Fashion Friday: Bright Shoes

It is no secret that bright colors are very popular this season, which makes me so happy. Have I told you how much I love color, especially BRIGHT color? Oh yeah, I kind of told you here how much I love neon. Well, what could be better than mixing two of my most favorite things - bright colors AND shoes? Nothing!

1 - Jessica Simpson Amande Wedges
2 - Neon Strap Wedge
3 - B Brian Atwood Fringe T Strap Sandal
4 - Tory Burch Aine Flat Thong Sandal

1 - Prada Suede Multi Strap Platform Sandal
2 - Heart Soul Pasquale
3 - Jessica Simpson Halie Platform Pumps
4 - Steve Madden Tampaa Sandal

1 - Alice + Olivia Canvas Wedge Sandal
2 - Sam Edelman Myer Sandal
3 - Paloma Barcelo Mallorca Knotted Espadrille Sandal
4 - Dior Intense Genuine Python Sandal


Happy Friday! I hope you find some bright shoes that you cannot refuse this weekend ;)

Beauty Recommendations

From the moment Jennifer Lopez appeared on American Idol as a judge, I have been in awe of how beautiful her skin is. I especially love the dewy glow that her face always has, and soon after I noticed I headed to the beauty counters in search of that same dewy glow. This was not the last time I went to a beauty counter and answered the sales associate's, "How may I help you?" with, "Have you seen J Lo on American Idol? I want my face to look like hers." or "Did you see the make up J Lo was wearing on American Idol? I want that."

Ok, back to the main point of this post... I think I may have found my "glow," and I don't mean the type you "put on" with bronzers and highlighters. I have recently started using a few new Lancome products, and I have noticed the past few mornings before washing my face or applying any creams or make up that my skin is glowing and shiny (not in an oily way).

So what are these products you ask?

Lancome's 'Absolue Precious Cells' Advanced Regenerating & Reconstructing Cream SPF 15 for day.

And Lancome's 'Absolue Night Precious Cells' Advanced Regenerating & Reconstructing Night Cream for night.

The only downfall to these items is that they are pricey, but I think they will last a while. It doesn't take much. I have wasted so much money over the past few years trying to find creams that help make my skin look healthy and glow, without getting facials regularly. Also, my skin is very sensitive to SPF so I have never been able to use day creams with SPF, which equals sun damage. This product with SPF has not irritated my skin whatsoever.

Oh, and for the record... I still think Jennifer Lopez is the most beautiful woman in the world, sorry Beyonce!

Surprising Source - Jewelry & Accessories

When I think of Ann Taylor, I don't exactly think of bold color or trendy. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon a bracelet online and found out that the source of the neon bracelet was Ann Taylor. This caused me to browse the rest of their accessories, and again I was very surprised by what I found. Ann Taylor has some great spring/summer jewelry and accessories that are on point with the season's trend, and the prices are affordable. See for yourself...

Trend Alert: Florals

'Tis the season for Florals...

1 - Tall Moto Chintz Floral Leigh Jeans

2 - Tory Burch Floral Logo Clutch

3 - Counterfeit Studio Taupe Floral Rug

4 - ASOS Viper Flatform High Sandals

5 - Trina Turk Sea Floral Embroidered Pillow

6 - Kate Spade Posey Park Necklace

7 - Alice + Olivia Natalee Print Sheath Dress

My Current Wishlist

Things that I wish were mine...

1 - Anthropologie Heat Index Tank

2 - Dara Ettinger Adelaide Earrings

3 - Kate Spade Elina Cap Toe Cork Skimmer

4 - OIA Jules Chain Link Bracelets

5 - Stell McCartney Stella Perfume

6 - Rebecca Taylor Pom Pom Beaded Cami

7 - Steven by Steve Madden Crossbody Bag

8 - Enzo Angiolini Timga Color Block Pumps

9 - Kelly Wearstler Serpent Clutch

Family Room Furniture Sneak Peak

The family room is still a work in progress. We are in the process of getting rid of the old furniture to bring in the new, which is the reason the new furniture is scattered all over our house at the moment. Until I am able to set up the room with the new pieces, I wanted to share a couple sneak peaks of the chairs we purchased. I am in love with these beauties :)

I love the nailhead detail.

Here is the other chair; we purchased two of these to replace our current loveseat.

I am so happy with the upholstery that we selected; it is gorgeous in person.

You can follow along in the never ending long process of redoing the family room here, here, here, here, and here.

Geometry Class

Geometric shapes are everywhere this season in both fashion and home decor, and trust me they are much more interesting than the geometry you studied in school. Here is a little roundup of geometric shape inspired pieces:

1 - Tibi Arizona Print Tank & Maxi Skirt 
2 - Melissa Peace Wedge 
3 - Trina Turk Blue Avenida Maze Pillow                        
4 - Adia Kibur Enamel Geometric Earrings 
5 - Tory Burch Gingham Ring 
6 - Balenciaga Oversized Geometric Sunglasses   
7 - ASOS Geometric Foil Print Dress

Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Straratata Sandal

Ever since Jessica Simpson's shoe line came out, there has been a resemblance to Christian Louboutin's shoes. Recently there has been a lot of criticism and talk about her "knocking off" the Straratata Suede Sandal by Louboutin. I am not sure why this shoe is causing such a controversy when she's been replicating his designs for years. If you have loved this shoe as much as I have since it's release in 2010 but do not love the price, check out the Evangela by Jessica Simpson.

This sandal can be yours for $995

Christian Louboutin Straratata

Or...this sandal can be yours for $98

Jessica Simpson Evangela Platform Sandal

Fashion Friday: Un-tucked, Halfway

I always think thought guys that wore their shirts partially tucked in only in the front were so cute (cheese ball, I know). I don't know what it is, but it has become a popular look for us ladies as well. I am definitely a fan! There is just something about that effortless (that actually takes effort) look that is so appealing. Everyone wants that effortless, just got off the beach hair; or the natural, fresh faced make-up; etc...now you can have the effortless, "I threw my shirt on couldn't tuck it all in" look! You can tuck in one tail in the front or only the front and leave the back out...so many choices ;)

via Atlantic-Pacific

via J. Crew

via Couture Candy

via Trends for the Masses

via Gal Meets Glam

via Pinterest

via The Glitter Guide

via Trends for the Masses

via Luella & June

via Pinterest

via Lets Talk Style

Your Friday just got better:

You are welcome; happy Friday!

Color Inspiration: Cobalt Blue

Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors (maybe it's because it goes well with red hair). The color is so rich and vibrant. This isn't the first time I've created a post about cobalt blue; here is an outfit incorporating cobalt blue that I created. Over the past few months there have been several cobalt blue pieces that have caught my eye and that I've added to my continuously growing wish list.

1 - Alice and Olivia Arthur Pants
2 - Alexis Bittar Skinny Tapered Bangle
3 -Tory Burch Robinson Mini Satchel
4 - Anthropologie Rivulets Bedding

1 - Steven by Steve Madden Rosale Pump
2 - Butter London Nail Lacquer in Blagger
3 - Urban Outfitters Grotto Beach Necklace
4 - Rebecca Taylor Easy T Dress

Put a Cork in It

Cork is not just for wine bottles or the wedge of a shoe. Shoes and handbags are made entirely of cork, and there are both interesting and practical looking items. Here are my favorites:

1 - Kate Spade Elina Cap-Toe Cork Skimmer
2 - J Crew Cork Invitation Clutch
3 - Bernardo Miami Cork Sandal
4 - DVF Tafari Patent Leather Cork Wedge
5 - 7 for all Mankind Minty Platform Sandal in Cork
6 - Free People Sonoma Cork Heel
7 - Lauren Merkin Louise Pleated Cork Clutch

Trend Alert: Friendship Bracelets

Remember the "BFF" heart necklaces and yarn friendship bracelets? Well, the bracelets are a big trend and not just for little girls. They come in many colors, materials, and designs. They are definitely more chic than the ones I made in my day. Here are some of my favorites:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Easter

I can't believe Easter is this weekend. Besides the obvious reasons to celebrate Easter, it is also a great time to celebrate spring, warmer weather, sun dresses, and happy colors. And no holiday would be complete without spending time with family and friends, which is my favorite thing to do (even more than shopping).

I will be heading to my hometown, and will start the weekend off with watching my younger brother play baseball. Go #22!

Before the big Easter celebration with my family, I will be attending an annual fishing tournament. I don't really enter the contest, unless you consider socializing a contest ;). Then it will be time to hangout and celebrate Easter with the family.


Oh yes, high school is still an appropriate age to receive an Easter basket!

Maybe it isn't an appropriate age, or maybe he just got more eggs than me?

I leave you with a few Easter inspired pictures:

Images via Pinterest


HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Dresses

Since I was a little girl, my mom and I would go shopping for an Easter dress, and I don't see any reason to stop this tradition...so every year, I still shop for a dress to wear for spring Easter. Was it just my mom, or did all moms dress their daughters in sailor dresses for Easter including matching outfits for the rest of the family?

You can tell by our expressions (including my mom's) that this was a bad idea!

In keeping up with the Easter tradition, I have browsed several of my favorite online stores for Easter dress possibilities. Here are my favorites:

Collective Concepts Emily Colorblock Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg Maja Two Dres

Shoshanna Mylie Ionian Mosaic Print Dress

Rebecca Taylor Wild Rose Print Dress

ModCloth Ice Flow Dress

Milly Gabriella Shift Dress

Milly Camilla Block Print Dress

Plain Drape Front Dress

Camilla and Marc Cylinder Dress

Tracy Reese Rainbow Stripe Dress

I've come a long way since these days (I hope).