Fall 2017 Trends - Fabulous Florals

I feel like we have talked about florals before, probably because we have. Floral patterns were trending in spring and they are still trending in fall. However, where spring florals were light and bright, fall florals are dark and bold. There are some fabulous fall florals out there right now and I will include a few shopping links in this post, to give you a few other ideas of what is available. As for my own collection of florals, I have nothing quite like what is trending, but I found a few pieces that I thought would transition well into the fall season. As I did last week, I will show you one outfit, a few flat lays and a few possible shopping options.

i have a few floral tops in my closet and chose this one for my outfit, because it seems a bit more fall like. The body is lined while the sleeves are sheer. the sleeves also have an asymmetrical hem line, and there is smocking on the upper part by the neck, making it an interesting piece. 

I paired the top with these recently thrifted J.Jill black jeans and my Clarks peep toe shooties.

I also had this black Franco Sarto bag in my closet. Here is a cross body bag from their site. 

I added a few fun pieces of jewelry to compliment the colors in the top.

Here are a few other looks that I put together as flat lays.

For this one the focal floral piece is the jacket, I opted to pull the blue out of the jacket by pairing it with a blue Christopher and Banks short sleeve sweater and blue heels. Because the jacket has so many colors it could be paired with lots of other pieces. 

This more casual look revolves around a mini floral print. I've had this yellow sweater for a while and it perfectly pulls out the yellow in the top. Styled with a pair of Rock & Republic boot cut jeans, a leather cross body bag and boots makes for a great casual fall outfit.

Here are a few other options of floral items. This post contains affliate links. All opinions expressed are my own.

I hope you enjoyed this look at another fall trend. Have a great weekend!

Pantone Fall 2017 - The London Palette - Blue Bell and Lemon Curry

Last week I looked at two colors with more of an orange hue from the Pantone Fall 2017 London palette. This week I am going to introduce you to one of the two yellow hues on the palette. Lemon Curry is a spicy yellow that can add a bit of zing to your fall color combinations. I decided to combine this yellow with Blue Bell, a light soothing color. The combination results in an outfit that has both pizzazz and peacefulness. 

My daughter had to teach me a few things about photography when she first sent me this grouping of pictures. The reality is that a camera does not see things the way the human eye does. Our human eye, unless they are unable to translate properly, see colors as they really are. A camera and the image it imprints onto a digital card is affected by lighting, exposure and other factors. 

When I saw these pictures, I texted my daughter and said, "This skirt does not look like it looks in real life." We went back and forth on it for a while and I finally told her to leave it alone. When we got together for my grandson's birthday party yesterday, she took the time to explain to me that a camera, no matter how fancy picks up what it thinks it sees, not necessarily what is really the fact. Who da thunk? Obviously the hombre skirt contains an underlying tone that the camera translates to more of an aqua blue, when in reality it is more of a navy or gray blue. Rebecca was able to adjust the pictures to make the skirt look more like the original color and I learned a few things about digital images. 

For this post, it doesn't really matter, because the blue I am trying to match with the Blue Bell color is the top tier of the skirt, rather than the bottom tier. 

Once again, for this color combination I shopped my closet. I've had this tiered skirt for a while and usually wear it a few times over the summer months, as it is light weight, but also lined. The tee I've had for a long time. I love the pattern, the fit and the longer short sleeves, but I hardly ever wear it. When I came across it looking for something yellow, I realized this would be the perfect piece to represent Lemon Curry.

Even though the top contains some black and white you can clearly tell is has the spicy Lemon Curry vibe. 

To pull the look together I wore Blue Bell colored jewelry including my pendant necklace from Kohls and my bracelet from Chico's. I decided to used a brown bag to keep the look more grounded and earthy.

For shoes, I chose my simple SO flats. Yes, I know I keep wearing these for various outfits, but they are just so cute and comfy!

What do you think of the pairing of these two colors? Which color do you like better?

I think these two colors are perfect for fall and transition easily from summer. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen. 

The following are few shopping links for possible items in Blue Bell and Lemon Curry. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog. Hope to see you back again soon.

Fall 2017 Trends - Mad about Plaid

When I begin my research on the new season trends, I do a goole search. Often I end up looking at sites like Elle and Cosmopolitan to name a few. One has to weed through numerous articles hi-lighting movies stars, and runway styles to find things that are really useful. I try to approach these sites with an open minded attitude, because there are many trends I do no agree with, nor would you ever catch me supporting them on my blog. However, there are plenty of ideas to glean from these fashion authorities.

For the month of September I am going to forgo my Thursday monthly columns to focus on styles that are trending for fall this year. I thought it would be fun to pick a trend then do a post with an outfit centered around each, as well as a few flat lays and possible shopping options. I hope you enjoy this series. Be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of each post. 

Today I am looking at plaid. Plaid is back and for a girl who grew up loving flannel shirts, I am glad. Plaid has been around since as far back the 16th century. The word plaid comes from the Scottish Gaelic word plaide which means blanket. My husband is Scottish on his mother's side. It is fun to look at the numerous plaid colors that represent each of the family/clan names from that time period. My hubby's great grandmother was a Robertson. The Robertson plaid is a bright red with navy and just a hint of forest green. This is a tie Mark's Uncle David got for him. It even has a tag that says Robertson.

I found this light weight plaid jacket at one of my favorite thrift stores, Savers. I make regular stops at this store as they have a great selection that is always changing. You can read more on thrifting in my two part series: Thoughts on Thrifting - Part 1 and Thoughts on Thrifting - Part 2. 

I love the vibrant red of this jacket. Red is trending for fall also, so look at me, I am being doubly trendy. Ha, ha. We'll look at the fall trending colors in a later post. 

To keep it simple and let the jacket do the talking I slipped on a red tee, my Christopher and Banks slimming slip on jeans, then added black beads, black heeled ankle boots and a black and gray bag. You could also draw on the white in the jacket or the red to bring out those colors as well. 

Here are a few other jacket possibilities:

In addition to jackets you can style an outfit with a plaid top. Here is a flat lay I put together to show you a possible outfit starting with a plaid top. This top screams fall for its lovely fall colors, but to keep it from getting to colorful, I went for olive pants, and a black bomber jacket. 

As a last thought I grabbed the Tawny Port clutch. See the Pantone site for a look at this New York fall color. 

Here are a few plaid button ups that are currently available.

The next look revolves around a plaid accessory. In this case it is a pretty scarf. Plaid scarves have always been a viable option for the cooler weather and this year is no exception.

I think this is a fun look for a date night with the hubby or a lunch date with the girls. Keeping the colors of the pants and top similar allows the scarf to be the center of attention.

Here are a few fun options for scarves:

What do you think of plaid? Is is a pattern you like to wear? Even if you don't like it in big quantities, even a little plaid can brighten up an outfit. 

Here are a few other plaid options:

As you can see there are plenty of options for adding plaid to your wardrobe. If you click on the pictures that show you other options it will take you to the site where you can see more details and tell you the prices.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link I'll get a few cents. If you buy something through the link, I get a small commission. All opinions are my own.

i hope you enjoyed this look at plaid. Be sure to check back next week, where I'll look at another fall trend.

Have a great weekend!

Pantone Fall 2107 - The London Palette - Toast and Copper Tan

Out of all of the London Palette colors, I felt these two were the hardest to find. They are also hard colors for many people to wear. Toast and Copper Tan are not truly tan, but also not truly orange or brown. As this is not a color I saw in the stores, I did some thrifting and found that even there these are not popular colors. In the end, I shopped my closet and this is what I came up with. You have seen all of these pieces before.

With this pairing, I am going for a more monochrome look.

This asymmetrical hem top I have styled before here. I love the detailing on this tee. The bottom is trimmed with lace and there are two side triangular insets that add texture and interest to the top. 

While the pants I am wearing are not truly the Copper Tan color, I felt, due to the yellowy orange stripes in the pants that it makes them seem more of a coppery hue. I styled these Sonoma ankle pants before in my summer InVestments series. 

In keeping with the neutral monochrome vibe, I decided to go with faux pearl jewelry that stood out due to its iridescent quality.

i felt the addition of the chocolate brown moto jacket kept the outfit from being too soft. The jacket adds an edgy vibe and epitomizes my style personality. Of course if I am going for that look, I had to add my favorite taupe SO brand ankle boots as well. 

Due to the fact that I love color, I felt it necessary to add at least one piece that made the outfit pop. The bright blue bag reminds me of the blue skies so prevalent on many midwest fall days. This bag that was thrifted is Nine & Co. brand. 

What do you think of these two colors? Do they seem like fall colors to you, or do you feel they are more reminiscent of a pale sunset on a summer evening? I hope you enjoy following along as I look at the Pantone color palettes for each season. 

Below are a few tops I found that are a similar color. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link I get a few cents. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for all your support. 

Thursday I am planning a series on this year's fall trends. For the month of September we'll take a closer look at what some of this year's fun fall trends look like from my closet! Stay tuned!

Pantone Fall 2017 - The London Palette - Flame Scarlet and Otter

This year the Pantone Color Institute decided to share two color palettes for fall. Both the London and the New York palettes have similarities, such as Navy Peony and differences. However, I feel that both palettes feature rich colors that easily transition us into fall. You might feel that these colors are not for you and when I first looked them over, I was not excited, but as I began to ruminate on them and look for pieces in my closet and at the store that would best represent each of these colors, I grew excited to see how each of these palettes would translate to real outfits that an actual woman would wear. 

To keep this series to a minimum I decided to challenge myself to come up with outfits that use two of the colors at a time. This week I am featuring a bold, rich red labeled Flame Scarlet, paired with a warm hue called Otter.

I've styled these Worthington brand trousers before on the blog. You can see that post here. This light weight open weave sweater is a great piece for transitioning to fall. Days can still be warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool. I just put a similar colored tank underneath.

I opted for black accessories and kept them to a minimum. I felt the black was a suitable contrast for this two toned outfit. A single strand beaded necklace and a beaded bracelet were my only jewelry. 

I dug this black top handle bag out of my closet, all the while wondering why I have so many purses and bags that I don't use! It is like clothes and shoes. I keep intending to come up with other ways to style all these different pieces, but life!

As you can tell by the fact that this post is a day later than I normally post, that my life is crazy busy. I have been back at work putting in about 30 hours a week, picking up my grandson from school and then trying to spend time with my spouse in the evenings, after which I simply have no energy left to work on the blog! Oh well, that's me...Hi! My name is Amy and I am an actual woman!

My shoes are a simple black pump that I've worn on the blog before. 

I like Flame Scarlett paired with Otter. What do you think? A bold color with a more subdued neutral? Or do you like to pair two bold colors? Maybe you like a more neutral palette all over. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. You feedback is very important to me. 

Below you will find some shopping suggestions. These are just options so you know what is available in these colors. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link I get a few cents. If you purchase something through my blog, I get a little commission. I appreciate all your clicks. 

I hope you enjoyed this look at the first two colors of the Pantone Fall 2017 London color palette. Thank you for stopping by the blog. 

Small Business Spotlight - Kaylee Barfell and LuLaRoe

I first heard about LuLaRoe from fellow blogger Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. You can see her posts here and here. I have heard the name thrown around for a number of months now. As you well know I am a thrift and clearance sale shopper. Having always had to adhere to a limited budget my spouse and I have been able to travel and have what we need by being frugal, so spending lots of money on clothes has never been an option. However, as a fashion blogger, I also realize I need to be open to new things. The first time I ever shopped at Nordstrom Rack was after I had won $100.00 in gift cards from Jodie at Jodie's Touch of Style. 

My photographer and daughter, Rebecca of Rebecca Trumbull Photography is all about networking. She has made many area contacts and gotten to know a number of small business entrepreneurs in the Toledo, Bowling Green and Findlay area. I had started musing over the idea of using my blog as a way to encourage women, especially those who are trying to do the best they can by their families and their businesses. Hopefully, this will be the first in a long series of posts on area small businesses.

Rebecca and Kaylee first met at a networking event put on by a Mary Kay consultant. They clicked on many levels and now, not only encourage each other in their businesses and "barter" services, but have also become friends.

When you first meet Kaylee you are instantly put at ease. She is friendly, humble and real. She's also full of energy and sass. She welcomed Rebecca and I into her home and into the inner sanctum of her LuLaRoe business.

She has a whole room dedicated to her business, complete with hanging racks and bins full of LuLaRoe product, as well as a mirror and mannequin donning a very cute combination.

I came with a list of questions for Kaylee and she answered all of them, even the ones she wasn't sure of the answers to, by pulling out her tablet to look things up. She gave me a brief history of the LuLaRoe company and how it works. Founder DeAnne Stidham developed her business at a crucial time in her life as a single mother with seven children to provide and care for. You can read more of her story here. LuLaRoe is basically a clothing retailer that offers quality clothing sold through independent consultants.

When I asked Kaylee what drew her to the LuLaRoe business she said it was that she wanted to be home with her children, but still be able to bring in an income. Kaylee has her LPN and is working on finishing her RN, but felt that at this point in their lives, her blended family needed her more than just before or after work. LuLaRoe provided the flexibility and income she desired.

After we got through my list of questions Kaylee gave us freedom to peruse, feel and try on as many pieces as we desired. Here are some of the pictures that Rebecca took, when she wasn't busy trying things on.

One of the fun facts about LuLaRoe product is that every style has a name. Dresses have names like Nicole, Ana, Julia and Carly. Skirts are labeled Cassie, Lucy and Jill, to name a few. You can also get tops named Perfect, Classic and Irma. The pieces are generally soft, fluid and easily wash and wear. Many of the items look like they would be great for travel as they would fit easily in your suitcase and come out wrinkle free. 

Here are a few pics of me trying things on.

Here I am wearing a Perfect tee and a Maxi.

Here I am showing off a pair of leggings and another Perfect tee. I like the Perfect tee as it had a swing fit through the trouble areas, but a closer fit through the bodice and arms.

I wish I would have thought to take more pics of all the different products, but as it was time flew by and it was getting late. However, you can see all the different pieces available by looking on the LuLaRoe website. Each consultant carries different pieces, so your particular consultant may not carry what you are looking for, but they will be able to put you in touch with someone who does or get it for you.

At the end of our fun evening together, Kaylee graciously gifted me a Maxi. The following are pictures of how I designed an outfit around this pretty patterned maxi skirt.

i had this green top that went perfectly with the green in the skirt. I opted to leave it out and add a belt. To bring it all together I added the reddish necklaces. Here are some other ways you can wear the maxi.

Folded waist:

High waist:

As a dress:

I have heard good and bad things about LuLaRoe, but as with anything I think we need to examine the product ourselves and make our own decisions. I give Kaylee a lot of credit for wanting to spend more time with her family and LuLaRoe has made that possible for her.

If you are in the Toledo, Bowling Green or Findlay area and are interested in learning more about LuLaRoe you can contact Kaylee here on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lularoekayleebarfell/  or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lularoekayleebarfell/

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it will inspire you to look around at your local small businesses. They need your patronage and your support. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Have a great day.

While I was gifted the skirt, all opinion are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Amy's make up Rachel Christensen.

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Denim

I've been taking you on a tour of my vest collection and showing you ways to style these fun pieces for warmer weather. Today I am styling two denim vests to show you how these can be used with various pieces, including capris and a skirt.

Look 1 - Medium Wash

For this first look I wore a medium wash vest from Christopher and Banks. Here is an embroidered option here and a dark wash version here. 

To keep the look casual I paired the vest with my olive colored capris. I really like the look of blue denim with olive. Olive has become one of my faves for a different color to turn to for a neutral. When you think about it, olive really pairs well with many other colors. These thrifted capris are Sonoma brand with a modern fit, which simply means they sit a little lower on the waist and have a roomier fit through the hips and legs. Here is a utility style from Kohl's.

The top I wore was a sleeveless Izod popover, with a fun tropical floral design in pinks and purples. Here is a possible version from JC Penney. I thought the sleeveless top worked with this sleeveless vest. It gives the outfit an edgier vibe. 

I kept the accessories simple with a stretchy cuff bracelet from Chicos and a silver necklace. Here is another pretty option for the bracelet. 

My tote is from Charming Charlie and is a very light sage green, which I thought went well with the whole outfit. They don't have this version any more, but here is another pretty one. 

I finished off this casual look with my bright blue Keds. Keds are a great sneaker for summer. They are comfortable, cute and reasonably priced. These I found thrifting, but I've brought a few pairs at Kohl's. They don't have anything this bright, but here is a cute striped version. 

Look 2 - White

For the other denim look, I went with a white St. John's Bay vest that I got at a thrift store. This time I paired the vest with a blue striped tee and a navy and white maxi skirt.

You can see I was doing a little print mixing for this outfit. I thought the colors went well together and the narrow stripes on the tee, didn't overwhelm the geometric pattern on the skirt. This skirt was from Christopher and Banks also. 

For my bag I chose this fun little straw number. Straw handbags were on trend this summer and I came upon this little treasure when my husband and I were on a weekend away, while I was perusing a second hand shop.

For my accessories I went with my "stained glass" necklace and two bracelets. I like the contrast of the gold with the blue and white. 

Keeping the look casual I wore my navy Candies canvas sneakers. My husband reminded me the other day that I have numerous pairs of navy or blue sneakers! Ha, ha. I think I counted four pairs, but no two pairs are the same! 

Here are the two looks side by side. 

Do you have a denim vest in your closet that you have neglected to wear? These are versatile pieces that you can wear all year long through all four seasons. 

Have a great week. Be sure to check back Thursday for another post on thrifting. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Long Knit

An open weave vest is perfect for summer because it allows air movement. Whether the fabric of your vest is yarn, lace or some other material, having perforations, or open weave will keep you cooler than a vest of the same material without the holes. 

This week's look was based around a long, open weave vest that I featured last fall in my Pantone series. You can see that look here in the post Potter's Clay. For this week's outfit I decided to pair the vest with a pair of crop pants, a button up short sleeve top and accessories. 

Everything in this outfit except the sandals and the jewelry was thrifted. These plaid Sonoma ankle pants are a combination of colors we usually think of for fall: brown, tan, orange and black. However, the light weight of this chino type fabric makes me think summer. To keep the look summery under the clay brown knit of the vest I chose a bright orange New York & Co. top that suggests more peaches and cream than pumpkin. This orange perfectly compliments the orange in the pants.

The above two photos show you more detail of the open weave of the vest. I love the fringe on this vest. It adds length, but also adds a fun bohemian vibe to the outfit. 

I added a gold stretch bracelet and a simple pendant necklace that I picked up at Meijer on clearance. I wanted the focal point of the outfit to be the vest, so I kept the accessories minimal. 

The cute black clutch and St. John's Bay block heel sandals complete the look. 

I know it might seem silly or at least not very practical to layer on a long vest in the summer. However, there are times and places for everything. For example, this would be a great outfit for work. Let's face it, most work places are overly air conditioned and usually you have no control over where the temperature is set. Wearing these layers will give you extra warmth without giving you extra weight. Also, this vest and others like it can easily take an outfit from day to night just by switching out a few things like shoes, your bag and jewelry. Exchange those black block heels for a pair of nude  or blush heels, add a blingy clutch or cross body and layer on a few long gold chains and you are ready for dinner and the dance floor. Ha, ha.

I hope you like this post. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. I know you are very busy, but your comments help my blog to grow. Also, check out my Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Once in a while there will be different things featured on those. As always thank you for your support.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. 

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Asymmetrical Hem

I have always liked to wear vests. I know for some women, vests just aren't a piece of clothing they consider wearing. Today, however there are so many more options. Rather than the structured denim and stiff cotton fabrics of my childhood, vests come in all manner of materials, lengths and styles. In this series I would like to show you a variety of vest types and ways to style each of them for the summer months.

This week I am featuring a vest with an asymmetrical hem line. Asymmetrical means that the hem is not the same all the way around. This vest is shorter in the front and longer in the back. This vest is Say What? brand which can be found a numerous retailers including Target, Macy's and Kohl's. I know I found this on clearance, but I actually can't remember where. Ha, ha. My brain just isn't what it used to be! 

The looks in this series will revolve around a more casual style. This outfit would be perfect for work.

For this look I wore a pair of checked ankle pants that are New York & Co brand. Here is a cute polka dot pair. 

I wanted to keep the palette a soft neutral so I chose an off white Faded Glory tee that I've had for a few years. Here is a cute lace front one from Walmart. 

For accessories I just threw on a couple of beaded necklaces that drew in the soft pinks, grays and tans of the vest.

I found this bag at one of my favorite thrift stores called Savers. The brand is New Directions which is found at the retailer Belk. Here is a similar one currently in stock. I bought the bag because I loved the soft hobo bag styling and the buttery rum color. I'm sure I'll be using this in the fall. 

You've seen these cute SO flats before that I got at Kohl's. I loved them so much that I ordered two more pairs, a light blue and a floral. They will probably show up on the blog sooner or later! Click here to see these and many other colors. 

The open weave of this vest makes it a perfect addition to a summer outfit, but I can see styling it with long sleeves, skinny jeans and boots for fall. Do you like vests? How do you like to wear yours?

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link below, I will get a few cents. I appreciate all the support you give to me. I wouldn't have a blog without subscribers and readers like you. Thank you!

All opinions expressed are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah of The Perfect Storm. Linking up with Jo-Lynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up. 

What's Trending for Summer 2017

Before I became a fashion blogger I never even thought about trends. I didn't pay much attention to how I was dressed, for that matter. I pulled on my mom jeans and a tee shirt or sweatshirt and I was good to go. I still find myself reaching for things that are comfy and easy, but I do give more thought to what I am wearing and yes, now I pay attention to the trends. I don't necessarily like all that is trendy during any given season, but it is worth taking a look at. We have the right to pick and choose the ones that we like and what works for us, while disregarding the ones that don't. That is the beauty of learning to dress in a way that you love and are comfortable with. What you put on should be an extension of who you are and make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Here are a few of the Summer 2017 fashion trends. These are not in any particular order.

1. Khakis or chinos.

At times fashion terminology can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the types of fabrics used in making particular pieces. I thought I would enlighten us by explaining the difference between khakis and chinos. Khakis are typically made of a heavier weight cotton, much like a regular denim, while chinos are a lighter weight cotton. The other difference is in the stitching. Khakis have stitching that is visible, while chino stitching is not. Khakis will give a more relaxed look, and are usually a little wider through the leg. Chinos on the other hand will appear dressier and typically fit closer to the leg. 

As far as color, we typically find khakis in colors from tan and beige, to olive and gray. Khakis are usually neutral. Chinos, on the other hand can be found in just about any color.

2. Seaside stripes.

Stripes seem to come and go, but they are definitely in right now. You can choose horizontal or vertical!

Maybe you already have something striped in your closet. Now you can pull it out and wear it and you'll be perfectly stylish!

3. Gingham

Much like stripes, gingham seems to come and go. Right now it is showing up on more than just summer table cloths. Check out fellow blogger Nancy Baten of Nancy's Fashion Style, looking absolutely lovely in her gingham dress. 

Nancy's Fashion Style

Isn't she adorable? I love how she paired the dress with the bright green bag and sandals. She looks ready for a number of summer activities! Here are a few other possibilities. 

4. Off the shoulder/cold shoulder.

This trend is really hot right now. I have never been all that comfortable with baring my shoulders. I'm not sure why. I have pretty shoulders and my hubby always tells me I have pretty collar bones. Ha, ha. This year was the first year I invested in a cold shoulder tee. I got the berry colored one below at Nordstrom Rack using the gift cards I had won from Jodie at Jodies Touch of Style. 

Do you like off the shoulder styles? How about cold shoulder styles? 

5. Retro swim wear.

I like that they are bringing a more modest swim wear back. These provide so much more coverage. Don't you just love the red with white polka dots? Too cute!

6. Wrap dresses.

There are loads and loads of pretty dresses in the stores right now. The wrap version can be extremely figure flattering on any figure. 

7. Slides.

I am not referring to the kind the kids have fun on at the park. These slides are a style of shoe.

I was wondering myself what the difference is between a slide and a mule. Talk about confusing. My husband always says, the English language is a really stupid way to communicate, due to the variety of meanings for the same word! For this post I am strictly talking fashion.

What I found when I looked it up, was that there is no real difference. I personally think of slides as being more casual with a low or no heel. Mules seem to be meant for more dressy occasions and while many come without heels, more often they come with a low or mid sized heel. 

8. Basket bags.

I talked a little bit about straw bags in my Awesome Accessories post on Summer Bags. These are so fun and while I wouldn't use them for all sorts of occasions, they would be perfect for a trip to the summer market or the beach! 

There are loads of other summer trends out there including white shirt dresses, micro florals, cowboy boots (yes, you heard me right) and bold drop earrings. 

I hope you enjoyed this look at the summer trends. If you found any of the pieces interesting you can click on it and it will take you to the retailer where you can read more about it or order it. 

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Thanks for all of your support and have a great weekend!

Friday linking up with Jo-Lynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up, and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 

Marvelous Maxis - A+ A-lines

This is the final installment in my Marvelous Maxis series. An A-line skirt is basically a skirt that is narrow at the waist then subtly flares out toward the bottom, thus the "A" look. I have always been a fan of the A-line skirt because it is figure flattering, but still allows for room through the hips and thighs. It is also a great skirt to wear if you want some flare, but don't want a lot of excess material. 

Today's skirt is from Dressbarn. If you are not familiar with Dressbarn they are a women's clothing retailer selling sizes 4-24. I hadn't been in a Dressbarn in ages, but then visited one with my girlfriend while I was back in NY a few months ago. I was glad I did. They have a fun and whimsical style with a variety of prints, colors and cuts in pants, skirts, dresses and tops. They also sell accessories like shoes, bags and jewelry. It took everything in my power to not spend more than I did! 

Look 1 - Casual

I fell in love with the print on this skirt, knowing that I will be able to use it for spring, summer and fall. The skirt is a somewhat sheer material, but is fully lined so you don't have to worry about finding a slip to wear underneath. 

The lining has knee high slits on both sides, making it easy to walk and sit without feeling bound in. Here is a pretty fuschia floral print. 

I paired the skirt with a simple embellished orange tank top. This is a St. John's Bay brand which is found at JC Penney. My tank was thrifted. I tucked the top in, to keep a more figure flattering silhouette. Notice after I tucked it in, I pulled it out a touch, to allow the material to bag out to camouflage my bulges. We have to have a trick or two to hide our baggage!

Since the tank has all this bling, I decided to not wear a necklace. For accessories I just wore a multi-strand beaded bracelet, carried a small macrame bag and wore my lace up sandals. I bought these sandals at Meijer. Meijer is a grocery and clothing retailer here in the midwest. I was surprised to find out that their Massini clothing line is now backed by Stacy London of What Not to Wear fame. Meijer is trying to create a style for every body. 

Look 2 - Dressy

For a more dressy look, I swapped the casual tank for my glitzy taupe short sleeved pullover blouse. This piece was thrifted and is The Limited brand. The Limited is no longer available as they closed their stores back in January. You can see how I styled this blouse in last fall's Pantone series here. 

I also added a gold clutch and gold Covington wedge sandals, Sears carries Covington brand shoes. I also added a fun pendant necklace. 

Here are the two looks side by side.

I hope you enjoyed this series on maxi skirts. These skirts are a great option when you want to have your legs covered, but don't want to wear pant or hose. Do you have maxi skirts in your closet? How do you like to wear them? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Have a great week! 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a shopping link below, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through my site, I get a small commission. All opinions are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up and Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. 

Color Crash Course - On the Bright Side

I love color, as some of you already know. However, there are times when I can be a little fearful of putting certain colors together, or of wearing too much dark or too much bright. I decided to challenge myself for today's post and put together a combination of bright colors to see if it is not only pleasing to the eye, but able to get me past my fear of brights. 

For this outfit, I combined two bright blues, a royal blue for the top and an aqua blue for the skirt. Once again I am styling a maxi skirt. These are a great way to keep your legs covered, but still look summery. See my Marvelous Maxi series, by clicking on the links: Pleasantly Pleated, Playing it Straight,  and Wearable White. There will be one more post in that series, next week. 

To add a touch more bright, but also add some pizzazz to the outfit I added this colorful zip up top that I found at thrift store. My royal blue embellished short sleeved tee is from Christopher and Banks. 

To keep the look from getting too colorful, I added black accessories, which drew from the black in the zip up top. I found my black velvet choker at Kohl's, the bracelet was something my daughter had and the little black clutch with heart appliques was another thrift store find. It is really more the size of a large wallet, but it is big enough for a phone, some cash or a credit card and keys. What more do you need?

Here is a closer look at my choker. I love the vintage style of this piece. For my shoes, I opted for a pair of patent leather slip on sandals with silver trim.

What do you think of this outfit? It was really windy when we were taking pictures, so I look a bit wind blown. Ha, ha. Do you like to wear bright colors like this? What is your favorite color combination?

I had to add a silly picture too! I get pretty silly

I hope you enjoyed this post. I appreciate all of your support. Be sure to check out my Facebook page, Instagram and Pinterest. I am still a work in progress, but I keep trying! 

Have a great weekend!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Sunday linking up with Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever.... Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Marvelous Maxis - Wearable White

White has long been a summer staple for many women. I can remember when I was a girl, going shopping with my mom before Easter to get a new pair of white church shoes. Back then, we didn't wear white until after Memorial Day, with the exception of Easter Sunday. White is now a year long embraceable color. Spring, summer, winter and fall are all appropriate seasons for wearing white. In the warmer months our white clothing will usually gravitate to capris, shorts and lighter weight tanks and sleeveless tops. I have also found white skirts are a fun item to have in your wardrobe. 

Today's skirt is St. John's Bay brand from JC Penney. They currently do not have a white maxi version, but they do have a knee length version here. 

Look 1 - Casual

I topped the white skirt with a simple orange and white striped tee that I found at a thrift store. I like the bright color of this tee. 

I added my antler and bead necklace from Cabelas and a bracelet that matched. It's funny how sometimes you can buy two separate pieces of jewelry, at two different places, at two different times and end up having them look great together. 

To keep the look ultra casual I wore my black flat espadrilles. These are Easy Spirit brand and have a nice cushy insole. Here is a very cute low wedge version. Espadrilles are a great shoe for summer as they are usually made of canvas, which keeps your feet from getting too hot. They also look cute with just about everything.

Look 2 - Dressier

I didn't dress this outfit up as, much because I wanted to show you that making only a few little changes can make a casual outfit look a bit more dressy. 

I kept the same tee, but topped it with a Joe Fresh navy eyelet jacket from JC Penney. Penneys no longer carries Joe Fresh, but they have their own website. Here is a cute version from Old Pueblo Traders. 

You can see I also kept the same bag. This roomy top handle bag is from shopping a friend's closet. It is an Aldo brand bag and is well constructed with a burlap looking body and tan leather trim and handles. 

I swapped out my antler and bead jewelry for a few orange beaded bracelets and a bird pendant, with a gold chain and pretty faux rhinestones. 

I also swapped out my flat espadrilles for my Croft and Barrow Ortholite sandals. These are very comfortable, look stylish and come in two other colors. You can see them here. 

Here are the two outfits side by side.

Do you own a white maxi skirt? How do you style it? Do you wear it all year round or just in the summer? I actually could see wearing this skirt with a heavy sweater and boots in the colder weather, so I may just have to try that. I'd love to hear your input in the comments section below. 

Check back Thursday for a colorful outfit on my Color Crash Course column.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinion are my own. 

Linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb, Nicole of High Latitude Style, 

Awesome Accessories - Summer Bags

Summer is a wonderful time, fashion wise. We can get rid of all the layers and start wearing clothing that is light weight, sheer and fun. Everything from our shoes and jewelry to our skirts, jeans and tops take on a more flirty and free vibe. We love to go outside without socks or boots and without jackets or sweaters. In addition to our clothes, our accessories take on a more summery feel, with woven bags, open toed shoes and jewelry in a rainbow of colors. 

For today's post, I thought it would be fun to look at some of the fun summer trends for bags. 

Perforations

These perforated bags are so fun. Who would have thought adding a few strategically placed holes would make a bag look so chic and different. The three bags above are all reasonably priced. You can click on the picture to find out more about each bag. 

This was my perforated bag purchase. I found this at a thrift store. 

Macrame Bags

Macrame bags have been pulled out every summer for many years. I think they are fun bags that add an element of texture to any of your outfits.. Here are some fun choices. I love the tasseled tote from Kohl's and the denim and leather mix from DSW. 

These are my oldies, but goodies. They are each made of different yarn. The cream one is more of a rope material and the drawstring has a more nylon type material. 

Straw Bags 

Straw bags are back! This is a blast from the past, but with new style and flair. Here are a few to whet your appetite. Isn't that tote with the pom, poms too cute? The floral one is from JC Penney and very reasonable. Just click on the picture for more info.

I tend to look for trending items at thrift stores first, because that is where I like to shop. I never know when a trend comes along, if I will really like it or not. I never thought much of straw bags, so this is the one I picked up. However, after seeing some of the other ones out there, I think I may have to change my mind. 

The reason, I'm showing you the second picture is for the lining. You might want to consider this when purchasing a straw bag. If you are just using it to carry towels and sunscreen to the beach an unlined bag would be fine. However, if you are going to use it as a regular purse, you might want to consider a lined bag, so all those little things we tend to throw in our bags, like pens, pins and so on, won't work their way through the weaving of the straw. 

Colorful Tote Bags

Tote bags seem to make more of an appearance in the summer than in the winter. I think that may be due to their versatility. A tote bag can carry sunscreen, a book, sunglasses, and a light weight sweater along with the usual wallet, and keys. You can also use a tote bag to carry a smaller purse along with a few of the aforementioned items if you are going on a quick day trip or short weekend get away.

There are tons of adorable tote bags out there and you will find them at almost any store. The black floral version below is from Target and the multi colored woven one is from Bauble Bar. 

Here are a couple of my fun tote bags. The green one, I bought myself for Mother's Day from Charming Charlie and the multi print bag is a Vera Bradley, that a friend got on clearance and gave to me for my birthday!

Unique Clutches

A clutch is always a great go to, if you are going out and don't want to be encumbered with a large bag. If all you want to carry is a small id holder, for your credit card and id, your phone and your keys, a clutch is the perfect choice. Why not make it a unique clutch that will tell everyone you are on top of your fashion game. Here are some fun ones to think about. 

These are just a few of the many, many cute versions around. Check at your favorite retailers. You'll probably find just what you are looking for to upgrade the outfit you are wearing to that wedding, graduation party or back yard picnic. 

This is the cute one I found while thrifting when the hubs and I got away for a few days last month. I was surprised when I grabbed it knowing I wanted it, that it turned out to be a Relic brand. 

I hope you enjoyed this peek at summer bags. There are so many fun options out there. I hope you have been inspired to find that perfect summer bag. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What is your favorite summer bag? Do you use the same one all summer, or do you switch it up from one event to the next? 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on an item link, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through my blog, I get a little commission. All opinions expressed are my own. I really appreciate your support. 

Have a great weekend. 

Linking up with JoLynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up. 

Marvelous Maxis - Pleasantly Pleated

This is the first week in a series that centers around the marvelous maxi skirt. For me, a maxi skirt is a perfect option for summer dressing. As I have probably mentioned before, I have bad varicose veins. These began after my second daughter was born and then I started gaining weight. They are ugly, bulgy and cause my legs to be discolored a rather purply blue. While these can be somewhat treated, insurance companies can be rather persnickety about paying for a procedure that isn't an absolute necessity. Believe me, my veins are more of a pride issue than a health issue. Eventually, I will look into having something done, but they really don't bother me that much...I've had a kidney stone, so I do know pain. Ha, ha.

Back to the maxi skirt. These are great for running around town, hanging out at home, or going out with the hubs for a date night. They are comfortable and affordable. A maxi skirt extends all the way to the ankle and below. I prefer them to skim the tops of my feet so I am not tripping over the material.

Today's outfit is a pleated maxi. I love this piece and have featured it on the blog before, here. 

Look 1 - Casual

I wanted to show you two ways to style each of the skirts I will feature in this series. This first look is more casual. I topped the skirt with a gray slub tee. I love the drape and feel of this fabric. 

I opted for my macrame drawstring bag with wooden beads. It give the outfit a bit of a hippie look and the taupe color goes well with my shoes. 

I kept the jewelry very simple. I found this bead at a a little shop down near Mohican State Park called Creative Outlet Indian Store. They don't have a website, but you can click here to see some reviews. They have all manner of Native American jewelry, moccasins and CD's, as well as the usual touristy type stuff. I simply bought the bead, then looped a piece of leather through to make it into a necklace. Easy. 

Look 2 - More Dressy

For the second look, I swapped out the slub tee for a sheer top with a fancy crocheted area around the neck and down the front. 

I tucked the top in and wore a wide brown belt, to give the outfit a more polished feel. I carried my multi colored clutch and added a necklace and bracelet with a coppery tone.

For shoes, I swapped out the ankle boots for a pair of dark brown heeled cage sandals. 

Here's a look at the two outfit side by side.

A long pleated maxi skirt is a great addition to your wardrobe. I know for some petite women, finding a maxi that doesn't drag on the ground can be hard. There is always the option of having a seamstress hem it up for you. Also, check out the petites section of your favorite stores. Maxi's a pretty popular right now and they may have something just right for you. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog today. Be sure to check out Thursday's Awesome Accessory column, where I will be looking at summer bags. 

Below are a few pleated maxi's that I thought were pretty. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb, and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots in the Ageless Style Link up.   Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Sunday linking up with Rena of It's All Fine. Whatever....

Piece Perfect - The Utility Jacket

When I began thinking about this month's Piece Perfect column, I was thinking about showing a traditional jean jacket. I have shown a dark wash crop style denim jacket in a previous Piece Perfect column, which you can see here. I thought it would be fun to show a post with a more traditional cut and wash of denim jacket, but for lack of picture taking time, I will save that for another day. Today I am going to focus on the utility jacket. 

Looking for some definition for the utility jacket I was able to derive that our modern day utility jacket was modeled mainly after the Vietnam era military jacket. The color is most often olive green, but now can be seen in gray, black and even orange (see my Pantone Spring 2017 post on Flame.) These jackets are typically light weight with both buttons or snaps and a zipper, as well as multiple pockets. Most of them have elastic or a draw string to gather the waist more tightly against the body.

Today, utility jackets are all the rage. I like mine because it is roomy, which allows for a few layers underneath if it is cooler, but can also be worn as a light weight jacket over a tee or tank top. This is the look I came up with for my jacket.

If you follow my blog, you might remember this outfit from a post called Spring Trends 2017. I used these pieces for a flat lay. A flat lay is simply a picture of the clothing laying flat on the floor, folded, rather than on a person. See below.

I had another blogger tell me she would like to see the outfits from my flat lays on me, to get a better idea of proportions and fit. I liked the way this looked in the flat lay and I like it even better on me! 

As you can see I started with a pair of distress crop jeans, and a breton type tee.

Here's a closer look at the detail, both on the tee and the jacket. 

I thought the blush accessories looked perfect with this outfit. It keeps the outfit summery and fun. I also like the raw hem on the jeans. I kept the jewelry simple and gold to go with the gold sequins on my tee. 

If you've never considered a utility jacket you might want to invest in one. It gives an outfit a fun casual look and can be worn with so many colors. Do you like this outfit? Would you wear frayed hem jeans? I didn't used to think I ever would, but then here I am! Never say never!

Below I've provided some shopping options. This post contains affiliate links. If you do a little looking and/or buying through my blog, I make a little bit of money. I appreciate all of your support, especially your feedback. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog and have a great weekend! 

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 

Pantone Spring 2017 - Niagara

It is hard to believe that it is May already, especially since the weather has been so cold and rainy. When I looked at the forecast for the next few days, at least the temps are supposed to get up into the sixties. Whoo, hoo. It's a heat wave! 

Today we are looking at a pretty blue color that the Pantone color gurus labeled Niagara. 

“Niagara is a classic denim-like blue that speaks to our desire for ease and relaxation.”

— Pantone Spring 2017 Color Report

For this outfit, I decided to stick with the denim theme since the blue truly is denim-like. I chose my lighter blue chambray shirt from Christopher and Banks. (Similar here.) I then topped that with my denim vest from Christopher and Banks. (Similar here. This one has some embroidery instead of rhinestones, which is very trendy right now.) For pants I pulled out my plaid Gloria Vanderbilt crop pants.

What drew me to this vest was the bling. I'm a bling sort of girl. Can we ever be too old for bling? Never! 

For a bag I chose my Niagara colored clutch. It goes perfectly with the denim and the texturing adds a different interest to the outfit. 

Since the pants have some brown in them, I went for brown accessories, both my ankle boots and my jewelry, to tie the look together. 

Niagara is a color everyone can wear. It's not too dark and not too light. It can be accessorized in many different ways and comes in a variety of pieces from tops and vests, to pants and dresses. What do you think of this medium blue color? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Or leave me a comment on my Facebook page or on Instagram. 

I've included some shopping options below. Because these are affiliate links, I get a few cents when you click on a link. If you purchase an item through my site, I get a little commission. All opinions expressed are my own. I appreciate all of your support. Please tell your friends about my blog and ask them to subscribe too. Your subscriptions help me to grow as well. 

Be sure to check back Thursday for a look another Awesome Accessory! Have a great day.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Wednesday linking up with Sara and Hannah of The Perfect Storm. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, and Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots. 

Piece Perfect - White Pants

White used to be a color only worn during the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but now white has become a wardrobe staple for all seasons. When I thought about featuring white pants for this post, I didn't know I would be able to come up with three different length white pants. I even surprised myself by realizing, I really did like white as a way to brighten up an outfit. 

When I was growing up I never wore white. I have always loved color and thought of white as a non-color. Truth be told, however, I am quite clumsy, and knew if I wore white I would end up soiling it with, either tomato sauce in some form, or grease of the automotive variety. My father was an airplane mechanic who also loved to work on cars. It seemed there was always a car sitting in our driveway with the tires off or the hood up. Being the only girl in my family did not deter me from following Dad around as he rolled himself under the car fixing a break line or doing a rigged up muffler repair. There was no way, my mother was going to put white on this girl!

While both of my brothers followed my dad in the family business of airplane repair, the best I could do was change a flat tire. In thirty years of marriage I don't think I have ever had to change my own flat. My hubby has always been there to do the job. Still, it is reassuring that if I had to do it, I probably could. I just hope I'm not wearing white when it happens!

For this post, I decided to show you three different outfits using three different length pants. Unfortunately, all these photos were done indoors, as when I had the time to take the photos the wind chill was in the forties and it was raining. Spring in Toledo!

You might be wondering what the difference is between capris, peddle pushers, crop pants or ankle pants. JoLynne Shane did a great job of explaining this conundrum in a post from April of 2015 titled Capri Pants: In or Out?

Outfit 1 - Capri Pants 

My version of capris actually is rather taboo by the standard that JoLynne explains in her post. She says that the pants should not end at the widest point on your calf and these pants I have on pretty much sit right there or maybe a tad below. Tell me what you think.

The only thing in this outfit that is not a thrift store find are the sandals. I consider these capri pants as they end on the calf between the knee and the ankle. I think I got away with these in this outfit because I am wearing sandals that are neutral color which elongates the part of my leg that is showing. If I would have worn my Keds or other tennies, I think it would make my legs look stubby.

The top has a fun shark bite hemline edged with lace. I love the way the lace is inserted into the body of the tee adding more texture to an otherwise plain top. 

Since I kept the outfit simple I thought a printed bag would work well and the sandals which provide a cagey textured look. 

For my jewelry I went with silver tones. I had this necklace and thought it pulled some of the yellow in the bag, giving continuity to the whole outfit.

Outfit 2 - Ankle Pants

In this next outfit I am wearing my ankle pants. I define ankle pants as those that end at or just above the ankle.

For this outfit I paired the pants with a recent purchase from Kohl's. This Dana Buchman top also has an asymmetrical hem line, although this one only drops on one side. The fun ombre pattern is abstract geometric that reminds me of zebra stripes, so in keeping with the wild animal theme I carried my snakeskin bag. 

Here's another view of the top.

I wore my black wedge espadrilles to tie in the black in the blouse and my bag. 

Silver seemed to be my go to for jewelry with these outfits. A couple of silver bracelets and my silver cross necklace with a turquoise center work well with the blueish green of the top. I also added a beaded choker just for a delicate line of black. 

Outfit 3 - Full Length Pants

I own two pairs of full length white pants now, one heavier weight denim and then the pair I style here. This pair was another thrift store find and is J.Jill brand. Lighter weight material can be a problem in pants as it allows your underwear to show through. I don't know quite when women got obsessed with their underwear. Whether it is the question of wearing underwear or not, or the question of thong, hipsters, briefs, boy cuts or bikinis, we certainly have much to think about when it comes to our intimates. My solution is simple, white pants, shorts or skirt, wear white or nude underwear. Yes, I still might have panty lines, but the white will simply become part of your outfit, where as a darker or brighter color will become an accessory....an accessory to others noticing your panties! Ha, ha.

When looking for white pants, look for heavier weight with more structure. There are many good choices on the market right now as the push for white began a month or two ago. I'll list some options at the end of this post. I would suggest actually going to the store to shop for white pants. That way you can try them on and see if you are comfortable with the weight of the material and the amount your underwear can be seen.

For this final outfit I decided to go for a monochrome look. I feel it speaks of a fun summer get away to the French Riviera or some other magical destination.

The outfit formula is very simple: white short sleeve sweater top, white wide leg pants, copper and orange accessories. Done. If you missed my Mad About Monochrome post from last week's Color Crash Course column, be sure to check it out by clicking on the link. Going monochrome can really make getting dressed even simpler.

My wonderfully comfortable Sonoma brand sandals from Kohl's and a cross body bag. I think this outfit would have worked even better with a straw shopping bag and floppy sun hat.

Here's another look at the sandals. They actually zip up the back so are pretty easy to get on and they have a very cushy footbed, making walking a dream! A wedge heel always looks classy.

Cute neck scarves are in right now, so I thought this brown, white and orange version was the perfect accompaniment to the outfit. The orange bracelets add an additional pop of color.

Here are all three outfits next to each other so you can see the varied pant lengths. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and that you now have added inspiration for styling those white pants. Maybe you, like me, are very hesitant to wear white. I say give it a try. Find a pair on sale or at a thrift store, if you really don't like them you can always donate them!

Here are some shopping options. I provide these options as a way to show you what is out there and if you click on a link I get a little bit of a kick back. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

I cannot guarantee these options are see through. As I said before it is best to go and try them on before you purchase, so you can see how they will look.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! Have a great weekend. 

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots.  Friday linking up with JoLynne Shane in the Fashion Friday Link Up. 

Pantone Spring 2017 - Pink Yarrow

To continue my series on the Pantone Spring 2017 color palette I am now looking at a deep, dark pink. While Pale Dogwood reminded us of the beautiful lacy trees that bloom in early spring, Pink Yarrow moves us into the deep, dark hues of mid summer blooms. 

I know that my outfit is not. very spring like, but if you live in Northwest Ohio, you know that the days are not always pleasant. Sometimes it is still quite cool with wind that makes the temps even lower. Add to that rain and you have the perfect combination for still wearing long pants and long sleeves. Yesterday was the first of May and our temperatures are barely breaking the fifty degree mark. I'll take that over the twenties and thirties any day, but I still feel like I need to put on layers.

For this outfit I pulled out an older Worthington piece  I have had for many years, my dark pink blouse. While this is not my first choice for a comfortable blouse because it has no stretch, I still wear it from time to time. It has held its color and shape so well. (Similar color here.)

The Kale colored skinnies, you have seen before. They are Gloria Vanderbilt brand and I am glad I got this pair from Kohl's. I styled these for our original Pantone Sneak Peek with Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy, back in February. You can see my original post here. (Similar pants here.)

Over the top I decided to add a bit of texture and fun with a long gray sweater vest from a thrift store. You can see how I styled that vest in this earlier post on Denim. The vest is actually a sleeveless sweater dress for a person thinner than me. Ha, ha. I decided to use it as a vest. (Here is a cool patterned version from Neiman Marcus on clearance.)

To add a touch of print to my, otherwise, solid outfit, I wore my leopard print ballet flats and a skinny leopard print belt. 

I decided to use my cognac cross body bag to go with the cognac color in my shoes. It is not always necessary to have your shoes and bag match, but sometimes I still like to go by that rule, not because I have to, but because I am a person who likes an outfit that looks polished and finished. However, it is good to mix it up a bit, so just for you gals that like to not match things this outfit would look great with a blush colored bag, which is on trend right now, or even a pretty blue bag. Challenge yourself to think outside the fashion box. That is what I am trying to do, at least once in a while.

For jewelry I wore a beaded necklace that has a bit of a taupe color and for bracelets I used simple gray beads with a little tassel. 

What do you think of Pink Yarrow? Do you have any clothing pieces that are this color? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Below I've included a few shopping ideas for Pink Yarrow pieces. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jennie in the Ageless Style link up, Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up.  Wednesday linking up with Hannah and Sara of The Perfect Storm. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. 

Awesome Accessories - A Spring Bag

I love purses, just like many of you love shoes or jewelry. I love it all, really! I just have to try to curb my buying for two reasons. I don't have that much money and I don't have that much room. It is a good thing that I live in a small house and that our income is not that of a Hollywood star or NFL player. Ha, ha. 

A fun purse can make an outfit even more interesting. Last summer I did a whole post on styling an outfit around a bag. The idea was inspired by Janeane of Designing From my Closet. You can see my original post here and her original post here. The thought is, if we can plan an outfit around a jacket, a pair of shoes or a scarf, why not plan an outfit around a bag. There are so many colorful, interesting bags out there, so why not make one the focal point of your outfit. 

I would first like to show you the bag, then I'll show you the whole outfit. 

Of all the places to find a bag, I got this cute little clutch on a Barnes and Nobel Bookstore clearance table. In all honesty I think it is supposed to be a case for writing instruments and other school type supplies, although B & N also sells Vera Bradley bags and wallets, so I guess this could have been an actual clutch. My thought is, there is plenty of room for a phone, wallet and a few other necessary items, so it makes a perfect spring bag. It even has a wristlet handle in case you need your hands free. Here is a look at the pretty pink lining.

Obviously, there are plenty of colors to chose from to plan an outfit. I decided to use the green in keeping with the Greenery color from Pantone and add my favorite color purple. 

I took these on Sunday, which was a beautiful day, but the wind was blowing, so my dress got a bit billowy. This is a maxi dress that I have styled before, in my Denim Days series last summer. The top and half of the skirt are lined. The sweater is a simple cardigan and the purple sash which matches perfectly was something I kept from one of my daughter's old pj's or bathrobes. 

Sorry that my toes aren't painted yet! I thought these sandals were the perfect foot wear for this type of outfit. Plus they have a purple tinge to them!

Here you can see the top of the dress without the sweater. I do have to wear a strapless bra with this one, although these days you could wear a natural colored bra with straps and no one would think twice. Or wear a bright colored bra and you'll be trending. I prefer the old fashioned no-bra strap look. 

For my jewelry I threw on this three layered gold necklace with beads that border on purple. The three layers all connect in the back. It is an easy way to provide visual interest to an outfit and with all three strands connecting in the back you don't have to worry about each individual one sliding out of place. 

Here is a quick close up of the sandals. These are your basic thongs, but I slip into them, then zip them up the back. Part of what drew me to them was the bling!

I hope this inspires you to think about that fun bag that is in your closet. You know the one. You loved the colors and how it looked, but now you don't know what to do with it. Plan your outfit around it. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you.

Have a blessed Easter!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style.  Friday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style, Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, JoLynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up, and Laurie of Vanity and Me. Saturday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb.