crop tops & high waists

I gave in.

At first, I wasn't feeling this look: crop tops and high waisted skirts/bottoms. I thought it was borderline trashy to show your stomach, and mainly I avoided the look because I don't have the smallest figure ideal for this style. But... one day I was wasting time perusing the aisles of Marshall's and after spotting a super cute colorful crop top with a cut out back (double-duty!), I decided to give it a go.

Turns out: it didn't look so bad! What makes it work is that the part of your stomach that's bare is the smallest part. I paired the top with a high waisted skirt that flows over my hips/tummy, accentuating my waist and flattering my curvier curves. I'm a believer now that this style can be flattering on different body types when styled correctly.

Fast-forward two weeks: I've become a little more comfortable with the look and have managed to wear it out and about without being completely self-conscious. At this point, I'd only wear a crop top with a high waisted skirt. Some people pair crop tops with skater skirts (short, flared skirts) or high waisted shorts, but I don't think those options would be as flattering for my body type and shape.

This is the original outfit from Marshall's:

Since I broke the crop top seal, I've picked up a couple other ones to add to my wardrobe... all from the same place, actually.  I randomly stopped into Abercrombie & Fitch (because I had a sneaking suspicion they'd have them) and BOOM. Crop tops everywhere. I haven't shopped there in a while for a couple reasons: 1) Their clothes are cut way too small for me and 2) I kind of outgrew the California dreamin' graphic tee phase. However, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Lots of feminine, pretty lace tops and floral pieces perfect for summer style.

Here are the three tops I snagged that day:

Rylie Crop Top, A&F, Similar Style, $38
Don't have a full body pic, but I wore this top with this floral maxi skirt.

Natasha Crop Top, A&E, $28

Natasha Crop Top, A&F, $28
Wore this one on the 4th of July with the white skirt from Marshall's and a red striped scarf

As the summer days get warmer, I am excited to try out new variations of this look. Here is some of my current inspiration...

Friend In Fashion

Bedazzles After Dark

Vanessa Hudgens, E! Online

Lupita Nyong'o, Handbag.com

Kaley Cuoco, Reveal

Free People

Is this something you'd try? Do you have a favorite crop top and high waist look for summer? Do share, please!

flower power

"She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes."
-Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things

It was absolutely perfect weather yesterday for Mother's Day. After brunch, I went over to a local park to walk around and soak in the sun... and it happened to be a good spot for a couple blog photos!

I'm really getting into the flower headband trend. I know that's all it is-- a trend-- but even still, I've jumped aboard the bandwagon. I picked up this daisy headband at Target.

Want to Get Jessed Up?

Headband: Target, $5.99

Dress: Old Navy, Similar $36.94

Sandals: Nine West, Similar $49.99

More flower headbands:

Target, $5.99

Francesca's, $14

Francesca's, $14

Nordstrom, $22

Forever 21, $5.80

Forever 21, $3.80

Urban Outfitters, $20

Urban Outfitters, $16

Coveting.

Covet: to wish for earnestly; to desire (what belongs to another) inordinately

The tenth commandment is "Thou shalt not covet..." and then it goes on to list a couple things we should't covet, including: my neighbor's house, and his wife, his servants, his ox, his ass, or anything - for that matter- that is his.

That said: I covet.

There are things I don't have that I desperate want.

Some of the pretty little things I am currently craving:

Coveting this? Spiked Lily Necklace, Bauble Bar, $44

Coveting this? Candela Starlight Maxi, Free People, $550

Coveting this? Cedar Street Maise, Kate Spade, $298

Coveting this? Honeydew Intimates Camilla Lace Bralette, Nasty Gal, $28

Is there anything you're currently coveting? Do share!

Pretty Little Midi

Midi rings are taking over. Well, they're taking over fashion blogs and Pinterest... and for me, that qualifies taking over.

The philosophy behind midi rings, if you will: why ignore the rest of your finger's joints? Beautifying the whole hand > beautifying only the top portion of your ring finger. It's about layering, and mixing/matching.

The midi ring can be done in many ways. Top three, from my observation:
1) Mix and match shapes/sizes of rings
2) Mix and match metals
3) Spell out a word

Here are some examples of what I mean:

Mix and match shapes/sizes

Mix and match metals

Say something

I like this combo

Photos- Pinterest: Midi Rings

This past weekend, I picked up two of these midi finger rings to try it out. I definitely like how they look, but I will say they took some getting used to. I kept feeling like they were going to fall off throughout the day.

Wings and Heart Midi Rings, $7, Poppy and Stella

For now, I'm starting with two. I'll play around with them and try them out on different fingers to see what I like best. Once I'm more comfortable with how they feel, I'd like to try adding on some more and see how it looks!

Is this something you would try? Would love to see any cool combo's you've come up with :)

bohemian on a budget

I love the boho look. It's fresh, simple, earthy, and easy.

Some of my favorite brands cater to this kind of style, like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and my most favorite, Anthropologie... but the ticket price at these retailers can also be high.

My Solution: Go boho on a budget. Find pieces at other retailers that are JUST as beautiful, for half the cost.

My outfit:
Dress: Walmart (Similar, $17.88)
Gold sandals: Old Navy, $12
Chunky Gold bangles: c/o mark by Avon. (This one is also gorgeous, $24!)
The turquoise ring was handmade; gifted.
Nothing costs more than $25! Budget friendly? Bingo!

The look

Hair loosely kept in a clip; let natural waves do their thing

Gorgeous bangles, gold sandals, pop of color on the finger. Fresh, simple.

Candid smiles caught on camera

That's all for now...