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!

A Nautical Look for Style Perspectives

It seems to me that nautical-inspired outfits are a fresh and in-style look each time summer rolls around.  Because who doesn't think about the seashore and salty ocean waves when the weather is warmer?!  I think the reoccurring appearance of nautical pieces every year makes this look a true summer classic!  Nicole has picked this sunny style for the ladies of The Blended Blog to feature today.

What comes to your mind when you think about putting together a seafaring-inspired outfit?  Stripes, navy, blues, espadrilles and gold accessories are, to me, defining elements of nautical style.

Stripes, check! Navy, check!  Blues, espadrilles and gold accessories, check, check and check!

I wanted to wear this swing dress from Old Navy as soon as it arrived at my doorstep!  It is so so comfortable and flattering (not to mention classically nautical).  It will be fun to play around with different cardigans and accessories but for its first outing, I stuck with monochromatic blues.

I actually wore this outfit on Mother's Day.  My mom and I had a lovely day spent shopping, indulging in sushi and sipping on wine.  I'm lucky to have a mom who I have so much fun with!

Can we take a quick moment to admire this purse?  This is possibly the nicest purse that I've ever owned.  I love the color for spring and summer but the quality leather and shape make it a purse that I can use for years to come. I purchased the purse using Shopbop credits.  I'm so grateful for my experience working with Shopbop because I can treat myself to quality pieces that I wouldn't normally be able to afford.

Well friends, this wraps up the Style Perspectives series for The Blended Blog!  Please link-up your nautical looks below!

But before we get to that link-up, I'm excited to announce the next style series with TBB!  Do you remember Create28 that I've done with Carrie and Casey?  Well we are switching it up and doing it with our friends from The Blended Blog this time.  YOU are still an important part of this challenge so you will still receive daily style prompts and link-ups will be available on Wednesdays.  Here are the prompts for the first week!

Oversized

Bri's Third Thursday Threads theme "Oversized" couldn't have come at a more perfect time of the year.  I don't know about you other teachers out there, but March is one of the most difficult months to get through.  Waking-up early is a challenge, getting through the school day with a smile on my face is exhausting, and wearing real clothes everyday?  Now that's something that I really don't want to do.  Combine my midyear ennui with a couple of extra pounds gained from snow days spent lounging on the couch and snacking, and all I want to wear are comfy, oversized  pieces.

On this particular day, all I wanted to do was wear leggings to work.  Unfortunately, I don't have any tunics long enough to make leggings appropriate for teaching.  But isn't a swing dress really just an oversized tunic?  I thought so!  And somehow the all black made my practically pajamas ensemble somewhat chic.  I even had a seventh grader tell me that it looked like I had spent hours putting together my outfit.  No no, darling girl, I somehow managed to make this work before my eyes were fully open in the wee hours of the morning.

While I'm thinking about it, though, perhaps I should invest in some nice tunics so that I can wear them to work on difficult mornings.  I'm loving the ones with the feminine embroidery for spring!  Or maybe I should just tell it like it is and wear the one that very accurately describes the current state of my body.  Or I could continue the trend and swear swing dresses as tunics.  What do you think?

What I'm Wearing:

Swing Dress: ASOS (similar, similar)

Leggings: Nordstrom (exact)

Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)

Flats: LOFT (similar)

Where I'm linking-up!

Kimon-NO

If kimonos and I were in a relationship, our Facebook status would say "it's complicated."  On the one hand, I love the flowing silhouette and feminine prints of kimonos.  They add that romantic vibe that I love to any outfit.  When picking-out a kimono for me, however, things get a big tricky.  I become picky about the print and discouraged by the fit.  I think it's because the drape of the kimono hides my thinnest feature, my waist.  In the face of kimono-discouragement, I have managed to find one that I do love....but I've only really worn it one way-- with skinny jeans and a t-shirt.

But my love for kimonos prevailed and I was excited to receive one in my most recent Le Tote.  The print was a pretty pink (my favorite) and I was encouraged by the strings that would cinch the waist of the wrap.  I was also encouraged to experiment and wear it with a simple black dress.  But alas, it was not meant to be for me and the kimono!  Once I finally distinguished the top from the bottom of the piece and put it on, I discovered that the look is just not the most flattering on me.  Further, the kimono was very uncomfortable.  My arms kept getting caught in all of the fabric and I couldn't stop pulling and adjusting it.

In conclusion, my complicated relationship with kimonos persists as I continue on my quest to find the perfect kimono look!

What I'm Wearing:
Kimono: Le Tote (exact)
Dress: ASOS (similar, similar)
Necklace Peach Jewel (exact)
Shoes: Hand Me Down (similar, similar)

Bad Hair Days and Picture Problems

Do you ever feel bummed when you waste a great outfit on a bad hair day, or is it just me?  I know it's silly but when I wear my favorite pieces from my wardrobe, I want my whole look to be perfect!  Unfortunately, my curly hair has a mind of its own on most days.  I'm trying to convince myself that an adorable dress (like this little ASOS number) should make me feel more confident on unruly curl days instead of feeling like a waste.  Try as I might, though, it can be so hard to overcome mindsets like this. The struggle is real, my friends.

Speaking of struggling, I have been having a hard time getting the quality pictures that I want for this blog lately.  I mentioned in June that I had parted ways with someone who had been a big and important part of my life for a really really long time.  While I absolutely feel that I made a healthy decision for myself, there have also been challenging moments as a result of this major life change.  One of the (albeit more minor) difficulties I have encountered is the loss of my regular blog photographer and the fancy camera.

(An attempt at creative posing.  Maricel, you do this so much better!)

For awhile, I was having girlfriends snap photos of me as we headed out for brunch or happy hour.  While these lovely ladies have never complained, I feel bad asking them to do this so frequently.  Not to mention, I have a self-imposed feeling of having to rush during these situations.  So, I have decided to work on taking these pictures myself...but this is hard.  And as a perfectionist, I feel frustrated with the quality of the photos I'm taking.

(Changing from flats to wedges takes this dress from day to evening.)

For those of you who take your own blog photos (or who have done so in the past), what are your best tricks?  What equipment do you use?  Any suggestions for someone on a pretty tight budget?

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: ASOS (exact)
Flats: Hand-me-downs (similar, similar)
Wedges: France (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:
DC In Style- Monday Bloom
Greater Than Rubies and Tucker Up- The Lovely Lookbook
I Do DeClaire- Confident Twosday
Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius- #HowIFall
Style Elixir- Style Sessions