Black + White

/ Dress by Me / Necessary Clothing belt / Primark clutch / David Yurman ring / Zara heels /

Lately I've been particularly drawn to bold black and white stripes. There's something about them to me that is so classic and stylish, and I love when there are touches of color to accent them off. I made this knit dress my sophomore year and had never worn it, so when I saw the black and white striped bell sleeves peeking out of my rack in my closet, immediately I went for it. The fabric is two-sided (one with stripes the other with polka dots) and the play on the combination with the fun sleeves and sort of scalloped hem made it a dress that I will definitely be putting on more frequently in the future.

What do you all think? Do you like it? I'd love to hear feedback. 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week! 

Home Improvement

 / Photo from The Life Styled /

As much as I love color, I have a special place for neutrals, as well. However, even with neutrals I can shift between both ones with texture and prints and ones that are super monochromatic and solid. This week's Home Improvement post features a living room setting that has a glamorous feel using neutrals of gold, blacks, creams, and whites, but playing up the lack of color with glitter, polka dots, chevron, and fur throws. The light colored couch, walls, and table keep the room light and airy and allow the accent pillows to provide the perfect amount of pop and interest to the space. Can't you totally picture sitting here reading stacks of magazines and chatting with girlfriends?

What do you think of printed and textured neutrals in this week's room?

PS-How amazing is that gold pillow?

Home Improvement

left photo via

Do you find yourself doubting your projects when you're at work? I know this is something that I am definitely guilty of. When working on a project for a while, similar to staring at a paper you're trying to put together, it is hard to appreciate it for the spark from where the initial idea came from that caused you to act on it. This week's Home Improvement feature is a fun take on a bit of self-encouragement for an office setting (or wherever you see fits). Though at first it came across as a bit overwhelming, I love how when doing a double take, the words can come across as almost like a graphic wallpaper print. If these walls could talk they would definitely keep inspiration flowing and get ideas back on track to where they were. Also, how cute is that little orange polka dot desk organizer? I love how the sea-foam scissors holder and desk organizer pop against the other-wise only black and white desk. 

Would you ever try a wall like this one?

Tuesday Shoesday

Okay, so these boots are kind of amazing, right? Since it's finally fall, and boots are starting to make their ways out of our closets and onto our feet, the yearly admiration of new styles being paraded around is in full swing. This pair from Opening Ceremony is definitely a pair to be admired in so many ways. From their obviously incredible polka dotted pattern, to the little zipper tassel, they would be perfect paired with chunky sweater dresses or coated denim.

Denim Dots Dazzle

{Forever 21 shirt, Topshop pants and heels, and Michael Kors watch}

One of the infinite reasons that I love fashion is that there are literally endless opportunities to meld together new looks from different pieces. While I usually reserve this baggy denim button down for an easy throw on top, when worn with fuzzy dotted powder blue pants (!) and glittery Mary-Jane's, this is one combination that has the perfect mix of trendy and classic. 

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. 

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.

(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

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

Denim + Dots

{Zara top, Forever 21 skirt, Necessary Clothing belt, Michael Kors watch, GUESS? heels, Revlon "Orange Flip" and Chanel's "Rouge Velvet Allure No. 37" lipstick, and Kate Spade iPhone case}

While I am a huge fan of a polka dot of any kind, sometimes they can be seen as juvenile. By pairing this longer length pleated polka dot number in a neutral navy with a chambray button down, neon belt, and a combination of lipsticks, it creates a more grown up version of a more younger classic but still with all of the whimsy that I love so much.