Boho Summer Spirit

I've adapted a boho feel to my clothing this summer. Festival inspired, I'm throwing it back to the days when I used to go to concerts every weekend. There's something about the carefree spirit of bohemian clothing that seems effortless and perfect for summer. Give me a pair of gladiator sandals, plenty of gold accessories and a fringed handbag and my hipster heart is happy and content.

Plus, I'm all about a skirt and top combo. This black skirt has a delicate lace slip under it that has a vintage vibe to it, while my Moroccan print crop top encompasses the boho vibe. Oh, and a pink lip is a must for me. I tend to wear pink lipstick year round - some habits can't be quit. 

I'll have to plan my outfits with a little more office-friendly thought as I'm winding down the end of my maternity leave. Any new mom can relate to the idea of returning to work, and leaving your child. I'm saving my complete thoughts on returning to work for another post as I'm already having a hard time facing the fact that I won't be with the twins 24/7 come August.

Hope you're enjoying the amazing summer weather!

Outfit Details:

Moroccan print crop top - Forever 21 - Black Lace Trim Skirt / Gladiator Lace Up Sandals  - Forever 21 / Fringed Shoulder Bag - Steve Madden / Half Moon Necklace - South Moon Under / NARS lipstick in YU 

Kimono Casual

Even though its hot and humid outside, typically, I'm cold at the office or at home. Air conditioning, while a summer essential, is my worst enemy. That's why I keep cardigans within reach. But ever since kimono cardigans have popped up everywhere, I have a new reason to be chilly.

I purchased this floral print beauty during my staycation to Atlantic City a few weeks ago at Francesca's. So far, I've managed to pair it with dresses, jeans and now, shorts. I think it gives my look a festival vibe (since that seems to be the only occasion I've been dressing for lately as evidence by my last couple of blog posts), but adds some feminine sass to any outfit I pair it with. Plus, I'm impartial to the milkmaid braids... 

Kimonos lend themselves to offering the versatility of being great for formal looks - grab that little black dress and instant chic oozes from your arms - or throw it on with cut-off shorts and a favorite band tee for some serious flower power. 

I can't wait to see what it looks like with my fall wardrobe! 

Floral Print Kimono - Francesca's / Coral Tank Top - Forever 21 / Denim Shorts / Gladiator Sandals - Target /
Kate Spade New York Bag / LuLu*s Sunglasses

What to Wear to A Hot Air Balloon Festival

This weekend was probably one of the best of the summer yet. On Saturday, my husband and I headed north on a day trip to see the Quik Check Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Jersey. I wanted to go since last year, so I wasted no time buying tickets for us.

While I might be a little old to be in awe of air balloons, I have to tell you - to see 50 hot air balloons ascend at once - it's beautiful. Seeing it in person is a whole other experience. Absolutely gorgeous.

The festival was held in Readington, NJ, near White House Station, at an airport. While the day was hot, there was plenty to keep us busy - from vendors, to festival food, a bike show from Red Bull and of course, the main event: watching the air balloons take flight at night. I expected when I arrived to see balloons in the sky, but, I found out that the balloons aren't flown throughout the day, but rather, at 6:30 a.m. and p.m., as that's when the wind is the best to fly. 

But before the flight, we took some time to take in everything the festival had to offer. That meant for me taking pictures with the balloons. C'mon - they are too awesome not to!

Sleeveless Denim Shirt - Forever 21 / Polka Dot Skirt - Forever 21 / Gladiator Sandals - Target / Fringe Leather Bag - Brandy Melville / Alex and Ani Bracelets / Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters

The weather started out as overcast, so I had trouble figuring out what to wear. It was humid - about 85 degrees. When I left the house, it was breezy, so I took the tags off this sleeveless denim chambray shirt and paired it with my polka dot skirt, fringed bag, and my favorite gladiator sandals. Appropriate for a hot air balloon festival, right? 

Finally, after some delay, the balloons were inflated and one by one, each climbed upward to create a gorgeous air show of more than 30 balloons in the sky. 

The photos really don't do it justice. It is an absolute must if you can attend a fair like this!
Hope you enjoy the photos!

Down By The Boardwalk

There is no getting around it. If you live in New Jersey, going down "the shore" is a way of life. Summer is the the best time to take in what New Jersey has to offer, since you can spend a day on the boardwalk eating pizza, enjoying the sun and pretending to be a kid again.

Last weekend, my husband and I took a trip to Point Pleasant, NJ to take advantage of the perfect spring day which called for playing some games, grab some food and just get out and enjoy walking the boards.

Although I love the scenery at the boardwalk, I never go on the rides. This swing is probably the prettiest one I've ever seen through all my boardwalk, county fair travels. I'm glad that Hurricane Sandy didn't take this one out because to me, it represents everything I remember as a child going down the shore. Maybe one day, I'll get the courage to actually go on it. The guy behind me probably shares my sentiments on riding it as well. 

But on this day, all I really wanted to do was have a fun day at the shore and win some cheesy prizes from the crane machines. Since the weather was perfect, I threw on this cut-out dress from Charlotte Russe, and pulled out my gladiator sandals from last summer. I figured I wanted to wear something that matched my mood and excitement of being back by the beach again after a year full of snow. I'm crossing my fingers that there will be more happy, sunny days like this to come in New Jersey!

Aztec Print Cut-Out Dress - c/o Charlotte Russe / Gladiator Sandals - Nine West / Kate Spade New York New Bond Street Florence Bag / Urban Outfitters Sunglasses / Friendship Bracelet

Perfect Pairs: Black and White

You know those go-to color combinations you love wearing? As of late, black and white monochrome style is starting to grow on me. In the past, I thought black and white was too predictable. But, really, the color combo is so timeless and has the capability of being casual, glamorous, dressy, hipster, preppy... It doesn't matter what your style is - you can wear it. 

Since I've been on this printed legging/pants kick, I was searching for a pair of tribal print joggers. CAUTION: Do not be fooled by joggers - all are not created equal. For someone like me with stick figure legs, I have a complex about any pants other than skinny. Even those palazzo pants - I don't get why anyone would want to look like they're floating.  

But I digress...

But, I found these semi-slim fitting pants at where else, Forever 21, and paired them with a simple black crop top. I'm also loving all the metal/mirror details on shoes this year. I had completely forgotten about these silver mirror finish sandals I bought at DSW, so after dusting them off, they found their place on my feet for the first time this year.

What's your thoughts on black and white combos? Love? Hate? Over it?

Leather and Knit Jersey Jacket - Blank NYC / Black Crop Top - Forever 21 / Tribal Print Pants - Forever 21 / Cambridge Satchel Fluoro in Pink - won at the IFB Conference in 2013 / Silver Mirror Finish Sandals - DSW (These Rachel Zoe Sandals are ah-maz-ing, too!)/ Stacks and stacks full of Alex and Ani Bracelets

In Between The Lines

Outfit Details:

Striped Crewneck Tee - Gap / Pleated Wave Skirt - c/o Sugarlips (last year) (similar style) / Olivia + Joy Affiliate Satchel - c/o / Studded Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals - Mia Shoes purchased at Marshalls #fabfound  (similar style) / Leather Studded Bracelet - Gap / Studded Friendship Bracelet - Etsy

When it comes to fashion, I ignore rules.  Say, for instance, the one about matching your shoes and your handbag. Who came up with that ? What's the point? I think we need some organized chaos in fashion, and I guess my way of doing that to wear accessories that completely clash with each other... like my Olivia + Joy Affiliate Satchel. Obsessed with it's purply-blue goodness! 

While this outfit is basic, it's a perfect example of how basic pieces in your wardrobe can be played up with accessories... or studs.

Lately, I've been living for the weekends. I feel like I have so much I'd like to get accomplished, and I'm my most productive on the weekends when it comes to getting some Jen-oriented projects done. Plus, I leave for Cape Cod in two weeks. The last time I went on vacation was in October when I visited family in England. Can't wait to hit the sand with a good book! 

Secret Garden

My return back into retail bliss really hasn't been that exciting. I ended up only spending $40 on clothes on my trip to the mall last Wednesday... but I did get an iPhone so that's really where my money went. If you want a reality check on your money, dump $250 bucks on a phone and acessories... I think I'm good for the rest of the money spending wise... Unless something else tempts me.

The weather last week in NJ was horrible - dreary and at times, cold. The only salvageable day for outdoor shots was Saturday, so I nagged my husband into helping me with some blog-related stuff in Brookdale Park's Rose Garden. Although the flowers haven't all sprung yet, I felt I blended in well with the flora in this dress I scored from Forever 21. I'm definitely a fan of floral prints... and now that I've recently gotten some feather extensions, I'm loving the whole nature vibe in fashion. I think I loved it a little too much as I pricked my finger trying to smell one of the flowers. I'm sure you can tell what photo I'm referring too by the reaction on my face.

Outfit:

Floral Dress - Forever 21

Turquoise Necklace - Forever 21

Leather satchel - Zara

Gladiator Sandals - Nine West

Rings - Assorted finds and gifts

I had to wear my cross for the apocalypse that didn't happen.