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Striped Maxi + Neon…

2012 June 28

Looking for an extremely comfortable pair of flat sandals? Look no further than these.  I could live in them—and the fact that the best (and brightest) colors are currently on sale makes them all that much better (hello, the green ones are only $14!).

Aldo Felipa Flats ($14-40.00 depending on color), Dorothy Perkins Striped Maxi Dress ($35.00), John Lewis Knit Cardigan ($86.00), Bauble Bar Fuchsia Triad Strand ($28.00), Bauble Bar Neon Pink Pop Knot Studs ($24.00),  Bohemia Neon Satchel ($122.00), China Glaze Summer Neons ($6.50), Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test ($12.00).

DIY: Polka Dot Shoes…

2012 June 27

I bought these beige satin flats last week at Express for $16.00. I figured for that price they would probably murder my feet, but I gave them a shot anyways. To my surprise they were delightfully comfortable. Like so comfortable that I would plan my outfits around them. So now I had a dilemma: I had these really comfortable $16.00 shoes that I wanted to wear everywhere…but they were kind of boring the h*ll out of me.

So yesterday as I sat staring at them while simultaneously perusing the internet (deadly combo), I thought “Those shoes could use some polka dots”. Next thing I knew I was in a creative coma and when I came to I had a Sharpie in my hand and polka dotted flats on my feet.

On a couple side-notes—I’ve tried to find these online…mostly because I’d like to order 700 more pairs to do ridiculous things with, but to no avail. They are no longer available for purchase online. Boo, Express.  I found them at my local Express last week…so I suggest trying to find them in-store if you’re on the hunt. Also, like I mentioned, they’re satin, so I make no promises for how a Sharpie marker might work/stay on faux leather or other materials.

If you try this project for yourself make sure you share a picture with me @JournalingMrs

Leopard + Stripes…

2012 June 26

I got an email yesterday from a reader who was perplexed by what to pair up with an adorable pair of leopard shorts she found in a vintage shop. After putting it with countless styles of black tops, I finally thought “Why does this top need to be black”, paired it up with stripes, and fell in love with the contrast between the two patterns. Add bold accessories and call it your new favorite outfit.

Current/Elliott The Boyfriend leopard print shorts ($280.00) also great pairs of leopard shorts from Guess ($69.00) and Forever21 ($19.80), FULL TILT Stripe Womens Tank ($16.99), STEVE MADDEN SHOES Sutttle Thong Sandal Turquoise ($44.25), Moschitto Designs Filigree Cuff Aqua One Size ($38.00), Kate Spade Gumdrop Earrings ($38.00), Bright Coral Cinch Closer Purse ($49.95), Buxom Gloss in Tonya ($18.00), Buxom Color Choreography Eyeshadow ($36.00).

Coral + Cream + Black…

2012 June 22

This might be my ideal silhouette for a casual top. It’s flattering, oh-so-feminine and looks fabulous with a pair of skinnies. Try pairing the cream + black patterned top with solid bottoms and pops of coral.

Wallis Black Heart Frill Sleeve Top($58.00), Wallis Black Twill Jean ($52.00), Wallis White Quilted Bowler Bag ($49.00), Wallis Coral Rhinestone Ball Pendant ($12.00), Wallis Coral Colour Contrast Shoe ($65.00), Make Up For Ever Powder Blush ($20.00), Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in Pastel Coral ($19.00), Essie Polish in Tart Deco ($8.00).

Burnt Orange + Blue…

2012 June 21

I’m loving this chambray top from Wallis…the neckline and tie-up front offer something different from the average chambray top on the market. It’s perfect paired with a cigarette pant and nautical accessories.

Wallis Petite White Cigarette Pant ($35.00), Wallis Blue Tie Hem Chambray Top ($47.00), Wallis Brown Gold Bead Hoops ($5.00), Wallis Navy, Orange and Ivory Scarf ($35.00), Wallis Beige Suede Loafers ($61.00), Madewell The Walkway Satchel ($198.00), Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Day Lily ($25.00), Yves Saint Laurent Soft Blush in Audacious Orange ($38.00).

Blues + Creams…

2012 June 20

When I saw this blue paisley dress I instantly imagined it sitting on a big wrap-around porch with water stretched out in front of it and an iced tea not far away. I thought it looked perfectly summery & beachy so I paired it up with light, neutral accessories.

Dorothy Perkins blue paisley print dress ($69.00), Dorothy Perkins Cream tubular detail wedges ($59.00),  Dorothy Perkins Blush crossbody satchel ($89.00), Yochi Ivory Cross Chandelier Earrings ($42.00), Kate Spade New York “Tickle the Ivories” Cream Idiom Bangle Bracelet ($32.00), Dorothy Perkins Navy plain band trilby ($17.00), Yves Saint Laurent Eye Shadow Duo ($36.50), Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss ($30.00), Essie Polish in A Crewed Interest ($8.00).

Brights + Neon…

2012 June 19

Wearing a lot of color can be downright frightening…especially the bright + neon colors that are trending this summer. If you want to try out the look, start with a classic base you’ll be comfortable in— like denim, and then add a top and shoes in a bright, solid color. You could stop there—-or take it up a notch by finding a colorful necklace and extracting colors from that to round out your accessories.

Miss Me Flying Cross Jeans ($98.00), Blouse Boomy Neon Yellow ($88.00),  Tova Jewelry” Neon brights “Multi Colored Chunky Necklace ($150.00), Tova Jewelry” Neon brights “Hot Pink Agate Earrings ($120.00), Dylan Zip Tote in Purple ($495.00), ModCloth Day & Night Flat in Yellow ($30.00), Neon Panama Short Brim Fedora ($140.00), Max & Chloe Neon Green & Rhinestone Bangle ($63.00), Tova Jewelry” Neon brights “Hot Pink Agate Bracelet ($63.00), Dior Rosy Glow Blusher ($44.00), Nyx Neon Yellow Polish ($7.00), Dior Addict Lip Glow ($30.00).

Polka Dots + Salmon…

2012 June 15

If you’re a chronic purchase of colored denim (as I am) you should definitely invest in a polka-dot top. It breaks my heart that this J.Crew top is already sold out—anyone have at tips on where to find something simlar?

J. Crew Jacquard dot Popover ($88.00, sold out), TopShop MOTO Salmon Leigh Jeans ($76.00), MARC By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo ($428.00), L Farrow X Charlotte Olympia Feather sunglasses ($368.00), Mulberry Bayswater Bracelet ($210.00), J. Crew Viv Patent Leather Flats ($190.00), Stila Lip Glaze in Cotton Candy ($22.00), Dior Style Liner in Noir Black ($34.00).

Mint Pleats + Blush + Black…

2012 June 13

Sometimes I really struggle to find dresses that fit me properly. They almost always require alterations and now that I am no longer within “Hey could you sew this” distance to my mom I am much less likely to continue investing in dresses that need $30.00 worth of tailoring. My answer? Skirts with bodysuits. The bodysuit will always fit your top + waist perfectly (as long as its the proper size to begin with) and you can switch up the look constantly with ever-changing skirts + belts. (also a brilliant concept for packing for a vacation). H & M and Forever21 are fabulous places to stock up on affordable bodysuits.

Mint Chiffon Mini ($31.00), 3/4 Sleeve Bodysuit ($29.99), Spearmint Bib Necklace ($36.00), Asos Leather Croc Metal Bar Clutch ($66.28), Asos Landscape Point Flat Shoes With Cross Strap ($41.43), Mint Green Ray Bans ($159), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Lingerie Pink ($34.00), Yves Saint Laurent Blush Radiance #2 ($45.00), Yves Saint Laurent Beaute La Laque No24 Rose Abstrait ($25.00).

Neon Lace + Teal + Aztec…

2012 June 12

If there was a TopShop near me I would be there right now….buying this dress + shoes. My closet is desperately in need of an obnoxious neon dress, isn’t yours? I love it paired up with a necklace & belt in a solid color—but instead of another neon try pairing a bright dress like this up with a more subdued tone like a dusty teal.

Topshop Neon Lace Flippy Dress ($92.00), Bauble Bar Teal Elliptic Bib ($24.00), Dorothy Perkins Teal Belt ($5.00), TopShop STARE2 Platform Pointed Courts ($100.00), Vidalia Aztec Print Clutch (via Shoe Dazzle), Julep Nail Vernis in Amy ($14.00), Sephora Collection Blush in Peach Fusion ($13.00), Sephora Collection Rough Shine Lipstick in Just Dating ($12.00).