Summer Days

{Dress: Random Outlet, $20}{Heels: Store in Hollywood, $7}{Earrings: Puerto Rico, $12}

{Bangles: A mix of Forever 21, Rue 21, Wet Seal and Vintage}

Today I was all geared up and ready to get some good outfit pictures, especially since it's been a little while... And it rained. All day. So instead of getting some poor quality shots in the hallways of my dorm, here are some pictures I found of an event this summer that I just forgot to post about.

These pictures are from mid-July when I was asked to be the keynote speaker at an event during a Jr. High 4-H conference. The topic of my talk was about how the 4-H program had impacted my life and why I felt like it was important for youth to be involved in the program. The banquet and talk went really well and the kids all seemed to like it- they liked my dress too, they told me! Sometimes I see kids today that are so disrespectful and just plain mean, and to see kids like this that were so driven and nice and happy... it made me happy. haha.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my summer post now that it's November and freezing. Tomorrow I promise to have a cold weather outfit post, and Sunday I'll start my 30 for 30!

50's Anyone?

What

Shirtdress: Forever 21, $30

Heels: Random store in LA, $8

Necklace: Forever 21, $4

Where

Out to lunch and a movie with my friend Ashley. Can anyone else hardly wait for Sex and the City 2? I never followed the series, but I LOVED the first movie.

Why

I love shirt-dresses because they're so simple and easy to just throw on and look nice. This one is especially nice for several reasons:

1. It was only $30 at Forever 21
2. It has a really cute floralish/featherish print
3. The placement of the waist and pockets makes legs look super long

I also love these shoes- for the first few minutes they're on. After that I'm ready for some cute sandals :)

Trendy Tuesday: Tie Dye

source

source

source

Tie Dye is definitely a big trend for the upcoming warmer months, and what could be more fitting? With it's bold colors and prints of every shape and size, this print is perfect for cool sundresses and fun summer accessories. Just be careful with how you wear it- the goal is to look like a fun and trendy adult, not a kid who just came home from camp.

Tips on Wearing Tie Dye

1. Since tie dye is a very "out there" trend, keep it the focus of your outfit and keep accessories and shoes coordinating but minimal
2. Have fun with colors- but keep it mature. Limiting your print to a few colors instead of the entire spectrum can mean a big difference.
3. To avoid looking like a hippie pair this trend with modern silhouettes and skimp on the bohemian accessories.

How I Wore it

Skirt: Target, $15

Top: Old Navy, $4

Necklace: Gift

Belt: Vintage from my mom

I styled my look around this amazing skirt. It was just $15 at Target, and I'm crazy about the cool color palette of blues and purples. I added this low cut back top from Old Navy, a vintage belt to camouflage the skirt's elastic waist band (I couldn't help myself, the skirt is SO comfortable) and this long silver leaf necklace to pull it all together. I know this trend not be for everyone, but personally, I can't wait for more.

Other Ways to Wear Tie Dye

Trendy Tuesday: Tie-Dye by TheClosetFiles featuring Lucky Brand tops

I love the cool look of tie-dye jeans. Although personally I haven't been brave enough to try them (I'm working on it) I definitely think they look best when worn skinny (unless you want to look like a hippie) with simple tops and fun accessories.

Want to Try Tie Dye in Small Doses?

If you love the look of this trend, but are a little bit wary of going all out, why not work with accessories? Trendy accessories are a great way to add some spice to your current look without breaking the bank.

Scarf

source

I LOVE scarves. Whenever I'm having an "off" day, I just throw on a coordinating scarf to look put together- and what a better addition to your spring wardrobe? Light summer scarves are a great way to layer up without adding bulk and heat.

Bag

source

Big bags are great to have during the summer season. Just think about all the beach towels, hats, sunscreen, flip flops, money, etc you'll need to carry around. I love this tote because it brings the tie-dye print together with this subdued color palette, making it perfect for a hot summer day!

The Belted Scarf

What

Dress: Old Navy, $5

Scarf: Old Navy, $9

Sandals: Payless, $3

Belt: Charlotte Russe, $9

Ring: Gift

Where

Hanging out after work

Why

Whenever I try a new trend I usually like to wear it somewhere low key first, that way I can get a feel for it without completely throwing myself out there. I threw on this t-shirt dress outfit after work the other day for a little hanging out. Although I liked this look, I’m not sure I’ll be belting my scarves anymore- It kind of reminds me of the movies with the dorky guy who belts his tie. I’m glad I tried it though, every time I try something new it makes me eager for more!

May 11: Shades of Green

What

Skirt: Target, $15

Top: Kohl's, $4

Heels: Rue 21, $2

Belt: Charlotte Russe, $9

Earrings: Puerto Rican Market, $12

Ring: gift :)

Where

Today was my second day on the job at the State 4-H office. I like it, a lot. This morning my task was to organize service project locations for the Junior High Academic Conference coming up in June. During my break my dad took me to lunch at a deli he used to own on campus, Good Times Deli. If you're ever in Knoxville and want a good sandwich, go there.

Why

For anyone who isn't familiar with the 4-H organization, or if you didn't hear enough yesterday, lol, the 4-H colors are kelly green and white. Even though this skirt has more than just kelly green, I couldn't help but think of 4-H when I first bought it last summer. Since it was pretty warm today I added a simple fitted top and a belt and earrings to pull it together. For my hair I just popped in some sponge rollers to give it a little wave, then braided the side back to keep my hair out of my face.

Workin' Girl

What

Shorts: Gap Outlet, $5

Tank Top: Target, $9

Cardigan: Target, $12

Necklace: Puerto Rican Market, 50¢

Flats: Target, $9

Bag: Ross, $20

Where

Today I started work at my summer internship! I'll be working at the state 4-H office in Knoxville doing marketing and event planning for the busy summer months. For those of you who aren't familiar with 4-H, it is a youth development (4-12 grade) organization aimed at developing youth in any of the 27 project areas of their choosing. When I was in 4-H I did public speaking, leadership, citizenship, and clothing (big surprise there, haha). 4-H is an incredible organization, and I truly believe it was instrumental in making me the person I am today. Since 4-H is supported by federal grants, it is available in every state- so if you know any younger kids, get them involved!

Why

Dress at work is casual, but I like to look a little nicer. Black bermuda shorts with a cardigan (office is cold!) and pink flats were a perfect easy look for the day!

Fearless

What

Dress: Gap, gift

Necklace: Vintage, gift

Tank Top: American Eagle, $12

Flats: Target, $10

Bangles: Rue 21, $6

Where

Finals...

Why

Today was my accounting final, and since I wasn't totally prepared for the test I figured I should at least have a cute outfit. Solution- Simple black eyelet dress with my grandma's necklace and some leopard flats; and yes, I am wearing my gold bangles again. They're my warm weather staple.

No snake sightings today :) Only two more days until summertime!

What

Skirt: Target, $24

Top: J.C. Penneys, 97¢

Heels: Target, $13

Necklace: Target, $9

Where

Last night my economics professor took our class of 8 (I love small classes at college) to dinner at the local country club. We had a dinner budget of $40 per person... needless to say it was a great way celebrate the end of our honors class.

Why

Normally shoes are the finishing touches on my outfits, but for the past two days they've been the focus point. Since they do have a fun graphic print I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit pretty simple because the event was still conservative. I wish the details on this shirt showed up in print- there are strips of sheer silk up each side and down the back, the details make the top just dressy enough for the outfit. As far as my hair went, I wanted something polished but fun. I was planning on doing a casual updo, but since I only had 5 minutes and my hair was being difficult I decided to just add some volume and do a little half-up style. Gosh I love dress-up days :)

Pink Lady

What

Skirt: Old Navy

Top: Old Navy

Belt: Express

Shoes: Payless

Where

Just classes- 20 days to summer break!

Why

Unfortunately, this was one of those outfits that as soon as I start to blog about I think- dang! This would have been cuter with (insert random pieces here.) In this case, I'll definitely be re-wearing this skirt in the summer with either a navy and white striped top or a PWT (plain white T) and some bright accessories. Today was kind of a rush though- so a matching graphic T and sandals got me through today. Now, on to planning tomorrow's outfit- It'll be good, I promise :)

The Cleopatra Dress

What
Dress: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Dillard's
Bracelets: Rue 21

Where
A Banquet to celebrate the end of the cheerleading season here at Saint Vincent

Why
I was really excited to get dressed up for this event- but unfortunately it was also one of those moments that you go, "omigosh! I thought I had 2 hours but now I only have 20 minutes until I have to leave!" Solution- dress+heels+a few simple accessories. I LOVE the neckline on this dress- It feels kind of egyptian to me, which is why I call it my cleopatra dress :) In all seriousness though, an interesting embellishment or design can make a simple garment go a long way.

Business Professional... and Fun!

What
Skirt: Belk's
Belt: Came with skirt
Top: Target
Cardigan: Walmart
Shoes: Ross
Earrings Claire's

Where
A Women in Business dinner lecture with Kerry Ford of Stern Advertising

Why
As the Events Director for the Women in Business Club here on campus, I am expected to attend our sponsored lectures and events in business attire. Since these events are almost always a great way to network with professionals in the field, I usually try to dress professionally and creatively. I definitely do dress according to the event though- for example: I would generally stay more conservative at an accounting lecture than at a networking event with marketing professionals. Tonight's speaker is a distinguished career woman in the field of advertising and public relations. Since this is generally a more creative field, I definitely wanted to show of this new ruffle top I picked up off the clearance rack at Target. With a plain pencil skirt and cardigan, I felt right at home :)