Repeat Purchases

I really, really love it when a retailer always carries or re-releases popular items. Especially if they are items I love! I also like to revisit my posts and I hope you like that too if you are a follower and like to shop the same things. I always have been someone who, when I find something I like, I will buy several colors. I am finding myself doing more and more of that lately though, as I am getting older and enjoy the effortlessness of throwing something on that is classic and timeless and I don't have to think too much about.

I was browsing the Loft website today, and noticed several dresses that I had previously posted about (see here). From left to right:

The Duet Dress - this is the 4th color combo they have come out with, and with the previous 3 having grey tops I am glad to see a black top in this latest edition. I currently have the grey/pink one and I love wearing it. Did you know the Loft carries maternity wear too? They offer the Duet Dress in maternity as well, where the waistline is more empire/higher!

Blouson Sleeveless Maxi - since I get so much wear out of the two solid color maxis I got last Summer at Meijer (black and navy, for $7!!!), I'd like to add some more colors. This Summer, I am loving the Blouson maxi which gives the same type of top as the Duet - a looser, drapey look. Old Navy also has this same style in some other colors, but they keep going in and out of stock. 

Mediamix Midi Dress - in my referenced post, I also talked about a twofer dress that was specifically grey and black. The two options I listed (which I own and love) were unfortunately sold out, so I am glad to see the Loft carrying this one.

The Loft is currently offering 50% off everything!!! What will you be tempted to buy? If it's any of these, you will get a lot of mileage out of them!

Monday Maxi

On mornings when I don't want to think too hard about what to wear, I always go with something tried and true. That was the case this past Monday morning. One of those combos is a maxi with a jacket. I've shown this black maxi with an embellished purple jacket here, I often wear it with a traditional denim jacket, and this time I wore it with an olive green jacket. Throw on a long necklace and you're out the door!

Falls Creek Black Maxi Dress - Meijer

Hei Hei "Report to Base" Jacket - Anthropologie (buy, sell, trade board)

Necklace - made by me

Bussola Style "Ibiza" Sandals

Jessica Simpson Sunglasses - TJ Maxx

Cropped Flare

Y'all know I love odd jeans. So when I saw these, and the price tag of only $16.99 (at the time), I couldn't resist. I hadn't shopped at New York & Company in quite some time, but I was loving a lot of what I saw. Okay, back to the jeans..... a mix of jeggings, crops, flare, released hem - need I say more!?!?! What a perfect Summer silhouette to show off your favorite sandals! I love flare jeans, but they are always so long that you have to wear something heeled with them. I've noticed that many retailers are offering cropped flares this Summer. Or, another term you can search for is "flip flop jeans", which means flares but short enough to wear flats with. Love the idea! I love the funky print on this top that I've had for a few years, but never blogged about.

Cropped Flare Jeans - New York & Company

Merona Blouse - Target

Random Belt

"Val" Sandals - Payless

Jessica Simpson Sunglasses - TJ Maxx

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Flower Child

Since I talk up denim culottes so much, I figured I should probably start showing some outfit ideas! I must say, boho dressing is certainly one of my favorite styles! I've had this top foreverrrrrrrrrrr and I hadn't worn it in a while. It's American Rag brand from Macy's. It found new life with the culottes, bringing together a truly flower child look. While still being blousy, it has an elastic waist which helps balance out the fullness of the jeans. It has an elastic neckline too, so it could certainly be worn off the shoulder, as off the shoulder is all over the place right now! These are the Festival Crops from American Eagle. Seychelles wedges. Necklace I made from old tins.

Zoo Outfits

Per usual, we are visiting the zoo a lot this season! I have been bad at getting outfit photos - too much commotion while there and by the time we get home I am spent. So I figured I would at least lay them out to share.

HD in Paris "Savane" Tank - Anthropologie (buy, sell, trade board)

Hei Hei "Report to Base" Jacket - Anthropologie (buy, sell, trade board)

American Eagle Festival Crop Jeans

Bussola Style "Ibiza" Wedges

Wicker Elephant Bag - Charitable Union gift shop, Battle Creek

I just love all the embroidered animals on this top! The boys are enthralled with my elephant purse!

Rock & Republic High Rise Jeggings - Kohl's

Perfect Tee in giraffe print - LuLaRoe

Birkenstocks - Moran's Consignment, Chelsea

random belt

Lenora Dame Party Animal Necklace, giraffe - Anthropologie

Sonoma Empire Midi Dress - Kohl's

City Safari Belt - Anthropologie

"Val" Sandals - Payless

Jessica Simpson Sunglasses - TJ Maxx

For past inspiration:

Camel Dress

Animal Pants

Giraffe Top

Giraffe Skirt

Camel Tee

Giraffe Tee

Camel Dress again

I'm sure I am forgetting some..... And, I already have my eye on my next piece of "zoo appropriate" clothing that I hope to show soon! Just has to go on sale. And yes, I do wear all of this stuff even when not at the zoo!

The Long and Short of It

Sometimes..... sometimes you have to try, try again to get an outfit just right. I got Maeve's Augusta Swing Dress (Anthropologie) on super sale earlier this year. I just loved the floral print that was very "painterly" like. To reel in it's volume, I knew I was going to belt it. This was everyones main complaint in the reviews. I was also worried about it's length and sure enough at the first sign of nice weather I wore it with bare legs and open toe booties. It was too short and I felt uncomfortable all day. There is nothing worse than hating what you are wearing all day, am I right? 

I remembered layering one of my other short dresses last summer over a basic black dress (see post here) so that is what I tried in look #2. I felt the proportions were off and it was too long.

If you remember my Meijer post here, you'll remember how happy I was that they were selling tulle skirts! I got both the white and black - I mean, honestly, how could you not at the price! On a lot of the boards I am on, people talk about "extenders" for their dresses, which are basically like slips but might have some pretty lace on the bottom or something. This is the same concept as layering a long, lace trimmed tank under a top that you feel is too short. So, I thought why couldn't my tulle skirt be like an extender? It ended up being just the right length I needed and now I can't wait to try both the black and white tulle skirts as layering pieces!

I cannot stress enough...... if you really love a material or print, but the style isn't working for you, try, try again! In this case, I was able to create length and shape with an extra layer and belt. If something is too long can you hem it? Don't like the sleeves on something, can you make it sleeveless? If you don't sew, many tailors can do these things at a reasonable price.

In the "too short" pics, I am wearing Fergie open toe booties and a necklace from a home party I can't remember the name of now.

In the "too long" pics, I am wearing a J. Crew dress underneath (consignment), Rockport ankle strap wedges, Jessica Simpson sunglasses, and handmade peacock necklace by Round Rabbit.

In the "just right" pics, I am wearing a black tulle skirt (Meijer) underneath and Catherine Malandrino "Yavko" heels.

Painting Lately

I figured I would follow up yesterdays post with more talk about painting! Today I want to talk about Art 634 which houses Essa Arts in Jackson, MI.

 

Art 634 is a really cool building which is home to many artists. It is right next to The Armory, so you might recognize that I use the Armory and the alley way by the art building for blog photos as much as I can! In fact, while taking pictures one day, I met a really sweet photographer who works out of Art 634 who I'd love to have do our family pictures this Summer - right at the Armory where I wanted them done anyway! How perfect is that! I have really enjoyed starting to connect with people over here since I was so involved with the arts in Battle Creek.

 

Sheryl, the owner and artist behind Essa Arts, holds a variety of events for all ages. Over Easter, we took Richard to paint a very cute egg canvas. She's been exhibiting her work at Café Lilla, which is connected to my hair salon (Five One Seven salon), so I couldn't help but purchase one of her peacock paintings I fell in love with earlier this year while getting my hair done and grabbing a bite to eat! Finally, just a few weeks ago, I was able to take a class with her. Kristen and I took the Vintage Flowers class. I just love how it turned out and it was so fun! I really enjoyed all of the techniques we did to create the layers of texture, and it is already hanging in a great spot where I see it every day.

 

True to everything I do, I had to sort of "theme dress". We were heading to class straight after work so I knew I had to wear something comfy while still being artsy. I know, I'm weird. I choose all black with a bright floral kimono which mimicked the project very much. I threw on one of my handmade necklaces from years back that was "art" themed with a paintbrush and pencil charm, and a handmade polymer clay pendant from swoondimples that reads "art is a jealous mistress".

 

High Rise Black Jeggings : American Eagle

Sonoma Smocked Swing Tank : Kohl's

LuLaRoe Monroe Kimono

Rampage "Jabari" Sandals : Meijer

Necklace : made by me

 

Adding to the Collection

Last September, I noticed a trend (see post here). I noticed that my love for still life oil paintings was spilling into my closet. Still loving that trend, when I saw this dress I knew I had to have it! Not only do the flowers look painted, but there are actual framed paintings in the print. This is a LuLaRoe piece, and the other Amelia style dress that I have (the first being the black/white stripe one I posted a few weeks ago). Keeping the accessories simple, yet matchy, I threw on my real little painting necklace which kept flipping over which I didn't notice until I loaded my photos. So, you can see the artist signature on the back. I then added some of my favorite staple pieces: Hei Hei olive jacket (Anthropologie board) and Payless sandals (afraid I am going to wear these out - I love them!).

 

Whether you collect art for your walls - or your closet - or both - it certainly makes life interesting!