This morning I woke up wanting to wear my floral pants again that I posted yesterday...but it is so dang flip'n hot here that I wanted something cooler...which is how I ended up with this little dress.  I had ordered it online from limited and was excited that this dress was very versatile.   I could wear it to church, brunch, work, derby, weddings,etc... depending on what I pair it with.  Today, I am working at fine gentleman's clothing store...Stuart Mercer's (come check it out if you have not)  and after I am doing a presentation on image and wardrobe.  I needed something that was cool enough for the blazing hot weather, professional enough for work, and fun enough to show my personality for my presentation.  What do you think of this combo?  

Yesterday I bought these 7 For All Mankind floral jeans at Clothes Mentor (local consignment store).  When I woke up this morning I was excited to wear someone else's junk...which is now my treasure!  I am in a casual mood today so I decided to throw this on with a pair of flip top Chucks!  I started with my jeans and shoes and the rest fell into place.  I really like the sweater with these jeans...it adds interest by adding another print with the polkadots.  Its not competing because it is on a small neutral scale.  What do you think about this outfit? Do you like the combo of the prints?

Love my flip top Chucks!

So last week I posted an outfit with a black and white shirt.  I used the accessories as a pop of color last week.  Well this week, I wanted to show you the same shirt with a pop of color- this time using the pants as the option of throwing in a pop of color, and keeping the accessories neutral this time.  It is hotter than blue blazes outside...so I love the sleevless top...you will almost never see me in shorts- so I opt for a light jean most of the time.  So here is what I came up with...what do you think?

Black and white is begging for a pop of color to play off of.  When I put the shirt and the pants on I liked the neutral tone of the outfit but it was begging for a fun color to play off of it.  That is why I chose teal.  It does not take a lot.  I added it in the earrings and bag.  It is not a lot but just enough to make the outfit.  Next time you put an outfit together think about adding a pop of color to your outfit.  It tricks people into believing you are really put together. 

I was shopping at Clothes Mentor here in Lexington ( they just expanded-go check it out).  I go there 1-2x a week to check out their treasures.  When I walked into the store this shirt immediately caught my eye.  I love the color and the detail.  I have a larger chest so I am always looking for shirts that camouflage it.  I picked it up and it is a JCrew blouse and the price was a whopping $8.00.  That was enough for me to try it on.  I discovered what I already predicted that it was going to be way too big for me.   So this is what went through my head....It is huge in the chest, the color is spectacular, and so is the detail...I can't afford this in the store at regular price, it fits my hips...I have 7 days to return it...I will take it to my tailor and see if they can make it work for me.  So I bought it, took it to the tailor, and here is the final result.  It cost me $20 to get it tailored.  Grand total $28 for the shirt.  Regular price would be $128.  The great thing about this shirt is I can dress it up or down so I will get a lot of use out of it.  In the end....I have a beautiful great fitting shirt for a price I can afford.  Have you ever thought about buying something and tailoring it to be a perfect fit.  Think outside the box.  You might find some amazing treasures.   

In the mornings, one of the first things I do when I wake up is check the weather...so I know how to dress and do my hair.  ( I have naturally curly hair, so if there is high humidity...I don't even bother fighting the curls...you know what I am talking about all you naturally frustrated, curly headed folks ;)  Today to my surprise July 15th...It is a fabulous 70's with blue skies and no humidity.  So this is what I ended up with for the day.  Cynthia Rowley Shirt, Kanna Wedges made in Spain and Joe's Jeans-all from TJMaxx,  Necklace Stella and Dot, Clutch-Dillard's.

When I woke up this morning...I was not in the mood to fuss with an outfit.  Dresses are so easy because it's no fuss!  I threw on this Old Navy dress and knew instantly that I wanted to put a fun color with it.  I added the coral necklace from Premier Designs and the sandals from Dillard's.  It still seemed a little drab for me, so I thought I would introduce a complimentary color.  As soon as I added the broach to the necklace and added the teal bracelet from Stella and Dot...it felt complete to me.  Do you prefer the outfit with or without the teal accent?
Tip: use your broaches and add the to necklaces, headbands, purses, and coats.

Often times when I am shopping I always look at the sale rack to see what treasure I can find.  I was shopping at AJ's Boutique in Chevy Chase (check it out if you never have...the girls and the clothes are great there).  I found this Nanette Lepore dress on the sale rack for 80% off.  I loved the dress but it was too short for me.  Because the dress was so affordable...It was the perfect opportunity to tailor the dress just the way I needed it.  My tailor added 2 inches of black fabric to the bottom of the dress to make it more appropriate.  It cost me $20 to tailor it.   Have you thought about buying something that wasn't quite right and making it exactly the way you want?

My dear friend Kristi fell madly in love with a great man who found a job in Charleston, SC.  Needless to say she no longer lives here in Lexvegas with me ;(.  But she did come visit me for dinner saturday and in honor of her...(who we refer to as Pearls...because she has some form of pearls on all the time) I decided to rock my summer version of pearls.  Love you and miss your sweet faces Kristi and Christian!  Shirt-Limited 50% off.  Stella and dot necklace and bracelets , AG white jeans from AJ's Clearance section last season for $50.  Hair Ron Helm.  Shoes-Dillards $98.  

There is always a big debate in my head about maxi dresses.  Sometimes the look great...and sometimes the don't.  I would say more often than not they are not that flattering on most.  They tend to be overwhelming, ill fitted, and lets be honest...they creep up the derriere if you do not have the proper undergarments on.  A friend of mine was giving some clothes away and she graciously gave me two of her maxi's.  Here is one of them...I will post the other soon.  What do you think?  It will not hurt my feelings if you do not like it.  What is your frustrations with the maxi? (Dress $free, Jewelry Stella and Dot, Shoes White House Black Market)