Pantone 2016 Color of the Year: Rose Quartz & Serenity - Spring Edition

It’s that time of year again to bring out the Rose Quartz and Serenity.  I previously wrote a blog post on how to wear these two colors during the winter.  Now since spring is upon us, I’m going to show how you can wear rose quartz and serenity in spring!

Rose Quartz and Serenity are perfect colors for spring because they exert peace and calmness and usually colors and fabrics in spring are light and airy.  For this post, I’ve displayed work outfits utilizing rose quartz and serenity being paired together and then showing them with other colors, but using the same garment.

Outfit #1 - Rose Quartz & Serenity

For this outfit, I paired a pale pink (rose quartz) button-up silk blouse with a serenity colored ankle length dress pants.  I kept the outfit clean and minimal by accenting the outfit with white pointed heels, a white top handle purse, and silver, white, and translucent bracelets and statement earrings.  I wore a messy top knot to emphasize the statement earrings which added texture to the solid color ensemble. 

Shirt: JCPenney // Pants: Gap (sale - last year)// Shoes: Von Maur (BCBGeneration - sale last year)// Belt:.Mint L.A. (local boutique)// Purse/Jewelry: old

Outfit #2 – Serenity & Orange

Blue and orange are complementary colors so they pair great together! For this outfit, I kept the serenity colored ankle pants and swapped the pale pink blouse for a beige printed blouse that contains orange, blue-violet, and hot pink tiny polka dots.  Since the blouse contained orange, I decided to keep that my accent color and complement the outfit with orange pointed faux suede heels and an orange belt.  I topped this business casual ensemble with a tan blazer and accessorized with a white gold bracelet and statement earrings.  I recently wore this outfit to work and I received compliments on my new shoes!

Shirt: Worn (consignment shop)// Blazer: Express// Heels: Target (this spring)// Belt: Target// Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria// Earrings: JCrew Factory

Outfit #3 – Rose Quartz & Orange

Since serenity was paired with orange, I decided to continue that trend and pair rose quartz with orange.  For this outfit, I paired the pale pink silk button-up blouse from Outfit #1 and swapped the pants with a pair of camel ankle dress pants.  I topped the look with an orange cardigan and a leopard belt.  I opted for a pair of cognac oxford shoes to add a touch of menswear to this geek chic inspired outfit and finished the ensemble with a pair of tortoise framed clubmaster (or browline) sunglasses, vintage cocktail ring, and a messy top knot.

Pants: Old Navy (this past winter/spring)// Cardigan: JCPenney (sale - last year)// Belt: Target// Shoes: Dillards (Steve Madden)// Sunglasses: Wanderlust (local boutique)

Which business casual outfit is your favorite?  How would you wear Rose Quartz & Serenity during spring?

Week of Florals: Thursday - Floral Scarf

For Day 4 of Week of Florals, I decide to showcase another accessory that can be your statement piece in you outfit.  A great way to wear a print or to try a trend you’re not sure you can pull off is by investing in an accessory, such as scarves, shoes, or even jewelry, to start.  A scarf is an ideal accessory because it can be worn multiple ways and it adds color and/or a print to your outfit.

Dress: TJMaxx (Ralph Lauren)

For this outfit, I wanted my vintage floral silk scarf to be the statement piece, but worn differently than the traditional way around your neck. Since this floral scarf has a lot of color already, I wanted to keep my outfit neutral so it can stand out more.  I wore the scarf as a headscarf and paired it with a khaki safari inspired shirtdress.  I loved the mixture of utilitarian elements with florals for a classic look.  I accessorized the outfit with a variety of Stella & Dot jewelry including the Gilded Path Double Wrap Bracelet, Wanderer Cuff in gold, Strength elephant bracelet (safari motif), and Pavé Chevron ring in gold.  I also added a vintage cocktail ring, stud earrings, and slipped on a pair of cognac wedges.  I finished the outfit off with my Stella & Dot Hudson Tote bag.

Where to: Casual Meeting or Brunch

Weekend: Swap the wedges for a pair of white laser cut slip on sandals

Work: To polish the outfit up, opt for a pair of orange pointed-toe heels and place the scarf around your purse in case headscarves are too casual.

Scarf: Vintage (grandma's)// Bracelets: Stella & Dot// Chevron Ring: Stella & Dot// Cocktail Ring: Vintage (Grandma's)// Tote Bag: Stella & Dot// Wedges: Target// Sandals: Kohl's (sale)// Heels: Target

Do you like headscarves?  What would you wear it with?

Week of Floral: Wednesday - Bright Botanicals

For Day 3 of Week of Florals, I decide to experiment with bright botanicals.  Flowers are obviously colorful and what better way to showcase those than with a bright botanical print sleeveless button-up blouse which is perfect for a sunny spring day!

For this outfit, I paired my floral sleeveless button-up blouse with a pair of trendy white sailor inspired culottes.  Culottes are currently having a moment these past years and I just bought these online last week for only $26.  You can find them here. I like these cropped style pants because they can be worn with flat sandals casually or with heels for a dressed-up look.  I accessorized the look with my Stella & Dot Gilded Path Double wrap bracelet, Stella & Dot Arc Pendant necklace, sage stone cocktail ring and bright stud earrings.  I slipped on a pair of taupe caged heels, and finished this business casual look with a green carry-all tote bag and now I’m ready for the workplace. 

To transition this look into the weekend, just switch out the heels for a pair of white laser cut-out slip on sandals, swap the business tote bag for a crossbody saddle bag, and add a light washed denim vest for another casual touch.

Shirt: The Limited// Pants: Loft (sale this spring)// Vest: BCBGeneration// Tote Bag: Ralph Lauren (gift)// Saddle Bag: TJMaxx// Heels: JCPenney// Sandals: Kohl's (sale last year)// Necklace: Stella & Dot// Bracelet: Stella & Dot// Ring: Old Navy// Earrings: Old

Would you wear a bright botanical print?  How would you wear it?

Stay tuned for Thursday’s post of Week of Florals.

Week of Florals: Tuesday - Floral Heels

Over the past couple years, I’ve been scouring for a pair of floral heels.  This past spring, I recently found this pair at JCPenney. You can find them here. When I saw the price and how comfortable they actually were, I had to buy them.  Shoes are a great way to incorporate color or a print into your outfit, especially if you outfit is neutral.

Tuesday - Floral Heels

For this outfit, I wanted the heels to be the main emphasis, so I decided to showcase them with a more conservative look.  I paired these heels with a pale blue vintage dress.  I loved this dress because it was vintage, it fit well, and the bow detail on the back added a feminine touch.  Since this dress had a retro vibe, I was inspired to keep the look vintage by accessorizing the look with a pearl and gold statement necklace, pearl stud earrings, white and gold bracelets, and a neon yellow clutch.  To dress the ensemble down, I topped the outfit with a dark washed denim jacket. In case you are going to a more conservative formal event, you can swap the denim jacket for a simple cardigan. 

Where to wear this outfit: A formal bridal shower or even a spring wedding.

Dress: Atomic Garage// Jacket: Old Navy// Heels: JCPenney// Purse: Francesca's Collections // Necklace: The Limited// Earrings: Old Navy// White Bracelet: Younkers // White/Gold Snap Bracelet: Stella & Dot //

Would you invest in floral heels?  How would you wear them?

Week of Florals: Monday - Romantic Florals

May is here meaning flowers will soon blossom.  The beginning of May is always special to me because it is filled with a variety of celebrations from my dad and sister’s birthdays to Cinco de Mayo to the Kentucky Derby to even Mother’s Day.  Also this upcoming weekend is the Pella Tulip Festival.  I love when flowers bloom because they are very picturesque with their beautiful array of colors and they can brighten up the day if you’re feeling gloomy.  In homage of the tulip festival, I’ve decided to write a blog post each day this week dedicated to florals – called Week of Florals.  These blog posts will display outfits containing florals and I’ll explain how to wear this spring staple in a variety of ways.

Floral prints and fabrics have been around a very long time and nowadays it is a wardrobe staple.  Learn more about the history of floral prints and fabrics here.  Florals are a symbol of femininity and are prevalent in many cultures.  To start off this week of florals let’s dive more into our feminine side with romantic florals.

Monday – Romantic Florals

As I wrote in a previous blog post, neo-Victorian is a trend this spring.  This trend contains high necklines, Old-English billowy sleeves, ruffles, delicate lace, and of course bold vintage-like florals.  For this outfit, I paired a romantic floral cap sleeve blouse with a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans.  I bought this blouse recently at Nordstrom Rack and I wasn’t sure about the cap sleeves since I have broad shoulders and cap sleeves can make shoulders feel broader, but I tried it on anyways.  I loved how it fit, it was loose enough, but not too loose and I like the opening detail in the back.  I realized cap sleeves can work on my frame if the shirt is a loose fit and it has either a v-neck or scoop neckline because the neckline helps to elongate my neck and diminish broad shoulders. This blouse is also a great option for those who like more subdued florals instead of bright colorful florals.

I topped the outfit off with a cognac faux leather jacket and camel faux suede ankle booties.  I finished the look with a rose-gold watch and stud earrings, a vintage cocktail ring, and a heart-shaped floral delicate necklace for an added touch of romance.  I clipped my hair back for another touch of femininity.

This outfit would be great for a casual night out where the weather is still not hot enough to wear shorts and tank tops.  I wore this outfit last month grabbing dinner with some friends.  Once the weather becomes warmer, just swap the darker washed jeans for a white pair and dressy sandals.

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack (this spring) // Jeans: American Eagle // Jacket: TJMaxx //Shoes: Charlotte Russe (last fall)// Watch: Fossil// Ring: Vintage (Grandma's)// Necklace: Gift (old)

Do you like romantic florals?  How would you wear a floral shirt?

Stay tuned for Tuesday’s outfit...HINT - it will be focused on shoes!

April Showers...Brings Out Anoraks!

This April, most of the forecast here in Des Moines has been cloudy and rainy.  Every once in a while the sun comes out to play, but then the next day it is usually followed by rain.  Since April is regularly a rainy month, one spring staple I think every woman (and man) needs to own is a lightweight anorak.  An anorak is a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood.  Not only are anoraks functional to keep rain off of you, but they can come in cute styles as well.  They are a good option when you have already put away your heavier coats and the weather is still a little chilly, windy, or of course raining outside.  I recently bought this yellow anorak at Target for only $40.  This jacket comes in variety of colors, click on the link above to find more colors.  I was drawn to this jacket because 1) I loved the bright color, 2)the cinched waist helps to create and define your waist (which looks great on many body types), and 3) it covers your butt (great for those women who like something long enough to cover their behind or are self-conscious about their backside).  Below I’ve created three outfits utilizing this newly bought anorak jacket. 

Outfit #1 – Floral Print + Anorak

This first outfit I actually wore for this past Easter.  This year’s Easter weather was a little chilly and cloudy outside.  Even though it wasn’t sunny, I wanted to wear a bright spring color.  I paired a floral button-up with black skinny jeans and topped the outfit with my yellow anorak.  Since it wasn’t sunny enough for sandals, I opted for a pair of leopard flats to add another print into the ensemble.

Shirt: Target //Jeans: JCPenny //Jacket: Target (this spring)//Shoes: DSW // Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria

Outfit #2 – Nautical Stripes + Anorak

I wore this second outfit a couple weekends ago running errands when the weather was sunny, but scattered showers.  For this outfit, I was inspired by the destination of walking on a beach in the Northeast or sailing on a boat.  I paired a red and white Breton stripe knit tee and white skinny jeans.  I continued the nautical theme with red Keds sneakers and topped the outfit off with the yellow anorak.

Shirt: Target (this spring)// Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Jacket: Target (this spring)// Shoes: Target 

Outfit #3 – Scout’s Honor

For this last outfit, I was inspired by taking a hike through the woods with a Boy Scout troop.  For my Scout’s uniform interpretation, I paired a white safari inspired shirt with sage green chino ankle pants.  I accessorized with an olive paisley print bandana tied around my neck in reference to the neckerchiefs the Scouts wear.  I amped up the footwear by slipping on a pair of faux suede ankle booties and added a camel colored saddle bag to potentially hold a compass and a fire starter kitJ.  I finished the ensemble off with the yellow anorak and a top knot for functionality while hiking through the woods.

Shirt: TJMaxx (old)//Pants: Old Navy (this spring - see here)//Jacket: Target (spring)//Boots: Charlotte Russe//Bandana: old 

Which outfit is your favorite and why?  How would you wear an anorak?

Winter to Spring: Neo-Victorian

In my opinion, February and March are the months where you start transitioning your clothes from winter to spring.  I enjoy this time of year because you can start switching out your heavier coats for lighter-weight jackets and layering becomes your best friend.

One trend that continues into spring from the fall 2015 season is Neo-Victorian.  Elements of Neo-Victorian include high necklines, delicate ruffles, puffy Old-English sleeves, romantic lace, and big vintage florals.  If you are to invest in at least one of these elements, I would recommend lace.  Lace is a fabric that can be worn all year-round.  Lace comes in a variety of colors and options to wear, including dresses, shirts, shorts and skirts.  For this post, I’ve created two outfits transitioning my ivory lace and ruffled shirt from winter to spring.  Plus if you read through this post, you can see a bonus outfit.

Winter: Lace and Velvet

This past fall, I was intrigued by the Neo-Victorian trend and how I can utilize it in my wardrobe.  For this winter outfit, I paired my ivory lace shirt with a maroon velvet blazer and black skinny pants.  When lace is paired with velvet, it exerts a gothic romance look.  I slipped on a pair of black faux fur smoking slippers to add more texture while the dark lip and silver drop earrings add more dark romance to the ensemble.  This outfit would be a great outfit for work or even a night-out attending a theater performance.

Shirt: Dillard's // Blazer: Casual Corner (Ann Taylor) // Pants: Gap // Shoes: DSW // Earrings: Francesca's

Spring: Lace and Peach

I think of lace as being a feminine fabric.  It can be girly paired with pastels and light colors, or can exert a hard and soft exterior when paired with leather.  For this spring outfit, I combined feminine and tailored elements.  I paired the lace shirt with peach chino pants and topped it off with a blush blazer.  I accessorized with a rose gold watch, bracelets and two gold cocktail rings.  I slipped on a pair of gold, rope detailed ballet flats to finish the ensemble.  This outfit would be a great business casual work outfit or lunch date.

Shirt: Dillard's (Gianni Bini)// Blazer: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Pants: The Limited (last spring) // Shoes: Dillard's // Watch: Fossil// Rings: Old Navy// Bracelet: Gift

BONUS Outfit: Maroon Crochet Lace Swing Dress

For this bonus outfit, I wanted to show how a crochet lace swing dress can be transitioned from winter to spring without changing jewelry.

Winter: 70’s Rocker Chick

I have recently embraced swing dresses and I found this one at Dry Goods.  I love the 60’s vibe of the dress with the mock turtleneck to the flowy tent-like silhouette.  I wasn’t sure if I would look alright in a swing dress, but when I tried it on; I knew I could make it work.  For this outfit, I was inspired by the silhouette, so I encompassed elements of the 60’s and 70’s.  I paired the dress with a black faux fur cropped vest along with black tights and faux suede black over-the-knee boots to emulate a 70’s rocker chick who is headed to a rock concert.  I layered on gold leaf earrings, mixed media long necklace, gold chevron bracelet, and ornate cocktail rings to finish the ensemble.

Dress: Dry Goods// Vest: BCBGeneration// Tights: Target (old) // Boots: Charlotte Russe// Necklace: Old// Bracelet/Earrings: Express // Rings: Vintage (Grandma's)

Spring: Casual in Denim

To transition the outfit above to spring, all I did was switch out the fur vest for a denim jacket and over-the-knee boots for cognac wedge sandals.  As I mentioned above all the jewelry is the same.  Now I’m ready for a casual date or shopping during the spring.

Dress: Dry Goods// Jacket: Old Navy// Shoes: JCPenny

Do you like the Neo-Victorian trend?  How would you wear it?