Guest Post: College Colors

I want to wish a very happy birthday to my awesome little sis Jenn, who I'm featuring on today's blog post!  She is heading off to college in the fall.  Her school's colors are blue and yellow.  For a casual family party, she wore this royal blue top (her school color!), black jeans, and beige slip ons.  I really like the details on this top, like the ruched sleeves and draped front.  We always have fun when we take pictures together!  Love you Jenny and hope you have an amazing birthday!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Delia's (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans:  Delia's (similar at American Eagle)

Shoes:  Roxy (similar, similar by TOMS)

Linking up with Perfectly Coutured, Vodka Infused Lemonade, and Penniless Socialite. 

Black and White Print

I wore this sundress on a warm afternoon over the weekend.  Because this dress has a lot going on with all of the prints, I kept the rest of the look pretty simple.  I paired it with my straw clutch, perforated flats, and bright blue scalloped earrings.  My mom gave me this cute bag for my birthday and I am so excited to wear it a ton this spring and summer!

Outfit Details:

Dress:  American Rag, Macy's (similar)

Bag:  Bosom Body Bags, The Flag Lady (similar)

Flats:  H&M (similar)

Earrings:  Bauble Bar Blue Marquise Earrings (similar)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with My Girlish Whims, Get Your Pretty On, Transatlantic Blonde, and Because Shanna Said So.

Pool Time

Memorial Day this year meant a lot of pool and barbecue time.  I went for an easy run at Valley Forge in the morning.  It was nice to see so many people there out and about enjoying the beautiful day.  When I got home I made sure to use my favorite sunblock by Mary Kay for laying out by the pool and playing yard games.  For my face, I like to use skincare and makeup products that have SPF, like Mary Kay's Day Cream or CC Cream.  On my body I used the lightweight Mary Kay sunblock, which I highly recommend!  Check it out below - it is available to order online!

Outfit Details:
Cover Up:  J. Crew (similar, similar)
Bikini Top:  Lucky Brand, Macy's (similar)
Jean Shorts:  J. Crew Factory
Sandals:  G by Guess, TJ Maxx (similar)
Sunglasses:  TOMS
Lipstick:  Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Rosette
Sunblock:  Mary Kay Suncare SPF 30

Linking up with Life's a Party Dress Like It, Style Elixir, and I Would So Rock This.

Daisy

I felt like wearing something sunny and happy yesterday, so I went with this daisy Lilly Pulitzer skirt and added more flowers in my necklace.  The top I am wearing is actually a t-shirt dress, but it is the exact match to the navy in the skirt, so it works well with it.  We started the day out to breakfast (yum, Nudy's!) and ended with a pool party and seeing Godzilla (meh).  Looking forward to more of the same today.  Happy Memorial Day!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Lilly Pulitzer T-Shirt Dress in True Navy (similar)

Skirt:  Lilly Pulitzer Erin All Summer Long via Rue La La (same on eBay, sort of similar)

Shoes:  Adrienne Vittadini, DSW (similar)

Bag:  Michael Kors (similar)

Necklace:  Bauble Bar (similar)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with On the Daily Express & More Pieces of Me, ChaCha & Pink Sole, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas.

Rainy Day

There's something about rainy spring days that makes me want to wear bright colors.  This pink top was a recent purchase.  I really like the subtle pattern, plus the keyhole neckline.  I definitely think it will be getting a lot of wear this summer!  I paired it with my basic black pencil skirt and a structured white jacket for work.  I've had this jacket for years.  I remember it being a bit of a splurge at the time but I recognized that the quality material, classic shape, and interesting details would make it a piece I would wear for years and I definitely have!  You can really find some great things at Banana Republic.  I've had a number of things from there for years and they are still in excellent condition.  Are there any stores you would recommend for quality clothes?  Share in the comments!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Elie Tahari Kree Blouse in Laser Pink

Jacket:  Banana Republic (similar, similar, splurge)

Skirt:  Ann Taylor

Shoes:  Nine West Flax Pumps, Macy's

Bag:  Michael Kors Tote, Macy's

Linking up with Perfectly Coutured, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Lovely Thursday with Rekita, Amy, and Alisha, and Penniless Socialite.

Suit Up

I've had getting a new suit or two somewhere on my list for awhile now, enough that it was one of my goals for the year.  So now I can cross that one off!  I really lucked out at the Elie Tahari Outlet last week.  I found this dark pin-stripe suit and another tan suit, plus nice silk blouses and a white power dress.  I love the faux-leather accents on this suit and the longer length of the blazer.  It was nice to add some quality work pieces to my closet.  Now I gotta go through and spring-clean my closet to make more room!  Anyone have any experience with Thred Up?  I've seen a lot of people using it on Instagram, so I've been thinking of trying it out.  Let me know in the comments if you have used it!

Outfit Details:

Silk Top:  Elie Tahari Hayden Blouse in Joey White

Jacket:  T Tahari Carina Jacket (sold out - but there were plenty up at the outlet!)

Pants:  T Tahari Dessa Pant

Shoes:  Ann Taylor Factory (similar at Ann Taylor)

Bag:  Michael Kors Tote, Macy's

Jewelry:  Pearl necklace & earrings, gift (similar, steal)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, Because Shanna Said So, Life's a Party Dress Like It, Transatlantic Blonde, Get Your Pretty On, and My Girlish Whims.

I am so excited to be featured today on Ada's Spring Must Have series with Amy Ann of The Real Arnolds!  Check it out on my Ada's blog: Elegance and Mommyhood.

Pink Stripes & Flats

This is the type of outfit I wear a ton in the spring and summer.  A bright, pretty dress with a lightweight structured jacket.  Then I change out the accessories.  Here I did casual python print sandals (which I need to replace) with a sparkly gold clutch and delicate jewelry.  On Mother's Day I wore a similar outfit but with a bigger bag and cutout heels.  It's an easy formula that you can dress up for fancier events or down for more casual days.

Outfit Details:

Dress:  LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's (similar) 

Jacket:  Old Navy

Clutch:  Gift (similar, similar)

Sandals:  Payless, old (similar, similar)

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with Fizz & Frosting, On the Daily Express & More Pieces of Me, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, The Style Record, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas.

Matchy-Matchy

I went a little matchy-matchy with this work outfit.  The pink, tan, and brown sandals match the salmon top, tan jacket and cognac bag.  The white necklace ties into the ivory cords.  This top is a sweater material, which is nice with the short sleeves for this time of year when the weather changes so much during the day.  I felt very springlike in this color scheme which was nice for a middle of the week workday!

Outfit Details:

Top:  The Limited (similar, similar)

Pants:  Banana Republic (similar style at BR, Gap Khakis, skinny AG cords, J. Crew toothpick-on sale)

Jacket:  Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Sandals:  Nine West, DSW (similar, similar)

Bag:  Michael Kors, Macy's (similar)

Jewelry:  Stella & Dot Isla Drop Earrings & Trinity Pendant Necklace

Linking up with Perfectly Coutured, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Rekita, Amy, Alisha, Life's a Party Dress Like It, and Penniless Socialite.

Navy, Mint, & Motorcycle

I was laying in bed yesterday morning thinking about what I would wear for the day, so  I checked out some of the style challenges on Instagram.  Yesterday's #marvelousmaystyle was minty fresh, so I decided to wear this little light green cardigan.  I wore it with a few shades of navy, my white moto jacket, and neutral peep toe wedges.  It was a simple business casual look for another nice spring day!

Outfit Details:
Ruffle Top:  J. Crew (similar, similar)
Cardigan:  J. Crew
Pants:  BCBG (similar)
Jacket:  Catherine Malandrino, Kohl's (similar, similar)
Shoes:  Lilly Pulitzer Resort Chic Wedges (similar, similar)
Bag:  Michael Kors Tote, Macy's
Jewelry:  Tiffany Knot Necklace & Earrings

Linking up with Transatlantic Blonde, The Pleated Poppy, and Style Elixir.

Mother's Day

We had such gorgeous weather this weekend.  It was so nice to get to be outside to enjoy it!  This dress might be my favorite Kohl's find.  I love the minty green color beneath the lace overlay and the fit is perfect!  Another reason I will always love this dress is because I wore it for my surprise bridal shower last year, which was another beautiful day!  This time I paired it with a coral statement necklace and cutout sandals for a beautiful Mother's Day yesterday.  We started the day with a lovely brunch at my in-laws.  Then I saw my mom and sister in the play Barnum, which was a lot of fun.  Afterwards we went back for swimming and a barbecue at my parents' house.  Such a nice day!

Outfit Details:

Dress:  Elle, Kohl's (similar, splurge, juniors)

Jacket:  Old Navy (previously seen here in a travel look!)

Heels:  Adrienne Vittadini, Marshall's (similar at Lord & Taylor or DSW)

Bag:  Michael Kors, Macy's (similar)

Necklace:  Forever 21

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with Fizz & Frosting, On the Daily Express & More Pieces of Me, DC in Style, Still Being Molly & Lipgloss & Crayons, Cha Cha & Pink Sole, The Style Record.

Floral & Maroon

I decided I wanted to wear my maroon pants yesterday and then worked from there to put together this outfit.  I last wore them in March in a neutral early spring outfit.  This time I decided to go even more spring-like with this flowy floral top and pale pink sweater.   It was a warm day so I went with my open toe wedges. (Love these wedges by the way.  I bought at the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale a year or two ago and I have worn them on a ton since I got them.  Very comfortable and pair well with everything.)  I grounded the outfit with my cognac MK satchel.  The gold details on the purse tie into gold accents on the shoes.  I had planned to take these pictures outside, but a shower was passing through after work, so I had to stay inside.  This outfit works with a pretty basic formula:  interesting top, completer piece (cardigan), neutral pants, shoes with a little detail, and classic accessories.  It's the formula used often on What Not to Wear.  Jodie Noted has a really nice post about this formula with examples.  Check it out here!

Outfit Details:
Top:  Forever 21 (similar, similar)
Sweater:  J. Crew (similar, similar)
Pants:  Loft Marisa Straight Leg Pants, Maroon (similar in deep blush)
Shoes:  Lilly Pulitzer Resort Chic Wedges (similar, similar)
Jewelry:  Pearl necklace & earrings, gift (similar, steal)
Bag:  Michael Kors (similar)

Linking up with Perfectly Coutured, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Her & Nicole, The Charming Blog, The Alisha Nicole, and Get Your Pretty On.Life's a Party, Dress Like It, and Vain and Simple.

Pencil Skirt

 

A black pencil skirt would definitely be on my list of top ten work essentials.  It's a classic piece that you can pretty much pair with any top.  I last wore it here on the blog with tights and a gold belt in winter.  Side note: it really looks like spring in our apartment courtyard, loving all the tulips and blooms!

Outfit Details:

Top:  Blue silk blouse, TJ Maxx (similar)

Skirt:  Ann Taylor

Blazer:  H&M (similar at Forever 21)

Shoes:  Nine West Flax Pumps, Macy's

Bag:  Michael Kors Tote, Macy's

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Linking up with Style Elixir, Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy, and Transatlantic Blond.