Spring Cravings

Boston just keeps dumping snow on us and I'm officially sick of all my giant winter sweaters.

So what do I do? Start buying some spring clothes already. I feel like I've been accruing dresses for the last six years, so I switched my focus to fun pants. Here's what I came up with:

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I've been searching for some styling inspiration for these, since they're not my typical wardrobe item, and Pinterest has turned up lots of treasures!

I love how this pair is styled with a two-tone neutral sweater, some classic black pumps, and almost  no jewelry. The minimalist styling really lets the print of the pants shine.

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I'm always a fan of a chic but super casual look, so this one definitely caught me eye! I'm loving the graphic tee and sneakers. Socks too! It shouldn't work, but it just does. 

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I also love the simplicity of a white tee, necklace, and sandals in this look 

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Anh of 9to5Chic makes these track pants look very polished with a blazer, and I'm hoping to do the same with my blue pair.

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I can't wait until the spring weather is here to cooperate with these looks. Bare toes and short sleeves are not a match for the snow. The silver lining, though? This look from Laura of On The Racks has plenty of inspiration for styling up my printed pants for winter, with the right amount of layers and booties! 

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What do you think? How would you still printed pants? 

Better Days

 [Dress and shoes: H&M; Tights & necklace: J.Crew factory store]

Oh how I wish the weather now worked for an outfit like this. Say goodbye to dress and heels, and hello to weeks of 12-pound snow boots and fisherman's sweaters. Thank you Nemo.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Guest Posting: Party Looks

Here's a snippet from a guest post I did last week for Kimberlee over at I Have A Degree In This

...Summer equals cute dress season in my mind. Boston's weather really limits me to jeans, boots, sweaters, and scarves for most of the year, so I take every chance I get during these warm months to sport a short, swingy, patterned, or just plain fun dress.

Because it's been so hot and humid lately, I like to make a statement with the dress as much as I possibly can, and leave the accessorizing and layering to a minimum. This dress is one of my favorite examples. The bright color and detailed neckline don't need much accessorizing at all. I actually wore this to the office one day, but I've also taken it for a spin for social events like a friend's bridal shower two summers ago (yes, this baby is old).

I rounded up some of my favorite types of simple-but-statement-making dresses, mostly drawn from my favorite cheap chic stores (Forever21, Asos, and Dorothy Perkins, which I have yet to buy from but absolutely love to browse).

Clockwise from the top left: One/ Two/ Three/ Four/ Five/ Six

Why six dresses you ask? Well because birthdays should be-week long affairs, and I'm leaving the seventh day up to you to figure out.  (Plus six looked best laid out like this :).) As you can see, I love the shift dress shape! It's simple and sexy and can handle a bold color, pattern, texture, or embellishment. Dresses 2 and 3 have really fabulous low backs and cutouts—a detail that's too risky for the office, but perfect for a celebratory look. I'm also big fan of swingy skirts and fun stripes. I actually have Dress #6 in my closet and am planning on taking it for a birthday spin. I wasn't too sure about the high-low shape that's been big this season, but the stripes come in my favorite colors and the rest of the dress is so cute and classic, I couldn't resist.  

Finish these off with some bright studs or chandeliers (BaubleBar is my favorite source for those), classic espadrilles or peep toe heels, and fun nails (I've been rotating Essie's Turquoise & Caicos, Tart Deco, and Lilacism all summer long). 

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

Shorts Suit

[Blouse: J.Crew factory (old); Cardigan: J.Crew (old); Shorts: Banana Republic outlet (old); Wedges: Goodwill; Bracelet: flea market;  Ring: Old Navy; Earrings: BaubleBar; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban]

Holiday Mondays are the best Mondays. It felt awesome to sleep in, get in the car with no exact destination in mind, and end up in the adorable town of Rockport. We found Granite Pier, and sat on the rocks and stared at the water. Peaceful and awesome.

There's some slight print mixing happening here, as the shorts are a very light tan seersucker. I played with this sweater in another print mixing endeavor here. I thought the neutral, monochromatic look with a few bright details was nice and summery.

All photos by Mikhail Glabets

Ladylike Print Mixing

[Striped Shirt: Forever 21; Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (old); Jacket: Forever 21 (old) ; Jeans: James Jeans via Gilt; Necklace: J.Crew; Earrings: BaubleBar; Shoes: Cole Haan (old)]

I've loved seeing all the fun print mixing this season and wanted to try it out with a few pieces I had. I bought the striped shirt earlier this spring from Forever 21 to have as a good staple, and realized it was the same color tone as a leopard-esque cardigan I got from the J.Crew outlet a few years ago. I also remembered this fun houndstooth cape-like jacket I bought at Forever going into my junior year of college. I think it gives the look a Mad Men feel. Who says bargain purchases have to be thrown away after a season?

All photos by Mikhail Glabets