Monday, April 8, 2013

Can't Wait To Buy...

I got some extra (and unexpected) money recently, so I'm going to be a little naughty and use some of it to buy some things I've had my eye on lately. I feel like I've been stuck in this fashion rut lately, and I can't wait for warmer weather to pull me out of it.


1. Zara pumps: I've never purchased anything from Zara (GASP! I know), and I think that these shoes would be a fabulous addition to my [lacking] shoe-drobe. I love the nude and the white-they'll go great with just about anything!

2. Neon yellow maxi dress: I featured this in a recent post, and haven't been able to get it off my mind, so I think that's a sign I need to order it. I'll have at least 10 maxis at my disposal, but that's a good thing, right?

3. Lucite necklace: I'm OBSESSED. This necklace will go perfect with anything, and I love the chunkiness of it, yet it's still super feminine. Beautiful!

4. Bird print tube dress: I saw this at Old Navy the other day and I knew it'd be perfect for my son's birthday party. I love the blue and white birdie print too, it's preppy yet girly!

5. Drawstring floral skirt: I featured this in a recent post, and I finally found one in my size at the local Target-let's hope it's still there!

6. Pretty peplum top: I've been searching for a good peplum top, and I think this one will be perfect! Love the bow on the back, and the white will go with everything! There's nothing I don't love about this top!

I could go on all night, but I've got a rowdy toddler and beagle who seem to be plotting against me, so that isn't gonna happen. 

Tell me, what do you have your eye on?

Happy Shopping!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Challis Shorts from Target

I've seen these at Target a couple times now and I knew that I should have followed my gut and bought them right away, because now I'm sitting here wishing I could do my own outfit post with them! I used to wear these "skorts" (at least that's what they were called in my day) all the time, and I think they're super fab. They're shorts, but they look like a skirt, so they're easily dressed up or dressed down. You can do no wrong in these babies (which also makes them awesome in my book).


You can take any route you want with this, depending on which print you choose. With the floral pattern, I  went a more boho route, but you could definitely intermix these two styles with either pattern! I know that I'm too old (and I definitely don't have the flat stomach) for crop tops, but I love the look of them with these shorts. You can always tie a chambray top at the waist if you don't want all that skin hanging out. I love how the top is very structured, while the shorts are nice and breezy. Great contradiction. The look on the right is a lot more classic, especially when paired with a peplum top and black heels (gotta love Zara!). 

Whether you choose one of these looks or decide to make it your own, I think that these challis shorts from Target would make a great addition to your closet. At $17.99 a piece, snatch up a few different patterns before they're gone (find them here)!

Happy shopping!


Friday, April 5, 2013

Take It to the MAXI-mum!

Let me just say something. 
I wore maxi dresses before they were cool.

You see, the problem us long-legged gals seem to encounter quite often is that shorter dresses are usually way too short (I'm talking Julia-Roberts-in-Pretty-Woman short), and the longer dresses hit our shins at the most awkward length and cut our legs in half. 

Sound familiar, my long-stemmed friends?

So yes, I wore maxi dresses and skirts before they were all the rage. And I just needed everyone to know that before I move on.

In the past two months, I've bought a total of four five maxi dresses and one maxi skirt. This is all great, except for the fact that the average temperature around here lately has been about 35 degrees. With snow. So needless to say, my adorable dresses and skirts have been forced to stay neatly hung in my closet while I wait impatiently for the snow to melt and that bright thing in the sky to make its appearance again.

Six maxi pieces may seem like a lot to someone who has yet to experience the beauty that is a long dress or skirt, but I guarantee you, you will be hooked after you buy and wear your first piece. The best thing about these dresses is that they are so. flattering. Seriously, I believe that this is an awesome staple piece for every woman, and can be altered to complement your body type. Read on for my top five reasons to rock a maxi this spring and summer.

5. They're comfortable
Just go try one on (preferably in a lightweight cotton). It will cling to your body, but it won't be tight. It will feel light and breezy, and you'll be able to move in it. My maxis are probably the most comfortable pieces in my closet. 
4. Shaving your legs is optional
Trust me, I know. I'm a mom, and there are days where shaving my legs just ain't gonna happen. Easy solution? Throwing on a maxi dress (or skirt and tee if the armpits didn't see a razor either). 
3. Underwear is also optional
Maybe it's just me, but when it's 90 degrees outside and I feel like I'm breathing into a wet rag, the less clothing I have to wear, the better, and this includes undergarments. You may not be able to get away without wearing a bra, but you can usually get away without wearing any underwear-just make sure the dress/skirt isn't too sheer. When you feel that light breeze, you'll thank me (did I just take things too far? My apologies).

2. They're versatile
These pieces are great because they can easily be taken from day to night (and they're suuuuper easy to pack-perfect for vaycays), without too much fuss. Throw your hair up into a simple bun, change our your sandals, and add a little bling. You'd be surprised at how classy and elegant a simple (or patterned) maxi dress/skirt can look!
1. They're sexy
Seriously. My husband loooooves my newest maxi purchases. I bought a hot pink backless maxi and he gifted me with another for Valentine's Day-and let me tell you, he's just as obsessed as me. Probably for other reasons, but as long as he doesn't look at me with that, "You're wearing that?!" look before we head out, I'm ok with that. 

If you aren't completely convinced just yet, that's ok. Take a look at these beauties, and they might just change your mind. Give them a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

strappy striped maxi dressWomen's Gauze Tube Maxi Dresses
Hive & Honey One Shoulder Maxi Shirred Dressnicole by Nicole Miller® Mirror Print Maxi DressSONOMA life + style Floral Maxi Dress - Women's Plus
Love Crop Maxi DressSandy Scoop Neck Maxi Dress85042.jpg
1. Forever 21
2. Apricot Lane Peoria
3. GoJane
4. Old Navy
5. Piperlime
6. JCP
7. Kohl's
8. Asos
9. Boohoo
10. Lulu's

I think that's plenty of options for different body types! Like I said earlier, there are tons of ways to alter these to your body type. Don't like your arms? Throw on a jean jacket over the dress. Want to accentuate your waist? Wrap a belt around the dress. Remember, clothing was made to be altered, so make good use of your tailor-if the dress is too long, don't be afraid to go in and ask for it to be hemmed up! Good luck, your wallet is going to need it!