marsala

Pantone named its Color of the Year last week, and poor Marsala was met with less than rave reviews. I, for one, don't think it's so bad, but maybe you don't want to rush out and buy everything in this "earthy red wine color."

In that case, I've compiled some of my favorite accessories for you. You can give Marsala a nod, but not a full on embrace.



 

What do you think about the Color of the Year? Are you loving it or are you already hoping 2016 will be better?

Pre-Fall Looks

It's almost September, and I am loving the thought of autumnizing my wardrobe. Autumnizing, I'm pretty sure I just made that word up.

Although it's almost fall, we still experience 80 degree days well into September and sometimes October. It's important to me to dress for the season not the weather, but I also don't want to burn up and get sweaty smelly. So there's that.

I've assembled a few pre-fall looks that are sure to keep me looking and smelling nice!

I'm a jeans and tee kind of gal. Does that make me boring? Maybe, but it definitely makes me comfortable. I like to pair jeans with cute closed toe flats, a great bag, and a scarf with detail to make the outfit look richer and more autumny but without making me feel like I'm sweating to death.

I'm also all about dresses that "breathe" with you. Meaning, dresses that let you breathe comfortably throughout the day no matter how much lunch you eat. Pairing these flowy dresses with a chunkier heel definitely makes them season appropriate. 

What do you love to wear for fall?

Linking up for Tuesday Pretties with Glossy Blonde.

[un]professional

I work in a pretty casual corporate environment. There's business causal and then there's our kind of casual. Most of time, I wear things that are appropriate for lawyers to wear, but some days I skirt the lines of professionalism.

Blazer & Shoes: Target (Similar, Similar); Tank: H&M; Pants: Old Navy (Similar); Jewelry: c/o JTV

I mean who wears a french bulldog tank top to work and thinks it's OK? Apparently me.

 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Summer Layers

It's been an unusually cool summer for us here in Tennessee. I'm talking highs in the low 80s and lows in the high 50s. I run pretty cold to begin with, so I've been wearing lots of layers this summer.

 I normally wear this top in the fall, like I did here. I wore the same top in a different color here.

Top: H&M, Denim: J.Crew Factory, Shoes: Just Fab, Scarf: Old Navy, Sunnies: Anthropologie

I have to say, I'm loving being able to pair my flowy tops with light scarves, and I feel a little more put together than I normally do in the summer in tank tops and shorts. Clearly, I'm going to enjoy this while it lasts, because let's be honest, it'll be 100 degrees with 90% humidity before you know!

Linking up with Fizz & Frosting, Lipgloss & Crayons, and Style Elixir.

Tueday Pretties: All Things Neutral

I've been loving all things neutral lately. There's just something about how pretty and feminine a neutral items looks that makes me feel dainty and graceful. Although, no one who knows me would ever call me dainty or graceful. But, no harm in faking it til I make it, right?

Linking up with Glossy Blonde for Tuesday Pretties.

What I Wore: Animal Print and Linen

I love a good animal print, but wearing it on my whole body scares me a little. I have this fear of ending up in the "don't" section of Glamour magazine with the black bar of shame across my eyes. But, I ran across this dress at Marshalls the other day, and I thought maybe the animal print was subtle enough to work.

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Dress: Cynthia Rowley via Marshalls; Shoes (Similar) & Clutch (Similar): J.Crew; Bangles: Alex & Ani

You can't really tell, but my shoes are blue. The photograph doesn't do them justice. I thought they would be just enough color, but I think it needs more. Perhaps a neon necklace would look great with this dress? Maybe a black blazer over it for work? I'm not sure, but I feel like it has potential!

Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday.

Mix It: Drapey Pants

Today, I have the pleasure of co-hosting Mix It Monday with Lauren from Fizz & Frosting. If you haven't checked Fizz & Frosting out, you totally should. Lauren is definitely one of my favorite bloggers. That girl's got style! OK, enough gushing, onto the post...

I've been seeing the drapey pants trend everywhere, but I've just gotten up the nerve to purchase a pair. I gotta say gals, I love them! I wore them en route to Key West last weekend and they were so comfortable on the plane, not to mention stylish. These pants are pretty easy to casually style, but I wanted to show you a way to dress them up a bit.

Here's my casual look. An easy tee shirt, floppy hat, and comfy wedges.

Here's my take on a dressier look. A button up tied up to be a kind of crop top, silver heels, and a neon clutch.

What do you think? How do you style your drapey pants? I'd love your feedback.

Fizz & Frosting (Bloglovin') / Love & Loyally (Bloglovin') Linkup Rules:

1. Follow your host Fizz and Frosting (via Bloglovin' or Instagram) and your co-host, Jessica of Love & Loyally (via Bloglovin' or Instagram)
2. Share a post, showing how you remixed an item - a top, skirt, jeans, purse, shoes -- it's completely up to you! Want to share a collage? Go for it!
3. Link back to this post with a text link or by sharing the linkup button!
4. We'd love for you to tweet using #MixItMon so we can help promote your posts!

Want to co-host in the future? Please email Lauren at lauren@fizzandfrosting.com and use the subject MIX IT MONDAYS!

Currently Craving: Nautical

With 4th of July being right around the corner, I've been thinking about looks that pay homage to the ole Red, White, & Blue. I decided nothing screams "God Bless America" like a classic nautical look. Here are a few seaworthy outfit ideas.

     Dress/Bag/Sandals                            Dress/Scarf/Espadrilles                     Tee/Shorts/Bag/Shoes

What to Wear: Girls' Trip

I"m going on a girls' trip to Key West this week, so I've been thinking a lot about how to pack effectively and efficiently. I want to look cute, but I don't want to be the girls who brings 3 suitcases for a weekend trip, you know what I mean?

The key to packing light is bringing items that are versatile.Sandals will work at the beach and with jeans and a tank. A ball cap will keep you safe from the sun, plus it doubles as a hangover helper paired with a slouchy tee. Those wedges? They go with your dress and polish off a casual look at the airport.

Be sure to think about how you'll wear each item you bring. Don't bring things that you can only wear once, that's a waste of precious space! For more packing tips, you can click here.

Best T-Shirt Dresses

There's something about spring that makes me long for t-shirt dresses. You can dress them up or dress them down and they are oh-so-comfortable. They're basically heaven in dress form. In fact, I bet that's what the angels wear.

Here are some of my favorite t-shirt dresses for spring!

Lilly Pulitzer Daniella Dress - This one is my favorite, and it comes in 3 prints. I'm southern, so Lilly Pulitzer can basically do no wrong.

 

GAP Colorblock Stripe Dress - In my opinion, GAP is a great place to get basics. This dress is just that, a basic wardrobe piece that will never go out of style. 

Mossimo Supply Co. T-Shirt Dress - I like this dress because it's more casual. I might pair it with converse to avoid wearing jeans but keeping the casual vibe.

 

Old Navy Tee Dress - The print on this dress makes it very versatile. Pair it with heels, like shown above. Or, wear it with flat sandals for a more laid-back look. 

So, there you have it. These are the t-shirt dresses I'll be buying this spring. What are you shopping for?

 

"20 Minute" List

Your significant other comes home from work on a Friday afternoon and says "You've got 20 minutes to pack your stuff and get in the car. We're going to the beach this weekend." What do you pack? Ready, go!

1. 2 swimsuits
2. 2 beach towels
3. Sunscreen
4. My kindle & charger
5. 2 sundresses
6. 2 tank tops
7. Linen pants
8. A pair of shorts
9. 2 pair of sandals
10. Beach bag

Now, hop in the car and head to the beach. That's definitely what I wish Kris would say to me on Friday!

What to Wear: Company Dinner

From time to time, I find myself invited to company dinners. It can really be a struggle to decide what to wear. You always want to find the right balance between looking professional and attractive. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the waters.

1. Play it safe. Company big-wigs tend to show up to dinners so unless you work for Glamour Magazine, conservative is almost always the way to go. No plunging necklines or mini dresses. It's important to look professional. If dressing conservatively has you up in arms, play with color, not hemlines!

2. Choose a dress over pants. Unlike my advice on job interviews, a dress works better in a dinner setting. Wearing a dress to a company dinner will make it look like you tried harder. A word of caution, choose a dress that you're comfortable in. Keep in mind that you're going to be drinking and eating.

3. Use accessories to show your style. If you feel like you need more oomph, you can use accessories to show your personality and style. An interesting necklace or stacked bracelets will look great as long as you keep it tasteful and age appropriate.

4. Upgrade the shoes. What I mean by this is don't wear your work sensible shoes. Wear nice, fashionable shoes. You won't be on your feet all night, so you can wear trendier shoes that normally wouldn't cut it all day at work.

5. Carry a classic clutch. Pull your look together with a classic clutch in a neutral tone. If you've chosen a colorful dress and jazzed up accessories, this clutch will pull your look together in a more classic way. If you're wearing black, you'll still dazzle. You really can't go wrong with a simple, classic clutch.

There you go, my tips on what to wear to a company dinner. I'd love to hear what you think!

29 Things I've Learned About Beauty & Style in 29 Years

29 hit me hard. Hard. The fact that it was my last 20s birthday did not go unnoticed. Trust.

While I still get a little sad thinking about it, I've had about a month to get used to the idea that I'll be 30 next year. And that's not all bad. I mean, I've had time to get comfortable in my own skin. Let me tell you, I'm much more comfortable at 29 than I was at 21. So if we're being 100% honest, I do not envy those 21 year olds that still live in naiveté.

Now I'm not claiming to have my shit completely together, but suffice it say that I've learned some things that make getting through life a lot easier on me than when I was in my early twenties. A hell of a lot easier.

1. Getting enough sleep is the key to looking great. If you only get 4 hours of sleep, everyone can tell. No amount of designer clothes in the world can hid it.

2. Size is just a number. It doesn't define you. Just go ahead and get over it.

3. Know when to put on the yoga pants. Nights at home with my husband beat nights out partying every single time. Period.

4. The higher the hair the closer to God. Go ahead and tease it up, baby!

5. Being more like your mother isn't really a bad thing. She's been through a lot and can help you along the way. Chances are, a lot of your beliefs about clothing and style came from her.

6. If shoes hurt your feet in the store, they will hurt your feet in real life. Except multiplied by 1000.

7. If you're going to be on your feet all day, change your shoes every couple of hours.

8. Just say NO to acrylic nails. Unless you're a mob wife, then work it, girl!

9. Never underestimate the power of a bra in the right size.

10. Lingerie is overrated. It always ends up on the floor, so you're better off saving your money and just going to bed naked.

11. Tanning beds are the devil. Spray tans are the only way to go.

12, If you're uncomfortable in a outfit before you leave home, you'll be uncomfortable in it after you leave home. It will literally ruin your day.

13. Be a girls' girl.

14. Dressing for your body type is crucial. If you have thunder thighs (like me), then those body con dresses aren't for you, honey.

15. If you know about a good sale, share the love.

16. Almost everyone has cellulite. There's no need to tear yourself up over it. And those who don't are probably not the kind of girls you want to be friends with anyway.

17. Dry shampoo is your friend. Washing your hair every day is so 2003.

18. Tell yourself the truth. Yes, you are too old be shopping at American Eagle.

19. J.Crew Factory is better than J.Crew.

20. Target will get your through your darkest days. When you're starting your career, i.e. you have no money, Target will be your BFF.

21. That being said, you get what you pay for.

22. Don't believe the "last season" hype. Who cares if something if last season, wear it if you love it.

23. Trust your gut. If you don't love something in the store, you probably won't love it when you get home. Not sure what you'll wear something with? Well, that's probably because it doesn't go with anything you own. Your intuition about things will almost always lead you in the right direction.

24. Sign up for Kate Spade emails. Her sample sales are the best ever.

25. Buy a pair of Spanx. Do yourself a favor and get the ones with a slit in crotch. You'll thank me later.

26. Expensive hairspray usually isn't worth it. But, when you find a hairspray that is, buy that shit in bulk.

27. Wash your face before  you go to bed. If it's the only thing you do, wash your f**king face!

28. Leggings are not pants.

29. Confidence is the best accessory. But, a Chanel bag never hurt anyone.

5 Pairs of Shoes That Should Be In Your Closet

Shoes are so much to shop for. I mean, a) they always fit no and b) they are great way to finish off your look. Seriously, you could literally go broke buying a shoe for every outfit. But, you don't have to spend a fortune to make sure you have a shoe that goes with everything. Here are 5essential shoes that should be in your closet.

 

 

I'm linking up with Style Elixir.

Mix It: The Vintage Tee

I've defined my style as Classic Casual. What is more classic or casual than the t-shirt? Today, I'm linking up with Lauren from Fizz and Frosting to show you 2 ways to style a vintage tee.

 

 

I wore this the other day to run errands and to the salon. The heels weren't the best choice for running around town; flats would have definitely been better.

 



This look would be more appropriate for drinks with girlfriends, while the other is more of a day look. The addition of the blazer gives it a more pulled together appearance. You can see the original post here.