Things I Love: May [Vacation Edition]

Left Najana black lulus.com Right Ted Baker Safia asos.com

Strappy sandals! I love all these barley there sandals this season. They are a nice change from all the heavier wedges and chunky heels that have been around. You can pair them with basically anything. I love them with boyfriend jeans, body-con skirt and crop top, and shorts with a blazer. But, you really cannot go wrong. A nude pair or a black pair are a pretty safe bet because you will be able to wear them with everything in your closet. This black pair shown is from Lulu's, check them out and use PSW20 to get 20% off of them till June 13th. The pair on the right are Ted Baker from asos.com so as always use your 10% student discount that you can sign up for here. 

Left Nancy by Melie Bianco Right Beach bag by H&M

Oversized bags with cutouts! These are so great for trips to the beach. They're big and spacious and the cutouts give them eye appeal. You get the usability of having it be a solid color while adding interesting detail with the pattern. For the bag on the left use code MAKEMOMSDAY (case sensitive) to get 40% off site wide here. The bag on the right is from H&M and is only $7.95 (its plastic talk about beach ready). The only downside to the H&M bag is it will really only be useful for local adventures no fun to pack a plastic bag.

WIW: Duster

It's finally MAY, I cannot believe how fast this year is going by. Since I have only been back for a few days I am half living out of a suitcase half living off stuff on the floor. My closet is completely chaotic so it has been about simplicity in my outfits since I have been back.








Right now my mind is fixated on jackets! Today I wore my ASOS Duster Coat  finally. I am absolutely obsessed with this jacket right now.

It so light weight an flowy and since I lightened my hair I have been venturing towards lighter colors and giving the harsher ones a break.

Side note: If your not signed up for Unidays click here and get on that. You could get this coat for 25% off today, and lots of other discounts too its great!

I spent the day at the mall with my niece so this outfit is just simple comfy easy. Paired the jacket with a cream H&M sweater, ASOS denim  (my favorite pair of jeans love the fit), and Steve Madden flats.


My accessories are simple (since most are still packed away) and include two different Juicy Couture necklaces many seasons past, Fossil watch I have had for ages and a Michael Kors bag (similar).

This jacket is starting to pop up everywhere,
click here to check out Kylie Jenner looking amazing in blue.

Also one of my favorite bloggers wearing it here in warmer weather.


Looking forward to it warming up to pair this with skirts and heeled sandals, shorts and converse. The possibilities are endless.


Now this Minnesota weather needs to cheer up..  xo

Gracie

Girly chic is what popped into my head after meeting Gracie, and in the spirit of Easter weekend and just spring I knew we had to use color! Transitional jacket's are where its at right now, especially in London. The weather is changing, not only day to day but minute to minute! So a great semi light weight jacket is a must have to grab as your heading out the door.

After speaking with Gracie she let me know she was up for whatever not trying to find an outfit for any certain occasion. This of course is any stylists dream to just find whatever speaks to you.

So, the outfit is so bright and fun. The dress is from Zara and is a really nice cotton material. The print is so vibrant and looks great against her skin. To add to the mix I did a nice pop with the coral colored jacket. Also subtly added a little mint green with the necklace. For the purse just did a simple black & white with the chain detail. This just adds a tiny hint of hard in this super girly look.

MAKE SURE YOU DON'T MISS THE TINY READ MORE BUTTON BELOW THIS :)

Things I Love: April

Left H&M Coat  and right Coat with pockets Zara

First off, the color yellow I cannot get enough especially the soft pastel shade. Zara and H&M both have some great yellow jackets right now that I highly recommend checking them out. Its the time of the year where you need a transitional jacket so why not make it a color right? The good thing about yellow is it looks good on women with dark and light hair. My recommendation if you want to try this color, go in to the stores and check out a few different shades against your skin then head online for a wider selection.

Left side H&M Patterned Blouse right side Asos Check Pencil Skirt with Mesh Hem

Black and white check prints are just too good. I love everything about this print because you can create so many different looks with it. For someone who finds there style to be a little harder, more grunge, throw on a skirt or even a pant in this print (Asos does one just like the skirt) and pair it with a great leather jacket and bold pink lip and you are good to go. Or for the girl who is a little more girly chic you can pair these prints with all the pastels that are out this spring. Add a little baby pink into the mix and you instantly soften this print.

Left side 'Free 5.0 TR Fit 4' & left side Nike Air Max Thea

Trainers, sneakers, tennis shoes, whatever you call them this is one trend that I think all women around the globe are saying hallelujah too. One of the very few times fashion is practical. Especially in London women need a shoe that can be on the go, most aren't just driving up to the door and hoping out, they are in an out of tube stations. This trend is easy to fit into your wardrobe. Personally I love them with a skinny jean a basic top and a great coat! You instantly looking fabulous while being completely comfortable, perfect for the weekend. 

   

Sunday How To's: Dress for Success

Everyone has that same image of the "sexy secretary" a hyper sexualized women in the work place wearing a skin tight pencil skirt with a slit up the back and a low cut top. This is not a good look. It is important, especially as women, to present ourselves properly in professional environments. Women before us have worked too hard for us to be able to come to professional arenas and be taken seriously. To disrespect that by dressing inappropriately really hurts me. Lately at a lot of events I have seen too many women dressing provocatively. That is what inspired me to do this how to. In these first images I am wearing a simple black dress that hits right at the knee and comes all the way up to my neck. Finding a perfect fitting black dress is an essential piece to your wardrobe. Depending on your body type different cuts and styles will flatter you best. It may take a lot of trying on but it is definitely worth it. DO NOT SETTLE. I know a lot of women enjoy feeling sexy. The perfect fitting black dress even though it is knee length and not baring cleavage can make you feel sexier than anything skimpy. Even more than sexy being dressed appropriately can truly make you feel beautiful and strong. This dress is so versatile, here I have it a little more dressed up, more of a work event versus everyday. But, I could easily dress it down and turn it into the perfect office dress. 

The Outfit: 

• Dress, Zara
• Jacket, Talbots
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Necklace, Forever 21
• Watch, Fossil 
• Clutch, Steve Madden

Being dressed professionally does not always have to mean looking boring. That is a common thought I believe many people have. If you have a more eccentric personality there is a way to tie that into professional clothing and still make yourself presentable. Of course you must always keep in mind the crowd. If your at a law office where the most exciting thing you see is someone changing their suit from black to brown you probably do not want to wear a yellow dress. But, there is always business casual events that need attending right? This look I'm wearing once again is overall covering. It hits slightly above the knee but it is also not as form fitting. This dress is great for many things: a wedding, business casual event, and possible your job (depending on where you work). It is a really rich color but a classic cut.

The outfit:

• Dress, Zara
• Watch, Fossil
• Gold bracelet, Forever 21
• Earrings, from my mom
• Shoes, Me Too 
• Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection 

Note: I would suggest accessorizing different based on the event, you would not want this large bag at a wedding.

 Lastly pants, I know everyone doesn't like wearing dresses. Pants are nice because if you find a pair that fit you great they can be a base to many outfits. This means invest, like the black dress shop around and find a pair that fit great (get them tailored if necessary). It is easy to make a simple pair of black pants look different by changing the blouse or adding a jacket. If you decide to wear a shear blouse it is important to be very conscious of the undergarments that you choose. You do not want bra straps showing and you always want to make sure the tank top underneath is giving you enough coverage. 

The Outfit:

• Blouse, H&M
• Pants, Macy's
• Watch, Fossil
• Handbag, Dooney & Bourke
• Shoes, Steve Madden 

Note: Looking great and professional does not have to be expensive. Find versatile pieces that can be re-used in many outfits and practical shoes versus shoes that only go with one outfit. Also keep your eye out for sales. The black dress I am wearing was purchased during Zara's winter sale for $19.99. Since they offer free shipping both ways I was able to try on different sizes in the comfort of my own home.