The Mingos

Flamingos? On a dress? YES PLEASE. I don't know about you guys, but I have been noticing flamingos on everything lately. Whether it's an item of clothing, dinnerware, or a cute little necklace, this trend is taking over the market. When I saw this dress, it was an immediate buy - I figured I can't be anything but happy when I'm wearing a bright pink flamingo dress! Not to mention, the feather print on the back is nothing short of adorable. Hate to see her go, but love to watch her leave? Yeah, you could say this dress fits that. As far as fit, I'm wearing a size 6 - this dress runs true to size! And not to mention, a perfect length, especially for all of us tall girls!

Ok, and for a fun side note/detail about me - my boyfriend actually calls me Mingo. He says that when I lock my knees, they bend backward slightly, which reminds him of a flamingo's legs. Does that mean my knees are double jointed?? Anyway, just another reason that I had to buy this dress :). Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Gabby Skye

Bag: Michael Kors - similar here.

Shoes: Last summer style - similar here and here.

Crochet Details

The off-shoulder neckline (or lack of neckline?) is back, and it's here to stay. If you guys can't already tell, I love love love this trend, and will take full advantage of it's popularity this summer! Whether it's a dress, top, romper or jumpsuit, I will be wearing this style non-stop. This gorgeous number from Loft does an amazing job of combining the off-shoulder trend with an eye-catching detail: crochet. And if that didn't already make this dress a must have, you can also adjust the length of the sleeves! This is a true summer staple. If you haven't already clicked through the link to Loft's website, go now! This dress is on sale, with an extra 40% off on top of that - what a steal!! I didn't accessorize much because I wanted the crochet detailing to be the focal point of my outfit, but I added a pop of light blue with my shoes for a little extra color - these are the comfiest sandals ever, and I plan on buying in every color. Well, maybe not every color, but a girl can dream right? Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Loft

Shoes: Steve Madden

Bag: Steve Madden (Last year style - found at TJ Maxx!)

Stripes and Ruffles

Off shoulder? Check. Stripes? Check. A dress that can be worn more than one way? Sold. I can't get enough of this gorgeous midi dress from Loft - the length is ultra feminine and flattering, and the ruffle detail truly makes this piece stand out from the crowd. The best part though? The tie straps can be tucked into the dress if you want a true off shoulder look! As far as accessories, I decided to go very simple to keep the focus on the stripe and ruffle details of the dress - just a floating diamond necklace and casual platform sandals. I found these sandals last summer, so I've linked a few similar styles below! Oh, and did I mention this dress is currently on sale?? Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Loft

Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger (Last year style) - Similar styles here and here

Flowy//Flirty//Fun

Confession: I bought this dress about a month ago, and I've already worn it four times - to work, to date night, to a birthday dinner celebration, and to a baby shower . I just can't get enough of it! And lucky for you, this dress is now on clearance for over half off - literally drop everything you're doing and buy this dress. Not only does it have sleeves so it can be worn in early spring when it's too cold for all of your short sleeve and sleeveless dresses, but it is unbelievably comfortable. And let's not forget about the bell sleeves and subtle drop-waist ruffle, making this dress ultra feminine, and oh so trendy. I accessorized with a chunky choker necklace in a blush pink color to bring out the pattern in the dress, along with lace-up sandals and a classic stack of Alex and Ani bracelets. Everything is linked below along with alternative options! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Max Studio Edit

Necklace: Erica Lyons (not online) - other options here  and here and here.

Bag: Michael Kors (last summer style)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Shoes: Dolce Vita (last summer style) - similar here and here.

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel In Full Blue-m

Derby Ready

Fake it till you make it there - the Kentucky Derby that is! I don't know about you guys, but I'm always looking for a reason to dress up, and a Kentucky Derby party hits the spot. It's crazy to think that the Derby is less than three weeks away - don't wait until the last minute to put together your outfit! Even if you're not traveling to Churchill Downs for the event (I'm not either, unfortunately!), you can still dress like you are - why waste such a great opportunity to wear fancy hats and parade around with a mint julep in hand?

Many people go back and forth on whether to buy your dress or hat first. I struggled with this too initially! It's easy to find yourself thirty pages deep in Etsy trying to find the perfect hat, but this can be so overwhelming. I ended up finding my dress and shoes first, and then searched for a coordinating hat. I found that ordering my dress and seeing the true colors in person helped me decide which color palette I wanted to go with for the rest of my outfit. I was able to find my fascinator at a department store (which saved some money!) - Boston Store and Nordstrom both have great selections! Cheers to looking your best no matter where you decide to celebrate - happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: MISSGUIDED

Fascinator: August Hats

Shoes: Marc Fisher

Last Minute Valentine's Day Look

Finding the right gift on Valentine's Day can be difficult, but figuring out what to wear can sometimes be even more of a challenge. Most Valentine's day themed clothing is cheesy and over-the-top, and it can be hard to find a red or pink top/dress that you love when time is running out. A simple solution is to get a little creative with what's already in your closet! Many times, a summery dress can be "winterized" just by adding a layer underneath. I blogged about this dress a few months ago when the weather was still bearable enough to wear by itself. Today, I threw on a black long sleeve turtleneck and tights, and the dress was completely transformed. Now, I'm able to be festive without sacrificing my warmth this Valentine's Day, and at no extra cost. Who doesn't like that?! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: J.Crew

Turtleneck: Ruff Hewn

Tights: HUE

Booties: BCBGeneration

Bag: Michael Kors

Necklace: Previously Owned

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Shoulder Show

January/February: time of the year when everyone is sick of winter (and ALL their winter clothing options), but spring is still so far away that the thought of wearing a sundress is a far off dream. This is considered a transition period by most, but there isn't much of a move toward spring weather in my eyes. An easy solution to these winter blues is throwing a cold shoulder top into the mix. This adds immediate interest to any outfit, and you get to show a little skin without sacrificing warmth.

I found this cold shoulder at H&M, and have worn it so many times in the past two months! It's an easy piece to layer, or make the center of attention; a very versatile and much needed addition to any closet (and at a price that won't break the bank). I chose to pair my cold shoulder top with this gorgeous faux leather Ann Taylor skirt for a slimming "I didn't completely lose my summer body" look. I topped it off with a faux fur Ellen Tracy jacket, velvet and leather Ralph Lauren bag, and BCBGeneration studded heels. What staple pieces help you get through the never-ending last months of winter?! Leave a comment below! Happy shopping loves. xoxo

Top: H&M

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Jacket: Ellen Tracy

Bag: Ralph Lauren

Shoes: BCBGeneration (Similar Here)

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

The Perfect Winter Party Dress

I love dressing up and going to fancy events, but in the winter it is undeniably harder to find the right outfit. It seems like store racks are filled with LBD's and sequin-covered dresses for the holidays, but a girl can only own so many of those before she gets bored. I recently came across this gorgeous Nicole Miller dress (linked below!) and knew it had to be mine. The floral brocade fabric is appropriate for winter months, and the sparkly cobalt blue makes the pattern pop off the dress. Not to mention the open lace back makes any entrance, and exit, one to remember.

I recently wore this for a New Year's Eve party, and received many compliments! I kept the accessories simple by adding black suede ankle strap heels and a black velvet Ralph Lauren crossbody bag. The mixing of fabrics added interest without taking away from the stunning fabric of the dress. If cobalt isn't your color, this dress also comes in a gold/bronze option as well. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Nicole Miller New York

Jacket: Betsey Johnson

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Ralph Lauren

Bracelets: Alex and Ani