my everyday style: how to depend on a good pair of shoes!

Some days your mood or your plans for the day call on just the basics.  A white button front top and jeans are about as classic and comfortable as you can get. At least in my book.  I find that when I am in a "basic" mood, I still like to have something that adds interest to a look (see my Elements of Style posts to see just how my formula works!).

These bright red shoes were just what I needed to keep the classic and comfortable feel of the outfit without it feeling boring.

Do you have one type of clothing in your wardrobe that helps make an outfit "unboring" in a moment?

Details:
Top, Old Navy
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Sole Society
Belt, Gap (similar)

see you around...

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4 inspiring nail colors for this summer!

Painting my fingernails & toenails is one of my favorite girly-girl things to do.  I love snatching up this season's must have colors, I love setting aside the time to crank some music in my bathroom and get down to business painting them and once they are painted I love to see how the nail colors play off the clothes that I am wearing for the days that follow.

I am a die-hard Essie fan. In my opinion the bottle of nail polish is well worth the money at $8 a pop.  I do two coats (usually one quite thick and the next thing) on rather short nails (this seems to protect from chipping), followed by topcoat and some cuticle oil and it truly is almost as good as the nail salon (especially if you follow up subsequent days with topcoat to keep your nails strong and color protected from chipping).  I can usually get an at home manicure to last 4 - 5 days with this method, pedicures last a few weeks usually.

It's no surprise that the nail colors that I am most inspired by this season mirror the colors that I am loving in my closet lately as well.  Have you tried these colors? Do you have other favorites you love this time of year? Do tell!

A simple nude nail is ultra classic and seems to last forever, those little chips never seem to show and it's the perfect nail color to match with simple summer dresses and minimal accessories, Ballet Slippers is my long time favorite nude color. 

(above: dress, sunglasses, necklace, tote, sandals, essie's "ballet slippers")

Navy nail polish is unexpectedly refined, especially when paired with classics and a pop (or two!) of color, Bobbing for Baubles is my favorite navy nail color.

(above: jeans - obsessed., scarf, striped top, flats, bag - please & thank you!, earrings, essie's "bobbing for baubles")

Pastel lavender (almost pink!) is the perfect modern neutral for this season's basics like stripes and chambray, Go Ginza is a great pastel color that is very flattering.

(above: chambray top, flats, necklace, striped skirt, clutch, essie's "go ginza")

And lastly a bold and bright orange sets a saucy tone for summer fun and is the perfect dash of brightness for your summer basics like white jeans, Meet Me At Sunset is my new favorite orange-y nail color.

(above: gauzey tunic, white denim, wedges, clutch, bracelet, essie's "meet me at sunset")

see you around...

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my everyday style: #daretobare with Nivea!

You know how it goes this time of year... your skin has been under layers and layers of clothes and it takes some coaxing to get it ready to bare to the world!  I don't know about you, but my skin needs extra help this time of year.  I need a body moisturizer that revives my winter skin and makes it ready for spring, something that moisturizes and firms and that lasts ALL day.

Nivea recently challenged me to take the #daretobare 10 day challenge with their Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion with Q10 to get my skin ready for spring and summer!  During and after the 10 day period I instantly noticed that my skin stayed soft and supple all day (no dry skin by mid-day, even after shaving!) and my skin was dress and shorts ready at the drop of a hat.

Details:
Dress, Shopbop (via giftcard provided by Nivea)
Necklace, Baublebar (similar)
Denim Jacket, Gap (similar)
Sandals, Nine West

This post is sponsored by Nivea, my opinions and thoughts are my own.

Join in on the fun by using the hashtag #daretobare on Twitter or Instagram to win your own bottle of Nivea's Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion with Q10.  

Tweet or Instagram how you will dare to bare with Nivea!

pretty in pink!

I am a lover of color... which makes it hard to believe that just a few years ago I hardly wore any at all (what can I say, black and grey are easy fall back colors for busy ladies and moms alike).  As I have learned though it's not hard to wear color... it pairs well with neutrals like navy, black, denim and white and instantly adds enough pizazz to any outfit to make you ready to take on the day at the office and/or as a busy mom with confidence and style.

I love a lot of colors dearly (blue, peach and mint are just a few I have featured recently) but pink is a fierce and un-ending love of mine.  Just looking at it makes me happy... and wearing it, even happier.

Here are my top pink picks for spring... I hope you love them as much as I do!

(above: tee, belt, dress, cardigan, earrings, sandals, ring)

(above: ombre sweater, bracelets, scarf, clutch, flats, bathing suit top & bottom)

see you around...

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5 swim styles... which are you?

This coming Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off the "swim" season around the country. And as long as the weather participates I know my kids (and myself!) will be ready to hit the pool and the beach for sure.

When it comes to your swim style are you more of a pool gal? A beach gal? Maybe the local swimming hole? (this article features amazing swimming holes around the US! so cool!) What does your swim suit say about your style? Do you prefer the classic feel of a striped suit or a funky mismatched suit? Do you go for all out classic glam with a black suit or for a free spirited boho feel with your swim suit?

I admit to being a bit of several styles depending on my mood!  Read on to see what your swim style is! Or maybe you will find a new one you love!

If you crave a classic and timeless swim style like this one you will fit in at any watering hole (swanky or small) that you may find yourself this summer!

(above: swim top & bottom, sunglasses, flip flops, bracelet, tote, tunic)

If a laid back boho vibe is more your thing, this fun and funky mix of pattern and texture may be just your style!

(above: swim top & bottom, sunglasses, lip gloss, tote, cover-up, sandals)

If you don't fear bold colors and patterns then this swim style is for you. Mix and matched top and bottoms, amazing colors and textures says a lot about your personality!

(above: swim top & bottom, sandals, earrings, tote, cover up)

If your swim style is less sunbathing and more surfing then this swim look is for you... a practical but pretty suit, sport spf and a cozy warm towel for when you come up for air are necessities!

(above: suit top & bottom, sunglasses, "aquarius" necklace, nail polish, spf, towel)

If your style is glamourous, amorous and timeless then you belong on a beach in the South of France. If you can't get there anytime soon, darling, fake it 'til you make it! This look will be just as fab at your backyard pool!

(above: one piece suit - obsessed with this cut, tan lines be-damned!, sunglasses, earrings, cover up, sandals, the latest Vogue)

So I would love to hear which fits your style best? Is it just one? A combination of one or more?

see you around...

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elements of style v.2!

I recently mentioned how I figured out a little key to simple and lovely outfits... I call it the elements of style.  Through lots of research (painstaking time spent reading magazines and combing catalogs - it's a rough job, but someone has to do it!) I found that there are three simple elements for a comfortable and stylish outfit: something casual, something neutral and something dressy.  Of course, you can always do several pieces in each category, but touching on all three makes for an interesting and cohesive look.

Here I pulled together a simple and gorgeous spring or summer outfit to illustrate the three key elements in place.

(jeans - tried these on and swoon, loved them!, top, wedges, necklace, clutch)

Have a fun and stylish weekend ladies!

my outfit: white denim with Old Navy!

Denim is a no-brainer for me... sure it's practical, but I just love it too.  And while classic blue denim is my go-to for cooler months, white denim takes the cake for me for the warmer months.  It pairs well with just about anything and everything in your closet.  In fact, I can't think of one item in my closet that wouldn't work with white denim shorts or pants.

It never fails that when I post about white denim someone will say "what about staining?"... I have two pairs of white jeans, one pair of shorts and a white denim jacket and I haven't encountered a little stain here or there that hasn't washed out in one try!

Old Navy has tons of white denim options lately, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, shorts and even a cute jacket!  You should pop on over there and check out all the options!  Are you hooked on white denim? If so, what is your favorite thing to pair it with?  Here I went super fresh with white on white and a touch of navy...

Details:
Shorts, Old Navy (c/o) - they also come in several fun colors!
White Oxford, Old Navy
Blazer, Gap
Shoes, Sole Society
Watch, Daniel Wellington (c/o)
Sunglasses, Kate Spade (c/o Shop it to Me)

see you around...

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This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

what to pack: Southern California!

I'm prepping to head west in a few days here and I couldn't be MORE ready for a little break from my mom-duties and for lots of sun mixed with plenty of relaxation.  If you remember I was supposed to go to Southern California a few months ago, but the weather was terrible and then I got sick, so thankfully (!!!) the trip was rescheduled.  So far the weather is supposed to be top notch and I am primed for some serious chill time mixed with some serious shopping and eating. The trifecta of the perfect get-away.

Whenever I pack for a trip I try to choose two colors to center my wardrobe choices around. This way everything mixes and matches well and I'm not dragging a ton of clothes around and wearing only half of them. Usually after a trip I am downright sick of the items I brought because I wear them on repeat so much.  To me, that is success!  For this California trip I am going with lots of neutrals (I'm totally into them lately) and a few pops of color.

Navy, grey and denim are stand-bys in my closet and while they may seem a little on the boring side I made sure to punch them up with a touch of color and texture to keep the looks interesting.  These pieces pack well and are easy to wear so that I make sure that my clothes are just as relaxed as my vacation is. Several of these pieces I have featured on the blog already, but I keep going back to them because of their versatility.  That, and now they are in my closet so I am constantly looking for ways to remix them.

(above: necklace, chambray top, navy top, sunglasses, neon purse, bathing suit: top & bottom, navy maxi dress, v-neck sweater, sandals, destroyed boyfriend shorts, grey dress, pink skinnies)

Do you have any spring/summer travel in the works? I would love to hear your packing tips!

my everyday style: light & peachy!

Three things:

- I got my hair cut!  Actually it was last week and I still feel like I am figuring out how to style it.  Ever have that? I got four inches cut off and some how I can't operate a curling iron anymore.  In my defense I haven't given much time to experiment with it. Life has been a little cray-cray since I cut it.  This style here is a combo of a straightener and curling iron. Labor intensive, but I liked the final product.

- Light jeans. Like, whoa. I am in love.  Last time I wore jeans with this rinse was most likely the late 80's or early 90's. But I am thrilled to be bringing it back 80's style in these parts.  They are the perfect denim for summer too.  So light and fresh!

- Peach. Oh yeah. Peach + light jeans. Double bonus on the 80's front.  (I think this jacket may have shoulder pads in it too... but let's not go overboard, right?!?)

Details:
Jacket, Zara - last year (similar)
Peach Top, Gap
Denim, Gap
Clutch, Deux Lux (similar)
Necklace & Shoes, Sole Society

spring accessory report!

This time of year you, me and your best friend are all stocking up on shorts, stripes, tanks and tees... but what about the finishing touches?  Here I rounded up the top trends for spring and summer that I am loving and that seem to be everywhere lately.

Keep in mind  bright colors, textures and easy of use for handbags this spring & summer... Make sure you snatch up totes for all your picnic and beach swag and on the other end of the spectrum you'll need small clutches or cross-body bags for summer evenings and to pair with your favorite sundresses.

(above: orange cross-body, blue cross-body, woven tote - SWOON!, leopard clutch, "viva" tote)

This seasons trends are all about pastels, Bling!, neon, and neutrals.  There is no need to resist bold colors and fun pieces to pair with your favorite spring and summer dresses.  Pastels bring neutrals like stripes and navy in to the season and also make sure to have some fun neutral pieces on hand to wear in between!

(above: peach/pink necklace, mint/green necklace, bling necklace, marquis hoops, neon bracelet, neon earrings, gold coral earrings, gold cuff)

Make sure you have all the necessary shoe styles on hand... beach ready sandals, a pair of classic wedges, laser cut sandals - super hot right now!, a casual pair of kicks and a bright pair of flats! 

(above: flip flops, black sandals, pink flats, wedges, sneakers)

new neutrals!

I'm having a bit of a split-personality issue with spring and summer clothes these days.  One day I am wearing fluorescent pink jeans or snapping up shorts in every color of the rainbow and the next I crave neutrals to the max with not a speck of color in my line of sight.  What gives?

There are some really great neutral pieces out there right now and neutrals are endlessly easy to wear (maybe it's the ease of use I crave?) so it's definitely not a bad thing!  Here I pulled some pieces together that I am seriously craving.

Are you tending more towards neutrals or brights this season? Or both ends of the spectrum like me?

(above: grey sweater, linen v-neck sweater, scarf, flats, necklace, lip gloss, paint splattered denim shorts)

(above: maxi dress, linen jacket, flats, bronzer, striped top, distressed denim, necklace)

see you around...

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Foodie Friday... my new cooking bible!

I will be the first to admit it... cooking for a family is difficult. The kids complain or can't sit still, the husband wants meat and potatoes and you just want a salad and then throw in after-school activities and it's a mess. Not to mention trying to find the time and energy after an already full day just to put dinner together (that is if you even have any food in the house!).  There are a lot of things going against a "family" dinner.  But studies show that it's one of the healthiest things families can do together: eat together.  It feeds us and brings us together even when it doesn't feel like it does (am I the only one that has to remind the kids a million times to sit straight!?!?).  And I believe those studies.

But talking about it is one thing, having the rubber meet the pavement is another.  Enter this book. I only got it about two weeks ago, but I have already made about four or five of the recipes and all of them are healthy and delicious and best part... my kids haven't complain about ONE of the recipes that I have made.  They have loved them all!  (that is truly amazing!)  Plus, my husband and I have loved them too. Super bonus!

Even if you don't have kids, you will find these recipes to be simple and inexpensive to put together - not too many crazy ingredients. Plus, the book is full of classic favorites, so each recipe is a crowd pleaser as well!

Mad Hungry Cravings by Lucinda Scala Quinn