Happiest Little Boutique: Apricot Lane

Remember last year when I was all, “What the heck! There are good clothing stores at the airport?” (see here). I had a similar experience recently at Downtown Disney, yes, you heard right. Turns out that amid the drones of fanny-packed parents and hyper children you will find a little slice of fashion heaven that’s hidden away in a corner –Apricot Lane. I feel as if it was purposely placed there so only the most discerning fashionistas find it. Once inside you won’t find a trace of Mickey Mouse or Goofy ears. It’s decorated just like you’d expect of a neighborhood boutique and even has a slight resemblance to my college dorm (so you know I love it). The clothes are unique with both classic and trendy pieces. Most importantly, it is reasonably priced (unlike everything else at Disney). I spent a lot more time there then I planned and you’ll see why if you visit. Apricot Lane puts a new meaning to, “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Check out my latest post with a piece exclusively made for Apricot Lane (see here).

P.S. For those of you keeping track, I’d like to point out that this is one of my New Year’s Fashion Resolutions… just sayin’.

Fashion Love at First Sight

Love at first sight. That’s what happened when I saw this silky feminine dress. In fact, I put it on and the girls in the dressing room (who I didn’t know) quickly complimented me on the dress and told me it was “the one”. Not only did I have an instant love for this dress but everyone could see that we were meant to be together. It was in the perfect location for first loves. Breezy palm trees, Caribbean blue waters, and romantic colonial structures – it was Key West, FL. So, I quickly grabbed the last size small and took it home ready to begin our fashionable relationship. I waited several weeks before going on our first date. I knew it had to be magical.

Then, our special day arrived. On January 26 I went to the Charyli Grand Opening in Winter Park. It was the perfect outing. Surrounded by beautiful (and affordable) clothing, friendly people, and even some great appetizers! What more could I ask for? I can’t wait to go back and hopefully find some more “loves at first sight”! For now, I’m already planning my next outing with this beautiful dress…maybe Valentine’s Day?

Fashion Tip: Not sure what to pair with your brightly colored dress? Go for nude colored shoes or in my case a soft pink. It’ll always work and it’s a simple rule to follow! 

(Me and the amazing photographer Andi Mans @AndiMans  at the Charyli Grand Opening)

What I'm Rockin':

Dress - DejaVu

Shoes - Qupid

Purse - Marshalls

Bracelet - c/o BeautyTease

A Little Bit of Rock and Roll

Can you believe I found this lively shirt abandoned on a clearance rack? I saw ladies pass over it time and time again. The poor thing. Sure it’s a little strange, a little loud, and a little too big. But who of us doesn’t have a few flaws? It’s what makes us irreplaceable and fun.

Instead of banishing this shirt to a lifetime of markdowns, I took it home with a plan to bring out all its glorious funkiness. In fact, I made its funkiness center stage because this shirt makes me feel like a rock star. It’s the shirt I would throw on for a crazy, sweaty show, to meet frenzied fans, to shred a guitar.

The colors, the sequins, the graphics – they satisfy my rock star altar ego. It’s the perfect costume for the rock star life I live in my dreams and when I win that Grammy, my acceptance speech will begin with: “It all started with an amazing shirt…”

Fashion Tip: Can your shirt light up a room with its bevy of bedazzling? Don’t let that scare you. If you have a superstar article of clothing, keep the rest of your outfit simple and sleek. I paired my top with basic black jeans, booties, and a classic jean jacket, then finished it off with a bright red lip color. I am a rock star, after all.

What I’m Rockin’:

Shirt – Bella Carra by Biz via Katie Lynn’s Boutique

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Shoes – Charlotte Russe

Bracelets – Assorted

Jean Jacket – American Eagle