Neutrals Are a Girl's Best Friend.

Neutrals are necessary. They make life wonderful and easy and create a wonderful palette for bright or saturated colors. If you have a great neutral sweater or shirt you can do whatever the heck you want when it comes to your pants, shoes, or accessories. One of my favorite things in the world is to wear a white t-shirt or tank top and jeans and then add a bright colored scarf or necklace or fun shoes. Alright, lets cover neutrals 101.



There are some key neutrals that every girl should have in her closet. A perfect fitting white t-shirt and tank top is an absolute must. Don't spend a ton of money on this item because you have to replace them every few months or so to avoid yellowing and wearing a shirt full of stains. Target has my favorite white t-shirt for 8 bucks. A gray t-shirt or tank is also a great and necessary buy.

A great tan or grey sweater or cardigan is another necessity in your closet. I would even suggest buying different style sweaters in that same neutral tan and gray. Tan and grey sweaters are great for almost any occasion, and they are great in the spring or even summer when you are out at night and might need something light to throw on later. Also, like neutral shirts they are a blank canvas so you can have lots of fun with them. I absolutely love the look of dark jeans, a white tank or t-shirt, and a grey or tan sweater. Throw a narrow brown belt around the sweater and throw on brown boots in the fall or winter and nice brown leather sandals or flats in the spring and summer and you've got a super classy fantastic outfit with almost no effort. You could wear a super fun colorful necklace or you could keep it neutral.

Denim is a key neutral item you absolutely need in your closet. Now, i'm not suggesting you go for the full Canadian Tuxedo look (full denim outfit), but denim is good. Jeans, jean skirts, jean shorts, and jean jackets are great all the time. A good thin denim jacket is one of my absolute staples in the spring and summer. It looks great with any color and it's just clean and fresh and classic. Just don't bedazzle it.

Good neutral (non-denim) shorts, capris, or slacks are also a must. They make getting dressed incredibly easy. If you are working in the corporate world you can do endless outfits off of one khaki or grey skirt or pair of pants. These kind of shorts are my favorite for summer. They look nice and look less casual than denim. Old Navy has really good ones because you can buy different lengths depending on what looks best on your body.

Guess what... Leopard print is a neutral. Yep. Stop looking at me like that. It's true. There is almost no color that doesn't look great with a leopard print accent like these flats, a thin belt, or lightweight scarf. If you aren't sure you are brave enough to wear leopard print near your face, then try the belt or the shoes. You won't regret it. You could wear a leopard print accent with the outfit I described above and you would look darn fantastic.

A neutral purse is also a must. Get a beige or camel colored purse and the outfit combinations are absolutely endless. Grey also counts as a neutral and so does really pale colors like blush. The reason grey, camel, and blush work as full neutrals is because you can actually pair them with any color. It takes more work to pair darker browns if you are wearing black or other colors (although they do work). If you are going for ease when it comes to getting dressed, than stick with those three colors.

Go have fun! Neutrals are not boring. They are wonderful. Wear them, love them, rock them.

Teaser alert!!!! 


In the next few weeks I will be doing a full post on Stella and Dot Jewelry. Also, this will be the first post that will consist of pictures of me with the outfits I put together. I apologize for that now. Stay tuned!!

Wedding Bliss: Bridesmaids 101

Dear Brides,

Don't punish your friends! These people are (allegedly) your best friends and the most important people in your life so treat them that way. Think about them and their body shapes when you think about dresses and create the look for your bridesmaids around that instead of just what you want. Keep the dresses flattering and if you must let them pick their own style so they can look their absolute best. If you are totally against letting them pick their own style, then make sure you pick one that looks good on every body type or else their discomfort will show in all your pictures. Do you really want that? I didn't think so.

The color combinations, jewelry options, shoe possibilities, and dress styles are almost endless so I can't show you everything but I wanted to put together two different outfits just for a visual aide.



Rule of Thumb: keep the colors complimentary but not too matchy matchy when it comes to shoes and jewelry.

If you want to go for a super classic look (and by classic I mean timeless and beautiful, not 80's) you could do something like the grey and blue outfit above. The grey dress is simple but gorgeous and flattering on almost any body type. The royal blue heels and earrings are a great pop of color but don't overwhelm the simple dress. I love pearls with grey, they are both so timeless.

If you are going for a little more of an edgy look, the black, red, and gold are awesome. These might seem strange for a wedding, but if it's not outdoors in the summer you could really pull it off. I love this dress and red shoes are always fantastic. Because of the color combo and the detail on the dress I kept the jewelry simple and understated.

Bottom Line: No matter your wedding style think about your bridesmaids! Also, keep in mind how much money the outfit will cost altogether unless you are funding it yourself.

I also highly recommend including your bridesmaids in the process of picking out the outfits they are going to wear. Make them feel important, included, and special! Also, make sure you get them gifts. Don't be stingy when it comes to the people who are shelling out quite a bit of money, time, and energy to be part of your special day.

Sincerely,
A Fellow Future Bride

Be Bright, Be Bold

What do the 80's, lightbright, black lights, and Spring 2012 have in common? Neon! Yep, neon is back. Now, don't go crazy. Just because neon is super in right now it doesn't mean you should wear ALL neon all the time, it just means that you should consider adding neon touches to your outfits because it's awesome and adds some great pops of color. Behold!



Not too bad right? The key to neon is to not go overboard. If you are wearing neon jeans or shorts don't wear a neon shirt. Make the neon the statement piece and wear something neutral with it. I actually really like the neon jeans with the neon yellow shoes, but that is for the utterly fearless! If you are unsure about neon then wear it in small doses or else you won't feel comfortable.

With the black evening dress I thought it would be fun to go with a neon color block pump. These have black in them too which in my opinion makes them a little more funky but also a little less casual. If you are wearing a solid black or solid white dress have fun with the accessories!

The white t-shirt dress from Anthropologie (or any totally white dress) is the perfect canvas for neon accessories. White is so bright itself that it works so well with the bright colors. Throwing on a neon belt and carrying a neon handbag is the perfect pairing with this dress. I didn't add shoes to this one, but you could totally wear neon shoes if you didn't have the neon bag. Remember the key: don't go overboard! I love the look of white and neon and it makes it a little less scary to have the accessories be bright and bold instead of your actual outfit. I will be doing a full blog post on Stella and Dot jewelry in the very near future, but I just wanted to let you know that Stella and Dot has some great neon jewelry coming.

I included the picture of the neon bracelets as an example of the fun you can have. Start slow and ease your way in if you aren't sure about bright colors. Also, bright colors ARE NOT JUST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE! If you are over 30 and want to wear neon colors, then do so! Just follow the same rule so you don't look like an eccentric old lady.

So, say yes to neon.

Summer Blues

I love spring and summer. Love them. Although, I gotta be honest with you... I love every season. I love them all for different reasons, and by the end of each season I am stoked for the next one. Usually about a month before the season actually changes I am thinking about what great outfits I get to wear because of the different weather. The flip side of this love for seasons is that I get very upset when it's 90 degrees in January and 50 degrees in June. It is just wrong. Anyway, all that to say I love spring and summer.

I also love blue. It is refreshing and energizing and pretty. I especially love blue with white and yellow. Hence...



I put this outfit together by thinking about what kind of outfits I would want to wear if I got to spend a weekend at the beach. When I think light, comfortable beach wear I think light flowy fabrics like linen. The light blue tank I have here is from J-Crew and it's linen. I love the pin tucks on the top because it makes it narrow up top and then flares out from right below the bra-line. The other shirt I have here would be great for the evening when it gets a little cooler, just be sure to put a white tank or something underneath it.

I know white is not easy to wear, but I love these J-Crew white shorts. They are a thicker fabric so they won't be see through, but the still stick with the bright and light theme of this outfit. Make sure that you buy shorts according to how they look on you and not what size the tag says. I know it's tough to get away from the number, but believe me, with shorts you have to. Designers all make their clothes differently and you can't just grab a pair of shorts that are "your size" and leave the store without trying them on. Shorts can be incredibly difficult to find the right fit, so you need to gear yourself up for trying on a bunch of different pairs before you find the one you like. Make sure they are not too short or too tight or you will run into the "ride up" issue when you walk and that's no fun. Lastly, no matter how thick the fabric in your white shorts, wear neutral colored underwear! Nobody needs to see how cute your floral underwear are.

Ok, onto the accessories for this outfit. I LOVE BIG FLOPPY HATS!!! Ok sorry about that. So here's the thing, I love big floppy hats but I have a big giant head so I can pretty much never find one that fits. Sad right? But, I have not given up. I will find one. They look awesome and they protect your face and shoulders from the sun. It's no surprise I'm sure that I have aviators on here. I like them. You could definitely pair this outfit with some oversized sunglasses as well if you're not into aviators. I threw in the scarf just because it just adds a special little flare to your outfit for the evening if you're going out to dinner or for an evening walk. Make sure it's a very thin light fabric. To keep things easy I just paired the outfit with yellow rubber flip flops from Old Navy. They are cheap and come in all kinds of colors. I love the yellow with the blue. The belt is here simply because I am constantly pulling up my pants, so it's kind of a reminder for me to go buy a belt. Also, it's cute!

The bottom line is when you are putting together summer or spring outfits (especially for the beach), keep it light and keep it simple.

Wedding Bliss: Bridal Showers Galore

Stressing over what outfit to wear to your shower? It's a big deal! You need to be comfortable sitting, standing, taking loads of pictures, and opening presents (that's the point right?). Make sure you wear something that you like and you are comfortable with. If you are not a dress girl, then don't wear a dress! You can dress up slacks and look just as great. I decided with this post I would show you how to wear pants to your bridal shower because I know that not everyone loves wearing cute little dresses (sometimes, I don't!). So, here we go!



So, now that I'm looking at this outfit more I would like to ask you a favor... Don't wear this to my bridal shower because I want to. Ok? Thanks!

I know most of you are thinking "white pants? What now?!" White pants are totally doable as long as you wear the right underwear and the right size. Do NOT go too tight. I love white capri slacks in the spring and summer, they are so fresh and light. One more thing, make sure the fabric is not super thin. It needs to be lined a little bit.

I love this watercolor-y top from Anthropologie. It's got amazing color and I love the frill and the different shoulder straps. Also, the length of the shirt will help hide anything you want hidden on your rear end.

I decided to keep the jewelry simple with just straight up gold. It's easy but glamorous at the same time. I pulled the shoes and the bag from the colors in the shirt. They aren't an exact match which I love, they complement but are not matchy-matchy.

I hope this helps you "Non-Dress" people think of great outfits to wear for your bridal shower (or showers) and other bridal fun times!

Secrets Can Make Friends.. I.E. How To Shop On Little to No Money

I have this problem. I like things I could never afford. Since this problem is not going away for the forseeable future, and I have this suspicion that I would have a very difficult time paying $400+ for a pair of shoes even if I could afford them, I am forced to find ways to imitate what I see and fall in love with.

It's actually a lot of fun believe it or not! I consider it a challenge to find items of clothing or accessories or shoes that look really expensive (or originally were very expensive) for as cheap as possible. I rarely buy anything that isn't on sale unless it was cheap to begin with (even then it feels better when it's on sale!) so it makes shopping a little more difficult, and it means that I can't just buy whatever I see, but it also means that I get to go shopping more often because I am "keeping an eye" on certain pieces of clothing to see when they go on sale and how cheap they can get. I once waited about two months for a shirt that I really liked and I ended up getting it for $4. This is risky, but fun nonetheless. My motto is, "if it's not still here in the right size and color when it goes down as low as I want it to, then it wasn't meant to be mine." Is that sad that I have a motto about bargain shopping?

I am going to reveal my secrets to you now so listen carefully.

1). TJ Maxx and Marshalls: I would cry if they ever took these stores away from me. I own a pair of $300 shoes because I found them at Marshalls for $20.

2). H&M: This is one of the few stores that I can buy things at regular price, and they are awesome. They tend to have a good selection of retro clothing which I love so I go into conniptions whenever I walk in there. P.S. They are opening one at the Temecula mall. I did a happy dance when I saw the sign.

3). Target: You know what I mean.

4). Forever 21: This store overwhelms me. However, if you can block out the horrible music, bright florescent lighting, and the hordes of Jr. High girls, you can find some really great deals. Especially on jewelry. I bought a necklace there for $3.50 and I love it.

5). Anthropologie sale section: Check it every few days at least and sometimes you can find some really great deals. I got a $120 sweatshirt for $10 about a year ago.

Alright, now you have them. My not so secret bargain shopping secrets.

Wedding Bliss: Speaking Out For Groomsmen Everywhere

The title of this post might be a little misleading. It's not just about groomsmen, although I do them a huge favor. Really, it's about styling your wedding in a way that reflects you as a couple and that makes sense with your venue and date. But seriously, at the end I do help the guys out. 

I've been thinking about a job lately that I think would be pure awesome. Wedding stylist. Not wedding planner, not wedding consultant, but stylist. The job would be to meet with brides and help them create  their vision for their big day, but I wouldn't have to deal with the crazy of the actual day (awesome right?!). The goal is for everything about their wedding day to represent the couple, and works together to create their perfectly "them" wedding day.

This is something I did with my brides when I was a bridal consultant, and something my fiance and I are doing now. It's important to ask questions so that you can get an idea of what look you are envisioning in your head and then move toward that vision in your planning. Unfortunately, a lot of brides don't quite get that if they are doing an outdoor wedding in July then they should probably move away from the giant ballgown with the 8 foot train that weighs 75 pounds (if we're lucky) and the black formal tuxes for the guys. There is only so much a bridal consultant or wedding consultant can do to sway them toward picking a dress and bridal party attire that not only fits their personality but fits their venue and wedding date.

If you're getting married in the summer (especially in Southern California), why not give your groomsmen the gift of not suffering from heatstroke? It's really the best present you could give them. Put them in a lighter material and color and Ta-dah! You no longer have red-faced, sweaty groomsmen in your pictures for the rest of your life. Also, they will still be your friend. I always feel bad for the guys. The girls get to wear little summer dresses while the guys take one for the team in heavy polyester blends.

This is summery perfection:

Apart from the fact that his suit doesn't fit very well, this is appropriate for an outdoor summer wedding. Heck, I'd even adios the jacket and let the guys wear vests and fun shirts instead.

P.S. I'm in love with this dress. 

15 Tips for Dressing Well Every Time You Step Out of the House

I posted these 15 tips for dressing well on my old blog, but I think they are so good I'm going to post them again. These tips are universal and can be applied to any body type, any style, and any age. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for them even though I want to. I found them in the October issue of InStyle Makeover. There are 50 of them, but I don't feel like listing them all so if you want to see them all let me know and i'll get them for you. Alright, here we go!

1). Accessorize in Brights: Bright accents make any neutral outfit go from "meh" to "what up?! I'm awesome." Pick a brightly colored purse, scarf, piece of jewelry, or pair of shoes and you are good to go. They can be paired with a white t-shirt and jeans with very little thought or emotional distress for you.

2). Know Your Stretch: This one was somewhat new to me, but super helpful. The secret to perfect fitting jeans that don't lose their shape is at least 2% lycra. Stretch is good, but don't abuse it!

3). Show Skin Strategically: This is key to not accidentally looking like a street-walker. If you are wearing shorts or a shorter skirt/dress, don't show too much skin up top or vice versa.

4). Consider the Wear and Care: Decide how much effort you are willing to put into caring for your clothes before you buy that really beautiful top that needs to be dry cleaned. Be honest! If you are not really going to go to the dry cleaner or hand wash things that need to be dry cleaned or hand washed, don't buy them. You'll wear it once and then not be able to wear them again when and if you get it dirty.

5). Embrace Your Shape: This should be the first tip on the list. Seriously. Find out how to dress your shape and you will feel great all the time. The tough part about this is that sometimes you will have to pass up trends because they don't look the best on your shape. If you are petite and shapely, avoid column shapes or billowy maxi dresses even if you love them and they look so good on tall people. Look for dresses with a defined waist and a fuller skirt. You'll love how tiny your waist looks and how the skirt flows over the areas you might be insecure about. If you are unsure how to dress your shape, just ask me. I would love to help you!

6). Make a List Before You Shop: This is like your grocery list but in reverse. Instead of making a list of what you don't have, make a list of what you do have. Write down your favorite pieces of clothing in your closet (or take pictures of them!) so when you are shopping you can be confident that what you're buying will fit perfectly into your existing wardrobe.

7). Hit the Dressing Room Prepared: When shopping for a special occasion bring the proper undergarments with you. This will ensure that you buy the right size. I've bought a fitted dress in one size and then brought it home and wore it with those awesome things that suck you all in and the dress was too big. Bummer right? Also, you'll love the way you look in the dressing room instead of hoping that it works once you get it home.

8). Always Check Out the Rear View: Don't leave the house until you love how you look from every angle. If you don't love it, fix it or it will drive you crazy all day.

9). Round Down in Denim: We've all stood in the dressing room going back and forth between two different sizes of jeans wondering which ones to pick. Fortunately, I have the answer. If it has at least the minimum amount of stretch that I mentioned before it will stretch out a little so go with the smaller size. Now, this is only if they fit! If they won't button, that is not the size for you. However, if both size fits but one is just slightly tighter go with the tighter one and you won't have that saggy butt conundrum.

10). Edit Your Closet: Don't cram your closet so full that you can't see everything you own. I am NOT good at this. If you have questions about this, check out my sister's blog www.twentypieces.org. Her and her friend Julie will tell you all about editing your closet.

11). Open Your Mind: Don't just assume that something won't look good on you. Try it on, but be honest with yourself on how it looks. You might be surprised with what you find!

12). Own At Least One Thing That's Leopard: Yes. I said it. Leopard! It's awesome and a really fun neutral. You can do leopard shoes, a leopard belt, or even a leopard sweater or shirt. Please don't wear them all at the same time though. Only one piece at a time!

13). Never Buy a Boring Coat: Outerwear is a really easy and fun way to spice up an outfit, so take advantage of it!

14) .If You Have a Limited Budget, Spend it on Accessories: Buy classic clothing and have fun with accessories. You can buy cheap accessories that look great and add a major punch to your wardrobe.

15). Create Your Own Lookbook: I thought this was a really good idea. If you put together an outfit that gets lots of compliments, take a picture and save it on your phone or computer. That way when you are trying to recreate that look or create another one you can remember what you did that everyone loved so much.

So, there you have it. Fifteen of the fifty tips from the magazine. These were the best in my opinion and I hope they help. Just remember, shopping or getting dressed does not to be emotionally scarring. If it is, just call me and i'd love to help. I hope you find these tips helpful! Just remember, have fun and dress the way you are comfortable. Don't wear something simply because it's trendy, wear it because you love it and it looks good.

Easy, Light, and Breezy.

Nothing says spring more than a light and breezy dress with simple jewelry. I put together a simple spring/Easter outfit that will take you no more than 2 minutes to put together. That is my guarantee!



Owning (and actually wearing) cute spring dresses makes getting dressed 100x easier. No worrying about matching or pairing, just stick it on and grab some accessories! This Anthropologie dress is a great spring look and it's super flattering on every body type.

The even better part about this is that your accessories can be super simple too. A gold bracelet and earrings, leather sandals, and some big sunglasses and you're good to go! If you wanted to dress this up a little more you could wear nude pumps instead of the wedges.

See? Done. 2 minutes. I promise. What you do with all your extra time is up to you. I would sleep, but that's just me.