New Baubles and a Braid

As you guys know, I love statement necklaces. LOVE. They can elevate a simple tee shirt, and add sparkle, shine, and color to any outfit. Here are some baubles I'm currently loving:

J. Crew

Anthropologie 

Francesca's 

J. Crew

Feeling inspired by spring - and by all of the aforementioned necklaces - I picked up a glass and grey leaf necklace for myself (and I am absolutely obsessed with it)!

Top: J. Crew, Necklace: J. Crew, Belt: LOFT, Denim: LOFT, Shoes: Steve Madden (Similar)

While we're at it on the outfit pics, here's what I wore the other day. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals = my upcoming summer wardrobe. I love putting peaches with pinks, and whites with beiges. 

Jacket: LOFT, Top: Free People (Similar), Bracelets: LOFT

On a totally different note... I am trying to learn how to braid. I don't mean your average braid - I know how to do that. But I want to learn how to french braid, inside out french braid, and fishtail braid.

Photo: The Freckled Fox

Photo: Posie Blogs

Photo: The Freckled Fox

I have a lot ton of hair (duh), and blowing it dry/straightening it everyday just doesn't work in my schedule. Takes too long, my arms get tired, I have no patience, and so on.

I feel like knowing how to do more kinds of braids would really benefit me. Instead of throwing my hair up into a clip like I do every. single. day. (see both selfie outfit photos above/every other photo ever) these new braiding techniques would give me other ways to throw my hair back quickly and effortlessly but in a more polished way.

Though I've tried many times, I still cannot french braid quite yet. However, here is my best first attempt at the fishtail braid. IMHO, it's a damn good first try! (Thanks, Danielle, for showing me how to do this!)

Can you do any fun braiding styles? Please share your secrets and teach me your talents!

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!

D&G Watercolor - Summer to Fall

I love clothing inspired by watercolor palettes. I think they're soft and feminine, and great for everyday work wear. One of my favorite watercolor pieces is this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana skirt. I really love how it was styled with the egg-white long sleeve button down blouse.

I wanted to include this outfit on GJU, but since it's cooler out, I had to modify it so it was temperature appropriate. I wore a BB Dakota watercolor skirt I picked up at a sample sale in college (great find!), and paired it with a green blouse from Target. In a warmer month, I'd leave it at that to match the D&G look perfectly.

However, I also added a pair of opaque black tights, and a black vest from New York & Company for added warmth.

(P.S. I almost wore my gold, sparkly Toms to match the D&G model's gold flats.. but they looked a little weird over the dark tights. I'll work them into an outfit soon though, for sure.)

Think I got a little too into the "leaning" pose this time..
but my hair looked good so I went with it <3

Make it your own:

Shirt: Target $21.99 (I found it on the clearance rack for $10 or so)

Vest: New York & Company

Skirt: BB Dakota, about $46

Flats: Steve Madden $46.99

Tights: Target (Similar) $12

Pink Cocktail Ring: Family Heirloom

Silver Ring: David Yurman, Citrine