What I wore today: 07/07/2012 (Fade into you)

Just as I am a firm believe that polkadots go with polkadots, I think stripes often pair well with more stripes. I especially like the way the ombré effect of this top almost bleeds into the skirt. I have ombré nails too. Do you like them?

I couldn't decide which necklace to wear, so, since I was already overdosing on stripes, I decided to pile on both. Neck party anyone?

Please excuse the very lazy hair. It's been unbelievably hot and humid as of late, which makes wearing my hair down difficult as it frizzes a lot and makes my neck sweat besides. Boo! :( This week, it's supposed to be only in the low 90s (not something I thought I'd ever think of as cool, but it sure beats the high '90s and low 100s of the last week). Phew!

 

Black and white striped jersey maxi skirt - Target (also seen here)
Striped ombré t-shirt with crisscross back - Anthropologie
Coral and pear sandals - Miss Trish for Target (last seen here and here)
Knotted pearls - Nordstrom Rack (last seen here and here)
Ribbon and bead necklace - Anthropologie
Bracelets - J.Crew, Forever 21, Gap
Watch - Urban Outfitters


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What I wore today: 06/30/2012 (Maxi Peplum)

Another way to keep a maxi from looking sloppy (as discussed here) is to pair it with a structured top. In the colder months, a blazer could do wonders. In the absurd, 90-degree weather we've been having in the midwest this week, a light peplum tank works well.


This belt is one of my favorite pieces. I can't count the number of outfits I've worn where this belt was the showcase piece: the thing that pulled everything together. Most recently, you've seen it in my anniversary outfit, and last summer you saw it paired with a dress I made. But, you probably haven't seen these old lookbook.nu posts that feature it: here, here, and here.

"Peplum pointe tank" - Anthropologie

Vintage belt - Moschino, eBay (last seen here and here)

Striped maxi skirt - Target (seen in solid gray here and here)

Jeweled leopard sandals - Target (last seen here)

Gold, black, and tan bag - Target (last seen here, here, and here)

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What I wore today: 06/18/2012 (Crisscross Applesauce)

The other day, Ryan and I spent a lovely afternoon at the park. First, he ran in the woods while I bopped over to Home Depot to buy some herbs and a tomato plant (Look for an upcoming DI(fr)Yday on my hanging herb garden). Then, we walked in the woods together before finally setting in the shade under a weeping willow by the side of the lake to drink a couple ice-cold Yuenglings and read a chapter of A Storm of Swords (We've been reading the series out loud to each other). It was just lovely, and I would have Instagrammed it for you, but I was totally unplugged and loving it. Sometimes you just need to put the iPhone down.

This is what I wore. It's a variation of the previous day's outfit. The shoes and skirt are the same, but this is a more casual version, with less jewelry and more skin. I wouldn't bare midriff like this at work (even above the navel midriff - "the classy kind"), but this crop top was perfect for a hot day at the park, and Ryan loved the way it showed a sliver of my back. 

 


 

Crisscross crop top - Urban Outfitters
Gray jersey maxi skirt - Target (also seen here)
T-strap sandals - Dolce Vita, Urban Outfitters (also seen here)
"Baroque" sunglasses - Prada
Embroidery floss and rhinestone bracelet - J.Crew Factory


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What I wore today: 06/17/2012 (Tickled Pink)

I don't really need to mention my love of neon again, do I? After highlighter yellow, my next favorite neon shade is definitely shocking pink. And, ever since I was a girl, I've loved pink with gray.

I'll admit that I was less than enthusiastic about maxi skirts and (especially) dresses when they first came on the scene. They seemed to be a bit sloppy and lazy, almost like the dress-version of sweatpants. But, while they can be worn that way, if accessorized well, they can instead look incredibly glamourous and not sloppy at all. In fact, the sheer proportion of them can add drama to an otherwise casual outfit.

Even though I paired this maxi with a t-shirt (creating a head-to-toe jersey ensemble), the jewelry (especially the necklace) heightens the look, and the knot in my tee adds shape and visual interest.

I was as comfortable in this outfit as I would have been in sweats, but the look wasn't nearly so casual or boring. I know you hear it all the time, but accessories really do make all the difference.

 

Neon pink pocket V-neck tee - Gap
Gray jersey maxi skirt - Target
Dolce Vita T-strap sandals - Urban Outfitters
Tarnished metal-balls necklace - Borrowed from my mother
Pavé cable link bracelet - J.Crew (last seen here and here)
Bangles - Forever 21
Signet ring - Urban Outfitters
Gold-ball ring - Target
Two-tone diamond watch - Citizen
Claddagh ring - Seventh Street Gifts
Pink pearl studs - gift from my father

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