Fish Out of Water

[Top: 1, 2, 3, 4

Bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4]

It's that time of year again, ladies!  Swimsuit season.  I hear the groans of excitement all the way over here!

It's inevitable that you will be spending some time this summer in a swimsuit, even if it's to take a shower because you just aren't ready to face the naked music.  And if you're like me and love the beach, you're going to be spending a significant amount of time in this.  Might as well have one or two that you love!  I suggest having three bathing suits - two nice ones, one that you're okay with getting messy.  And of the two nice ones, make sure one of them is a one-piece.  And take my advice, ladies - steer clear of the tankini.  Tankinis are only flattering on the people who should never have to wear tankinis/one-pieces.  They don't hide what you're trying to hide by not wearing a bikini, they just accentuate it.  

And don't knock the one-piece either, there are so many adorable options!  I purchased a bandeau one last year and I'm hooked to it.  The one-shoulder one seems to be calling my name.  I also have had scallops and bows on bikini's on my list for a while. 

See?  I hate bathing suit season and look at me already thinking of purchasing three bathing suits!  See, you can do it!  Embrace the sun and get some Vitamin D (and look cute doing it, too!)

Printed

[Top - Old Navy; Necklace - Lou Lou's; Skirt - Target; Shoes - DSW]

When I saw this skirt on Margo of Classroom Couture, I knew I needed something similar.  My work BFF was with me when I saw this number and told me it was hideous.  I gave her a "pish posh" and took it to the dressing room anyways.  When I came out, she said it was like a new skirt.  Sure, off the hanger it may look like an ugly 70's upholstered couch, but it definitely gives the color burst that is necessary for this lovely weather.  Plus with all of the colors, the top/shoe/accessory combinations are endless.

Did you ever find an item that took on a transformation when you put it on?

Anchor Splash

[T-Shirt & Cami - Target; Blazer - J.Crew Factory; Scarf - Charming Charlie; Jeans - American Eagle; TopSiders - Bass]

One of the positives of not being in college any more is being able to wear anchors.  Weird, you may think?  Well, not only do I love anchors and all things nautical, but I also love blue and pink as a combo - which are the colors and symbols of the Delta Gamma [DG] sorority - not my sorority.  Unfortunately, lions are not as common in fashion as anchors, but never fear, I can wear my oceanographer desires!  I love dressing like I'm going on to the yacht for the day.  It's definitely my favorite look when I want to be super comfortable and casual but need to go out in public.  Boat shoes all the way!

Is there a specific look or style that you tend to gravitate towards?

Classic

[Necklace, Cami, & Clutch - Target; Bracelet - Kohl's; Cardigan - J.Crew Factory; Skirt - White House Black Market; Shoes - DSW]

I am a huge Audrey Hepburn fan.  I even dressed up as her for Halloween when I was in 6th grade.  I remember no one knowing who I was except for my friend's mom.  It was a little pathetic.  Luckily, every day I can pretend to be Audrey.  When I saw these shoes on DSW, I knew exactly which outfit they would compliment perfectly.  I love the thick heel - it makes them so practical to wear at work and walk around.

Who is your style icon?  Do you find yourself "playing dress-up" to mimic their style?

Easter Best

[Top Row - 1, 2, 3, 4; Bottom Row - 1, 2, 3, 4]

Remember getting dressed up in frilly lace and pastels with gloves and white Mary Janes and hideous straw hats?  I remember a specific white dress with a pale pink satin ribbon.  The sleeves were so puffy I probably could have hid a tamagatchi up there.  I thought I looked fabulous with my nice shoes and white matching hat.  When I got older, my family stopped going to the service where everyone got dressed up and opted for the sunrise service on the top of the mountain.  While those services are awesome because they are so beautiful and you can roll out of bed, it is nice to get really dolled up once in a while.

Do you wear a special Easter dress?  Which one would be your favorite?

Modern Grecian Goddess

[Maxi Dress & Wedges - TJMaxx; Jacket - Target; Scarf - Nine West]

I loveeee this Maxi Dress.  It's strapless and tasteful and makes me feel like a Greek Goddess.  I'm definitely picking up on this fashion craze.  It's just so comfortable!  Also some wonderful things about this outfit - the jean jacket is from the girl's section in Target.  I love it!  It fits so much better than the woman's jacket, so why not?  And this scarf was a birthday gift from my boss - she has excellent taste!

On a sad note, my legs are so white, it looks like I'm wearing white tights.  Oh dear.  Self-tanner, we have some serious work to do.

Salmon

[Coat - TJMaxx; Pants - Target; Shoes - DSW]

YAYYYYY!!! The weather is finally getting warmer and there is no snow on the ground!  I'm so excited to just be outside - I don't even need to be doing anything.  I just want to see bright colors and have windows rolled down.  I'm obsessed with this bright salmon trench.  It definitely puts me in the mood for sunny weather :)

Stepford

[Button Down - Gap; Dress - Anthropologie; Pumps - TJMaxx]

This dress is my favorite dress in the world.  It was a dress that took me out of a rather dark time in my life.  Of course, I got it when I was maybe a little heavier, so seeing as it's a strapless and I have yet to get it tailored, I wear it as a skirt.  This outfit makes me feel like Grace Kelly in Stepford.  And that's ok!

Do you have an item of clothing that you purchased to make yourself feel better?

Pip & Kate Update I

Welcome to my new series - Pip & Kate Update!  It's just going to be a little round up of the past month in the Middleton Girls's World - what they've done, what they've worn, all you need to know.  Even though I do all sorts of different fashion on the blog, I still want to stay true to my initial drive - to emulate the Middleton classic style in my every day life.  So without further ado:

Thesbian-ism

Did you know Kate & Audrey Hepburn have more in common than great style?  Watch this video to see Kate play Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady in grade school.  The rainnnn in Spppaaiinnn falls mainnnly on the plaiiiinnnn.

Jet-Set Babes

Kate & George went on a family vacay to Mustique.  I guess if you are on a plane where you pick the passengers, it's not too bad to fly with a baby.  But I really enjoy these pictures of the future King and his mom.  It's so normal and I love that.  I also love his little sailor hat.  

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

Kate rewore her stunning Jenny Packham dress for the National Portrait Gallery Gala and donned a little more bling for the event, too.  The Spin reports that they believe she's going to be playing it safe with her formal wear after the Queen's rumored guidelines (that whole hemline thing).  Regardless, I love the dress, but I also have wanted Jenny Packham to make my wedding dress for years now.

Blue Puffy Smurf

Pippa has restored my faith in puffy jackets.  I love the jacket she was seen in this February.  She makes being cold look awesome.  Fact: It's not.

Blue Valentine

Kate spent V-day in blue opening an art therapy room.  She looked stunning in the Detroit Dress and what's a better way to spend the day of love than spreading it to people who find love through art.  Read more about her February 14th here.

Food of Love

Did you know Pippa is a journalist?  She has a column in The Telegraph and this month she finds out if oysters really are an aphrodisiac.  I can tell you, I don't think so.  There's nothing about garlic, horseradish, vinegar, and all the stuff being gulped down as to feel like you're not eating phlegm that is a turn on.  I'm just saying.  But read what Pippa finds, and also her 5 Valentine Things to Try.

Lady in Red at the Dramatic Arts Reception

After the BAFTA awards, the Queen held a Dramatic Arts Reception where Kate rewore her red Alexander McQueen pleated dress.  Repurposing dresses - oh Kate, you're so thrifty!

Read about Kate chatting with the hottest grandma in a bikini - Helen Mirren (I LOVE HER).

Love Locket

Kate has been seen sporting a necklace with Baby George's name.  Precious!  Rumor has it, Auntie Pippa purchased the gem   The maker is Merci Maman and I'm pretty sure they'll be out of stock very soon.

Snow Storm

[Cardigan - J.Crew Factory; Dress & Tights - Target; Scarf & Earrings - Charming Charlie; Boots - Aerosoles; Bracelets - Alex & Ani; Glasses - Warby Parker]

Happy Snow Day!  I think the last time there was even close to this much snow I was a munchkin!  I'm definitely loving the snow day and the pretty snow.  After this I'm totally making snow angels and acting like a kid.  

I hope everyone is enjoying the snowpocolypse.  Also - yay for new nerdy glasses!  

If the Shoe Fits...

Have you ever looked at a picture of Kate Middleton and thought, how does she wear those shoes all day?  How does she walk in them?  How does she look so fabulous?  Well, ladies, I'm hear to give you some tricks about shopping for shoes - courtesy of her future Majesty.  Something I picked up on very quickly when checking out Kate's style, is that she tends to have some shoe favorites.

So what can we learn from Kate's style?

[1 - Forever 21; 2 - LuLu's; 3 - Macy's; Photo c/o People]

First things first: Picking a shoe in general!  Kate definitely understands staples and the perfect black pump is a staple.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't own one pair (let alone five).  Kate's decision on the black pump is suede, and naturally that means I'm on the hunt.  When purchasing the staples, there is something that I strongly suggest.  Pick your top 5 staple shoes.  For me those include a pair of equestrian boots, black pumps, black flats, nude pumps, and every day flip flops (yes).  You should be willing to spend top dollar on these shoes.  Something I've definitely found is that you can walk MILES in well made heels.  If this is a shoe you know you're going to wear every day (like me in black and nude pumps at work), you need to make sure you look at the shoe as an investment.

[Photo c/o People; 1 - Piperlime; 2 - LK Bennett; 3 - Target]

My second piece of advice to finding the perfect shoes are the fit!  I have fat feet.  No, REALLY.  And they have crazy high arches (helped in ballet, not in life).  My mom always taught me how to find the perfect shoe by doing the toe test.  You know the one I'm talking about.  Here's the thing I recently discovered in my shoes.  My feet fit comfortably in an 8 1/2 normal shoe because they are so wide.  But if I were to buy a wide shoe, I'd be a size 7.  I have shoes that are size 9!  No wonder I constantly walk out of them!  Something I've learned is that shoes stretch out.  Make sure you are choosing a shoe that fits lengthwise, and then decide if it will stretch out.  Sometimes the shoe is tight when I try it on but I have to remember that I may wear it with hose and a little socks & blow drying action may give it some air.  Plus, I don't have to worry about walking out of the shoe.  Also, pick shoes you can walk in based on things like the base.  See how Kate's favorite LK Bennett's have a platform base?  This helps so much when wearing your heels all day.  

[1 - Monsoon; 2 - Bloomingdale's; 3 - Zappos; Photo c/o People]

The final step to finding the right shoe is making sure it's wearable to live in and versatile.  Kate's Stuart Weitzman cork wedges are her go to when she means business.  Kate wore these constantly during the Olympic Games in London because she was a busy bee!  She had to do a lot of walking and she was wearing lots of jeans.  These shoes look great for a casual look - thanks to the cork!  However, Kate has also worn these with dresses and they look incredibly appropriate.  This is where I say, I love wedges.  A couple of years ago (senior year of college to be exact) I started to change towards wedges.  I hated them.  Hated.  But then, they started to grow on me and now I wear them all the time.  They never hinder me and they are so versatile.  I can wear them at work with a dress and then wear them while I'm out bar crawling. 

Black, Red & Leopard

Red & Black by sarahdusinberre featuring plastic sunglasses

[Photo c/o Huffington Post]

I've Found What I've Been Lookin' For

[Sweater - TJMaxx; T-Shirt - American Eagle; Necklace - Lou Lou; Jeans - Express; Boots - Aerosoles]

I have been on the look out for certain sweaters this season.  I'm asking for a white cableknit for Christmas.  I am on the look out for certain sweaters with fun prints.  One day I will get my hands on the perfect ugly Christmas sweater.  And I wanted a perfect tan, chunky, cableknit cardigan.  Dear TJMaxx, you always pull through.  I think I could wear it every day.

In other news: on our excursion to Alexandria, I discovered my first Lou Lou's Boutique.  I fell in love.  I decided not to buy the whole store, but I'm pretty sure the boyfriend thought there was a possibility of that happening.  This red bauble necklace was one of my purchases and worth every penny.  I think I could take one in every color (I also have one in blue, a turquoise translucent gem one, and purchased a pearl one the same day) and have been browsing the website daily thinking of what my jewelry collection is going to look like.  I know what's going on the birthday wishlist this coming year! (Hear that?  Spoiled me thinking of April birthday wishlists... SHEESH!)

Elements of Style: Reese Witherspoon

[Photos C/O Style Bistro, Celebrity Style Guide, Huffington Post, People, and Oh No They Didn't]

I've been obsessed with Reese Witherspoon for a lonnnnggggg time.  I will be honest, she is the actress I most identify with, so that may have something to do with it.  Especially because my roommates in college would describe me as Reese in Sweet Home Alabama (I have had multiple "You have a baby... in a bar!" moments in my life).  But I have always found her style to be something in the back of my mind (and in the front of my closet).  She can pull off any hair style (and color) or look as long as she tailors it to herself - and she does an excellent job at that (or her stylist... can I be her?).  Reese's style is practical and current, while immaculate.  I'm sorry but who looks that good and has 3 children?!  

Elements of Reese's Style

1. The arm bag - Regardless of the style, it always rests on the arm

2. Classic Cuts - Blazers and Cigarette Pants, A-Line Skirts & Dresses

3. Simple Jewelry - Jade Earrings, Simple Chains, Classic Watches

4. Booties - Suede, Heeled, & Flat

5. Flirty Skirts & Dresses - A-Line & Mini

The Lady is a Vamp

[Tank Top - Kohl's; Sweater - Target; Leather Leggings - Forever 21; Heels - Ross]

I broke my rule: I wore leggings with a shirt that didn't cover my whole butt.  But I just love this sweater and it only looks good with the super tight pants.  I never thought I would buy a pair of leather leggings in my life, but there I was standing in Forever 21 and I saw this $13 pair and thought, "when will you have this urge to buy leather leggings again?!  And if it does happen again, they will definitely be more expensive".  So I tried them on, was not repulsed by my image, and swiped the plastic and left the mall.  Approximately 30 minutes later, I'm thinking to myself WHAT HAVE I DONE?  But here are some things I've learned with my leather leggings:

1. It was very good I bought them a size larger than I normally would.  Leather leggings are going to make me feel self-conscious.  Fact.  Last thing I need is to feel like I look fat on top of feeling weird because I'm being trendy.

2. They're the most comfy leggings I own.  Seriously.  They're so soft.  I could sleep in them.  Not a lie.

3. Because they're comfy, and warmer than a skirt, and are black and sleek, they will be my winter go-to going out staple.  I will look chic.  I will look fancy.  I will be able to fall asleep at the bar.

4. I look much more edgy than I really am.  I love bows.  I look like I'm 12.  I will take anything to make me look over 21. [Note: I am past 21... as in my baby brother will be 21 in a month]

5. I feel very in.  While some think I may be on the "cutting edge of fashion", I feel like I hit the tail end since I look at the next big thing for months until it hits my budget range.  Now, ta da!

Moral of the story: Buy leather leggings and don't turn back.  You'll be happy you did :)

Fancy Lumberjack

[Blouse & Skirt - Gap; Cardigan - Old Navy; Tights - Target; Boots - Aerosoles; Necklace & Ring - Express; Ring - 310 Rosemont; Bangle Bracelets - Alex & Ani]

I hate that it's getting colder and now I need to be wearing a coat.  While I think they can make an outfit, sometimes they keep you limited.  But I do love plaid shirts - flannel or not.  They're just too cute.  I also like adding tights to give outfits a different look.  

Speaking of different look - I've started realizing that necklaces are becoming more and more prevalent in my wardrobe.  The story behind this beauty goes a little like this...

My co-worker & I went to Target one day to pick up a dress for her to wear to her best friend's rehearsal dinner.  We kept trying to think of the necklaces she had that would look good with the dress.  This type of necklace kept popping in my head and then we couldn't stop thinking about it.  The next time I saw one, I had to buy it so she could borrow it for the rehearsal.  Friendship sometimes is manifested through fashion, people ;)

Now I keep getting called the 2 Broke Girls Girl at work though...