Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Matchy Matchy

Shirt: Target, $13 // Shorts: Forever 21, $20 // Shoes: Urban Outfitters, gift // Necklace: JCPenney, $10 // Belt: Thrifted, $1

Pulling on a pair of black tights over the weekend felt a little wrong, but Saturday evening's chilly temperatures called for it. Luckily, the chic leather shorts and cheery coral accents appeased my craving for summery style.


Monday, May 30, 2011

Sale Rack Saga

Dress: Target, $6 // Jacket: yesstyle.com, purchased with credit // Shoes: Lucky Brand, courtesy of Lucky Magazine // Necklace: JCPenney, $10 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Bag: Courtesy of Le Mode Accessories

You all know I'm a serious bargain-hunter, but sometimes that can backfire. Often, I will cruise the sale rack or thrift store and buy items just because they're cheap. I'll say to myself, "I like this. I'll wear it at least once. And it's only $5!" Then I end up with heaps of stuff that I'm just so-so about instead of one or two items I truly love. Anyway, this dress was a mindless sale rack purchase, but I have faith that it was a worthwhile one! Sure, it's trendy, but it's also pretty basic, and I never tire of stripes! I wore it right after bringing it home on Friday evening to check out some local art openings. Only time will tell if it's a true keeper. And either way, I'm only out the price of a cocktail.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Sponsor Spotlight

Here are a few favorites from my May sponsors!


The English Regency Cream Lace Dress from LuLu*s. Little lace dresses are both trendy and timeless. The low back of this one is really the kicker for me, and it's under $50!

The Bursting in Happiness Necklace from Le Mode Accessories. This pretty piece combines my love of statement jewelry and shades of pink and orange.

The Soho Salt and Pepper Dress from Poetrie. Stripes are always a chic choice, and I adore how this frock cleverly combines horizontal and chevron patterns.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Hint of Neon

Dress: Target, secondhand, purchased with credit // Blazer: H&M, $20 // Belt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Steve Madden, $40 // Socks: Target, $2.50 // Necklace: Forever 21, $9

I've been a fan of the neon fad since it popped up on J.Crew a couple years back but have never really sported it myself. Now that the trend has trickled down to Target, I finally got on board with a pair of practically glowing socks. They added some excitement to an otherwise neutral look. How do you feel about neon?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Le Mode Accessories Exclusive

Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Shorts: Plato's Closet, $12 // Shoes: Ciao Bella via TJMaxx, $28 // Accessories: Courtesy of Le Mode Accessories

Sunday was summery, so I went for a simple outfit of short shorts and a sheer blouse. The gorgeous accessories are really what made the look! For a limited time only, Kansas Couture readers can purchase the earrings, necklace and clutch seen here exclusively through this Le Mode Accessories link! Quantities are limited, so if something suits your fancy, snag it! 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Wily Weather

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $15 // Sweater: Thrifted, $4 // Shoes: Old Navy, $10 // Headband: Urban Outfitters, $5

From chilly to rainy to muggy to sunny, the weather has been all over the place as of late, which has made getting dressed a bit confusing. Today's combination of a summery dress and an oversize sweater worked for me.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Flower Child

Dress: Patterson J. Kincaid, courtesy of 365Hangers.com & the Swapaholics // Necklace: Forever 21, $9 // Boots: Minnetonka, $40

Feeling rather free-spirited on Saturday, I donned a breezy bohemian ensemble for running errands and then a local outdoor show. The look kept me comfortable and carefree as I danced the night away.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Broken Record

Blazer: Ann Taylor, thrifted, $4 // Pants: GAP, purchased with gift certificate // Shirt: H&M, $10 // Shoes: Target, $10

One of these days I'm going to get sick of color-blocking and combinations involving pink, orange and red. Until then, I'm going to keep on keeping on.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Too Easy

Dress: Chequer, courtesy of 365Hangers.com & the Swapaholics // Shoes: Gianni Binni via Plato's Closet, $10 // Bag: Courtesy of Le Mode Accessories

After the Texas Style Council Conference, I was excited to receive an email from Punky of the Swapaholics saying I had won their swapped outfit contest. I got this dress with my gift certificate to 365Hangers.com. The great thing about a fabulous dress is how easy it is to throw on and go! It almost felt wrong how quickly I got dressed this morning. With this frock's pretty pink color, big bow sash and ruffle details, I didn't feel the need to add anything besides a few pops of color with my shoes, lips and bag. I do have the urge to grow my accessories collection, so I can add interest to simple dresses all summer long.


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Vintage Vibe

 Sweater: Beacon's Closet, $13 // Jeans: Goodwill, $5 // Shoes: Target, $15 // Necklace: Antique Mall, $6

I totally forgot about these culottes until I saw a Stella McCartney pair featured in a Who What Wear email. In keeping with the theme of rediscovery, I paired them with this sweet, long-neglected sweater. With a chunky wood necklace and cork platforms completing the look, I felt a bit '70s.


Monday, May 16, 2011

Date Night

Dress: Forever 21, $8 // Tights: Target, $5 // Boots: Thrifted, $4 // Necklace: Thrifted, $2

It's been rather chilly around here recently. I took advantage of the opportunity to wear tights and boots before the summer heat sets in. This is what I wore on Friday for dinner and a movie. I wanted to look cute but still stay comfortable, and this stretchy jersey dress definitely did the trick. Lucky for me, my date knows that outfit shots are an essential part of the evening. Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Boyish Charm

Shirt: Thrifted, $3 // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Scarf: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: 80%20 via Gilt, purchased with credit 

With the button-up shirt, "bow-tie," and oxfords, this look is decidedly menswear-inspired, but the pretty prints keep it super girly.

Also, I never heard from the Ruche giveaway winner. The new randomly selected winner is Blane.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Back to Black

Dress: Urban Outfitters, $10 // Shoes: Dolce Vita via Gilt, purchased with credit // Necklace: Forever 21, $9

I have a funny relationship with the color black. We've had our ups and downs, but we're in a good, healthy place now. I went through a phase in high school in which I only wore black t-shirts (with jeans and black Converse). Then there were a few years when I was convinced that black looked awful on me because of my coloring, and I could only wear warm colors. These days I tend to wear black in small doses. While this colorless combination is a bit unusual for me, sometimes all black just feels right. One thing is for sure, it'll never go out of style.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Among the Wildflowers

Dress: Forever 21, $24 // Shoes: JCPenney, $10 // Belt: Forever 21, $8 // Necklace: Vintage, $2 // Bag: Courtesy of Le Mode Accessories

With the balmy weather we've been having the past couple of days, my formula for getting dressed has stayed super simple: a dress plus accessories. Luckily, I have this gorgeous new bag to punch up basic ensembles.

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Livin' is Easy

Top: Free People via TJMaxx, gift // Shorts: Relic from high school // Shoes: Chinese Laundry via 6pm.com, $10

All of the sudden it feels like summer around here! I barely left my front porch yesterday, so I didn't feel the need to get too terribly gussied up. A tank and cut-offs did the trick. I've had and loved this striped top for years, but it feels especially relevant this season. I'm glad I hung onto it. Speaking of which, I've been trying to pare down my closet, and I'm having the hardest time! I never know what to get rid of and what to keep. Generally speaking, if I haven't worn it in ages, it makes sense to let it go. But I "rediscover" stuff all the time! Do you guys have any tips or tricks for cleaning out your closet?

Friday, May 6, 2011

Cinco de Mayo

Tunic: Gift // Jeans: Tilt via Plato's Closet, $18 // Shoes: JCPenney, $10

You know me... I like to get festive, so yesterday I took the opportunity to wear this pretty embroidered tunic that my mama got for me in Mexico. After the fun last night, I'm ready to take it easy. Currently I'm cuddling on the couch with my pup, getting ready to watch a movie and looking forward to a productive Saturday. Hope you have wonderful weekend!