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!

White Tee Commandments

Summer is officially here, and I feel like it's been ages since I updated this blog! A lot has happened over the past few months, as in, I graduated college and got married, so I've been a little preoccupied;) However, since I no longer have an excuse to neglect my blog, I'll be updating more frequently over the summer and hopefully re-vamping a few things.

It's only fitting that my first post of the summer would involve what is perhaps the most common and best-loved warm-weather wardrobe staple: the white tee shirt [tank top, blouse, etc.]

But as with any type of fashion, there are ways to wear the look, and ways to ruin the look. With a white tee, it's hard to go wrong, but it is not impossible! Follow these "white tee commandments" to make sure you get a lot of mileage out of this wardrobe staple and look hot while doing it!

1. Look for lightweight, sheer, or flowy fabrics.

The reason being that white is not as kind to the body as darker colors. While black tends to mask any body flaws and make its wearer appear instantly slimmer, white has the opposite effect. It makes bulges appear bigger and highlights flaws in your silhouette,since it's a light-reflecting, rather than absorbing, color. So be mindful when you are trying on and purchasing white tees. If it's too tight, skip it. If your white tees from last year are too snug in the tummy, toss them. It will only make your tummy look larger and make you lose confidence. Avoid the tiny fits and opt for something in a gauze-like fabric, with a longer hemline, or heck, just go a size up! One of the best ways to wear a cotton white tee is to buy it oversized. Check out a great example below by Lanston. Love it!

Lanston oversized Scoop Tee $74 at shopbop.

2. Please wear a nude bra.

Hot pink bras are sexy under white tees...at the pool or a rock concert. But please, ladies, do not show your undergarments to the world while you're at the mall, a restaurant, or heaven forbid at work. The best bra to wear under a white tee is one that's invisible (but do not go bra-less...at that point you might as well be topless). If you are pale, that means a nude or pale pink bra. If you have medium skin, try a dark nude or beige. If you're dark-skinned, try a rich cocoa or light brown color that blends to your skin tone. That will keep your look natural and people won't be distracted by your chest! Also note: don't wear a white bra with a white top; it actually makes the bra even MORE visible underneath! Not chic!

Just because one of the Olsen twins can do it doesn't mean you should!

3. Use your blank canvas as an opportunity to accessorize!

When you wear a plain white tee, it's an ideal time to pile on those accessories! A lightweight scarf worn with a white tee and rolled up boyfriend jeans will really make an outfit pop while keeping it comfortably casual. Add big earrings, bangles, or a statement necklace and your outfit instantly becomes more glam. Summer is the perfect time to give your go-to black club top some time off and replace it with your white tee. Pair your tee with a sexy mini skirt or some skin-tight jeans, heels, and some fun jewelry, and you have a new outfit for your next night out that's a lot cooler to wear! Odette Yustman gives a great example of this at the bottom!

Odette Yustman makes this white tee look so fancy!

Photo reposted from Glamour.com.

So tell me, what are your favorite ways to wear a white tee shirt?

<3

Review: Eco Yoga Denim Leggings

As an employee of the great TJ Maxx, I have opportunity to see a lot of little-known brands that wind up in the store. One of these brands has quickly become my favorite, and I wish to share it with you. Unless you live in Malibu, it might be hard to find. But I recommend checking your local TJX or Marshals, as they seem to come in fairly regularly.

One Saturday morning, as I rested sleepily over a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee at the customer service desk (home away from home), a super nice lady who shops at our store regularly came up to get a cart. We spoke briefly, and I noticed she had on a pair of what looked to be the comfiest denim leggings! Now aside from the obvious hats off to anyone who is over 60 and can actually look good in denim leggings (I have a new role model in this lady), I immediately had to know what brand they were. She responded without a single hesitation by pulling down her waistband and letting me read it...um, ok. But anyways, the brand name was eco yoga by eco malibu clothing. Lucky for me, the pants were from our store! Eco malibu is an organic, sustainable clothing line specializing in yoga and related lifestyle apparel. In our store, we carried yoga shorts, pants, leggings, cardigans, and tee shirts. All are made from organic cotton or recyclable materials, making it an excellent green choice.

Needless to say, I stocked up on as many pairs as I could find. I currently own two pairs of the indigo denim-look leggings (pictured below), one pair of the gray mineral denim-look leggings, and a gorgeous burnout cardigan in pale green and cream. I have loved everything I've seen by this brand. The leggings are by far the comfiest, softest, and most flattering pair I own. They're cut with ample spandex for movement and have functional back pockets. The color is amazing, and really looks like denim, though it feels like softest cotton. Best of all, the fabric is organic and odor resistant. I highly recommend this product. My biggest gripe is that I can't locate a retailer that carries this brand regularly. Ideeli.com has had a sale on this brand, and it's turned up in TJ Maxx. I would love for the east coast to learn more about this amazing brand. It's clothing you can feel good about. The leggings retail for around $72, as printed on the tag. You can snag them for less, though, through sales on Ideeli and at retailers like TJ Maxx.

Chain strap tank, Cynthia Steffe; Leggings, eco yoga; shoes, Target

T-shirt, Alternative Apparel; leggings, eco yoga; sandals, Reef

For more information about eco malibu clothing, please visit their website at:

http://www.ecomalibuclothing.com/

Broaden Your Horizons for Spring

Err....hemlines? As a self-proclaimed skinny jeans enthusiast (no, devotee?), I was opposed to the wide-leg jean trend that was in a few seasons ago. I didn't think they were flattering the way most people wore them. But thankfully, with the comeback of bohemian silhouettes that have been gracing runways the past two or three seasons, I see a great opportunity to add to your spring/summer wardrobe.

Even I will acknowledge that in the heat of the sun, skinny jeans are not always the most comfortable thing to wear. That's where I think wide-leg pants will come in. Note: PANTS. I am still not a fan of wide-leg denim. I think it generally tends to swallow the figure in too-thick fabric, whereas as wide-leg pants in a lighter fabric like a cotton, cotton/cashmere blend, linen, or silk is much more flowy and flattering on real bodies. I, for one, am very short, so this look is a challenge for me to pull off. But because the super oversized look is now in vogue (can I get an amen?), I think this could work. Below are some fabulous shots of these styles. Then I'll give you the low-down on how to make this look work for you in real life...

Wide-leg pants by l'Miusa on yesstyle.com

Wide-leg pants by Nabi on yesstyle.com

Nightcap Linen Flare pants in Oatmeal at The Trend Boutique

Nightcap Linen Flare pants in Charcoal at The Trend Boutique

Drapey Wideleg Pants by Free People

These are my picks for flattering and versatile spring/summer pants. Here's how I will wear them:

1. With leather wedges or gladiator sandals. This adds a bit of toughness to an otherwise feminine/flowy pair of pants. Plus, if you're short, the wedges really help them not to drag the ground!

2. With basic tank tops and patterned scarves. The easiest way to do this look is to wear a fitted, long tank top in a solid color, then add a pretty boho scarf on top. It's effortless and girly.

3. With an oversized or asymmetrical long-sleeved tee. If it's still cool outside, you can get a great casual look with a comfy long-sleeved tee and some ankle boots or closed-toe flats. Add tribal jewelry like bangles, beads, and huge earrings to add interest.

4. With a long flowy tank, sandals, summer fedora, and messenger bag. This look is great for vacations or a day at the park.

5. With a plain tee tucked in and a neat belt. See the first picture I posted. Great ideas there!

I will update with pictures as I test the waters here. I found a pair of Qi wideleg pants last night on sale at work for $7, and I'm currently putting together looks with them. I had to buy them about 3 sizes too big, so I'm trying to alter them myself. So far they're super comfy and in a great neutral color. Stayed tuned loves!