Beach Fab

Who doesn't love a good day (or longer) at the beach? Now, I understand that not everyone lives in a place where there are white sand beaches, this is includes myself. So, fortunately, there are pools to help us escape the over bearing heat. Here are two fab looks to glam yourself up while cooling off. 

 This Net-A-Porter swimsuit is to die for. Literally, I am obsessed. Eat your heart out bikini's, this one piece will grab just as much attention, if not more. With the waist belt, and adorable floral design, this is nothing but perfection. This outfit is perfect for a pool party, or even an afternoon at the beach. Although it is a little dressy for the beach, I say, who cares when you look this good?

If you aren't really into getting all dolled up for the beach, then I suppose I understand. For a casual, fun day playing in the water and laying out in the sun, this outfit is perfect. Tell me these high waisted, distressed denim shorts aren't fabulous. I love them for throwing on before the beach. To keep cool, but still look fashionable, pair it with a fun fringe shirt. You can't really go wrong when dressing for the beach, but why not look great there, too?

PS-- Don't forget sun screen :)

How To {Drab to Fab}

Lets be honest, although a plain black dress is a great, classic piece, it is definitely not exciting or interesting when left alone. All too often I see people wearing a simple dress with nothing but a pair of black heels and calling that put together. While that may be fine and dandy, a little color and accessories can go a long way. What I see are too many people wearing with this kind of plain, ordinary, drab, boring, effortless dress: black flats or heels, cardigan simple necklace. That is a great outfit for a funeral or if your work has a strict dress code. But for real life, that shows zero personality and even less enthusiasm about what you are wearing. Try spicing things up a bit, throw on some color...it's not like nothing matches black. Here are some ideas.

To start lets add a belt. Belting can do so much with such a small accessory. It defines your weist, and adds more than just a seam to a plain dress. I like the red because it is bold, makes a statement, and it still professional for a work environment. (If red is just too scary for you to start with, you can still wear a black belt with gold metal work, or even a patent leather black belt).

Next, the shoes. Shoes are such an easy way to make an outfit instantly more fabulous. Any regular pair of boring black heels can work with this dress, but to spice it up try a chunky heel or even a navy pump. Navy and black do work well together, contrary to popular belief.

Almost done. Now for a jacket, maybe something a little colorful, especially if you opted for no belt. I love the black and white blazer, expecially with the red belt. If that is too loud for your work or personality, a structured blazer would add great layering to the look, as well ad a cardigan tucked into the belt.  If it wasn't work, I would obviously suggest leopard...duh. Either throw on the cardigan over the belt or belt the cardigan as well.

The last step to taking this dress from drab to fab is the accessories. Jewelry is a great way to glam up any outfit. So a simple gold necklace and earrings work well with the gold in the belt, as well as a watch, really go a long way in making this outfit polished and interesting. 

{Currently Craving: 2012 Style}

One of my new year's resolutions is to be more bold and adventurous with my style. I think I play it safe a little too much. I don't like edgy, neon or anything too wild. In theory, I love them. If I see someone else wearing leopard print pants I salute them. But when it comes to my personal style I don't think I practice what I preach, which is to try new things and experiment as much as you can. I tend to stick to my bubble of girly, preppy and "safe". Well no more! Things that I have never before thought were "me" are going to make a debut this year. Bright colors, bold patterns, edgy boots and jackets, leather, and much more are about to make their way into my closet. Here is a list of just a few fun things I plan on introducing myself to.

While all of these things are not crazy, or wild, they are not things I would usually pick out to wear. The first dress on the list is by far my favorite item, I would normally not wear something this bright, but this dress is to die for.  I want to actually get some good tweed pieces this year, as well as more hats and big flowers to channel by innter Carrie Bradshaw.


1. Net-a-porter
2. Nordstrom
3. The Outnet
4. Alexander McQueen
5. Balenciaga
6. J Brand violet skinny
7. Hat via Nordstrom
8. Net-a-porter
9. Flower via Norstrom