Spring has sprung and I find myself gravitating more and more to uber-feminine pieces in classic colors, so when I spotted this skirt at Anthropologie I was instantly smitten by the exaggerated silhouette, eye-catching graphic stripes, and classic vibe of the skirt.  Once I tried it on my suspicions were confirmed; it is quite possibly the best skirt ever!   (It’s currently a toss up between this skirt and the Loft pencil skirt I urged you to drop everything to buy during the fall.)  Even though the skirt is a bit pricey, and definitely more than I would typically spend on a single piece, I know I will get a lot of wear out of it, so it was easy to skip over some other wishlist items in order to purchase this skirt.  And while I would never encourage someone to spend beyond their means, sometimes it is important to revise your spending plan and adjust for well made, classic pieces that will play an integral role in your wardrobe for years to come.

When it came time to style this skirt for work, I chose to keep it simple since the skirt’s shape is enough of an attention getter. The simple black tee with feminine cut shoulders, the statement necklace that doesn’t make too much of a statement but adds just enough color, and the simple black shoe with a heel that is just the right height to help lengthen the legs without going overboard or compromising comfort all work together to play off of and compliment the skirt.  And, even better, this is a look that will keep you looking stylish during the day and later in the evening when you meet some friends for drinks.

Style Notes: Loft cardigan (summer 2013; similar style) / Gap t-shirt (fall 2011; similar style) / Anthropologie skirt (winter 2013; budget friendly version) / BC shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (summer 2012; love this) / Dillards necklace (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style)

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Spring break officially began today, so we decided to kick off the week with a trip out to the Wildlife World Zoo.  If you know me at all, you know the zoo is not exactly my favorite place to visit, but the rest of my family adores animals and zoos and since I adore my family I went along for a dusty, and smelly, few hours peering at exotic animals.

Since the majority of the zoo involves wandering down one dusty path to another to see various creatures, I knew I wanted to protect my hair and skin with a hat and to wear something comfortable that I could easily move around in.  It was also important that what I wore would, ahem, hide any sweat that might trickle down my back in the afternoon heat.

It’s pretty obvious by now that I am not a baseball cap, t-shirt, jean shorts, and sneakers kind of girl, right?  More power to you if you can rock that look, but I hold firm in my belief that after a certain age, and outside of a few contexts (running, for example), women should no longer dress like they are little boys about to play a game of baseball at the local park.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to dress smartly and comfortably for the weather and conditions, but there is a way to do so and still look feminine and age appropriate.

I picked up this hat and dress when my kids were in swim lessons last summer and practically lived in them until school resumed in August.  I love the ’70s glam vibe of both the hat and dress and can’t help think of my own mom, who always seemed so glamorous in her giant hat, big sunglasses, and maxi dresses each summer of my childhood, whenever I put them on.  So even though spring and summer here in AZ can be quite a sweaty endeavor, these two wardrobe staples have helped me feel a little less yucky when I am out and about visiting places like the zoo, sitting poolside, or running errands.

Next time you reach for the baseball hat, t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers look, try a printed maxi dress, a floppy sun hat, and a fun sandal. You will still be protected from the sun, actually more as the wide brim of a sun hat will keep more of your hair and skin covered, while the maxi dress will provide the maximum level of comfort without compromising on style.

Style Notes: Target dress (summer 2012; similar style) / Target sandals (ancient; similar style) / Target hat (summer 2012; similar style) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Bracelets (made by my mother-in-law) / Ring (mother-in-law’s) / Necklace (ancient; similar style)

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Lest you think fashion bloggers any different than the average girl, I am going to let you in on a little secret…I wore this shirt (screen printed by my husband) with some dark denim to work on Friday and then again Saturday with some faux leather tuxedo striped leggings to story time and a play date.  In fact, with the exception of the pants, everything else about the look remained the same from Friday to Saturday.  And why not, right?  It’s super comfortable, stylish, and has an element of fun.  In my style book, that’s a look that should be on repeat.  (The less thinking I have to do on the weekends the better!)

One of the great things about a classic Breton striped shirt is that it is a stand alone piece that requires little to no accessorizing, which is perfect when you are going for a laid back feel to your weekend attire that doesn’t compromise on style.  On the other hand, because of the classic nature of Breton stripes they are also very easy to lend a little more of a sophisticated air to with a few key accessories.  I chose a simple collar necklace that echoes the black stripes and one simple bangle that, just like the shirt, makes a playful nod to the chic Parisian style associated with Breton stripes.

The tuxedo stripe detail on the pants takes a regular black legging style trouser to a more stylish level and when paired with a simple black heel this is a look that can easily transition from day time fun with the kids to a night out with girlfriends or your guy!

Style Notes:  Loft shirt (winter 2012; purchased w/ an extra 30% off) / Ann Taylor pants (fall 2012; purchased w/ 40% off; similar style) / BC shoes via Last Chance (winter 2012; great color) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (summer 2012; love this) / H & M necklace (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Stackable rings via Last Chance (fall 2011; similar style)

How was your three day weekend?  We spent ours outdoors on a picnic and a hike, indoors lounging around the house and shopping, and venturing downtown for a delightful breakfast a Matt’s Big Breakfast.  It was a perfectly relaxing and busy weekend!

For breakfast, I wanted to wear something stylish but also comfortable and casual since I knew we would be waiting outside for a bit before room opened up in the restaurant.  There’s nothing more comfortable than a worn in t-shirt, but since I borrowed this great Beatles tee from my husband it is a tad boxy on me.  To help create some shape I layered it under a blazer and added a collar necklace to add some structure and femininity to the over all look.

A great fitting pair of jeans, a classic shaped shoe, and a quirky print bag were all that was left to complete the overall downtown chic vibe I was going for!

Style Notes: Gap blazer (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Gap tee (borrowed from my husband’s closet) / Gap jeans (fall 2012; purchased at 40% off; similar style) / BC shoes via Last Chance (winter 2012; great color) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (spring 2011) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / H & M necklace (spring 2012; similar style)

We’ve had another week of wacky weather, ranging from mid 70s at the beginning to high 50s by the end.  The closer we get to March the far less likely these wild temp swings will be, so I decided to take advantage of some rather chilly, winter like weather (well, winter for Phoenix anyway) to take a few beloved winter pieces for what will most likely be their last hurray before spring takes hold.

The last time I wore this jacket and sweater was during our Christmas break in Indiana.  Saturday here in the valley was a cold, windy, cloudy day and since we spent the majority of the afternoon at our daughter’s school’s carnival layers were the key to survival.  I loved the combination of the plaid blazer, striped sweater, and cozy scarf the first time around so there was no reason to waste time trying to reinvent the wheel.

It’s important to remember that a great look is a great look for a reason and once you happen upon one you shouldn’t sweat wearing it repeatedly or trying to find new ways to wear the garment(s).  Sure, it’s nice to remix the items in your closet, but it is also wonderful to have some go to, signature looks if you will, that you can turn to on those days when you are in a hurry, too tired, or just don’t know what to wear.

Speaking of go to items, a good crossbody bag and a leopard print pair of shoes (or pairs of shoes as I think they are an essential in a flat and heel) are two wardrobe staples.  A crossbody bag is perfect for running errands, to take on vacation, and for a mom, a godsend as you are hands free, making it easier to hold onto sweet, chubby hands or, in the case of my son, chase after a very active two year old!  Leopard print shoes add an instant dash of style to any look and are a super easy way to begin to add or mix prints.  These days leopard print shoes are essentially a neutral so have fun and mix and match them will all sorts of textures, colors, and my personal favorite, prints.

Style Notes: Gap blazer (winter 2012; Christmas gift; love this) / Gap sweater (fall 2012; purchased at 40% off; perfect for spring) / Gap scarf (winter 2011; purchased at 50% off; similar style) /  Gap jeans (fall 2012; purchased at 40% off) / Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag via Last Chance (fall 2012; similar style) / Halogen shoes via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelets (winter 2011; love this) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this)

With Valentine’s Day around the corner I thought it appropriate to do a quick round up of all the  things I am currently loving.

See that crossword box in the top right corner? It’s a crossword scarf.  So cool!  The literary nerd/wordsmith side of me could definitely rock that scarf!  Or how about that glasses bangle?  My love for Kate Spade bangles is well documented on this blog and that quirky bangle needs to be part of my collection ASAP!  Those sequined sleeves add just the right amount of girly glam to a masculine blazer; it would be a great piece for date night or girl’s night out.  Every girl needs something a little extra special hanging in her closet, right?

My personal favorite, though, is that mod inspired Marc by Marc Jacobs dress.  At $300 (on sale too) it is way out of this high school teacher’s budget but that won’t stop the irrational love I have for this dress.  I seriously check on it every few days in hopes it becomes a lot more budget friendly and yes, I’ve scoured the internet looking for a similar dress at a more affordable price to no avail.  Trust me, though, if I find one that can hold a candle (even if dimly) to this dress you will be the first to know!  Until then, I am going to continue to do my online stalking and dreaming about taking this dress out for dinner and a movie!

Style Notes: J.Crew Liberty-Collar Merino Sweater in Stripe $125 / Anthropologie Glitzen Frame Blazer $79.95 / Kate Spade Goreski Glasses Bangle $78 / Madewell Mini-Bow Ring $15 / Modcloth Chance Greeting Flat $39.99/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Scooter Stripe Dress $298.99 / Gap Perforated Oxfords $69.95 / Kate Spade The Glass Is Half Full Idiom Bangle $40 / J.Crew Factory Pleated Skirt $74.50 / Madewell Crossword Scarf $45