Dress Week: Coming Up Roses

Today, I conclude Dress Week with an ikat rose print maxi dress.

Dress:  Target (old)

Paired with wedge sandals, this dress has a relaxed and laid-back vibe that's perfect for summer.  The floor-length of this dress gives it an easy sophistication that feels casual but a little glam.

I would wear this to an outdoor party, to a casual dinner, or even to go shopping.

Cardigan:  Converse One Star for Target (old)
Clutch:  Vintage (eBay)

For cooler evenings or air-conditioned buildngs, this moto-style cardigan is a perfect lightweight touch.  I bought this cardigan last summer and it continues to be one of the favorite pieces in my wardrobe.

Bracelets:  Target, Claire's Express

Earrings:  Target
Shoes:  Target (Similar here)

Do you like maxi dresses?  Where would you wear one like this?

For this cardigan in other looks, see here, here, and here.

Adventures in Traveling: Indiana, Ohio, and Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hi everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks.  I had intended of scheduling a week's worth of blogs to post during my trip, but then things got crazy!

My partner and I had a wonderful trip last week, where we spent nine days road tripping out east.  I love a great road trip.  The man and I tend to be relaxed travelers, often deciding our direction as we are traveling. 

While we had a basic idea of our travel plans, only a trip to Philadelphia was set in stone. 

On Day 1, we began our journey out east, stopping only minimally to log a lot of highway miles.  

Jacket:  Forenza by The Limited
Top: Forever 21+
Necklace:  Target (old)

Our first stop was Montgomery Steakhouse in Spiceland, Indiana.  As a vegetarian in love with a carnivore, restaurant choices are often compromised.  This steakhouse thankfully had a great selection of non-meat items.  I chose the spaghetti marinara and salad.

We got back on the road, and before I knew it, we were in Ohio.  We pulled over on the interstate, and I got a pic in front of the state sign.  Yep, I'm silly like that!  :-)

Coated denim jeans:  Target
Shoes:  Target

 We stopped for the night right over the Pennsylvania border.

The next morning, we got back on the road, heading towards New York City.  We noticed the signs for Hershey, PA and decided to make a minor detour to the Land of Chocolate.

Dress:  Forever 21+
Purse:  Target

The first thing you notice is the lovely aroma of chocolate overtaking your senses when you walk in.  Unfortunately, that was one of the better aspects of our short stay at Chocolate World.

Hershey's had a makeshift factory where you could make your own chocolate bar and packaging.  They offer a museum, a trolley tour, lots of [overpriced] food options, and of course, a huge chocolate-centered gift shop.  There is also an amusement park and a hotel, where I've heard you can get chocolate baths, which does sound enticing!

The experience was fun for a quick detour, but overall, it seems more like a tourist trap than an authentic experience.

Of course, we couldn't leave Hershey without trying some of the wares.  We each had a cupcake, which proved to be too much for both of us. 

Can't remember the names of the cupcakes, but mine was Caramello-flavored and my sweetie's sweet was chocolate raspberry

The cupcakes were good, but definitely no where near the best I've ever had.  I actually found them a little disappointing as the outer perimeter and icing were dried out.  That said, the chocolate flavor was tasty, and the inside of the cupcakes quite moist.

Bracelet:  The Limited

My favorite part of Hershey's was the old advertising posters.  I love the artwork on a lot of older advertising.  I find that advertising gives us a lot of cues into the cultural mindset of a particular time period, which I find fascinating.  The images chosen to advertise products tell us a tremendous amount about the norms and values of a particular culture at a particular place in history.  I leave you to your own interpretations of these...

More trip pics coming tomorrow!!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!

Today, as is a normal Sunday ritual, the family and I went out to one of our favorite Mexican restaurant.  Seriously, I could eat Mexican food virtually everyday and be extremely happy.  With it being Cinco de Mayo, the place was hoppin', service was great, and the food was delicious.

Dress:  Forever 21+ (Sold out on-line; May be available in stores)

When getting ready, I wasn't feeling very well, and I just wanted to wear something comfortable.  I chose a jersey maxi dress and my blue moto jacket, which has become my new fashion obsession.

Jacket:  Forenza by The Limited (Available here)

Purse:  Target (Available here)

I paired the look with studded flats and a make-up free face save the red lipstick (I really wish I could find the right shade of red).  Since I was feeling a little blah, I wanted a little added color for my face, but seriously, how does one find the right shade of red lipstick for their skin tone?  Every time I think I've found it, I put it on and realize that it wasn't the right choice.

Thankfully, dinner made me feel much better - think my blood sugar was just off some.

Shoes:  Target (Available here)
Bracelets:  Express, Claire's Zoppini (old)

Hope you all had a wonderful day and a fabulous weekend!!!

For this jacket in another look, see here.

Maximum Ikat

Happy Sunday everyone!

Dress:  Target (old)
Tank:  Target (Available in other colors here)

Today was a gorgeous day in my area!  It was also my honey's birthday.  We went out for a casual and delicious Mexican dinner.

Sandals:  Target Kid's Dept. (old) (Similar here)

I wore this flowy ikat print maxi dress and silver strappy flat sandals. 

Easy and comfortable!!

Do you like wearing maxi dresses?

Saturday Soccer Mom

Today, I had errands to run and my son's soccer game to attend, so I needed a look that was comfy and casual.

Dress:  Target
Boots:  Target (Similar here)

Not being much of a jeans and t-shirt gal, I opted for the always comfy maxi dress and paired it with my moto cardigan and motorcycle boots. 

The look is super comfortable, and I love transitioning my summer maxi dresses for fall.

Cardigan:  Converse One Star for Target (Available here)
Purse:  The Limited

I kept the look super low-key with no jewelry and no make-up.

What do you like to wear for weekend errands and kids' sporting events?

Weekend Boho

Happy Saturday everyone!

Today I had some errands to run, and then went to a casual family dinner.  This is what I wore:

Dress: Target Petites (Available:  here)
Necklace:  Target

I love the relaxed, laid-back vibe of a maxidress.  I particularly love the floatiness of this one and that it has an elastic waist to create more shape.

I am super ready for fall and hurricane-induced rains have dropped the temperature a bit, so I decided to style this look with my denim jacket and new wedge heel boots.

Denim jacket: The Limited (Similar:  here and here)

Target wedge bootie

I don't always love the look of wedge heels, but I liked the simplicity and slight ruggedness of these boots.  The wedge heel also makes them ultra-comfortable.  Bonus: unlike a stiletto or stacked heeled boot, I can wear these boots when there's snow out too!

Today, I also played around with red lipstick.  I love the look of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani who rock a red lip, but I have yet to find a red lipstick that I feel suits me.

Do you like red lipstick?  Any tips on finding the perfect shade without spending a fortune trying 100 different shades?

Maxi-mize your weekend

During summer weekends, I live in maxi dresses.  They're breezy, easy, and fun.  Easy to pair with flats, maxi dresses are chic and comfortable. 

To me, maxis are perfect for running errands, brunch, shopping, or just hanging out!

Do you have a favorite summer weekend look?

Dress:  Target (Available:  http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-womens-kimono-sleeve-maxi-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-13847808)

Cuff:  The Limited (Similar:  http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=217671002&tid=plpn000611&kwid=1&ap=7&mkwid=U4j00a&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf)

Necklace:  New York & Company (Similar:  http://www.express.com/layered-metal-plate-collar-necklace-45862-115/control/page/33/show/3/index.pro)