Fashion Friday: Color Blocking

Color blocking is a huge trend again for summer. Bright and playful it’s a fun look to try as the weather heats up. Look for classic silhouettes and punchy colors. If you’re not sure if it’s right for you, consider trying the trend out in a handbag or a great pair of shoes. (I think I need those gray and teal sandals.)

color blocking
color blocking by missalaneyus featuring platform pumps

Still unsure? Here’s a great article from Lucky on how to work the trend and another from Glamour.

Fashion Friday: Summer Essentials

Versatile, easy pieces are the key to looking chic all summer long. When putting together a weekend look, comfort is key. Choose items that can go from lazy mornings at the farmer’s market to an impromptu, backyard BBQ. My top 10 pieces will have you ready for summer concerts and trips to the pool. Also, everything shown here is $50 or less.

Summer Weekend Essentials

Fashion Friday: Day Clutch

Daytime clutches are making waves this season. But, quite frankly, they’ve always been a favorite look of mine. Not always the most practical choice, they’re worth the effort. Still not sure?

A daytime clutch can elevate ripped jeans and a fitted tee into an outfit worthy of brunch with friends. When combined with a cocktail ring, the possibilities are endless. The absolute best part about adding a clutch to your wardrobe is that these daytime options also work well for summer nights.

Daytime Clutch

Fashion Friday: Neon Dream

About a month ago, two friends and I had a serious discussion about neon. As children of the 80′s, we all had some strong opinions on the subject. If you can conquer your flashbacks of crimped hair and leggings, I think you’ll find the new way to wear it is so much chicer.

Instead of head-to-toe hot pink, think small doses mixed with classic shapes and neutrals. To demonstrate the versatility of these acid brights, I’ve put together four looks. Two are perfect for work, while the others are suited to weekend. Have you taken this trend for a recent test drive yet?

Fashion Friday: Flat Sandal

Maybe it’s the fact that I can only wear one pair of shoes right now, but I am obsessed with flat sandals. Every time I see them, I mentally make a note to pick up a pair as soon as my feet stop swelling.

Perfect for summer outings, these easy shoes work well for evening barbeques, trips to the Farmers’ Market and drinks with friends. No matter your style, you can easily find a fun pair that works for you. In this week’s fashionable round-up, I’ve highlighted a few trends (neons, jellies and color blocking), along with my favorite type of sandal – the versatile metallic. These bare styles make it easy to try trends with a relatively small commitment. Which pair is your favorite?

Flat sandals

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Spring Wishlist – Update

So far, I’ve made great progress on my Spring Wishlist. Here’s the update on what I’ve done so far.

1. Make olive oil and maple granola. – I made this a few times, and it is delicious on its own or mixed into plain yogurt.

2. Clean out my garden, which is kind of a disaster. – Started on this. I have two beds left, but have made decent progress

3. Go on walks outside. – I’ve taken a few, but not nearly enough.

4. Read a few books. (So far, Mindy Kaling’s book, the rest of the Hunger Games trilogy and a little romance by Hester Browne)

5. Get someone’s nursery ready. – This is done! Mostly. We’re missing a mattress, and her bedding is on my back order, but the room is pretty charming. I’m looking forward to sharing photos of it with you. 

6. Find the perfect spring nail polish. – I love this one, but am still on the hunt.

7. Watch The Hunger Games. I thought it was a great adaptation of the book and cant’ wait to see the next two.

8. Take a trip with friends. – This year, we took a trip to Chicago for St. Patty’s Day with a big group of friends. It was a lot of fun, which was due in large part to having a  pregnant partner in crime.

9. Buy some sandals. – Given that my feet have transformed into hooves, I am tabling any shoe purchases until I have this baby.

10. Make an olive oil cake. This recipe is pretty wonderful. I skipped the compote, because it seemed like too much fuss for just the husband and I. The flavor is great, but in my opinion, it tastes best the day you make it.

11. Eat pea puree and salmon.

12.  Go on a strawberry bender. I think it’s time to find the perfect shortcake recipe. – Strawberries are not quite in season here, le sigh.

13. Check out Mark Bittman’s Food Matters. – I adore this book. Lots of wonderful ideas and recipes. I’m planning to do a full review in the coming weeks.

14. Make plans for a new vegetable garden.

15. Hit up The Gap for some miniature DVF wrap dresses.

16. Add some pansies to my front porch. I finally pitched the dead mums, which have been decorating our stoop since last fall. Yes, really, last fall. It was getting pretty ridiculous.

How have you been celebrating spring?

Odds & Ends

Over the last few months, my feet have started swelling. In particular, I have completely lost my left ankle, and my once petite foot now resembles a swollen hoof. You might think I’m exaggerating, but when people see it, they grimace. That’s their reaction, which quite frankly is the same as mine.

What this means to me fashion wise is that I can not buy shoes right now. It’s a small problem to have, but I spotted a pair yesterday that I’m dying over. If I can’t get them, someone should. They are so chic.

Perfect right? Continue reading

Bright Idea

Colored jeans are still going strong this year. Although they can seem hard to wear, I offer you some style inspiration on what has been an incredibly dreary week in Kansas City. If these don’t get you ready for sunny days and Spring, I don’t know what will.

Green Jeans - Three Ways

Fashion Friday: Peplums

Peplums are having a major fashion moment. Need proof? I give you Michelle Williams at the Oscars.

Still not convinced? Here’s Emma Stone looking chic.

Well, now that you’ve seen the photographic evidence. It’s time to think about how to incorporate this glam style into your spring wardrobe. Here are a few wonderful, not so designer pieces that will have you on trend in no time. Continue reading

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