Two-fer Tuesday: Neon Mini

So as of this week, I wanted to devote Tuesday's to sharing how to style one piece two ways. I always love how just changing a few accessories can completely transform your look. Which is why fashion is so amazing. 

This week, I want to show you how I would style J. Crew's Embroidered Neon Postage Stamp Mini. I've had my eyes on this skirt since it came out.

Nail Polish: Essie in Marshmallow | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Shoes: Sam & Libby for Target | Top: J. Crew [sold out online, on sale in stores] | Skirt: J. Crew | Sunnies: Ray-Ban Aviators | Bracelet: Lotus Blossom Design | Bag: Target

Sunnies: Vince Camuto | Necklace: Bauble Bar | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Top: Glamzelle | Skirt: J. Crew | Bracelets: C. Wonder, Stella & Dot | Shoes: Zara

Don't you just love this skirt?

What I Wore: Denim + Pink

I overheard some ladies today while out shopping, discussing [loudly] how dresses and skirts are "too" short nowadays. That most women don't have the legs to pull them off. Mind you they were pointing at an A-line dress that hit at just above the knee on a Kohls mannequin. In my head, I just giggled. Obviously they've been hiding in a cave or something because I'm positive the dresses at the mall in say an H&M or Forever 21 are at least 5 inches shorter then what they were looking at. And even more, they've never heard of the maxi.

In these early months of Spring, maxi skirts and dresses are the perfect transition piece. They keep your legs covered if it's still a bit cool out but are still light for those warmer days. They're great for covering up if you're still working on getting back into bikini form. And let's be honest ladies, for those days when you just are too lazy or don't have time to shave your legs the maxi length is like a savior.

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch [last worn here, similar here] | Top: Marshalls find [similar here] | Skirt: Forever 21 [similar here] | Necklace: Luxe Craving [last worn here] | Belt: Gap [similar here] | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here] | Nails: Essie, Bikini So Teeny

What I Wore: Blooming in Kate Spade

Easter was the perfect reason to wear this Kate Spade dress. This has got to be one of the best finds ever at Nordstrom Rack. I picked this dress up a few months ago for around $30. Ridiculous, right!? I can't believe how lucky I was to come across it. I absolutely adore this dress, the cut is just so flattering. It has a beautiful scoop back and the print is so on trend.

When I bought the dress it was a tad too big around the waist and the chest. But not enough that it would deter me from purchasing at only $30. I figured I would either get it taken in or shrink it. And since the material wasn't anything that could get ruined in the wash, I decided to try the latter of the two options. The end product was a perfect fit. So glad I tried that before shelling out money to get it tailored. 

I've found myself needing to try shrinking a lot of my clothes lately. I'm truly grateful that shedding all the baby weight and then some has been easy. But it's getting a bit ridiculous now, I'm starting to feel like a 12 year old boy. Which makes it hard to find clothing that fits, especially bottoms. I actually had to reach out to my good friend, who happens to be very petite, to find some jean suggestions. Would love to hear suggestions from any of you petite gals as well. 

Outfit Details:

Dress: Kate Spade [similar here and here] | Shoes: Rock & Republic [similar here] | Belt: Borrowed from my sister, Tiffany [similar here] | Necklace: Luxe Craving [same here] | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here]

What I Wore: A Little Leopard and Army Green

This week has been crazy! We've had playdate after playdate, trying to squeeze in as much play time with LBD's Ms. Socal and her beautiful kiddies before they move across the country. And for weeks like this, there's nothing better than easy layers and a comfy pair of jeans. Anything that is easy to wash and can handle the rough and tumble play with these crazy kiddos is a necessity. 

I feel like this is when many mom's give into the typical "momiform," the sweats and yoga pants look. While I too am guilty of running out in the momiform, I try my hardest to take a few minutes and look presentable. I think that as a mom, we sometimes forget to take a few minutes to look at ourselves in the mirror because there just really isn't much time for that. However, I do feel that it is important that we take just a few minutes to dress ourselves and stop and primp, even if it's just for a dab of powder and some gloss. I know when I feel I look good, I walk with a little more pep in my step. And don't we all want to feel that way? 

One of my go-to pieces to create an easy, yet chic look, is my military inspired vest. It's such a versatile piece that's neutral enough to go with just about everything, from stripes to leopard print. I've found that throwing this vest over a simple top always seems to take an outfit that's just "eh" and make it a little more cool. I'm also quite found of mixing feminine and masculine. So pairing this vest with a dress is also a fun option. 

As a mom trying hard to squeeze 5 minutes of me time amid all the madness in my house is sometimes almost impossible, so easy layering pieces are the key to achieving an effortless and chic style. But you definitely don't have to break the bank doing so because places like H&M and Forever 21 offer some really great options.

The Details:

Vest: Forever 21 [same here] | Top: H&M [similar here] | Jeans: American Eagle [same here] | Shoes: Steve Madden [similar here] | Belt: Gap [similar here] | Necklace: J. Crew Factory [same here] | Bracelets: A Lotus Blossom Design [shop here] and Stella & Dot | Watch: Target [same here] | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here]

What are some of your favorite go-to pieces?

What I Wore: Pretty Pastels

One of Spring's hottest trends, pastels, seems to be making it's appearance on and off the runway. As your typical girly girl, I have absolutely no complaints and these pretty sorbet shades couldn't be any easier to fall in love with. Even a pastel oxford shirt is made more feminine in these softer hues. And it just so happens, the hottest way to wear this trend currently is to wear a head to toe pastel ensemble. 

The Details:

Top: Joe Fresh for JCP [same here, see my review here] | Pants: Love 21 for Forever 21 [similar here] | Shoes: unknown [old, similar here] | Scarf: Forever 21 [similar here] | Bag: Jennifer Lopez for Kohls [similar here] | Necklace: J. Crew Factory| Bracelets: Groopdealz and Stella & Dot | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here]

Aren't these colors just so pretty? And they're perfect for Easter. Are you pairing pastels?

What I Wore: Studs + Flared Jeans

Since retro looks are all the rage, I felt it was time to break out my Frankie B's. It's been quite some time since these jeans have seen some day light but it just felt so right this weekend. I put my flared jeans away a long time ago, but it seems that this fit is making its come back. And it was actually really nice to be wearing something other then skinny jeans. However, I still can't help but feel like I'm in high school again when I wear flares and funny enough I'm coming up on my high school reunion. 

 Do you guys still have your flared jeans hiding in your closet? I'm not a hoarder or anything but I find it hard to get rid of clothes that were priced over $100 whether or not I actually paid retail value for them. I guess that's why I'm bad at the whole Spring cleaning thing. But I am trying and have quite a pile growing that I'm going to have to put up on Poshmark here very soon.

The Details:

Shirt: H&M [old, similar here] | Jeans: Frankie B [similar here] | Shoes: unknown [old, similar here] | Scarf: Old Navy [last worn here, similar here] | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac in Fresia [more colors here] | Necklaces: Nordstrom Rack and Groopdealz Monogram | Bracelets: A Lotus Blossom Design [shop here], J. Crew [similar here], Stella & Dot | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here] | Lipstick: L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Legally Regal [buy here]

Getting in some quality Mommy and Nugget time while big sis is napping. I'm pretty sure she's trying to devise a way to get a taste of the leaves she found. 

Hope you're week is off to a fabulous start!

What I Wore: A Little Prabal Gurung and Target Love

The Prabal Gurung for Target collaboration launched last month and it's now on sale at your local Target store. There was nothing in the collection I wanted more then the sought after neon ankle strap heels and luckily there was one left in my size. WooHoo! I swear I checked several times at all 4 stores in my area and none had them. But while I was stopping in to grab some diapers and snacks for the little ones, I wandered through and noticed the entire collection was on sale. So I headed directly to the shoe department to see if they had any and to my surprise there they were, the neon heels. I definitely did the happy dance in the store at that moment. I mean I've become a little crazy about neon's and bright colors in general. I've never been one to wear tons of black. So this trend just hits the spot.

 You can kind of see I'm still excited about my Target find. I could not wait to wear these pretty shoes. Only downfall these shoes run a tad big. I'm definitely going to have to grab some inserts and we'll be all set. Even so, these heels are quite comfy and perfect for the warmer days ahead.

The Details:

Blazer: Target [similar here, saw a similar one also at H&M on sale for $15 currently] | Top: Armani Exchange [similar here and here] | Jeans: American Eagle [same here] | Shoes: Prabal Gurung [similar here] | Bag: Target [last worn here, similar here] | Bracelets: Lotus Blossom Design [shop here], Groopdealz [similar here] | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here] 

I cannot get over how much Target has been stepping up their game in the fashion department. It makes going to Target and walking out with just what I came for almost impossible to do. I am always getting sidetracked with all sorts of things. They're collaborations with high end designers just seem to be hitting the spot. 

Speaking of collaborations, stay tuned because I'll be reviewing the Joe Fresh for JCPenney later this week.

What I Wore: St. Patty's Day

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. And hopefully no one was pinched for not wearing green.

Green has to be one of the most flattering colors, not to mention Pantone has dubbed Emerald the color of 2013. So it wasn't hard dressing for St. Patrick's day. 

I love pairing greens and blues together because it's such a classic color combination and so preppy. And a staple of my weekend look is a messy ponytail. No matter what I've got going on a messy ponytail usually does the trick while playing with my munchkins.

My little love bug needed some attention from her momma.

The Details: Blazer: Forever 21 [old, similar here] | Shirt: Forever 21 [old, similar here & here] | Pants: J. Crew [same here] | Shoes: Rock & Republic [same here] | Necklace: unknown via Nordstrom Rack [similar here] | Bracelets: GroopDealz [similar here], Stella & Dot, Forever 21 | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here]
Hoping your week is off to a stylish start!

What I Wore: Pencil Skirt Dressed Down

Pencil skirts are everywhere these days. It's a classically feminine essential for any wardrobe. But for someone like me, whose lacking curves it's very hard to find a pencil skirt that fits well and gives the illusion of curves. That's why whenever I find one I immediately buy it.

Every woman needs a few pencil skirts in their closet. They're great for dressing up or down. For casual days running errands and going to lunch with my girls, I love pairing a pencil skirt with a graphic tee. The silhouette of a pencil skirt dresses up the look of a graphic tee and gives it a feminine appeal.

Big Sis loves posing for pictures. So much personality bottled up in one little girl.

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch [similar here] | Shirt: Target [old, similar here] | Skirt: H&M [old, loving this one] | Shoes: J. Crew Factory [same here] | Belt: from another dress [similar here] | Necklace: Luxe Craving [same here] | Bracelets: Lotus Blossom Design [shop here], Stella & Dot | Sunnies: Vince Camuto [same here]

And lastly, the beautiful Kristi of Biscuits & Navy tagged me in the 5 Things post that has taken over the blogosphere. So here I go...

1. I was one of those crazy *NSYNC fanatics back in the day and still am. My bedroom walls were covered from ceiling to floor in posters from J-14, Tiger Beat, and Bop magazines. And I was a member of every fan club of theirs, even won concert tickets in D.C. The day they do a reunion concert be sure I'll be there, front and center. Come on JT we're all waiting on you!

2. As a kid, I used to spend my allowance buying Wet 'n' Wild's $0.99 nail polishes. Had the total with tax, at my local Long's Drugstore memorized. And every week I went in for a new color. No wonder I still have an obsession for nail polishes. I started young.

3. I don't have a sweet tooth whatsoever. Chocolate does absolutely nothing for me. The only thing sweet I ever really want is a Root Beer. Weird I know. But for some reason I just don't like deserts

4. I almost had Baby Sis in the car. We barely got to the hospital in time. According to the security cameras I was there for 7 minutes before the nurses delivered my sweet Ivy Pearl. The Hubs didn't even get to see her arrive before they were screaming for him to come over and cut the cord. And my OB definitely didn't make it in time. Oops! That's what I get for assuming I was fine and not wanting to wake up Big Sis just to go to the hospital at 6 am. 

5. I love reality tv shows. My DVR is full of them. I watch everything from the Bachelor to the Real Housewives to Jerseylicious. My newest guilty pleasure is Vanderpump Rules. These shows are absolutely ridiculous but it's just so hard to turn off. They're so addicting. As soon as the girlies are sleeping I turn them on and catch up on them. Then discuss them with my bestie, Liz. I'm pretty sure we talk about them as if we know them and we could possibly invest a little too much time into their lives, but we just can't seem to tear our eyes away from their craziness.

Now I tag the lovely ladies of Lotus Blossom Design, Citrus Refreshing Fashion, Everyday Fashion & Finance, Ruffles & Sequins, What I Bought Today. Share 5 things we don't already know about yourselves girls.

Have a fabulous weekend!