Summer Shine

I feel like I've finally graduated from Big Girl Shoes School. Remember when I told you that I was going to try and wear heels more often than wedges this summer? I think I've done a good job so far, and now that I have these metallic heels from Call It Spring, I think I've earned my Bachelors in Square-Heeled Pumps.

These ankle strap pumps are the perfect balance of simple black shoes with some extra BAM! Serious metallic heel action... I wasn't even looking for a pair of shoes like this, but after trying them on on a whim... You know the rest.

I have to say that I needed this weekend... bad. I had a... trying week a work. It was me being tired and just kind of bummed out that I'm indoors now that the weather is warmer. But don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my job; it's the best I've ever had. But, I needed a weekend of warm weather so I can wear outfits like this... Metallic shoes and all!

Hope you're enjoying the sun, too!

Floral Print Spaghetti Strap Dress - Forever 21 (sold out, but this Macys dress looks just like it) / L.O.V.E. Belt - Forever 21 / EOWADODE Ankle Strap Heels - Call It Spring / Kate Spade New York Lilac Road Bag / Vintage Heart Necklace 

Guest Post: Deanne from My Fash Avenue

Dress - Club Monaco | Pumps - Town Shoes | Bracelet/Ring - Forever 21

Now that summer has begun, fashionable dresses are a must! Polka dots and bright hues are on trend for this season, so why not pair them together to make a chic statement! As much as I love  adding bold statement necklaces to my ensembles, I thought it would be best to play it down with some coloured bangles and a ring. 

FASH tip!

Amp up your look in the evening with a bright pink lippy! Less is always more... in most cases!  

For more fashion and beauty tips, check out my blog at http://myfashavenue.com

xo,

Deanne Castro

My Fash Avenue

Tangerine Dream

While mint is having its moment, I think summer's unsung hero is tangerine. While I'm not a fan of the fruit, I am in favor of it's long lost cousin, the Creamsicle, and wearing one of the most sunniest of shades since Roy G. Biv was a wee little guy.

Orange, corals and tangerine all look fab against sun-kissed skin, and complement other sprightly shades like red, gold, white and of course, green. Orange also has a retro, mod vibe to it that reminds me of those groovy pant suits from the 70s. Flower power!

How are you incorporating orange into your summer wardrobe? 

Somewhere in the Midi

Regardless if whether some of us fail to measure up in the height department, I'm living in midi skirts and dresses this summer. The topic of midi skirts has come up many times during Stylecaster's weekly #stylechat on Twitter, with some saying they only look flattering on lanky gals. Even though I'm only 5'4", there's nothing wedges can't fix when it comes to these skirts.

This midi skirt from Aritizia was the first one I ever purchased. It didn't take long after seeing how adorable it looks with many of my shoes to invest in more midi-length items.

 I wore this outfit during a weekend outing with my husband in Westfield, New Jersey to do a little shopping and photo location scouting. Turns out that I've ended up taking photos in front of churches a lot in this town. Not that I mind since they're so pretty.  And luckily, there was no one around.

No matter how many years I've been at this blogging thing, I'll probably always feel uncomfortable taking photos in public. Let's be real: It's awkward and people definitely shoot you looks of all sorts. That's why you have to develop your own ninja style as a blogger... The art of uncover picture taking in public. Should be a book...

Outfit:

Leopard Print Top - Old Navy / Jersey Midi Skirt - Aritzia / Urban Expressions Handbag / Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West / Personalized Bracelet - Brooklyn Charm / Hand Me Down Bracelet - Henri Bendel 

Fresh Cuts

Here's a not-so-secret secret: I don't cut my bangs myself. While I'm fully capable of using a pair of scissors, and know how to cut a straight line, I'm not taking a risk with my hair. One bad snip, or a crooked line across my forehead and it looks obvious that I DIY-ed my own bangs. Not a good look. So every three weeks or so, I get them trimmed professionally.

What I'm Wearing:

Basic Jersey High-Low Dress - Forever 21

Ecote T-Strap Wood Wedges - Urban Outfitters - $9 in-store, currently $59 online!

 Happiness Investment!

Rainbow Swarovski Crystal Necklace - Shy Siren via Etsy.com

Turquoise Bracelet - vintage, my grandmothers

Double Chain Bangles - Forever 21 (came as a set of 4)

Black Onyx Statement Ring - Forever 21

And when cut em', I feel reguvenated. A tiny cut makes all the difference. Fresh cut grass. Freshly cut flowers. Fresh shoes that cost $9 (love Urban Outfitters' sales. Ridiculous savings on these shoes I'm wearing). And high-low hems. Like how I threw that in, don't cha? 

The high low hem, or mullet hem (whichever you're preference) is a cut I'm crushing. I think it gives basic skirts and dresses a little extra "BAM". Plus, it doesn't block my view of Harley when I walk him. 

What Would You Wear: Vote For Your Favorite Minty Fresh Choice!

I need something green in my wardrobe, but with so many minty fresh options, I can't decide.

The competition is fierce as these delectable items from Lulus.com, Dorothy Perkins & NastyGal.com are all adorable!

But I need your help! Which one would you wear?

Leave a comment below with your pick for which one you'd love to wear, or the item you think I should purchase!

Then, keep an eye on House Of Jeffers.com to see which one is the winner!

Minty Fresh by houseofjeffers featuring a ruffle dress

Ruffle dress
$48 - nastygal.com

Dorothy Perkins polka dot dress
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

Low top
$32 - lulus.com