on the hunt: one-piece swimsuit

I feel like this year's options when it comes to one-pieces are a lot better than it has been other seasons. I have a hard time when it comes to swim suit shopping because I like coverage which apparently swim suit brands don't believe in (at least not in conjunction with a cute pattern). I found a bunch through online searching and found a surprisingly great selection at Old Navy the other day.

The middle black number was the winner for my upcoming trip to Miami. 

From top: Arrowhead Ikat Tank suit from J.Crew, Bandeau One-piece from Gap, Ruched suit from Old Navy, Pink one-piece from American Eagle, Polka-dot Ruched Underwire Tank suit from J.Crew, Striped Bandeau from Old Navy

orla kiely spring collection

Orla Kiely has some beautiful new pieces in her spring collection that I am drooling over. I'll be keeping an eye out for similar styles in a more affordable price range.

Left to right: Double Cotton Pinafore Dress, Pleated Silk Boat Neck Dress, Ottoman Strappy Dress

new dresses

I have some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket and spring has made it to Savannah. I am ready for flow-y, light dresses, sandals and no tights. Actually, I like tights; I am sad when it becomes to warm to wear them.

I'm currently eying these lovelies who were all in the running as birthday dresses but lost out because they were only available online.

1. Coincidence & Chance Short Sleeved Chiffon Dress, $59  2. Cooperative Knit Twill Circle Dress, $59  3. Coincidence & Chance Revel Dress, $79

if i were rich...

I would shop exclusively at Steven Alan. Ok, maybe not exclusively...but I could definitely do some damage.

1. Libby Dress, $125-$149  2. Fairchild Dress, $169
3. 3/4 Sleeve 50s Dress, $259 4. Willow Dress, $119

taking to heart

I read the following advice on BrownChickenBrownCow a few days ago and it has stayed with me.

"Only own clothes in which you’d feel comfortable letting your partner pack for a surprise getaway without your input." 

I'm definitely the type to have a stash of clothes in the back of my closet that I don't wear but I can't bring myself to get rid of. I think this is the kick in the butt I needed to finally take a good hard look at the things I don't wear and edit my wardrobe. 

darling oxfords

I've fallen in love with the oxford style lately. I found so many great deals on cute pairs while shopping on Black Friday (yes, I was one of those) and didn't pounce on any but luckily I have found some great options online.





top to bottom:
1. SM Oxford Flat, DSW, $49.95 2. Envy Tango Oxford, DSW, $59.95
3. & 4. Bursley, Aldo, $41.99 5. Ann Marino Library Oxford, DSW, $44.95 6. Audrey Brooke Stake Oxford, DSW, $69.95

party dresses

If I had money to spare and a great holiday party to attend I've have a hard time choosing.

Both from Madewell.

summer lovin'

I've suffered through a string of steamy 90+ July days lately without adequate air conditioning. These hot Midwest days make flowy summer dresses a necessity.

All from Ruche. All darling.

the uniform project pt. II

The Uniform Project that I posted on way back when released the dress for sale. It was a little out of my price range so I had to pass but they just released the dress pattern. For an additional twenty dollars they supply you with fabric and buttons as well.

I'm tempted.

My apparel sewing skills are rusty but I love the dress enough to try to tackle this. Find the dress and pattern here.

i'm drawn to this...

DailyCandy email dropped this gem in my inbox a few days ago. I don't know why I love it so much...maybe because it's looks ridiculously comfortable and the tie-dye is a mature take on what we used to spend summer afternoons creating in the backyard.

Find more of Mina Stone's collection here.

hat hunting

The beautiful weather these past few weeks has quickly reminded me that the sun and I are not friends. This summer, in addition to my over-sized sunglasses and 70 spf sunscreen, I've decided to add a hat to protect myself. Anthropologie has a gorgeous collection that I fall in love with each year. Now I just need to narrow it down to just one!Twined Ribbon Cloche, Best-of-Both Hat, Spring Dive Hat, and Baker Cloche all from Anthropologie

a little spot of green

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy a little green number for a green filled day!

The Dress is always Greener from ModCloth

lauren conrad for kohl's

I admit it, I have a tendency to turn my nose up at Kohl's until I go and remember some of the deals that can be had on some super cute lines. Joining the likes of Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad recently debuted her new line (I'm sure she calls it her more "affordable" line) in stores. There is a Kohl's near work that I sometimes wander on my lunch break to get away from the office. Like any store, I find it very hit or miss but today I was blown away. I think the main reason I am so drawn to her dresses is their length. I've become so accustom to the current trend of dangerously short hemlines that I forget how flattering a dress can be that hits right above the knee. The floral chiffon dress was my favorite. I didn't see the white, sequin sheath in the store but I love the cut.
Floral Chiffon Dress / Ruffled Dress / Sequin Sheath Dress Set / Motorcycle Jacket
All available in stores and online here

lace up riding boots

Riding boots are my current shoe obsession. I have fallen in love with the lace up style and decided to track down some of my favorite variations.



Tall Vintage Brown Leather Lace Up Riding Boots from SuperKitsch Etsy shop / Ariat Heritage II Field Boot from Rod's / Frye Melissa Riding Tall Boot from Zappos / Vintage Brown lace up Riding Boot from Nstylevintage Etsy shop / Romana Leather Riding Boot from Delia's

mad men fashion

I'm in the midst of catching up on my Mad Men, and am thoroughly obsessed. So much so that I have gotten NOTHING accomplished this week. Like so many others, the 60s fashion makes me drool. I love how each character's personality comes through in their dress and the detail and personal style is apparent down to every last individual secretary. Mad Men has made such an impact on this season's trends that the influence of the 60s is everywhere. If you want to dress like Mad Men's three leading ladies, here are a couple of outfits to get you started.

Betty Draper – Her flowery house dresses and lavish Manhattan dinner gowns make her a housewife to be envied. Furthermore, I lust after her riding boots each time she goes for a ride.

Rose-Print Sally Dress from Fred Flare / Saving Lace Coat from Modcloth / Ralph Lauren "Stara" Riding Boots from Bloomingdale's / Ariat Challenge Field Boot from Equestrian Collections

Peggy Olson – Dressing for the office never looked so good. Peggy's style gets better with every episode, as does her ability to handle the boys.
Fifties Sitcom Dress / Cinnamon Girl Dress / Dewey Decimal Dress, all from Modcloth / Stop Staring Dress from Unique Vintage / Style Promotion Dress from Modcloth Miss Darling Dress from Modcloth

Joan Harris – Who knew the hourglass figure could get an even bigger boost. Living vicariously through Joan is guaranteed to never be boring.

Sally Jane Dress / Plum-Perfect Posies Dress / Showstopper Dress,
all from ModCloth,

christmas list making

I'm still in search of a coat. It's on my Christmas list so I've been searching all my usual stores and sites but have come up a bit disappointed. I did find a few possibilities along with some adorable dresses that I have absolutely no need of but couldn't help but bookmarking (new year's?). What makes the revue coat (far right) from anthropologie extra cute is the mismatched buttons that go down the back.

silence & noise pleated back wool coat from urban outfitters / poinsettia coat from modcloth / revue coat from anthropologie

Beautiful but unneeded (for the moment).

blue roses dress from modcloth / tide is high dress from modcloth

chilly weather has put me in search of a new coat

Love the color, love the toggles, love the collar. Love it enough to buy?
From Mod Cloth

my sister is getting married!

The oldest Scott girl is officially engaged and my head is already swirling with ideas for her wedding which is 12 months away. I've been saving all my good ones for her! Below is some of my preliminary ideas for her...

 

1. 100 Layer Cake  2. Once Wed  3. Tec Petaja  4. Once Wed  5. Bird and Banner  6. Tec Petaja  7. Sohomode Etsy Shop  8. Warm Country Meadow Etsy Shop  9. Once Wed  10. CiCi Bridal Etsy Shop

hello autumn!

I've had to restrain myself from throwing on tights these last few chilly mornings. I have to remind myself that by 11 am I'll be regretting it when it hits 80 degrees. However, now that it's the official first day of fall the tights shall be brought out from the back of the drawer and become an outfit staple. With such a variety to choose from I gathered some of my favorites to share.

Plaid / Cable Knit in Grey / Classic Tights in Navy / Shimmer in Black

First up, American Eagle has an enormous selection that are inexpensive enough you that you don't have to feel guilty buying a different pair for each day of the week.

Grooved Channels Tights in Grey / Blush Grove Tights / Loops and Lines Tights

These beauties are from Anthropologie and very reasonably priced at $18 each. A pair of these could spice up the basics I've been trying to stock up on.

Other great resources for tights are Gap and Target. They are super cheap so you can stock up on the basic opaque and colored ones, also you won't feel guilty when you snag the darn things.

braids

I was inspired to learn how to french braid today.





















lovely picture found via flickr