Closet Confidential: Pops of Orange

I have probably mentioned here before that Orange is one of my favorite colors. I love using it in clothing, accessories and home decor. So, when I saw this blouse at H&M in soft, pastel hues with a tiny pop of orange, I knew it had to be mine. Also, the fact that it was like $15 was a no brainer! The back is sheer chiffon, which is kind of fun too...

Blouse: H&M

Jeans: Target (yes, I own them in Red too!)

Bag: Tory Burch (similar HERE)

Shoes: Nine West

Toe Color: Turquoise & Caicos by Essie



Closet Confidential: A pop of Orange

I don't think I ever wrote about my girls weekend in Florida. Probably because we had rain for 4 straight days and never really left the house! Thank goodness for good friends, movies, snacks, wine and the Kardashian wedding. Despite the weather, we really just had the best time being lazy, having girl talk and making some delicious meals at home.

Our one trip out was to go to the Florida Mall. When it rains in Orlando, what do tourists do? Why shop, of course! We hit up Zara and H&M and struck out at both places. I am yet to find something good at Zara...I will still give them a shot though. So, our last stop was Forever 21. I have never seen such a huge and well organized store, it was much better than other F21's I had been to.

When I thought I was going to walk out empty handed I spotted this orangey/red blazer. I almost passed on it, but my friend talked me into keeping it and I am so glad I did!  I looked everywhere online so I could share the link with you all, but couldn't find it. It was $27.80 and is knit with a tortoise button. I feel like this will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe this fall!

 it! Jeans from Nordstrom B.P. Department

Stripe J.Crew Knit (spring 2010)

Tory Burch Leopard Reva's

Long Gold Chain necklace from Mark Shale (super old)

Closet Confidential: End of summer...

One thing I will be sad to say goodbye to is summer whites and soft neutrals. I never tire of this color combo and it always looks crisp and clean. With temps still in the 90's, I decided to eek a few more wears out of this white skirt...

J.Crew skirt, Forever 21 crochet top, old Banana Republic wide belt, Prada Bag, Nine West Shoes

Closet Confidential: Hot Summer Nights...

I have looked high and low for the perfect sundresses this season. It has been so hot here, a sundress is really the coolest option. For some reason, nothing is really striking me, so I have been going back to oldies but goodies in my closet.

 This one was Gigi's from a clothing swap 2 years ago. I STILL love it. Sometimes it's my pool coverup and sometimes I belt it and try to dress it up a bit. It is super comfy with just enough detail to make it look interesting. I love the twisted straps and  the green birds that are embroidered across the bottom.

I paired it with a studded belt from J.Crew, Green T-Strap sandals from Old Navy (old).

and a close up of some of my accessories...earrings and bracelets from Forever 21. I love those peacock feathers! And the necklace is something I have had forever, and people always ask me about them. If you live in Kansas City you can find them at Lauren Alexandra, they are also on Etsy.  The designer is Michelle Rhodes and she makes unique hand-stamped jewelry. This necklace is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry I own.

Chopped

Last week, with a little inspiration from these lovelies...

I chopped my hair off. A good 4". And go ahead and laugh at my self portrait...geesh, it's not easy to take a pic of your head, trying to get a good shot of a haircut and not look like a total nerd. Oh well, this is my best attempt...

With this STEAMY hot weather, I have to say, this short haircut has been spectacular!

Thanks to Connie at Primp Salon (westport road for all you KC readers) for a great cut and color.



Closet Confidential: Maxed out

A few months ago I purchased the Splendid Maxi Tube Dress/Skirt from Shopbop.com. Already this piece has become one of my go-to's for summer. I love that it can be worn as both a maxi dress or a skirt (by folding over at the waistband). It is literally the softest cotton and well worth the $83.

 The waistband is pretty wide when you fold it, so I think it looks best with something tucked in, I paired it with a graphic tank from Forever 21. Gold necklace from clothing swap, and bracelets by J.Crew, Forever 21, friendship bracelet from Etsy, and David Yurman. Cartier Tank Watch (husbands) and Clutch bag with studs from Standard Style KC.

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!

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!