Tribal Tattoos

Ironically, in the last post involving this skirt I discussed tattoos. What I didn't disclose at that time, was that my tramp stamp is of the tribal nature. Go ahead and judge, but you know that you have one, dated someone with one, or regretted (up until 2005) that you didn't pull the trigger on one yourself. Thankfully, I'm still in love with my tribal art; however, it might be because I barely see it...it being on my lower back and all.  If I had put it around my bicep (only if I was a dude), I'd have turned it into something else already...like a sleeve. Sleeves are cool.

Vest, tank, bangles, and ring via Crossroads, Target skirt, Calvin Klein heels, Stella & Dot necklace, Skaagen men's watch, Express earrings, BCBG Sunnies

A Case for Ankle Straps

If I've been obsessed about anything lately, whether in viewing blogs, celebrities, or people on the street, it's ankle strap shoes. This little piece of material draws attention to a slim part of your leg and makes those heel inserts unnecessary! Double score. Try 'em for yourself here, here, and here.

 

Target dress (last worn here), Silence & Noise blazer, Bacio 61 Betulla sandals, vintage scarf worn as a bracelet, BCBG sunnies, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick and Minted nail polish

Date Night

I might have loved my outfit, but I love my arm candy more. Thanks for a hilariously awkward date, honey.

Fashion Star for H&M dress, Vince Camuto sandals, Hobo clutch, Loft necklace, Target earrings, Stella & Dot ring

Apples and Oranges

When it comes to fashion, I have a lot of ideas, so I figured, since I have this great avenue, which is an outlet for expressing my thoughts (aka this blog), I should go ahead and share them. Therefore, welcome to my newest feature, "Apples and Oranges," where I will offer two ideas, one that might be a "don't" and explain my reasoning, followed-up with a "do." A sort of blog-based consultation on some easy pitfalls and how to look and feel better as well as more on-trend. These ideas might will challenge and maybe take some practice in getting used to something new in comparison with something comfortable. I encourage you to take on these challenges (maybe in the comfort of your own home at first) and change something that you may not have thought about that works even better!

My first focus will be on the empire waist versus peplum. Although the empire may have struck back in George Lucas' eyes, I have to disagree. When discussing figure flattery, we've somehow been convinced that the ribcage is the location to highlight, but let's pretend I've given you a belt - where do you put it? The most flattering place (unless we're doing a low-slung look) is the natural waist, or about an inch above your belly button. Repeat after me: "My natural waist is an inch above my belly button." Regardless if your shape is straight up and down, apple, or athletic, this is the promised land and where your body naturally starts to curve out towards the hips. Therefore, if you have less than an hour glass figure, this trick will appear to give you those enviable curves. With the intention of "covering up our middles" through the empire waist, we've started to draw attention to them by covering up the slenderest part! This idea also applies when you consider not tucking a shirt into an a-line skirt - the same tent like shape is achieved. The "tummy" that some of us (including me) struggle with is expertly covered by the beautiful flounce of fabric that a peplum provides.

Exhibit A: A slender model in an empire waist tunic and a peplum dress. Which is more flattering?

So, pull that waist line down a bit with a peplum top, or, be like me and create your own with a belt or knotted blouse.

In the Navy

As much as I've been focusing on winter items in the summer, there is something incredibly "summer" about a navy blazer, especially a double breasted one with gold buttons.

H&M blazer, Gap tee, J.Crew skirt, Aldo pumps, BCBG sunnies, Revlon Persian Melon lipstick, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's, Nord Rack, and Crossroads bracelets

Summer of Leather

I seem to have developed a trend these last few posts (unintentionally, as a matter of fact) of focusing on items that aren't necessarily summer ready. First burgundy trousers, then a sequined jacket, now leather shorts (last worn here). While I don't suggest attempting leather on a humid day where the temps will reach 90 (Hello, Swamp A**!), on a night of mid 70s it's definitely do-able...especially if you're spending the evening in air conditioning! These beauties would also look great with gladiator sandals, a chambray sleeveless shirt, and an ivory crochet vest.

H&M blouse, LC by Lauren Conrad shorts, Nine West sandals, no name clutch via Crossroads, Target necklace & bangle, XXI feather earrings

Summer of Sequins

 Going with the theme of surprising colors or textures to wear in the warmer months, what about sequins? I'm sure that in mentioning that word, your thoughts go immediately to New Year's Eve, Christmas, bachelorette parties, or drag shows, but I have attempted to show you that sequins are daytime appropriate (here and here). However, I understand the trepidation in pairing these sparkles with espadrilles and linen. I looked at my favorite item of sequins this morning and thought, "Can I do this?" The answer was an overwhelming "Yes!" once I actually put it on. Sometimes that's all it takes. I mean, what's the worst that can happen? You look in the mirror and go, "Eh" or maybe even "No way, Jose" and put it back on the hanger. This is the reason that I have begun to do less separating of what to wear when by not switching over my entire closet each season. Another option I'm seeing for these sequins is with a graphic tee, cut-off jean shorts, and Chucks.

Steve Madden espadrilles, Gap jeans, Old Navy tank, Anthropologie jacket, Hobo clutch, Francesa's cuff and necklace

Summer of Color

Burgundy? In the summer? Soitainly. Just pair it with tangerine and magenta, so it becomes a neutral and summer ready with a new cropped 'do, coral lips, and retro sunnies. Any colors that you think are for fall/winter only? I'm thinking mustard, evergreen, and pumpkin. So let's see...mustard? Hot pink and mint. Evergreen? Orange and lavender. Pumpkin? Cobalt and turquoise.

H&M peach blazer, Francesca's tank and earrings, Target belt, XXI trousers, Calvin Klein sandals, no name clutch, Revlon Coralberry lipstick and Gold Coin nail polish

Honey Lover

An African proverb states, "Bees sting him who loves honey." My honey comes in the form of pretty, shiny, sparkly, colorful, tasty things. The sting is felt when I review my bank balance.

H&M tank and ring, Francesca's skirt, bangles, and necklace, Nine & Co sandals, no name clutch from Crossroads, Nars Schiap lipstick, BCBG sunnies

Jump On It

I consider myself a child of the 90's and I am not ashamed to admit it. I had a perm with straight bangs and was a part of a hip-hop dance group called the Houseketeers. My street name was "Jade" and we wore silky hammer pants and black Reebok high tops with sequined headbands and suspenders. The point of the group was to perform choreographed routines at park district events or school dances, but we also volunteered and were a part of community events. If you don't believe me, I've got proof...as long as you have a VHS.

In the spirit of the 90's...and jumpsuits, I'll leave you with this song. Dance like it's Friday!

Target jumpsuit, necklace, and earrings, Silence & Noise blazer via Crossroads, Nord Rack bib necklace, Jessica Simpson pumps, Halogen purse, Revlon Cherries in the Snow lipstick, Essie Sure Shot nail polish, BCBG sunnies

The Walk

Express blouse, Loft belt worn as a scarf, NY & Co skirt, Nine West sandals, Halogen purse, BCBG sunnies, Aldo ring, Revlon Certainly Red lipstick

These photos, particularly the last few, remind me of one of my favorite new songs, "The Walk" by Mayer Hawthorne.

Understatement

To say that I am feeling the color orange, might be the understatement of the season (as seen here, here, and here). Right along with saying that I love rainbow sprinkles, Mumford & Sons, coconut water, and ankle strap sandals. Or that Jessica Biel has a great body, e.e. cummings didn't like punctuation, and that this is a bride's worst nightmare. 

What's your understatement?

Target tee, belt, ring, and earrings, American Apparel blouse, Gap boyfriend jeans, J.Crew tote, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick, Calvin Klein heels

She's a Lady

Zara sweater, BB Dakota skirt, XXI flower, Kensie sunnies, Nars Schiap lipstick, Enzo Angliolini shoes