How To: Wear A Romper

Forget little sundresses and flowy miniskirts--this summer, it's all about the romper! It's a perfect playful addition to anyone's warm-weather wardrobe. Rompers look similar to dresses, but are better for casual occasions. They can be hard to pull off, but typically work very well on petites and taller women as well. However, almost anyone can find the perfect romper to suit their style and figure.

To choose the best romper for you, think about where you'd like to wear it. If you typically wear very casual pieces, pick out a simple cotton romper in a bright, solid color (like Hollister's Malibu romper, pink, $17.94). You can then amp it up by adding a funky patterned scarf and a pair of wedges. If you like to make a statement, try a pattern, like animal print or stripes (Charlotte Russe One Shoulder Leopard Romper, $24.99). Keep this look from going overboard by sticking with basic accessories. If you prefer a girly or elegant style, find a floral romper or one that has ruffle detailing (Forever 21 Floral Flounce Romper, $19.80). Find a pair of polished neutral wedges and don't forget a big statement bag. 

My style is very girly, so when I shopped for a romper, I looked for a floral one. I found a cute red one at Hollister (no longer available), with large flowers, a pleated button placket, pockets and tie-waist detailing. It's a simple style, but the bold color and pattern make it stand out and work for casual outdoor events as well as going out for lunch or dinner. In fact, I wore mine on a recent vacation and it worked perfectly for window shopping and enjoying dinner outside.

Remember: the most important tip for rocking a romper is to have fun and be confident. If you feel hot, you'll look hot!

Rompers: yay or nay?

Sister Style: Summer Edition

My younger sister, Brooke, and I are both fashion-aholics. We love wearing cute clothes whenever possible (you'll never see us in t-shirts or sweats except for bed!) and going shopping at our favorite stores. However, we don't always share the exact same taste in styles. Here are our takes on 6 different summer styles!

BOLD BASIC



 What Brooke's Wearing: green silk daisy, purple plaid scarf (American Eagle), green V-neck tee (Gilly Hicks), woven brown leather belt (AE), denim cut-off shorts (AE), brown leather sandals (AE)

BRIGHT NAUTICAL

What I'm Wearing: silver bow headband, turquoise sunglasses (Target), Soft Drape Sunset T in neon lemon lime (AE), silver bangles (AE), silver hobo bag (Target), Meg cuffed denim shorts (Abercrombie Kids), silver ruffled wedges

BUSINESS CASUAL



Wearing: maroon glasses (mine), turquoise floral cardi (Hollister), royal blue babydoll tank (Abercrombie & Fitch), khaki pants (HCo.), mixed bangles, beaded necklace (AE)

CLASSIC TRIBAL

Wearing: brown/red/orange striped scarf (as a wrap; Charlotte Russe), dark brown lacy cami (Abercrombie Kids), brown woven bling bracelet (AE), brown woven leather belt (A&F), khaki twill shorts (HCo.), brown printed wedges

FUN FLORAL

Wearing: light blue floral dress (GH), mixed bangles (AE), hot pink Gianni Bini purse (Dillards), pink bow flip-flops (HCo.)

SWEET CHIC

Wearing: light yellow floral dress (A&F), Suede Ring T-Strap Sandal in pink (AE)



What styles are you wearing this summer?

OOTD: Indian Summer

AE "friendship bracelet" crop top (similar here), HCo. orange cami, A&F woven leather belt, HCo. destroyed chambray trim denim miniskirt (similar here)



Bracelets: American Eagle and Aeropostale, mixed



Necklace: American Eagle



If you took a quick tour through my closet, you'd probably see a lot of pink, bright and pastel colors, florals and quite a few pairs of sandals. What you might not see is a few boho/Navajo pieces that I've come to really love. Like some poncho-like thick knit short-sleeved sweaters or a bright red blouse with "native-looking" aqua and white trim. Or this cropped top I bought this spring from American Eagle. I instantly fell in love with the pattern, the silhouette and the pop of the bright colors on top of the charcoal grey. I knew I had to buy it, and I've loved wearing it ever since. It's one of my favorite new additions to my closet that's helped to transform my wardrobe from mainly girly to girly with a hint of boho flair. I paired it with a simple orange cami that I got a few years ago and haven't worn much since. I'm glad I found a use for it. On bottom, I chose a destroyed denim mini I bought last summer. I love its edgy, worn look. I kept the jewelry simple: a few coral beaded bracelets mixed with metal charm bracelets and a beachy shell necklace. Usually, I like to wear my hair wavy with this top but I decided to rock the straightened second-day hair look with a messy side ponytail. It still worked to pull the whole outfit together.

Bold Summer Lusts

Summer is the season for bright colors and bold patterns everywhere! The colors of nature--from the vibrant blue of the sky to the emerald green grass to the brilliant orange sunsets to the rainbow of hues seen in wildflowers--can inspire a wardrobe change during the warmer months of the year. I always look for bold shades and daring patterns during the summer and rely less and less on neutrals. After all, summer only lasts a little while...why not make a statement?

 

What are you wearing this summer?

Mini Hollister Haul (and more!)

I don't know about you, but I love holiday weekends! I've been off of school for the past two weeks, so it's not a long weekend for me, but I enjoy all the festivities and events that surround a holiday. I especially love all the sales that pop up around the major (and not so major) holidays. Yesterday, I took advantage of some great deals at my favorite stores.

HOLLISTER

Everything I got was on sale, plus I got to take 30% off my entire purchase, so it all cost me $35. I bought the Brooks Beach romper in red, the Brooks Beach twill shorts in khaki (I don't know why they had the same name!) and the Classic Beach Flip Flop in coral. I've been lusting after rompers since last summer and I finally got up the nerve to buy one. I can't wait to wear it with simple accessories. Khaki shorts are a staple everyone needs in their closet. I can't believe I didn't buy some earlier. They'll pair nicely with many tops and tanks already in my closet.

AMERICAN EAGLE

Everything in the store was 30% off, so how could I say no? The saleswoman who helped us out was wearing this cute oversize neon-striped top and I fell in love with it. I hoped I could find it...and I did, just a few feet away (AE Soft Drape Sunset T in neon lemon lime)! I snapped it up in lime green. It's the perfect casual top that looks great with denim shorts and minis.

ABERCROMBIE KIDS

I bought the denim cuffed shorts above (Kelly medium-wash shorts) because I didn't own any short denim shorts! These will also be my go-to during the hot summer months and even into fall, with tanks, plaid shirts, cropped tops and sweaters.

Where have you shopped recently?

Western Chic

Growing up in Colorado, I've learned a little about "Western" culture. However, I am more of a city girl than a cowgirl! I've always leaned towards girlier styles, but every once in a while, I like to return to my roots and dress a little rugged...with a touch of chicness.

What I'm Wearing: pink/blue plaid button-down (Hollister), hot pink babydoll tank (Abercrombie & Fitch), dark brown leather woven belt (Abercrombie & Fitch), destroyed chambray-trim denim miniskirt (Hollister)

The Details: Above Left--pink crystal drop necklace (American Eagle), Above Right--random pink beaded stretch bracelets (Aeropostale) & brown wrapped bling bracelet (American Eagle), Center--pink patent leather wedge flip-flops (Macy's)

I was able to mix my favorite style (girly) with a more traditional one (Western) in a way that was pulled together and a little bit edgy!

Do you like Western style?

How to Dress When the Weather Won't Cooperate

April showers bring May...snow?! Where I live, that's the new phrase! My summer vacation officially began on Friday and it's been nothing but cool and cloudy since then. I woke up to a dusting of snow this morning! So what's a girl to do when she longs for warm days but ends up with grey skies and jacket weather?

Just because the weather isn't spring-like doesn't mean you have to dress drab! Incorporate some vibrant shades and bold patterns into your outfit to brighten up your day. Stock up on candy-colored cardis and tanks to mix and match.

Layering is also key. If you've been dying to wear that adorable floral dress for weeks but it feels more like February than May, don't despair! You can pair it with a sweater or even a light jacket. Leather is a great way to add some edge to a girly outfit.

Accessorize! If the weather's not too chilly, wear your favorite pair of wedge sandals or throw on a lightweight scarf. Pile on the bangles, try some dangly earrings and go bold with a necklace.

 

You don't have to wait for warmer weather to arrive to start including summery pieces in your wardrobe--just get creative and you can look sunny in no time!