Summer Staple: The Little White Dress

Lucky Magazine recently invited me to participate in their Dasani styling contest, so for today's outfit post, I'll be sharing my submission with you all.  It'd mean SO much to me if you guys could vote for my look by clicking here.  It'll only take a second, I promise!  

Anyways, I was supposed to feature a look that was inspired by the flavors of Dasani Drops.  I chose to style a little-white-dress that I recently won from LAST NIGHT (I love winning free swag).  I paired the strapless paisley LWD with a bold yet lightweight blazer for contrast and threw on matching red heels to unify the look.

I accessorized with a classic Chanel bag and stunning statement necklace courtesy of Statement Baubles Jewelry.  This versatile piece is already a wardrobe staple.  Clicky here to purchase! Statement necklaces are definitely my go-to accessories!

Bag:  Chanel - borrowed

Dress:  Last Night ($20) - gifted

Wedges: Nine West Factory Outlet ($20)

Blazer:  Sparkle & Fade via Urban Outfitters ($29.99)

Necklace:  c/o Statement Baubles Jewelry ($32.99)

Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet 

How-to: Wear Tribal Print

Today's outfit of the day is a very casual summer look.  My skirt's formfitting, so I made sure to pair it with a loose tee.  Balance is crucial when sporting a tighter piece, especially during the day. Mini-skirts are super versatile, and they transition beautifully into Fall. TIP: A scandalous mini-skirt becomes classy when paired with opaque black tights.  Don't forget to throw on black heels to elongate your legs.

Skirt:  Forever 21 ($10)

Top:  Mudd via Kohl's ($7)

Necklace:  Off Saks Fifth ($20)

Wristlet:  Coach Factory Outlet

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx ($30)

Sunnies:  Marc by Marc Jacobs 

How-to: Organize Your Closet

For today's post, I've decided to share my closet setup with you guys.  I'm kind of OCD, so I always make sure my closet is meticulously organized.  It's so much easier to style outfits when things are in order.  

1.  Use shelves,drawers, and/or bins to store pieces that don't wrinkle.  I divide my clothing into 5 categories and fold accordingly:  skirts, shorts, tee-shirts, tanks, and pants.

2. Layer pieces of the same color & style on a single hanger, especially if you're trying to save space!

3. Color-code your wardrobe to style outfits with ease.  You'll never have to ransack your closet again.  

4. Store miscellaneous items in hanging storage racks.  I keep my socks, tights, and leggings here.  This may be too OCD for some people, but I like dividing them into sub-categories (i.e. patterned tights & black socks).  

5.  Invest in a belt ring or two.  I used to roll my belts up, but it's so much quicker to just hang them.  As an added plus, their shapes stay intact.

6.  I store most of purses in an oversized bin, but I like to place structured pieces upright.  I also like to stuff my bags with old clothing to preserve their shape.  

7.  Store your jewelry in pouches!  I hang most of my necklaces & earrings but store the rest in boxes and bags in a compartment.

8.  Hang statement necklaces on the walls with clear thumbtacks! It's a really practical way to display jewelry.  Plus it doubles as wall art.

Neon Accents

Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Sunnies:  Marc by Marc Jacob

Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's

Necklace:  J. Crew Factory

Top:  c/o Double Zero Clothing

Skinnies:  American Rag via Kohl's

I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Minkoff.  In fact, she's one of my favorite bag designers.  I constantly find myself lusting for her pieces.  I've been drooling over THIS camera bag for months, but I don't think it's going on sale anytime soon.  Oh well.  I'll wait it out - maybe I'll get lucky!

Who's your favorite bag designer(s)?  Are there any special accessories you've had your eye on this season?

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Mixing Prints

Bag:  Kate Spade

Blazer + top:  Forever 21

Shorts:  Mudd via Kohl's

Bracelet:  c/o Brighthouse Baubles

Wedges:  Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

Sunnies:  Marc Jacobs via TJ Maxx

I got really lucky with this blazer at Forever 21 - I (miraculously) managed to buy it while it was on sale. I'm always willing to invest in a quality blazer though.  I always keep an eye out for blazers of varying textures and colors.  They instantly add polish and sophistication, plus they transition beautifully from work to play.  TIP:  Roll up your sleeves to maintain a casual & trendy vibe.

Do you incorporate workwear into casual "everyday" outfits?  If so, how?

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Edgy Cocktail Attire

Dress: Express

Bag: Kate Spade

Bracelets + Earrings: ASOS

Necklace: Cara

Ring: Forever 21

Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

Every girl should have at least one LBD in her closet.  I have a couple different options in my wardrobe, but this Express version is my favorite by far. I bought it several years ago, and it's still in great condition - even after countless machine-washes.  I genuinely believe this dress could pass for a Herve Leger design (he's known for his bandage dresses).  

Would you spend a fortune on a designer piece when you could get a high-quality knock-off for a fraction of the price?  How do you decide if a piece is "splurge-worthy?"

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Romper Remix

Blazer: H&M

Necklace: Gorjana - click here to buy... 

Clutch: Kate Spade - click here to buy...

Shoes: Simply Vera via Kohl's

Romper: Forever 21 - gifted

For today's outfit post, I remixed a playsuit that was featured previously on the blog. I've paired it with blush accessories and a fitted tuxedo blazer. The black lapel and radio clutch give the look a contemporary feel, contrasting nicely with the romantic, feminine vibe of the floral romper.

Which look do you guys prefer?

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Lacy Thigh-highs

Stockings:  ASOS

Dress:  c/o Double Zero Clothing

Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's

Bag:  Vintage Bally - gifted

Necklace:  Off Saks Fifth

Belt:  Came with this H&M skirt

For today's post, I'm featuring a high-low dress courtesy of Double Zero Clothing.  The dress itself is conservative, so I accessorized shamelessly!  I bought these lacy thigh-high stockings on sale from ASOS months ago, but I couldn't figure out how to style them tastefully. Luckily, this dress is modest so a peek of lace is sexy yet subtle.  

Would you ever incorporate thigh-high stockings into your everyday wear?  How would you have styled this dress?

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Floral Playsuit

Bag:  Tory Burch

Necklace:  Gorjana

Playsuit:  Forever 21 - gifted

Shoes:  Steve Madden via Marshalls

Sunnies:  Marc Jacobs via TJ Maxx

Cardigan:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet

Today's outfit of the day features a playsuit that was previously gifted from a friend.  I especially love the ruffles and floral print.  The romper is short & strapless, so I styled it with a khaki cardigan to avoid feeling too exposed. TIP:  Only showcase one physical feature at a time to keep it classy. Since this look draws attention to my legs, I made sure keep my upper body conservative.

Photo credit:  Armato Photography

Styling Bold Patterns

Skirt:  Forever 21

Necklace:  c/o Lilacs in the Sun

Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet

Shoes:  Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx

Shirt:  BCBGeneration via BCBGMAXAZRIA Factory outlet

YAY!  I'm FINALLY featuring a cute peplum skirt that flatters my figure. I've always adored the trend.  In fact, I've been on the lookout for quite some time now. When I bought an adorable red skirt from H&M a couple months ago, I thought my search had finally come to an end, but to my dismay, the piece didn't fit properly.  

Why did I buy it in the first place?  That's a good question.  I never buy clothing without trying it on, but on that day (for some bizarre reason) I assumed that it would fit. Now it's just chillin' in my closet because I was an idiot who took the tag off before trying it on. Lesson learned.  

How are you guys incorporating bold prints into your everyday looks?  

Hi-low Trend

You guys may have noticed that my photos look mad professional today.  That's because ::drum roll, please:: I had the honor of working with John Armato Photography.  He's an absolutely incredible photographer working in the MD/DC/VA area. If you guys need headshots, engagement photos, etc., I highly suggest you contact him!  He's such a wonderful person to work with, and I'm excited to showcase more of his work in the near future.

Pretty in Peplum

Top:  H&M

Bag:  Kate Spade

Pants:  American Rag via Kohl's

Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's

Necklace:  Gorjana via Asos

Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet

Blazer: Pilot c/o UsTrendy - clicky here to buy...

Today's look features a gorgeous peplum blazer courtesy of UsTrendy.  They have so many amazing pieces available on their online boutique.  Make sure to check them out by clicking here...  

Anyways, I decided to rock an all black & white ensemble for today's outfit post.  I love mixing prints so I juxtaposed stripes against polka dots.  I thought it'd be a fun way to update the classic black & white color combination.  I didn't want to over-accessorize, so I wore a dainty gold necklace to complete the look.  Sometimes it's best to keep things simple.

Do you guys like mixing prints?  What are some of your favorite patterned pieces?