Inspiration Board: Twilight

If there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I am a closet Twilight fan. And by "closet Twilight fan," I, of course, mean that I am outrageously obsessed with the series and all things related.

I adore the book series, but one of the aspect of the films that I have really enjoyed is the clothing. I've read up on what the costume design department considers when they dress the characters, and the kind of prints and colors they choose for each one. The Cullens are always dressed in greys and blues, and Jacob's clan is outfitted in earth tones. Bella walks the fence between the two, especially in Eclipse, which I have seen twice already. (The first time was a sneak preview on Monday, so don't judge! It's not like I've seen it twice since Tuesday at midnight. ... But I practically have.)

Photo source: jcrew.com

And as if the premeire this week isn't enough to have my mind completely engulfed in Twilight, I am also going to Seattle with my fella over the weekend. Three cheers for the Pacific Northwest! With visions of rainy days dancing in my head, I am all about the plaid shirt, like this one from J.Crew. I love that this one combines the classic plaid pattern with a subdued blue hue. It's so Team Edward.

To avoid looking like a lumberjack, I recommend wearing a long plaid shirt with black leggings or demin leggings, which I featured in a post from April. That way, you have one loose-fitting clothing item paired with something much more form-fitting. Throw on a pair of ballet flats and add some chunky jewelry -- whether it's gold chains (including that gold men's watch I know you own) or a set of black bracelets.

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $100 -- Banana Republic
• Less than $50 -- Topshop
• Less than $25 -- Target

Have a fabulous Fourth of July, chickadees! Stay tuned for more summer blog lovin'!

Style Diary -- Retro-Inspired Romper Ensemble

There's something about the summertime that makes me want to run around barefoot and wear flowers in my hair. I have Rachael Yamagata's "1963" playing on repeat, and I constantly feel the urge to sit on my porch with a glass of iced tea, poured from a ceramic pitcher shaped like a watermelon that I found at a garage sale.

Maybe this ultra-casual attitude and the reminder of all things old-fashioned is behind the desire I have to mix a ton of retro-inspired styles together. But the piece that I am centering everything around is this Mossimo Supply Co. seersucker romper, because -- let's face it -- when you can wear clothes that are as comfortable as pajamas and look fabulous, why wouldn't you?

Image sources: target.com

What I'm Wearing
Out in the sun, I'm pairing this item with a colorful crochet bikini of the Ashley Paige persuasion, but I actually found mine at Old Navy for $12.50 a piece. I've never worn a crochet swimsuit before, but everytime I look at my new one, I imagine it being something my mom would have worn when she went to Hawaii in the 70s. (I have an adorable photo of her from that trip in which she's sporting heavy bangs and a knit halter.) I'm also adding a pair of Tom's Shoes in a purple Tangier print, which resembles a less-severe tie dye pattern. 

Where to Buy
target.com
Price: $19.99

What would you pair with this romper? Post a comment!

Spring for Shoes that Last 'til Winter: Three Rules for Three Shades (Part 2 of 2)

Hey chickadees! It's been awhile, but I'm ready to finish my rant on spring shoes. By now, hopefully you have noticed that you can go glitzy or casual in each shade and spend as much or as little as you like. If you're a gal like me, you're looking to be as economical as possible so you can make BIG purchases with ease, such as signing up for a marathon training program (!!!). True story. I'm officially nuts.  

1) Keep It Classic with White

If you're going to go white this year, keep in mind that you're only going to be wearing them for a few more months. So, forego the ultratrendy styles and look for something that's going to be relevant next year.

If casual is the name of your game, my recommendation is buying something in canvas, specifically the Chuck Taylor All Star from Converse. They are playful, inexpensive, and something you can throw in the washer to keep clean for next spring. 

Photo source: converse.com

  

If you want to put a bit more bling in your step, go for statement jeweled sandals. (Editor's note: When I say, "jewels," I do not mean "rhinestones." The last time I bought shoes with rhinestones, I was shopping for senior prom, and it's going to stay that way.)

Photo source: target.com

What I'm Wearing

I'm going the casual route, so I'm throwing on a pair of Chucks with my chambray shirt from J.Crew, a liberty floral skirt, and that gold watch you all know I love.

2) Hide Those Toes in Metallics and Nudes

Because these colors aren't super light or dark, metallic- and nude-colored shoes are  the best transition shoe to get you from spring to fall. (And if you live in Texas like moi, they'll probably carry you into winter, also.) With that in mind, my advice is to skip open-toed anything in these shades and purchase simple flats or pumps. You'll survive the summer, because neither flats nor heels require tights (but both look great with them when the weather is finally right).

Photo source: toryburch.com

Photo source: zappos.com

(brand: rsvp)

What I'm Wearing

Despite only being 5'0'', I gravitate toward flats, so I'd pair a pretty nude or light gold pair with my denim leggings and a breezy top for the next few months. When it gets cooler, I'll swap the top for a vintage men's oxford shirt.

3) Add Socks and Knee-Highs to Camel

How adorable are ankle socks and knee-highs? Umm, sooo adorable. Whether you purchase chunky sandals like these Chinese Laundry Bellflower sandals I featured in my last post or something close-toed like the Steve Maddens pictured below, you can't go wrong with adding colorful ankle socks or knee-highs (although I recommend solid colors only) when you're frollicking in a cute skirt that hits above the knee.

Photo source: stevemadden.com

What I'm Wearing

My plan is to pair a pair of Oxford shoes in camel with my J.Crew knee highs (any color would look fab) and a black slightly pleated skirt (that's right, chickadees, I'm pairing brown and black) with a white men's Hanes tank and a grey men's cardigan.

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $25 -- Payless
• Less than $50 -- Piperlime (brand: Wanted)
• Less than $100 -- Steve Madden

Whew! OK, I'm exhausted. Off to run, but not in any of these shoes. ;)

The Foolproof Accessory -- Men's Gold Watches

My current accessory obsession, which I mentioned briefly in my last post, is men's gold watches. This kind of watch is the perfect add-on because it combines glamour with functionality -- what looks like a heavy gold bracelet can actually tell time, too!

What I'm Wearing
I spent 15 minutes and $15 at Target this weekend selecting the perfect one and couldn't be happier. Because I don't ever want my look to appear ultra-feminine or ultra-masculine (I live to mix it up!), I'll skip this watch on the days I wear my boyfriend blazer or tuxedo vest and opt to wear it with floral-print dresses, Peter Pan-collared blouses, or basically any clothing item that includes lace! 

Photo source: armaniexchange.com

The "100-50-25" Where to Buy

• Less than $100 -- Timex
• Less than $50 -- Kohl's
• Less than $25 -- Target (target.com for locations)

You can also skip the chain stores and head to your favorite resale shop to purchase a vintage watch. Or if you don't want to make the monetary commitment, borrow one of your dad's for the day. (My dad rocked an awesome gold watch in the mid-80s.) I think men's gold watches are unique because you can't go wrong, whether you are wearing a new, sleek version or a more antiquated design.

Where did you purchase your gold watch? Post a comment!