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!

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...

Dress Obsessed: Maxed Out

Maxi dresses are my newest obsession. Why? See below:

1) They're comfortable.
2) Given the right fabric and fit, maxi dresses are figure-flattering.
3) They are a whole outfit in one! Add some jewelry and a cute pair of wedges or sandals and you're good to go.
4) I'm pretty sure maxi dresses are the closest thing to pajamas you can get away with wearing at work... without actually showing up in your favorite pair of sweats and sorority tee shirt.
5) Another benefit? You don't have to shave your legs that day. (Don't lie, you know you've considered this!)

I've scoured the websites of my fave retailers, and compiled some of my favorite maxi looks for summer.

The vibrant colors and patterns on this maxi dress make it the perfect frock
for an outdoor festival.

Criss-cross straps and corset back detail add a unique finish to this dress.
Tarana Maxi Dress, Anthropologie, $168

For a summer wedding, or a date night with your beau, this maxi dress
with cascading ruffles is stunning.

The cutout detail on the back is lovely. Ruffle Stream Maxi, Anthropologie, $298

I absolutely love this dress (I have it)! The fun Aztec-inspired pattern is what originally
caught my attention. I've worn it with both flats and wedges. 

Wore this dress to work the same day as my friend Danielle. I paired it with a
denim jacket, while she chose a pink cardi. Both work-- this dress is super versatile!
Resort Border Print Maxi Dress, LOFT, $89.50

This is my favorite maxi dress of the season so far (I own this one too)! What I love most is
the comfy knit material. It's so soft! The straps criss-cross in the back giving it a
little flirty touch.
Diamond Print Criss Cross Back Maxi Dress, LOFT, $89.50 

This strapless maxi with drawstring waist the perfect dress to bring to the beach.
Whether you're wearing it as a bathing suit cover-up, or just throwing it on to run errands, the
splatter print makes it a fun choice for summer!
Splatter Print Strapless Maxi Dress, Gap, $74.95

What I love about this dress is its simplicity. The navy and white colors have
a nautical feel, and the asymmetric stripes are visually interesting. I wouldn't pair
it with nude heels like they did on the Macy's website, though. To me, this dress is
more suited for casual wedges or bright sandals to add a pop of color.
Kensie Sleeveless Striped Maxi, Macy's, $44.99 

Do you like maxi dresses? Have a favorite one this summer? If so, how do you style your maxi dress?

Maxi Mayhem

When you feel good in what you wear, it makes you happy. Well, this dress makes me happy. Pics for proof:

Easy summer makeup

I whip my hair back and forth...

Loving my new bronzer and lipstain

Just call me "Tarzan"

Thought this was one had cool movement to it... So did the Tarzan shot!

I'm really digging maxi dresses this summer. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and great for the day-to-evening transition. This maxi dress is on my favorites because I love the bright pattern! 

Make it your own:

Hamptons Maxi Dress: c/o mark $35

Bag: Longchamp $125
Sandals: Target (Similar) $14.99
Lipstain: c/o mark $11
Bronzer: c/o Avon $11
Watch: Michael Kors $250

Love the Loft

A new LOFT store just opened near me in Baltimore (which is both exciting and dangerous for my wallet), and I was invited to attend the grand opening event co-sponsored by Baltimore Style Magazine.

Here are some photos from the event!

Welcome!

Saw this dress right when I walked in, and fell in love with it

The beautiful store and district managers

Gorgeous necklaces this season at LOFT

Also loved these green capris

Tried on the dress-- and of course, bought it. Couldn't help myself!

LOFT shoppers enjoying the event and trying on lots of clothes!

With Samantha who coordinated the whole event

Brian Lawrence from Baltimore Style Magazine

Chocolate truffle lollipops. Yes Please x5 

Bright accessories add the perfect pop of color

Simple sundresses for Spring and Summer

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.


I had a great time at the LOFT event trying on all the new pieces in the Spring 2012 collection. Bring on the sun, good times with friends, pool days, and afternoons on the beach.

These bright colors and fun patterns remind me that the official countdown to summer has begun.

Have a great week!