Nail Art Idea: Polka Dots/Checks

When I was little, there was a song on the Disney Channel called "Polka Dots, Checks & Stripes". I have no idea what the point of it was, other than to honor a young girl's ridiculous fashion choices (her name was Sue, I believe?), but I got the song stuck in my head as I looked at my nail art brush today. And then I got an idea.

Light pink polish: Wet n' Wild; Black nail art: L.A. Colors Art Deco

Right hand was done asymmetrically from the right one, just for kicks!

This fun idea is asymmetrical, which I think makes it more interesting. I've been seeing a lot of plaid manicures lately in magazines, and I thought I'd mix it up a bit by trying a spin-off. I didn't like the idea of plaid on every fingernail, so I decided to intersperse it with polka dots - one of my favorite patterns! The black atop light pink polish gave it a girly-meets-edgy look that I rather like. Especially since my toes are hot hot pink with black french tips. Should have taken a pic of that too, oh well! At any rate, I like this spin-off and I will definitely try some other color variations next time!

What do you think?

What Inspires You?

Today I was thinking about what I should blog about next, and then I realized that I have a confession to make. You see, lately I have been completely un-inspired by fashion. It's freaking me out! Typical me can walk into my closet and instantly see the outfit that fits my current mood. But lately I've been staring at the hangers full of jeans, dresses, cardigans, and shirts, and wondering what in the world feels like "me". I am not a fan of this feeling. I don't think my husband is either. Every time we've gone out lately it's been roadblocked by one of my outfit crises. I'm always looking for the right shoes, those earrings I love, jeans that flatter my [insert any body part here], or something like that. I have more pairs of jeans than I can wear and yet I'v felt like none of them will work lately. Has this ever happened to you?

So, I'm trying to find a way to reclaim my sense of inspiration. I don't know what made it go away. Could be the fact that I've been busy with other things, maybe I'm not in touch with myself, or I could just have a closet full of crappy clothes (I kid, I kid!). But regardless, I need my mojo back! So I'm making a list of things that usually get me going, and I'm very interested to hear some of yours...

1. Coffee.

Yes, it really does inspire me. It's bold, smells delish, and puts me in a better mood. I know, it's sad.

2. People I meet.

And I meet a LOT of people on a given day, in my line of work. When I pay attention, I often notice a subtle detail of their outfit that inspires me or interests me.

3. Music.

A song can instantly change my mood or give me a mental image of who I want to be on a given day.

4. Being practical.

That's right, out of practicality, some of the most interesting fashion forms are born. I mean just look at where belts are in today's world! Sometimes a watch, cardigan, pair of cargos, socks, bra, or otherwise "functional" article of clothing can really make an outfit pop.

5. Hippies.

I think that's pretty self-explanatory. But seriously, I mean it. Freedom and fun mixed with effortless nuances...yes.

6. Fun.

The picture below is one of my favorites in terms of a fun outfit and something very unique. I love the different kinds of polk dots, acid washed jeans, and ballet flats. Why? Because it's fun, and I like being fun.

It's not small wonder my style changes daily with all of this inspiration!

Maybe old pictures ^^ inspire me too...

What inspires your style?

Summer Inspiration: The J.Crew Catalog

This weekend I spent a much-needed day at the beach with my husband. While we were there, I found inspiration in lots of unlikely places – from the street style to the absent-minded shoppers. But one thing in particular struck my fancy and ironically coincided with the fashion urges I’ve felt lately: The J.Crew summer catalog that I picked up while shopping. The tale of the pants I found on sale and begged to have will no doubt go down in the history of our marriage, but let me say for now that due to unforeseen circumstances, the aforementioned pants that had been left at J.Crew last night were purchased this morning by yours truly (my half-grumpy, half-smiling husband waiting in the car as I paid!) I did pick up a catalog last night, and as I thumbed through it, I was drawn to the light fabrics, neutral palette, and print-mixing that I discovered within. Most of all, I was intrigued to see how the stylist worked her magic on the military inspired cargo pant trend that seems to still be in force this season. I picked up my first pair almost a year ago at LOFT, and have enjoyed the slim but slouchy fit and comfortable fabric. I pair them with anything. Then I got some cargo jeggings (see previous posts) and some Joe’s cargo pants. Now I have acquired a hybrid that reminds me of cargos, genie pants and trousers all rolled into one. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Canteen Pant by J.Crew.

As a side note, it is currently available online for a clearance price of $29.99, but I was able to snag them for $20 in-store. The pant comes in green, pewter, copper and white. I opted for pewter since I already have the olive green color in so many things, and pewter is a great all-season neutral for me.

Let me start by saying these pants are to-die-for comfortable. The cotton is sooo soft. J.Crew claims the style is flattering on everyone, and I totally buy it. I’m petite, but the slouchy look still gives me some shape and is slimming too! The waist is so interesting to me because it has a zipper and clasp (like trousers) and a drawstring (like track sweats), in addition to the already elastic waistband. I’m actually a fan of the combo! I’m a big believer in both drawstrings AND elastic waistbands. If it’s not comfortable why bother? Anyways, these pants go great for the beach, work (if you work where I do), the mall, or even a fun night out. Here I've assembled an ideal casual look with The Canteen Pant.

Weekend Off

The Canteen Pant, J.Crew; Oversized Striped Tee, Mossimo; Sandals, NY&C; Shades, Forever21; Necklace, handmade in Africa; Earrings, vintage; Tribal ring, Forever21.

Pairing these pants with a lightweight tee, strappy sandals, and basic jewelry or relaxed but more put-together (and I daresay comfortable!) than the old jeans plus tee shirt routine. Wear it to the grocery store, running errands, or to a weekend get-together.

What do you think of these comfortable-chic pants?

My Poolside Essentials

One of my favorite things about this summer so far has been the time spent poolside! Since there's a pool at my apartment, I'm out there at least every other day after I get off work. Since it's so hot here already, it's the perfect way to unwind and cool off! In honor of hot weather, sunny days, fruity drinks, and everything summer, I decided to post about my poolside essentials and why they are so important to me!

1. SPF

As a fair-skinned person, it is absolutely necessary that I wear some serious sun protection. I use baby sunscreen with SPF 50 and I haven't gotten burned yet this year! A friend gave me this tip: if you're prone to breakouts or itchy red bumps after applying sunscreen, then try the baby version. It's usually designed for sensitive skin and it's hypoallergenic. I love it! Honestly it really saddens me to see girls blowing off sunscreen. Please care about your skin - it's the only skin you'll get! Skin cancer is very common in women who regularly tan, so please don't do it. If you're outside at all, wear sunscreen. Above all, check yourself regularly for any moles or bumps that could become cancerous and see your Dermatologist. Rant over :)

2. Something Fun to Read.

Glamour magazine, Victoria's Secret catalogs - what can I say? I love a good girly magazine. If it's not too hot to lay by the pool, bring something fun to read or just look at. It always makes me feel especially pampered and makes a long day end so much better.

3. A Sweet Drink.

Lemonade at the pool is like the quintessential summer idea to me. I bring mine in a thermos and sip it to stay cool & hydrated, and enjoy the summer flavor.

4. Earbuds + iPhone.

I don't care who you are, listening to some Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$sha, Nicki Minaj, or any other diva will get your summer blood pumping and make you feel sexy. Guaranteed:) Oh, and a little online shopping on your mobile doesn't hurt either.

5. Fun Shades.

Sexy, sun-protecting, chic. Need I say more?

6. A Cute Pool Bag.

Ok, maybe not necessary to you, but I adore toting my cute, pink, paisley bag around the pool. It's just fun.

What are your poolside essentials? Do you have a bag you pack with the same stuff or does it vary? How do you feel about sun safety?

Do you even go to the pool?

How to Style: Cargo Jeggings

I bought a pair of cargo jeggings.

Oddly enough, this trend had never appealed to me until a few weeks ago when I got sucked in. I found a pair of American Eagle Cargo Jeggings and decided to try them on. I was instantly addicted to the soft fabric and utilitarian feel they had. I felt like when I was wearing them I was a tough, practical girl who was ready for anything from exploring outdoors to sight-seeing in a foreign city. Obviously my imagination was getting away with me. I bought them without having a clue what I had in my closet to wear them with. I'm honestly still trying different combinations, but I settled on this outfit to share this morning. It's a great mixture of tough, tribal and bohemian. See what I mean...

Cargo Jeggings, American Eagle; Handkerchief Tank, Collective Concepts; Scarf, World Market; Nude Peep-Toe Sandals, Dana Buchman; Shades, Merona; Earrings, Earthbound Trading Co.

I feel like the drapey, soft tank top offsets the tight and trendy jeggings. It's a great way to make the look more feminine (sometimes a plain tee can come off looking too masculine with cargos, unless of course that's the look you're going for!)I added the tribal scarf and wooden earrings to play into my inner explorer; I'm fascinated by the colors and textures of other cultures! I bought the nude heels last week and I'm in love! They work well with this look because nude is an all-around go-to color for any outfit, and paired with a basic palette and the trendy jeans, it dresses the outfit up and gives it a more age-appropriate vibe. Sometimes if you go had-over-heels for a trend (like wearing a band tee, cargo jeggings and chucks) it can come across as a teenage clothing catalog. Celebs can rock cargo jeggings and so can you, it just requires a little pulling it together!

Most surprising about cargo jeggings is the fact that I was sure they'd make my thighs look fatter...but they don't! So if that's something you're afraid of, I dare you to try on a pair, you might be surprised! This pair I'm wearing is on sale right now at ae.com

Click the link to check 'em out!