Fab Finds: Colorful Crops

These cute and colorful pants are from Banana Republic and are called Sateen Crop Pants. They come in 7 colors, petite and regular length. Every size you can imagine from 00-16 and are on sale for $48.  We like that!

Find this look: 

Banana Republic

Morning Ritual

I am sitting here right now with Bella and Charlie enjoying my morning ritual. Really appreciating what a beautiful morning it is. Perfect temp with a nice little breeze while listening to Jason Mraz. Download his song Life is Wonderful. I really miss these mornings on the porch in the winter so I truly soak up every minute of it.

Charlie and Bella :)

Black and White

Black and white is so classic isn't it? And easy, right. This post was really inspired by the new fun shoes I recently acquired. The white pants are light weight and I live in them during the summer.

Find this look:

Shoes: Nordstrom (Franco Sarto)
Top: INC (old)
Pants: Zara

A Summer Dress

I saw this dress on Pinterest and loved it. Then I walked into Nordstroms weeks later and there it was, the last one like it and in my size. Yikes, I couldn't resist. I love wearing it. It is so comfy, feminine and lightweight. It is a unique take on a maxi dress because of the full skirt. I have worn it to a dinner party and while hosting friends to dinner. Wear it with flat sandals or pretty wedges.

Looks like I need a stack of colorful bangle bracelets.

Find this look:
Dress: Nordstrom 

Fab Finds: Kate Spade Blouse

Beautiful Paisley Blouse by Kate Spade. The obvious colors  to work with are lavender, black and cream. But notice the little hints of yellow in the pattern which would be fun to bring out. Try a pair a walking shorts in any of these colors with a wedge shoe. 

Blouse: Kate Spade at Bloomingdales

Summer Recipe

Goat Cheese and Strawberry Gilled Sandwich

Southern Living

I got this recipe off Pinterest and thought it would be so fun to try for a nice summer lunch. It's a different version of grilled cheese and is yummy and refreshing. Read more below for the recipe:

A Vintage Look

I really wanted something special to wear to Kaelynn's graduation so I had this dress made. The seamstress/designer is amazing. Just tell her what you want and she will design it. There is a real advantage to relaying an idea to someone from pattern to color and fabric. You end up with a dress exactly as you pictured it AND it's fun! 

A little detail like this bow makes it special.

Nude shoes, so as to not compete with the vintage look of the dress.

Find this look:

Shoes: Nine West

Dress: Designs By Velma

Email her @ www.VELMA.LEE@comcast.net and please let her know I sent you.

Fab Finds: J Crew Chambray Shirt

Timeless shirt. This one is year round. You really should have one. Wear it with shorts, a skirt (looks awesome with a long one), white pants, white jeans or chinos.  Have I left anything out? If you can think of some other way you have worn it we would love to hear from you.

Shirt: J Crew

Bright and Cheery

I have told you I love pleated skirts and I stumbled on this bright yellow one. Ok...I will admit I got this for $15 at Forever 21. Yes, you heard me. I was shopping with Kaelynn (my 17 year old daughter) saw it, looked at the price, dug deep in my pockets and got it. Ha! Talk about bargain shopping. A bright blue t-shirt and a fun statement necklace and viola you have a bright summer ensemble. I also have to admit that I have acquired a lot of yellow items in the last two summers.  I'm going to start looking like Tweety Bird soon if I don't stop!

Find this look:

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: Lou Lou's Boutique (gift)

Pop it with Pink

When I saw this pink jacket, I thought I died and went to heaven. I love the color, it has a Jackie O look and I had to have it. It is definitely a statement jacket so toning it down with neutral colors underneath makes it shine. A multi-colored  blouse would look great as does pairing it with all black.

Nude shoes are another great staple. They go with everything.

Find my fashion:

Jacket, t-shirt and pants are all from Zara

Shoes: Nine West
Bracelet: Tiffany
Brooch Pin: (old) Cache

Fab Finds: Nine West Sandals

So cute for the beach, pool or cookout!

Find my fashion:

Nine West

The Dreaded Swimsuit Season

You didn't really think I was going to model one, did you? Ah yes, it's here.  Bathing suit season. Remember the days when you could throw on your cute bikini or slimming one piece without a care in the world. I don't know about you, but I really miss that! I am not sure if it is mid-life crisis or having a 17year old daughter with taught skin that really has me more self conscience than ever. Oh well, those days are over but we  can certainly improvise to still look fabulous and elegant. This bathing suit is called "The Miraclesuit" and sold at Nordstrom. It comes in various prints and colors and is a suit for everyone. Available in 6 to plus sizes. To quote the description: " Look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds.  Shirred on one side for a flattering shape.  Soft, smooth fabric contains three times the stretch content" Don't forget the final touch should be a nice cover up. Try a skirt style that way you can still show off your beautiful suit.

Another Miraclesuit option

Find my Fashion:

Miraclesuit sold at Nordstrom

or Nordstrom

Fabulous Friends: Lil and Liz

Double vision? I am so excited to feature my friends, twin sisters Lil (left) and Liz. These ladies are always well put together and have a great sense of style. Though they are skilled bargain shoppers, they never compromise on quality. These beautiful designer dresses are great finds from Loehmann's.

Photography by Kaelynn Serena