Summer Go-Tos

The summer heat hasn’t been letting down here this past week… so I have been going to some of my go-tos for summer heat and humidity: a breezy dress, hair pushed back with a headband/headwrap, and a pair of flats or strappy sandals! I wore this on Saturday to run some errands (like go pick out puppy supplies, yay!) and to get the apartment organized (aka puppy-proofed… all shoes are up high in my closet now!) And there is nothing better than a good pop of pink with my “Punchy” Beauty Rush lip gloss from Victoria Secret to add just the right amount of color! I hope you all had a great weekend! What are your go-tos for summer heat?

P.S. We are undergoing some blog construction (if you couldn’t tell)… please bear with us and our changes over the next month!

Here are some other amazing summer go-tos and fashionable finds from Kaleidoscope Fashion.  There are some amazing pieces, that fit in perfectly for summer, a vacation or in warmer weather climates!

  • First off, who doesn’t need a sassy LLD (little leopard dress)! Just as functional as a little black dress, but more fun. This perfectly transitions into colder seasons as well with a black blazer and pair of pumps (add red pumps for a particularly fun outfit).
  • A little white, summery dress is also necessary.  Find one with some embellishments and all you need to throw on is a pair of sandals.  Summer or vacation chic with little to no effort!
  • One piece black swimsuits are no longer meant for covering up, but showing off.  They are so chic and will make you stand out in the crowd at the pool or the beach.
  • A light-weight black dress with some fun details can be a great cover-up for your swimwear and can double as a cute dress to go out with friends or for date night. Add some gold wedges and earrings to really make a statement.
  • White wedges are classy and can be paired with any outfit during the warmer months! Perfect at the office or on the weekends, wedges are comfy while still looking chic.
  • Tortoise sunnies are a classic… and a must. They liven any outfit when the sun is beating down! Try a wide rim pair to ensure great coverage and a fashionable look.
  • Bermuda shorts are ideal for any situation in the sun… they are a classic look that look amazing paired with a breezy light-weight colorful blouse and embellished sandals. They help you keep cool for the farmer’s market, summer fairs or outdoor concerts!
  • Embellished sandals are the next step up from flip flops, giving your feet complete freedom while maintaining a perfectly stylish outfit.  Try a pair in a neutral such as white or a metallic shade for some extra pizzazz!
What are your favorite summer pieces and go-tos for warmer weather?!

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Vintage Tribal

I am so glad tribal, aztec prints are so trendy right now because one of my absolute favorite vintage finds of all time is this bright, vibrant tribal print pencil skirt.  Not only do I love the vibrant color and pattern, but when I tried it on at the Goodwill it fit me perfectly.  For $5? I was singing on my way out of the store when I picked this baby up a couple years ago!  I love this skirt and although I have a lot of ideas to wear it with other colors or colors in the same family, my favorite way to style it is with a neutral ruffle blouse and a matching tan belt and t-strap heels. I like to let the skirt be the full center of attention!  Did I mention I also picked up these T-Strap heels for $5 from another Goodwill location?! Dear people who donate fabulous things to Goodwill… THANK YOU! Happy Hump Day and don’t forget to check out “Work It Wednesday” over at a Little Bit of Lacquer!

Blue & Coral

So I FINALLY have some colored denim and when I was first deciding what to wear with my cobalt pair from Calvin Klein, I thought I would probably start out with something neutral, but when I found this striped blazer at Charlotte Russe on Saturday, I knew that I would immediately want to pair the two together! I wore this outfit yesterday to run some errands and go out to dinner with friends.  It is just one of those color combinations that makes you feel confident and vibrant  and well you simply can’t go wrong with a strappy pair of heels!

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Tie Tuesday

I have always wanted to be able to tag along with the boys and I’m guessing I get that from my mother who grew up with six brothers.  With that said, when my boss told me that one of the guys at work is trying to bring back “Tie Tuesday” I decided I wanted join! I have always been drawn to menswear looks, but recently Alicia’s post from Fashion by Alicia on Evan Rachel Wood and Carry On Couture’s menswear inspired look have really inspired me.  My result: My boyfriend’s tie with cropped black pants, a vest, blazer and a ruffle fuchsia blouse (because I still need my feminine touches!)

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Fashion Dilemma

When it comes to work wear during the transition from winter to spring, I seem to have my own fashion transition with a shift from skirts to pants.  This usually happens because I get sick and tired of wearing tights. And I know a lot of fashionistas hate wearing tights, but I really do love wearing tights… so when I get to this point I am so ready for bare legs.  Although the weather has been significantly warmer lately, I’m still not sure that it is “bare legs season” yet in Minneapolis. [Read more...]

Pleated Maxi + Floppy Hat

So before I say anything else about this outfit… this is how nice Minnesota’s weather has been lately! Definitely a month or two ahead of schedule on being able to stand outside in short sleeves without freezing! I bought this hat a couple weekends ago when my family was in town, and I talked about it in my accessory shopping post last Friday.  I was so excited to wear it, along with wearing my new LC Lauren Conrad pleated maxi from Kohls(I have wanted a floppy hat and maxi skirt for forever)! I wore them together this weekend along with a short-sleeve military style jacket and buckle booties for a tough contrast to the super feminine feel of the hat, skirt and ruffle shirt.  Part of this outfit feels very fall like to me, but I also think it works for spring with the soft blush color of the skirt!  What do you think?!

P.S.  I was completely honored to be featured as Chic of the Week last Friday on LaurenConrad by Lauren and her staff! You can read the full feature here.  Lauren Conrad has always been an inspiration to me… especially in fashion, that I was so surprised and completely giddy when I found out!

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All Black On, Blacked Out Shades

Since its November in Minnesota, dressing for warmth isn’t an option, it’s a must. It can be hard to transition from beautiful fall days to temperatures close to zero, but there are plenty of ways to look put together and stay warm without looking too bulky. Pleather or leather leggings are not only warm, but extremely comfortable and chic. I can literally wear them out anytime of the year, but they are especially great for cold nights out in Minneapolis and here they are my favorite part of this outfit. (Oh, and I also love the sequins on this cluth!)

Black Snake Skin Pleather Leggings: Express; Ruffle Tank: Charlotte Russe; Black Blazer: Express; Black Sequin Clutch: Forever 21; Skinny Gray Belt: Ann Taylor Loft; Snake Skin Heels: Steve Madden; Red  Lipstick: “Red Muse” Rouge Volupt No. 17 Yves Saint Laurent

Get the LOOK

Knit jacket
$52 - meetmark.com

Olsenboye chiffon pants
$25 - jcpenney.com

Dollhouse platform shoes
$33 - dsw.com

Forever21 clutch hand bag
$16 - forever21.com

ASOS buckle belt
$8.18 - asos.com

Forever21 aviator shades
$5.80 - forever21.com

Union Red No.17
$30 - burberry.com

 

“DO” the LOOK

Black Pleather/Leather Leggings: If you don’t own any, this look still works well with black skinny jeans or dark-wash skinny jeans.

Ruffle Tank: Any black tank top would work, as long as it can be belted properly to focus in on the narrowest part of your body. A colored tank could also work here to add more pop or to incorporate your own personal style.

Black Blazer: *INVESTMENT PIECE* I have owned this black blazer for over six years and have worn it for multiple occasions, including casual daytime wear to dressing up for a New Year’s Eve party. You could wear a cardigan or some type of over shirt as well, but make sure it has structure, that’s what pulls the look together.

Gray/Metallic Skinny Belt: This is another place where a color could be incorporated if you have colored skinny belts. A skinny belt is suggested because there is so much else going on with the ruffles, the structure of the jacket and the snake skin. A big/wide belt could work, but might overwhelm the mix.

Snake Skin Heels: Basically any pair of neutral, dark or colored classic pumps or strappy heels would be great. I always make the shoes I wear about me and my personal style. I personally believe shoes are the easiest way to have fun and be you, so wear a pair that screams YOU!

Red Lipstick: All black allows for extreme makeup looks, whether its bright eye shadows or lipstick. If you don’t own red lipstick, try other shades such as a rich berry or classic pink. Otherwise playing up your eyes with bright blue, purple or teal shadow and a nude or toned down color lip would also look great.