Fashion For All Ages: Easy for Mom's Spring and Summer

Hey Mamas! I know it's been awhile since we've done a post just for you, so here it is! I put this outfit together at the beginning of this blog and ran it by my cousin Adria. I LOVE this outfit, and she did too. This kind of outfit is your key to looking fantastic while still not taking too much time in the morning, and totally doable with your little munchkins.



Boyfriend jeans are fantastic for ease, comfort, and style. Make sure they are not too baggy or else the style element goes out the window. Keep them on the dark side too, these jeans in the picture are as light as you would want to go. The other great thing about boyfriend jeans is they tend to be higher waisted so they will cover any baby belly you have left, also when you're bending down to pick up and tend to your kiddos you won't have to worry about the dreaded butt-crack situation.

The cute flowy tank with the flower detail is a great way to dress up a little without being too dressy. It's simple but cute. Just make sure it's an easily washable and not easily stainable fabric. The Flowiness of this shirt will also help hide any leftover baby belly.

The accessories on this outfit are intentionally simple. Just a simple leather bracelet, my favorite aviators, and a simple green leather cross-body bag. Like I've said before, aviators are awesome. Enough said. Cross body bags are great when you're running around and doing a ton of different things at once. They don't have that annoying habit of falling off your shoulder and smacking anyone who happens to be walking next to you on the head.

The shoes are simple and you could really do whatever is comfortable for you. I love these flat leather sandals, but you could easily do flats or even cute sneakers.

I hope this helps you feel and look great as you do the most important job in the world. Enjoy!

Spring Pastels Don't Have to Scream Easter Party

Even though it's cold and rainy right now spring is just around the corner. I love spring and I am anxiously awaiting the warm days and increasingly warmer nights. I also love spring clothing! It's beautiful and light and wonderful. Pastels are huge right now and so great for every day wear. However, if pastels are worn in the wrong way it can look like you are going to an Easter brunch on a daily basis. The key is to mix pastels with stronger colors and bold prints. You can color block with pastels too, but just be careful.



Let me start with the fact that wearing pastel jeans or pants is not always your best option. However, I love these pale pink crop jeans. If your heaviest part of your body is NOT your lower body, then rock the light color pants. If it is, it may not be your best option because it is going to accentuate and show all of the things you probably want to hide. You can always pair a pastel top with dark wash jeans or gray slacks and get the same springy awesome-ness.

I love bright saturated colors like coral and that kind of shamrock-y green with pastels. I included the coral skirt and the green and coral flats in this post because I love how they make the pastels pop even more too. You could pair those pale pink jeans with any shirt on this page and throw on the bright colored flats or those yellow heels and look put together but effortless. Those kind of pants can be dressed up or dressed down depending on what shoes and shirt you pair with them. I'm drooling over those pants and the green t-shirt with the coral flats or even the green flats. Ok, back on track now...

Pairing pastels with coral or green helps to break up the Easter brunch look and really make the pastels stand out too. If you are brave enough, white pants would also look awesome with any of those tops or shoe combos. The key once again is to make sure you have the perfect fit when you are wearing light colored pants. If they are too tight you will see every crease and bump. If they are too loose they won't look good at all. Also, make sure you wear the right underwear. Wear neutral colored underwear and underwear that is not going to create any lines whatsoever.

With all the bridal showers and fun fun stuff coming up this spring and summer I'm totally loving the pastels... I want these outfits. Don't you?

How to Wear Color All Over and Not Look Like A Clown

I love love love color, but I know it scares some people. Color can be absolutely wonderful or it can go terribly wrong. The key is to make it look intentional, and to not go over board with your accessories. You have endless options when color blocking or pairing bright colors on top and bottom. Also, how many of you are feeling like me right now and REALLY want the outfit I put together below?



The key to not looking like a clown is to make your color bold but simple. These colbolt blue khakis from Gap are actually very simple even though they make a very bold color statement. They are also a great casual look but can be dressed up as well. If you have really short legs, roll them up a little higher than they are on the model. If you have long legs, then rock the longer length. The brown/orange belt on these is really great too, it just pops with the color. You can pair these pants with a bright colored shirt like the one we have here, or you could go super simple and pair it with a white t-shirt or button up.

I love deeply saturated blues and tangerine orange together. This Anthropologie loose T is a great fit with these pants. The color is bold and bright but not a hot mess of neon. The stripes in the shirt also help to soften the brightness of the orange. However, if you are brave you could totally wear a solid orange shirt and these pants (color blocking! it's big right now).

When you are wearing bold colors keep your accessories simple! Keep them neutral and not attention catching. Your outfit itself is the statement so keep your accessories in the background. As for shoes, I really like the shoes in the picture actually! The oxfords are simple but look put together. You could also pair this with simple leather sandals or brown ballet flats.

See, color isn't scary! Embrace it, love it, wear it. Ok? Thanks.

Wedding Bliss: Engagement Shoot

As of last week I have some big news... I am getting married!! So, with all the fun of planning a wedding my brain instantly goes to "what am I going to wear to everything?!" I had the idea of doing a wedding series giving you ideas of killer outfits to wear to all those different wedding events. First things first, the engagement photo shoot!



I think it's really important to have at least two different, but complementing outfits. The colors of the dress and the scarf complement each other but don't look identical, while the green sweater adds an extra pop of color to the jeans and white tank top. I think it works really well with your photos to have one slightly more formal look (a cute little summer dress like this one is great when you are taking photos when it's warm) and one casual but put together look.

In order to keep your photos looking classy and nice make sure that everything you wear, whether casual or not, is in good condition and fits your body well. If your trouble area is your belly, don't wear that belt with the sweater. The dress shape is great for pretty much anyone (i'm wearing a black dress like it right now... love), since our photos will be taking place in the spring I paired the dress with sandals, but you could easily pair a dress like that with tights, boots, and a sweater if you are taking pictures in the fall or winter.

You can have A LOT of fun with shoes and cute accessories. Keep the basics of your outfit classic, but play up your style with accessories. This will ensure that your pictures don't scream the decade you took them in. Keep your jewelry simple in the fact that it doesn't have a ton of sparkle in it, because it will catch in the light and could cause a strange glow coming from your ears, neck, or wrist. Also, you want to make sure that gorgeous sparkly thing on your left hand has center stage.

Make sure that whatever you wear will photograph well. If you're wearing white, make sure it's thick enough that it doesn't go see through in the sun or the flash. If you are wearing black, make sure you wear black undergarments, because nothing is worse than your white bra showing through your black shirt or dress when the flash goes off.

The important thing is that your pictures reflect you as a couple. If you are not the type of girl that would wear a little full skirted dress like this, then don't wear it. Wear what fits you and your fiance's personality, just use the guidelines to ensure you look your best because these pictures will be around forever. No pressure right?

Have fun and enjoy your engagement, I know i'll be enjoying mine!!

Orange You Glad I Wrote This Post?

Have I ever mentioned how much I love orange? Well, I love it a lot. The tough thing about orange is that not everyone can wear it near their skin. So, if you don't have the gift of pulling off orange but still love it, this is how you can wear it. I know, you love me.



Keep the basics of your outfit neutrals and splash in the orange. The one orange stripe on this sweater is one of the great ways you can wear orange. Because it is sandwiched between the gray and cream the orange won't be right up against your skin or your face especially. The other great way to get orange into your outfit is your shoes. These Michael Kors flats look super comfy and they are super cute. Orange makes me happy, I don't know about you, but little splashes of bright colors like orange just brighten everything up. I really want this outfit... anyway, back on track.

The brown leather bracelet, gray/brown bag, aviators, and straw fedora just add some extra flare to this super simple but eye-catching outfit. Easy right? Remember, there are very few colors you can't wear, it's just knowing how to wear them. Make sure the colors that are closest to your skin and face do only good things for you, but have fun with the rest.

Making Basic Denim and White Awesome

I get a lot of comments about my ability to accessorize, so I decided to give you a little demonstration on how to turn your basic jeans and white t-shirt look into an outfit that looks like you spent a good amount of time putting together your outfit, when in reality it'll take you five minutes. Color is key. Adding little pops of color and fun will help spice up any outfit. This is the fun part of fashion and getting dressed so learn to embrace and enjoy the freedom of a clean canvas like jeans and a white t-shirt.



1). Scarves: Scarves are one of the easiest ways to spice up such a basic ensemble. You have so much versatility with scarves because depending on the time of year, your style, your favorite colors, and your mood that day, you can find a scarf for it. Also, they can be really cheap. Always good right?! I really love thin, light weight, floral print scarves with white t-shirts and jeans because they really pop. Also, you won't get hot even if it's warmer outside.

2). Fun Necklaces: Costume jewelry is a great way to spice up a simple outfit. You can pick whatever color, size, shape, and style you feel like that day! If you like chunkier necklaces you might want to consider wearing a v-neck so you don't feel so top heavy.

3). Oversized Sunglasses: Do I need to say much about this again? Oversized sunglasses are a great way to glam up a simple look. And they protect your eyes from retinal damage. Think about it.

4). Bright Colored Sneakers: I love brightly colored sneakers.... love love love them. You could easily combine #1, #3, and #4 and have a super cute and totally complete outfit. The fun thing about bright sneakers is you can pick whatever color you want and feel great and fun when you wear them.

5). Fun Flats:  Flats are an extremely versatile shoe and if you're not feeling the whole sneaker thing or if you want to be a little dressier they are perfect. You can still pick a bright color or even a pattern and add a lot with just one pair of shoes.

6). Fashion Hats: Hats are a fun way to add glam and style to a simple outfit too. I'm not always a fan of fedoras on guys, but I can appreciate the straw fedora on a girl. It's summery and light and cute and doesn't need a lot of embellishment. You could pair the hat with flats and a fun necklace or a fun scarf. You will probably need to go smaller with the sunglasses, but aviators look great with these kind of hats.

7). Bangles: Sparkly bangles or chunky bracelets are also a great way to add flare to a simple outfit. They are easy and cheap and fun. You could pair them with any combination of the other accessories or wear them alone.

8). Statement Bag: Bags that have a lot of detail, bright colors, or deep saturated colors really help to ramp up a simple outfit. I really love this deep kelly green bag, although it's from some european company that I don't know. If you've ever wondered where to find really great bags in a bunch of different colors, TJ Maxx or Marshalls is your answer. They have a good range of styles, prices, color, and quality. Your purse does not have to match your shoes or your accessories, but it helps when it coordinates if your goal is to look perfectly put together with minimal effort.

So who's willing to try this with me? Take your most basic outfit and see what you've got in your closet to spice it up! If you have nothing, hit up Target.

An LBD for Everyone

I'm going to warn you now, this post is long. Now that I've warned you, we can move on. With Valentines Day fast approaching many of you are probably starting to think about what you are going to wear. The Little Black Dress is the perfect classic for a nice Valentines date night, but just because it's black doesn't mean it's flattering. So I'll show you the perfect LBD for every body type and age, and throw in some awesome accessory ideas too.



1). The first dress is great for anyone in their 20's and 30's and especially perfect for anyone who is trying to accentuate their waist and have a little bit more coverage up top. The lace gives the dress an extra feminine and vintage feel.

Accessories: I paired the first dress with a nude peep toe, teal clutch, and gold earrings and bangles. With this dress you would want to avoid wearing a necklace because of the lace neck line of this dress.

2). This is a great dress for any hourglass figure at really any age. It's also great if you want to look sexy but still covered up. The thin black belt just helps to accentuate your tiny waist without cutting you off in the middle. You could easily pair this outfit with the accessories above, but I'm gonna give you some other ideas too.

Accessories: I decided to keep the accessories for this dress classic but with a bit of flare. The shoe is just a classic pump in a darker leopard print. This style shoe will hep elongate your leg and keep the line of the dress. The pink clutch and pink earrings add a little valentines day color and the black and gold bangles are just pretty. If you have short arms, don't wear as many of the bangles. This dress doesn't need a necklace either, but you could wear one if you really wanted to, I would just make sure it's long.



3). This flirty one-shoulder is great for a pear shape. It will accentuate your smaller upper body and float over your lower body straight from the smallest part of your waist. Because it's a flowy skirt make sure it is not too short. This is probably a style you want to stay away from once you are over 35. If the skirt was straight you would be fine, but the skirt makes the dress look really young (unless it goes down below your knee, then it's totally 1950's awesome and anyone can rock that).

Accessories: Because this dress has so much flare and personality on it's own I decided to only add color in the shoes. Red pumps make almost any outfit look amazing, but they are even more perfect for valentines day. The rest of the accessories for this outfit are sparkly but simple. A silver clutch, crystal drop earrings, and a silver chain cuff just bring it all together. Once again, you don't need a necklace because of the neckline of this dress. It will probably fall funny anyway.

4). If you are the type that wants to cover their arms or you are just cold because it's February and most likely night time when you are going out, this dress is great. Because it is a wrap dress style it is great for pretty much any body type. I really like the thin colored belt for a touch of fun, but you could always go just with black too. The ruffle on the shoulder also adds some fun and whimsy.

Accessories: Disclaimer! These accessories are only stinkin' awesome if you ditch the pink belt. Ok, now we can move forward. Nude strappy-back pumps, a pale green (snake skin! eww!) clutch with a chain strap, and this great simple long leaf necklace. The whole look is understated, but the dress has enough going on that you don't need over the top accessories.

5).  I absolutely adore this retro halter top dress. It's got so much detail and if you have more of a straight body type or a pear shape this will be great on you. The fit is great for hour glass and apple shapes as well. My one caution is that if you are chesty be careful with halter tops, they can make you look stuffed up to your chin. If you are brave add an extra petticoat underneath the skirt for some extra 1950's flare.

 Accessories: I love these accessories. Red peep toe pumps with an ankle strap go perfectly with the retro feel of the dress, and the silver and red combined with the black makes me happy. The chunky cuff bracelet in that vibrant red will really stand out without being too much. I kept the earrings and the bag simple because the dress, the shoes, and the bracelet are such statement pieces. If you have thicker calves and don't have much of an ankle I would recommend wearing a pump without the ankle strap, it will elongate your leg instead of truncate it.

6). This last dress is great if you are pregnant or hiding a little baby weight (or just a little tummy weight). The tank top v-neck style allows you to wear whatever bra you need to if you are chestier and can't pull off a strapless bra. Be careful to make sure that you are not spilling out all over the place because of the deep V. If you need to get one of those lace cami bras that won't add any bulk but gives you the extra coverage you might need. This dress is just so pretty, it's lacy and feminine but gives you the shape and coverage you might be wanting.

Accessories: I included two different pairs of shoes in this set because I had mentioned that this dress is great when you're pregnant. So, if you are pregnant (or just don't like wearing heels) I wanted to give you a flat option as well as the fun heels. I kept all of the color in the shoes. Both the red flat or the purple pump are awesome and super cute. Either way, you will look adorable and stylish. The jewelry and bag are simple on purpose. The silver earrings and chain cuff add just a touch of sparkle without overdoing it against the lace dress and colored shoes. The nude clutch is the perfect addition to this outfit. It's simple but super cute.


Alright. Are you as exhausted from reading all that as I am from writing it all? One thing you might have noticed is that none of these dresses are shapeless. There are very few people who can pull off the totally shapeless dress look, and honestly it's not the most flattering on anyone even if it can look awesome. I can say that your man probably doesn't want you in a shapeless dress anytime, much less on the day dedicated to celebrating love. So, take these tips to flattering your unique body type and rock what you've got!

Hopefully I gave you some ideas for your Valentines night out or just any dressy night out. Send me pictures of whatever you chose to wear out ok, I want to see what my readers are doing with their clothes and style!