Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Cheap and Chic: Mossimo Paz Sandal and I found a bikini!

I hope everyone had a long, fantastic weekend! I am still recovering from late nights, 2 very hot days in Atlanta and too much of my Uncle's fabulous cooking. We had a wonderful time, I will share some pics later this week.



My cousin Megan had the most adorable shoes on that I too had spotted at Target  but they were missing my size. They are the Mossimo Paz sandal and retail for $24.99. She was wearing them with shorts and a blouse and they couldn't be cuter. I may have to order them online!




Oh and good news, I found the perfect bikini! Thanks to Sally at a Piece of Toast! She directed me to the solids by Mossimo that are hidden on the back wall of the swim section. I got the teal bandeau and the teal mock-side tie bottoms which are surprisingly not skimpy at all! Both pieces are $17.99 each. What a bargain! And the color is fantastic (beter in person than in the pic)!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

ATL here I come!


Me, Jamie, Megan

Heading South this weekend to visit my cousins in Atlanta and celebrate little Jamie's High School Graduation! Too bad my brother, who also lives there decided to go to Charleston for the weekend (boys will be boys!).


Have a great holiday weekend, whatever your plans may be!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Closet Confidential: Tie it

If you are a loyal follower of Atlantic-Pacific, you may have seen this outfit...



I love how she mixed the gingham with the floral. Such a great example of easy to do pattern mixing!

I also happen to have a similar shirt. It inspired me to throw this on over one of my favorite white sundresses from H&M and tie it in front. This dress is more of a shift, so tying the shirt gives me a  bit more shape.

I paired it with pearls and a gold chain (from clothing swap party) and yellow t-strap sandals from Nordstrom (BP brand LY)

A comfortable and  EASY summer look. Thanks Bee for the inspiration!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Point your toes...

As someone who took dance for most of my adolescence, pointing toes just comes natural. It will come as no surprise that I love pointed toe shoes, I am THRILLED they are back...


these Kitten Heels by Edmundo Castillo make my heart skip a beat...so pretty!

and going into fall, these would be perfect!

what do you think? Do you love pointed to shoes?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Somewhere in between...

Why has it been so hard to find a bikini this season? Everything is SO ridiculously SKIMPY! Especially in the bottoms. This is just not appropriate for running around after a 3 year old...


I don't want skimpy, but I also don't want this...YIKES!



And despite all the cute styles, I am just not ready to sport a one piece. I tried them on, and wasn't crazy about how they fit or look.




And the day I wear  "swimdress" is the day that I will just have to not put on a swimsuit at all.


anyone have a 2 piece that they love, appropriate for a 30'something mom? I would love suggestions!


Monday, May 23, 2011

Bring it.

Thursday means 2 things...

1. my parents come into town and are staying for 9 days! hurray! Aren't they cute?



2. So You Think You Can Dance returns, FINALLY! I am not sure what I am most excited for...

The dancing?

Cat's phenomenal wardrobe?


Or this Crazy Pants who is returning this season...



It's a triple threat, I can't wait! Who else is watching with me?????


Friday, May 20, 2011

Closet Confidential: Nautical and Nice


I wore this outfit last week while scouting out some stores in KC for my Shopping blog. I am a sucker for any stripes, so when I saw this knit dress at H&M (for $19 I believe) I about fainted! I have worn this dress probably a dozen times already. I have paired it with flats, tall boots, over leggings, and now that it's warmer with my new Gap Wedge Sandals. I would say it was a great purchase!

I styled it with a green vintage inspired scarf from H&M, Orange studded clutch from Standard, and plastic/rhinestone bracelet from a clothing swap party, and J.Crew bracelets. Pretty Pink nailpolish color HERE

Stunner: Kate Bosworth

Kate has always had a high rating in my book. I often forget about her, because she isn't overexposed as much as some celebs these days, which in my opinion speaks very highly of her. She is in a new commercial for Cotton, which reminded me how striking she is.

When awards season rolls around, she is always a favorite of mine. Remember this red dress by Calvin Klein...really, how could you forget?



She was blessed with one hazel and one blue eye


She is simply stunning, and quite a muse...




Thursday, May 19, 2011

Super(model) Mom: Meet Noelle


Meet Noelle...

Noelle was nominated by her good friend Talia who happens to be a friend and former classmate of mine from Indiana University. According to Talia, Noelle is truly a super mom. She has 4 gorgeous boys, she works at the University of Notre Dame and she also writes a blog (it's quite funny...you should read it)...all without really breaking a sweat and still look cute doing it!

Here is a little bit about Noelle in her own words, and her answers to my top 10 style inspiration questions...


Growing up I was a feminine tomboy. I loved playing outside, getting dirty but I still managed to look cute while doing it. I continued this style through high school and on to college.


I graduated from Loyola Marymount University in L.A. with a theater degree. The style in LA is bold, yet I found that the majority of the women adopted the same look, and their wasn’t a lot of individuality. I met my husband and we decided that we wanted to start a family.

We moved back to my hometown in Indiana. He is a teacher and I work in publicity at The University of Notre Dame. We were able to find a 1930’s home that we love and are busy raising our four crazy sons ranging from 8 years to 1. Because I was a tomboy, I feel completely comfortable surrounded by men and boys. It allows me to be express my femininity and stand out.

My style inspiration comes from the students I see on campus. They come from all over the country and world and have time to keep up with the latest fashion trends. . Although they are years younger than me, I find ways to implement youthful style appropriate for a conservative professional environment and on to baseball practice.



What is your daily "uniform"?

I dress in layers. The weather is unpredictable and I never know if my office is going to be cold or hot. Also, I never know if I’m going to get spilled on, or have something wiped on me by one of the boys en route to work and school. Layers can hide things. I have 3 or 4 different styles of black pants, skinny, strait, loose, fat. I love heels and I have several black pairs that I wear daily. I usually add a loose fitting blouse or tank. I add my color with a bold necklace or scarf.

I wear a cropped jacket or cardigan in a bright color that contrasts my jewelry to add a bit of interest. When I have after work occasions I take the jacket or cardigan off and it instantly looks dressier. I have natural wavy hair that I have denied for far to long. I will spray Fekkai summer hair spray into my wet hair and tie it in a loose bun. By the time I make it to work it is mostly dry and I comb it through and wear it down.



What most influences your personal style?

I wake up at 5 am every morning and go to the gym. I love wearing fitted clothing that makes me feel confident and less like a “mom”. I’m influenced by classic icons like Audrey Hepburn, who could look sexy and sophisticated with simple pieces. I like to show just the right amount of skin for a catholic university.


Whose closet would you most like to raid?

At this very moment I am obsessed with Pippa Middleton. She always looks put together and her choice of silhouettes are perfect for her figure.



What are some of your favorite splurges?

Any clothing I purchase for myself is a splurge. We don’t have extra money to purchase big ticket items, but I love dresses and every couple of months I will find a dress I can’t live without and get it.



What are your favorite budget items?

Purses. I like to find big leather tote that I can throw diapers, granola bars, juice boxes and whatever else the boys will want and take that with me. I pride myself in saying that I have never carried a traditional diaper bag.



What items do you own that you will never part with?

Spanx. Black leather boots that I purchased in LA 10 years ago. I have had them repaired several times. And my diamond stud earrings.


Your top 3 favorite places to shop?

Because I usually have to shop in places with a cart, I love Target for little layering pieces. They have a line called Merona and it fits me exactly right. I always get compliments on my dresses. . If I am alone, I can find a few things at Marshalls and the Gap never disappoints for simple staples.


What are your favorite style blogs to read?

Scout. It is the only one I have bookmarked. I also relay on my best friend Talia, to send me infinite fashion wisdom like “never wear capri pants”


What has been your biggest fashion mistake?

Well, according to Talia it would be capri pants. In all honesty I tried to pull of the Ombre hair trend of dark roots. It wasn’t exactly intentional, but I acted like it was. It looked horrible.



What summer trends are you most looking forward to?

Wedges and strapless dresses. I may even try on a bright poplin dress, I don’t know if I will wear it, but I will try it


Thanks so much Noelle! And remember, if you have anyone you would like to nominate, just email me at mel.knopke@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Roll in the grass...

All I want is the days to stay warm so we can pack a picnic, sip on wine and enjoy the sunset.

Monday, May 16, 2011

I am adding to my reading list...

                                       Just a few more for you all to bookmark! Happy reading!



I can't for the life of me remember how I found Three Sisters, Three Cities...but I am so glad I did! The blog is of course 3 sisters who all live in 3 different cities and share their experiences, travels, current obsessions, and fantastic recipes. They are adorable, it makes me wish I would have had a sister too!



The Southern Eclectic is probably my new favorite daily reads. Sheridan French is a mom of 2, a clothing designer and blogger. How she does it all...and still looks like this I am not sure! She's cute as can be and has a wardrobe that you will die for. She has an impeccable eye for clothing, design and kids stuff. You will love it!



I actually found Mrs Lilien via Sheridan French's blog. I love this blog because it is full of pretty, colorful inspiration. If you love color, then this blog will be your mother ship.



Carrie and Morgan from Ampersand Design Studio are local Kansas City girls who run a design business and also make precious children's art that they sell on Etsy.  Their blog is full of fabulous finds and wonderful inspiration. I wish I could attend their school of blog design and layout, because it's fabulous and a joy to read every day.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Closet Confidential: Fashion and Philanthropy

This weekend I volunteered at a really fun event called Fashion For A Cause. The event included a fashion show featuring local retailers and designers and then an after party. The money raised benefits Truman Medical Centers women's programs that provide health care for anyone in need. It is quite amazing how many families don't have insurance or the means to pay for prenatal care, delivery, or NICU care. It's a fabulous cause and a really fun event to be a part of in Kansas City.

I decided to go a different route, other than the typical cocktail dress. I am still obsessed with my greenish/gold sequin skirt I purchased in the fall.

 For fall I wore it with tights and a lot of black, for spring I wanted to lighten it up. I found this great blush colored blouse at Gap for $29.99! It runs HUGE, this is the XS and it was still big (I am normally a 2 or 4 in tops)

I paired it with some gold t-strap sandals from Nordstrom (old, but find similar HERE) and this fantastic necklace I just got at en estate sale for $8. It has pink stones that hang from the pendant...I am obsessed...another great steal!



Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Inspiration: Home Office

Wouldn't it be nice to have a glammed up home office?



                                  
                                           I would definitely need a pretty desk (by Pieces)


                                                       Lamp by Fine Home Products.com









And the perfect accessory? These gorgeous pencils! The colors and patterns had me all googly-eyed! I love them! $15 for 14 by Iomio


 















LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails