Friday's Fancies: Summer Nights

The time has come, the teacher said, to talk of many things:

Of sun and sand and beach and pool, and other summer-y things.

That's right, kids, summer is officially well underway, and we have got to adjust our wardrobes accordingly. As an avid layer-er, summer gets tough for me, so I like to keep it fun with bold prints, accompanied by lightweight neutrals and bright accessories!

{pants / tank / necklace / heels}

I might secretly be planning to live in Birkenstocks this summer (don't judge!), but pretending I'm going to pump up the volume with a sassy nude heel isn't so wrong, is it? ;)

What outfit are you living in during these hot summer nights?

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Wear

Known to many as "wedding season," June is kicking off, and I'll bet your stack of invites is piling high! As you may have noticed yesterday, I went to a Lake Arrowhead cabin wedding earlier this month in a sheer maxi and wedges, and I think it was the perfect fit for their indie chic wedding! 

Have a few nuptial soirees coming up this summer? Check out my ideas for some modern wedding wear!

{pumps / bracelets / clutch / dress}

Classic cocktail attire? Try a twist on the LBD with a fun mirror print! These fun, flattering, and totally wearable prints are popping up everywhere this season, and mixing a tropical vibe with basic black is perfect! Pair it with some cute and classic black pumps and neutral/metallic accessories and you are ready to dance the night away with your new favorite couple!

{dress / earrings / clutch / heels}

Summer evening wear required? You can't go wrong with a floral in a pretty neutral palette! Let your beautiful dress do the talking with minimal accessories and a bright clutch! Plus, with florals like this, you can just ignore the tacky bouquet toss. ;) 

I am kind of obsessed with these heels… mixed neutrals are my jam!

{clutch / lipstick / heels / dress}

You can absolutely never go wrong by wearing pastels to a wedding! Find a dress with built-in bling and you are seriously good to go! Keep your accessories light and feminine, with a touch of pink on your lips, and you are sure to look chic!

Are you headed to any weddings this season? What will you be wearing?

Friday's Fancies: May Flowers

April Showers Bring May Flowers, or so I've heard… Here in the good ol' OC, there were no April showers, and the only May flowers I see are being slowly but surely slaughtered by the 100-degree weather. ONE HUNDRED DEGREES. (I sure complain about the weather on my blog a lot, don't I?)

Anyway, the only place I can let my flowers grow free lately are via my clothes! Lucky for me, this month's Friday's Fancies theme is May Flowers!

{top (similar, similar, similar) / jeans / flats / tote / earrings / bracelet / watch}

I know, I know… Miranda Priestley tried to warn us… May Flowers sound cliche, right? But let's be honest, they are perfect for spring, and I am going to wear the springtime sh*t out of 'em!

[/end word vomit.]

Friday's Fancies: Green

So, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I have very mixed feelings regarding St. Patrick's Day. While I enjoy drinking (duh), I do not specifically enjoy being told what to wear, and more importantly, I do NOT enjoy being pinched! Seeing as I'll be spending Monday with some 3rd graders, I'd best peruse my wardrobe for green - I don't need any of those little leprechauns causing me trouble!

The  way I see it, find your favorite shade of green, be it avocado, emerald, or sage, and let it compliment an otherwise neutral outfit! Mix your cute, tailored basics with with some St. Patty's spirit, and you're good to go!

{blazer / tee / necklace / jeans / purse / loafers}

{hat / bangle / heels / dress}

{purse / shirt / earrings / skirt / loafers}

Valentine's Day: Girls Night Out #GALentinesday

Let's all embrace the hilarity of "GALentine's Day," enjoy some (a bottle) of wine with our girlfriends, throw on some bright lipstick (and smear it all over your face by the end of the night), and head out on the town in your pink & red best!

{jeans / blouse / boots / necklace / clutch / lipstick}

{dress / earrings / lipstick / boots}

{jacket / nail polish / jeans / tee (sold out - similar, similar, similar) / heels}

Friday's Fancies: Boo-tiful! - Mary Poppins

{bag (similar) / hat / shirt / bow / tights / heels / skirt}

I have a confession: I'm over Halloween. Don't get me wrong. I'm not over candy. I'm not over pumpkin decorating. I'm not even over dressing up. But I am over big Halloween extravaganzas that include but are not limited to: DJs, public drunkenness, hours of dancing, and way too many people.

I didn't celebrate Halloween last year (I was actually at a Bat Mitzvah), and I have been hoping for the past year that some low-key plans would emerge, and lucky me, my friends Sarah & Dan are having a little soiree at their apartment - thank goodness!

This year, I'm leaving the slutty bumblees, slutty girl scouts, slutty race car drivers, and slutty Alice in Wonderlands at home (Why, yes, I have dressed up as all of those things... You can judge me. I would), and I'm going fully-clothed Disney this year - with the practically perfect Mary Poppins, Keiko Lynn style. Boyfriend is going as Bert, and I am stoked to be 1) comfy, 2) calm, and 3) coupled this Halloween. :)

What will you be dressing as this Halloween? Head over to long distance loving for more costume ideas!

Friday's Fancies: Party Time!

{earrings / clutch / necklace / heels / dress}

Today officially marks the 150th edition of Friday's Fancies! That's nearly 3 years, everyone! We've been getting inspired to be creative with our style and interpret trends all thanks to Allison over at long distance loving, and today it's time to "celebrate!" I put together my best party attire - how can you go wrong with a sparkly heel, a flirty party dress, and some rhinestone-coated accessories?

Head over to long distance loving to check out some more celebratory ensembles and... Let's party!

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush

{necklace / sneakers / dress / wallet / watch / ring / nail polish}

In case it wasn't clear from my pastel-heavy post earlier this week, I am totally crushing on icy tints lately, especially sky blue! I think it's safe to say that if you can find an item in this baby nursery-esque shade, I'm going to fall in love! How amazing (and out of my price range) is that statement necklace? Something tells me light blue nails (which I'm currently rocking right now) are just about the only way my budget is going to allow me to incorporate sky blue these days. ;)

What color are you crushing on lately?

Friday's Fancies: Work Wear

{watch / bracelet / boots / earrings / skirt / top / tote}

Since starting student teaching, I have come to a few conclusions about my work wear:
1. I feel most "teacher-y" in a pencil skirt!
2. I feel most comfortable throughout the day in boots!
3. There are few accessories more important on a school day than a watch and a roomy carry-all tote!

I have also come to three other important conclusions regarding the above said:
1. It is sort of exhausting to wear pencil skirts everyday.
2. I have already tortured my feet in heels too many times and am filled with regret regarding this decision.
3. These are the only things I never stray from, and the advil, lotion, and hand sanitizer in my purse all thank me for it, along with the 6-year-olds who constantly ask me how many minutes are left till recess.

What's your go-to work wear look?

Friday's Fancies: Fall Wish List

I have to admit, whenever I post a wish list or gift guide on the blog, it would usually be more appropriately named "things I am going to end up buying." However, this time around, considering the fact that I'm knee-deep in student teaching (also known as an elongated unpaid internship) and have no foreseeable paychecks coming my way, this right here is a bonafide wish list!

1. Overalls - Retro? Yes. Silly? Slightly. Guaranteed to be comfortable? Definitely! Fairly certain to make me look dumpy? Yes ma'am. (Still want 'em!)

2. Neutral sandals - I feel like everyone needs the perfect pair of neutral (black, brown or nude) sandals in their wardrobe, and these two-toned babies may be the best of both worlds!

3. Blue dress -The elementary school I'm student teaching at has "spirit" Fridays - all of the students and teachers are supposed to wear gray or royal blue, and I am absolutely in the market for a royal blue dress! (Plus, it's one of my favorite colors to wear!)

4. Pastel blue sweater - Can you tell I'm in a blue mood lately? I'm a sucker for super-soft, feminine, and versatile pastel sweaters, and this sky blue piece is no exception!

5. Nude heels - Much like the neutral sandal, a nude heel is a wardrobe staple! I am not a fan of patent nude pumps, and the "blush"-colored heel I have is pretty uncomfortable, so I've been lusting over this classic-cut, pretty nude suede pair!

6. Utility jacket - Though fall weather has just barely reared its head here in Southern California, I am absolutely smitten with this utility jacket! The navy/olive combo is super versatile, and I dig the slim, elongated fit! I'd love to have this "fall" coat - and I'm fairly certain it could take me through an Orange County winter!

What's on your wish list for fall?

Friday's Fancies: Friday Night Lights

{necklace / t-shirt / purse / jeans / watch / boots / football}

So, let me be honest. I've never cared about any athletic team more than I've cared about the Dillon Panthers. Still, on the rare occasion that I do attend a sporting event (usually Angel games, in my case), I try to root root root for the home team while still looking cute! Wear your gear (whether it be a tee, jersey, or team colors), pair it with classic comfy jeans and a sensible shoe (hah!), and accessorize accordingly! Show your spirit while you show your style!

Now, let's all just take a moment to bask in the beauty that is Tim Riggins, and remind ourselves: Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. TEXAS FOREVER.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose.

Texas Forever!

Friday's Fancies: Transition Time

{tank (similar) (similar) / necklace / sandals / cutoffs (similar) (similar) / scarf / sweater (similar) (similar) / watch / tights / booties (similar) (similar)}

I will keep pretending that Fall is creeping up on us, even though it is still a good 100 degrees outside! Yipes! Either way, somehow someway, the weather is (or will be!) getting cooler, and it's time to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall! I wanted to give you all an idea of how you could take your cutoffs into colder weather! While you've been wearing them with your sandals and tanks for summer, add a pair of tights and some cold-weather accessories like a scarf and booties to a cozy sweater, and you can take those jean shorts right on into winter!

Friday's Fancies: Labor Day Weekend

{necklace / purse / dress / hat / feather bangle / arrow bracelet / sandals}

As I started work/school already, Labor Day really is an official "goodbye" to summer for me and many others! So, bid your favorite summer pieces (i.e. a maxi dress, fedora, and sandals) a fond farewell as you trade them in for cozy sweaters, beanies, and booties! Now, if only the weather here would drop below 90...

Don't forget to enter my big ASOS Giveaway - winning it would surely make your Fridays especially Fancy!

Friday's Fancies: Back to School!

As Summer begins to come to a close, and Fall swiftly approaches, it's time to think about back-to-school outfits! As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so choose your first day outfits wisely! ;)

{vest (similar) / boots / tee / necklace / skirt / backpack}

Your teenage years are a time to keep it fun and light, so why not mix it up with a flippy skirt, printed backpack, a classic tee and vest combo, and some awesome combat boots? Tip: switch our your boring laces for same cool neon ones - use every chance to show your personality and make a statement!

{coat / purse / shirt / loafers / watch (similar) / jeans / belt / ipad case}

Congratulations! You're enrolled in a university and it's time to get serious about your future - but not too serious about your style! ;) You can play the grown-up with a structured bag, a classic coat, and understated accessories - but have a little fun with some bright colors and fun patterns, and don't forget to trick out your laptop/iPad case! Tip: Your gadget accessories give you a chance to show your personality without words - and incorporate a little pattern mixing, too!

{watch / necklace / ring / purse / shirt / flats / skirt}

Can't forget about us teachers! The first day of school is as much a chance for teachers to make a first impression as it is for students, and your outfit has a lot to do with that! Keep it classic with traditional shapes - an oxford, a pencil skirt, a round-toed shoe, and structured bag - but have a little fun with a delicate pattern and pretty accessories! Tip: Have a little fun with a monochromatic palette, but if it feels to bold, anchor it down with a nude shoe and neutral accessories!

What will you be wearing on your first day of school?

P.S. Need more inspiration? Take a look at my Back-to-School Style post from last year! :)

Friday's Fancies: Treat Time! Lime-a-rita!

{earrings / tank / heels / skirt / purse}

This week's Friday's Fancies theme is so fun! The idea? Take your favorite "summertime treat" and create an outfit inspired by it! Since I wasn't quite sure how "hot dog" would translate into fashion, I went with a classic summertime staple: a margarita! Nothing says beat the heat like lime green, bright white, and tropical palm trees!

I'm off to Vegas again this weekend, and I'm planning to rock an outfit just like this tonight, wherever it is we end up dancing the night away! Can't wait to post pictures of my inspiration turned reality!

Friday's Fancies: Style Crush - January Jones

{image / booties / jeans / blouse / rings / bracelet / sunglasses / purse (similar)}

I did a Friday's Fancies Style Crush back in January, and I was super stoked to try it again! I found this photo of January Jones, and I immediately loved her outfit! It struck me as kind of modern equestrian. I traded in the over-the-knee boots for a wedge bootie (better for my short frame), but kept mostly everything else tailored and classic, and complimented by some simple gold jewelry!

I know this image is a tad small - if you ever want to get a closer look at any of my outfit sets, you can always check out my Polyvore profile! :)

Friday's Fancies: Sandal Savvy

{shirt (similar) (similar) / sandals / sunglasses / skirt / earrings / bracelet / bag}

For the past few months, I've been searching for the perfect pair of gladiator-esque brown sandals, and I finally found them! I ordered this pair, and not only are they adorable and comfortable, I know they're going to be super versatile! (Plus, they are incredibly affordable - $24!) Though I know they'd compliment a multitude of outfits, pairing them here with a cute floral chambray, a simple skirt, and classic accessories creates the perfect outfit to take you through a weekend afternoon!

Friday's Fancies: Stars & Stripes

I know it isn't Friday, but I couldn't let good ol' Independence Day go by without providing you with some additional inspiration for 4th of July! American-inspired, red, white, & blue, stars & stripes for the win!

{tee  (similar)/ earrings / shorts / purse / sandals}

{skinnies / tee (similar) / necklace / heels}

Hope you all have a magical day full of yummy food, lots of sunshine, mind-blowing fireworks, and most importantly: TONS OF FUN!

Friday's Fancies: Beach Ready

{sandals: zara | bracelet: gorjana via austique | dress: les pommettes | bikini: tilly's (top) (bottom) | hat: h&m| bag: object (similar)}

Ok, ok, I'll admit it... I'm not much of a beach lover. Yes, that's an obnoxious thing for someone to say who grew up (and is still) a 10-minute ride from the beach, but I can't help it. Sand. Sunburns. Cold water. Salt in your eyes. Waves drowning you. Bottom line: I'm a total complainer, and then you put me in sand. HOWEVER, if you're gonna get sand in unmentionable places, you may as well look cute doing it, right?

If I ever find myself back on a beach again (let me be honest, I went yesterday...), preferably somewhere tropical (Hawaii? Costa Rica? Is that you I hear calling my name?), I'd be happy in a pretty-colored bathing suit, with a practical and stylish coverup, and some classic accessories!

What's your go-to beach look?

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Season

Apparently, it's wedding season! While, honestly, the two weddings I'm attending this year occur(ed) in February and October, that doesn't mean I can't help out all of my readers to plan what they'll wear as wedding guests this summer!

{blazer (similar) / purse / dress / necklace / heels}

I think the classic theme for a spring/summer is pastels! However, by pairing contrasting pastel shades, and adding a brighter version of one of your shades into the mix, you can really pump up the volume of an otherwise subdued outfit! Keep it classic with some neutral accessories, and you're ready to go!

{blazer / clutch / dress / necklace / heels}

You really can't go wrong with the traditional blazer + dress combo, and by mixing your classic pieces with a stand-out dress and statement necklace, you will be prepared to stylishly celebrate your friends & families!

{outfit 1: studs / clutch / wedges / dress (sold out - similar) | outfit 2: dress (sold out - similar) / studs / clutch / heels}

While I've never been to a formal wedding, or a beach wedding for that matter, an ethereal maxi in a beautiful shade seems like the perfect attire for either! Let your dress do the talking, add some beautiful metallic accessories, and dance the night away!

Head over to Long Distance Loving to check out more options for wedding season!