Polo & Polka Dot

[Polo: Le Tigre (I think?) handmedown from hubby; Jeans: Gap; Scarf: H&M (earlier this season); Flats: Old Navy; Earrings: Gifted; Ring: Old Navy; Nails: Essie Lilacism Sass: Me]

A busy day and rain showers pushed this shoot inside. So here's your dose of primary colors, menswear, and my funny faces. Oh, and I just read this cool story on the history of the polo shirt (actually called the tennis shirt). Happy Thursday.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Black & Blue

[Dress: Forever 21 (appears to be sold out, but another cool colorblock option here); Shoes: Ruche; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend; Earrings: BaubleBar; Bracelets: J.Crew and Flea Market; Nails: Essie: Muchi Muchi] 

I promise you'll see my eyes again soon; it's just been really sunny out lately, so the glasses are a must. And yes, I'm posing in parking lot. 

On a completely different note, I am going to do something unusual for me and wax poetic about Forever 21 (sense the sarcasm?). No, but really. A lot of friends remark that the store is overwhelming and intimidating when they try to shop there, and I would agree if I hadn't spent the last 10 years fine-tuning the art of navigating it. If you're looking to get your toes wet, check out the store's Love 21 division, which is described as "contemporary." By that, I see nicer fabrics, more refined styles, flattering (i.e. not soooooo tight) fits, and an overall modern, chic look. Now, I think all corners of the store have gems if you look hard enough, but Love 21 has already sort of sifted through all the clutter for you.

I say all this to point you to my dress, which comes from the Love 21 line and called my name when I saw it in the store. The classic ladylike shape, cute bow, and skirt in my favorite color had me at hello. I styled with minimal jewelry and t-strap, kitten heel sandals that also play to the girlish vibe.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets 

Polka Dots & Swing

[Dress: J.Crew factory (old, last seen as a skirt here); Blouse: J.Crew factory (old, last seen here); Necklace: J.Crew factory (old); Rings: Old Navy & Forever21; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Boyfriend] 

Another day, another outfit inspired by the lovely Atlantic-Pacific. I loved the 1940's feel of this look when I first saw it on Blair, and immediately turned to my own closet to recreate it. I'm happy to say everything except the rings and flats is a few years old! I've actually had it planned out for a few months now, thanks to the outfit spreadsheet (don't judge me). The comfy but ladylike feel definitely brightened up a drab Monday morning last week! (Oh, and excuse the bare ears. A back to the pair I was wearing fell out during work, but luckily I recovered the stud.)

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Neon Head to Toe

[Dress: Old Navy (old); Cardigan: Zara; Sandals: DSW; Necklace: Christmas gift from Nana years back; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Earrings: Rocks Paper Metal for BaubleBar]

For a long time now I had been planning to write about certain trends I am wary of buying lots of, and neon was definitely on the list. My value shopper self loves to have clothes around for seasons on end, even if they cost $20. So I've hesitated to buy any neon apparel for fear that it would be long gone next year. Until I remembered I had this Old Navy maxi dress from 2010, which is 1/3 neon yellow. Whoops.

But neon accessories are a different story. I can confidently say I love using them to explore the color trend. Like with these cap-toe flats (also from Old Navy), this scarf, and now these earrings. BaubleBar is one of my favorite new discoveries this year. Their jewelry costs slightly more than what I was used to spending at my go-to Forever 21, but it's so unique and interesting that it's worth the bit of extra dough. I often find store e-mails annoying, but BaubleBar is certainly an exception on this front. I'm always lured into checking out their inventory, and recently took the leap on this pair of earrings from their newest designer collection.

I was even inspired to submit a photo to a neon styling contest on their Facebook page. If you feel inclined, it'd be great if you toss a vote my way. I'm kind of a newb when it comes to contests like this and haven't really done any self promotion, so don't judge my low tally of votes.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Cobalt & Coral

[Dress: Forever 21: Scarf: Target; Earrings: BaubleBar; Sandals: DSW] 

Ten dollars, eighty cents. That's how much this dress cost. It's a cool midi length (or maxi, for the petite crowd), actually stays up on top, and comes in one of my current favorite colors. It's a bit on the thinner side, but all things considered, you really can't go wrong. I'm looking forward to wearing with boots and a chunky sweater come fall.

I styled with some favorite statement chandelier earrings from BaubleBar in a similar shade, and a contrasting coral scarf. Colorful but casual enough for the BBQ I attended later that night. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Happy Birthday to My Better Half

Happy Birthday to the wonderful, talented, hilarious, loving, supportive Mikhail Glabets!

I'm a day late (and many dollars short), but here are just a few reasons I love this guy, in no particular order.

1. He's a stud. As evidenced here 

Photo by the awesome Katie Pietrowski

I could put a zillion more pictures in, but I'll control myself. Oh, and he has most of our good hi-res images, and this is a surprise after all... 

2. He is super crazy talented. Here's a snippet of proof, but go here for the whole kit 'n caboodle of his photo awesomeness. 

3. He makes me laugh. My very first post on  OneTwoSummer is a silly soundbite of his. It has nothing to do with the rest of this blog, but he makes me laugh and inspires me. I felt that if I could share that, I could start sharing the rest of my life, or at least my outfits.

4. Speaking of that, he is do darn generous with his talent and gifts. He takes photos of my outfits so I can pretend to be a personal style blogger and explore my love of styling, even though is crazy busy and could be editing a million other awesome things. He encourages me to chase my dreams and do what I love and overall makes me feel like a rock star.

5. He wanted to marry me. And my life has been awesome for it.

Photo by the awesome Katie Pietrowski

Disclaimer: I meant to do this post over the weekend, but in between making French macaroons for the first time (and almost dumping them on the floor), baking my trusty carrot cake, joining Mikhail on his photo awesomeness, and getting lunch with my family, I ran out of time. Sorry my love.

Morning Blues

[Striped top: Buffalo Exchange; Blue Dress: H&M (old); Scarf: Target; Flats: Zara; Bracelets: J.Crew and flea market; Earrings: Buffalo Exchange]

Promise I'm not doing the fake blogger laugh thing in the second pictures. Mikhail had just told me I look "very morning," and I laughed because I knew it was true. I felt like a zombie and my eyes clearly look half closed and anyone who's ever talked to me before 10 am can attest to the fact that I am barely human at those hours.

I'm covering this dress up with a scarf and t-shirt (my favorite way to create a fake skirt), but it has a fabulous top that slightly tapers in at the shoulders and is covered with this cool geometric clear shapes (great description, right?). I came across it at the sale racks at H&M two summers ago, when I had a tote bag full of fresh fruit from Haymarket. It looked luxe but I was worried it would fall apart at that price point. Two years later and still going strong. I can't wait to show it off in it's full glory in another outfit post.

Stripes, blue, and a shift dress. These are a few of my favorite things! (Said in a sing-songy voice). I showed them off at my first BostonBloggers meetup later that night. It was great fun and I got to see old blogger friends (dating way back to March), bloggers I had only talked to online, and completely new ones. I can't wait till the next event.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Tangerine

[Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs via Barney's New York Outlet (old); Shorts: Forever21 (similar); Sandals: Target (old); Necklace: H&M] 

This top is five years old and more current than ever with the colorblocked shades of orange. I love the vertical arrangement, the slightly puffy sleeves, and the deep V in the back. It's one perk of having worked in an outlet mall.

Oh, and taking outfit pictures is embarrassing enough, but try doing it with two good friends watching. That's what I get for crashing their engagement session. You can see them in the background below, but be sure to check out my husband's blog soon for an absolutely stunning session with lots of beautiful Boston scenes, stunning light, and a very happy, in love couple.

Happy Monday!

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Ray of Light

[Striped top: Forever 21; Jeans: Gap; Necklace: Banana Republic outlet (old); Shoes: Old Navy (sold out)]

I'm fighting this dreary weather with an all-white outfit and a finishing touch of neon.

And celebrating the fact that I didn't get this dirty even though I ate ribs for dinner right after these pictures were taken. 

Happy Wednesday (some call it hump day). 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets 

Closet Remix: Collar & Bows

[Dress: Filene's Basement (old); Coral Blouse: Forever 21(sold out); Sandals: Target (old); Earrings: H&M (recent)]

A sheer, bright coral blouse added some spunk to this polka dress that just wasn't feeling so fresh anymore. I've been seeing lots of floating collars this year, so I wanted to recreate the look by layering this girlish, bowed top over it. The Target sandals are years old, but I'm also loving the classic summer design and the fact that they have held up so well.

Wishing it was warm enough to wear an outfit like that now! But it's jeans and jackets this week. 

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Running Attire

Almost at the finish line! 

Done and feeling dead. 

It's been just over a week since I completed Boston's Run to Remember half marathon (and I'm finally back to working out), so I wanted to share a couple shots that Mikhail was kind enough to swing by and take.

I've never been one to match my running attire, but this outfit came together effortlessly. Asics shoes (so comfortable and amazing), Old Navy running shorts, Addidas sports bra from Marshalls, and white Champion tank from Target, in case you're interested.