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!

Strolling Through the Flowers

I can't believe it's almost summer! I'm so ready for school to be over (only one more week of classes left and then finals) so I can spend my summer tanning out on my deck, going for long walks through the trees and just enjoying every second of the warm weather.
One item on my wishlist for summer '11 is a romper (or two)! I have loved them since last summer, when I first started seeing them a lot. They are the perfect alternative to a dress--great for when you want to look a little dressy and carefree at the same time. Many that I've seen this season are chambray, and while I'm normally a fan, I would prefer a floral romper to accentuate my girly style. A bright color would be great for standing out!

 

Shorts: From Casual to Chic

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted! I've been so busy since coming back from spring break, but hopefully I'll be able to get out at least a post per week. With all the warm weather, I've been more inspired! I love spring and summer outfits the best so these next few months will be great.
Many people think shorts are just for lounging around it, maybe doing some work around the yard or hanging out at the pool or beach in. But, they can work really well in a nicer environment, too. The key is to pick the right pair. Twill shorts are dressier than denim, so they are perfect for all-day shopping sprees, lunch with the girls and even outdoor parties. I actually prefer twill to denim, and I'm on the lookout for even more pairs to add to my closet--right now I only have one pair!

This is one way to dress up your favorite pair of shorts: add a tank top with some interest (like ruffles, lace, beading, etc.), top it off with a long cardigan (but make sure it doesn't go past your shorts) and a scarf or statement necklace to pull it all together. For a look similar to this, try the Shea shorts ($20), the Gemma cami in white ($48) and the Leigh cardigan in heather grey ($98), all from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Twill shorts can also be pretty casual. My favorite way to "dress them down" is with a hoodless sweatshirt. Try the La Jolla Shores sweatshirt in dark grey ($14.95) with the Brooks Beach shorts in white ($29.50), the Classic Spring Belt in brown ($29.50) and the Classic Beach Flip Flop in grey ($34.50), all from Hollister Co.

Go ahead...wear your fave shorts to that dinner date with friends or just running errands. Shorts are perfect for (almost) any occasion this spring and summer!

Foot Candy

The big trend in footwear this season...neon colors! Don't be afraid to show off your feet this spring in candy-colored sandals, wedges, pumps and flats!

Add some color into your life with bright jelly flip-flops!

Wedges are still going strong, and what better way to liven up a simple springy outfit than with a pair in a neon shade? Try tangerine (Not Too Coy Lydia in orange, $89) or cherry red (Jessica Simpson Tamandy, $89).
Flats are perfect for on the go but they don't have to be boring and neutral! Patent leather ballet flats look great in lime (Bloch Patent Ballerina in lime, $129). Electric blue is the way to go with a dressier pair (Me Too Ladon in royal blue satin, $62).
Royal purple is a gorgeous shade, especially when paired with an embellished sandal (Report Cobb in purple, $60). Watermelon pink is a classic for sandals (Roxy Tuscany in pink, $36).

Whatever color you choose, your feet will be sure to stand out. Don't forget the nail polish!