what to wear: royally speaking.

Wasn't the wedding just SPECTACULAR today? I am in total awe, I love every minute of it! (even though I am very, very tired right now!)  Today I decided to pull together some fun honeymoon-inspired pieces for the royal honeymoon! I sure hope they are headed some where warm and romantic!

(above: swimsuit, romper, sandals, earrings, handbag)

(above: cover-up, swimsuit, sunglasses, flip flops, essie nail polish in "Happily Ever After")

I'm still just basking in all the gorgeousness of today's wedding... it's just too much. The whole thing was so exquisitely perfect.  I'm gushing - I know!

the "it" list... April 29, 2011!

Happy Friday!  I can't believe April is over... hopefully all this rain and storms are as well.

I am ready for some May flowers!

• lady M is celebrating her birthday... stop by and wish her a happy day and also check out her fun wardrobe inspiration for the big day!
• rose a la mode is sporting an adorable new floral dress... even on a chilly spring day she perfectly accessorizes it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• mama loves papa hosts a simply adorable little blog party for your stylish little ones - stop by to play along or just 'oooh' and 'aaah.' (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• meet virginia design layers gorgeous neutral pieces for an ethereal feel to this casual outfit.  These colors are so on trend right now too! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• a little dash of ash has a delicious looking smoothie recipe to share with us. I always love to see what others' smoothie concoctions are - this one looks yummy and healthy! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• rebecca with an R is definitely beach ready in this gorgeous maxi dress and oversized hat - I am seriously loving this outfit! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is looking gorgeous in this drapey feather printed dress - it's just her style! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• baby shopaholic had this super sweet little doll custom made for her daughter for Easter.  What a fun keepsake and toy for a little one, my daughter would love this!
• the capital barbie is giving away sassy shoe themed note cards on her blog this week - you must stop by and enter quickly! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots features the artwork of modern pops - these bold graphic prints make for great nursery artwork!
• the stylish housewife sports a floppy sun hat and a chevron dress, quite possibly the most perfect summer combo ever. I am in love with this look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
• good clean fun made these margarita flavored cupcakes for Easter - but I think they would be perfect for any summer day! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is sick of the rain... and quite frankly, aren't we all!?!? But rain never looked this good before... I promise! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• good life for less has a casual but chic outfit for Easter.  Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - check out how you can be involved here!

my outfit: Easter!

Somehow these Easter pictures got lost in the shuffle this week... but this is in fact what I wore on Easter. It's not super Easter-y and it's also not along the lines of any of the potential outfits that I had planned. But when I woke up and started trying stuff on... this is what felt right. So I went with it.

Are you guys sick of seeing my backyard yet? I'm super lazy and just keep having my husband take pictures here. Each time I try to move to a new-ish area to trick you guys. Is it working? I figured you are pretty smart.

These white jeans are amazing... get used to looking at them, because I am going to be wearing them a lot this summer. Sure I have other pairs of white pants, but none compare. Let me tell you!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Target (similar)
Bracelet & Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese

chicago: the game plan.

I've got a working list for my Chicago shopping trip... it seems to keep groooowing, but I want to make sure I am not just snatching up random stuff.  Of course, there is room for "inspiration" as I find it, but I do want to hit on a few certain things... It goes a little something like this:

I am in 'need' of some new accessories like this fun scarf or earrings on the cheap from Forever 21.  I also am looking for some simple but fun tops like this bright pink t-shirt. I feel like I have a ton of embellished tops right now, so I could use some balance with something like this.  I'm terrible at buying skirts, but this summer I would like to have a few on hand for looking great when the temps rise - this simple pull on navy blue skirt is so cute!  I've bought cheap sandals from Forever 21 before and have really loved them - I could use another pair, and this black pair is exactly what I am looking for.

A gal can always use more sunglasses, no? I am looking for a pair similar to these cute tortoise-inspired sunglasses.  Red pants like these are on my MUST BUY short list... I'm hoping H&M or Zara will pull through for me.  Simple summer tops like this fun striped yellow and white top could come in handy for pool days, isn't this one cute?  I am also looking for a fun dress that can be dressed up or down - a fun patterned one like this one would be perfect. And again, I am loving these fun Forever 21 wedges... I'm a sucker for cheap shoes!

Ever since I first posted about these pink shorts, I am obsessed with them. I may have to pop into JCrew to see them in person.  Or maybe H&M or Zara is another option for something similar. Simple and modern tops like this peach one could definitely find a home into my wardrobe as well.  A navy blue blazer has been on my shopping list *forever* - but I want it to be just perfect. So I am taking my time finding one.  And lastly I have also had a pair of suede Minnetonka's on my 'want' list for a while... I'm thinking the shoe section at the big Nordstrom will be dangerous!

Of course, I have a limited budget and only two days... I'm up for the challenge though!

my outfit: gingham-get!

I finally bit the bullet and bought a gingham top.  I resisted for a while, but when I found this grey gauzy one on the clearance rack in Old Navy, I knew it had to be mine.  In some ways I feel like I was the last on the planet to finally snatch one.  Isn't that the way it is in the blogging world? A few bloggers show off one piece and it suddenly feels like EVERY ONE under the sun has it.  And that it is *perhaps* (gasp!) old news!

But I'm not buying that last part.  Gingham is still very relevant, very 'summer' and now, very welcome in my closet as well.

To go with some friends for a movie and late night snacks I dressed it up a bit with wide leg jeans and platforms.  But I am equally looking forward to wearing it with shorts and sandals soon as well.  And my white jeans should be warned that I am coming for them soon too...

Really, what WOULDN'T this shirt go with? Not much!

Details: 

Top, Old Navy

Jeans, Gap

Key Necklace, Forever 21 (similar)

Belt, Gap (similar)

Shoes, Target (similar)

Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese

what to pack: quick trip to Chicago!

I've mentioned briefly before that Linda and I are both headed to Chicago this weekend to meet for the first time in person, shop, talk-shop (gab endlessly about blog stuff) and of course, shop some more!  I am super excited for a quick weekend away and also to meet Linda!  She and I have been blog buddies for about a year now (Linda, does that sound right, only a year!?!? Seems forever...) and I learned last fall when I got to meet up with Jackie that the only thing better than having great blog friends is getting to actually meet them!

Any who... this trip is proving to pose some packing challenges.  Linda and I are both taking the train to the city from our respective home towns.  So I don't want a lot of luggage to haul around.  And to top that off the weather looks to be a bit wet and cool, which is always tricky in Chicago... as we will be walking every where.  Oh and that too... comfy footwear is essential!

Here is what I am thinking for outfits this weekend:

My favorite skinny jeans are playing double duty... or at least that's the plan.  We arrive Saturday morning and leave Sunday afternoon... one pair of jeans for 48 hours should be do-able, right!?!?  Then staples like my new black trench and striped top will be comfortable and casual.

(above: trench, watch, top, shoes, scarf, jeans)

Then more wardrobe staples like my black cardigan, chambray top and leopard print flats will layer perfectly for warmth and style... and if we get lucky and it warms up a bit, I'll be happy to shed some layers!

(above: necklace, ring, cardigan, chambray top, shoes, jeans)

We'll be sure to document the whole weekend with photos!

ps. go check out what Linda is packing!

my outfit: bubbles!

My husband is endlessly sweet... Saturday afternoon he grabbed the camera and some bubbles that the kids got for Easter (by the way, these 'bubble wands' that are at all of the stores are AMAZING, they blow the best bubbles ever!!!) and we all proceeded to have a bubble party/blog photo shoot.  Fun was had by all.

Some days I find it endlessly challenging to balance my 'mom' duties with my 'blogging' duties... but other days - not so much!  Speaking of being a mom and a blogger... the other day my six year old asked if all moms had blogs.  What a sweet heart!  Bless his little self.  I bet he just wanted to know if all moms were as crazy as me... as in... 'lunch will be in a few minutes... I just have to do ONE more thing to do...".

I'm single-handedly going to bring back the sweater-over-the-shoulders look.  Are you in? It's the spring version of a scarf... perfectly warm and a little pop of color!

On a side note... do you ever hop out of the shower on a Saturday morning and gaze longingly at your cozy bed? Then decide to just lay down for a minute? Then wake up three hours later with your wet (or not so wet) hair still in the towel? If you answered yes to all these questions - then this hair do is for you.  Uncombed, un-producted, half wet and defying the odds of gravity.  Hypothetically speaking, of course.

Details:
Sweater, Gap (similar)
Top, JCrew (similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Clogs, UGG
Earrings, courtesy of Towne & Reese
Bracelets:
this one, courtesy of Towne & Reese
this one and this one, courtesy of Stella & Dot

life needs flare!

Last night I went out with some friends to see the movie "Water for Elephants" LOVE!  I sported my favorite pair of flare jeans... pictures to come, of course!  But in the meantime I was reflecting on how this silhouette has absolutely stormed the fashion scene when only months ago we still had skinny jeans on repeat play.  Here are my favorite pieces of inspiration from around the web...

Source: jaclynpaige.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: garancedore.fr via Jill on Pinterest

Source: smartset.ca via Jill on Pinterest

Source: buscut.blogspot.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: cheetahisthenewblack.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: whatiwore.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

~~~

Gorgeous, no!?!? Here's some pairs that I am loving... are you hopping on this trend?

(top, left to right: 1, 2, 3; bottom, left to right: 1, 2, 3)

my outfit: sometimes you feel like a (blank), sometimes you don't.

How would you complete this phrase: Sometimes you feel like a (blank), sometimes you don't. (and if you answered 'nut' - you are my hero)

For me it would be: Sometimes you feel like a style blogger, sometimes you don't.

And I hate to admit it... but lately I don't.  I don't really feel like having my picture taken or like putting together unique outfits or anything. Doesn't that stink?  I'm sure it's just a little funk.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm not getting dressed at all. I just seem to crave simple outfits with basic pieces and sometimes that doesn't seem very blog-worthy.  What can I say?  We don't all have stellar weeks or, ahem, months for that matter.

I've been wearing skinny jeans pretty much daily (this pair to be exact) and I've worn a lot of t-shirts.  If you've ever though that being a style blogger, or blogger in general is easy, well, it's not.  Fun - yes, mostly. Easy - not so much.

I guess I'm just hoping that my readers will let their (hopefully) favorite blogger off the hook today. Any one? Any one?

Details:
Scarf, Limited (similar)
White Top, Old Navy
Blazer, LOFT (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Flats, Sam Edelman (similar)

Hello, Monday!

Top of the Monday to you... How was your weekend? My weekend was full of cat-naps, outdoor activities, Easter baskets exploding all over my house and yummy food.  A fun, relaxed, yet busy holiday weekend.

I feel like my whole self needs an alignment this morning, I'm all out of whack.  Plus, I have a super busy week... a dentist appt, a girls night out, the Royal Wedding (duh!), finding a way to get my kids off this Easter sugar high and a trip to Chicago to round it all out. {This is apparently 'busy' for me... I'm clearly a homebody}

This outfit would be perfect for today... a cozy maxi skirt, oversized scarf and fabulous shoes to start the week off right!

(sunglasses, skirt, top, scarf, nail polish, sequined flats)

Happy Monday to you!

ps. if you are expecting a baby and like the look of a maxi skirt... 

head on over to good tots for more maxi skirt looks!

Easter outfits...

You didn't think I would leave you hanging did you?  The time got away from me, but I wanted to pull some Easter outfits together for you all... for one, because I'm still working out what I am going to wear and two, because, well... because!

Whether you have an informal weekend in the backyard with family or a big formal meal with extended family - here is some wardrobe inspiration.   We have a little of both... casual with the kiddos and dressier for church. (ps, how amazing are these pink shorts?!?! I absolutely MUST have them!)

(above: earrings, shorts, top, jacket, sunglasses, sandals)

(above: dress, earrings, bracelets, flats, nail polish)

(above: earrings, trousers, striped top, wedges, jacket, bracelets)

Happy Easter!

what to wear: royally speaking.

Can you believe that the wedding is just ONE week away? It's just TOO exciting... today I pulled together looks worthy of Westminster Abbey for the big day.  The paparazzi will be in full effect (it will be practically a red carpet event) and I, for one, am waiting with bated breath to see not only what the princess will be wearing... but of course, what all of her fabulous guests will be sporting as well!

I would wear any of these outfits... in fact, I'll be dreaming in these outfits for the next week!

(above: dress, hat, ring, clutch, shoes)

(above: dress, necklace, bracelets, shoes, clutch)

(above: dress, jacket, earrings, shoes, clutch)

What will you (hypothetically, of course) be wearing?

the "it" list... April 22, 2011!

Happy Friday ladies... I hope you all have a fabulous Easter weekend, whatever it brings to you.  "Hop" on over to these fab blogs for plenty of spring inspiration!

• strong sense of style gives color blocking a try... it's so fun and easy!  And really? What feels more properly spring than pink and green together?
• a spot of whimsy has some fabulous eye-candy from the movie Water for Elephants.  Please tell me you have read this book... if not, do it stat, the movie opens this weekend and it looks to be amazing! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• thought and musing wears a simple and elegant maxi skirt for some wine tasting... a perfect outfit for what looked to be the perfect day!
• good clean fun shares her favorite childhood cupcake recipe... angel food cake with strawberry frosting.  These look SO good and definitely what childhood memories are made of! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• the capital barbie finds some fun accessories with bold angles... this bracelet stood out as a favorite for me.  Pop on over and see her other finds! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up maternity poolside looks for summer, including this adorable peach polka dotted maternity swimsuit!
• rose a la mode sports this fun yellow and white striped dress and seriously has me craving more stripes. Is that possible? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish reminds me that flowers never disappoint in the inspiration department. Just looking at them I can feel that summer is closer!
• a little dash of ash will brighten your day with some good old fashion gorgeous guys.  Good looks never get old (sigh). (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• lady m says what we are all thinking lately: we can't get enough of Zara.  Check out the inspiration and some of their (very interesting) backstory over at her blog!
• meet virginia design is sure to put some spring pep in your step with this fun mix of bold colors and florals.  This outfit just screams sunshine! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• mama loves papa's daughter is quite the fashion prodigy!  Just look at these adorable items she (or her mama, either/or) picked out for herself! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• rebecca with an r proves that blazers never, ever get old... at least in my book!  I just love the simple sophistication of this look! (find rebecca with an r on twitter!)
• good life for less is color crushing on purple + blue + white for spring. It's such a simple color combo - check out her looks! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the it list is produced each week by jill of good life for less... click here for information on how you can be involved!

cheap thrills: summer fun!

Looking for some cheap thrills? Check out this fun pieces... all $25 and under, of course!

(pink top, brown top, sandals, skirt, sunglasses, ring, bag)

get Coachella style for summer!

I am loving all the Coachella looks that are coming out of LA this week after last weekend's fest.  They are boho to the extreme and often over the top... but fun as eye-candy, no doubt.  I love a little eclectic/boho style myself, although I am usually a little too type A to pull it off confidently.

But here are some of my favorite Coachella looks mixed in with my own personal take on how I would tone down the looks to make them more "me"...

Style blogger Elin Kling looking amazing... swap out boots for sandals and I would totally rock this look. What about that hat?

Source: refinery29.com via Jill on Pinterest

Is this a romper or a maxi dress? I honestly don't know... but I am loving the vibe...

Source: refinery29.com via Jill on Pinterest

Shorts definitely reigned supreme at Coachella... my brother was there and he said it was super hot. Although, now that I think about it, I was just assuming he was talking about the weather! :)

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jill on Pinterest

I love this bold blue top and layered necklaces...

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jill on Pinterest

Crochet tops are becoming quite the trend lately. I love these tops, this would look fab with a pair of wide leg jeans.

Source: refinery29.com via Jill on Pinterest

Best dressed goes to Nicole Richie, duh. She looked amazing! I wish had the guption to rock a super long shirt with a super short pair of shorts!

Source: None via Jill on Pinterest

Here's a few Coachella-esque looks that I would totally rock this summer...

(above: dress, necklace, sunglasses, bracelet, sandals, nail polish)

(above: bag, shorts, tank, earrings, necklace, sandals, nail polish)

Are you going to be rocking a boho look any time soon?