Lust Looks of [August]

With my birthday this week, the beginning of August in just a few days and another school year starting in about a month, I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want my style to be this fall. There are so many new pieces I'm lusting after in my favorite stores, but how can I create foolproof outfits from them? I turned to Polyvore to round up a few of my current fashion obsessions and combine them to make the perfect look for any occasion.

SURF PREPPY

(From left to right): Zuma Beach sweatshirt (in navy, HCo., $39.50, Epic Only), Beacon's Beach striped cotton skirt (HCo., $49.50), Classic Beach Flip Flops (in navy flower, HCo., $39.50), Classic Messenger Bag (in navy, HCo., $49.50), turquoise retro sunglasses, Victoria's Secret Eau de Toilette in Fresh and Clean ($15), OPI Nail Polish (in blue shatter)

RUGGED CHIC

(All items from American Eagle): AEO Desert Boot (in sand, $59.50), AEO Studded Concho Belt ($19.95), AEO Floral Scarf ($24.50), AE Distressed Denim Cutoff Shortie ($29.95), AE Off-Shoulder Dolman Sweater (in heather ice, $49.50)

PRETTY POLISH

Nina Vannah pink espadrille sandals (zappos.com, $90), Embellished Leather Belt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $34.50), hot pink plastic bangle, Summer Beach Totes (in navy ruffle, Abercrombie Kids, $29.50), Maddy lace tank (in white, Abercrombie Kids, $79.50), Gwyneth polka dot skirt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $29.70)


What are you lusting after for August?

Weekly Outfit Highlight: July 13-20

Now that I've figured out how to create a page featuring all the outfits I've had on the blog (check out the 'Lookbook' tab under the header), I decided that I want to do a photo collage highlight of my outfits of the week. I also discovered how cool Picnik is for editing photos, so these won't be boring collages. I hope that by doing this every week, I can really narrow down my personal style, and avoid wearing something too often! And I hope that maybe you'll get some inspiration from them :)

Top Left: pink ruffly lace tank (Abercrombie Kids), pink/orange plaid scarf (American Eagle), unpictured khaki twill shorts (Hollister)

Top Right: sparkly bauble necklace (AE), coral bandeau bra (Victoria's Secret PINK), navy floral/bird dress (HCo.), mixed coral and pink beaded bracelets (Aeropostale)

Bottom Left: light yellow belted floral dress (Abercrombie & Fitch), white pearl and jewel necklace (AE), mixed metal bracelets (AE)

Bottom Right: burgundy plaid sheer blouse (A&F Kids), navy cami (HCo.), navy culotte shorts (A&F), chain and jewel necklace (AE), mixed metal charm bracelets (AE), silver bow headband (Target)

These were my favorite outfit from this week, and I think I did a good job mixing things up. I do tend to wear some of the same jewelry (especially bracelets) day after day, so I need to work on switching those up. I also love dresses, but I'd like to limit wearing them to twice a week, so I can get some other things in there, like shorts and skirts.

What is your "go-to" outfit? 

OOTD: Preppy Princess



Abercrombie Kids pink lace ruffle tank (similar here), American Eagle pink/orange plaid square scarf, Hollister twill khaki shorts (similar here), mixed bracelets




New haircut and color



Side view

Considering some of my favorite stores include Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister, you might assume that I have a very preppy style. However, I think I'd classify my style as a mix between girly, preppy and boho. I'm not one to wear polos with khakis, but I have a few "preppy" pieces in my closet. These twill shorts are a relatively new addition. I don't think I've ever owned khaki shorts, so it was definitely time to include some in my wardrobe. I love that they're dressier than denim, but just as versatile. Today, I decided to take them in a girly direction, pairing them with a ruffly pink tank and a pink plaid scarf. I usually wear necklaces, but I'd love to add more patterned scarfs into my life. They're a fun statement accessory. This outfit works perfectly for both casual and nicer events. The tank is from Abercrombie Kids, which may seem a little silly, but they have similar items to A&F at a fraction of the price, and often their pieces fit a little better. I'm a "straight-up-and-down" girl so kids clothes definitely suit my frame better. My only complaint about this tank is that it's a little long to wear with these shorts, but I'm petite so I'm used to things being too big. I also have longer legs than torso, so I'm on the lookout for shorter tops to wear with my short shorts.


How do you wear twill shorts? If you're a petite, where do you shop for tops (so they're not too long and loose)?

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?