Spring Picks: Skirts and Tops

Spring means I can pull out all my bright colors!  Not that it stops me from doing that in the winter but I love being able to wear all my fun colors with pretty shoes instead of boots and having to cover it all up with a jacket.  I've been doing a bit of shopping and two things are on my list, fun brightly colored skirts and pretty lace textured tops.

Here are a few I've found during my online browsing sprees:

{1} Floral Lace Skirt  - this one is a must have for my closet!  I love the neon yellow and the pretty texture.  I'm a little iffy on the length as sometimes it doesn't work for my short legs but I'm going to try it and hope it works!
{2} Lavender Skirt - I love a simple little skirt like this and I have one in black but adore this color and it's perfect for spring.
{3} Stripe Skirt - I'm always a fan of flirty little skirts like this, love the stripes and this length usually works better for me.
{4} Blue Skirt - I'm a fan of the shape and the texture and love the added detail of the faux leather waistband.

I've been on such a lace kick and love all these tops that are great if you still want to wear sleeves but stay cool on the same time!

{1} Crochet Top - such a fun color, would pair it just like they did with the white jeans.
{2} Lace Trim Tee - super pretty and would love great with a statement necklace
{3} Embroidered Lace Pullover - this one is my favorite!  I've been loving the all white look and think the texture on this top is perfect for that.
{4} Lace Sleeve Top - I tend to be more casual now that I'm a mom and having to carry Layla around or playing on the floor with her and this top is my kind of casual where I don't feel too dressed down but I'm going to be comfortable enough when I'm playing with her.

Style Guide: Spring Inspiration

The snow in Seattle this weekend had me so bundled up that it has me dreaming of spring... Just thought I'd bring a little spring inspiration to the blog today!

I love pairing bright with bright and of course the necessary statement necklace.  Those rose gold pumps are just too pretty!

SHOP LOOK 1: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Mint is still such a big color and this necklace is a favorite for spring.  And matchy match can be a bit much sometimes but with the necklace up top and the mint on your feet, it's the perfect accent color.  I love these light wash skinny jeans and paired with a simple striped tee, it's going to be my go to spring uniform!

SHOP LOOK 2: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I'm excited to be able to wear dresses again and I am just loving the lace top dress.  I'm kind of obsessed with these nude pumps with the mesh detail.  (Love in black too.)  Add a bit of bling and a pink wristlet and I'm set for night out with my girls!

SHOP LOOK 3: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

{Style} Writings on the Wall...

Outfit details: striped blazer- H&M (old); lilac jeans- Joe Fresh; peplum top- H&M; clutch- vintage Saint Laurent; spiked pumps- ShoeMint; necklace + bracelets- Forever 21; ring- random NYC find

{Style} Springing Forward...

Nothing says spring quite like polka dots and bright, vibrant hues, which I'm desperately trying to channel in my fair winter city. Any excuse to don playful separates sans parka and snow boots is fine by me, so naturally I jumped at the chance to bust out these polka dot skinnies at a social media conference over the weekend. I got to learn from some of my city's finest (including homegirls Kastles and Britl— what what!) while basking in the glory of these white, spotted jeans... I'm not shallow, I swear. xx

Outfit details: denim shirt & polka dot jeans- Forever 21; cap toe pumps- Zara; mini tanner crossbody- Coach; necklace- Zara; bracelet- Forever 21; watch- Michael Kors

{Style} The Dotted Line...

I was going to name this post "Dotting Trou," but at Mr. AiF's insistence I decided not to. You know, in order to keep the classy quotient of the blog at a respectable level and whatnot. I personally thought it was kinda funny (or, well, punny), but I'm also known to delight in such oddities as singing millipedes, so maybe I'm not the greatest judge of these things.

Blog post titles aside, can we just talk about my new polka dot trousers for a minute? Seriously, how cute are they?! It's been ages since I've worn trousers (I've been on a coloured/printed denim kick lately), but these badboys were just too cute to resist. I've already dreamed up dozens of ways to wear them and my closet suddenly feels all shiny and new again... Oh the power of retail therapy. xx

Outfit details: striped blazer- H&M; tee- Zara; polka dot trousers- Forever 21; pumps- Shoe Mints; neon bag- Urban Outfitters; necklace- DIY; neon stacking rings- Forever 21; watch- Michael Kors

{DIY} Flower Clutch...

Looking for an easy, inexpensive way to usher in spring? Well step into my office friends, because I have just the thing for you — A flower clutch DIY. Seriously though, can you think of anything more appropriate for the coming season? And with a little time and about $15 in supplies, this baby can be yours too... Oh the possibilities.



All you need for this DIY is a large file folder, craft flowers with flat backs (I used the Reflections variety from Michael's) and some heavy duty glue... It doesn't get much easier than that! Simply affix an assortment of similarly-coloured flowers across the surface of the folder, alternating them slightly in size and shape. Allow as much dry time as possible, preferably 24 hours for best results. The next day you'll awake to find a unique clutch and a spring in your step... Life is good, my friends. xx

 

{DIY} Striped Heels...

The minute I saw these Zara heels, I knew my hoarding ways had finally paid off. That's right my friends, my inability to throw away these ancient Aldo kitten heels facilitated my recreation of these striped beauties. Can you say vindication? Anyway, if you have a pair of old, disposable shoes lying around too, you may just want to try this DIY for yourself... Porque no?

Here's what you have to do:




1. Start by taping stripes across the shoe. I used Scotch tape because the width of the tape worked perfectly for the desired stripe size.
2. Secure the tape firmly under the shoe to ensure no paint seeps under the tape.
3. Continue taping both shoes, taking care to mask any surfaces you do not want painted.
4. Place a tape strip around the heel of your shoe, taking care to make the line as straight as possible.
5/6. Apply a thick, even layer of leather-friendly paint to the surface of your shoe and heel. Reapply  as needed.
7. Allow several hours for dry time. I let mine do their thing overnight to make sure there wasn't any funny business.
8. Carefully remove the strips of tape. If you're not gentle during this process you might flake off some of the paint. Go over any imperfections with a black Sharpie (my savior!)
9. Take your new baby's out on the town — You've earned it.

{Style} Spotted...

Well it's official: I love my new polka dot jeans. I imagine you'll be seeing a lot of these puppies in the coming months (as if two days in a row weren't enough), so consider yourselves forewarned. Another item I anticipate using on the regular is my new Nella Bella snake canvas tote*. It's from their Spring 2013 Collection, which is ripe with smooth, soft textures and vibrant hues. I love this bag because it has multiple compartments for maximum storage (a girl always has to be prepared!) and the padded handles sit nicely on my shoulders, which is often a problem for me. And did I mention that this little piece of snake print heaven is actually vegan? Guilt free and super fly — Now that's my kind of bag! xx

Outfit details: faux leather detail peplum top- Urban Outfitters; polka dot jeans DIY- Joe Fresh; pumps- Shoe Mint; Gardenia nu snake canvas tote c/o Nella Bella; necklace- Forever 21; bracelet- Joe Fresh; watch- Michael Kors

*Click here for shopping info and a store near you

{Style} Floral Fest...

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Want to know the best part of my weekend? I'll give you a hint: It rhymes with coral tint beans... You guessed it my friends, it was finding these amazing floral print jeans at Joe Fresh! Man, you guys are too smart for me.

They certainly weren't what I was looking for (my Superstore jaunt was supposed to be all business), but when I saw them hanging there with only one last pair in my size, I knew it was meant to be. And just in time for another generous helping of snow... Well I guess you can't win them all, now can you? xx

Outfit details: striped blazer (similar here)- H&M; blouse- Forever 21; floral print jeans- Joe Fresh; spiked pumps (similar style here and here)- Shoe Mint; necklace- Forever 21 Follow my blog with Bloglovin