Happy Hundred

When I checked and saw that I was at 99 posts, I remembered how when I would view other blogs, I could never imagine how each blogger would continuously come up with post after post of inspiring images and information. So, even though this is only my hundredth and most of you are reading are close friends and family members, I appreciate your tuning in from time to time to check in.

Keep staying in tune for more to come!

The Purple Panther

{H&M Blouse, Forever 21 leotard and necklace, Zara skirt, Michael Kors watch, and Steve Madden shoes}

With the incredibly feminine silhouette and fun quality that peplums have on a garment, I am surprised at how long it took me to actually test them out. I am absolutely in love with this blouse from H&M. With a peplum that is lower on the waist than the ones I had been seeing and a blous-y and lightweight look, it is a perfect piece to layer over dark colored skirts and dresses and will be great with a leather jacket and dark pants when it gets cooler. In a deep purple color with an almost hidden panther pattern, it is a conversation piece that is just as easy to wear as it is fun.

Sunday Sunflowers

{Forever 21 dress, Madewell oxfords, Michael Kors watch, and Essie's "Tart Deco" polish}

With the summer heat being almost unbearable sometimes, there is nothing that seems less appealing than clothes that stick to your body. For a warm Sunday I threw on this fun and loose dress with a graphic sunflower print and great details like one black button and a sheer panels. Pairing it with menswear style oxfords and bright pink lipstick add finishing touches to an otherwise fairly simple style.

Dress Up

{This week's pick}

During the summer months, there are a lot of opportunities for casual events. Whether it's an outdoor get-together with friends or an impromptu night out, the blazing heat makes wearing anything feel, well, hot. With a dress like this one from Lulu's, the breezy chiffon is the perfect light-weight material during the summer heat and the bubble-gum pink and blue palette with polka dots adds just the right amount of festive flare for any casual occasion.

--Have a great weekend, everyone!--

Spots + Stripes

{GAP T-Shirt, Francesca's Collection skirt, Forever 21 necklace, Michael Kors watch, Steve Madden shoes}

I absolutely love the look when different patterns and prints are combined to make one completely rad outfit. Through a few favorite images like this, this, and this, I admired how so many others seemed to effortlessly mix and match to print perfection but never thought I could make it actually work. When I saw this pairing, I realized that a simple way to combine patterns is by keeping in a similar color range. With a thin striped T-Shirt with contrasting sleeves and a spotted hi-low skirt in navy and ivory hues, I would say that this trial run was fairly successful.

Heres a few more awesome pattern mixing mavens: 1, 2, 3, 4

Cutouts + Cream

{Madewell top, Forever 21 leotard, Necessary Clothing belt, Zara skirt, Michael Kors watch, and Steve Madden shoes}

Though I am dress person by nature, I have really been into separate pieces lately. I love the way that there are so many options to pair different skirts and tops (like here) and the opportunity to play with textures, various patterns, and shapes. With this cut-out lace top, it is easy to alter it slightly by pairing with a colored tank top or simple blank bandeau for the braver type. The flowy miniskirt keeps this look summery and is finished off with a neon belt for a bit of interest to an otherwise neutral composition. 

Everyday Embroidery

{Zara top and skirt, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's Collection necklace, Essie's "Tart Deco" polish, and Revlon's "Orange Flip" lipstick"

As much as a sucker as I am for bright colors and basically all prints and patterns, I definitely am as much of a fan for simple silhouettes, neutral colors, and minimalist design. However, there always has to be some sort of "interest factor" that goes into whichever piece I purchase. This top has all of these qualities. I love how it wears like a favorite white T-shirt, but is amped up with the delicate embroidery details and longer boxy sleeves. When paired with a classic skirt in a neutral navy, perfectly clunky clogs, and a fun beaded necklace, it's a great outfit for everyday wear.