Haute Hippie

Since preppy really isn't my thing, I opt to wear blazers in lieu of cardigans. That's not to say that I don't love the geeky nature a cardigan can bring, but kimonos have a way go being uber feminine yet downright sassy. I have to give credit where credit is due - Stevie Nicks was rocking em way before they became this summer's must-have outerwear. Hello, gypsy chic!

From fringe and florals, to basic solids, kimonos have a place at work, and up at the bar served with your favorite martini... And black pumps. A pair of semi-distressed jeans, paired with a fringe kimono and thin heels looks so dressed up. Yet, put on a pair of leather shorts, a crop top and a cropped kimono to match, and you're ready for a concert!

River Island black top
riverisland.com

Vero Moda sleeveless top
veromoda.com

Topshop clothing
topshop.com

Topshop high waisted skinny jeans
nordstrom.com

Boohoo
boohoo.com

H&M short shorts
hm.com

KG Kurt Geiger snake print sandals
shopbop.com

Ava & Aiden crocs sandals
gilt.com

Melie Bianco laser cut purse
lorisshoes.com

Amber Sceats stainless steel earrings
theiconic.com.au

Whistles adjustable bangle
whistles.com

Accessorize cross jewelry
accessorize.com

Nars cosmetic

Petal Power

If only I had more pairs of scalloped shorts....

I get a little cray-cray over things that are so ridiculously stinking cute, that I start wanting more of them. Take midi rings, for example. Love those tiny knuckle wonders. Have a slue of em. Ob. Sessed.

I can see myself forming a similar infatuation with scalloped shorts. I mean, c'mon. You may remember seeing them on my House Of Jeffers Instagram during my dressing room escapade at TJ Maxx...

 The way they make your legs look like... even cuter legs. A scalloped hem kinda of has that nostalgic, retro feel to it. It says, "Hey, I'm Valley Girl cute..." without the annoying voice.

Besides, it's literally 94 degrees outside, and I'm really not in the mood to try too hard to look effortlessly chic. So, I'm letting this boxy green crop top from Francesca's do all the work.

And no joke - New Jersey is an humid inferno, and contrary to what you might have heard, sweat is not the new black... or orange. 

I definitely see more donut buns hairstyles, pink lipstick and perhaps, oh, who am I kidding, crop tops in my summer's future. 

Green Crop Top - Francesca's / Scalloped Shorts - found at TJ Maxx / The Cambridge Satchel Company Fluoro Satchel - won at IFB Con / Leather Platform Wedges - Nine West / White Flower Statement Necklace - Shop Prima

Afternoon Delight

After a jam-packed, fun-filled weekend in Atlantic City, spending the Fourth of July gambling (and mostly losing my money at the slot machines), indulging in too much food and some must needed R&R, I'm actually not hating the fact that it's the beginning of a new work week. My staycation was just what I needed. And a lazy Sunday was absolutely in order to recuperate from the casinos and Pina Coladas on the beach.

On Sundays, I like to keep my wardrobe comfortable but really girly. One of my favorite #SundayFunday outfit combos is a snug-fit tee paired with a skirt. Since I am a fan of funny statement tees, I was hoping that this Afternoon Delight Tshirt from Urban Outfitters was still in-store when I spotted it online. One trip to Westfield and $9.99 later - I was one happy fashion blogger. 

And, I'm about to get a little narcissistic, but I'm really, really happy with the way my ombre came out. I typically don't cut my hair often - usually every 5 months, but I noticed that the weather has been drying out my hair, and I knew I needed a trim... But was afraid to lose my ombre. So, my stylist threw in more blonde on the same day I had my cut done, and now I'm all refreshed. It's all about that subtle contrast, ya'll.

What a difference a haircut makes. 

Bandit Brand "Afternoon Delight" Tee - Urban Outfitters  / Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Laser-Cut Bag - c/o Sole Society (sold out, but here's another choice from Sole Society!) / Coral Wedges - Etienne Aigner / Assorted Alex and Ani Bracelets 

A Taste of The Tropics

Island-inspired style is big and bold. The prints are all about loud colors and exaggerated florals that have a pop art feel to them. Just think of wearing a tropical printed outfit as taking a trip to the beach... without getting sand in your ass.

Tracking down tropical print dresses online is easy, as I've found a variety of retailers pumping out botanicals everywhere. And it's not just limited to clothing. 

If you're hesitant to wear a Hawaii-inspired print, opt for a printed shoe. You'll be able to pull from the colors in the shoe to match with solid color pants, tops, skirts - everything. But, if accessories are more your thing, a crystal cluster necklace will do just the trick to channel your inner hula girl.

For me, I think these prints are perfect for a night out this summer. I'm anxiously awaiting 3 new tropical print pieces that will hopefully make their way to me before I go to Atlantic City this weekend!

The Perils of Pink

Even though I do consider myself to be a girly girl, I think I still hold on to some tomboy tendencies. Don't get me wrong - on the outside, I'm a total pink-loving lady. But, that doesn't mean I don't know how to play with the boys... or curse like one. Sorry, mom.

Outfit:

Gnome Enterprises Bunnie Tee / BDG Jeans - Urban Outfitters / Tassel Smoking Flats - Nine West / Urban Expressions Handbag (purchased at South Moon Under) / Gold Knuckle Ring - Urban Outfitters / Gold Studded Bangles - Forever 21 

I wasn't always this into pink and whatnot. As a kid, I played softball and used to watch wrestling with my dad (and still do with my husband). I was absolutely more athletic then than I am now. I blame my bangs... I don't like to sweat, and I certainly don't like to go camping or be outdoors unless its surrounded by sand.

But I think holding on to some tomboy tendencies toughened me up. In elementary school, I was the shortest, tiniest girl in the class, which opened the door to some kids picking on me. Would I call it bullying - sometimes. I definitely had days when I faked an illness so I didn't have to go to school. But, I think for all the times I was picked on, now, as an adult, I've got a much thicker, more opinionated, stronger skin. It just happens to be dressed up in a bunnie t-shirt.

A Controlled Experiment: Color Me Pink

Even though it felt like we leapt over September and stepped into October with the cold weekend weather, I managed to squeeze in a day for shorts last week.

Outfit:

Kimono Cardigan - won via ShopSosie.com (similar style here)

Crewneck top - Gap

Pink shorts - Forever 21

Dany platform shoes - Jessica Simpson Collection

Leather satchel - Zara

Pyramid stud bracelets - Forever 21

Sparkling Sage Necklace - Ideeli.com, courtesy of my Lucky FABB credit!

Just like anyone else, I have my own style preferences. But entering fall, I'm trying to step outside my comfort zone in terms of color and pairing outfits that I might otherwise think wouldn't appeal to me. And this means experimenting with everything - from accessories to even my makeup. 

For example, wearing pink. I used to hate the color pink up until a couple years ago. I remember one Christmas, my mother bought me a pink turtleneck sweater. And you know when receive a gift you don't fancy, and you don't want to hurt their feelings so you attempt to fake an appreciative grin? That's what I tried to do, but instead, burst into tears at the thought of a.) a wearing turtleneck and b.) a pink one. (Keep in mind, I was 10.) Lucky for me, my mom is from the school of "if you don't like it, bring it back." 

Yet as I've grown older, I turn toward the cotton candy shade more frequently. Even the top I'm wearing, a dark wine, is becoming my favorite hue for Fall. And the kimono cardigan, I won through a contest on ShopSosie.com! I may not win the lottery, but I have luck when it comes to winning clothes for some reason. Let's hope my karma stays that way!