Penny For Your Thoughts

{GAP jacket, Joe Fresh T-Shirt, Forever 21 skirt, Michael Kors watch, Necessary Clothing belt, Bracelet from SoHo vender, and Topshop Penny Loafers}

When my sandals split in half a few weeks ago, I had an excuse to replace them. Of course, knowing me, I opted for a pair of penny loafers, instead. They have the perfect sort of vintage-looking-look to them while still being made in a modern sense. And, by actually sticking pennies in their little slots, have a bit of added charm, as well. I loved the way that they looked with a pleated polka dot skirt and a crisp white denim jacket and chartreuse belt.

Knot What They Seem

{Banana Republic jacket, Top from Anthropologie, Madewell shorts, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors watch, and Bracelet purchased from a SoHo vender}

Don't get me wrong, I love skirts just as much as the next girl. However, there are some days that you want to run around without worrying about having a Marilyn moment in the street. That's where these shorts come in handy. Yep, you read that right. Shorts. They look just as dainty and feminine as your favorite skirt, but have that added "I'm actually a pair of shorts" factor, as well. And, in this great "electric citron" color, as Madewell calls it, are perfect for summer when toned down with a great grey knotted tank.

{You can even do high kicks in New York City streets if you want. Which obviously, you do.}

Dress Up

{Madewell's Silk Brushflower Shirtdress}

While anyone can claim that a certain color can be easily worn as a neutral, browns are one that I feel are often overlooked by the black, whites, grays, and ivories of the palette. With their perfect blending of not milky like a cream and not harsh like a black, browns seem to have that effortless natural look to them that always looks great. A perfect dress for a brunch meet up with friends or casual work outfit, here are reasons why this Madewell frock made this week's pick.

1. Their website claims it to be "A fresh spin on utilitarian chic," and I couldn't agree more. With an army jacket, tights, and some heeled ankle boots, this will be a great go-to look when the temperatures dip down a little.

2. As a shirtdress, it is easy to wear by nature. Differently, though, there appears to be a slightly more structured straight stkirt than the typical cinched waist and A-line style, which makes it all the more interesting.

3. The floral print is amazing and by being placed on a brown and black dress, it doesn't automatically scream floral as it would had it been in a different color, and showing floral's less frillier side.

Have a great weekend!

Lovely Lattice

{Isaac Mizrahi for Target top, Forever 21 skirt, Michael Kors watch, and Madewell oxfords}

When it comes to basic pieces, changes in the little details, like adding lattice-style cutouts to the sleeves on this Isaac Mizrahi top, are what make them special. By pairing this festive skirt with a navy blouse instead of a more neutral tone, it brings the outfit to more of an everyday summer style instead of 4th of July.

Graphic Static

{Urban top, Zara skirt, Topshop necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Steve Madden shoes}

There is something that always interests me about graphic abstract things. The way that I don't know exactly what the pictures are and the fact that they look like graphic drawings of television static are part of why it is going to be one of my favorite new pieces to easily switch up for day to night pieces. When paired here with a navy skirt and a necklace that looks like shards of electricity and light, it has just the right amount of funky elements while still looking polished and not going overboard.

Uniform

{GAP T-shirt, H&M skirt, Madewell oxfords, Francesca's necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

In high school, where a uniform was instilled, my weekly wardrobe was made up of polos, oxfords, and plenty of plaid and khaki skirts. Though the days of an assigned wardrobe are over, I still enjoy having a few outfits that I consider to be a go-to, easy to put together and wear look. With a classic skirt in an easy shape and color paired with a striped T-shirt, there is just enough interest in this otherwise basic look when paired with a great beaded necklace and watch.

Basic & Brocade

{Topshop T-shirt and shorts, Steve Madden wedges, and Michael Kors}

I am usually not a shorts person. I always feel that they look weird on my legs and un-finished when I wear them. However, when they lean towards the dressier side, they are usually more in my liking. When I saw this brocade pair, the gold and sea foam color create the perfect combination and in getting them a size larger, have that relaxed fit that adds comfort, too. Since they are such as statement style, I paired them with a nubby basic T-shirt, gold accessories to match, and some fun chunky wedges so that it wasn't too dainty and gold.

Dress Up

{Sky Collar Dress}

I always love when something simple and classic is updated with a new and modern twist. This dress by Sister Jane is every bit that lovely LWD but is updated by involving the popular contrasting collar addition in an amazing sort of outer-space like print. I even love how the dainty flower cutouts on the dress seem to almost juxtapose with the collar. This dress seems to be perfect for that feminine girl that is every bit the fan of quirks and whimsy, as well. 

Have an amazing weekend, everyone.

Summer Styles

I have been thinking a lot about what I think can really go into creating a fun summer look. When it comes to creating multiple outfits from certain individual items, these are some of the components that I feel make great summer staple starters. How's that for alliteration?

Denim Button Down: If you haven't seen them around enough lately, they really seem as if they are the new classic white oxford. With their neutral-like denim and easy to wear vibe, they work with anything from a floral skirt to a pair of silky trousers.

Sequin Tap Shorts: While I haven't managed to actually take a pair of these out for a test run, I have been eyeing them for quite some time, now. They are great to match with everything from a plain white T-shirt and colorful flats to a lightweight blouse and heels for a night out. Even if you wear minimal jewelry, or none at all, they manage to make a statement all their own.

Neutral Wedges: These should be in every girls' closet. A great shoe to wear almost all year round, they are that perfect shoe to wear when you want to wear heels without looking like you are trying too hard. For summer, by finding a pair in a shade that is similar to your skin tone, it can create an illusion of an extended leg. Who doesn't want to look just a little taller? Am I right?

Fun Jewelry: Finally, an abundance of different styles of jewelry is essential to creating that finishing touch to any outfit. Whether it be a small ring, crazy stack of bangles, or a combination of various layered necklaces, jewelry is a way to easily have the ability to change how an outfit looks and feels.

What are some of your current favorite summer styles? I'd love to hear.

(Milk) Maid in Manhattan

{O by Organic dress, Topshop necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Guess? shoes}

I have always been quite the fan of the milkmaid braid that creates a sort of headband or crown of braids across the top of the head. However, they appeared to be difficult to execute, and even harder to stay put for a busy day of running around. Today, though, they were the perfect pairing to a sweet polka dotted dress that I amped up with a triangle decorated necklace in bright traffic cone orange. They were easier than I expected, lasted the whole day, and managed to provide a fun alternative to a bun to sweep the hair away from my neck.

Have you ever tried to do the Milkmaid Braids? Here are some of my favorite ones: 1, 2, and 3

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.