These "Botas" were Made for Walkin'

City girl.

No doubt about it, that’s what I am. But on my recent trip to Mexico (see here and here). I found my long lost inner country girl. I spent most of my time in Mexico by the country side. So I thought, “well, when in Rome…” and I threw on my first pair of cowboy boots and my father-in-law’s sombrero and I was ready to roll. The boots were amazingly practical for that terrain, although that is rarely a prerequisite of mine for shoes. It was a pleasant surprise that I could be comfortable and stylish while wandering around the mountainside. In the end, I felt like I was ready to jump on a horse (or donkey) and ride off into the sunset with the cactus behind me. “Orale!”

Are there shoes or outfits you’ve tried that are typically out of your style realm?

Thrifty Thursday: Vintage Patterns

You might have noticed that I’m a sucker for any item that has a story or evokes an emotion. And Retromended Vintage Boutique is the place that provides this by the rack full (read about my first experience there). I initially loved this blouse just because of the sweet and girly vintage pattern. But once I found out the story, it became much more interesting.

Neon Caribbean Colors

You might recall how some colors trigger memories of my childhood in Puerto Rico (see here). Well, this time it wasn’t just a memory. I finally went back to my little island and relived it all again. Of course, I wasted no time to bust out the neon bright colors. I wore this lively ensemble to an impromptu boat ride around the southwest coast of the island. Not exactly a boat tour type of outfit (one needs a bikini when coasting along a Caribbean paradise). But it turned out perfectly because all around me the vivid colors of my outfit were reflected in the scenery.

Colors of My Youth

It’s no secret that I’m a Florida girl. I have spent most of my life living in some city in Florida, which I love. However, I can’t help that occasionally I have angst over the memories of my distant hometown. It’s as if the island whispers to me at night, “Come back…we miss you”. I find myself longing for the hot summer days that I spent lazily on a hammock by the water. How did I rush so quickly through life that those carefree tropical summers seem like memories from a former life?

Thrifty Thursday: The War for the Crossbody Bag

I don’t know about you guys but Thrifty Thursdays are my favorite posts. I get way more excited from finding a diamond in the ruff than grabbing clothing from an already styled mannequin. Don’t get me wrong, there is also a special joy that comes with getting a spankin’ new piece but right now I’m talking about a different type of joy.

A Pink Remix

As you might know from this post, I am absolutely in love with the brightness and spunkiness of my pink jeans and all the wonderful memories it conjures. However, when I first got them I got remarks such as, “Where will you wear that to?” and “How many outfits can you come up with that color?” and even “You think you’ll even wear that more than once?” O ye of little faith, not only do I wear my pink jeans more than once, I probably wear them too many times.

Vivid and bright colors may seem daunting at first for pairing into every day wear. The colors appear wild and untamable. They mask all the other pieces in your closet and you worry they won’t play nice with your pastel colored cardigans. Fear not, taking control of these feisty ensembles only takes a little practice and a little daring.

Fashion Tip: Treat your vibrant bottoms as neutrals to help you pick out a top. Don’t be scared to use floral patterns, prints, and stripes. These will perfectly complement your colored jeans. If you want to take it a little easier pair with solid colors and layers. Start with three colors in your outfit until you are an experienced tamer. Then go wild!  

What I’m Rockin:

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Outfit 1

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Outfit 2

Safari jacket – Old Navy

Blue Blouse – Marshalls

Cocktail ring – Forever21

Nude pumps – Target

Necklace – Beya

Outfit 3

Floral Blouse – Forever21

Scarf – Bijoux Terner

Pastel pink pumps – Qupid

Cross bracelet – Charyli, Winter Park

Bracelets (assorted) –Forever21


Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to follow on Google Friend Connect (Click on “Join” on the right), “Like” on Facebook, Tweet me on Twitter, follow on Bloglovin, and even see my random photos on Instagram (@StyleOfIris)!  

Valentine’s Day Picnic

Candlelit dinners, Godiva chocolates, and sparkling wine - you guessed it, Valentine’s Day! But why do we always associate that special day with an evening out? To switch things up why not try a Valentine’s Day picnic instead? I’d like to try this concept, so here is my official Valentine’s Day picnic outfit. The flirty heart shaped pockets, soft pink undershirt, and floral sandals give it a hint of festiveness without being overly done. It’s soft and sweet! Plus, it’s one of the most comfortable outfits I own. Lookin’ flirty and comfy sounds like a win to me!

What are your plans for this Valentine’s Day?

Fashion Tip: For a fun Valentine’s Day look, incorporate some hearts to your ensemble. Give it a special twist by grabbing pieces that have them in unexpected places like pockets, tights, and headbands. But most importantly, have fun with it! It’s Valentine’s Day after all! 

(Me and the Hubby)

What I'm Rockin':

White Blouse: Old Navy

Pink Blouse: Target

Skirt: Forever21

Sandals: Bliss Boutique

Necklace and Bracelets: Gifted

Ring: BeautyTease

Fall into Pink

The air is getting crisp and the leaves are floating off the Palm trees. Fall has arrived! But instead of turning to the muddled browns, mossy greens, and somber blacks, I’ve noticed I’m turning to another go-to color: delicious, fun, flirty hot pink. Proof? You can see my penchant for incorporating pink into my outfits here and here. Finally I can say, “Take THAT fall. I’ll wear all the bright colors I want!!”

This bright pink is an automatic pick-me-up, reminding me of carnival cotton candy, every single one of my Barbie’s accessories, and sweet bubblegum. It’s my fashionable rebellion against dull and dreary fall and a natural addition to my wardrobe. Work it into yours too!

Fashion Tip: Fight the instinct to neutralize your brightly colored jeans with a staple black or white tee. Instead, welcome the color into your life! Bust out a color wheel (you can check one out here: Basic Color Theory) and choose complimentary tones to finish out and brighten up your look. Most importantly, don’t forget to "rock it out" because fashion is all about confidence.

What I’m Rockin:

Pink jeans: Celebrity Pink by Macy’s

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Thrifty Fashion

I've recently had an obsession with shopping at thrift stores. My husband was the one that introduced me to this new world. He loves it for the tools and gadgets he finds but I’m most intrigued by the fashion riches hidden away. I love the thrill of discovering some lost treasures and then imagining all the stories involved with that one ring, shirt, skirt, belt, or hat. Needless to say, I come up with some pretty elaborate stories for my bounty. Unfortunately, you can’t find the same treasure at all thrift stores but I hope these posts inspire you to also plunder your local thrift store to find great things. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping the environment and your local economy! I got these great linen pants at Goodwill. Happy Thrifting!