my outfit: get sporty!

This is day two of giving the crappy weekend weather a one-two punch. Except for with this outfit I went with extreme comfort.  The original plan was to go to the movies with the kids... wait, scratch that... the original-original plan was to be at the pool all weekend. So technically the Plan B was to take the kids to a movie.

Then the weather turned real sour with severe thunderstorms and weather.com even warned of "deadly lightening" - ummm, really?  Yeah, so we weren't about to drag the kids to the movies.  Instead I popped over to the local drugstore and snagged two red box movies and a bunch of candy (we made homemade popcorn) and instead of spending $30 - 50 at the movies we spent $7.  Score!

Wouldn't you know it... after two run throughs of Never Say Never (not so bad) and one of MasterMind (horrible... or is that movie called MegaMind, whatevs) the four of us were seriously bouncing off the walls. But luckily, we lived through the lightening.  Duh.

Any way... my husband calls these shoes my 'sporty' shoes. I don't know what that means. I just figured it was worth mentioning.

Also, I could write an entire post on my love of this orange nail polish (did I mention Jackie sent it to me? love that girl...) but I will spare you the details.  Seriously. Love.

Details: 

Blue & Green Striped Top, H&M (similar)

Blue & White Striped Top, H&M (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Watch, Michael Kors

Shoes, Superga (I got mine cheaper at GILT!)

Glasses, "fun ones" from Forever 21 (similar cheap, similar drool worthy)

Nail Polish, similar to 'One of a Kind' from Essie

psst... check out what's on my other blogs today!

• an etsy round up of kids' beach hats!
• Minka Kelly boho look for less!

color trend: yellow!

Hopefully you are not too down in the dumps now that the gloriously long weekend is over... I'm sure these spunky yellow pieces will be sure to pick up your pace a bit!

(above: cardigan, ring, watch, bow bracelet, clutch, striped tank, sandals)

(above: necklace, bow earrings, nail polish, strapless dress, shorts, bangle bracelet, wallet)

Here's more fun yellow inspiration!

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: galletasdeante.blogspot.com via Iratxe on Pinterest

my outfit: the one-two punch!

This past weekend was a little rainy and cooler than I would have liked (although today is slated to be just gorgeous!) - so I gave that gloomy 'ole weather the one-two punch.  Or the white-pink punch.  Depending on how you like to phrase your boxing-outfit terms.

Oh and also here is the official unveiling of my new OMBRE hair do!  I sneak peeked it over on twitter last week... but here it is in it's full glory.  My hair stylist really hit it out of the park with this one. I was nervous to try something new - because I'm a huge control freak (kidding, kind of).  But Summer did an amazing job!

It's so fun for summer... I am just LOVING it! I haven't done something this dramatic with my hair in a long time (I'm thinking maybe since the pixie cut of 2001). And wow, new hair styles are fun!

Do you read the blog Ordinarily Urbane? She was the number one inspiration for my hair - so a proper shout out is due here.  She REALLY rocks the look.

What would this world be like without amazing bloggers to copy, errr, be inspired by!?!?

Details:
Blazer, Zara (similar)
Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Sandals, Forever 21
Nail Polish, similar to 'One of a Kind' from Essie

good look for less: Jodie!

Today's good look for less consult was for Jodie... She is a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom of four that was looking to update her wardrobe with some simple and classic looks.  She has teenagers at home, so she wanted to make sure to stay away from the trends, but still maintain a modern look.

Whenever I pull together looks for ladies I want the pieces to mix and match easily.  It makes getting dressed simpler and makes your wardrobe infinitely versatile and is perfect for when you are shopping on a budget.  Waste not, want not!

Let's take a look at a few of the simple but still stylish outfits that I pulled together for her...

(above: jeans, top, bracelet, cardigan, flip flops)

(above: skirt, top, bracelet, flip flops)

(above: jeans, top, earrings, flip flops)

(above: jeans, bracelet, top, necklace, cardigan, flip flops)

Happy Shopping Jodie!  

~~~

To learn more about my wardrobe consultation services... click here!

Saturday Scheming...

Hello ladies... I'm popping in on a Saturday - which I haven't done in a while!  It's a little cooler and cloudier than I had hoped to get this weekend started.  But it's not getting me down... I'm just internet surfing and scheming.  A perfectly fine way to spend a gloomy Saturday morning if you ask me!

I'm such a Royal-rat... I'm always scouring the magazines at the checkout and eonline for the latest Royal buzz - so of course I was all atwitter when these pictures were released earlier this week:

Kate Middleton looking fab in a gorgeous nude Reiss dress that not only sold out online in under an hour, but crashed the whole Reiss website.  It was reportedly selling for about $300 USD.

I have a few events this summer that I need a dress for... I'm not much of a dress gal, so I have been putting it off. And likely will continue to until the last minute... that's how I roll.  But at least I am brainstorming on the subject.  That's a start, right?  So why not a fab nude dress... maybe this one?

For my husband's work event: 

(above: dress, blazer, earrings, ring, shoes)

For my niece's baptism:

(above: dress, cardigan, bracelets, belt, shoes)

what to wear: weekend!

It's the unofficial start to summer this weekend and for the most part the forecast looks great here!  The pool that we are members (read: pool rats) at opens this weekend and the kids are just dying to hop in that pool finally!  I'm ready for some time in the sun - so it's a win-win!

I just scored this bathing suit from Old Navy and this hat from Target... then I am planning on slathering on some fun orange nail polish similar to this color that my girl Jackie just sent my way.  And by golly, with those three things it will for sure feel like summer is here!

What are your fun plans for the weekend?

(bathing suit, flip flops, top, shorts, hat, ring, nail polish in "supermodel")

my outfit: the answer!

If you read my blog this winter (this long, long winter...) you probably asked yourself... 'Why do these crazy people live in West Michigan if all they do is complain about cold and snow all the time?'  And I would say... 'Why yes, I ask myself that same question!' But this is the answer:

See that sand? That soft, soft sand? See those gentle waves of fresh, clear water?  See that blue, blue sky and gentle breeze? Folks, it's 80 and sunny here and life is good.  And here's the good part... it only takes our family about 35 minutes to get here on any given day (45 minutes if you count a quick swing by Jimmy Johns for some subs first).  This my dear friends, is the answer, this is why we live in this crazy place.  Because for 3 months every year it's pure heaven.

Jealous? We had the best beach day recently!  It was pure heaven and because it was a touch windy and the forecast was bad (which didn't come to fruition) we pretty much had the entire place to ourselves and free admission.

Any way... these are my new white jean shorts that I DIY'ed!  Yay!  A few of you asked for some tips on making your own jean shorts.  I have this little rule...

Some 'big companies' (I won't name names) sell their shorts in a few standard lengths: 3", 5", 7 1/2' and 9".  This number refers to the inseam which (to put it nicely) is where the two pant legs connect at a v and then measure down from there.  Take these measurements as a starting place... if they are good enough for them, they are good enough for me.  Try your pants on and decide where you want them to hit.  Then add an inch or two if you want your jean shorts cuffed.  Also I did a little tutorial last year on a pair I made and distressed myself - seen here.

I couldn't resist a cute picture of me and my guy.  Love him!

ps. NO Thursday Latelies this week (cue the sad music)... I wasn't really feeling it and I had about four failed attempts. I promise it will be back BETTER than ever next week!

pps. I am guest posting over at Style Your Life today... check out my number one summer staple!  

ppps. I got my hair 'ombre' colored last night and I am OBSESSED... I'll try to post pictures soon!

Details:

Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)

Earrings, Windy Mink (but I got mine cheaper from GILT!)

Top, H&M (similar)

Shorts, DIY'd (similar)

my outfit: summer is here!

I hate to admit it.  But it's the truth.  Grand Rapids just isn't ready for red pants yet. I won't go into specifics... but if you are from a small(er) town you know the feeling. The weird comments. The blank stares.  They are PANTS people.  I'm not wearing aliens, one on each leg.

It looks like I'm going to have to bring this trend to fruition here in GR all on my own. And considering I only make it out ("out" defined as places other than schools, soccer fields and grocery stores) on a limited basis... this is gonna take a while.

 But enough jibber jabber about my small-ish town.  I wore this snazzy, yet summery, outfit on a date.  A windy date, but a date all the same. Is my husband a lucky guy or what? (I kid, I kid. kinda)

Details:

Red Pants, Zara (similar)

Tank, Forever 21 (similar)

Bracelet, courtesy of Towne & Reese (this style is sold out :( but check out their other fun pieces!)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

work it wednesday: widen your horizons!

Today's work it wednesday features more wide leg jeans... you saw some wide leg looks here - but those were more for winter.  Today I have some looks that are more decidedly for summer...

Snag one pair of rockin' wide leg jeans (if you don't already have a pair!) and then mix and match them with some fun neutrals and bold accessories for a chic summer look.

(above: hat, jeans, top, elephant bracelet, purse, shoes)

(above: clutch, jeans, tank, wedges, scarf, nail polish)

(above: clutch, jeans, striped top, cocktail ring, feather necklace, platform shoes)

Are you sporting some wide leg jeans now that summer is here!?!?

my outfit: maxi skirt for the win!

We have some silly little traditions in our family.  They seem so trivial, but the fact is that all of the members of our household depend on and enjoy them.  One is Saturday morning donuts.  The tradition goes a little like this:

On Saturdays when there are no soccer games the 'dad' rounds up the 'kids' and takes them to the donut place for a sugary start to the weekend.  This all goes down while the 'mom' (me) sleeps a little extra.  Pure bliss.

Due to my husband's travel schedule and my son's soccer schedule this past weekend the donut tradition was switched to Sunday morning.  (yes, we skipped church - gasp!)  And double gasp, I also went along.  What can I say, I was so happy to have my husband home I made the kids share him.

So what does this mom need when she is skipping out on beauty sleep for some family time?

The next best thing to pajamas: a maxi skirt and a boyfriend tee. Done and done.

Messy buns help too.

And large necklaces and sunglasses take the focus off the fact that you just rolled out of bed. Nothing like a little distraction.

This outfit has serious potential for addiction.  Consider yourself warned.

Details:
Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)
Necklace, H & M (similar)
Top (similar)
Skirt, Forever 21 (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21

passionate for pink...

It's no surprise around here that I am nuts for pink lately... the bolder, the brighter, the crazier - the BETTER!  Plus pink pairs well with jeans, white, black and neutrals... in other words, just about everything in your closet.  So splurge on some sassy pink this season - you won't regret it!

Here are some fun pink pieces I pulled together... don't they just instantly brighten your day?  Psst... almost every single piece here is under $100 and many are under $50 too!

(above: pink top, sunglasses, bracelet, floral scarf, 

platform shoes, bobbi brown lip gloss, earrings, belt, lace bra)

(above: tank, key chain, nail polish, small purse, gold ring, scarf, flip flops, striped sweater)

Are you as crazy for pink as I am? Here's more inspiration here, too!

my outfit: sun/rain!

I actually did wear THIS outfit this weekend. Almost. Pretty close at least. This is just the rainy day version of it... but earlier in the day it was sunny.  So for that version, picture sunglasses and sandals instead of the umbrella and rain boots. Are you confused yet?

Despite the little bits of rain here and there our weekend can best be described as busy, mosquito-y and a little sun-burny.  In other words, summer is absolutely here.

Also, my husband finally got home from his week-long trip to Taiwan and I am so thankful and happy to have him home safely!  All in all it was a great weekend.

How was yours?!?! Dish!

Details:
Umbrella, Target
Striped Top, Forever 21 (similar)
Necklace, Forever 21 (similar)
Jean Shorts, DIY (I'll have more info on DIYing your own jeans into shorts later this week!) (similar)
Boots, Marc by March Jacobs (mine are the green ones!)

good look for less: Janice!

Today's wardrobe consult was for Janice... she is the mom to two kiddos and currently works, but will be making the transition to a full-time stay at home mom shortly.  She wanted outfits that still looked great and felt put together that would suit her new lifestyle staying home with her kids.

She had a $300 budget and I was able to work within the parameters easily for some great summer looks for her... I'll give you a sneak peek of a few of them!

My number one goal for Janice's pieces was that they could mix and match easily.  Simple pieces like these are perfect for just that!

(above: bracelet, shorts, top, sandals)

Simple summer dresses like this one are great for busy moms... they can easily be dressed up or dressed down.  Versatility and comfort is key!  Janice already owns a pair of sandals similar to these... then just add some fun accessories!

(above: dress, earrings, necklace, sandals)

 White jeans like these are more fun to wear then regular jeans and wash up easy in the washing machine.  I happen to think that TOMS are the perfect "mom" shoe... they are comfortable and stylish!

(above: jeans, bracelet, top, necklace, TOMS)

If TOMS weren't in her budget I suggested these cute little boat shoes that were a bit cheaper... fun and cute shoes make chasing kids around all day more bearable!

(above: shorts, top, necklace, shoes)

Happy Shopping Janice!

~~~

If you are interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services... click here!