Recent Reads

Question of the month (from Andi): If you could have one celebrity's (person, actress, model etc.) wardrobe, whose would it be and why? 

Miroslava Duma
All of these pics are from the last week or so. She's always on trend or ahead of the trend and perfectly styled and accessorized. I like how she's a risk taker and has fun with fashion but always still looks beautiful, polished and put together.

 

Here are some highlights from the blogs in my monthly blog share...

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has a serious crush on the color orange. See how she used it to build an outfit.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's been shopping and sewing - view her spring purchases here.
• Lilly's Style - Find out which outfit Lilly loved the most in March.
• Saltwater Dreams - Andi's going gluten-free -- and it's easier than you think. See her favorite tips, recipes and products.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle broke out the white jeans and sandals for St. Patty's Day- be sure to check out her new favorite mint nail polish too! 
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette has been playing with nautical looks by picking up some fun accessories.

So if you could choose, whose wardrobe would you have? Also, anyone buying lotto tickets? I've never bought any but I just might have to this time..

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Aztec Skirt

 

Became obsessed with Aztec sequin skirts when I spotted this picture on pinterest (not to mention the Balenciaga clutch in the perfect peach tone!). I still haven't been able to id the skirt. Anybody know who makes it?

So some quick googling led to the All Saints version, which is even more stunning than the one from pinterest. But at $275, it was a little steep for such a fun, trendy item.

 

 Some further searching led me to this. Express (of all places!) has an adorable option for $59. I called the stores around me and all of them were sold out in the smaller sizes so I went online and they had it! I ordered both the xs and s and the xs ended up fitting perfectly. I read reviews that it runs a little big. Anywhoo, if you're in the market for a fun, flirty mini, check this one out for sure!! 

Btw...Express needs MAJOR help with their styling department. The styling in their ads are horrendous. They paired all their sequin skirts with a bunch of plaid shirts and western inspired jewelry. Not a fan!

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Gold and Black Wedges

Zara Laminated High Wedge

Absolutely loving my new wedges from Zara. They look so clean and minimalist in the front, really showcasing a good pedi (which I'm in dire need of!). But I like how the back flap extends higher than expected which adds an interesting edge to the shoe. Also love the gold heel, which brings the typically daytime wedge into the night with style. I cannot wait to wear these on casual summer evenings out with the girls and to several of the weddings we have lined up for the summer. I typically wouldn't do a wedge for dressy occasions but this one is worth the exception! 

Any new shoes you've been lusting over?

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Floral Shorts

1. Ted Baker: Sophisticated color scheme and tailored fit

2. Forever 21: Fun, flowy, mini florals

3. Free People: The scalloped hem is too cute

4. No.21: Loving this hawaiian floral print and the white waistband

This is such a fun and easy trend for anyone to pull off. Pair with a slouchy t-shirt or a pastel blazer. If you really want to be daring, try a bandeau bikini top seen all over the runways under the blazer!

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Floral Shorts Look Book

On mommy: Aritzia top  |  Aritzia shorts  |  Old Navy sandals  |  Goyard handbag  |  Ray-Ban sunnies 
On A: Gap dress  |  Walmart shoes



I love floral anything for Spring and I got excited when I came across these high-waisted flowy shorts. I think stripes (especially navy or black stripes on a white background) can easily work as staples against other prints and adds a little more interest to the look than pairing with a solid.

We've been absolutely enjoying this 80 degree weather here in Chicago and really hoping Spring is here to stay!

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Birdie Books!

A received one of the Birdie books for her birthday this year. I started flipping through and was completely enamored with the beautiful illustrations. The author/illustrator of these books is Sujean Rim, whose work you've seen on Daily Candy, Tiffany & Co, and Target.

I love the precocious protagonist who reminds me so much of my own little fashionista. After falling in love with Birdie, I went online and ordered a copy of Birdie's Big Girl Shoes and 5 more copies of Birdie's Big Girl Dress for friends. This makes such a great gift for that fashion loving mother-daughter duo in your life!

Order yours here and here!

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BaubleBar Top Picks

I mentioned last week that the Today Show did a feature on neon for spring. During that segment, Ann Curry put on an eye-catching necklace. I kept thinking of the necklace until I finally decided to google it and came across BaubleBar. They feature a lot of jewelry seen on celebrities and in magazines and everything is very affordable. Here are my top picks! You can tell I'm on a neon kick because 3 of my 7 picks are highlighter shades.

1. Pyramid Studs $28, A tiny little stud with a lot of attitude

2. Grace Earrings $184, A stunning compliment to your LBD

3. Phospho Necklace $38, The Ann Curry necklace!

4. Crayola Links Necklace $26, Fun and playful

5. Inverted Dome Ring $46, Seen on Gwyneth Paltrow

6. Acid Antoinette Earrings $72, An intricate, ornate pair in a shocking hue

7. Square Bangle Trio $24, Classic bangles in an updated shape

Right now, you can get $10 off your first order and free shipping so I was able to order the Phospho necklace for $28 shipped! Which is your fave of my picks or if you've been to the site, what are some of your faves??

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Pleated Maxi Skirt

Club Monaco skirt (similar)  |  Forever21 sweater  |  Aritzia jacket  |  Cambridge Satchel Company bag 

Banana Republic bangles  |  Hermes bracelet  |  Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos and OPI Save Me

It's been unseasonably warm here in Chicago. I tried out a bohemian look with a long pleated maxi and yet another slouchy sweater. Of course, I kept the look pretty simple and minimal as always. Threw in some bright colors (bag, bracelet and nails) and I was set.

My sister is coming into town this weekend and I'm so excited to do what we do best: eat, shop and chit chat. So hard living away from family (especially when they live halfway across the world!!) Do you have any exciting plans for the weekend?

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Recent Reads...

I was recently asked to be a part of this monthly joint post with several other bloggers. I thought it sounded like fun so here's the first one.

Question of the month: What's your most sentimental jewelry item - share the story behind it:

Nashelle Initial Necklace

I blogged about this initial necklace here. I got my daughter, A's initial over a year ago and have not taken it off since (except for during massages...I could so go for one right about now!). After my second, D was born 4 months ago, I ordered a matching disc with a D on it and they both hang from the same chain now. I love that I can keep them close to my heart at all times. Check the original post here for details on the chain length and the disc size.

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle celebrated Valentines Day in a hot pink Old Navy skirt. It was on sale for a mere steal at $10!
• Ella Pretty - Ella's loving her Valentine's Day present - an Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf in Coral
• Lilly's Style - Lilly is loving her apricot colored skinny pants - they match her favorite nail polish: Essie's Van D'go
• Saltwater Dreams - Andi's rating her winter beauty purchases - see who got awarded HG status
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is getting ready for Spring- let the shopping begin!   
• Sequins and Stilettos - Everyone needs a classic LBD - Skylette found an affordable option from ASOS!

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I just added new items for sale on my shop pearls and green tea page so be sure to check it out! I'm selling my brand new with tags attached Missoni for Target shawl!! Also, I'll be going through my jeans and dresses in the next few days and posting those as well so keep checking here!!

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Tie Front Shirt Look

Walter shirt  |  Forever21 jeans  |  J.Crew shoes  |  Nashelle necklace  |  Michael Kors watch

While there are a lot of great options for tie front shirts, you can get the look for free by using shirts you already own. I used a long, loose shirt in a thin fabric to make it easier to tie. When I was pregnant, I used a shorter, tighter shirt and tied it above my bump, with a dress under of course!

I love finding new ways to wear clothes I already own!

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Tie Front Shirts

ASOS cropped lilac  |  Bellatrix equestrian print  |   MiH eyelet  |  Joie silk

I fell for a Madewell polka dotted tie front shirt last fall. But I was super pregnant and refused to buy a shirt I couldn't try on. Now that I'm slowly but surely getting my figure back, I went searching for the blouse online and naturally, it's no longer there. I found a ton of other great options though like the ones above.

I definitely rocked this trend back in the 80s and I love that it's back. I like the way the MiH eyelet shirt is styled above. With a pair of denim cut offs, it's the laid back summer style I adore.

Will you be bringing this trend back or skipping it altogether?

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