Moto In the Tropics

I love a great biker jacket. I own quite a few in different fabrics. When I spied this one, while standing in line to check out at Kohl's, I knew I had to have it. Impulse buys are rarely something I indulge in these days. In the past, I spent lots of money on items that I didn't really love and rarely wore. Last spring I saw a biker jacket, in a fun print, on one of my favorite clothing store sites. It was amazing and I loved it but the price was close to $200. I just couldn't justify spending that much. When I saw this similar jacket in a fun tropical print, I flipped. It was a great substitute at a great price. I've already worn it to work a couple of times, with a skirt and pants. Casual but polished was what I needed to go to a few appointments one day last week. This jacket and the heels, amped up my basic outfit.

This jacket was a perfect excuse to try the jeans and heels look. I grabbed my favorite black kitten heels and threw together this combo. 

Jacket: Kohl's, Top: BB Dakota via Amazon, Jeans: NYDJ via Amazon, Shoes: Target (no longer available), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Amazon, Jewelry: Stella & Dot

A Little Spring Shopping - May 2015

I may or may not have used shopping for wedding clothes and my weight loss as an excuse to buy some new clothes (and shoes, and a bag, and nail wraps). After hibernating all winter, I want bright colors and fun.

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Jumpsuit - This beauty was my answer to a casual wedding. I wore it with some great silver jewelry from Stella & Dot and the silver sandals. I can also wear it with a white blazer and some pumps to work or with strappy sandals to another event.

Graphic Tees - My affection for fun, graphic tees is well known. These two are fun new additions and nods to two movies I love.

Tropical Print Moto Jacket - This jacket was an impulse buy, which I rarely do anymore. I'm sure it's going to get lots of use because I love it so much. The tropical print is a spring trend but it's a little different done in a moto jacket.

White Jeans - I had to replace the white jeans I donated, because they were too big. I scored a pair similar to these from the Talbots Outlet, for only $34.

Jamberry Nails - I hosted a little Jamberry party for my friends and had quite a few hostess credits. These are a few of the patterns I purchased with my credits. I have become a Jamberry devotee. They look great and last two weeks or more. You can't beat that!

Paris Market Tote - This bag is one of my favorites. I love that I can carry all of my items for work and it still looks chic. I also own it in black.  The black version is on sale for 50% off right now!

Silver Sandals - I needed a neutral pair of sandals that would work for an outdoor wedding but also stand up to wet grass and dirt. I've ruined several pairs of shoes because of poor yard conditions. These were perfect and a great find. I snagged these at Saks Off 5th for $30.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Summer Beach Style Under $20

Every year I look forward to our family beach trip. Over the years I've learned that less is more and items that do double duty are the best. I live in swimsuits, sandals and easy dresses.  Our days are spent on the beach and afternoons and evenings are spent hanging out with the family at the beach house. There is no need for fancy outfits. I enjoy the ease of a sundress and a few simple pieces of jewelry. In case you're headed to the beach this summer, here are a few of my favorite items.



Click the photos above for buying details.

 

A simple wide brimmed sun hat is mandatory for me at the beach.  I wear tons of sunscreen but I also wear a hat. Years ago I bought a wide brimmed straw hat like this one and it is my go to hat for the beach every year. Reading this article in W just confirmed that I'm on the right track when it comes to sun protection. In addition to my hat, I always wear sunglasses, they look great and protect my eyes. This pair looks a lot like a designer pair that costs $138. At $9.99 these are a great deal and they have 100% UVA/UVB protection.

This maxi dress from Old Navy can be worn to the beach or out in the afternoon. You can even change it up by added a belt or a scarf. Multiple wears and less stuff in your suitcase.  A cover up and an evening sundress all in one. Just from their name you know the Double Wear Floating Beaded Elastics from Goody do double duty.  They can be worn on your wrist as a bracelet and when you need to put your hair up, there they are. Pretty and functional. I own three pairs of simple sandals from Kohl's that I purchased almost 10 years ago. I wear them all summer and they've held up well.  They don't make the style I own any longer but these sandals from LC by Lauren Conrad come in ten different colors.  You can wear them to the beach and then out later.

Pretty earrings, like these from Stella and Dot, are a must have for me at the beach.  They are easy to throw on, no matter my hair style and they don't stick to my sweaty summer skin.  They can elevate a simple dress, like the maxi and make it look a bit fancy. Bonus, they are on sale for half price! Pretty toes are also a must for me at the beach.  I love a bright color like this coral.

I always attach a watch to my beach bag. I could sit in the sun all day but it's not good for me. Knowing the time, helps me be smart about my sun exposure. This watch is chic enough to wear out but if something happened to it at the beach, I wouldn't be upset. Speaking of beach bags, this tote from Target is fun and easy to haul to the beach with my sunscreen and magazines.  It's cotton and isn't lined, sand will be easy to shake out and you can wash it without worry. Hydration is important when you are in the sun.  This water bottle from UncommonGoods will save the planet from disposable bottles and infuse your water with flavor.

Can you believe that every item is less than $20!?  Just proving that great beach style doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Silver Summer Accents

Summer always brings out the gold accessories.  I know gold looks great with a tan but personally, I love silver.  I've always preferred it to gold and that doesn't change for me in the summer months.  In about a week and half we are leaving for our annual summer beach trip.  I've started thinking about the things I'm going to pack and how I want to be more simple than in years past. A few great accessories can carry me through the whole week. These silver beauties fit that bill perfectly.

1) Stella & Dot Valen Pendant Necklace, $39 - This necklace is the perfect mix of class and beach.  The coral like branches are pretty but not over powering for a beachy outfit.
2) Wayfarer Style Sunglasses with Metallic Finish, $5.99 - A fun alternative to the traditional black wayfarers and so affordable you can buy them in more than one color.
3) Stella & Dot Devi bangles, $44 - These are the perfect compliment to the necklace or you can wear them alone with shorts and a tank.
4) Nars The Multiple in Copacabana, $39 - Make up that does double duty is a must for me at the beach. I never wear foundation and like to only carry a few products with me. This can be used for eyes, lips and cheeks and it has a pretty sheen to it that brightens your skin.
5) Silver Sequin Canvas Tote Bag, $20 - A roomy but pretty beach bag is a must. The house we rent is about a block from the beach. I always cart my book, towel, sunscreen and water with me.  This bag is perfect.
6) REVLON Colorstay Nail Enamel in Sequin, $4.40 - I love this metallic silver polish. It's neutral and it's long wearing, which means it will survive the week on my toes, fingers or both.
7) Candie's Thong Sandals, $36 - A great silver sandal is my perfect beach footwear. You can wear it to the beach during the day or out to dinner at night. 

As I get closer to leaving for our beach trip, I'll tell you more about what I'll be taking with me.  What are your favorite beach accessories?

The Future's So Bright

I purchased this skirt a couple of weeks ago. I got it in black and in this bright blue color. They were on sale and I decided that the bright blue would be great for spring and summer. I combined the bright blue with a great green sweater tee that I've owned for years, some new bright pink flats that were discounted at Target and my favorite moto jacket, because it's still cool in the morning.  This day it was in the low 70's. I'm still shocked that we are having 70 degree weather in DC, in February.  This outfit was insprired by the post "Pop" by fellow DC fashion blogger Lacey of A Lacey Perspective.  I love her bright neon skirt and striped sweater combo.



Jacket - Mossimo for Target (no longer available), Sweater T - Isaac Mizrahi for Target (no longer available), Skirt - Bobeau via Nordstrom (now at Nordstrom Rack), Shoes - Target, Bag - Calvin Klein, Belt - Talbots, Necklaces - gift (monogram), Tosca, Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's (no longer available), Ring - JewelMint (Metal Mosaic Ring), Earrings - ? (very small czs), Sunnies - Dolce & Gabbana via Loehmann's, Lipstick - Maybelline Fuchsia Fever, Nails - Essie Steel-ing the Scene

Months ago I fell in love with the Chelsea sunglasses by House of Harlow 1960. They retail for $138 and that wasn't in my budget. Last Monday, I stopped by Loehmann's and got these Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses with a similar shape for just $40!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Designer Fall Lookbooks

In the past couple weeks retailers have been releasing their designer lookbooks.  Designers used to issue look books in order to generate sales for their lines. Thanks to the world of blogging, facebook and twitter, lookbooks have become a new way to generate buzz for fashion lines with the public. Designers that used to only create high end lines are now creating affordable lines at retailers like, Kohl's, Macy's, JC Penney and Target. There are quite a few but I've picked my favorite lines. I've also picked two of my most coveted looks or items from each line.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's - I never thought I'd see the day that Karl Lagerfeld would do a low priced line. The items are classic Lagerfeld.

Missoni for Target - The bright colors and patterns of Missoni are all over this fashion and home line for Target.

Nicole Miller for JC Penney - Nicole Miller's collection for JC Penney is full of easy dresses, fun patterns and colors.

Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's - New to the Kohl's family of designer collaborations is Jennifer Lopez. There were so many great looks in this collection it was hard to choose two.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's - Short skirts abound in this collection.  I love some of them but I usually only by the tops and shoes.

Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's - Vera's line for Kohl's is one of my favorite designer collaborations.  She is a master at layering.  I love her extra touches like tulle and rosettes. Her shoes and jewelry are always fantastic. Even better, many of the items in this fall line will also be available in petite and plus sizes.

It's A Mixed Up World

For a few weeks now I've been toying with mixing patterns. I have a few striped jackets and have worn them with print dresses. This morning as I went to my closet I knew I wanted to wear my green sun dress. At first I thought I'd just add a belt and jacket. Then I decided to throw on this print top over my dress.  I don't go to my office without a jacket. I think it's good to cover my arms, plus it's always freezing. I tried on three jackets before deciding on this blue and white seer sucker jacket. I'd completely forgotten that today was EBEW pattern mixing challenge day. It was fashion blogger fate, I tell ya'!  I love the way my outfit turned out. It was a fun way to mix things up. Wearing a dress as a skirt added another great twist.

Jacket - Talbots via Goodwill, Top - Nordstrm Rack, Dress - Old Navy,
Belt - Target, Shoes - Talbots (outlet), Watch - Relic via Kohl's, Bracelet - JewelMint (Crux Cuff)

Frugal Fashion Friday: My All Kohl's Fashion Day

I know this post is a bit late but Blogger was down all night Thursday and into today. Here it is, late on Friday but it's still Frugal Fashion Friday.

How do I love thee Kohl's? Let me count the ways. There are so many reasons I love Kohl's. They have a large selection of clothes and styles in every size. Their brands pick up on the latest trends and their celebrity lines are fresh. Above all, their prices are good and they have great sales. I decided to create an outfit composed only of Kohl's finds, including jewelry.  Here are the results.

Jacket - Simply Vera Vera Wang (no longer available), Dress - Daisy Fuentes (found in store, this season),
 Shoes - Simply Vera Vera Wang (no longer available)

Jacket - $30

Dress - $35

Shoes - $25

Necklace - $15

Bracelets - $9

Watch - $20 (sale plus Kohl's dollars)

TOTAL - $114

I've worn this jacket so many times since I purchased it a couple of years ago. My only regret is that I didn't buy it in the other color. The collar so cool. It has this amazing bungee chord that allows you to lay it flat or scrunch it for a different look. I also love the shape. It even has hidden pockets on the side seams that don't add bulk.

I know I'll be wearing this dress constantly. The ruching at the waist is flattering. The generous cut at the top means I can wear a regular bra. That's a bonus because I hate strapless bras. There's also no accidental cleavage and boob flashing. Double bonus!



I got these shoes last year. They were a season ahead of the flatform trend. They have a tiny slope but when I wear them I feel like I'm wearing flats. 



Necklace - Simply Vera Vera Wang (no longer available), Bracelets - Candies and Abbey Dawn, Watch - Relic,
NOTE: The small chain bracelet and engagement ring are not Kohl's

I'm so happy with the results of my experiment. I felt so great wearing this outfit. I was comfortable all day.  I'm sure I could do this again with other items I own from Kohl's.  Are there stores or brands you could use for your own experiment?

You Don't Bring Me Flowers

Even though this outfit has a black background, it makes me feel incredibly Springy.  The white jacket, the flowers in the blouse, the nude cut out booties, the bright gold jewelry, and the quirky choice of pinstripe pants all contribute to the refreshing Spring feeling.

Jacket - Target, Blouse - Kohl's, Pants - Jones New York via Goodwill,
Shoes - Kohl's, Earrings - JewelMint, Bracelets - Forever 21 and Target, Ring - JewelMint
Nail Polish - OPI (Mermaid's Tears and Silver Shatter)

I'm also participating in the blogger Florals challenge on Everybody Everywear today. Click below to check out the other bloggers.

My recent love or ruffles is a bit surprising to me. They were always a bit too cutesy for me. I think that because I've come up with ways to toughen them up, my admiration is renewed. These nude booties are going to be a frequent feature in my Spring and Summer wardrobe. They are comfy and versatile. Double bonus!

I just received these earrings from JewelMint. They are the Rachel earrings by Jewelmint, curated by Rachel Bilson and the first of their new celeb collaborations. Such a simple design but so pretty.  Even more beautiful is the fact that 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Invisible Children, an organization seeking to end the conflict in Uganda and stop the abduction of children. There is currently a waiting list but if you'd like your own pair, you can register for a JewelMint account and get 50% off of your first order. Just click here for details.

My shiny silver and mint manicure adds to the Springy feel of my enseble. I used Mermaid's Tears and Silver Shatter by OPI. It's fun.

Sunshine and Flowers

I had a great Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day. My Honey and I did a little shopping and then went to visit family and have dinner. It's so great to see the world through the eyes of a child.  That carefree look at life is amazing.  I got to take some outfit pictures with my favorite modeling partner Laila, who obviously upstaged me.

Sweater - Old Navy, Shirt - Kohl's, Pants - thrifted (Goodwill), Belt - Talbots Outlet
Shoes - Tory Burch via Nordstrom Rack, Sunglasses - Chanel, Necklace - Kohl's, Watch - Loehmann's and DIY

Tangled Up In Blue

Can you believe that this whole outfit cost less than $50?  No?  I'll give you the break down. It's the beauty of swapping, thrifting and sales.

sweater jacket - FREE (Frugal Fashionista Swap)

sequin tank - $7 (Target sale rack)

skirt - $5 (Goodwill)

shoes - $20 (Kohl's, sale and Kohl's dollars)

bracelets - gift and $12 (Kohl's)

rings - gifts

watch - 5 year anniversary gift from my company

Total Outfit Cost - $42

I love this outfit even more because it is so easy to wear. It made me feel chic and confident but was really comfortable at the same time.