Outfit Mashup - Dresses, Dresses & More Dresses!

Three cheers for the weekend! Can I just say I can't believe how fast this summer is flying by?! Seriously, I know summer tends to feel like the shortest season but guh! It's the end of July and I'll be heading back to school in a month. Though I'm very excited for school to be back on my schedule because it's a welcome escape from my work! Mostly I'm excited for the classes I will be taking. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've even broken the news on my blog yet - I got accepted into the Fashion Design program at Marymount University!! Luckily, I'm transferring a ton of credits so I get to start off right away with fashion themed classes - Clothing Construction, Clothing Analysis & Textiles! And I'll also be taking English Comp. II but I'd be lying if I said I was just as excited for that class, though I do like to write so it's not going to be a complete drag!

Anyway, as I said all that fun is still a month out. Here and now we have some outfits to attend to. As a matter of fact, I've got so many outfits I figured I'd put together a little mashup. Get ready for some dresses!

Foral Tank Dress - As U Wish via JCPenney; Black Tulle Skirt - Xhiliration via Target; Black Bow Peep Toes - Pierre Dumas via Burlington Coat Factory; Striped Belt - Thrifted

This was my girly rocker look. I love this floral frock so much but admittedly it is a wee bit short for the office. But with the help of my black tulle skirt layered beneath it, it makes it work appropriate while giving it an edgier look. To add some more rocker flair, I donned a skull pendant, a pair of grey crystal earrings, black bow peep toes & a striped belt which I knotted around my waist.

Blue & White Tribal Print Dress - Merona via Target; Gold Braided Belt - ?; Gold Glitter Peep Toes - Madden Girl via Off Broadway Shoes

Ok, so I lied (but no intentionally!) when I said I haven't worn tribal print recently. I completely forgot about this dress. But then again, even though it's a tribal print, the blue & white print reminds more than anything of the beach. Specifically, it reminds me of New England and how much I miss spending summers there! I like blue & gold together, it just seems so perfectly nautical. So I kept with the theme even down to a pair of nautically themed anchor earrings that I found thrifting last year on vacation. Now, where's the beach?

Tropical Abstract Print Maxi Dress - Candies, Thrifted; Teal Jeweled Sandals - Montego Bay Club via Payless

Maxi dresses are everywhere! It's a typical summer staple. But I felt like I've been missing out. Then I realized, "Duh!" I have a maxi dress that I haven't even worn since March! Though I think it's perfect for Mardi Gras, that doesn't mean that it isn't a fantastic summer dress either. The colors are so tropical and vibrant, it makes me feel like I should have some fruity cocktail with umbrellas sticking out of it to go with the outfit. Since the dress is already the center of attention, I wore silver jewelry, a black headband & the flat sandals were a teal toned pulled from the dress.

Butterfly Print Dress - Old Navy; Light Mocha Lace Tank - Lena via Ross; Fuchsia Cropped Cardi - Old Navy; Tribal Print Peep Toes - JustFabulous

While browsing through my closet one of these past weekends I realized how great my new fuchsia cardi would go with this butterfly print dress. Not surprising actually, since they're both from Old Navy. Then I realized, happily, how perfect my new tribal print shoes would go with the ensemble. I love when outfits come together so easily like that!

So there you have it! I guess I've just had dresses on the brain. But it's amazing how many different looks I can come up with with a dress. I can't say I have a favorite though...what do you think?

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #19

So wow. Apparently I forgot how to count. Send me back to elementary school, I forgot that 19 comes before 20!

Navy & Grey Striped Faux Wrap Dress - Merona via Target; Light Pink Ribbed Tank - Mossimo Supply Co. Via Target; Peach & Navy Floral Mary Janes - ShoeDazzle

I'm not sure where my head was when I posted an outfit #20 without having a #19 posted first. I think my vacation needs to come a little sooner. Anyhow, here is the last outfit to post for the 30 for 30 challenge for your viewing pleasure! :)

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #20

Ok beautiful people, here it is. I promised I would at least get to outfit #20 of the challenge and I did!

Peach Crocheted Bib Tee - Carolyn Taylor via Ross; Black & White Floral Skirt - Old Navy; White Gladiator Sandals - Dexter via Payless

If there's anything I've learned from the challenge it's that I have been under utilizing my clothing. I came up with so many great outfits, combining pieces that I otherwise might not have thought to combine, thanks to participating in the challenge. Going forward, I am definitely going to push myself to not always go with what obviously seems to go together, and instead search for things that look good together but are maybe even unexpected. I've also learned (well, maybe just reaffirmed what I already knew) that giving myself enough time in the morning makes all the difference in being able to come up with a nice outfit versus an amazing outfit. When I don't have as much time as I would like, it helps me to be confined to a certain amount of chunk of my closet instead of having the whole thing to choose from. I think from now on, I'm going to try to pull pieces aside for a little cache of clothing that I can pick from when I'm really in a rush. I'll probably keep it rotating so I don't get bored and so that I can utilize pieces that I feel need the attention when I feel like it. I'm still developing this concept, but I think it will seriously help me on the days where I'm feeling stuck & in a rush. I'll keep you posted!

Have A She Sells Sea Shells Day

While I'm not really 100% sure on what a person who sells sea shells would wear, I feel like if it was my job to sell sea shells I'd totally wear this outfit. I mean seriously, this outfit is such a great beach outfit! Right?

Grey Sequined Seashell Print Tee - Old Navy; Chambray Tiered Skirt - Old Navy; Purple & Pink Espadrilles

I've got the sea shell print tee, a nice lightweight chambray skirt and espadrilles! You know how I love to take a theme and run with it, so I couldn't help wearing two shell themed bracelets to accessorize. And why not tie a hot pink lace shoelace around my head? :)

Have A Making Mistakes Day

So here it is folks, I'm laying it out there. As much as I pride myself in having a good sense of style, I still make mistakes sometimes. This dress is a good example of my ability to make mistakes.

Black, White & Yellow Geometric Print Dress - Susan Lawrence via Ross; Polka Dot Peep Toe Booties - Marco Santi via Sole Society

It's not like I'm blaming the dress here. The dress is just being itself, all retro-mod and stuff. Maybe I got myself confused for someone who owns a white pair of pleather go-go boots, because then I would have a pretty stellar Halloween costume. But seriously, every once in a while when I'm shopping I come across an item which I interests me that is usually pretty far from my comfort zone. When I saw this dress I was drawn to it because of the color yellow. I don't wear yellow often at all. I have one other yellow clothing item - a tank, and it is more golden than yellow. Anyway, I guess I envisioned being able to come up with cool & quirky clothing combos to go with dress, but I never have. Plus, the print overwhelming and unflattering on my body, now that I see the photos. And the cut is doesn't flatter my figure either because it's so shapeless and billowy, so a belt or sash is definitely needed. That's why I'm going to have to ditch this dress. It just isn't working for me. And while I still make mistakes, at least I have the ability to look back and realize where I went wrong. And having this blog to hold me accountable doesn't hurt either.

Have A Random Pink Shoe Day

Happy happy joy joy! It's Friday and this gal couldn't be happier. I am so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning. Is it sad that I get excited about sleeping? It's the little things in life. Another little thing I love, is how fantastic my hair looked in the photo. Can I tell you something and you won't judge me for it? It's pool hair. I had gone to the pool the evening before and was too tired to take a shower after wards. The next day when I woke up and took my hair out of its top knot it was perfectly crimped and wavy so I didn't wet it in the shower. What? So I love sleeping in and I don't wash my hair immediately after going to the pool. Alright, I'm a lazy bum. But at least this lazy bum has a great sense of style!

Green Floral Banded Dress - Xhiliration via Target; Teal Crocheted Cropped Cardi - Old Navy; Pink Suede Peep Toes - Fioni via Payless

One day recently I was meeting up with my friend, who just happened to be shopping at Old Navy because of a sale. Now what kind of clothing lover would I be if  I didn't just do a little browsing? In all honesty, I wasn't expecting to find anything but then I happened upon this shelf of crocheted cropped cardigans. I picked two up and got a discounted price with a coupon. Double score! And lo and behold, this teal colored one goes perfectly with this floral dress. And as much as I could've gone all matchey-matchey (trust me, I had to resist the urge!) I ultimately decided to do a pink shoe with this outfit. I like that it is kind of random but since the colors go, why not?

Have A Lace Sash Day

So after having worn the sames pieces for the last 18 outfits, I was excited to wear something different. But like usual, I was rushing around to get dressed and couldn't figure out what to wear.

Purple Tank - Merona via Target; Floral Print Skirt - Mossimo Supply Co. via Target; Cream Cutout Flats - Merona via Target; Yellow Lace Sash - Thrifted

This skirt and tank go well with one another and of course the cream flats match the cream colored background of the skirt. Though it was enough to make an outfit, it didn't feel complete. I've had this lace sash for a while. I salvaged it from a vintage slip with a bad stain (though I was too young to have realized I could have possibly dyed it!) but have never really known what to do with it. Since there is a bit of yellow in the skirt I thought it could work. I pinned it together in the front with a little terrier shaped brooch. To be honest, I think it looked kind of cool. A little artsy maybe, but it worked. In the photos though? Not so much. What do you think?

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #18

Ok, so I gotta admit. When I initially started this 30 for 30 challenge, I was feeling pumped. I knew I could take this challenge & make it say uncle rock it! But I think somewhere along, about halfway, I started to run out of gas. I've had a few setbacks - two of the skirts have ripped beyond wearable condition and need emergency repairs, the sole of one of my black sandals has come out and needs to be glued and a few items need to be washed. Add that to the fact that I was already starting to feel less than inspired with new outfit concepts and...yeah. I've already worn & taken photos of outfit #19, so I think I'll give it one more go to make it to #20 and stop there.

Light Pink Ribbed Tank - Mossimo Supply Co. via Target; Olive Floral Burn Tie Blouse - Apt 9. via Kohl's; Peach & Green Floral Skirt - Old Navy; Gold Bejeweled Sandals - Liliana via TreeFashions

Here we have a variation on my typical summer outfit - the tee and skirt. I like the play of colors and continuation of floral prints from the blouse to the skirt. It's a nice summery outfit, right down to the gold accessories.

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #17

Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. Outfit photos for #17! It's about time, eh?

Teal Butterfly Tee - Stranded via Target; Mocha Crocheted Shrug - Spense via Ross; Mocha Tiered Skirt - Old Navy; Bronze Peep Toe Platforms - Isabel Toledo via Payless

While I don't like to play favorites, I gotta say I am not really feeling this outfit. Maybe there's a reason I didn't get these photos for so long...hey wait! Seriously though, there's just not enough contrast here. If I had worn a different color skirt or pair of shoes, but together my legs seem way too washed out! And the shrug, I'm not so sure about. I've had it for a while and hardly ever wear it, I think it may be time to purge. Actually, I know that's a good idea, I have quite a few things I could stand parting with.

Have A Tribal Meets Neon Day

So I never got around to taking photos of outfit #17 and I thought I would, so I put off posting any further outfits. But then you know how that old story goes...the weekend came around, I got lazy and eh, what are you gonna do? But in all honesty, it's not like I sat around on my couch all weekend avoiding blogging. I cleaned my house Saturday and Sunday went on a mini-road trip to the closet Sonic Drive-in. What? Don't act like you wouldn't. Anyway, before I knew it, this week had already gotten away from me and I still haven't even taken the missing photos. Ah, such is life. Time to move on I say.

Blue/Green Floral Peasant Blouse - Old Navy; Black Lace Cami - Worthington via JCPenney; Black Cropped Leggings - Torrid; Woven Tribal Peep Toes - JustFabulous

My feelings for the 30 for 30 challenge have started to waiver. Well, my feelings for my own 30 items I should say. I've been getting a little bored with my limited selection. And after these shoes had been sitting there for a couple weeks not getting worn, I just couldn't take it any longer. Plus, I've been seeing inspiration left and right, from style blogs, magazines & emails, for outfits that I couldn't wear with the items I've been limited to. So for this outfit I decided to channel a couple trends I've been wanting to rock this summer.

The first one being tribal prints. The last time I think I wore anything tribal printed was when I was a toddler probably. But this summer the trend has been all over the place and I've been dying to get in on it. I felt shoes were the safest way to ease myself into that new style direction.

The second, less obvious, trend is neons. You'd have to be blind, literally, to miss the neon trend this summer. I've seen pages and pages of some amazingly styled outfits with neon colors and maybe it's the inner 90's child in me, but I love me some. But I don't have a lot of neon in my wardrobe. This top (and it's color variated sibling) is about the closest thing I have to neon in my closet.

I'm pleased with the outfit overall, though wishing I had a belt or scarf in a complementary color (preferably a neon one!) to fasten around my waist. I think the outfit is missing that little pop of color to give it the visual oomph it deserves.

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #16

Ahoy hoy! It's Saturday, do you know where your outfit posts are? Well I'm here to keep a rolling on pumping out these posts.

Silver Sequined Tank - Xhiliration via Target; Purple Lace Cami - Xhiliration via Target; Pink & Orange Abstract Floral Skirt - Old Navy; Purple Slingback Espadrilles - Zac & Zoe via Payless

Talk about blinging! I must have sequins encrusted into my brain, as this is the 3rd outfit in a row that features the sparkly embellishment. This floral skirt has some grey in it, so I decided to layer the purple tank over the silver sequined tank to play on the colors of the skirt. It was an interesting combo and  I kinda like it. I had no idea how shear this purple tank was though until taking the photos and seeing the silver sparkle through. I threw on some purple & silver accessories and finito!

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #15

Woohoo!! I'm super happy to have reached the halfway mark of this 30 for 30 challenge. Seriously, I don't know if it's the summer doldrums taking over, but I've been feeling a little burnt out on this challenge the past week or so. I gotta say, I started with a lot of energy and came up with some nice outfits but lately I've been starting to feel my limited choices are turning stale. I also gotta admit, I should have been more prepared and made sure I had done laundry before I started, but I guess that's another topic. Don't worry though, I'm determined to finish this challenge no matter what! I may have to throw in some non-challenge outfits into the mix just to satisfy my need for freshness, but so help me I will complete this challenge!

Navy & Grey Striped Faux Wrap Dress- Merona via Target; Red Lace Cami - Worthington via JCPenney; Gold Sequined Scarf - International Concepts via Gifted ;Gold Jeweled Sandals - Liliana via TreeFashions

Here we go with Tuesday's outfit. I was still feeling the Fourth of July vibe, obviously. Had I gone out anywhere for the actual holiday, this would have totally been a sweet outfit to rock. But you know I love themes, so I had no problem rocking it a day later. I just didn't have enough patience to just wait until next year.

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #14

Here I am...slowly catching up. Luckily having 1 day off last week and 1 off this week will help me as those are 2 less outfits I will have to post. You see, as I said, I sat around and was so lazy on my days off so outfit photos for those days just don't exist. No worries, you're not missing anything. I love fashion, but my lounge wear isn't something I'd photograph myself in.

Silver Sequined Tank - Xhiliration via Target; White Oversized Cardi - Mossimo via Target; White Macrame Belt - via Something Borrowed, Something New; Black & White Floral Skirt - Old Navy; White Gladiator Sandals - Dexter via Payless

Anyhoo, here we go, last outfit from last week - Thursday. Since that day was my Friday and the thought of Fourth of July fireworks was on my mind, I went for the glitz factor with a sequined tank For the rest of the outfit I went with a black &  white theme. What do you think, does my shirt look like a firework with the flash reflected onto the sequins? Or maybe stars? Or maybe I'm crazy? ;)

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #13

Omg you guys. Where did the long weekend go? Hehe, I swear, I tried so hard to muster up the energy it takes to do some blogging this weekend. But I was just having such a perfectly lazy weekend that I just couldn't do it! I haven't been that lazy in while. I almost felt like I was on vacation, or just in high school again. It felt so good to do absolutely nothing for 4 days straight! :) Hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend!

Plum Empire Waist Dress - Forever via Ross; Olive Floral Burn Tie Blouse - Apt. 9 via Kohl's; Black Braided Gladiator Flats - Mossimo via Target

Here's yet another combo I probably would've never done before had it not been for the challenge. Not sure why, because I love the deep, bold colors together. I see this outfit happening for fall with the addition of some tights/leggings and boots. For a layered summer look, this outfit was pretty easy. Dress + blouse + sandals = done & done!

Have A 30 for 30 Challenge Day #12

Happy Saturday!!! I so enjoyed my day off yesterday. I slept in, watched some morning programming, stocked up on wine from Trader Joes (who can beat $3.99 per bottle?!), hung out at the pool & went to the mall. I love days like that because they are just so rare! I really need to take more days off. :)

Teal Butterfly Tee - Stranded via Target; Teal & Mocha Floral Skirt - Love Potion via Ross; Brown T-Strap Wedges - Montego Bay Club

So you see what I did here? This outfit reuses the same clothing pieces from Outfit #7, minus the oversized cardi. But, with the addition of some different accessories and a pair of cork wedges, it gives this outfit a completely different look. This is one of the reasons I am totally digging the challenge, it's making me utilize all lot of accessories that otherwise don't get used as often.