Psyched for Style.

Hair Tip: The Upside Down Shower Routine

2012-02-09T05:00:00.001-06:00

{yes, I know this photo is upside down.}

I'm here today with a little hair tip that has been working for me lately: the upside down shower routine.

But first, let me describe my right-side up shower routine:

1. Wash face.

2. Wash hair.

3. Wash body.

4. Condition hair.

I'd guess that this is more or less how most people shower, with the emphasis on 'condition hair' being close to the end.

Now here's the problem. I know that one is not supposed to wash one's hair every day, as it can dry the hair out something fierce. But what about those of us who can. not. stand. dirty head feeling? You know, the people who *must* wash their hair every day.

I've figured it out. And it's about turning things upside down:

1. Before getting in the shower, put a generous amount of conditioning product on your dry ends. Just the ends. Clip your ends up on top of your head. (This will seal your ends from the drying effects of the shampoo.)

2. Get in shower.

3. Wash face.

4. Wash body.

5. Now wet your hair and wash the scalp and nearby hair, not paying any attention to the conditioned ends. (The ends will be wet and very saturated by conditioning product now.)

6. Rinse your whole head, letting the suds run over your (mostly) conditioner-sealed ends.

7. Re-condition your ends as you normally would, if desired.

I have been alternating the upside-down routine with my regular shower routine every other day, and my hair is SO much happier. My hair feels very clean, and my ends feel so much softer. Once a week I do use a clarifying shampoo to get a nice deep clean.

Have you all tried sealing off your ends or any other useful shower tricks?

Blue and Camel

2012-02-07T07:12:00.001-06:00

Blazer & Pants - Loft

Blouse- J. Crew

Necklace - F21

Just a quick post this morning-- it's a busy, busy week. I hope you all are having a great start to the week!

Fashion Attack: Tory

2012-02-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

{via}

I saw this photo on Tory's blog a couple weeks ago and almost fell over. Could a portrait be any more stunning?

That is all.

Just a quick fashion attack today.

Le sigh.

Late to the Party

2012-01-31T05:00:00.001-06:00

Blouse - F21

Jeans - AT Loft

Boots- Bare Traps (looooove them!) via DSW

I'm really getting into this jeans/boots thing. At times I am late to the party on certain fashion trends.
Do you all experience the same phenomenon? What trends have you been hesitant to try, only to find that you love them?

Shoe Storage (and another peek into my closet)

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

One of the challenges of living in the condo is figuring out how to make the most of our space. When we first moved in, I had a shelf in the closet to hold my shoes. In the last few weeks, I saw some photos online of crown moulding used to hang high heels. I liked the idea, but didn't want to put up large boards in the closet, as we're not sure how long we'll be living here. I swung by Home Depot and looked through their trim section to find something that was low-profile and that wouldn't turn off a potential buyer down the road.

I settled on the low-profile trim pieces above and had the pieces cut at the store. Hubby tapped them into the wall with finishing nails and painted then the color of the wall for a seamless look. My heels hang on them quite well, and I love how open our closet feels now! (Cone-shaped heels and boots don't work too well, so they're on the floor below.)

I highly recommend this storage solution!

Gingham and Bubbles

2012-01-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

{Everything is J. Crew except the Bandolino Shoes.}

I'm so happy that J. Crew has recently re-issued the bubble necklace! I usually pair my bubble necklace with a very plain top, but here I've decided to have some fun pairing it with gingham. Keeping the colors consistent was the key to making this bold pairing work.

Shop this look* below:

Necklaces at Max & Chloe

Casual Fare

2012-01-19T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hubby and I threw a small birthday party for his mom a couple weeks ago. We opted for a low-key comfort food menu consisting of the following:

1. Caprese salad skewers (thanks, Pinterest!)

2. Bean and Pepper salad:
Boil water; pop green beans in for 60 sec, then shock in ice bath immediately.
Sliced red and yellow bell peppers
Cannellini beans
Capers
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Coarsely-ground black pepper

3. Sweet potato fries and ketchup

4. Pizza with white truffle oil, mascarpone, arugula, figs, and fresh mozzarella

5. Baked macaroni and cheese (layer cheese and al dente noodles with a little onion salt, black pepper, and butter; fill bottom of pan 1/4" with milk; bake till bubbly.)

6. Funky potato chips and breadsticks

7. Cupcakes (not pictured)

It was nice to serve a varied menu of hot and cold foods that people could casually snack on. The pizza and mac-n-cheese were the starts of the show, naturally. Warm and cheesy gets 'em every time!

What do you all serve for casual fare?

Snake Skin

2012-01-17T05:00:00.002-06:00

Blouse: LOFT

Pants: Gap

Boots: Bare Traps (DSW)

Necklaces: Francesca's and F21

Hubby and I went to a Belgian restaurant the other night and had a fantastic dinner: mussels, frites, lobster, and steak au poivre. It was the best dinner I've had in months. This is what I wore on this semi-chilly date night.

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by clicking below:

Longsleeve Tops by JLO by Jennifer Lopez

A Bun in the Oven: Winter 2012

2012-01-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Several readers have asked me for another "Bun in the Oven" post, so I'm back today with more selections for the winter months. Perhaps I'll make this a seasonal feature.

Maternity Skirts by A Pea in the Pod

As always, I recommend sticking with a neutral color palette for the bulk of one's maternity wardrobe so that mixing and matching options are greatest. To keep things interesting, I like to play with textures and layers and add visual interest with jewelry.

Warm Winter Day

2012-01-10T05:00:00.005-06:00

We've had a few warm days in my city this winter, and it's been somewhat of a challenge to dress for them.

Here, I wore some rich red tones with a beige cardigan. I have worn this red pencil skirt a lot in recent months. For such a bold piece, it's really quite versatile.

Variations:

1. Belt the cardigan.

2. Swap the cardigan for a camel blazer.

3. Swap the skirt for navy pants and add closed-toed shoes or boots on a cooler day.

Shop this look* by scrolling below:

Plus Skirts at ModCloth

Petite Fashion Challenge #12

2012-01-05T19:00:00.002-06:00

It's time for another Petite Fashion Challenge!

Today's challenge was offered by the fabulous blogger Khatu, who asked us to "Restyle a glamorous look that you would typically wear for a night-out-on-the-town into daytime casual wear. Easy right? Bonus points if you can restyle it for work!"

Here's my evening look.

Dress: Loft

Sash: J. Crew

Casual Look #1

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Leggings: Hue

Belt: Ann Taylor

Necklace: Forever 21

Casual Look #2

Jeans: Loft

Wear-to-Work

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Skirt: Loft

This is the most fun I've had with a Petite Fashion Challenge to date! I feel like I could have kept going and going with the styling options! I can't wait to see how my neighbor bloggers tackled this challenge. Please join me in checking them out over at Khatu's blog!

Shop this look* in a variety of sized and price points by clicking below:

Black Dresses by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Wonder Woman

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy new year, everyone! I hope you all had a restful holiday season.

I had a wonderful two weeks at home with Hubby and Little One. We tried new recipes, entertained a bit, conquered some household tasks, and I even did a little painting and felt flower making. (More on that later.)

One of my big fashion adventures over the holiday break was to buy my first pair of tall boots! I am a little slow to try trends at times, but this look seems to be here to stay-- at least in my region of the country. When I tried on this pair of boots at the store, I immediately fell in love... with feeling like Wonder Woman!

I wore the outfit above while running some errands on a chilly day. And I saved the world while doing so.

Variations:

1. Wear the boots on the inside of the jeans.

2. Swap the orange necklace for a turquoise one.

3. Add a belt to the sweater.

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Bootcut Denim by Not Your Daughter's Jeans

On Holiday

2011-12-21T13:26:00.000-06:00

I'm taking a little holiday from Psyched for Style until the first of the year.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season.

See you all in 2012!

Bauble Bar

2011-12-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

I recently discovered Bauble Bar, a relatively inexpensive source of beautiful costume jewelry. Have you all shopped Bauble Bar? I'd love to hear about your experiences with them!

Scroll below* to shop my selections for the holiday season and beyond:

Earrings by BaubleBar

Tree Trimming 2011

2011-12-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

Little One insisted on staying in his pajamas for the party.

It was just a family party, so I let it slide.

I had some of my family in town the first weekend of December, and following an evening Christmas "eve" concert, we did a full day of "pre-Christmas," culminating in our annual tree trimming dinner party.

We started the morning with the recipes I planned (here), but I forgot to take photos due to all the excitement! The fruit tree would have been cuter, had I not cut the fruit into child-sized (you know, quartered grapes) portions. But it was still cute. The breakfast ring was delicious and was so easy. Little One ate and ate and ate...

Then we opened presents. That part was really fun, and at one point I was in such belief that it was actually Christmas that I got confused when I saw/heard a moving van in front of the condo... I thought 'who would be moving on Christmas?!' Among the favorites were some vintage Givenchy jewelry pieces for me (post to come!), a really cool tie for Hubby (don't count on a post!), and an easel and a huge velvet Santa bag (no joke) full of art supplies for Little One.

Then we went downtown to a holiday street fair of sorts... And then it was nap time for Little One.

When nap time was over, the tree trimming commenced. We ~~hauled out the holly~~ listened to Christmas music and served cocktails, cheese, crackers, and popcorn with cranberries while we trimmed the tree. (We bought a little cheap-o tree at Target for the condo... the people who are renting our house are borrowing the 12-footer.)

Dinner was baked ravioli with sausage, spinach salad, and rosemary bread. Dessert was the Santa hat cake and gingerbread cookies. (Click here to see last year's snowman cake-- my favorite thus far.)

I really love this family tradition.

Do you all do special tree trimming events?

Feeling Blue

2011-12-12T05:00:00.002-06:00

I love layering a thin crew-neck sweater under a short-sleeved blouse when the weather turns chilly. Here, I've gone with a monochromatic scheme with some pattern and texture in the necklace.

Variations:

1. Add a grey blazer.

2. Belt the blouse.

3. Tuck the blouse into a black pencil skirt.

Shop this look* in a variety of sized and price points by scrolling below:

Shortsleeve Tops at Bluefly

Fashion Attack: In the City With Crystalin {Tumblr}

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

{via}

Okay. This isn't a typical Fashion Attack post... but then again, Crystalin's Tumblr is not a typical Tumblr. All of the photos she posts are stunning, but the clothing photos are truly breathtaking. Go bookmark this site now, folks... you'll be glad you did!

{See my other Fashion Attack posts by clicking 'Fashion Attack' in the features area on the right-hand side of this page.}

Color Call: Emerald

2011-12-07T05:00:00.002-06:00

Tunics by Patterson J. Kincaid

I am craving a deeply saturated emerald green right now. These are my picks in a variety of pieces this season. Enjoy!

Neutrals, Pattern, and Shine

2011-12-05T05:00:00.001-06:00

I love neutrals, but they can be a little flat at times. Here, I've mixed my neutrals and have played with pattern and shine to give this outfit a little personality.

Variations:

1. Swap the skirt for camel trousers and add a nice closed-toe shoe.

2. Add a black jacket or cardigan.

3. Winterize this outfit with tights and boots.

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by clicking below:

Mid-length Skirts by Ann Taylor

Weekend Agenda

2011-12-02T05:00:00.004-06:00

{via}

This weekend is our annual tree trimming party {see last year's party photos here}. The event is an intimate gathering of family with food, wine, Christmas music... and tree trimming of course! We'll be kicking off the weekend with a local Christmas concert tonight, and then our tree trimming party will be tomorrow afternoon. Some of my family will be in town, so it will be even more fun! I'm planning to serve that breakfast ring tomorrow morning. How delicious does that look?!

By the way, I found the recipes via the one and only...

{It has been consuming my life lately!}

You can find my on Pinterest as 'Psychedforstyle.' I'll admit that I haven't pinned any original pins yet, but I love re-pinning others' incredible finds! If you haven't checked out the Pinterest community yet, I highly recommend doing so!

Carnival Birthday

2011-11-30T05:00:00.001-06:00

Little One recently turned the big 3!

The morning started with presents from Hubby & me.

Then we had a party for just over 50 friends and family members

at a local place that has old-fashioned carnival rides for kids.

Cake; red and white paper straws.

There were cupcakes with multi-colored nonpareils that I did not get a photo of...

It kills me because my MIL and I worked so hard on the cupcake toppers. :-(

This is the best photo I was able to snap of the buffet.

Little One was quite taken with it, as you can see!

We had old-fashioned lollipops, licorice, pretzel rods, kettle corn, and peanuts.

We encouraged the adults to fix bowls of snacks that they could take with them while watching their kids on the rides.

Lollipops with Little One's name and '3.'

It was insanely windy, so the tables looked a bit messy.

(And please excuse the ugly staging ground in the back.)

And the wind prevented me from putting out the centerpieces-- giant pinwheels I had made for the kids.

They were literally flying apart!

The cake was delicious, but fondant is hard to cut!

In all, it was a great party despite the wind and chilly temperatures.

I realized that I really prefer to have parties indoors or in a more private venue...

but Little One wanted his party here, so I did my best to deliver!

Little Black Clutch

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Clutches by Kate Spade

A friend of mine is looking for a new little black handbag (actually, I am, too!), so I told her that I'd pull a few looks together for her on Psyched for Style. I particularly like the ones that offer a cross-body chain option. I love options!

Cargo and Crochet

2011-11-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Mixing masculine and feminine elements is a great way to make an outfit interesting. Here, I've paired an olive-green cargo-type jacket with a cream-colored crochet sweater. The textures in this outfit keep the eye moving, and the thin copper belt adds a little shine.

I've linked up this post at Patti's Visible Monday... come on over and check out some other submissions!

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Casual Jackets by Levi's

Two Flowers

2011-11-21T05:00:00.002-06:00

cardigan & feather pin - Loft

blouse - Ann Taylor

skirt & belt - J. Crew

black flower pin - I've had it forever-- source unknown

shoes - Bandolino

There are 'flower people' and there are 'not-flower people.' I am a flower person, and today I'm wearing two!

If you are flower-shy but are tempted to experiment, start with a simple flower in a neutral color. You can then test the waters to see if wearing a flower works for you.

Variations:
1. Lose the flowers and add a necklace.
2. Add tights and close-toed shoes in cooler weather.
3. In warmer weather, lose the cardigan and add a scarf.

Shop this look* in a variety of price points by clicking below:

Pins by Coldwater Creek

Big Boy Bed: Mission Accomplished!

2011-11-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Little One's crib converted into this full-sized bed.

We added a linen crib skirt that matches his Roman shade. (Thank you, MIL!)

We had to rearrange his room a bit.

His big chair is now in our play room, and his table and chairs are now in his room.

Lizard puppets in a basket keep watch over the room.

Sorry, Serena and Lily. I found this bedding at Overstock (quilt), Macy's (sheets), and Target (throw pillows). I just don't trust Little One with expensive bedding at this stage in his life.

Lamp and shade are from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

A little reading nook.

I need to remove the back piece from the dresser, as it no longer serves as a changing table.

(High five!)

PB Kids fire truck (thanks, Sherry!) sits atop ~~antique~~ well-loved Little Bear books from my childhood.

My, how that sweet little foot has grown!

A brass "doorbell" is an extra level of notification, should Little One try

to leave his room during the night. (He is excellent at staying put, thank goodness!)

View from Little One's perspective.

Moravian star lanterns.

View from the bed.

To see the inspiration for Little One's big boy bed, click here.
To see Little One's room with the crib and the rocking chair, click here.

It's interesting-- I was so sad the last night L.O. spent the night in his crib because it meant that he really was growing up. After all, he looked huge in that time crib! But seeing him in his big boy bed, I realize how little he still is. Sigh.

Cocktail Time

2011-11-16T05:00:00.003-06:00

Cocktail party season is upon us!
Scroll below to check out my favorite affordable looks in a variety of sizes and price points.*

Cocktail Dresses by Lauren Ralph Lauren

Ms. Mix A Lot (A Hair Recipe)

2011-11-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

My Aveda Stylist taught me the coolest recipe for pumping up volume in my hair, and I'm here to share.
(The amounts are for a-little-longer-than-collar-bone-length hair.)

1. Mix a nickle-sized amount of this:

2. With three pumps of this:

3. Apply to your roots-- starting at the crown, working down the back of the head, then working through the sides and front.

4. Comb through.

5. Blow dry each section of your hair in the opposite direction that you will wear it.

Et voila!

Hitting the Links

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've been loving gold link bracelets lately, and have been keeping my eyes open for the perfect one... at the perfect price point. I have a hard time spending a lot of money for costume jewelry, so these five bracelets are likely contenders. I"m leaning toward #2 or #3.

Which one would you choose?

Bracelets at Dillard's

Fashion Attack: A Long(enecker) Story Short

2011-11-04T05:00:00.002-05:00

{a long(enecker) story short}

Why I love Kristin's look: Kristin Longenecker has a true gift when it comes to playing with an oxford shirt. {See more examples here.} I love how she layered her oxford in this outfit with a gorgeous, cable-knit camel sweater. The texture of the sweater is repeated in her gold bracelet, which is a great continuation of detail... and the textures play nicely off of her smooth leather clutch. Genius! Kristin went a step further and modernized the look by leaving the shirt untucked and adding an unexpected pair of yellow flats. Kristin is quickly becoming one of my favorite bloggers. Go check her out, my friends!

{Be sure to check out other Fashion Attack! posts by clicking Fashion Attack! in the features cloud on the right-hand side of this page.}

Halloween 2011: Part 2

2011-11-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Little One was a dinosaur. He loved shouting "ROAR!"

And yes, I have two pair of sunglasses on my head...

Happy Halloween!

Lob Love

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

I recently cut a few inches off of my hair, going back to a lob, or a long bob. I have had some variation of a bob for years, and I just keep coming back to it again and again and again. . .

While Olivia Palermo's actions on The City were cringe-worthy, one must admit that she has amazing hair and is an amazing dresser. The woman is just fun to watch. I took a few of these photos to the salon to demonstrate the length I wanted: Short enough to not be long, and long enough to not be short. In other words, a (mostly) blunt lob.

Since my cut, I've had a ball with my hair. Perfectly straight on day one; wavy on day two; flipped on day three. And it's not humid right now, so it's even more amazing!

Do you all lob?

Halloween 2011 Part 1

2011-10-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

I was the Queen of Hearts... a little sweet, a little crazy...

And just wait till you see where my inspiration came from...

{via}

Hubby didn't shave for three days for authenticity...

And earlier in the day on Saturday, we threw a Halloween party for Little One.

Here's what he wore:

(he was doing his Ghostbusters dance!)

And here are some party photos:

Everyone took home a 'trick' bag and a 'treat' bag.

{treat}

{trick: stickers, play dough, pumpkin straw, etc.}

Halloween beach balls via

water & cider

veggies, pretzels, & apple slices

pizzas arrived later... we had so many extras that we were sending families home with whole pizzas!

yum.

you know me and my cupcake trees!

dessert table

I'll do a quick post on Little One's costume later in the week, as this was a 'spooky playclothes' party.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

All I Ever Needed to Know About Beauty I Learned on YouTube, Part 5

2011-10-28T05:00:00.003-05:00

This post is for women with mid-length to long hair who are looking for a half-up style that is not reminiscent of the high-school half-up.

Here is her lovely finished product:

{via}

And here is my first attempt, in awful lighting, and with just two cross-overs:

(I need to practice a bit, and yes, my hair has been cut since then, but you get the point...)

I really like the height that the first section creates. I had never thought to use bobby pins to secure that nice bump. YouTube really is a wonderful thing!

And if you've missed my other "All I Ever Needed to Know" posts, check them out here (a killer ponytail), here (concealing under-eye circles like a pro), here (tightlining), and here (voluminous bun).

So have you all tried the elegant half-up? If you try it out, please share how it worked for you!

Petite Fashion Challenge: Vacation Vogue

2011-10-25T19:00:00.001-05:00

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge was offered by Ski Petite. She challenged us to "Put together an outfit made for sightseeing. It should be one that will be comfortable for walking around in and can last you from the early morning until dinner and drinks in the evening. Plus, you're on vacation, so you'd better make sure you look good in photos, which you'll have for years to come. You can choose just one outfit but vary it by adding or taking off layers or accessories to take you from the a.m. to the p.m. and make one outfit easier to last through the day."

Regretfully, the photo of me without the jacket (the dinner look) came out blurry. But the idea here was to have an outfit with layers, sparkle, and some ruffle that could be casual and comfortable by day and ladylike for a nice dinner.

I'm so excited to see the "Vacation Vogue" looks submitted by my neighbor bloggers. Please join me over at Ski Petite to check them out! And thank you, Ski Petite, for hosting this Petite Fashion Challenge!

Color Blocking: Brights & Neutrals

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Blouse: ???

Belt & Skirt: J. Crew

Cardigan: Banana Republic

Shoes: Bandolino

I bought this blouse this summer, as the color was quite different from the other colors in my wardrobe. After staring at it for a couple months, I finally decided to bring it out and play with it. I paired it with a bright coral-colored skirt, equal in saturation, and then toned it down with a beige cardigan. The outfit felt a bit flat, so I added a neutral yet printed belt with a simple buckle.

Variations:

1. Swap the coral skirt for a navy skirt.

2. Swap the beige cardigan for a navy cardigan.

3. Place the belt on the inside of the cardigan.

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Plus Tops by Eileen Fisher

If it's good enough for Goldie...

2011-10-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm currently using Bobbi's eye cream, of course.

I read somewhere that when Goldie Hawn wakes up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, she reapplies another layer of eye cream for extra hydration. I tried it last night, and I must say that my under-eye area was extra smooth this morning. Just leave your eye cream by the sink so that you don't have to dig for it in the dark!

A Bun in the Oven: Fall 2011

2011-10-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

Maternity Dresses by A Pea in the Pod

A reader asked me to share my picks for maternity looks this season. When shopping for maternity clothes, it is best to think of creating a capsule wardrobe with pieces that play well together. Neutrals with some pattern and texture can stretch one's maternity wardrobe dollar pretty far. Throw in a few hits of color and some textured jewelry, and this special wardrobe will come right to life!

{And, no, I am not preggers!}

Lavender and Spots

2011-10-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Cardi & Necklace - J. Crew

Blouse - Ann Taylor

Skirt - AT Loft

Bracelet - Off Fifth

Shoes - Bandolino

When I first bought this skirt, I had no idea what to pair it with. In fact, a favorite blogger who works at AT Loft even wrote a post for me with pairing suggestions! (Don't you love the blogging community?!) I now wear this skirt with some regularity. The pairing possibilities are truly endless.

Variations:
1. Swap the lavender cardigan for a cardigan in virtually any other color.
2. Wear a funnel-neck sweater, tights, and closed-toed shoes (or boots) in colder weather.
3. Swap the cardigan for a silk blouse-- perhaps in a midnight blue?

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Cardigans by Boden

Anne, meet Cori.

2011-10-14T05:00:00.005-05:00

{images via here and here}

Anne, meet Cori.

Let me back up for a minute. I believe I stumbled upon Cori's blog, La Vie Petite through a Petite Fashion Challenge a while back. She may have been a participant, or she may have been on a participant's blogroll. In any event, she is gorgeous, stylish, and a maker of fabulous skirts. In fact, one of my besties (a tall woman!) actually purchased a couple of her skirts and just LOVES them.

So I was surfing the web the other day, and I stumbled upon Anne M. Cramer. I immediately fell in love, but also couldn't help but notice that Anne and Cori have a very similar aesthetic. Of course, I forwarded Anne's link to my friend as well, as I knew she would be in love, just as I am.

Anyhow,

Anne, meet Cori;

Cori, Anne.

I think you two will get along swimmingly.

Jello Shots for Grown-Ups

2011-10-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

{all images via}

If you're anything like me, you're looking at these photos and cursing the fact that you didn't think of this brilliant idea first. I have to hand it to Michelle over at the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen: she is beyond genius. Just look at these beautiful little works of art! I just wonder how hard it is to make these puppies. I think I'll add this to my culinary bucket list.

Have any of you made these?

Fashion Attack: Lucy Laucht

2011-10-07T05:00:00.004-05:00

{Lucy Laucht}

I'm back today with another installment of Fashion Attack! As a refresher, on the first Friday of the month, I'll feature a blogger who has posted an outfit in the prior month that I would be moved to compliment if I saw her out and about in that outfit. It might be an outfit that I would wear myself, or it might be an outfit that this particular blogger is just plain rocking.

Why I love Lucy's look: First of all, I remember the first time I stumbled upon Lucy's blog. I spent an hour {or more!} poring over the archives of her outfit photos. Lucy has a special gift for pulling together gorgeous colors and textures in a truly artful and unique manner. Okay, back to why I love this outfit. First of all, red is a hot color this season, but it can be a tricky color to wear well. I love Lucy's neutral pairing, but what I really love is how she used an immensely creative sash-and-pin combination to give this outfit personality. The texture of the belt is so rugged, and pairing it with such a refined vintage pin was absolute genius. I emailed Lucy to ask her permission to feature her in this series the second I saw this particular outfit post-- it was a true Fashion Attack!

{Be sure to check out other Fashion Attack! posts by clicking Fashion Attack! in the features cloud on the right-hand side of this page.}

Working from Home

2011-10-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

I was recently asked how one might dress to look 'more pulled together' when working from home. The answer will vary based on the type of work a woman does in the home, but in this case, the woman who asked me does a lot of work on her computer. I've pulled together several easy-yet-polished looks below for a woman who spends a lot of time on the computer at home (e.g., author, home-based business owner, graduate student, etc.), but first I'll offer some general advice: Think about your typical work at home 'uniform' and dress it up by 10%.

For example:

- Instead of a free giveaway t-shirt, try a dressier t-shirt (e.g., one with some pleating detail).
- Instead of sweatpants, try some crisp black yoga pants.
- Instead of faded denim, try a nice uniform dark-washed pair of jeans.
- Adding a simple necklace to a plain t-shirt or blouse can add texture and interest with minimal effort.

Button Front Tops by LOFT

Outfit: Pumpkin and Ink

2011-10-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cardi & Skirt - J. Crew

Blouse - Ann Taylor

Pin - AT Loft

Bracelets - Forever 21

Shoes - Bandolino

I recently wore this outfit to a luncheon with some female business owners in my town. I usually reach for classic silhouettes, but I decided to punch up my look with some bold color blocking. I added a feather pin and a couple sparkly bracelets, both in the palette of the outfit, for a little texture and shine.

Variations:

1. Swap the skirt for dark-rinse jeans.

2. Swap the pin for a gold or tortoiseshell necklace.

3. Swap the pumpkin cardigan for a beige one.

Shop this look* in a variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Cardigans by J.Crew

My Big Black Bag

2011-09-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

{Mine does not have embroidery.}

I have a brand new big black bag, and I LOVE it. It is a giant, sturdy rectangular tote with two handles, and it even has a metal frame stitched into it that helps it to stand open and at attention! It is the 'large utility tote' from Thirty-One, a bag company that operates through representatives, much like Stella and Dot.

I knew I had to have a big black bag when I saw a girlfriend of mine with her monogrammed "Game Night" utility tote. She is a board game fanatic and typically brings a bag of games with her to gatherings, you know, just in case. I commented on the unbelievable genius of her gigantic tote bag, as I was envisioning keeping one in my trunk to load with grocery bags to bring into the house. She said that she loves her bag and actually has more than one.

I was promptly hooked up with her bag dealer {wow, that sounds scandalous!}, and am finding so many uses for my big black bag that I am hoping to get another one soon. I use my bag to bring groceries in, as planned, and have also found that it is tremendously useful for bringing all of my car "stuff" into the house at the end of the day. You know, work bag, handbag, Little One's tote/luunchbox/artwork/rogue sippycups/nap mat... you get the picture. My car is now a lot tidier thanks to my big black bag.

I can't recommend this bag highly enough. If you'd like to order one, here's a link to Madeleine, my dealer who can hook. you. up.
http://www.mythirtyone.com/Madeleine/

Enjoy!

Outfit: Hieroglyphical

2011-09-26T05:00:00.001-05:00

Blouse - Love Potion

Scarf - Adrienne Landau

Skirt - J. Crew

Bracelets - Forever 21

Shoes - Nine West

I picked up this scarf this summer and was drawn to the color palette and the 'hieroglyphical' motif. I opted to wear it as a belt in this outfit, although I can imagine quite a few ways to wear it in other outfits.

Shop this look* in a wide variety of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Shortsleeve Tops by Asos

Everything Bobbi

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Oh come on now. How did I not hear the news that Bobbi Brown had a blog until last week? It's as bad as me not knowing that J. Crew had a Tumblr until a month or so ago. I clearly need to get my head screwed on a little tighter.

Happy weekend, folks!

One, Two, Three Marlenas

2011-09-21T05:00:00.004-05:00

Tory Burch "Marlena" top

I recently received a "Tory" email that new pieces had arrived. When I saw this Marlena top, it was love at first sight. The colors, boatneck, and honeycomb jacquard detail make for an impeccable combination. Nicely done, Ms. Burch.

(And if you remember the Wallflowers' song 'Three Marlenas,' you rock.)

Oxford and Red

2011-09-19T05:00:00.006-05:00

Blouse - Banana Republic

Skirt - Ann Taylor

Necklace - AT Loft

Belt - J, Crew

Shoes - Bandolino

Most people would only put red, white, and blue together for Independence Day. Even still, a lot of people are shy about wearing this bold color combination. I recently paired a deep red pencil skirt with a navy and white tuxedo-pleated oxford shirt, and brought the look into September with a matte gold necklace and a leopard belt. I really had fun layering the subtle patterns and textures in this outfit. I've submitted this outfit to "Visible Monday," so please check out some of the other entries on Patti's blog!

Variations:
1. Swap the red skirt for a navy one.
2. Swap the necklace for a string of pearls.
3. Swap the striped oxford for a crisp white shirt, perhaps the Brooks Brothers non-iron shirt.
4. In cooler climates/months, add a classic khaki trench to top this outfit off.

Shop this look* in a wide array of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Longsleeve Tops by Lands' End Canvas

Big Boy Bed

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

{via}

{For the full tour of Little One's room, click here.}

The clock is ticking on Little One's transition to a big boy bed. Hubby and I are thinking of waiting until the holidays when our work schedules are more relaxed, but being a planner, I am already scouting out the perfect bedding. Little One's black crib converts to a full-sized bed, so we're going to work with that unless it looks really wonky. I like the idea of keeping a mostly neutral room and letting the accessories add the color. The original feeling I was going for in the nursery was 'Babar's Safari-Meets-Paris,' so you'll see lots of natural elements (linen, various wood tones, woven baskets), ceramic animals, animal print, lanterns, nods to France (accordion; Eiffel Tower print), and some framed Babar prints. I tried to steer clear of a very literal and obvious theme in the room, and I'd like to do the same thing for his new "big boy" room.

I'm thinking of leaving everything untouched except for the bedding. We live in a warm climate, so I think a full down comforter would be overkill. I like the idea of a solid quilt and a printed sheet set that can be rotated... perhaps between starts and leaves? And I adore the idea of a monogrammed pillow. What a fantastic idea.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above items as well as anything else you've seen that might fit the bill. And moms-- any good tips for transitioning to a big-boy bed?

xoxo
kiki

All I Ever Needed to Know About Beauty I Learned On YouTube, Part 4

2011-09-14T05:00:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've done one of my "All I Ever Needed to Know . . . I learned on YouTube" posts, but I'm back with a good one today!

This post is for women with mid-length to long hair who are looking for a way to make a beautiful, full bun that stays put all day. As I've said before, I have very fine hair, so my buns are always itty bitty. I love to see women with giant, voluminous buns, and now that I've seen this video, I can join their club!

The trick is a sock. Yes. A sock. A fresh, clean sock that you've never worn. It's just stretchy fabric, folks... nothing gross is going in your hair!

Watch this video to see how she does a "bad" sock bun and then a "good" sock bun:

And here is how it looks on me:

And this bun will last all day, folks. You don't need any pins. I do recommend, however,brushing a light-weight hairspray through your hair before starting to give your hair a little grip if you have fine, slippery hair like mine. I use Aveda's Air Control.

I just realized that this is the first post in which I've shown a photo of my head. Yes, friends, I actually do have a head!

And if you've missed my other "All I Ever Needed to Know" posts, check them out here (a killer ponytail), here (concealing under-eye circles like a pro), and here (tightlining).

So have you all tried the sock bun? Any additional tips or bun methods to share? And if you try a sock bun based on this post, please share how it worked for you!

xoxo
kiki

Outfit: Is This Batik?

2011-09-12T05:00:00.002-05:00

Blouse: Calvin Klein

Necklace: Stella and Dot

Skirt and Belt: AT Loft

Shoes: Bandolino

Friends: Have you ever found that some outfits look better in person than they do in photographs? Well, this outfit is one of those. I'm not digging the blouse in these photos (but I really like it in real life), and I'm realizing that my skirt needs to be shortened a bit. Anyway, I'm trying to add some more prints to my very solid wardrobe, especially long-sleeved prints. This blouse (is it batik?) is very light-weight, which is great, considering our brutally hot weather. And I wore my hair back in a giant bun so that it would not compete with the print in the blouse. More on the giant bun on Wednesday. You won't want to miss this...

xoxo

kiki

Shop this look* in a wide array of sized and price points by scrolling below:

Mid-length Skirts by Tahari

Bead Board: A Jewelry Storage Solution

2011-09-09T05:00:00.003-05:00

Our closet at the condo is much smaller than our closet at the house, so I've had to get creative with jewelry storage. I picked up this cork board and some simple thumb tacks at Target a couple weeks ago and have been very happy with the way this storage solution has worked out. My accessories are displayed neatly and within arm's reach, so picking out the perfect necklace/bracelet/etc. has been a breeze. And I find that I'm wearing more of my pieces, too... nothing gets lost in a dark corner with this system. I highly recommend it!

xoxo
kiki

Color Call: Red

2011-09-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

Today I'm launching a new quarterly series called Color Call. This series will feature a certain color (or texture, such as tweed) that has been touted as the color (or texture) of the season. These posts will be (window) shopping posts,* and will often feature items that are a bit more high-end or bold than the items I wear on a daily basis. As you all know, I dress 'business casual' almost every day for work, so I wanted to bring a little more punch to Psyched for Style. So come window shopping with me and enjoy my top picks in red, a hot color for the fall 2011 season:

Evening Dresses by Tadashi Shoji

Sorry, Shiseido: A Blotting Paper Story

2011-09-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

I've mentioned before how I struggle with oily skin. I have all my life, and now I live in the South, which makes matters worse... especially in these hot, humid summer months.

I discovered Shiseido blotting papers during my college years and quickly became addicted. I have no clue how I learned about these bad boys, but I remember becoming the ambassador of the blotting paper to all my friends in O-Chem one summer. The sad thing is that I believed that Shiseido was the only company that made blotting papers, so at $18 a pop, I'd like to credit myself with keeping that company afloat for years!

Then I moved to Hawaii. I'll never forget being smacked in the face (okay, not literally) by a rounder of Asian and European blotting papers the first time I went to Long's Drugs in Manoa Valley. It was a visual feast of blotting papers, and the little booklets were, like, $2 each. I had reached a whole new plane of happiness. I think I bought one of each and never looked back. (Sorry, Shiseido.)

When I moved back to the Mainland, I bought 30 or so packages of those cheap blotting papers for fear that I may not be able to find such a good deal outside Manoa Valley. One of my friends who knows how much I love blotting papers actually scoured the internet for me and bought all she could of my then-favorite obscure blotting paper from Hawaii. I think she told me they were being discontinued. This bumped up my supply by a good six months. Phew!

But earlier this year (8 years later!), my supply ran out, and I was forced to find another source. I know that a lot of companies make blotting papers these days, but I didn't want to go back to paying a lot for them, as I use them constantly. So I tried the CVS brand and have grown to like them. They do not have a fine layer of powder on them like the kind I brought back from Hawaii, but they really do help me control my shine. So that's what I use now, folks, the CVS brand blotting paper.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with blotting papers, they are little sheets of paper (they may be tissue-y or a little thicker than that or plastic-y; they may or may not have a fine layer of powder on them). They are designed to reduce shine on the face while not disturbing makeup and not adding a cakey layer of powder. To use them, simply press the blotting paper onto your face, repeating all over your face.

I love blotting papers. I have them in my bathroom, purse, car, and desk drawer. I only wish I had discovered them earlier in life!

Do you all use blotting papers? Any favorite brands to share?

xoxo
kiki

Petite Fashion Challenge #10 Summer to Fall

2011-08-31T19:00:00.005-05:00

Today's Petite Fashion Challenge was offered by Fashion For Teens. The challenge was to take summer pieces and transition them to be work in the fall.

I'll start with a basic dress that I wore out to dinner this past weekend in 100-degree temperatures and will then turn it into a tunic for fall.

This is my first foray into F21 clothing, folks!

The blogging community has inspired me to try it out, so, yes. . .

The dress, necklace, and bracelets are F21!

Shoes are Nine West.

Blazer & Jeans - AT Loft

Belt - Ann Taylor

Clutch - local boutique

Necklace - J. Crew

Heels - Bandolino

I hope you enjoyed this Petite Fashion Challenge! Please be sure to check out my neighbor bloggers at Fashion for Teens!

xoxo

kiki

Shop these looks* in a wide array of sizes and price points:

Blazers by J.Crew

Photofacials

2011-08-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post this morning, as tonight I'm posting about another Petite Fashion Challenge!

I tried my first photofacial (a.k.a. Intense Pulsed Light "IPL" laser) over a year ago. A trusted friend of mine said that they're great for fading sun spots, and indeed, they are. They also break up areas of redness.

Photofacials may be available at your dermatologist's office or at a med spa where an MD is on staff.

Just a few pointers:

1. Go to a doctor/technician with a superb reputation, and ask lots of questions about risks and benefits before proceeding, as certain lasers are not right for all skin tones.

2. After my first photofacial (I've had three), I decided that I'd ask for some numbing cream before subsequent treatments. This makes a huge difference.

3. The weirdest thing about the facial is that you can see the light flashes even though your eyes are closed and you're wearing protective eye coverings. It's a very strange phenomenon.

4. Sunscreen is mandatory after (and actually before!) photofacials. In fact, the best thing about a photofacial in my opinion is that it makes you more diligent about daily sunscreen use!

5. Talk to your doctor about taking Arnica before and after the photofacial to reduce bruising, and also avoid aspirin and similar pain-killers a few days before the procedure to reduce bruising.

In the days following a photofacial, you'll notice your sun freckles darkening. And a couple days later they just sort of slough off. The last time I had a photofacial, my freckling was greatly reduced. My first two treatments were sort of "warm up" facials to see how my skin would react-- I asked the technician to be very conservative on the settings. I was glad that I did this-- better to warm up slowly than to damage your skin!

I realize that photofacials are not for everyone, but with all the sun damage I had earned during my years in Hawaii, I felt that I could use a skin "do-over." And, at the place I received my photofacials, the technician said that the photofacial laser is the same laser as a "laser hair removal" laser-- the settings are just different.

Have you all tried the photofacial?
xoxo
kiki

Outfit: Blush, Mint, and Copper

2011-08-29T05:00:00.002-05:00

Cardi & Belt: J. Crew

Tank: AT Loft

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: Nine West

This may be my last foray into light colors for a while. All these autumnal fashion spreads have got me craving deep, saturated colors. I like these light colors together, though-- they are sort of like a bowl of sorbet, which is appropriate right now because it is so. freaking. hot. where I live. I added a copper belt to de-sweeten the look a bit and give a rescue call to cooler temperatures.

Have you all switched to deeper colors, or are you still going with light and breezy?
xoxo
kiki
p.s. check out my neighbor bloggers over at Visible Monday!

Shop this look* in a wide array of sizes:

Tanks by Free People

Skin Routine

2011-08-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

As promised in Wednesday's How to Survive Retin-A post, here is the skin routine that I've been using for the past year or so. My skin has never looked better, and in May, my mother told me that I haven't looked this good in a long time and actually asked me if I had had anything "done." Ha ha. :-)

To begin, I have oily skin and am starting to see some fine lines and sun freckles... although those freckles have faded considerably with this routine. I'll also say that I prefer to have a very simple skin routine, although I've begun to rotate some products. I'm my own worst enemy, I suppose. Oh well.

Here it is, folks.*

Morning
1. Wash with Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel and the Clarisonic brush. This cleansing gel is gentle and leaves my skin very clean, but not too dried out for makeup to be applied. I love it. And the Clarisonic does a great job at exfoliating and prepping your skin for products and makeup.

2. (I alternate days on this step, so I'll break this down into 2a and 2b to represent alternating days:

2a: Apply 3 drops of Mario Badescu's Vitamin C serum to my face, but not my forehead. For some reason, it makes my forehead break out... but not the rest of my face.

2b: Use Obagi Nu Derm's Step 3 (4% hydroquinone-- you need a prescription for this step) and Step 4. These puppies are layered on top of one another. I wish this was an all-in one product, but sadly it's two layered products. For the record, I do not like Obagi's Nu Derm cleanser and toner. My face never felt clean when I used them, and indeed I broke out. (Obagi Nu Derm is the sun freckle fader.).

3. I was using Bobbi Brown's Protective Face Lotion (SPF 15) as my moisturizer/sunscreen, but I switched to La Roche Posay's Anthelios Liquid SPF 60 for the summer months. This stuff dries to a very matte finish, which is great for the T-zone, but is a little too chalky for the cheeks... even for me! I plan to return to Bobbi once I'm back to spending more time indoors.

4. Pat Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream in the areas where crow's feet are starting to show. If you get a sample from the Bobbi counter, read this post first. I have a friend who reapplies eye cream throughout the day. If you find yourself getting crepe-paper-y as the day goes on, especially in the winter, give this a try. It works well.

Evening
1. Wash with Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and a washcloth (no Clarisonic). If you're oily and breakout-prone, apply it to a dry face and wait about 20-30 seconds before massaging it in with a warm, wet washcloth. Use your washcloth to help you rinse, too. Keep rinsing and wringing your washcloth until your face and the washcloth are clean and bubble-free. This stuff will pull off all makeup, dirt, grime, oil, etc. If I don't use it at the end of the day with a washcloth, I will break out. It's that simple.

2. (again, I rotate):

2a: Retin-A night (see how here).

2b: (Philosophy) Hope in a Jar night.^ (I've tried the miracle worker line, and I broke out.)

2c: Either back to Retin-A or an off-night depending on the season, etc. If my skin is in any way dry or irritated, I'll use my Mario Badescu Healing Cream on those areas. Healing cream is magic.

3. Eye cream. I have a lot of samples that I'm trying to use up, but right now I'm using Bobbi Brown's Extra Eye Repair Cream.

^Every third week or so, I do an Exuviance Peel on the "2b" night (in lieu of Hope in a Jar) and make the next night an off night. I love these at-home peels-- they really refine the skin, and I always notice a big difference in my skin's texture in the weeks that follow. Come to think of it, I may do one tonight!

I know this is a lot of products. But I really love this routine-- my skin is happy, and I've been getting lots of compliments on my skin, which I never have before. If I had to just pick a few of these products to take to a desert island, it would be very hard to pick. The Neutrogena wash and technique I mentioned is probably the single thing that keeps my skin clear from breakouts. And the Obagi has really lightened up a lot of the sun damage I "earned" during my years in Hawaii. Sun protection is essential, folks, so that's a non-negotiable, too. And a good eye cream to keep that crepe-paper-y area tamed. Oh, and healing cream! And the peel every so often! Oh, hell, I really love it all.

Do you all have skin-care "can't live without" products or techniques? Please share below!
xoxo
kiki

p.s. I'll talk about two more skin "things" next week: the photofacial for fading sun freckles and blotting papers. Stay tuned!

How to Survive Retin-A

2011-08-24T05:00:00.002-05:00

I recently had a conversation with a friend about acclimating to Retin-A (tretinoin), as this miracle cream (fights blemishes and wrinkles!) can have some gnarly side effects (peeling & redness) if one is not very careful. {I am not a dermatologist-- this advice is based on my experience. Consult with your dermatologist to see what's right for you.}

So here are my tips:

1. Wait 30 minutes after washing your face before applying Retin-A. Any recent or residual moisture on the skin will exacerbate side effects.

2. Apply a THIN layer of Retin-A to your skin. More than this is overkill.

3. Ten minutes after you've applied your Retin-A, take a small amount of Mario Badescu's Healing Cream on your finger tips and rub your fingertips together until the cream is emulsified. Then gently PRESS the cream on top of your Retin-A, (This is a Creme de la Mer technique that works really well.)

4. Use Retin-A every third night and work up to every other night. Use the Badescu Healing Cream to help with any dry areas on the alternate nights.

This routine has worked wonders for me. I discovered Healing Cream about a year ago, and it is magic, especially when emulsified and pressed into the skin. Magic.

I'll post my entire skin routine on Friday, so stay tuned!
xoxo
kiki

Outfit: The Garden Blouse

2011-08-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

Cardi & Belt: J. Crew

Blouse: Loft

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: Nine West

I wish I had taken a photo of the cool pleated detail at this blouse's neckline. Oh well, next time!
I fell in love with this blouse last spring-- the aloha motif just makes me happy, and the colors in the blouse make it quite a versatile piece. I chose to ground the print with some very basic basics today, but I did throw in a hot pink patent belt for a little kick. I've submitted this look over at Visible Monday-- be sure to check out the other submissions and enter your own looks, too!

Shop this look* in a wide array of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Mid-length Skirts by Topshop

xoxo
kiki

Bar Towels: A Hair Trick

2011-08-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

"RE" brand dish towel from Target

Today I'm sharing a simple trick that I've been doing for years: Wrapping my wet hair in a thin, cheap bar towel to remove excess moisture. It's so simple, it removes tons of excess moisture, and you don't look as silly as you would with a popular info-mercial towel's name-brand plastered at your hairline!

I like to wrap my hair for a few minutes after I comb it out and before I add any styling products. Doing so removes the moisture that can dilute styling products (so apply a tad less than you usually would) and reduces blow-drying time (thus saving precious time, energy, and heat damage).

I'm loving the RE (Room Essentials?) brand from Target. You'll find them by the dish towels, placemats, etc. And if you already do this hair trick or venture to try it out, I'd love to hear how it works for you!

xoxo

kiki

Realestalking: Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-08-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Is that a jacuzzi up front?

Look at the wood detailing!

Are those stepping stones not fabulous?!

Oh, the ceiling. The windows. . .

{via}

Have you missed my realestalking series? I have, too! I must say that it can be very difficult to pick a property that is nice both inside and out. I have been searching cities on realtor.com for over an hour, and let me just say that money does not buy taste. Yeeesh!

This was the best I could do after an hour: I settled on this 23 million, 7-bed/8-bath beauty in Hawaii Kai (Honolulu). I wish they had posted more interior photos, but I think I'd take this place if my arm were twisted. I'd actually be happy just living on a raft in that pool!

So help me out, friends. Do you all have cities around the country that you'd like me to research for this series? I've had my best luck with reader suggestions. (Thanks, R.!) Please leave city ideas in the comments below. I'd really love to revive this series. Thanks!

xoxo

kiki

Neon and Neutral Part 2

2011-08-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cardigan, Tee, & Jeans - Loft

Necklace & Belt - J. Crew

Wedges - Nine West

I'm back today with another dose of neon & neutral. This cardigan is so bright and so pink that it can be a challenge to wear. Determined to take it for a spin, I grounded it with olive, taupe, and dark-rinse denim. I really like how this outfit turned out. . . this cardi needs to get out more!
Do you all have strategies for styling a garment that is a little too bold?
xoxo
kiki

Shop this look* in a wide array of sizes and price points by scrolling below:

Tees by LOFT

Mini Pins

2011-08-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased some mini pins to secure the hair that I wrap around my ponytail elastic-- the regular length bobby pins are too long. I like these pins a lot, although they are a bit hard to get used to because they are harder to open than your average bobby pin. (This is good, though, because they give a secure hold.)

I also wanted to share a tip: see how there are four sections of mini pins? I cut the cardboard at the dividers so that I can keep a stash in my purse's makeup bag, my desk drawer, my car, and my makeup tray. This helps them stay in one place-- it's great!

xoxo
kiki

Everybody, Everywear: Mix and Match

2011-08-09T05:00:00.006-05:00

blouse and skirt - AT Loft

shoes - Bandolino

hammered gold necklace (doubled up) - local boutique

Today I'm participating in Everybody, Everywear's Mix and Match challenge! I love the concept of print mixing, but I don't do it much, wondering if anyone outside of the blogger/fashion world will get it. But really, I think it's a great way to add punch to an outfit, so I think I'm going to proceed boldly and mix to my heart's content! I was pretty safe in this outfit, choosing to stay with a neutral palette, one print more subtle than the other. I can't wait to see what my neighbor bloggers pulled together! Join me, won't you?
xoxo
kiki

Scroll below to shop this look* in a wide array of sizes and price points:

Longsleeve Tops by Free People

Playful Navy

2011-08-08T04:00:00.004-05:00

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Blouse - J. Crew

Belt - Target

Capris - Express

Shoes - Jack Rogers

layered pleat detail

Jack Rogers sandals - my favorite (and Jackie O's, too!)

I am in the midst of a love affair with navy. It is such a versatile color, and it is softer than black. Here, I've paired it with yellow and a couple metallic finishes to make it a little playful. I also love navy with olive and coral, two of my other color crushes.
How do you all wear your navy?

Shop this look* in a wide array of sizes:

Tanks by Anthropologie

xoxo
kiki

Fashion Attack! {Erin of Moms Have Style, Too!}

2011-08-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

Erin of Moms Have Style, Too! : New Favorite Outfit!

I'm back today with another installment of Fashion Attack! As a refresher, on the first Friday of the month, I'll feature a blogger who has posted an outfit in the prior month that I would be moved to compliment if I saw her out and about in that outfit. It might be an outfit that I would wear myself, or it might be an outfit that this particular blogger is just plain rocking.

Why I love Erin's look: This is an easy, modern, wash-and-wear look for a mom-on-the-go. {This is a harder look to achieve than one might think. Trust me-- it's easier for me to get dressed for work than it is to take my Little One on an outing!} Erin's embellished tank and simple white jeans look gorgeous with her ladylike and modern nude shoe. We have a dose of color, a bit of texture, and a touch of sparkle at the wrist. And the mini tuck-in at the front is so current. This outfit really captures the title of Erin's blog: Moms {really do!} Have Style, Too!

xoxo
kiki

p.s. be sure to check out other Fashion Attack! posts by clicking Fashion Attack! in the features cloud on the right-hand side of this page.

Bloggers Do It Better: Arm Party

2011-08-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Brown snake skin & gold link wrap bracelet: Off Fifth; similar here, here, here, and here

Amber jeweled bracelet: Forever 21; similar here

Today is another Bloggers Do It Better challenge! Kristina has asked us to share an "arm party," or a collection of layered bracelets. {Gosh, that sounds dry and technical!} Anyway, I was a hard core jewelry minimalist until the last year or so, only wearing my wedding rings, watch, tennis bracelet, grandmother's diamond stud earrings, and the simple diamond pendant that my parents gave me as a high school graduation gift. Seriously. I owned virtually no playful jewelry. I prided myself on being a minimalist.

But that was then, and this is now!

About a year ago, I got bitten by the jewelry bug, like, big time. I am still a minimalist as far as my left hand and earrings are concerned, but I LOVE to play with fun necklaces and bracelets. I've been toying with the concept of more than one bracelet, so the "arm party" challenge was a perfect way to ease me into the game. I chose two snugly-fitting bracelets in the same color palette as a way to play it safe, but I am SO excited to be inspired by my neighbor bloggers! Join me, won't you? And thank you, Kristina, for hosting this challenge!

xoxo

kiki

Petite Fashion Challenge: Heat Wave Appropriate

2011-07-30T19:00:00.017-05:00

It's time for another Petite Fashion Challenge!

Today's challenge was given to us by Elle of Fast Food & Fast Fashion:

"I challenge you all to create an outfit that accounts for the various environmental factors that plague us in the summer. I want to know how you dress when it's 90 degrees outside and 65 degrees inside. Do you utilize peel-able layers? Are you particular about choosing fabric that is light but resistant? Or do you just tack on a blazer over summer clothes?"

Here are my looks:

Click links to visit retailer; I try to link to garments in a wide range of sizes.*
Blouse - Banana Republic, similar here and here
Necklace - Forever 21, here
Skirt - AT Loft, similar here and here
Shoes - Nine West, similar here and here

Cardigan - J. Crew, similar here and here

Blazer - AT Loft, similar here and here
Tote - Talbots, similar here

I think summer is the most challenging season for dressing, so this was a fantastic Petite Fashion Challenge. I'm all about layering for the summer, and I love how different jackets/cardigans can give an outfit a whole new look. Thank you, Elle, for hosting! I can't wait to see my neighbor petite bloggers' strategies for summer heat management! Please join me over at Fast Food & Fast Fashion!

xoxo
kiki

Dessert Sunday: The Yo - Yo

2011-07-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

chocolate chip cookies from the bakery
chocolate chip ice cream, softened
mini chocolate chips

. . . assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for several hours or overnight. . .
{Enjoy!}

I've instituted a new family tradition in our house: Dessert Sunday. It only makes sense.

I've wanted to make Yo-Yos ever since I was a little girl. I have no idea why I waited until my mid-thirties, but one thing is for sure: It was worth the wait!

{You're welcome!}
xoxo
kiki

Jack Rogers, I Love You.

2011-07-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

{via}

This is my first summer with a pair of Jack Rogers sandals. I'm not sure how I survived without them in years past. Seriously, friends, they are that awesome. Not only do I channel Mrs. Kennedy (wink), I also have the most comfortable feet on the planet. I have the Navajo in platinum, and I highly recommend them!

xoxo
kiki

p.s. I'm now using Shopstyle, as I've gotten requests to link to the items I mention (or similar items). So if you click on a product link, I may earn a few cents. (Seriously, I think that's all it is. I'll put a disclaimer at the bottom of my blog, too.) And I'll never link to something I wouldn't buy myself.

OOTD: Boutique Hopping

2011-07-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

Shirt - J. Crew - similar here and here

Necklace - Pier 1 - similar here and here and here

Shorts - J. Crew - here; similar here

Shoes - Jack Rogers - here

I wore this outfit boutique hopping (like bar hopping, only no buzz involved) and to lunch at the art museum (Bellinis were consumed... hairline buzz) with Scout a few weeks ago. I am loving my Esplanade shorts from J. Crew. The fabric and lines are "dressy"-- perfect for shorts-phobes like me! And these Jack Rogers sandals are SO comfortable. I highly recommend them!

Do you all do boutique days with your girlfriends?

xoxo

kiki

Everybody, Everywear: Nifty Thrifty

2011-07-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

* I try to include a wide range of sizes when I share shopping links.
Tunic - thrifted, similar here, here, here, and here
Necklace - AT Loft, similar here, here, here
Jeans - J. Crew Bootcut (LOVE THESE JEANS!!!) - here. . . on sale!
Heels - Nine West, similar here and here

Leggings - Hue, similar here and here
Sandals - Jack Rogers - here
Tote - Talbots, similar here, here, and here

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this EBEW challenge because I just bought my first piece of clothing at a thrift store! (. . .with the exception of theme party outfits for college parties, that is!) There are so many stylish bloggers out there who thrift, and I recently asked a colleague who thrifts a lot where she goes for cool finds in our city. . . I was determined to give it a go. Well, I found this blouse a month ago and hadn't worn it until I read the EBEW challenge.

This blouse isn't vintage by any means, but it does have a chic Tory vibe that I just had to have.

I'm so excited to get some thrifting inspiration from my neighbor bloggers today. Let's go check them out at Everybody, Everywear!

xoxo
kiki

Go Browns!

2011-07-18T05:00:00.002-05:00

Sweater - AT Loft
Blouse - Ann Taylor
Necklace - Vintage (Grandma)
Bracelet - J. Crew
Pants - Limited
Shoes - Bandolino

I'm calling this the Cleveland Browns sweater. {Go Browns!} Football aside, I did another autumnal pairing here... could I be craving cooler weather? I think so! I initially tried this outfit with white pants, but I felt rather nurse-y. Do any of you have other pairing ideas?

xoxo
kiki

Bloggers Do It Better - Maxi Challenge

2011-07-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

T-Shirt - AT Loft
Belt - J. Crew
Skirt - Banana Republic
Shoes - Nine West

Oh yes, I'm participating in another blogger project! It only makes sense to start out the week with Everybody, Everywear and wrap the week with Bloggers Do It Better! This BDIB challenge was to style a maxi skirt in any which way. I opted to pair it with a beaded t-shirt and a belt. I kept my other jewelry to a minimum (diamond stud earrings, a tennis bracelet, and my wedding rings)-- I didn't want the long skirt and beaded tee to have too much competition. Thank you, Kristina, for hosting this challenge, and please join me at Pretty Shiny Sparkly to check out my neighbor bloggers' maxi skirts!

xoxo
kiki

Everybody Everywear: Yellow

2011-07-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

Blouse & Jeans - J. Crew
Bracelet - Saks (Off Fifth)
Shoes - Nine West

This is my first time participating in the Everybody, Everywear project. My regular readers know how much I love a blogging project (e.g., 30 for 30 and many Petite Fashion Challenges), but this one is new to me. Basically, the ladies at Everybody, Everywear announce the theme of the month (I believe there's a vote), and all of the participating bloggers link up to show their take on that theme.

This month's theme is yellow. Although I love the color, I don't have a ton of it in my closet. Luckily, one of my favorite blouses of all time (the J. Crew Gladiola cami) provides a strong dose of yellow. I love that the yellow in this blouse is balanced by a neutral grey/taupe color, and I loooove the laser-cut lei effect at the neckline. I paired my blouse with even more neutral shades to provide even more balance. And I opted for a loose, unbelted look this time (I know, right?!), which is uncharacteristic for me.

I can't wait to see how all my neighbor bloggers are wearing their yellow today. Come join me at Everybody, Everywear, and thank you to Liz and Linda for hosting this fun challenge!

xoxo
kiki

Aloha Print

2011-07-11T05:00:00.004-05:00

Blouse - J. Crew
Skirt - AT Loft
Shoes - Bandolino

I love the braided neckline on this blouse.

I used to live in Hawaii as many of you may know. While I don't own any aloha shirts, I do collect silk camis that are a nod to an aloha print. (And this one is one of my faves.)

Sidebar: Little One wears an aloha shirt to school every Friday for Aloha Friday. (If you don't know about Aloha Friday, a good place to start is iTunes... It's Aloha Friday / No work till Monday / Dee doo dee doo...)

Have a great week everyone!

Malama Pono,
Kiki

Takin' a Spin

2011-07-08T05:00:00.007-05:00

{via}

I used to use u-shaped bobby pins to anchor my bun. At times, however, these pins would pop out, leaving me with a messy bun. {Not the coveted messy-sexy, mind you. . . just messy.}

So I picked up some Goody Spin Pins at the pharmacy to see if they would make a difference. I bought the small size, as I have very fine hair, and I had a feeling that the big size would be, well, too big. The small size was perfect. I form my bun as usual (twist into place and secure around the base with a brown elastic), but instead of loading it full of bobby pins, I spin 2-3 spin pins into the bun. And let me tell you... the bun does not move all day. Perfection.

I highly recommend the spin pins, friends. And based on the photo, it appears that there are spin pins for blondes, too!

Have you all tried these yet?

xoxo
kiki

Before & After: Master Bedroom

2011-07-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

We didn't change much about this room. (See the master in our house here.)

You may recognize the capiz mirrors (here). I think they looked better in the house, but they do make our new master bedroom look a little brighter by bouncing the light around.

This is it, folks! The final stop on the condo tour! As I announced this final post to Hubby, he said, "uh-oh, does this mean that we have to move again?" To which I replied, "well, YES!"

We (okay, maybe just I) had a blast with renovating this condo. I know this is just a temporary place for us, but it really feels like home. Our life is so simple here, and we are closer to all the places in town that we love to go.

Thank you all for cheering me on during the renovation and for all your sweet comments as I've shown the final product. I'm no designer, but I really love playing one on this blog!

xoxo
kiki

Seasonally Off

2011-07-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cardigan & Necklace - J. Crew
T Shirt - AT Loft
Skirt - Banana Republic
Shoes - too lazy to go look, but probably from DSW

This outfit looks like something one would wear in September, right? Right. I wore it in May. I guess I was just feeling autumnal. Can a person feel autumnal? Well, apparently I can. . . and did! :) Perhaps I'll repeat this outfit in September for good measure!

Do you all pay attention to seasonal colors or just wear whatever moves you on a particular morning?

xoxo
kiki

p.s. Happy 4th to all my U.S. readers!

Fashion Attack! {Christine of My Style Pill}

2011-07-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

Christine of My Style Pill: Favorites

I'm back today with another installment of Fashion Attack! As a refresher, on the first Friday of the month, I'll feature a blogger who has posted an outfit in the prior month that I would be moved to compliment if I saw her out and about in that outfit. It might be an outfit that I would wear myself, or it might be an outfit that this particular blogger is just plain rocking.

Why I love Christine's look: This is a fresh summer look that is both wearable and unique. I love how Christine has paired a somewhat basic and preppy t-shirt with a very glam necklace. You all know how I love mixing elements! Beyond that, mixing yellow shorts with a navy and white shirt is incredibly modern. (And did you all notice the yellow band in her shoes?) Nice work, Christine, for making this summer pairing look so effortlessly chic!

xoxo

kiki

p.s. be sure to check out other Fashion Attack! posts by clicking Fashion Attack! in the features cloud on the right-hand side of this page.

Before & After: Patio

2011-06-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

{Yes, that is an artificial orchid. Outside. A decor sin, I know. Judge away!}

Pardon the landscapers' dust, folks. And I'm now realizing that this vignette is a little match-y. Must mix things up.

We had them carry the diagonal kitchen tile on to the patio for continuity. Bye, bye soggy old carpet!

Nasty ivy bed was dug up to create a play space for Little One.

Yes, our patio is also our laundry room. Eww, I know. I'm thinking of making a cute slipcover for the W&D, If anyone has any other suggestions for camouflaging the W&D, please leave them in the comments! Thanks!

Sand table.

The patio is sort of a low priority space for us. We don't spend a ton of time out there, and as you can see, it is also a laundry room. Now that I've photographed the space, I am realizing that while our "use what you have" strategy is working for now, the space is rather uninspired. Perhaps I'll punch things up a bit in the months to come, but for now, I'm going to stick with a little boring and matchy.

See you next week in the master bedroom!

(And thank you in advance to anyone who leaves ideas for camouflaging our W&D!)

xoxo

kiki

Neon and Neutral

2011-06-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cardigan - Banana
Blouse - J. Crew
Belt - Gap
Skirt - J. Crew
Shoes - Bandolino

There was recently a challenge on Pretty Shiny Sparkly to put together an outfit that was Neon and Neutral. I wore this outfit before I read about that challenge, and am just now getting around to posting this outfit... and I'm realizing that it fits the N&N vibe! Sadly, I have no idea how to put Pretty Shiny Sparkly's button in my sidebar (another participation criterion), so I can't be an official participant. So I'll just post my outfit. But you all should go check out her Neon and Neutral post to see what the other bloggers submitted. There are some creative entries!

Have you all paired neon with neutral this season?

xoxo
kiki

No Ordinary Key

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Two Fridays ago, I posted about re-purposing some pretty grosgrain ribbon to wrap a gift that I recently gave my friend for her birthday. In that post, I promised to share the gift with you all.

Here it is:

I bought my friend this super cool horse key (it's technically a chess knight) from Statkey. I had seen this key in a Real Simple feature months before her birthday, and knew that my equestrian friend had to have one. You can take the key to a key shop and have it made into a house key. How cool is that?!

Have you all found any cool gift ideas recently?

xoxo

kiki

Before & After: Master Bath

2011-06-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Oh, that light box. Oh, that wallpaper. . .

I love the baskets where the empty knee space used to be.

Floor-to-ceiling shower curtain makes the ceiling seem higher.

Glass knobs give a hint of an antique-y feel in an otherwise modernized space.

The condo tour is almost over, folks! I just have the master bedroom and back porch to reveal... Stay tuned!

xoxo
kiki

Pinwheel

2011-06-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Cardigan and Belt - J. Crew

Cami and Trousers - AT Loft

Shoes - Bandolino

I have two of these 'pinwheel' camis, and I seriously love them. I'm so happy to be posting detail shots now, as now you can see the pretty that is the pinwheel cami. Pretty, pretty, pretty. That is all.

xoxo

kiki

Petite Fashion Challenge #8: Spinning the Favorite

2011-06-16T19:00:00.003-05:00

This month's Petite Fashion Challenge is being hosted by Gracie over at Radiator Sessions.

The challenge was this:

"Many times we settle with a style and rarely venture out to explore new ways to piece clothes and style outfits in new and different ways. With this month, I’m hoping for all of us to venture out of our comfort zones to expand our styling skills.

Thus, the challenge will be to take a “go-to” outfit, put a spin on it by styling it in a different way but still keeping a couple of essential components."

You all know me and my Jackie cardi & pencil skirt fetish, so I chose that as my go-to outfit. I added a utility jacket for a little masculine play, given all the feminine lines of the outfit:

Cardi- J. Crew
Utility Jacket- Kenar
Shell- Ann Taylor
Skirt- AT Loft
Shoes- Bandolino

Loving that zipper detail!

This grosgrain ribbon is stitched down the center of the back of the skirt.

It's like a house of cards, but with shoes!

Please join me back at Radiator Sessions to see the other entries!
And thank you, Gracie, for hosting!

xoxo
kiki

p.s. To answer your questions, no, I'm not participating in the 30 x 30 this time around. I love Kendi's challenge, but I have a few other projects that I'm working on right now.

p.p.s. Find out what was in last Friday's present next Friday!

Before & After: Back Hallway

2011-06-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Oh, what a difference some flooring makes!

View from living/dining room

View into living/dining room

View from Little One's room to our room

View from our room to Little One's room/play room. Little One's bathroom is on the left.

I'm considering painting the niche the same color as the bar... or maybe even a fun color.
Ideas?
Suggestions?

xoxo
kiki

Stem, Petal, and Shell

2011-06-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cardigan, Tee, Pants - AT Loft

Necklace - Forever 21

Shoes - Bandolino

I love the colors in this outfit-- they remind me of a blooming flower. Oh, God. I'll stop there. That was awful. Sorry about that. Happy Monday!

xoxo

kiki

Re-Purposing

2011-06-10T04:59:00.000-05:00

Re-purposing. How's that for a trendy neologism?

Anyway. . .

I re-purposed recently. See, AT Loft had these really cute shopping bags a few months ago with fun pink grosgrain ribbon handles. I just couldn't throw away such beautiful ribbon, so I untied it, ironed it, and tucked it away with my gift-wrap arsenal. (That will be another post on another day.)

Anyhow, I recently needed some pretty ribbon for a friend's birthday gift, so I pulled it out and did this:

Cute, huh?

Am I the only one who is saving Loft grosgrain these days?

xoxo

kiki

p.s. Stay tuned for next Friday when I show you what's inside!

Before and After: Little One's Bathroom

2011-06-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

Bye, bye light box!

And bye bye wallpaper, counter, nasty toilet, and gold shower surround!

{See the baskets where the vanity seating niche used to be? My interior designer is so smart!}

We kept the original tile but changed out the shower surround. That was a good money saving idea until the shower pan leaked and ruined some of the new floor in the living room. Ya, I had a good day that day.

This Kohler toilet has an auto-close feature, so there is no fear of Little One slamming the lid on his fingers.
And it's cool to watch it descend, so it is reinforcing for little one to learn to close the lid each time he uses the potty.
{Yes, I'm a behaviorist.}

This bathroom was so fun to renovate! I'll post photos of the shower project when we get around to it... We are just too exhausted for another project right now.

Have any of you remodeled a bathroom?
Better yet, have any of you had to replace a shower pan? *cries*

xoxo
kiki

A Little Vintage

2011-06-06T05:00:00.005-05:00

Necklace - Vintage (Grandma)

T-shirt - Mossimo for Target

Skirt - Banana Republic

Shoes - Bandolino

{To the office.}

I really love to wear vintage costume jewelry-- there is nothing like a special piece to add a bit of interest to a simple outfit. I think I am going to start keeping my eyes open for a few more vintage pieces this summer. Do you all do vintage? Better yet, do you all wear pieces that belonged to your grandmothers, great-aunts, etc.? It's so sweet to carry their style forward, don't you think?

xoxo

kiki

Fashion Attack! {Fatima of Ingredients for Style}

2011-06-03T05:00:00.013-05:00

Fatima of Ingredients for Style: Waiting In Transit

Today marks the beginning of Fashion Attack!, a new series at Psyched for Style!

Here's the back story: I started using the term "Fashion Attack" when I lived in Hawaii. I had been eating at a restaurant with some friends and had seen a woman walk by the window who was wearing a really cool asymmetrical sweater in an unusual chartreuse/brown/teal/white stripe. I was immediately obsessed with this sweater. In fact, I commented to my friends that that was the coolest sweater I had ever seen. And then I got over it... that is, until we left the restaurant and the woman was still outside! I thought 'oh, what the hell,' and approached her to tell her how unbelievably cool her sweater was. And there it was: the Fashion Attack was born.

So now I'm bringing Fashion Attack! to my blog!

Here's how it works: On the first Friday of the month, I'll feature a blogger who has posted an outfit in the prior month that I would be moved to compliment if I saw her out and about in that outfit. It might be an outfit that I would wear myself, or it might be an outfit that this particular blogger is just plain rocking.

Why I love Fatima's look: This is a bold look in many ways, but it is not overwhelming to the eye. The yellow color is incredibly refreshing, and the accessories give it a fresh, urban edge. At the same time, this outfit is ladylike. You all know how I love the concept of mixing contrasting elements in an outfit, and Fatima does it beautifully here: Bright with muted; uptown with downtown; masculine with feminine. Fatima, you put together a show stopper with this one!

xoxo

kiki

Before and After: Play Room

2011-06-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

The new play room is a combination of this room and this room from the house.

My interior designer recommended a picture light hung below the dog picture to shed light on the table.

She is brilliant.

{I think I may move this print a bit lower, now that I think of it...}

I opted for a ceiling fan without lights so that it would (hopefully, not really) disappear into the ceiling.

{I hate ceiling fans!}

I love this fabric-- it makes me think of bicycle gears.

You'll find us in here watching Tom & Jerry any given weekend morning!

xoxo

kiki

A Breezy Evening

2011-05-30T05:00:00.005-05:00

Cami - AT Loft

Cardigan - Banana Republic

Necklace - Forever 21

Jeans - Gap

Shoes - Nine West

I wore this outfit to a hip new Mexican restaurant that just opened in town. Hubby and I (and another couple) ordered plates and plates and plates of various finger foods. It was ridiculous. . . in a very good way. And this outfit stood up to the breezy evening that it was.

xoxo

kiki

5 Easy Pieces: Spring 2011

2011-05-27T04:00:00.006-05:00

From time to time I have noticed and admired bloggers who have challenged their shopping bugs. Some try to go without shopping for a year; others lay off for 30 days. I have wondered whether I could do something like this, and I think I am about ready to pull the trigger on materialism-- a little.

Here's my proposal: I'll purchase 5 pieces of clothing per season that make my heart go pitter-patter. Okay, I'm freaking out a little on this, so I have a few caveats. If I am simply replacing an item in my wardrobe, the piece doesn't count. And if a piece is under $25, it doesn't count. Okay, that feels a little bit more realistic. Whew.

I came up with this idea after I had done my spring shopping, so I'll admit that I've already purchased a few more than 5 pieces for this season. But from this point forward, I'm going to give this challenge a shot. Deep breath.

So here are my 5 easy pieces for spring:

Jack Rogers Sandals in Platinum

J. Crew Esplanade Short in Toasted Wheat

{And in black.}

AT Loft Stone Garden Print Cami

AT Loft Pleated Stripe Tank

Let's have one more look at that, shall we?

Have you all tried shopping challenges like this?

It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

{And the fact that it's somewhat terrifying tells me that I'm trying this challenge none too soon!}

xoxo

kiki