Sticky Summers

top: ripcurl (similar here) // shorts: levi (available here) // shoes: isabel marant (available here) // hat: michael stars (available here) // sunnies: ray ban (similar here)

With temps in the 90's the first part of this week and North Carolina humidity rearing its ugly head…..the sticky summer season has officially begun. What's a girl to do when her care free wild toddler wants to be outside exploring all day but both she and said child start dripping with sweat after 20 minutes? Throw on some light chambray, cutoffs and newly acquired Isabel Marant sandals and stay  as close as she can to any body of water in sight :)

Poolside

swimsuit: asos (available here) // shorts: free people ( available here) // kimono: castles couture (similar here)// shoes: ascot friday x matisse (available here) // hat: michael stars (here)// sunnies: ray ban (available here) // watch: michael kors (available here) // necklaces: vanessa mooney and tiffany & co

I'm not usually a fan of bathing suit posts…..but I received so many comments on Instagram, Facebook and in person about this suit that I figured I would share it……and where to get it, so here you go….happy Wednesday :)

   

Off the Grid

dress: via shopbop (loving this one) // kimono: fab'rik (similar here) // shoes: marc by marc jacobs (similar here) // hat: michael stars: available here // necklace: stella & dot

Day 20 of the Who What Wear 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge was "dress down your favorite LBD." I went off the grid last week while at the beach and I'll be honest it felt great……Its going to be happening a lot more.

Bold

shirt: gap (available here) // pants: fab'rik (similar here) // blazer: old, similar here // coat: zara (similar here) // shoes: shoemint (similar here) // bag: balenciaga // hat: michael stars (similar here) // watch: michael kors (available here)

Day 11 of the Who What Wear 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge was "wear a bold print." I'm glad that was the challenge because its so easy for me to get into a monochromatic rut…. I've built a wardrobe of denim and neutrals that all go together and are easy to throw on in a hurry and sometimes forget about my fun pieces like all of my beloved printed pants. I can't take credit for this outfit though because a couple weeks ago Tash Sefton from They All Hate US had some gray printed pants with a chambray shirt and powder blue pumps on so I totally copied it….but I made it my own with my white structured coat and favorite wool fedora.

High/Low

crop top: asos (similar here) // skirt: helmut lang (available here) // jacket: gap (similar here) // scarf: alexander mcqueen (available here) // boots: sam edelman (on sale here) // hat: michael stars (similar here) // bag: balenciaga
photos by: Ellen of Elle N Style

Day 10 of the Who What Wear 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge was "mix high-end with under $100." Honestly this one was not hard because I do that every day…..I have no problem saving money or selling old clothes to splurge on great accessories because I get a lot of wear out of them. And yes denim and coats are investments most of the time, but I'll tell you what, I bought this moto style jean jacket from Gap last year and I can't stop wearing it. Especially with all of the crazy weather lately I've probably worn it every day for the past 2 weeks. So when it comes to mixing high and low price points….. if you are going to splurge on something make sure it is a wardrobe staple….and also sometimes a $60 jean jacket can be an amazing find!

Don't Be Afraid To Give Up the Good To Go For the Great

blue jacket: old, similar here // leather jacket: old, similar here // jeans: madewell (similar here) // boots: via amazon similar here // bag: balenciaga // hat: michael stars (similar here)

leather top: all saints (similar here) // white shirt: free people (similar here) // kimono: castles couture (similar here) // jeans: joe jeans (similar here) // coat: madewell (available here) // bag: balenciaga // hat: stylemint (similar here)

 This month's We the Fashionati Style Profile is "A Lesson in Layers" and If you guys are like me you have been acquiring pieces that you can't wait to wear for Spring….so wear those pieces now just layer and layer…..and layer!!!

I'm going to be real for a second (yes this is a long post) for the past couple of months I haven't been able to put as much into the blog and responding to you guys as much as I would like because toddler hood and potty training are kicking my ass…also I've gotten into a rut….but when Who What Wear's 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge came across my screen this weekend it seemed like just the right kick to get me into high gear. I'll be posting 3 looks today and then starting Wednesday I'll play catch up with the first 4 looks from the challenge and then following up every day….. because as John D. Rockefeller so aptly pointed out "Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great"

PS if you are in the Triangle area be sure to head to The Loft at Southpoint from 6:00 to 9:00 to meet me and see how to style Spring's key pieces…..plus there will be macarons and a special discount….need I say more?

                                                  Tigers Don't Lose Sleep Fashion Bash                                                

Hosted by Brooke Allen
LOFT Streets of Southpoint
6910 Fayetteville Road
Durham, NC 27713
Tuesday February 18th 2014 6pm-9pm
RSVP by Monday February 17th

jacket: stylemint  // pants: fab'rik (similar here) // bag: 3.1 phillip lim (similar here) // watch: michael kors (available here) // necklace & bracelets: stella and dot