With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner I thought it the perfect time to showcase this lovely hat I received as a birthday present in the fall.  While it isn’t the kind of hat one turns to for all sorts of occasions, I wholeheartedly embrace the idea that fashion doesn’t always have to be practical.  Every once in a while it’s okay to indulge and buy, or better yet request as a gift, something you l-o-v-e but don’t have a ton of occasions to don.  For me, this hat, while rather regal, is such a find.  It’s so feminine and so quirky that I can’t help but smile and feel instantly ten times more glamorous than I really am whenever I wear it.

When it came time to style the hat, I knew I wanted to embrace my inner regal lady and go with an all black ensemble. While spring is all about bright, bold colors, in my (fashion) book there is always room for black.  In the right silhouette, an all black ensemble is timeless, seasonless, slimming, and the perfect balance between sophisticated and sexy.

Since the hat is such a show stopper, there really was no need to go overboard with accessories.  I kept it simple with a necklace that is a modern take on a traditional strand of pearls and small, statement earrings.  The peplum top, tuxedo stripping, and bow pumps add a little more visual interest, but because of the all black palette they are not too distracting.

Style Notes: Dillard’s hat (fall 2012; similar style) /  Target shirt (winter 2013) / Ann Taylor pants (fall 2012; similar style) / Anthropologie necklace (spring 2013) / Anthropologie earrings (spring 2013) / Kate Spade shoes via Last Chance (spring 2013) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this)

For this week’s Friday Finds I thought I would change things up a bit and share this adorable (and affordable!) jean jacket I found in Target’s junior’s section for a mere $20!  Jean jackets are kind of a big deal for spring, which I had been pretty much on the fence about until coming across this on a recent trip to Target to purchase cleaning supplies.  (I swear; is it even possible to get out of that place without at least three things you never intended to purchase?)  As a child of the 80s, jean jackets generally take me back to an era of Aqua Net hairspray, slap bracelets, and parachute pants.  Um…no thanks.

This jacket, however, with its quirky polka dots is refreshingly updated.  Since I purchased this jacket in the juniors’ section (size L) it is a little more fitted than a typical jean jacket, which is also part of its charm.  One thing I have always disliked about jean jackets is how bulky they feel and look on me.  The more tailored fit of this jacket lends itself to being layered over dresses or a cute top with some colored skinny jeans.  A great floral pin or statement necklace are the perfect accessories to add a little extra fun this spring!

Style Notes: Target jean jacket (spring 2013) / Dee & Ray Mona Dress via Last Chance (summer 2012; love this) / Classiques Entier shoes via Last Chance (spring 2012; love these) / Old Navy pin (spring 2012; love this) / J.Crew bangle (fall 2011; love this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)

Another day; another peplum top!  What can I say, I was serious when I said this top is really flattering.  While the black version lends itself well to dressier looks, this striped version is an excellent way to infuse a little casual fun into your spring wardrobe without compromising on style.

I know some fashionistas advise against buying multiples of garment pieces, but, in my opinion, if a piece is well made, flatters you, and is at an affordable price point (the trifecta of clothing) why not buy a couple different versions you can work into your wardrobe for a variety of occasions?  I think one reason fashion intimidates so many women is because they simply don’t have the time to scour the internet or run all over town trying to assemble a wardrobe unique piece by unique piece.  So I say, save yourself the stress and the hassle and when you encounter a piece you fall totally in love with go ahead and scoop it up in a few different colors or patterns.  Trust me, on those mornings you overslept, the kids are cranky, and you simply don’t know what to wear, having some go-to pieces you know look great on you can be a real life saver.  It’s safe to say this peplum top has become just that kind of garment for me!

Never one to shy away from pattern mixing, pairing the peplum’s stripes with the dots on these skinny jeans was like second nature.  The quirkiness of the stripes, the peplum, and the dotted pants all work together because at its most basic level the outfit is based off of three colors (white,dark blue, and yellow), so even though the prints differ they compliment one another nicely instead of standing in stark contrast to one another.

I’m such a sucker for the bright yellows of spring, but because of my personal coloring I have to be really careful about wearing them or I can look completely washed out.  One of the easiest ways to get around a color that you adore, but that is particularly tricky for your personal coloring, is to incorporate the color into your look through accessories. In the case of this outfit, I just love the way the bold pops of yellow stand out against the dark navy stripes and skinny jeans.  The bits of yellow here and there help add another dimension of fun and style to the overall look!

Style Notes: Gap cardigan (ancient; like this) / Target peplum (winter 2013) / Gap jeans (winter 2012; purchased at 50% off; great for spring) / Jinny Kim heels via Last Chance (spring 2009; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; similar style) / Banana Republic bracelet (spring 2012; like this) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; love this) / Modcloth necklace (fall 2012; similar style)

In other news: Please vote for us in Arizona Foothills Battle of the Blogs.  Voting is UNLIMITED and ends on April 15th.  You can vote for us here!

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)

In other news: Please vote for us in Arizona Foothills Battle of the Blogs.  Voting is UNLIMITED and ends on April 15th.  You can vote for us here!

I am a huge fan of dresses, especially for those days when I am too tired to think about what to wear or just don’t feel creative enough to come up with the perfect shirt and skirt or pant combo. The right dress, though, can be a bit difficult to track down.  It’s not that I can’t find dresses I like; that never seems to be the issue.  Instead, I find that while there are scads of dresses I adore, the options start to narrow significantly when I consider things like ease of wear and care, the variety of situations in which I could don said dress, and, most importantly for this teacher, the price point.

Enter this Mossimo dress from Target: it fits like a dream, is appropriate for work, special occasions, and a night out, and is at an amazing price point- $27.99! (It comes in two variety of stripes and solid black as well! I am pretty sure I need to head back for another!)

For a work look try pairing the dress with a classic, tailored blazer.  The blazer will add a tad more structure to the overall look, serve as a great layer for cold offices, and give off a professional air to you and what you are wearing. Black tights and a simple black pump, or one with a little quirky touch, is all you need to add to complete the look.

Transitioning this dress from day to night is as simple as ditching the blazer, changing into a fun pair of shoes, and putting on a great lip color!  Remember, just as you did during the day, keep the accessories to a minimum for night; let the dress do all the work!

The dress’s classic lines, flattering silhouette, and fun print make it a stylish choice for evening.  The feminine cut and details make it a super easy dress to wear straight out the office doors and through the doors of the restaurant where you are meeting your girlfriends for eats, drinks, and laughs.

Style Notes: Gap Blazer (fall 2012; purchased at 50% off; perfect for spring) / Target dress (winter 2013) /  Gap tights (old; similar style) / Isaac Mizrahi shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; similar style) /Kate Spade shoes via Last Chance (winter 2013; love these) / Marc by Marc Jacobs bag via Last Chance (summer 2012; purchased at an extra 30% off; love this) /  Kate Spade bag (fall 2011; similar style) // Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style)  / Kate Spade bracelets (fall 2012; got my eyes on this)

In other news: Please vote for us in Arizona Foothills Battle of the Blogs.  Voting is UNLIMITED and ends on April 15th.  You can vote for us here!

Ever since I have been old enough to make my own wardrobe decisions, I’ve avoided florals at all costs.  Far too many years of my youth involved Christmas and Easter dresses from Laura Ashley, which was probably the sole proprietor of floral textiles in the mid-late 80s. However, the floral prints that are cropping up in stores have taken such a refreshing turn for the modern with a variety of hues, shapes, and applications that I find myself toying with the idea of incorporating some in my spring wardrobe!

Style Notes: J.Crew Floral-Stripe Tee $49.50 (20% off through 3/8) / Sabine Cabachon Floral Bib Necklace $44 / Madewell Silk Boyshirt in Pansy $89.50 / Madewell Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans in Sungarden $74.50 / Xhilaration® Juniors Peter Pan Collar Lace Top $15 / Gap Floral Sateen Dress $69.95 / Anthropologie Floret Rope Necklace $58