Saturday, May 4, 2013

Let's Play Catch-Up, Shall We?

Hello there, strangers! It has been a hot minute since I've blogged, but these past couple weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions and events, so I felt the need to take a few steps back, enjoy time with my family, and come back when I was ready. And here I am! In case any of you aren't aware, my husband is active duty Army, and just deployed to the 'Ghan. We took a family trip to Washington DC, spent lots of time cuddling, and after he left, I threw myself into my schoolwork and hanging with my little man. Things have finally quieted down a bit, and I'm feeling the fashion itch, so I thought I'd come back and post a quick little blurb in case anyone missed me.

I haven't been shopping much lately because I've been spending all our money on creating and filling awesome care packs for my hubs. He's a pretty lucky guy, I tell ya.

Anywho, since I haven't done much shopping lately, I've been keeping an eye out for pieces that I really love, and I've found a few that I wanted to share with you, and show you how I would style them.

#1. " Blushing" from Apricot Lane Peoria
I sent this image to my hubs and told him to keep it in mind for Mother's Day-I'm hoping he catches the hint and has enough time/internet power to order it. If not, I will more than happily do it myself!

I would pair this with some cream colored wedges, a colorful clutch (I think purple would look gorg), and gold earrings. This dress is SO "in your face", that it doesn't require a whole lot of styling, but it will require a lot of confidence! You can buy it here.

Knew I should have ordered this when it was in stock! I'm bummed because I really love this cutout maxi dress! Pair this with some hot pink or aqua stud earrings and flat sandals-you're set! Apricot Lane Peoria will sometimes restock popular items, so be sure you "like" them on Facebook so you can be notified!

AHHHH! LEOPARD PRINT SHOOOOORTS! I love these. I really like how they're leopard "inspired"-not the regular leopard print you usually see. These would be SO fab with a hot pink slouchy tank, gold sandals, and a fun statement necklace. Go all out with this look.

That's all I have energy for tonight, but I hope I've given you a bit of inspiration!

Monday, April 8, 2013

Can't Wait To Buy...

I got some extra (and unexpected) money recently, so I'm going to be a little naughty and use some of it to buy some things I've had my eye on lately. I feel like I've been stuck in this fashion rut lately, and I can't wait for warmer weather to pull me out of it.


1. Zara pumps: I've never purchased anything from Zara (GASP! I know), and I think that these shoes would be a fabulous addition to my [lacking] shoe-drobe. I love the nude and the white-they'll go great with just about anything!

2. Neon yellow maxi dress: I featured this in a recent post, and haven't been able to get it off my mind, so I think that's a sign I need to order it. I'll have at least 10 maxis at my disposal, but that's a good thing, right?

3. Lucite necklace: I'm OBSESSED. This necklace will go perfect with anything, and I love the chunkiness of it, yet it's still super feminine. Beautiful!

4. Bird print tube dress: I saw this at Old Navy the other day and I knew it'd be perfect for my son's birthday party. I love the blue and white birdie print too, it's preppy yet girly!

5. Drawstring floral skirt: I featured this in a recent post, and I finally found one in my size at the local Target-let's hope it's still there!

6. Pretty peplum top: I've been searching for a good peplum top, and I think this one will be perfect! Love the bow on the back, and the white will go with everything! There's nothing I don't love about this top!

I could go on all night, but I've got a rowdy toddler and beagle who seem to be plotting against me, so that isn't gonna happen. 

Tell me, what do you have your eye on?

Happy Shopping!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Challis Shorts from Target

I've seen these at Target a couple times now and I knew that I should have followed my gut and bought them right away, because now I'm sitting here wishing I could do my own outfit post with them! I used to wear these "skorts" (at least that's what they were called in my day) all the time, and I think they're super fab. They're shorts, but they look like a skirt, so they're easily dressed up or dressed down. You can do no wrong in these babies (which also makes them awesome in my book).


You can take any route you want with this, depending on which print you choose. With the floral pattern, I  went a more boho route, but you could definitely intermix these two styles with either pattern! I know that I'm too old (and I definitely don't have the flat stomach) for crop tops, but I love the look of them with these shorts. You can always tie a chambray top at the waist if you don't want all that skin hanging out. I love how the top is very structured, while the shorts are nice and breezy. Great contradiction. The look on the right is a lot more classic, especially when paired with a peplum top and black heels (gotta love Zara!). 

Whether you choose one of these looks or decide to make it your own, I think that these challis shorts from Target would make a great addition to your closet. At $17.99 a piece, snatch up a few different patterns before they're gone (find them here)!

Happy shopping!


Friday, April 5, 2013

Take It to the MAXI-mum!

Let me just say something. 
I wore maxi dresses before they were cool.

You see, the problem us long-legged gals seem to encounter quite often is that shorter dresses are usually way too short (I'm talking Julia-Roberts-in-Pretty-Woman short), and the longer dresses hit our shins at the most awkward length and cut our legs in half. 

Sound familiar, my long-stemmed friends?

So yes, I wore maxi dresses and skirts before they were all the rage. And I just needed everyone to know that before I move on.

In the past two months, I've bought a total of four five maxi dresses and one maxi skirt. This is all great, except for the fact that the average temperature around here lately has been about 35 degrees. With snow. So needless to say, my adorable dresses and skirts have been forced to stay neatly hung in my closet while I wait impatiently for the snow to melt and that bright thing in the sky to make its appearance again.

Six maxi pieces may seem like a lot to someone who has yet to experience the beauty that is a long dress or skirt, but I guarantee you, you will be hooked after you buy and wear your first piece. The best thing about these dresses is that they are so. flattering. Seriously, I believe that this is an awesome staple piece for every woman, and can be altered to complement your body type. Read on for my top five reasons to rock a maxi this spring and summer.

5. They're comfortable
Just go try one on (preferably in a lightweight cotton). It will cling to your body, but it won't be tight. It will feel light and breezy, and you'll be able to move in it. My maxis are probably the most comfortable pieces in my closet. 
4. Shaving your legs is optional
Trust me, I know. I'm a mom, and there are days where shaving my legs just ain't gonna happen. Easy solution? Throwing on a maxi dress (or skirt and tee if the armpits didn't see a razor either). 
3. Underwear is also optional
Maybe it's just me, but when it's 90 degrees outside and I feel like I'm breathing into a wet rag, the less clothing I have to wear, the better, and this includes undergarments. You may not be able to get away without wearing a bra, but you can usually get away without wearing any underwear-just make sure the dress/skirt isn't too sheer. When you feel that light breeze, you'll thank me (did I just take things too far? My apologies).

2. They're versatile
These pieces are great because they can easily be taken from day to night (and they're suuuuper easy to pack-perfect for vaycays), without too much fuss. Throw your hair up into a simple bun, change our your sandals, and add a little bling. You'd be surprised at how classy and elegant a simple (or patterned) maxi dress/skirt can look!
1. They're sexy
Seriously. My husband loooooves my newest maxi purchases. I bought a hot pink backless maxi and he gifted me with another for Valentine's Day-and let me tell you, he's just as obsessed as me. Probably for other reasons, but as long as he doesn't look at me with that, "You're wearing that?!" look before we head out, I'm ok with that. 

If you aren't completely convinced just yet, that's ok. Take a look at these beauties, and they might just change your mind. Give them a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

strappy striped maxi dressWomen's Gauze Tube Maxi Dresses
Hive & Honey One Shoulder Maxi Shirred Dressnicole by Nicole Miller® Mirror Print Maxi DressSONOMA life + style Floral Maxi Dress - Women's Plus
Love Crop Maxi DressSandy Scoop Neck Maxi Dress85042.jpg
1. Forever 21
2. Apricot Lane Peoria
3. GoJane
4. Old Navy
5. Piperlime
6. JCP
7. Kohl's
8. Asos
9. Boohoo
10. Lulu's

I think that's plenty of options for different body types! Like I said earlier, there are tons of ways to alter these to your body type. Don't like your arms? Throw on a jean jacket over the dress. Want to accentuate your waist? Wrap a belt around the dress. Remember, clothing was made to be altered, so make good use of your tailor-if the dress is too long, don't be afraid to go in and ask for it to be hemmed up! Good luck, your wallet is going to need it!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Beach Bag Must-Haves!

I know I may be a little late to the game, but my Spring Break hasn't started yet, so I'm still living vicariously through those who are on vacations in tropical locations.

I went to PCB one year in college and had the time of my life. I'm not even kidding when I say that week was one of the bests of my life (besides the obvious wedding day, birth of child, etc.), and if I could be 22 again with no responsibilities, I would be booking my ticket right now.

Unfortunately, that's not the case, but I'll still be celebrating SB this year-just in a totally different locale-Washington D.C. My husband and I are both history nuts, so we are so stoked to go check all those awesome monuments and museums out (funny how your priorities change, huh?)!

However, if you're one of the lucky few who will be soaking up the rays, here's what should most definitely be in your beach bag.

The first thing you will obviously need is a cute bikini. There are sooo many on the market now, but I loved the stripes and girly ruffles on this two-piece from Charlotte Russe. Isn't the color perfect too?

I usually bring a giant bed sheet to the beach just because I like having a ton of room, but this sassy tie-dyed towel from VS Pink is sure to get you lots of attention.

I'm a huge fan of fun sunglasses and always like to branch out when it comes to my shades. I don't own a single pair that looks alike, and I love that you can express your funky side without taking too much of a risk. These tribal print colorful glasses are from GoJane and they're absolutely perfect for making a fun statement!

No beach trip is complete without fun flip flops and Old Navy is my #1 destination for inexpensive flip flops. I buy them in every shade, and love the palm tree print on this pair! 

After my skin cancer scare, I vowed to always practice safe sun, and the line from Bath & Body Works allows you to do so. I love their airbrush tanning spray, and their sunscreen smells yummy. This is a fabulous line, and has everything you need (even an after-sun cooling spray if you forgot the SPF)!

Last but not least, you need a big ol' tote to toss everything into (and to keep your  beer water in), and this Merona tote from Target is perfect! Love the yellow polka dots, and this can even be used when you're not on the beach!

I hope everyone is enjoying their vacations (or staycation if that's more your style) and staying safe!

Happy Spring Break-ing!


My Favorite Boutiques!

There seems to have been an influx of online boutiques lately, and to be honest, I started feel like they were all carrying the same products (read: chevron maxi skirts and shift dresses). For me, I feel that in order to have a successful online boutique, you've gotta carry pieces that can't be found anywhere else (isn't that the point of a boutique, after all?).

There have been a select few boutiques that have impressed me and (I believe) will have staying power. They have the perfect mix of style and affordability, and it allows women in areas such as mine (rural and sheltered) to have the latest looks and styles in their closets without having to drive 70+ miles to find them. 

I admire the men and women who had a vision and started these boutiques. Owning my own store has always been a dream of mine but seemed out of reach. Knowing that there are people out there who may have started out just like me and succeeded, gives me hope! 

Here are a couple of my faves, be sure to check them out and follow them to be updated when new looks arrive, giveaways happen (they do these A LOT on their Facebook pages), or there's a sale going on!

1. Hazel & Olive Boutique (cute name, right?!)
Yes, they carry a lot of chevron products, but they also carry a ton of adorable and spot-on trend products. My absolute favorite was a chevron poncho that I debated ordering for a solid 12 hours. I'm also in love with their shorts (bows and white on white leopard prints) as well as their workout tanks!
Hazel & Olive Website
Hazel & Olive Facebook
Hazel & Olive Pinterest
Hazel & Olive Instagram

2. Pop Of Chic jewelry
I came across this awesome little jewelry boutique when she started following me on IG. Let me tell you, it didn't take long for me to become majorly obsessed with her products. I love costume style jewelry, but I cannot afford to buy J. Crew's necklaces, so I love that P.O.C. has similar pieces at a MUUUUCH more affordable price!
Pop Of Chic Website
Pop of Chic Facebook
Pop of Chic Pinterest
Pop of Chic Instagram

3. Apricot Lane Peoria
I feel like this is a given. I've been blogging about AL for awhile now, and I just finally got my first shoutout from them (which totally made my day)! They are definitely one of the most successful online boutiques that I've come across lately, and I'm honored to feature them in my blog!
Apricot Lane Peoria Website
Apricot Lane Peoria Facebook
Apricot Lane Peoria Pinterest
Apricot Lane Peoria Instagram

Those are my top three right now, but I'm sure that I'll come across more as I continue this blogging endeavor! Keep an eye out for more pieces featured on Fashion Lust from these shops, and don't forget to think of them when you're doing your springtime shopping!





Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I HAD to share this...

I know that I am easily impressed with clothing and I become infatuated way too easily, but this caught my eye and I just had to share it with my followers...


It's a tie-dyed maxi dress. Two of my favorite things in one place.

If I had the $56 to spare, this would be in my closet in a heartbeat.

It's almost making me tear up knowing I can't have it...where is my tax return?!



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