There are several things that are just killin’ me right now. The first is the return of longer shorts. I don’t know about you—but I saw one too many Tween butt-cheeks last summer and am therefore ecstatic that some of my favorite stores are stocked with shorts in longer lengths and cuffs (check out Gap, they have some winners). The next would be ballet flats from TOMS. If they are even half as comfy as classic TOMS they’ll be my new favorites. And lastly, ballet slipper nail polish by Essie. It’s the most perfect shade of sheer pink! Today’s inspiration: Relaxed Fit Bicolour Jumper ($43.00), Adriano Goldschmied Denim Roll-Up Shorts ($220), Double Bow Belt ($4.80), Bird Chain Necklace ($14.00), Nine West Jewel Note Clutch ($69.00), TOMS Elessandra Leather Ballet Flats ($79.00), Essie Nail Polishi n Ballet Slippers ($8.00), NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight ($24.00).
I absolutely hit the jackpot when I found a skirt really similar to this at Via’s Vintage in Minneapolis. But don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t object to putting this one in my closet, either. Today’s Inspiration: People Tree Brush Stroke Top ($43.00), People Tree Virginia Dot Print Skirt ($75.00), Triple Weave Belt ($10.50), Wood & Marble Bangle Set ($7.50), Pieces Veera Bag ($25.07), Dolce & Gabbana Straw Wedge Heel ($717.00).
This is the first Spring/Summer in about 5 years during which I am not in a wedding, helping to plan a wedding, or getting married and I have to say I am rather enjoying a very stress-free Spring so far! Last year at this time I was sending out wedding invitations—-this year I’m starting to plan our one-year anniversary trip (and I much prefer the anniversary planning)! We do, however, have a few weddings on the calendar so wedding attire isn’t far from my mind. I’ve found too many adorable dresses from Dorthy Perkins! Found some you love? Enjoy Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more. Today’s Inspiration: Dorothy Perkins Blue Stripe High Neck Dress ($59.00), Dorothy Perkins Color Block Cross Body Bag ($55.00), Dorothy Perkins Coral Plait Skinny Belt ($5.00), Essie Nail Polish in Tart Deco ($8.00), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Pink Coral ($30.00), Opaque Heart Stud Earrings ($4.70), Elisha High Heels ($109.00).
I can’t get enough mixing! Colors, patterns, fabrics, you name it—I’m mixin’ it! Today’s Inspiration: Full Tilt Blouse ($25.00), Lily White Polka Dot Skirt ($26.00), Flux Suede Earrings ($26.00), Kate Spade Nylon Stripe Leslie ($368.00), Le Mie Ballerina Flat ($57.00), Cole Haan Sunglasses ($150.00), H & M 2-pack Bracelets ($29.95), Essie Polish in ‘Orange, it’s Obvious’ ($8.00), Armani Beauty Lipstick in Acid Tangerine ($30.00).
One of the most rewarding aspects of summer might be that my Norwegian skin sees just enough sun that I might bust out a backless dress (drooling over the deep-V this one has). Seems like a perfect ensemble for an outdoor wedding—because there are few things worse than clomping across grass in stilettos. Today’s Inspiration: Miss Selfridge Ballet Dress ($74.00), Lanvin Shell & Coral Necklace ($904.00), Monsoon Teardrop Earrings ($7.80), Prada Taupe Leather Clutch ($595.00), John Lewis Gino Ballerina Pumps ($34.00), OPI Polish in ‘Over the Taupe’ ($5.65), Estee Lauder Portofino Coral Lipstick ($18.00).
The great thing about current trends is that you can literally smash a dozen colors together and be ready to roll. I think a great starting point is a piece of statement jewelry with 3-5 colors in it. Use it as your guide to piece together the rest of your outfit. Today’s Inspiration: Miss Selfridge Coral Tie Dress ($61.00), Almost Edgy Stud Earrings ($10.00), Bib of Many Colors ($27.00), Aspinal of London Clutch ($175.00), Asos Franki Flat ($44.76).
This post makes me want to blast “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves and possibly eat frozen lemonade. It also makes me want to go to Target ASAP. Just a few ideas. Today’s Inspiration: Mossimo Straw Fedora ($10.00), Mossimo Knit Scarf ($12.00), Belle by Sigerson Morrison ($175.00), Whistles Betsey Stripe Sweater ($149.00), Hollister Rocky Point Denim Short ($44.50), Pree Brulee Yellow Lotus Earrings ($26.00), Faceted Square Ring ($68.00), Suboo Yellow & White St. Barts Bag ($60.00).
Being naturally obsessed with organization, as I am, I’ve spent a fair amount of time creating tools to aid my everyday tasks. You’ve seen this in my Daily Page Notepad—which I used for a year before sharing it on my blog, then offered it as a Free Printable, and then (thanks to numerous requests) finally offered in notepad form. Well, I have now taken my methods for organizing and preparing my writing and put it into notepad form. The LAJ Blogger’s Notepad gives you a central location to schedule out blog posts, make notes on topic ideas or events to cover while also tracking your progress and up to three metrics. The Blogger’s Notepad is available for pre-order on Etsy now until March 20th and they will ship no later than March 23rd. Below you will find a sample so you can view what The Blogger’s Notepad has to offer (click to enlarge).
The first two batches of LAJ Daily Page Notepads sold faster than I could have predicted, which proves I am not the only person who is obsessed with hand-written lists and well organized days! I have just received my third batch from the printer and they are ready to ship! You can snag one (or a pack of three) for yourself in the Etsy shop. This batch of notepads features a few improvements—the notepads are now printed on heavier paper and contain 50 pages each (versus the original 30), but the prices have stayed the same! That’s nearly twice the organization (look I can almost do math)! And in case you missed it, here is a lovely little feature on the notepad by Alicia Fashionista. Xo.
For most of us, the idea of mixing different patterns together is pretty scary, because for years it has been ingrained in our minds not to mix bold patterns with stripes, florals with polka dots etc. But this year, all bets are off, let your inner child have some fun and mix whatever you want! To start off, try mixing patterns that are connected by a simple palette, in this case black, orange or ivory. Today’s Inspiration: Kate Spade New York Orange Aviator Sunglasses ($128.00), Ash Instinct Ballet Flats ($156.00), Mac Cremeblend Blush ($41.99), Essie Spring 2012 Polish in ‘Orange, It’s Obvious’ ($8.00), Luca Luca Floral Tank ($205.50), Top Shop Chuck On Stripe Knitted Cardi ($76.00), Hollister Boot Denim ($35.00), Miss Selfridge Orange Patent Skinny Belt ($11.00), Sabine Multi-Color Bead Necklace ($28.00), Miss Selfridge Aztec Print Shopper Purse ($53.00), Marie Helene De Taillac Fire Opal & Gold Ring ($6, 337.00).
