some serious shopping and eating. The trifecta of the perfect get-away.

Whenever I pack for a trip I try to choose two colors to center my wardrobe choices around. This way everything mixes and matches well and I'm not dragging a ton of clothes around and wearing only half of them. Usually after a trip I am downright sick of the items I brought because I wear them on repeat so much.  To me, that is success!  For this California trip I am going with lots of neutrals (I'm totally into them lately) and a few pops of color.

Navy, grey and denim are stand-bys in my closet and while they may seem a little on the boring side I made sure to punch them up with a touch of color and texture to keep the looks interesting.  These pieces pack well and are easy to wear so that I make sure that my clothes are just as relaxed as my vacation is. Several of these pieces I have featured on the blog already, but I keep going back to them because of their versatility.  That, and now they are in my closet so I am constantly looking for ways to remix them.

(above: necklace, chambray top, navy top, sunglasses, neon purse, bathing suit: top & bottom, navy maxi dress, v-neck sweater, sandals, destroyed boyfriend shorts, grey dress, pink skinnies)

Do you have any spring/summer travel in the works? I would love to hear your packing tips!

my everyday style: light & peachy!

Three things:

- I got my hair cut!  Actually it was last week and I still feel like I am figuring out how to style it.  Ever have that? I got four inches cut off and some how I can't operate a curling iron anymore.  In my defense I haven't given much time to experiment with it. Life has been a little cray-cray since I cut it.  This style here is a combo of a straightener and curling iron. Labor intensive, but I liked the final product.

- Light jeans. Like, whoa. I am in love.  Last time I wore jeans with this rinse was most likely the late 80's or early 90's. But I am thrilled to be bringing it back 80's style in these parts.  They are the perfect denim for summer too.  So light and fresh!

- Peach. Oh yeah. Peach + light jeans. Double bonus on the 80's front.  (I think this jacket may have shoulder pads in it too... but let's not go overboard, right?!?)

Details:
Jacket, Zara - last year (similar)
Peach Top, Gap
Denim, Gap
Clutch, Deux Lux (similar)
Necklace & Shoes, Sole Society

spring accessory report!

This time of year you, me and your best friend are all stocking up on shorts, stripes, tanks and tees... but what about the finishing touches?  Here I rounded up the top trends for spring and summer that I am loving and that seem to be everywhere lately.

Keep in mind  bright colors, textures and easy of use for handbags this spring & summer... Make sure you snatch up totes for all your picnic and beach swag and on the other end of the spectrum you'll need small clutches or cross-body bags for summer evenings and to pair with your favorite sundresses.

(above: orange cross-body, blue cross-body, woven tote - SWOON!, leopard clutch, "viva" tote)

This seasons trends are all about pastels, Bling!, neon, and neutrals.  There is no need to resist bold colors and fun pieces to pair with your favorite spring and summer dresses.  Pastels bring neutrals like stripes and navy in to the season and also make sure to have some fun neutral pieces on hand to wear in between!

(above: peach/pink necklace, mint/green necklace, bling necklace, marquis hoops, neon bracelet, neon earrings, gold coral earrings, gold cuff)

Make sure you have all the necessary shoe styles on hand... beach ready sandals, a pair of classic wedges, laser cut sandals - super hot right now!, a casual pair of kicks and a bright pair of flats! 

(above: flip flops, black sandals, pink flats, wedges, sneakers)

new neutrals!

I'm having a bit of a split-personality issue with spring and summer clothes these days.  One day I am wearing fluorescent pink jeans or snapping up shorts in every color of the rainbow and the next I crave neutrals to the max with not a speck of color in my line of sight.  What gives?

There are some really great neutral pieces out there right now and neutrals are endlessly easy to wear (maybe it's the ease of use I crave?) so it's definitely not a bad thing!  Here I pulled some pieces together that I am seriously craving.

Are you tending more towards neutrals or brights this season? Or both ends of the spectrum like me?

(above: grey sweater, linen v-neck sweater, scarf, flats, necklace, lip gloss, paint splattered denim shorts)

(above: maxi dress, linen jacket, flats, bronzer, striped top, distressed denim, necklace)

see you around...

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Foodie Friday... my new cooking bible!

I will be the first to admit it... cooking for a family is difficult. The kids complain or can't sit still, the husband wants meat and potatoes and you just want a salad and then throw in after-school activities and it's a mess. Not to mention trying to find the time and energy after an already full day just to put dinner together (that is if you even have any food in the house!).  There are a lot of things going against a "family" dinner.  But studies show that it's one of the healthiest things families can do together: eat together.  It feeds us and brings us together even when it doesn't feel like it does (am I the only one that has to remind the kids a million times to sit straight!?!?).  And I believe those studies.

But talking about it is one thing, having the rubber meet the pavement is another.  Enter this book. I only got it about two weeks ago, but I have already made about four or five of the recipes and all of them are healthy and delicious and best part... my kids haven't complain about ONE of the recipes that I have made.  They have loved them all!  (that is truly amazing!)  Plus, my husband and I have loved them too. Super bonus!

Even if you don't have kids, you will find these recipes to be simple and inexpensive to put together - not too many crazy ingredients. Plus, the book is full of classic favorites, so each recipe is a crowd pleaser as well!

Mad Hungry Cravings by Lucinda Scala Quinn

celebrate MOM!

Happy Mother's Day weekend!

If you are a mom, I sincerely hope you get spoiled rotten this weekend... if you aren't a mom yet, then take some time to spoil your momma a bit!  Mom's deserve it!  For my ideal Mother's Day I would be wearing this outfit for an ideal day of sleeping in, brunching and getting loved on by my kiddos!  I love that it's so bold and vibrant!

In reality I will be soccer-momming it this weekend... my son has a big tournament on the East side of the state all weekend. So my weekend is going to be spent in a fold out chair, in a traveling teams hotel with continental breakfast. Not ideal. But in honor of my soccer loving son - I will have the time of my life - and maybe be sneaking mimosas with the other moms from the sidelines. (wink, wink!)  I think my husband and kids still have a few surprises up their sleeve for me so all will definitely not be lost.

(get the look: dress, necklace, shoes, lip gloss, clutch)

my outfit: playing hooky!

Recently my husband and I took a few hours out of our usually busy schedules to go out for an indulgent lunch and splurge on ice cream afterwards.  The weather was in the low 80's and it felt like summer time when we were young. It was such a fun and refreshing way to catch up with one another.

I knew that a tank would be in order for the day since we planned on dining (and dessert-ing!) outdoors and I wanted to soak up a little sun.  And this linen skirt was a perfect piece to wear on a warm day.  I popped on a little jacket, because no matter what the temps I always seem to get a little chill at some point in the day! My denim jacket was perfect for tagging along.

Details:
Tank, J.Crew
Skirt, J.Crew
Bag, Sole Society
Denim Jacket, Gap (very old)
Sandals, Old Navy (c/o)
Bracelet, Towne & Reese (c/o)

see you around...

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style basics: shorts!

Style Basics is a little mini-series here on the blog that takes one specific piece of clothing and breaks down all the styles WITHIN that piece.  A dress is not just a dress. And as it turns out, shorts aren't just shorts! There are tons of available styles of shorts and likewise an unlimited amount of ways to style them.

For illustration purposes I scoured the J.Crew website to pull their images and styles of shorts because they do a really fabulous job of illustrating not only the various styles of shorts, but the many many ways to style them.  Blazers, button-ups, tees and cardigans can all be complimentary to the perfect pair of shorts!

chino short: (cheaper version)

this classic summer short is available in endless colors and lengths.

pairs well with tees, oxfords or a summer sweater.

fleece short - on sale!:

a glorified "sweat short", perfect for casual weekend wear

wear with tees, tanks and a pair of chucks!

white denim short: (cheaper version)

a modern spin on classic denim shorts, white is classic and fresh

can be dressed up or down with a blazer or a striped tank.

denim short: (cheaper version)

the end all be all of casual summer comfort, DIY a pair from an old pair of jeans to save money

these shorts are virtually a blank slate, pair them with tanks, tees or a chambray top.

chambray short:

a light-weight short that is perfect for a super casual day at the pool or beach

perfect with your swim suit and flip flops!

striped short: (cheaper versions, these or these)

this uber nautical style is quintessentially summer

pairs well with basics like a white tee or a touch of floral.

scalloped short: (cheaper version - so cute & under $20!

this short has a unique scallop feature at the thigh for added interest

wear these shorts dressed up with a blouse and a pair of pumps.

board short:

this style is not just for the boys - pack a pair in your pool bag!

wear with flip flops while strolling the pool deck.

What are some of your favorite styles?

My personal favorites are the denim options, the stripes and the chinos!  

see you around...

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summer stock up! finds under $25!

Summer is THE time to stock up on fresh and fun inexpensive pieces for your wardrobe!  Why the heck not? Bold shorts, tees, tanks and sandals in every color of the rainbow and they are all yours for the taking... and for a steal!

For me, fall and winter are the times of the year when I focus on good and quality investment pieces and wardrobe builders. But in the warmer months I like to let all the rules fly out the window and have fun with fast fashion and cheap thrills.  Every girl has got to have some fun now and then, right?

All these gorgeous pieces would fit beautifully into any summer wardrobe and I will tell you what - the price is definitely right!  Splurge a bit on yourself, without even splurging!

(above: black dress, lilac tee, straw tote, earrings, bracelet, sandals, packing list - so need one of these for summer trips!, pink shorts)

(above: earrings, green tank, chambray top - if you don't have one yet, I highly recommend this one!, belt set - two for the price of one!, fruit scarf, clutch, espadrilles)

see you around...

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my everyday style: shorts season!

It's insane to think that a few weeks ago it was snowing and now it's shorts season. Michigan, you never fail to surprise with your wiley weather ways.  No complaints here! I broke out the shorts like a natural.

I loved that these two pieces, the peter pan top and the destroyed denim shorts, were not a likely pair but lent themselves perfect to a casual but stylish look.  (Using my formula the shoes were "casual", the shorts were "neutral" and the top was "dressy"... )

It always feels a little awkward this time of year to go from covering your whole body to save your life to just making the switch to shorts and tees all of the sudden. Right? Do you feel that as a viewer as well? Your favorite blogger covered head to toe one day and then the next in half the clothes? Or do you feel that with yourself? Are your legs and arms a little shy this time of year?  I definitely feel it, but when you are sweating your tail off in jeans... resistance is futile.

Details:
Top, J.Crew - on sale!
Shorts, Old Navy (c/o)
Watch, Daniel Wellington (c/o)
Bracelets, Sole Society
Bag, Sole Society
Shoes, Superga

see you around...

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