Hot Pink Suede & Cropped Purple Peasant Tops

One of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to connect with new people. So when my lovely reader Andrea asked for my thoughts on some new additions to her spring wardrobe I was beyond excited; especially when she sent me photos of the pieces in question. exhibit a) sheer, vintage purple blouse with a high lace collar exhibit b) pink suede pencil skirt with exposed zippers

The length of the cropped purple top has made it challenging for Andrea to style and while she’s worn the hot pink pencil skirt with nude heels and a button up Andrea’s looking to dial up the volume and step outside her comfort zone a bit. Keeping both of these challenges in mind here’s what I came up with:

Balance Out the Blouse – all of the bottoms I selected are high waisted so the blouse can be tucked in or worn loose without showing off too much skin

1. Express High Waisted Pencil Skirt – simple, chic, and a great way to let the peasant blouse take center stage while keeping your look 9 – 5 appropriate
2. Geo Print Pants – a fun and funky way to add interest to your outfit but subtle enough not to over power the sheer blouse
3. ASOS Platform Wedges – the subtle color of these wedges means you can wear them with just about anything including sheer purple blouses and floral pants
4. Citizens of Humanity Jeans – I loved the idea of tucking the bold purple blouse into these high-waisted skinny jeans for a bold and feminine look
5. Wilster Paperbag Shorts – comfortable and chic these short keep the focus on the blouse while making a statement on their own
6. Dolce Vita Oxfords – paired with any one of the bottoms listed above these oxfords add a touch of prep school chic to the boho blouse without clashing. I love them with the geo print pants!
7. City Classified Heel Flair Sandals – These sandals play off the lace detailing in the blouse and would look chic paired with the floral skinnies, paperbag shorts, or express skirt

Chic Skirt Pairings – I opted for tops with simple patterns and fun details that would stand out while keeping the skirt center stage. I also tossed in a few casual options to give the skirt a bit more versatility 

1. ModCloth Blouse – Add a ladylike element to the hot pink suede skirt with this pink polka dot bow tie blouse
2. Sheer Forever 21 Blouse – Amp up the volume with this oversized sheer blouse that balances out the mini skirt while keeping the look classy, perfect for a night out with the girls
3. Striped Seaside Sweater –  This nautical inspired sweater is perfect way to make the hot pink skirt brunch appropriate, especially when paired with nude or metallic oxfords
4. Nirvana Boat Neck Top – Layered over the hot pink skirt this boat neck tunic offers a more demure look that’s as sexy as it is chic
5. Floyd Rocker Tee –  A great rock tee can take you places and this Pink Floyd shirt is no exception. Paired with the hot pink skirt this top is blouse-y enough to tuck in or wear over your skirt for a fun, festival or concert look.

Thank you so much to Andrea for allowing me to share her style questions, I had a lot of fun putting this together. Have questions about styling a specific piece in your wardrobe? Not sure what to wear to that upcoming event?!
Drop Me a Line! I’d love to hear from you.

How would you style Andrea’s pink & purple pieces?

Flirty Florals

Sunnies: Zinnia, Dress: H&M, Sweater: Consignment Shop on Cape Cod, Bracelets: Gifted, Slip: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Wedges: Target, Bag: ALDO, Belt: Battery Street Jeans

Vermont has been blessed with beautiful weather as we continue to clean up and rebuild after Irene. The pictures coming out of central and southern Vermont are heart breaking but many are vowing to rebuild; refusing to let Irene take any more from them. For more information about how you can help those affected please contact the Red Cross or visit VTResponse.

 These photos were taken at Perkins Pier by my friend Kat last week.and I’m really glad that I took a chance on this trapeze dress from H&M. I wasn’t sure if the colors or the cut would work on me but I like how the outfit ended up coming together. Since the floral pattern of the dress has a lot going on I opted to keep my accessories simple but bright. The knit green cardigan brought out the colors in the dress’s fun print  and I love how the yellow wedges and the orange bag play off each other.

Since the dress was a bit shorter than I usually wear to the office I layered a vintage lace trimmed slip under it. Not only does the lace adds a really nice feimine touch but it keeps things modest and professional enough for me to wear to the office.

What colors or patterns have you been playing around with recently? How strict is your workplace about dress code?

Round Robin Stairs

Sunnies & Necklace: Zinnia, Jacket: TJ Maxx, Dress: Downtown Threads, Ring: Montreal Street Vendor, Clogs: Seychelles (via Amazon)

I don’t usually wear a lot of yellow or gold hues but I couldn’t pass up this great vintage maxi dress when I found it at Downtown Threads. I even like that its silhouette gives my figure a little extra umph! I used the colors in the cute robin necklace from Zinnia as inspiration for the rest of the outfit and everything just came together from there.

I’m always amazed at how put together you can look in just a maxi dress and accessories. Maxi dresses are my instant go to for easy breezy looks in the summertime. I’m hoping with some strategic layering I’ll be able to wear my simply chic maxi dresses into the fall.

What summer looks are you planning on wearing into the fall?  

Gone Fishing

Hat (w/ red hawk feather): Gifted, Dress (worn as top): H&M,

Shorts: DIY, Wellies: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bag: Philly

I snapped these photographs last week when D took me to his secret fishing spot. I had better luck finding pretty rocks than fish but it was still a lot of fun. Even though we headed to the river in the late afternoon it was still pretty warm so I kept my look simple and fun. The hat and feather were both given to me by D’s dad who shares my love for sunglasses and hats, he’s in a rock band so his collection is almost as eclectic as mine!

While D and I were driving back from my parent’s house last night we both marveled at how lucky we were to live in such a beautiful state. Vermont’s hills and valleys are so lush and it seems that every shade of green is represented. It only takes being away for a few days to really realize and appreciate how clean, beautiful and well preserved Vermont’s natural beauty is.

What do you love about your home state’s landscape?

 

 

My Romper Stomper

Sunnies: Zinnia, Blouse: Vintage (via my Mom), Romper: Target

Belt: Gifted, Bracelets: Gifted, Heels: Dollhouse (via TJ Maxx)

Nails: Sally Hansen nail strips “It Girl” 

The colors didn’t turn out in these photos which is a bit disappointing because this blouse is a very vivid teal that I thought contrasted quite perfectly with the burnt orange Doll House Pumps (that were a steal at TJ Maxx this time last year) but oh well. Despite the washed out colors I still like this outfit and look forward to tweaking it the next time I wear it.

This weekend D and I are hitting the road again (we’ve spent 4 out of the 5 last weekends traveling!) and heading to Maine to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday. I’m really excited not only to celebrate with my gram but to be home with all of my sisters and my three beautiful nieces.

My youngest niece Emma, is responsible for the title of this post. Upon discovering I was wearing a romper Emma quickly informed me that it wasn’t simply a romper, it was a romper stomper. Watching Emma half stomp half skip around my sister’s living room chanting “romper stomper” was a highlight of my summer. A three and three quarters she is a budding fashionista who knows exactly what she likes and doesn’t like and as wild as it sounds, she’s without a doubt one of my fashion icons.

What trips have you taken this summer? Who are your fashion icons?

Tea Party with Champ

This is Champ, the most famous lake monster in the US. Champ lives in Lake Champlain, is rumored to be a plesiosaur and likes extra marshmallows in his hot cocoa. Ok so I made that last part up but who turns down extra marshmallows?

Sunnies: Zinnia, Tunic (worn as tank): Battery Street Jeans,

Skirt & Belt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Michael Antonio (via Endless)

With the exception of the pink tunic I’m wearing as a top you’ve seen all these pieces before. My love for these Michael Antonio heels is well documented here and here, I wore this new western belt last week and you’ve seen this skirt twirl before. I’ve been having a lot of fun shopping my closet lately (this makes both D and my wallet happy). I really love how the gold pattern on the heels work with the chunky gold accents on the belt.

What items have you been rewearing? Have you seen Champ?

Farmer’s Market Fire Escape

Sunnies: Zinnia, Shirt: The Children’s Place, Belt: Target, Bracelet: Gifted, Skirt: H&M, Slip: Vintage (via Downtown Threads), Sandals: Payless

With back to school ads popping up everywhere summer days seem even sweeter. Saturday D and I got a late start and headed to the Burlington farmer’s market around noon. We snacked on veggie tamales with zucchini salsa, spicy potato samosas and split a delicious almond, raspberry, chocolate and hazelnut tartlet on the walk home. Life in Vermont is good!

After we’d eaten our fill we picked up a fresh head of lettuce, a crisp cucumber and this beautiful bunch of zinnias. Coincidentally the sunnies I’m wearing in this post (a recent fashion indulgence) are from one of my favorite jewelry stores in Burlington, Zinnia.

I liked how the bright colors of the flowers looked in contrast to the soft green skirt and antique lace slip. The slip poking out from underneath my skirt isn’t just for looks; the cut of this skirt makes it extremely vulnerable to sneaky gusts of wind. I accidentally flashed an unsuspecting guy in the stairwell of my office building… it scarred us both. Since then I always play it safe and wear a slip, it’s an added bonus that this vintage slip has beautiful lace edging that adds a certain romantic touch to any outfit.

Do you wear slips or are they too old fashioned? Do you have a local farmer’s market? What produce is in season where you are? 

New Wedges on the Waterfront

Sunnies: Chinatown, Jacket: Stowe Mercantile, Dress & Wedges: Target

Forgive my absence but D and I were enjoying a midsummer getaway. It felt great to leave my computer, tripod and camera stowed for the majority of our vacation. Even though I didn’t snap a single outfit picture while we were away that didn’t stop me from shopping.

I bought this floral dress and these mustard yellow wedges at Target while we were on vacation and couldn’t wait to wear them together. The best part… the wedges were only $6.48! I couldn’t believe how perfectly the mustard color of the heels picked up the dresses floral pattern. Mustard yellow has become one of my favorite fall colors and I can’t wait to work both of these pieces into my fall wardrobe.

What colors are you looking forward to working into your fall wardrobe? 

A Day at the Beach

Tomorrow D and I are heading off on a long weekend away at the beach! To celebrate our mini vacation I put together a list of items that I never hit the beach without.

1. WearEver Hi-Back Deluxe Steel Backpack Chair
2. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
3. ECO All Natural Sunscreen
4. Ralph Lauren Sea Horse Beach Towel
5. Blue Pattern Floppy Hat
6. Ray Ban Aviators
7. Colorful Navajo Scarf
8. Jessica Simpson Jacqui Sandals
9. The Original Little Sprout – Children’s Miracle Detangler
10. Swiss Dot Ruffle Shirtdress
11. LL Bean Sunwashed Canvas Tote

What do you stock your beach bag with? What mini vacations have you taken or plan on taking this summer?

 

 

 

 

Singing in the Sun

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Trench: Forever 21, Necklace: Dubs’ Duds, Button Up: The Children’s Place, Skirt: Forever 21, Belt: Forever 21, Pumps: T.J Maxx

I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen Singing in the Rain. My younger sister and I must have run around the living room recreating the dance sequences at least a hundred times when we were kids. So when given the opportunity to ham it up with an umbrella I don’t mess around.

Yesterday it alternated between sunny, sprinkling and pouring so I went the practical route and layered a lightweight trench over a button up that I bought almost 10 years ago at the Children’s Place. The children’s size fits everywhere but the sleeve length, so I cuffed the sleeves for a 3/4 length look and problem solved!

My friend Alicia graciously snapped these pictures at Perkins Pier on the waterfront. It’s crazy to think that just a couple of weeks ago this was all under water. While there is still a lot of clean up and repair to be done it hasn’t stop anyone from enjoying the lake or rivers this summer.

 

What creative solutions have you come up with to make pieces work for you? What movies did you love as a kid?