My favorite outfit combo for the office during the spring/summer is a dress and heels. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Dresses are a grab and go kind of look that totally tricks others into thinking you spent time and effort to look good. Think about it, there is no top/bottom matching necessary, you just need shoes and maybe some accessories, and done!
Now, how adorable is this dress?!? The different shades of purple, hot this season, the ruffles and check out the adorable high neckline. I simply love everything about this dress. It was passed down to me from my sister, that's how I do thrift shopping without the $ tag.
Tee-hee-hee.
I threw on a white blazer for the the office, since it can be chilly with the air conditioning, but forgot to snap a picture. I also pulled out these big, dangly, tassel earrings to add a little flair to the outfit. I've had these beauties in my stash for a few years now but they don't get worn nearly as much as they should. Stell and Dot doesn't carry them anymore but I fournd som great options for cheap down below.
What's your summer office go-to?
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A little bit boho. A little twist on the chambray shirt. A little bow on the side. What more could a girl want in a blouse? I've had this in my closet for close to two months and I can't believe I haven't shared it on here until now. Like the kimono I styled a few weeks ago, a wrap shirt was on my spring/summer wish list (see here). I actually stumbled upon it when I was frantically searching for a straw bag that I could order online within Canada and I found it at Zara, along with this top. The great thing about Zara now is that you can order and ship back for free. I instantly knew I wanted this top and ordered it in both small and medium because I often find their sizing varies. For reference I keep the medium, mostly for the length.
This blouse has too many cute details. The obvious ones being that it's a wrap shirt, the side tie-up can be done in multiple ways but I prefer a big bow. The sleeves have a bit of the balloon shape to them, the tassel tie-ups on the sleeves add to the boho, care-free style that I love for this time of year, and also the delicate embroidery ion the sleeves. For $50 this shirt really had it all for me. I can wear it casually out and about, or to work. I can't wait to pair it with some denim and white shorts in the summer as I run errands around the city, or head to the farmers market.
I recently wore this when we went out to watch the Cirque Du Solei show Crystal. It was nothing short of phenomenal. The talent, ability, strength, story, characters, were all incredible. I was so glad we were able to share the experience with our girls as well. They left inspired and in awe of the performance, and of course a huge appreciation for the arts and the performers.
What are your wish list items going into summer?
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Crossover Blouse with Lace Trim (Zara)
Kate Spade Wallet (eBay)
Guess Rhinestone Sandals (similar Guess)
Spring has finally arrived!!! Last week we began the week with a snow storm and four days letter we were into full on spring with a balmy +19C. All the animals, humans, in hibernation stormed the streets in celebration of the spring that we were all worried would never arrive!!!
Like many others we took advantage of the weather to get outdoors, get our scooters/bikes out and head downtown to walk by our beautiful river. I of course took advantage of the weather, location and my new found spring energy to get a few outfit shots in.
I can't think of a better color then the bright yellow to welcome spring! I had been searching for a yellow kimono for quite some time and stumbled upon this one at Winners of all places. Honestly, I had given up on finding it locally when to my surprise there it was. I absolutely fell in love with it and immediately snatched it up. I've already wore it over a tunic, a white tee, and I think it'll look fantastic with jean shorts during the summer.
My other favorite spring/summer addition has been this Zara straw bag. I really wanted the bamboo one form Amazon but getting it shipped to Canada was $$$ so I found this great alternative. Zara now has a great return policy and I was able to purchase a few items without worrying about whether they would be the right size, since knew I could ship them back free of charge. The purse is quite large and I am able to fit my wallet, make-up bag and there was still room for more stuff.
I hope that wherever you live you are enjoying the spring weather too. This weekend I plan on having some patio drinks and getting outdoors with the family as much as possible. What are your weekend plans?
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A few weeks ago I decided to join Ruth from My Little Nest on her 5x5 challenge. Basically you pick out 5 staple pieces from your closet and you use them to recreate 5 days worth of outfits. You can add flare to the outfits by using accessories, shoes, bags, and jackets (at least I did). A couple of things I loved about this challenge were:
a) creating multiple outfits out of so few pieces was so much fun and it really makes you think about which pieces are versatile in your closet.
b) I absolutely loved not having a closet full of choices. I like choice but often become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices and have a difficult time making a choice. SIDENOTE: I was recently listening to a podcast and the speaker was talking about how we actually increase anxiety in our children, and frustration for ourselves when we give children an infinite amount of choices. They weren't saying don't give them a choice but narrow it to 2 or 3 options rather then a store full. I find it difficult to make a choice and not second guess myself when I have a closet full of options. With only 5 base pieces to work with I was able to quickly choose my outfits for each day and get going without fuss.
I choose business casual pieces because I needed them to work for the office environment, though most people did a casual selection of pieces. I went with a floral dress, basic black pants, a fuzzy white sweater, chambray and floral top. My black pants can take me a long way, as it's totally acceptable to wear basic black bottoms over and over again. A good fitted pair of black pants are a MUST for anyone who works outside of the home. Let's take a look at my creations.
Day #1 Dress & Sweater
I made it more into a skirt and sweater on this first day. I've done this trick before with this dress and a different sweater here.
Day #2 Chambray, Black Pants, Blazer & Some Pearls
My chambray top is soft and somewhat casual looking for my office space. I spruced it up by throwing on a navy blazer and you can never go wrong with adding pearls to the mix. My sweet co-worker loved it so much she recreated it!
Day #3 Dress & Denim Jacket
For a brief moment it felt like spring and so I thought I could do bare legs and flats!!!! It was super brief as we got more snow shortly after :( and now everything is melting, brown and disgusting. Sigh. But for this one day it was glorious and my hopes were high that spring was here.
Day #4 Cold-Shoulder Floral & Black Pants
This top makes a statement all on its on. I always feel polished and springy in it! It's definitely in heavy rotation the last few weeks as I am trying to incorporate more 'spring' feel clothes into my wardrobe but am finding resistance from the weather in Saskatchewan.
Day #5 Fuzzy Sweater on Repeat
Added a touch of color to this B & W ensemble with burgundy heels. My trick for wearing cute shoes in winter is, I wear my boots/rubber boots/sneakers to work and then put on my cute shoes once I actually get there. :)
That's a wrap. Loved this challenge and can see myself participating in it again or even just randomly choosing a week to do 5 X 5 by myself.
What 5 pieces would you choose?
Hello everyone. On Wednesday, I released a Tween Easter Basket Ideas List and today I am focusing on my own needs/wants wish list for spring 2018. I started to compile a list of things I NEED to replace and things that I really WANT to add to my closet. I am Type A and lists are my thing. They keep me from nickel and diming my monthly budget on things that aren't a priority to me and keep me focused when I become overwhelmed by all the choices in the store or online. I took off January and February off from shopping and only shopped my closet and now I am back with my monthly budget of $100. In less then a month I am going to Portland for a learning experience and also I will have an opportunity to do some shopping!!!! This little list should keep me on track while shopping over the next couple of months. Here we go!
Let's look at what I NEED for spring.
1. White Jeans. Mine ripped a year and a half ago and I haven't replaced them. I know, I know, that's crazy. My plan is to get myself over to ON and get a pair of their Rock star jeans because the price is right, and I love their high-waist fit.
2. Nude Heels. These are a staple in my closet. They go with everything and I wear them on a weekly basis to work. Dresses, jeans, dress pants, pencil skirt, etc. I can't live without a pair. My favorite hands down pumps are the Nine West mid-heel.
That's it for NEEDS, other than a new bra and bikini, which I am not ready to shop for yet. Now onto the WANTS. I WANT, I WANT, I WANT....
1. Straw bag. Yes, I am in love with this trend and this is one of my splurges for the spring. I originally wanted the straw bag but wasn't able to ship it to Canada, so I found this great alternative from Zara! I have ordered it and can't wait to get it next week (fingers crossed). Zara now has free shipping and returns in Canada. Oh happy day.
2. Statement Sleeves and Stripes. This is my other March purchase from the Bay as it was on sale. I really wanted a wrap shirt with an oversized bow. This one has much more than that. It has bow on the back, fun stripes, embroidery and balloon sleeves. Oh man, I hope it looks good on me.
3. Denim skirt. I finally caved last year and got rid of two of my denim skirts. One was more an office type of denim skirt that was just too big, and the other I picked up for a country concert that I absolutely loved but it always felt a little snug and therefore made me feel self-conscious about my body. This year I want to purchase one that's just right, not too big, not too small, but just the right size for me.
4. Colored denim. I saw these lavender jeans at the Gap Outlet store on the weekend while shopping with my mom. I didn't try them on but intend to go back and pick them up probably with my April spending $. I can just see well they would pair with my new wrap shirt.
5. SHOES. I love shoes. So I want a pair of mules and bright flats. I found these great options at the Bay but I think I am going to hold off on purchasing them until I go on my trip. As mentioned above my favorite shoes are Nine West so if I can score some good deals at their outlet store while on my trip, I would be a very happy girl.
6. Statement earrings. I am all over fun, colorful, bold, ball earrings this year. And also colored tassel earrings. They are such an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to any outfit and with the price being right, I don't mind if I only wear them for a couple of months or for many.
6. Wrap/ruffle dress. Okay this isn't for me, but for everyone else. Dresses are my favorite, next to rompers, to buy. The truth is I DON'T NEED anymore spring dresses in my closet but if I did, this is the one I'd be drawn to.
What are your needs/wants for spring/summer?
What have I missed?
Oh, and tell me you favorite place to buy a bathing suit.
