Maxi Skirts

 

Have you been indulging in the maxi trend?  If so, here are 9 looks to steal from boho, to rocker, to casual and dressed-up.  Pleated maxi skirts are a great look that make your outfit look effortless while keeping you comfy and it's a huge trend this Spring because of our changing weather.  My favorite look is definitely the fuchsia skirt (second to last) because of the mix between a feminine color and heels with a rocking black leather jacket - the soft/hard look is a great juxtaposition.  Happy Monday!

{Pictures via here: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.  For similar looks, you can find look #5 here, look #3 here, a great Alice & Olivia maxi here, for under $100 check out this one, a pink boho maxi here, a great aqua maxi by BCBG here and for the budget-conscious gal this one is a great choice.}

Umbrellas for Spring!

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It's the start of April showers, and already Austin is brewing with thunderstorms and golf-ball sized hail is falling on our rooftops.  I love a great thunderstorm, especially on weekends when I can cuddle up on my couch and watch romantic comedies like Annie Hall on TV.  This morning however, I couldn't find a single umbrella I loved in our hall closet - they were all useful of course, but none that I absolutely loved.  So, off to the intrawebs I went searching for that perfect umbrella for Spring showers.

one / two / three / four

There were a bazillion options - red ones & blue ones, dainty ones & goofy ones - and it was very hard to choose one until I saw the adorable red heart-shaped umbrella.  How cute is it?!  It's not too fussy or plain, but just the right mix of classic and whimsy.  I can not wait to receive it in the mail.  The cab-printed umbrella would be adorable for New Yorkers and the classic blue one makes me want to travel to London and put on some Hunter rain boots. Happy shopping & stay dry!

Jackets for Spring Weather

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It was such a beautiful weekend - we spent the entire day on Saturday hiking through Zilker park, riding the Zephyr train, playing on the swings and dreaming of summer days at Barton Springs Pool.  Afterwards, we went to Homeslice Pizza for a bite to eat and a few beers followed by shopping on South Congress.  

Then Sunday morning rolled around and cold weather had arrived in Texas causing many of us to ravage through our closets for the perfect jacket for this crisp Spring weather. Though I didn't find appeasing options in my closet, I did scour the web to find many cute options - some with 3/4 sleeves, some light, some heavy (snow is still falling in the Midwest!), some colorful, and others true classics.  So, happy shopping and hope you're having a wonderful Monday.

Black & White Dresses

Black & White dresses are amazing because they can be used during any season by simply changing the color of your tights & lipstick.  Plus, they can be used for any type of occasion (barring the fact that they aren't velvet or satin) - dress them down with a denim jacket and flats or pair the dress with some sexy heels, clutch and dangling earrings for an art gallery opening or fancy dinner.  

Color-block dresses and shirts have been trendy for a few years now, and there are definitely a few here that  fit that category but my favorites of the looks below include #1 & #8 in the first picture - the sleek black lines add such a modern touch on the white dresses, really making them special.  For everyday, #2 & #5 in the second picture are perfect - comfortable and stylish.

Either way, here are 14 dresses (from $50 - $1k) sure to make you stand-out at any function.  Happy Shopping!

Ps. Can you tell the bargains apart from the high-end dresses?

1. Jamila Dress 2. New Della Sheath 3. Made to Border Dress 4. Audrey's Lace Dress 

5. Walk a Divine Line Dress 6. Party Dress 7. One Shoulder Dress 8. Aphrodite Dress

Left to Right: One Two Three Four Five Six

Happy Weekend

It is a beautiful day today and I am so happy to be enjoying it outside reading books and planning new projects.  Of course, I've spent most of my free week under the weather (catching up on Season 2 of Girls) or working on my re-upholstery project.  Of the three chairs, one is completely done and I am about 80% happy with it.  Mainly, I have a few more things to learn when it comes to attaching the cording and my paint job on one of the chairs could definitely use some work.  It's been fun, rewarding, and educating so I'm glad that this week has stretched me ability-wise.

I am also really looking forward to enjoying some quality time with my boyfriend this weekend.  We are planning on making a big meal tomorrow, cuddling on the sofa with some movies and will most assuredly be avoiding the SXSW craziness that is occurring around town.  What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope it's lovely and please enjoy these links from around the web...

article on changing careers

lena dunham

sexy heels

arianna huffington on burning out at work

adorable play kitchen

pretty cookware

I totally agree (with her dutch oven rant).

good advice for desk jobs

my current purse crush

whoa, pyrex, I heart you.

the First Lady's best looks

a great (and extremely affordable) Spring skirt


{picture via here}

Peter Pan Collars

Peter Pan collar necklaces are very trendy at the moment and come in a wide assortment from vintage pearl collars to punk-rock inspired metal ones.  Plus, they are an extremely easy way to add a splash of sweetness or edge to your outfit and I just can't stop loving on them right now.  What do you think - fashion do or fashion don't?

For your shopping pleasure, here are the links to purchase these collars:
One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine

Happy Weekend

SXSW officially begins today in Austin so traffic is bonkers, funky fashion like the photo above is in full swing and there will be loads of dancing, drinking, discussions, and just all out-partying all over town.  There are literally hundreds of shows around town so the options are endless.  For some Austinites, it's a chance to listen to a ton of their fav bands for free, but for others it's a chaotic mess and they will avoid it like the plague.  I'm definitely planning on checking out a few places this weekend and since next week is Spring Break (and I'm off!), I'll definitely be heading out to a few events. Have a lovely weekend and please enjoy this week's weekly roundup of links.

bowtie for men

great wedge for Spring (and crazy affordable)

pets in the modern world

for Scandinavian design enthusiasts

travel wish-list for 2013 (and the rest of this decade!)

useful information for tax season

fun clock

street style at Paris fashion week

Sarah Jessica-Parker interview (confirming stilettos aren't great for your feet long-term)

fishtail braid tutorial

Ps.  Daylight Saving Time this weekend!


{image copyright of NY Times}

Etsy Tuesday: Study in Mint

Mint is definitely in.  Since I love all shades of green, the current mint craze absolutely delights my senses.  For your enjoyment, check out these great finds from Etsy.

1. Vintage Mint Dress - check out this link for the cutest & happiest Etsy model ever.

2. Sparkly Dog Collar - because even your pup deserves to be stylish.

3. Leaf Dinnerware - I would die for this whole set.

4. Clutch - affordable addition to your seasonal/trendy items that could easily be modified with a sparkly brooch for fancier occassions.

5. Retro Dress - perfect for a Sunday brunch date with your friends.

6. Mint Earrings - simple & elegant.

7. Vintage Sewing Machine - and one of my fav items on this list.

8. Imperial Savoy Camera - a great addition to any collection of cameras.

9. Sugar Bowl - very sweet bowl you could also use for cotton balls in the bathroom.

10. Cross Weave Bracelet - a good bracelet for layering with other gold pieces.

11. Pendant Necklace - another fav that I'd love put on an extremely long chain.

12. Tassel Garland - super stylish addition to a birthday party or bridal shower.

13. Leather Ipad Mini Case - for the stylish tech savvy girl.

14. Ivory Linen & Mint Chair - a welcoming chair to read a book in. 

3 Great Dresses under $50

Feeling flirty but on a budget?  Here are three great dresses for the money-conscience woman.  Each one would look great dressed up or down, whether you're piling on the accessories or keeping it to a minimum.  Plus, all three dresses come from shops that offer other budget-friendly items so if red just isn't your color or you're dying to wear a fun print, click on their links and search the shops for low-priced alternatives.  

From left to right: Coconut Layer Cake Dress ($50) at ModCloth, Red Ruffle Dress ($40) by Prabal Gurung for Target, and Museum Date Dress ($37) at Ruche.

Happy Bargain-Hunting!

12 Great Dresses for Date Night (under $100!)

In honor of my [Almost] First Date Story and to get you ready for your date night, check out these 12 amazing dresses all under $100.

1. Jersey Sleeve Skater Dress in Raspberry  2. Ecote Metallic Shift Dress  3. Sweet Amour Lace Dress  4. Crossborough Breeze Dress in Mocha  5. Charming Cherie Ruffle Dress in Navy  6. Spot Mesh Pleat Dress  7. Old Towne Adventures Pleated Dress in Plum  8. Xhilaration Dress in Multi Stripe  9. Modern Knit Dress in Mauve  10. Sundrops Abstract Print Dress  11. Pins & Needles Daybreak Dress  12. Mulberry Street Print Dress

Sparkly Dress

Speaking of keeping the holiday sparkle alive - how AH-mazing is this dress?!  Wish I knew who the designer was.  Either way, this deserves a red carpet moment.

{photo found here}

Top 7 Flats to Wear Right Now

Who doesn't love a great flat?!  Winter is such a great time for one, too and it's an excellent way to dress up an otherwise casual outfit without wearing 6" heels.  After scouring the web, these 7 flats were my favorites for keeping the holiday sparkle in your Winter wardrobe.  Happy Shopping!

- - - - - - -

Pictured Above: 1. Marionette Bow Flats in Violet  2. Chelsea Flat in Gold Glitter  3. Reesa Ballet  Flat in White Pine/Cove  4. Karisma Bow Flat  5. See by Chloe Flat in Coral  6. Marilu Flat in Black Spotlight 7. Smoooch Flat in Blush (yes, Smoooch really has 3 O's!)

1950s Eyeglasses

* * * *

How amazing are these?!  Forget the current trend of black/brown rimmed nerd glasses and go for a slightly more feminine look with these.

Great Sweaters for the Winter Season

According to one particular site, the above sweater is a stylish choice for the winter season.  Although I love adorable & furry animals, I would not wear this sweater unless it was to an Ugly Sweater Party.  Yes, it's whimsical.  Yes, it will give you a major moment.  But those two traits do not necessarily qualify this sweater as chic.

As a result, I set out to find a few sweaters that do make you want to dress up for the holiday season.  What do you think?  Do you prefer these or do you love the knit sweater above?

 

J. Crew "Heart Me" Sweater

 Marc Jacobs "Gladiola" Sweater, my personal favorite :)

Ruche's "Cafe Verona" Sweater

 Top Shop

Cozy Winter Clothes from Anthropolgie

These clothes from Anthropologie's December catalog look so cozy and chic.  I want to put them on and indulge in a big cup of hot cocoa next to the fire.  Isn't it amazing how such a simple outfit can transform you to another place and make you think such warm & fuzzy thoughts?

Winter Clothing Essentials - Ruche

Excellent examples of why you should stock up this Fall/Winter with outfits from Ruche.

Great Fall Skirts

Skirts are a huge wardrobe staple this Fall season, and why not when temperatures range between freezing and 90 degrees across the US.  If it's a little cold outside, just slip on a great pair of tights with your skirt in either a similar color for a classic look, or a contrasting color for a more fun & eclectic look.  Here are a few skirts I found at Piperlime that are sure to be great additions to anyone's wardrobe.  Happy Shopping!

 
Left to Right: Houndstooth Mini Circle Skirt, Silk Pleated Maxi Skirt, Pleated Tulle Mini Skirt, Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Merlot

 

Left to Right: Silk Chiffon Asymmetrical Skirt, Silk Zipper-Front Skirt, High Waisted-Panneled Maxi Skirt, Silk Pleated Skirt

Audrey Style

A striped shirt and black pants never looked so chic.

{photo courtesy of Secrets of a Belle}

Etsy Tuesday: Vintage Dresses

Etsy is amazing, and searching through its pages for this week's post, I could not stop gawking at all of the fabulous finds.  I had an incredibly hard time editing my picks down this week and as a result, this week's post is long.  So, it's a great thing the holiday season is approaching and you'll be in need of a few dresses.  Enjoy and have a great Tuesday!

Dresses L to R:
Top Row: 50s Lace Front Chiffon Dress, Sheer Polka Dot & Velvet Dress, One Shoulder Dress with Beading, Organza Dress with Layered Side Sash
Bottom Row: Black Velvet Cocktail Dress, 60s Dress with Scalloped Skirt, 50s Cocktail Dress with Polka Dots & Embellished Cuffs, Black Pleated & Sequined Dress

Dresses L to R:  Fringe Cocktail Dress, 60s Black & Ivory Dress, 50s Polka Dot Dress,
Animal Print Dress

Dresses L to R (Top Row) 60s Polka Dot Dress with Peter Pan Collar, Red Velvet Cocktail Dress, Vintage Striped Day Dress  (Bottom Row)  Sassy Red Dress with Gathered Waist Line, Silk & Chiffon Dress with Bows,  Red Silk Dress with Accordion Pleats

Romantic Hairstyles

I love these hairstyles - so romantic, chic & feminine - perfect for a dinner party or wedding.  And I am dying to dye my hair red.  Unfortunately I cut all my hair off 6 weeks ago (8 inches!) so now I can't do any of the above hairstyles.  But one day....

How about you?  Have you tried any great new hairstyles or changed up your color?

{photo from Aisle Candy via Pinterest}