Farewell to the Big City and Bright Lights

All good things must come to an end.

This was the case for my wonderful experience in Chicago. As a thank you to the city, I wanted to say farewell in the most fabulous way I know how: by dressing up, of course! Now, what do I wear to both say good-bye and celebrate a dear friend? I wear bright, fun prints and interesting statement jewelry. That meant this dress was perfectly suited as a farewell party outfit. Although farewells could potentially be solemn, the vivid colors liven up the event and bring some sparkle to the night. The playful patterns look like they are dancing all over the dress reflecting my own celebration that evening. I added hot pink pumps to bring an extra kick to my step. Then, I topped it off with a dramatic gold shoulder necklace because you can never go wrong with draping yourself in jewelry. And voila, instant party in a dress!

Maxi Skirt and BCBG clutch in Chicago

It was my first night in Chicago. The plan was to go Navy Pier and then to an amazing dinner at Girl and the Goat. I wasn’t privy to all the details of the evening so you know what happens to my imagination, it quickly finds ways to fill in the holes. I began planning my outfit…

It’s a Bird, It’s a Train… No, it’s Fashion!

You may have noticed that I have a fascination with old trains (see this post).  No surprise that I was intrigued by this colorful and whimsical one. I couldn't resist striking a pose with a train that looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1920’s children’s toy set! This life sized toy brought memories of my own childhood. I quickly realized it would be the perfect match for my playful bird blouse!

The pattern of vibrant birds reminds me of the bright shirts I would wear in elementary school. But now it’s a modernized and mature version. As soon as I saw the blouse my 5-year old inner Iris screeched with joy. I quickly snatched it up! She screeched again when I passed this train. I felt like little Iris playing with my old train set while wearing my Rainbow Brite inspired outfits. Life sized toys mixed with fanciful fashion…what more can a little girl ask for?

What fashion brings back memories of your childhood?

Fashion Tip: Bored of pairing your patterned tops with solid colored bottoms? Try pairing it with tweed bottoms. Tweed will add color and texture to your patterned tops!

What I'm Rockin':

Blouse - Lily White via Millenium Nordstrom Rack

Shorts - Forever21

Heels - Qupid

Bracelets - Gift

Belt - Goodwill (also worn here)

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


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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