Upgraded Minimalist

All this talk of summer being over is reminding me that I need to get in those outfits that I won't be able to enjoy in a few weeks. I'm talking crop tops, sandals and neons. I've always had this weird obsession with unicorns... Okay, I know that sounds incredibly strange and no, I'm not high. I just think there's something funny to be said about this mystical and mythical creature that makes me giggle. When I saw this unicorn crop top, I didn't care how I was going to wear it with anything in my closet... I just had to buy it.

For me, I'm in favor of two kinds of outfits: really minimalist in terms of colors - greys and blacks. And then quirky pieces with a lot of flair - hence, the Kate Spade bag. Combining the two is even better in my book since I'm wearing some of my favorite colors while toning down the bright bag with a simple black tulle skirt. Going back to work has let me wear a lot of the clothes I hadn't dug out in a while, and given me a chance to try out this whole working mom routine in the morning. While the top isn't work appropriate, I managed to save this outfit for a weekend of local fun in my town with the boys and my hubby.

August is flying by too fast! Before we know it, fall will be here. And yes, I've already started stocking up!

Outfit:

Uncorn Crop Top - Forever 21 / Black Tulle Midi Skirt - Boohoo.com /
Coach Shoes / Kate Spade Bag

Beach, Boardwalk and Bangs

Living in New Jersey, the thing to do in the summer is to go "down the shore" aka to the beach. It's almost like a right of passage in your childhood that your parents take you to the boardwalk as a child, and it becomes something that carries over into your teenage years and adult hood. And it never gets old. 

New Jersey has a lot of beaches, more so than boardwalks. On a not so hot afternoon, I packed up the twins and drove to exit 102, to Asbury Park. I spent a lot of time there in my 20s as the legendary Stone Pony is there - back when I used to be a music journalist. The area during the mid 2000s wasn't the greatest. The boardwalk itself was completely barren and abandoned from it's earlier years in the 1930s as a popular destination spot. However, they have since built the boardwalk back up into an artful celebration of culture centered around the beach. There are murals everywhere that are a fashion bloggers dream come true. 

Um, how could I NOT take photos in front of Madam Marie's!? The mural outside her shop oozes of gypsy vibes. This is by far my favorite summer photo location.

As for my outfit, I curled my hair that day to test out my newly revived ombre. The striped crop top and floral print skirt  - a give in being that I live in skirts from June to September. So comfy and colorful!

And here's yet another mural. I think Asbury Park is going to become my go-to for summer #ootd posts!

Outfit:

Mirror Sunglasses - ZeroUV / Striped Crop Top - Forever 21 / Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Gladiator Sandals - Forever 21 / Steve Madden Bag / Alex and Ani Skirt

Flower Power

Sometimes when cleaning out your closet, you find things that perhaps have gone as far as you can take them. Or, that you forgot you had.

That's what happened with these yellow Gap shoes. I wasn't sure I'd be able to pair them with anything. But then, they got a revival thanks to this daisy print dress that I scored at Marshalls  for $15(#fabfound). So, as long as this dress is around, the shoes will have to stay.

I think so far this spring, I've made a conscious transition into style that's softer and a little more on the boho side. I've just had this feeling that I want my clothes to reflect a different side of my style that sometimes takes a backseat because I get caught up in the routine of shopping a certain way. Now, instead of looking in my closet and thinking, "Everything likes the same" it's now more of, "Hmm... I forgot I have this." 

I've been a little more girly, and a little less showy. So far, I'm going with it. That doesn't mean I'm turning my back on my old ways. After all, I will never say no to a studded accessory, black wedges and obnoxious pops of color. It's just done in a way that doesn't clash. 

Daisy Print Dress - Marshall's  (here's another cute option from ASOS)/ Just Fab Arrival Bag (see how I styled this bag in February here) /  Yellow Braided Heels - Gap / Vintage Jewelry / Black Sunglasses - Forever 21

Flower Power

The baby doll dress was a huge part of my 90s style upbringing. Baby doll tees, baby doll dresses - I lived in them in high school. And now, with this resurgence of festival style becoming more of a year-round thing, I couldn't be happier to throw on my favorite 90s throwback style. I found this adorable daisy print baby doll dress at Forever 21 and after trying it one (and doing a happy dance in the fitting room), I knew it was meant to be.

I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in dresses! Finally! I'm ready for my ombre to get lighter, nail polish choices to be cheerful, and to wear these laser-cut heels from Sole Society as much as possible. They're the first pair of brown shoes I've ever owned - I'm not kidding (Remember my stance on wearing brown? You can read about it her). 

I thought I'd try something new this summer in terms of my style. I still love my edgy pieces, but I want my style to be all about really girly dresses, feminine shoes other than wedges, and a boho chic vibe, inspired by the 70s, minus the smell of petrulli. I think this outfit is a good start. Don't you think?

Daisy Print Baby Doll Dress - Forever 21 (similar style) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Satchel - sold out, but here's a link to the original mini Pashli bag/ Black Frame Moto Sunglasses - c/o Fantas-Eyes / Bettie Laser Cut Heels in Powder Rose - c/o Sole Society, part of the Julianne Hough Collection / Alex and Ani Bracelets - Gypsy 66 Wrap, Lotus Peace Petals Charm Bracelet, Compass Charm Bracelet

90s Throwback Style: Wild Polka Dots

Gotta love a dress that does all the work for you. Sure, polka dots have been around forever, and it's a classic pattern... But I'm so in love with this little number. I think I was channeling Blossom for this 90s inspired look... I mean, homegirl did have a mean hat collection.

I can't believe August is almost over! New York Fashion Week is approaching, and it's still up in the air as to how much I'll be able to attend. The good news is that I was invited to attend LuckyFABB in October!

Even though I have a blog, I have commitments to my adult self: i.e. work. I honestly don't know how some of you do it, and I'll admit... There's a tad bit of jealously in that statement. Would I love to be able to blog for a living? Absolutely! Do I realize that that might not ever happen? Yes. Does that mean I should give up on that? Not necessarily. Having a blog is absolutely a juggling act. As many of you know, your blog is your second job... the one that doesn't pay well, but you love it through and through. I sometimes wonder what's going to happen to my blog as I get older, hopefully have children and well, just continue being an adult. I like to think that my blog is leading me toward something special, something I was meant to do... and in many ways, it already has. The many friendships and opportunities I've had - those make it all worthwhile. 

But until I hit it big, like they say, "Fake it till you make it." Looks like I'm a professional at that.

What I Wore:

Polka Dot Dress - Forever 21 / Straw Fedora - Forever 21 / Big Bow Necklace - Gypsy Warrior / Tortoise Shell Sunglasses "Lady Luck" - Lulus.com / Nude T-Strap Wedges - Blowfish Shoes via ModCloth.com (similar wedge shoe style found here)/ Deluxe Girlfriend Beaded Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel / Studded Mini Shoulder Bag - Forever 21