Summer Haze

Outfit: Dress - LC($32), Jacket - Old Navy($30)

Summer is winding down and the temperature has dropped just a bit. I am finding myself living in this cotton maxi dress. I absolutely love how comfortable it is; I often feel like I am wearing pajamas. In the morning when I am out the door (and haven't picked out my outfit beforehand) I always reach for dresses. Starting in about February, when hem lengths in stores begin to rise, and ending in October, when all Summer sale is gone, I pick up as many cute casual dresses as possible. They are always so easy to throw on, add some accessories and then be ready for the day.

I am always surprised when I go to friends houses and find they are so low on casual dresses because it would be hard for me to live without them! This maxi dress is LC by Lauren Conrad and I love experimenting with it. I often tie up one side to add texture to the dress and on cooler days I throw a cropped black sweater over it. I love that look for fall by the way; I suggest investing in a crop sweater to throw over your maxi dress to make then fall appropriate. The look is very cute.

Happy Monday everyone!

Size Is Only A Number

Outfit: Top - Antrhopologie ($9.99), Skirt - LC ($12), Belt - H&M ($10)

I remember the days when I was obsessed with what size my clothing was. Almost to the point where I would stop myself from buying something I had wanted because, "There's no way I'm THAT size." Well the past few years I have learned something magical that has changed my confidence and wardrobe.

Size doesn't matter.

I've come to the point where it is truly just a number or word. In fact, I often find myself sizing up just because I am really into oversized clothing lately (blame Rachel Zoe). It's quite wonderful actually because when I want a shirt that a store doesn't have in my exact size I never fret because I just buy a large. The lilac shirt I am wearing above is, in fact, a large. I fell in love with the slouchy pockets and cut-out back, so when I only saw it available in a large I didn't think twice and bought it.

My fashion lesson of the day is to not be afraid of what the tag says on your clothing because it may end up limiting you. I am a firm believer that women of any size can look fashionable and fabulous. It's all about confidence :)

Ain't No Other Man

Photo Courtesy: Andrew Arnold Photography (andrewarnold.net)

Please don't be distracted by how cute Chewy is...I know I always am :)

Recently, I had an interview and besides the jittery nervousness, my next worry is what to wear. In the past five years it has been my observation that the business world (for the most part) has gotten a lot more casual. A less suits and more separates kind of business casual. Now, I am definitely not saying you show up to work or an interview in jeans. However, choosing to wear a blazer and knit pants (like the LC ones below) is an appropriate alternative to dress pants and a matching blazer.

Because it is still very warm in the Bay Area, I opted for one of my favorite skirts from H&M, a Champagne crop top and a pop of color with an orange gem necklace. I love this skirt because the length is still appropriate without being a pencil skirt to my knees. It also has the ability to be paired with flats for a more casual look, however still an another appropriate office outfit.

I felt so great after my interview I took Chewy to a park after to run around. He told me he's sure I did great in my interview :)

LC Knit Pants - $36

Every Girl Loves A Bargain

Outfit: LBD - LC for Kohls ($28), Red Heels - Jessica Simpson ($20), Blazer - Cotton On ($30).

One of my style icons has always been Lauren Conrad from MTV's, The Hills. She's classic while at the same time always keeping up with the latest trends. So, when she came out with the LC line at Kohls I was beyond excited. Not only is the line cute and well made, the items at Kohls are ALWAYS on sale. If you look online all these cute items featured below are not only on sale, but in-store there is always an additional 20%, 30% or 40% off. Take it one step further and Kohls always has coupons online or in the newspaper for a certain percentage off your purchase. It's really a great bargain for well made clothing!

In the pictures above I am wearing a LBD I got at Kohls this past spring for $28 (originally priced at $70). My favorite this about this simple black dress is the detail! It has a sweetheart neckline under the sheer and very cute ruffles at the bottom. These details make a simple black dress into something interesting and different. I've paired it with one of my favorite blazers and red heels. I love this blazer because it can be casual and dressy depending on the occasion.

Check out these LC item in Kohls stores now! All under $50 (not counting the additional discounts you can receive). To see her whole line click HERE.

Pattern Your World

Have I mentioned to you yet that I ADORE patterns?

I picked up this dress at H&M for $25. When I saw it, the pattern was unlike anything I owned (or had seen very often) and I knew I had to try it on. I loved it! Not only is the pattern fabulous, but the 3/4 billowed sleeves add to the styling of the dress.

I recommend that pieces with an overwhelming pattern such as this, be paired with simple necklaces and shoes. I chose some neutral colored beads and nude shoes in order to keep the focus of outfit on the dress.

If you don't yet own a great patterned dress try these:

1. LC for Kohls - $48.00

2. Urban Outfitters - $30

3. Forever 21 - $23