Gingham Style

Oh how I love to mix different textures and prints together. And currently topping my list right now are polka dots back to, well, pretty much anything. And while I have been trying to shield you all from my out-of-control addiction to polka dots, I think I may be on the verge of needing an intervention. Seriously. I am out of control.

But the good news about polka dots is that they play a very similar role to stripes. Meaning, you can pair them back to just about anything. And while polka dots and stripes are one of my all time favorite combos, lately I am becoming a huge fan of polka dots and plaids. Now normally when mixing prints a general rule of thumb is to mix something bigger with something smaller. But, of course, as you can see below, there are exceptions to every rule. And I have to say that I am loving my mini polka dot sweater back to my hot pink gingham button down…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Mini Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21

Pink Gingham shirt:  JCrew Factory

Skinny Jeans:  Gap

Heart Pendant:  Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace:  Personal Collection of Charms

Watch:  Michael Kors

bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Sunnies:  Calvin Klein

Neon Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Wedges:  Aldo Terina (ON SALE!)

Our weekend went by so quickly.  Even though it was packed full of events and fun outings, I almost feel like I blinked and now it’s Monday again.   This time of the year always really flies by for me-I just wish the weekends would slow down a little.  Sheesh.

Here’s to an abbreviated work week!

xx

Pencil Me In

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Dress:  JCrew Factory

Black Cardi:  Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Necklace:  Thia Pan Trading Company (local Utah store)

Skinny Belt:  Cotton On

Gold Bracelets:  Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses:  Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes:  Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available.  But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be.  But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it.  😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight! 

xx

Come Sail Away

Perhaps it is the result of living for so many years in the South, but I have an on-going love affair with embroidered shorts. Whether it’s critters, or sea animals, or boats, or anchors, or dragonflys, I just love the color contrast and cute preppy factor. For men, or women (and even kids!), they are always a winner in my book. In fact, I just bought my hubby a pair of pale blue JCrew chino shorts with bright blue whales and also snagged the below peach shorts with little orange sailboats for me. I mean really, can you get much cuter???

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Orange Featherweight Sweater:  JCrew Factory (recent)

Peach Sailboat Embroidered Shorts:  JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace:  JCrew via eBay (BE CAREFUL when buying a bubble necklace this route-there are LOTS of fakes out there!)

Gold Chain Bracelet:  Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neutral Wedges:  Guess via DSW (recent)

Another great thing about embroidered shorts (in addition to all of their cute and preppy lovely-ness) is that they are a great piece to dress up or down-or even land somewhere in the middle like I did with the above outfit.  They look great back to a t-shirt (or tank) and flats, or back to a mid-height wedge with fun accessories (as above) , and would even look fabulous with some higher heels, and a cute button-down for a night-on-the-town type of a look!  So if you are like me and love these adorable shorts, then I suggest hitting up your local JCrew-they hands down do this trend better than anyone else. 

Happy Monday!!!

xx