It’s Friday so here’s a bunch of photos of me and my dog with wind blown hair and nautical vibes. Shout to Data for putting up with my constant shenanigans. The striped dress is from Old Navy, superbly comfortable espadrille shoes are from Target, and the necklace is a vintage find from Good Will.
Today was my ode to the relaxed cool girl look. Look at me wearing a cute dress with sneakers and a denim jacket- I am so damn cool. I wanted to be comfy, but I also wanted to look like I kind of made an effort. You know, in that “single mom back on the market going to the grocery store looking for produce… and new love” kind of way. The layering of the floral mesh over the dress was a massive experiment and I’m beyond pleased with how it worked out. I love how some of the florals pop bright with the layer of hot coral behind them. Hot Coral, such an excellent band name. We could wear crowns made of seashells and the drummer could wear a rainbow neck-brace with streamers that makes him look like a jellyfish. Clearly, I need a vacation… Outfit details after this adorable photo break.
The striped hot coral dress is from Torrid, and also easily converts to a tube dress. It’s a nice little spring/summer essential. The ruffled floral mesh overlay is from New Look and I’ve knotted it just below the bust line to define my waist. This jean jacket is the only proof in my wardrobe that I am a successful crafter; I took an old Torrid denim jacket and hand painted the design on the back. My earrings were purchased in India, my sneakers from Nike (here’s a great gold sneaker alternative), and my glasses as a last minute splurge from Ashley Stewart.
I hear it time and time again. “Don’t you think that’s a little loud for the office?” Simple answer is no. Prints scare people. However as scary as a funky frock might feel, never before has it been more acceptable for a woman to have fun with her work day wardrobe. Professionals in television and media are even regularly shown sporting bold, colorful prints. Take for example, Mindy Kahling, in her show “The Mindy Project”.
I love this dinosaur shirt from Modcloth, because it has just the right amount of whimsy while still offering the sophisticated details of a collared blouse. Paired with a simple and amazingly comfortable skort (yes, you read right- skort) from Avenue, the look is as office appropriate as it is comfortable. Given it’s my life ambition to look as much like a Harajuku girl as possible at all times, I upped the ante with some fun tassel sandals from JustFab, large 70s style earrings from Eloquii, an old bauble necklace from my collection, and a basic coordinating disc ring in the same green jewel tone. I finished off the look with an adorable rainbow computer bag from Dots and Bows.The key to rocking a good print in the office comes down to 2 things…
The key to rocking a good print in the office comes down to 2 things. First, make sure the cut of the shirt is work appropriate. Think about it this way- would this top be appropriate to wear to work in a solid color? If yes, then you should totally be able to rock the same shirt in a print. This is of course assuming the print is not of something wildly inappropriate. That kind of rock and roll will probably never fit the bill for office attire. Side note: now I really want a printed blouse with tiny “hot damn” printed all over it.
Simple Neutral Color PairingsSecond, keep it simple. When trying to make a bold print work appropriate, it really is all about how you style it. While, I am ALWAYS a fan of a print power clash, that’s usually more than the office can handle. Instead I rely on low detail, stream-lined neutral items to wear with my sassy printed frock. That way the prints can be in your face, but demure enough to be boss lady approved.
I don’t really have time to write a witty captivating message so I’ll just share the details on this adorable look below:
When it gets hot, I don’t like wearing anymore on my body then I physically have to. So I pretty much give up all accessories, except for bold earrings that dangle away from my body and provide absolutely no extra heat.
I also say goodbye to most my make up. I basically commit to an entire season of waterproof mascara that’s proven itself to me that it can handle my excessive forehead sweat. Because by the time summer hits, my hair line is like a salty sprinkler or body fluid grossness. So when I shop for Austin’s 9 month summer, I cherish little details. Its the little flourishes that make something basic special; I can wear something light and airy but still feel fashion forward and hip.
This look is the perfect example of this fashion shift. The scallop edge on these shorts from Torrid add a playful and happy twist to a basic ponte bottom. Also, they don’t show sweat, which is good because only Billy Madison can make looking like you peed your pants cool. The top is from Universal Standard and is beyond luxe. The fabric is butter and light, while also structured and crisp. The shoulder cutout gives just the right amount of pizazz, while creating an oddly useful vent. Get in here breeze… Get. In. Here.
True to my typical spring swag I busted out these amazing colorful earrings I found on amazon while I was a lil tipsy. I wore a pair of fun Sam Edelman flats, relying on the print for flair and the style for comfort. There not available anymore, but I like this alternative. Last I lobbed on my vintage inspired coach bag and a random few bangles and I was ready to run errands like a sunshine-fueled goddess.
