Different Dots

{Forever 21 dress, Via Spiga heels, and Michael Kors watch}

It's funny how the way of dress is different depending on where you are. While southern women are known for their love of "getting dressed", since I've been home, I've noticed mostly a parade of casual attire. I love how this dress is sort of a median between casual and that little bit extra. And, although it looks like just another polka dotted dress, with dots that are slightly buzzed in appearance, bell sleeves, and a triangular cutout in the back, it really is anything but that. 

Hues in Blue

{H&M Shorts, J.Crew sweater, Francesca's Collections necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Juicy Couture heels}

I absolutely love the monochromatic look seen in styles like this, this, and this. However, as fabulous as these girls all look, I don't think that I am brave enough to try something like that just yet. By working in the blue family with a pair of royal blue shorts and a navy striped sweater, I was able to test out an outfit that includes plenty of blues, but with a little more variety in their hues. 

{Have you ever tried out glasses like these? They look ridiculously geeky, but I kind of love them}

Surprise from Behind

{Forever 21 dress and heels and Michael Kors watch}

At first, this dress appears to be checked off for every qualification for a just a "nice" dress: princess puffed sleeves, colorful (loving this emerald!), and swingy skirt. However, with just a turn, the back is anything but just "nice". The cutout is an intriguing, almost abstract teardrop, shape that when applied to a dress like this one, has a great balance of just an ordinary everyday dress, to one that has a little more interest to it. And, when paired with these floral perforated Mary Jane's from Forever 21, there is a certain summery feel that comes from it, as well.

Vintage Confection

{Topshop vest, Necessary Clothing top, Vintage skirt from Shareen, Steve Madden shoes, Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

I fell in love with this vintage skirt about a month or so ago when I saw it at Shareen Vintage's New York location. I am always drawn to vintage prom dresses and skirts, especially those in palettes that resemble that of pastel confections and with lovely full skirts. I knew that I wanted to wear this skirt for a special occasion, as it feels special when worn, and my last day in New York this summer definitely felt like one of those occasions. 

Dress Up

{Pick of the week}

I am a huge fan of long sleeved anything. There's something about a sheer long sleeve that just really suits me. In the summer, though, long sleeves are usually the farthest style from our mind's when we are getting dressed. With this dress's cut, color, and fabric all very summery, the long sheer sleeves from this Nasty Gal style perfectly compliment it's breezy feel without adding too much heat. Are there any cooler month pieces that you usually wear all year round? 

These are my last few days in NYC before I head back to Texas for a few weeks. This weekend I plan on going to the Met, hitting up a few vintage shops, and drinking way too many Swedish Berries Iced Teas from Coffee Bean + Tea Leaf. What are your weekend plans? I'd love to hear.

Seeing Spots

{Necessary Clothing blouse, Forever 21 skirt (old), Michael Kors watch and sandals, GAP body camisole}

While I always wear this blouse because it goes with absolutely anything, I was tired of wearing it with the usual navy skirt. When I spotted this leopard print skirt in the corner, I loved the way that the black from the overlay and the outline of the spots mimicked the placket and pockets on the blouse. It was a fun way to switch up a usual outfit, and was the perfect way to tone down a print a bit. 

Basics

{Madewell blouse, Topshop vest, Zara skirt, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors watch}

While I usually wear this blouse with a more casual pairing, there is no denying that it is a perfect top to pair with nearly anything--dressed up or down. I love the way that it looks with inky colors to mimic the purples, blacks, and blues that are hidden in the print. And, by adding a (faux) leather vest and my favorite chunky shoes, there is just the right mix of femininity with some amped up pieces, as well and are easily great basics to separate and make new outfits.