Create28: Stripes Stripes Stripes

Do you want to know something fun about blogging friends?  Sometimes they understand your style even better than you do!  Take this shirt, for example.  Carrie picked it out for me!  She totally nailed it by choosing a pretty peplum in my favorite pattern: stripes!

Speaking of stripes, I was reorganizing a portion of my closet the other day and wound-up with a stack of at least seven different striped shirts.  I may have a problem but I'll never admit it!  I love stripes too much!

Are stripes your favorite, too?  How have you been styling them lately?

I just want to add a quick note about this top before I wrap-up this post.  It was generously given to me by Zaful in exchange for a review.  As usual, I'm super impressed with the quality of the garment. The material is a good weight and is very crisp.  My one complaint is the fit.  I sized up to a large and the top is still really tight across the bust.  I love the style but you might want to consider other tops if you are at all busty.

Alright, friends!  Thanks for stopping by today!  Come back tomorrow for a discussion on how to be practical yet stylish at the same time!

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One Swing Dress Three Ways

Wow, it has been a little while since my last outfit post!  I always think I'm going to do so much more blogging during my summer vacation but I think I actually do less.  I just get into the swing of enjoying my free time...and I don't think there's anything wrong with that!

But today I have something fun planned!  In perusing the posts of my fellow Blended Bloggers, I discovered that Sarah of Foxy's Domestic Side, Alison of Puppies and Pretties and I each own the same navy-striped swing dress from Old Navy.  I proposed that we collaborate for a "one dress, three ways" post today!  I have to admit, this was a slightly selfish proposition as I have been struggling to think of different ways to wear this dress than my first attempt.

I did style it slightly differently today.  Instead of a monochromatic look, I wanted a pop of color!  I am always a sucker for tassel necklaces, so this time I chose my hot pink Kendra Scott.  Neutral sandals completed a look perfect for a casual day spent with friends.

Sarah and Alison, on the other hand!  I am so impressed with the combinations they created!  They definitely pulled through with the inspiration I need to change up my look.

I kind of love how all of us went with a tassel necklace without consulting each other!  But besides that I can totally recreate Sarah's look with my chambray shirt and Converse.  I don't have a cool floppy hat like Alison's but I can try my swing dress with a utility vest and booties when the weather cools off a bit!

Make sure you stop by to see Sarah and Alison today to learn a little bit more about their looks!

What I'm Wearing:
Swing Dress: Old Navy (similar)
Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)
Sandals: Bali Elf (exact)

Where I'm linking-up!

Currently: July 2016

toasting: nothing in particular.  And there isn't anything wrong with that!  I've reached a span of time without any major celebrations, just time to relax!  And one of my favorite ways to do so on a summer evening is with a Dark and Stormy cocktail!

going: downtown Nashville!  As I write this post, I am staying at my sister and brother-in-law's home in Tennessee.  They are on vacation and my mom and I are watching my niece, Eloise.  We are going to spend a night on the town, though!  The neighbors graciously offered to babysit so that my mom and I can head to The Listening Room for a delicious, southern meal and to hear an up-and-coming country artist!

smelling: this Fig Tree candle by Detroit Rose, a Michigan company that makes delightfully scented candles.  I purchased it at a pop-up market for local artisans and I adore the simple aesthetics and delicate scent.  I am already anticipating ordering the Campfire scent...

wearing: outfits created for the Summer Style Series of The Blended Blog!  Having trouble thinking of new and creative outfits?  Use our "choose your own adventure"-like tool above!  We are linking-up on Wednesdays and you can find my first outfit for the series below.

wishlisting: anything and everything yoga-related!  I have wanted to try yoga for years.  The blend of focusing on the mind and body really appeals to me.  When school let out for the summer, I signed up for my first few classes.  I love it!  I actually feel happy and peaceful when I leave class (this is an odd post-exercise sensation for me).  Now at any given moment you can find me at yoga class or googling the best mats, how to improve my balance or pretty yoga-inspired baubles.

And now for my first outfit of the Summer Style Series: black + stripes + shoes!

These striped and studded shoes are the absolute best!  I love them so much, in fact, that I was afraid to take them out of the box for the first two months I owned them.  So silly, right?  Now that I've convinced myself that something so cute deserves to be worn in public, I've decided to highlight them for my first Summer Style Series outfit!

To keep the focus on the shoes, I decided to wear them with my simple, comfiest black romper and a bold coral necklace to bring out the color in the studs.

This was the perfect comfortable yet "I feel cute" outfit in which to explore Pittsburgh with my family while we were there for a wedding.  We visited the Strip District, an area with a fun ambiance, lots of little shops and some delicious restaurants.  We ate french fry-filled sandwiches at Primanti Brothers and browsed the wares for sale.  It was a delightful afternoon and a fun wedding weekend!

What I'm Wearing:
Romper: H&M (similar, similar)
Necklace: Silpada (similar, similar)
Flats: Boden (exact)
Purse: Cambridge Satchel

As usual, linking-up with Anne and Jenna!
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Style Perspectives: Plaid

I'm so excited to be participating in Style Perspectives with The Blended Blog for the second week in a row!  This week I'm joining the fifteen lovely ladies of TBB to show you how we wear our plaid!

I actually found this prompt to be a bit of a challenge because I usually consider plaid to be a colder-weather staple.  Not that it's been super warm around here lately, but I've been opting for pieces that feel more like spring.

That being said, I think the plaid look that I created is totally seasonally appropriate!  What do you think?  I went with this particular buffalo plaid shirt because the colors are the softest and felt the most spring-like to me.

And I was totally inspired by the lovely Shea Lennon when creating this outfit to wear my plaid shirt open over a shirt with another print.  Thanks for the idea, Shea!

What I'm Wearing:
Buffalo Plaid: Gap (similar, similar)
Striped Tunic: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Converse: DSW (exact)

How are you wearing your plaid this spring?  Us ladies over at The Blended Blog want to know so please join our link-up below!  And join us next week with looks that consist of leggings and a scarf!

Create28: Turtleneck

Is it just me or are turtlenecks making a comeback this year?  I, admittedly, was a little slow to jump on the turtleneck train due to some not too fond memories of the garment as a child.  I'm sure you remember the basic layering turtleneck of the nineties that my mom would make me wear under everything from a sundress to a Halloween costume?!

But would you believe it if I told you that it was my mom who convinced me that turtlenecks are chic these days?  I actually had this top sitting in my online shopping cart from LOFT but wasn't quite convinced I could like a turtleneck.  Then I went over to my parents' and guess who was wearing the exact top!?  My mom!  Between the stripes and the tunic fit, I just couldn't resist.  I am now the happy owner of a turtleneck!

I think this tunic has lots of comfy potential, but for its first outing, I went with a monochromatic look. A vest, some skinny jeans, a pendant and a simple pair of flats made for an easy but put-together look.

So tell me, are you on board the turtleneck train?  Mine is currently on sale and Shopbop has some great options for turtleneck tunics...not to mention some really cozy looking sweater tunics (did you see the fringed poncho turtleneck sweater?)!

Let's see those turtlenecks on Instagram (#create28winterlooks)!  And I hope that you'll stop by tomorrow to see how Carrie styles her stripes (my favorite pattern)!

What I'm Wearing:

Turtleneck: LOFT (exact)

Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar)

Pendant: Gift (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Flats: Amazon (exact)

Winter Parties + Link-Up

Does anyone else ever find themselves stumped about what to wear to a winter party like a baby shower or a birthday party?  During the summer it's just so easy, throw on a sundress and a pair of wedges and voilà, you're ready to go!  But during the winter you have to account for chilly weather and the potential for snow and slush.

In the last month I've attended a baby shower and a birthday party.  Leading up to the events, I struggled in creating an outfit but, in the end, was pretty happy with what I chose!

I wore this outfit to one of my best friend's baby shower (not to be confused with the other best friend's baby shower).  The ponté dress was put-together without being too dressy for a brunch shower, the wedge booties seemed a bit more dressed-up than my usual black flats, and the scarf added interest and kept me warm!

Speaking of the elements in this outfit, they are some of my favorites for this season!  So much so that it might be time to add a few more to my wardrobe.  I wear both of my pairs of suede booties so frequently that I've been thinking it would be fun to purchase another, nicer pair in a different color.  Here are so many cute bootie choices.  I am kind of loving the H by Hudson pairs that are currently on sale!  Which color do you like better, the grey or brown?

What I'm Wearing:

Scarf: Cotton On (similar, similar)

Dress: Old Navy (similar)

Tights: Nordstrom (exact)

Booties: DSW- Nine West (exact)

And now it's time for that weekly link-up!

Comfy Christmas Break Style + Link-Up

Ahh, I have finally made it to Christmas Break!  While I am super passionate about teaching, it can be a physically and emotionally draining job.  Lately I have been feeling particularly zapped of energy and a little bit down in the dumps so I am really ready for this time away from work.

I'm not going to lie, I plan to spend most of my vacation days in leggings, a comfy top and fuzzy socks.  But when I do actually have to get dressed, I plan to be in outfits just like this one!

Tunic top + cozy scarf + comfy jeans + Converse = done!  I think that the scarf and the Converse take this outfit from a little bit boring to put-together without being much work at all!

And since it is winter in Michigan, a cute coat is a must for any last-minute holiday errands I will be running.  I bought this coat years ago at H&M when I lived in France and I still love it as much as the day I bought it.  The plaid and toggles add fun details to any outfit!

On the day that I wore this ensemble, I actually took a turn behind the camera to take maternity photos for one of my best friends and her husband!  (Fun fact: I have two best friends and they are both pregnant right now!)  We had so much fun and I don't remember the last time I laughed as hard as I did while trying to pose the two of them in Pinterest-y ways.  Luckily, Best Friend's Husband was accommodating enough to snap a few photos of Nicole and me, too!

Showing Best Friend's Husband how it's done!

Nicole is due on Thursday and I CAN'T WAIT to meet the little one!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Scarf: LOFT (similar, similar)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Converse: DSW (exact)

Coat: H&M (similar, similar)

Now it's time for that weekly Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up!

Create28: Blanket Scarf

Ok, I have a little confession--i am doing a post on blanket scarves...yet I don't actually OWN a blanket scarf...like a "for reals, giant, scarf that can keep a family of five warm"-type blanket scarf.

Living in California, 99% of the time, I would overheat and DIE in a true blanket scarf (although it would come in handy when camping!), so I purchased what I call the "California Blanket Scarf." My version has a lot more scarf and a lot less "blanket!" Yet I feel I can get roughly the same look with overheating.

I picked mine up at Sears (Yeah, my boots on Wednesday from Sears, now this!??! So odd..I can't figure out why I keep finding stuff at Sears!!) but nearly the same version can be found at Target HERE--i have seen the pattern closer to mine in stores but not online.

There are two ways I like to wear this scarf ~

1) Tied with Stripes ~ Even though plaid technically has stripes, for some reason I love adding even MORE stripes with my plaid! This "tie" is super easy and I feel gives the right amount of "bulk" to get the cozy blanket scarf look without drowning my 5'4" frame.

Jeans (my FAVE to wear with boots!): exact
Striped Tee: Target (similar)
Vest: via Jane (similar, similar)
Boots: Frye (similar)
Scarf: Sears (see similar options below!)

My scarf is roughly the same size as the Target one. All I did was hold it out lengthwise, then bring together two of the corners and TIE! I leave the other ends loose to some added volume :) Then I just wrapped it twice around my neck. Easy!

2) Just Hanging ~ Sometimes I just like the look of the plaid, but I don't need the extra bulk/heat around my neck, so I will just drape it over my shoulders.

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Booties: similar, cute option


So the "California Scarf" is basically the look of the blanket scarf with less bulk. :)

Have you all made the trendy plunge and purchased a blanket scarf (REAL or California Style)?!!!? I'd love to see the ways you style them! Link up with us on Mondays or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks on Instagram! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow when Carrie shows us some pretty Fall blouses!

I will leave you with some great blanket scarves and "California Blanker Scarf" options! (click on any pic for more info!)

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

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Blogging Besties: Cardigan

Didn't Alex look perfectly ready for fall last week?

Speaking of perfectly fall, I'm excited to announce that Carrie, Casey and I are hosting our next seasonal Create 28 Style Challenge.  Create 28 Fall Looks starts next Thursday and we hope that you will join us in creating 28 brand new outfits based on our daily prompts!  You can link-up your looks every Monday and share your looks on Instagram with #Create28FallLooks!

Alright, back to the task at hand!  The primary component of Alex's outfit that I decided to pass on is a cardigan but I also incorporated lace and flats into my look!

This striped number is another borrowed Le Tote item!  I can't stress enough how Le Tote is helping me transition into fall.  It's keeping my look fresh while I try to hold off from shopping until I see what I really need for the season.

Here are your choices of pieces to pass on for next week: a cardigan, a lace top, colored pants, pattern paired with texture or something borrowed!  But first let's see what you passed on from Alex's look!  Please link-up below!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: LOFT (similar, similar)

Cardigan: c/o Le Tote (exact)

Pants: c/o Stitch Fix (similar, similar)

Flats: Land's End (exact)

Watch: c/o JORD (exact)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

Where I'm linking-up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Create28: Patterned Shorts Look

Patterned shorts have really become a fave of mine this summer! They can be dressed up or down and I have seen some of the CUTEST patterns lately!!

My favorite pair are these floral ones I snagged at Old Navy this past spring. I get compliments on them wherever I go! They were about $15 and I have definitely gotten great use out of them this summer!

I think what makes these shorts so versatile is the fact that they have a lot of different colors, so it's easy to pair them with a variety of tops. I've worn them with aqua, pink, white, coral...and now a little pattern mixing!!

I absolutely LOVE stripes and floral! Don't know when this obsession started, but I just can't get enough! I saw this dress at Nordstrom the other day and about passed out!

Not sure it would look great on me, but I just LOVE the floral colors paired with the bold black and white stripes! Click HERE for the dress.

Here are some other cute ways to wear patterned shorts ~

1. Paired with a bright top ~ Pairing patterned shorts with just a simple bright tee or tank is a classic summer look!

Source: J's Everyday Fashion

2. Paired with a graphic tee ~ How ADORABLE is this look?? Simple shorts and a tee, but no shortage of style here!

Source: Merrick's Art

3. Belted ~Not something you might immediately think of, but I have actually done a cognac belt with my floral shorts several times and I really like it!

Source: The Daily Mail

4. Dressed Up ~ Patterned shorts can be dressed down with a simple tee, but they also look awesome dressed up with a flowy blouse and wedges or heels--holy hotness!!!

 (couldn't find the original source!)

My floral Old Navy shorts have been sold out for awhile, but here are some super cute patterned shorts options (you can click on any image for more info)

What is your favorite way to wear patterned shorts? Let's see your cute patterns at #Create28SummerLooks!

Don't forget to enter the raffle to win $75 from Gap Brands, Loft, Nordstrom or Target! The last day to enter is next Thursday, July 30th!

Entry-Form

As always, here's lots more patterned shorts inspiration!

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Patterned Shorts on Pinterest.

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See where I link up HERE