Strawberry Fields Forever and a Link-Up

Did you know that strawberries are my all-time favorite food?  I'll eat them in any way, shape or form: plain, with a little bit of powdered sugar, on a salad, or strawberry shortcake.  But my absolute favorite way to eat them is in strawberry pie.  In fact, my mom makes a strawberry pie for my birthday every year instead of cake.  Not only do I love to eat strawberries, but I adore them on my clothes as well.  So when I saw this fruity little number from Anthropologie, I knew it had to be mine!

I love the colors of the print so much that I wanted to highlight them.  I think that my cobalt skirt and mustard cardigan really made the print POP!  What do you think?

Izzo photobomb...

In other exciting news, I've finally received all of the elements of my very generous birthday present from my parents: a fancy camera, a tripod and a remote!  I love how crisp and clear my photos have been using this new camera.  I'm still struggling to learn how to use the tripod and remote, though.  For you ladies who take your own blogging photos, do you have any tips for me?  I'm looking for help with a full-proof set-up (it takes me forever), the best poses and any ideas for taking detail shots.  Merci beaucoup in advance!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Anthro (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Target (similar)

Skirt: J.Crew Factory (exact in different colors)

Watch: c/o Jord

Shoes: Land's End (exact)

Now it's time to link-up!

Blogging Besties: Ombre

I don't know about you, but perusing my favorite style blogs over a cup of coffee is one of my favorite ways to relax!  I find myself inspired by all of the creative looks that are put together by these beautiful ladies.  However, every once in awhile, one of my blogging friends nails it and I know that I have to try to recreate her look.  Alex did just that last week with her unique ombre-inspired outfit!

I've already found a couple of ombre combinations in my closet but I decided to try a blue-hued look this week!

Ok, so I know that my top maybe verges on green instead of blue, but I do think my mint necklace and cobalt skirt worked together to create the ombre effect.

Blooper!

I wore this ensemble for a very special date!  A blogging blind date, that is.  You guys, I met the incredibly sweet Ada (pronounced ahhhdahhh-- I was saying it wrong in my head this whole time!) of Elegance and Mommyhood while she was vacationing with her family in my hometown.  I have to say that she is just as sweet in person as she is online and her daughter Vivian is quite the cutie!  I can't wait for an upcoming shopping trip together!

We braved a windy day at Silver Beach!

And finally, here are your options to pass-on for next week: blue hues, mint, cobalt, a peplum, a (J.Crew) mini skirt, stripes or sling backs! 

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Anthro (similar, similar)

Skirt: J.Crew Factory (exact in different colors)

Necklace: Etsy (similar, similar)

Flats: Land's End (exact)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

What did you pass-on from Alex's look last week?

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)

Color Transitions and a Link-Up

Call me a stereotypical style blogger, but I'm ready for fall!  Getting dressed during the warmer months just isn't nearly as fun as playing with autumn style.  Bring on the chunky scarves, layered shirts, tights, riding boots and sweaters!

While Michigan fall will be here before I know it, summer will persist for a little while longer.  One way that I'm scratching my itch for cool-weather style is by incorporating fall colors into my summer wardrobe.  I had a LOFT coupon burning a hole in my pocket and I just couldn't resist this emerald swing dress!  It is the perfect, flirty date-night dress for now and it will be fun to layer when I finally get to pull out those cardigans and riding boots!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: LOFT (exact)

Wedges: DSW (similar, similar)

Necklace: Gift

Bracelet: Rocks Box (exact)

And now it's time for the Lovely Little à la Mode link-up!

Blogging Besties: Scarf

Hello, all!

Can I get a "thank God it's Friday?" I am just wiped out from this week, but hopefully once classes start this week things will settle into a routine!

Last week, Whitney layered a scarf with a statement necklace, which I've never seen, and I think it was just the coolest!

I "passed on" the scarf (it's a copout, I know) but I also incorporated a bright skirt that's pretty similar to Whitney's, just shorter!

A few weeks ago, I read about how color blocking with colors in the same color family is supposed to be really flattering, so I gave it a try by pairing a peach tee with a red-orange skirt. It kinda creates an ombre effect with the white at the top, the light pink in the middle, and the boldest shade of red on the bottom! This isn't a combination I ever thought would look good in my mind, but then once the pieces were next to each other I loved it!

(Also, I'm just gonna apologize now for the photo quality. I'm still figuring out the lighting sitch in my new apartment.)

Tee: Target (similar, similar, similar)

Skirt: LOFT, thrifted (similar, similar, similar)

Scarf: Target, thrifted (similar, similar, similar)

Sandals: Jack Rogers (exact)

The elements of this outfit are: scarf, pastel tee, bright skirt, summer sandals, and a monochromatic color combo!

If you passed on an element from Whitney's outfit last week, we'd love to see your looks! Link up below!

Favorite Skirt

When Bri announced that this month's Third Thursday Threads theme is "Skirt Two (or more) Ways," I became curious as to the many ways that I've worn skirts during the past few years.  As I scrolled through the days, months and years' worth of posts, I noticed something.  I noticed that I wear my teal skirt tons!  This skirt starred in my second-ever blog post and has appeared as recently as April.  In fact, it has made nine blog appearances (not to mention the dozens of times I've worn it without photographing my outfit)!  Based-on statistical data, I do believe that this is my favorite skirt!

Original Posts: 1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9

While I'll admit to a love of shopping, when I find a piece that works, I wear it!  I've owned this skirt for oh, maybe eight years.  It's funny because this skirt kind of flies under the radar in that I don't realize how frequently I wear it.  When I think of it, though, it makes sense as a closet staple!  One of the reasons that I love this skirt so much is that it is comfortable.  I never pull at it or worry that it's too short.  I also reach for this skirt often because it's versatile.  As you can see above, it goes with patterns, a varied color palette, neutrals, so many accessories and lots of completer pieces.  The options feel endless!  In fact, I just might wear this skirt tomorrow!

Which look is your favorite and why?  Do you have an item of clothing that has stood the test of time?

And just in case you need a teal skirt in your closet, here are a few I've found (I personally think the one on the bottom right is perfect):

Everyday Midi + A Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up

I've been admiring the romantic look of midi skirts for ages!  Whether I achieve it or not, I really identify with a feminine, classic-yet-slightly-quirky style, and I think that midi skirts really help to achieve this look.  But for some reason, I've never purchased a midi skirt!  I have been holding out for the perfect one.  Plus, part of me wonders if such a beautiful piece is practical for everyday life.

Luckily, I received a lovely midi skirt in my latest Le Tote!  With its polka dot pattern and neutral navy color, it just might be that perfect skirt I have been looking for!  Also, since Le Tote allows me to wear the skirt before choosing whether or not to purchase it, this was the perfect opportunity for me to decide if a midi skirt fits an average day's activities!

Cue an average summer day!  I wore this skirt to lunch with two of my favorite girlfriends and then to a pizza and game night with my family.  Perhaps I was the most dressed-up of the bunch, but my loved ones are used to seeing me in pretty skirts and bold lipstick!  While my look was a bit glamorous with the crystal jewelry, I did tone it down with a basic tee and flats as opposed to wedges.

So what's my verdict?  I do think that I can wear a midi skirt during everyday life.  But alas, at 58 dollars, this skirt is out of my price range.  Let the hunt for the perfect midi continue!

Click here for my original Le Tote review!

What I'm Wearing:
Tee: Everlane (similar, similar)
Necklace: Rocksbox (similar, similar)
Skirt: Le Tote (exact)
Bracelet: Rocksbox (exact)
Watch: JORD Fieldcrest in Maple (exact)
Flats: Land's End (exact)

Hosted by ~

Carrie/A Lovely Little Wardrobe : Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Whitney/Whitney à La Mode : Bloglovin/Instagram

Casey/A Little Bit of Cheer : Bloglovin/Facebook/Instagram

Blogging Besties: Nude Sandals

Ahh, it feels good to be creating Blogging Besties posts with Alex again!  For those of you who are new to this series, you can find an explanation here and all of our past posts here.  Having just a little bit of inspiration makes getting dressed so much more fun, in my opinion, and Alex provided lots of good ideas with her outfit last Friday!

Of all of her adorable pieces, I chose to pass-on a pair of nude sandals!  They are a perfect neutral upon which to build a fun outfit!

I don't know about you, but I'm already itching to buy fall clothes.  I admit to purchasing a few sweaters on a recent shopping trip but I also picked-up this bright maxi skirt on clearance at Old Navy.  It's the perfect piece to keep me excited about summer ensembles for the next month or so!

For its first outing, I didn't want to pair the skirt with an expected color...so I chose this moss green tee from Everlane.  While I wouldn't have initially thought these colors would pair so well, the scarf really pulls the palate together!  I also took notes from Casey and added a statement necklace underneath the scarf for added interest.

Now we want you to take an element from my outfit and incorporate it into one of yours...then we want you to link-up next week and show us how you wore it!  Here are the items you have to choose from: a neutral tee, a (bright) maxi skirt, a scarf, a statement necklace, a scarf with a statement necklace or nude sandals.  Check back next Friday to see what Alex passes-on!

P.S.  I'm guest posting again for Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood!  Pop on over and say "hello!"

What I'm Wearing:

Tee: Everlane (exact but different colors)

Skirt: Old Navy (exact)

Scarf: Target (similar, similar)

Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)

Wedges: France (similar, similar)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

What did you pass-on from Alex's look last week?

Summer Time with JORD

Time is a funny thing, isn't it?  Sometimes it flies, sometimes it crawls.  As a teacher, time is particularly mysterious during the summer months.  Hours turn into days that turn into weeks and I'm not quite sure how I've used all of my seconds.  One thing is for certain, though, whether it's spent getting lost in my latest favorite book or meandering the beach at sunrise, I thoroughly enjoy my summertime.

As the school year approaches, it's growing increasingly important that I be aware of the time (not to mention the current day of the week) and a beautiful timepiece by JORD is helping me get back into the swing of a daily routine.  JORD creates unique watches made of various kinds of wood.  When I was asked to review one of their products, I was immediately drawn to the natural, simple and elegant look of the Fieldcrest watch in Maple.

I couldn't love my watch more!  It arrived at my doorstep tucked in a sleek, wooden box and I haven't stopped admiring its style ever since.  The light wood makes it a great neutral to add to any outfit and the size is perfect for making a statement while still looking classic.  Right now I'm enjoying it paired with my summer dresses, but I can't wait to create some back-to-school looks featuring my new watch, too!

If you are searching for the perfect watch-- well-made and unique-- take a look at the beautiful styles created by JORD.  I know you will find the perfect style to fit your look!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: LOFT (similar)
Denim Jacket: Hand Me Down (similar)
Converse: DSW (exact)

Womens Wooden Watches

Le Tote and Link-Up

Welcome back to the second Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up!  Carrie, Casey and I are happy you're here.  Today I want to do a little Le Tote update.  If you've never heard of LT before, it's a clothing subscription service.  Basically, for $50 a month, you can rent an unlimited number of on-trend clothing pieces.  You can check-out my full Le Tote review here!

I've really been enjoying my Le Tote experience!  You can choose to customize the items that are sent to you in advance, but I prefer to be surprised!  It's like Christmas morning when I receive the LT box at my doorstep.  It's so fun to pull-out fun, new things to wear like this navy and white striped dress!

In each box, I receive a couple of items that either don't fit or I just don't like...but I think that my style profile and the feedback that I leave for each tote is improving each new delivery.  Here are a few of the ways that I've worn my Le Tote goodies!

scarf / striped top / pink dress / colorful top / striped shirtdress / striped maxi / white blouse / olive skirt

Have you tried Le Tote or any other subscription services?  What have you thought of them?  If you are interested in signing-up for LT, I would be super excited if you used my Le Tote referral code.  In doing so, you receive $25 off your first tote and I get a $15 credit.  That's what I call a win-win!

Now it's time to link-up!

Blogging Besties: Something Borrowed

Hi all! After a month hiatus for work, travel, and rest, Blogging Besties is back to our regularly scheduled programming! To refresh your memory--last time, Whitney wore a breezy summer look featuring a blouse from Le Tote, a flippy black skirt, and sandals!

I decided to "pass on" a borrowed piece. Whitney borrowed her piece from Le Tote, but since I've been home for the past few weeks, I just raided my sister's closet :)

Let me first brag about my sister's style: When I was going through her stuff, I counted the pieces she has and there are literally less than 60 pieces of clothing (not counting t-shirts, sweats, costumes, etc.) Yet she WORKS those pieces so hard and can always find a cute new outfit to wear! Her number one source of clothes is hand-me-down pieces from her dear older sister, but a close second is J. Crew Factory--she finds the best deals during their sales. 

For my borrowed piece, I chose one of her J. Crew pleated minis in a gorgeous periwinkle blue color, pairing it with a patterned top with the same shade of blue in it. When it came time to accessorize, I also decided to borrow her necklace and sandals (haha!)

Top: H&M (exact, similar, similar)

Skirt: J. Crew Factory (exact, similar)

Necklace: Forever XXI (similar, similar, similar)

Sandals: Target (exact, similar, similar)

The elements of this outfit are: A borrowed item, printed blouse, mini skirt, statement necklace, nude sandals, florals, and blue! If you happened to pass on something from Whitney's last look, link up here:

Guest Posting at Elegance and Mommyhood

Good morning, beautiful!  Today I'm filling in as a guest poster for my dear blogging friend Ada who is currently en route to Michigan!  In honor of her visit, I've designed a little 6x6 remix featuring an adorable "Smitten with the Mitten" graphic tee.  Here are the pieces I've chosen for the mini-remix!

Please pop over to Elegance and Mommyhood to see the six outfits I styled from these six pieces!  See you there!

Currently: August

creating: a desk by day, dining table by night look in the dining room of my new apartment.  This will be my first "grown-up" work space and I want it to be beautiful, simple and functional.  I will share photos when I've achieved the look I want!

wishlisting: comfy yet cute chairs for the above-mentioned room.  Why does furniture have to be so expensive (even these Target chairs)?

hoping: to get this body back in shape!  In the few months before I moved from Alexandria, I shamelessly indulged in all of my favorite restaurant cuisines knowing that I wouldn't have access to them for much longer.  I've been sweating my tush off at Flex City in Lansing to make up for it!

eating: Baked Greek Chicken.  Although I despise handling raw chicken, the end result was worth it!

watching: True Detective on HBO.  Only two episodes left!  What is going to happen next?

Linking-up with Anne and Jenna!

A Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up

Happy Monday (I know I know, easy for me to say since I'm a teacher on summer vacation) and welcome to the first Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up!  I hope that you will stop by and say "hi" to Carrie and Casey today as well as link-up a favorite recent post of yours below!

Now this is what you call an easy, breezy summer dress!  The lightweight, jersey material makes it oh so comfortable even when the temperatures are soaring.  I also love that the cute polka dots help it to stand on its own, while the neutral scheme of navy and white make it easy to accessorize.  In fact, I wore this dress twice during April's Create28: Spring Looks: once with a denim jacket and my Converse and the other time with mint accessories for a baby shower.

Today I'm keeping it simple with cognac accessories including a sparkly headband.  Which brings me to a few questions I have to ask you...what do you think of hair accessories?  If you wear them, how do you combine them with your other jewelry?  I heard a Coco Chanel quote once, "Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror and take at least one thing off."  As a pretty simplistic accessorizer, I really take this advice to heart.  So when I put on a headband, sometimes I feel like it's just too much.  I know that others can pull-off dangly earrings and arm parties but that just doesn't feel like me.  What do you think?  Can I rock a headband?

While I'm still a bit unsure about my hair accessories, I do love to mix my patterns...even polka dots on polka dots (especially when they're subtle).

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Headband: Gift (similar, similar)

Belt: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Sandals: Target (exact)

And now it's time to link-up!