White Tuxedo Vest with Black Tee Dress

This super easy outfit was inspired by Jessica of Bows & Sequins. It's rare that I buy an exact piece from something I see online, but this vest was too cute (and cheap!) to pass up.

dress: Old Navy // vest: XOXO // shoes: Rampage // bracelet: Kenneth Cole

Chihuahua Tank to Work

blazer and skirt: Merona // tank: H&M // sunglasses: LOFT // sandals: Rampage (similar)

Hot Pink Stripes, Camo Vest, Snakeskin Sandals, and New Hair!

WHOOPSIE, I have been slacking off! With the wedding right around the corner, details have officially taken over my life!

These pics are from over a month ago, right after I got my hair done (which you already know if you follow me on Instagram). It started out as a very simple casual look - jeans and a striped tee - but as I kept adding patterns, it turned into something more exciting. I continue to be fascinated with New Neutrals, and if you're playing along at home, add snakeskin to that list.

Black Shift with Snakeskin Gladiators and Ethnic Necklace

Last time I wore this dress, I went with a clean, modern look.  This time, I used it as a base for a more eclectic, bohemian vibe. This is an old Forever 21 necklace from my mom (as a present! for once I didn't just steal it from her!), and these snakeskin sandals are among my most comfortable.

similar Necklace // similar Dress // similar Shoes

Lavender Party Dress with Crystal Gladiator Sandals

I need to take all my pictures at sunset on the beach! Again, after much debate over numerous options, this is what I settled on for the official Bachelorette Party. I tried this Akira cupcake of a dress on mostly as a joke, but as soon as I put it on, I knew it was coming home with me. It was too big, so I had it taken in at the sides, but my tailor left alllll the poof at the bottom. 

I had planned on toughening up the sugary sweetness of the dress with my old Dior Gladiator knock-offs, but I ended up finding these amazing flats in Pennsylvania. At one point in the evening, while I was decked in a veiled tiara and bachelorette sash, one of the girls asked me if I felt like a bride. I replied, "I feel like Toddlers in Tiaras, but I'm not mad about it!" My other options were a bit more sophisticated, but the deciding factor was that if I didn't wear this silly dress that night, I don't know where on Earth else I could pull it off.

Special shoutouts to Jill for lending me her "Vegas" clutch, and my sister Liz for letting me borrow my favorite J. Crew necklace of hers at the last minute (YES, even my zillions of options needed supplementing)!

similar Dress // similar Necklace // similar Clutch // Shoes (on sale!)

Striped Tunic with Sheer Panels

This is a casual summer look from before Chicago went nuclear! The black panels are sheer, with the back half a little longer than the front. My "guest photographer" (aka fiance) is still learning about capturing the clothes on camera (aka barely cares), but I swear the proportions looked spectacular in person! I've also worn this tunic with short cutoffs, which was also adorable.

A long, skinny necklace breaks up the long, loose line of the top (when it's not draped over one boob... sigh...). Bright earrings and purse liven up the color palate.

similar Earrings // similar Tunic // similar Necklace // Bracelet 

// Jeans (on sale) // similar Shoes (on sale) // Purse (other colors, on sale)

Beyond the Pale

I knew I'd get more use out of these pants once the weather got warmer!

I kept the palate very pale and neutral, but if you can see, there are three major prints going on here (trifecta!). The pants have an abstract animal print, the shoes are snakeskin, and the blazer (which is at least a decade old and part of a pant suit) has very thin peach and grey stripes. I made sure to tie the black of the shoes back in with a dalmatian-y bracelet.

Jacket H&M

Tee Gap (similar)

Pants American Eagle (similar)

Shoes Rampage

Necklace swapped

Bracelets ebay, ebay, DIY

A Tribal Called Quest

This look started as a non-inspiration and turned into something pretty striking. I threw on the black jeans and gray tee, and then grabbed the black/white snakeskin sandals. I rolled up the pants a little to give it some personality, but it was still pretty bland overall. Then I remembered this SERIOUS necklace I picked up recently, and decided this was an excellent opportunity to showcase it.

The red purse is something I can finally cross off my Want List. I was having no luck with clothes at Forever, and then I stumbled across this baby. I've been dying for plain, red leather clutch for quite some time now (like, YEARS), and this one is a bonus for being oversized and coming with a crossbody strap. Score! I couldn't find it online, but I bet they are still available in stores.

Jacket Uniqlo (similar)

Tee American Apparel

Jeans Old Navy

Shoes Rampage (similar)

Necklace Forever 21

Cuff Kenneth Cole (similar)

Purse Forever 21 (similar)