The Mingos

Flamingos? On a dress? YES PLEASE. I don't know about you guys, but I have been noticing flamingos on everything lately. Whether it's an item of clothing, dinnerware, or a cute little necklace, this trend is taking over the market. When I saw this dress, it was an immediate buy - I figured I can't be anything but happy when I'm wearing a bright pink flamingo dress! Not to mention, the feather print on the back is nothing short of adorable. Hate to see her go, but love to watch her leave? Yeah, you could say this dress fits that. As far as fit, I'm wearing a size 6 - this dress runs true to size! And not to mention, a perfect length, especially for all of us tall girls!

Ok, and for a fun side note/detail about me - my boyfriend actually calls me Mingo. He says that when I lock my knees, they bend backward slightly, which reminds him of a flamingo's legs. Does that mean my knees are double jointed?? Anyway, just another reason that I had to buy this dress :). Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Dress: Gabby Skye

Bag: Michael Kors - similar here.

Shoes: Last summer style - similar here and here.

{ Twice as Nice }

I've always been one to push the limits a little bit and try new things when it comes to fashion. My latest "experiment" was layering dresses - why wear one dress when you can wear two?! I found this pink button up dress late last fall on clearance at Ann Taylor (I find the best deals you guys!!), and that's when the idea originally came to mind. The pink dress is about 3 sizes too big, but when worn completely unbuttoned and as a vest/layering piece over this white dress, size really doesn't matter. This adds a fun pop of color to my outfit, and is a great way to elevate a basic cotton dress. Oh, and I can't forget - it's also really fun to spin around in while wearing if you're still five years old at heart like me :).

I say this quite often, but don't be afraid to experiment and try new things with your wardrobe! It's a great way to expand your closet without spending any extra money. Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Pink Dress: Ann Taylor

White Dress: New York & Company

Sunglasses: laundry

Bracelets: Express // The Limited

Shoes: Report

Art in Bloom Floral Fashion Show

This dress (above), was made with over a thousand roses. Incredible!

"They are only complete when they're together." (above) - First Place Winner

My absolute favorite piece from the event! I met the designer after the show, and (somewhat seriously) asked her to design my future wedding dress.

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a fashion show. This wasn't just any fashion show though - every garment that went down the runway was made entirely of flowers and other foliage. Set in the gorgeous Windhover Hall of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the gowns dazzled and left many attendees in awe. Not only did I want to wear some of the incredible floral creations, but I was also intrigued and captivated by the technique and skill that it took to construct this style of art. I can say with 100% certainty that I'm already planning on attending next year's event!

The ticket for this event said "Dress to Impress," but that can be interpreted differently by everyone. I love any opportunity to dress up though, so I went with this bright pink shift dress from Banana Republic, and completed the look with a fitted leather jacket. Adding a leather jacket is a great way to create a slightly more casual look if you're not quite sure how fancy to dress for an event, and you literally can't go wrong with the selection that Express offers every year. I bought mine a couple seasons ago, and I'm still obsessed. 

On another note, it's officially spring! Go ahead and break out those floral prints and wedges - let's hope Mother Nature shows us some love. xoxo

Dress: Banana Republic

Leather Jacket: Express

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Earrings: New York & Company

Winter Pastels

Although much delayed, it finally feels like winter in Wisconsin, which means I can break out my new wool coats that I've been so excited to wear! When I first saw this coat, I knew it would eventually be mine. With its gorgeous pale pink color (very similar to rose quartz, which Pantone just named one of the two colors of the year!) and double-breasted gold button detailing, it came off as feminine and unique against a sea of typical black wool and down jackets. It is eye-catching to say the least, and so fun to wear! Other great winter pastels to look for in jackets are light sky blues and lilacs, with J.Crew being a great place to search. They seem to cover the colorful wool coats category very well. Link to this beautiful GUESS jacket below!

Jacket: GUESS

Scarf: Ann Taylor Loft

Leggings: Shinestar

Booties: Vince Camuto

Boyfriend Jeans + Blazers

It took me two years to find the perfect boyfriend jeans. TWO YEARS. The struggle was beyond real. Either the jeans were not as baggy as I wanted, hence they weren't actually true boyfriend jeans (designers - take note please), or the waist was too tight or too loose. For a while I thought I'd never find a pair I liked. But when that glorious day came a few weeks ago, I could not have been more excited. I styled mine with an oversize white t-shirt, hot pink blazer and floral pumps. The pop of bright color and floral pattern add a feminine touch to the look, while the oversize t-shirt holds that relaxed, cool-girl feeling. To change up the look a bit, opt for a black and white striped shirt to pair under the blazer, or choose a crisp white button-front oxford, tucking in only the front. The key here is to keep the oversize look throughout; once a fitted shirt is paired with boyfriend jeans, it starts to look sloppy and uneven. Be patient; your perfect boyfriend jean is out there somewhere. But for now, I'll leave you with the wise words of my friend Katie..."Who needs a boyfriend when you have great boyfriend jeans?" 

Blazer: Charlotte Russe

T-shirt: Target

Boyfriend Jeans: Mossimo denim (Target)

Shoes: Anne Klein

Bag: Michael Kors Jet Set Tote