summer wish list 2012

Why is it that every Spring, I am convinced that I have no summer clothes? Where do all of these summer clothes go over the winter? I'm fairly certain it's my mind's way in rationalizing my need desire for new clothes. Or just an excuse to go shopping. Either way, here's what I'm lusting after for this summer.

Summer Wish List 2012

1. A navy maxi skirt

I've always been intrigued by the maxi skirt trend, but I never thought I could pull it off. I am a short-average height and always thought they would make me look stumpy. This is aside from the fact that I never knew how to style one without looking like a hobo. Enter Pinterest.

5 inch and up via pinterest

morgan and lua via Pinterest

cheyenne meets chanel via Pinterest

After searching for a while and being unable to find what I was looking for I bought this tea-length navy skirt from Old Navy last weekend. 

It hits me mid calf & has the perfect amount of swing. I plan on pairing it with a tight white lace tank or a colorful silk tank. I actually like that it's a bit shorter, showing a little leg! If I can find a colorful maxi for cheap before the summer rolls around, I may have to get that too, but for now I'll consider this item checked off the list!

2. A light-weight blouse

I also bought one of these last weekend. Specifically, this one from Smart Set.

It's actuallly a burnt orange colour, not red as it looks here. I love these blouses because they are beyond comfortable, keep me cool in warmer weather and can have a dressier look when paired with a good necklace and accessories. This one also has some ruched detailing in the back which makes it drape in a flattering way.

3. Bright coloured wedges

I want ones exactly like these, which Megan from Honey We're Home found at Target for $30. What a great find! I would also take them in yellow, peach or even green. So cute!

4. White lace dress

I finally found one I liked that was in my price range, actually way below it. I scooped up a lined white lace tank dress from Stitches last weekend for $13. I'll be sure to post a photo as soon as my camera is charged up again!

5. High-waisted bathing suit
I know you're probably thinking ugly, high leg cut, aerobics, 70's style but trust me! I'm actually pretty excited to try out this trend. My rule for keeping the look modern is make sure to show your belly button. Otherwise, you end up looking like you don't have one.

I can't find a picture of the exact shape of high-waisted hipster bottoms I'm looking for but these are close. They're pretty much the perfect shape for me.

via Asos

 For my body shape having the lower cut leg is the most flattering and I actually really like the ruching. I'm undecided on the red ones, but I think they could have potential paired with a white, string halter top. As for the blue patterned ones, I love them! I'd pair them with a white or navy wide halter top. I'm on the look out...

A few minutes later I found these ones from Forever21 for only $10, but they're sold out. These are exactly what I want!

6. A few chiffon/silk tanks

Basics, but dialed up a notch. I'm hoping for mint green, white and berry.

What's on your summer wish list? Will you be trying out any new trends? Leave me some comment love :)

japan, period.

What i tried to make:

via Rap-Up

A tank top with a large red circle on it, representing the Japanese flag.
Like the ones above designed by Solange Knowles' son Daniel.

What I actually made:

A tank that looks like the Kotex logo. 

 Craft FAIL. 

 

 It turns out that jersey fabric is a little tricky to cut, meaning that although I started with a bigger circle, it kept getting smaller and smaller as I tried to cut it evenly. The good thing that came out of this oopsie, is that I found a better way to cut jersey. I lay it on top of a piece of medium weight cardboard and cut through the fabric and cardboard at the same time. This helps to make a straight cut. Lesson learned.

 

Off the the clothing donation box it goes!

PS: This is my very first craft fail post. Although I don't see a real place on my blog for regular posts on botched crafts, this one was too funny not to share. If you'd like to see more craft fails, let me know!

Steppin Out: hearts a plenty

In honor of valentine's day eve, I'm bringing you a little outfit post. I wore this outfit 2 weeks ago when a bunch of friends & I had a hotel party and went out to a club. I was a little worried that I looked too much like "valentine's day" but I decided to go for it anyway because I wanted to wear one of my favorite tank tops. It has little hearts on it and I got it on a boxing day sale at Old Navy. I just couldn't leave without it... If you read my post last week, then you can understand why.

That night it was freeeeezing, but we were going to a dancebar, so a skirt or a dress was a must. I knew just what to do... bust out the tights! I think almost any outfit can be made winter appropriate by adding some tights. Don't you agree?

Taking a photo of myself in the bathroom, feeling like a "floozy". (Haha, Arzina!)

Close-up of the mini-hearts.

Top: Old Navy
Cardigan: Joe Fresh

Skirt: Urban Planet
Tights: Forever21
Shoes: Ivanka Trump (mega-sale @ John David Shoes)

Thanks for stopping by,

Work Style: comfy chic?

So, I haven't done a style post in a while... Possibly because I feel weird taking photos of my outfits. I'm not the best poser... pose-e? Exhibit A. So here's me, dressing up my super-cozy (boxing day sale!) green sweater for the office. In my attempt to look less awkward, I somehow managed to look more awkward....

Sweater: Le Chateau

Earrings (hidden!): my grandmother's
Bag & Tights: Forever 21 (Thanks sis!)
Skirt: Joe Fresh
Boots: Hush Puppies

See? I warned you...

Steppin Out Saturday: Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you're all having a great day surrounded by family & loved ones. I promised you a Steppin Out Saturday outfit and here it is.

I've been noticing lots of oversized sweaters with sequined dresses/skirts lately.

Like this one on Refinery 29 found via Pinterest.

And this one from Zara also via Pinterest.

I'm not usually one to wear something just because it's trendy, but I really wanted to give this one a try because 1) I love BIG, comfy sweaters and 2) I had the perfect sequined dress that I had not worn in years... 

The dress was too big for me. All the belts I tried to pair with it competed too much with the sequins. But when I added an off-white belt from a silk shirt and puffed the dress out a bit, it didn't look bad... Now that it's not so baggy, I may actually wear it more often! 

I love finding new combinations in my closet. Free shopping!

The gray sweater was $2! I couldn't resist buying it last summer. One can never have enough gray sweaters... Pairing it with a fun, festive skirt dresses it up a bit. Comfy, warm & cute (at least, I think so).  Christmas Eve outfit done. 

Money spent: $0.

----

Sweater: Joe Fresh
Dress: Fairweather
Belt: Le Chateau
Tights: Forever21

*I also think I need a new pose for my outfit photos... the 'pencil' is not cutting it anymore.