White Tops

As I remember, both of my grandmothers wore some sort of pressed white blouse almost everyday with a pretty A-line skirt and low heels.  This is the definition of classic to me.

Chanel

However, we can interpret the look with greater liberty and variance. A white top, whether it be blouse, t-shirt, or tunic is a wardrobe staple to be dressed up or down. You can look instantly fresh and classic. This season there are a thousand options, especially with the proliferation of white lace and ruffles trickling down from the runways. Find a way to make this look yours.  There is literally no wrong way to wear it!

Pair white with more casual counterparts for the high/low look. A white blouse is the perfect base item for work attire.

"Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony."

-Coco Chanel 

I found this blouse at Zara in Paris. I love the simultaneous structure and flow of it. Great with skinny black pants! It was a steal for so much impact.

Here are a couple more casual ways to work white tops into your rotation this summer.

Pool Time

Happy Memorial Day! This little ensemble is headed to the pool today! So happy it's open and it's finally summer. The kids will be happy, busy, and exhausted!! The change of season is wonderful for the mind and body.

Here is a good example of my fun budget shopping. Every piece was found for a deal (mostly at TJ Maxx!!).

Hat: Kate Spade Saturday $50.  $19.99

Cover-Up: Older TJs find

Bikini Top: Sun Folly $88.  $12.99

Bikini Bottom: Juicy Couture $98.  $7.99

Sale Alert: Nordstrom

The bi-annual Nordstrom sale for women and children starts today. This is a great time to stock up on in and out of season items online or in-store. Check out the Zella pieces (fab work-out gear), shoes, and fun day dresses.

Ahhh, Nordstroms: the happy place. 

Thought of the Day : Right Things

                               

I love this quote because it is true. When you monitor your thinking to push yourself to a positive mental space, it leaves little room for negativity. 

Best Dressed: Cannes

Best Dressed

Cannes Film Festival

Absolutely stunning. I cannot recover from Blake Lively in this stunning Gucci Premiere dress. Best part: she does not employ a stylist. She selects her own clothes which is a feat for a movie star with a quantity of red carpet engagements.

The cut and tailoring is immaculate (although I'm sure breathing is a problem!!). I also love the black and white. Her hair and make-up perfectly compliment the ensemble.

Bravo!!

Look of the Day: Derby Inspiration

We have Preakness Party to attend this afternoon. I am wearing the same pink hat I wore a couple of weeks ago to a dear friend's Derby Party.  It is fun and challenging to wear the same item a different way.  While the above look is not the exact ensemble I have put together, it is close : little black dress, big pink hat, and striped black and white heels. What a fun excuse to dress up!

Now we're off to the races!

Thought of the Day

I agree, on both counts.

Stylist Tip: The Best Brush

The Best Brush on a Budget

Secretly, I have been coveting a Mason Pearson hair brush (or four).  But the price tag gives me such guilt!  Mason Pearson brushes are the top of the line and used by most professional hairstylists . They are paddle brushes made from boar's head bristles and nylon. This mixture makes your hair feel and look soft and silky.  But what makes them my absolute favorite: it does not hurt to brush your hair- even when it is full of tangles. 

Mason Pearson "Popular Mixture" Brush

$170.00

**But do NOT rush out to Nordstrom or Saks and buy a Mason Pearson brush!!**

Instead, try the Sonia Kashuk equivalent from Target. It is $16.  I want to buy ten of these beauties! It has forever changed our morning routine with two daughters!! Fixing hair has become a happy task again instead of a game of hide and go seek!! I hope you will have the same results!

Try D'orsay Flats

Try D'orsay

Flats

If you are in the market for a versatile and attractive pair of flats, go d'orsay. D'orsay flats and heels are feminine and appealing because they show off the narrowest part of the woman's foot. D'orsay refers to the style of shoe.

d'orsay: a pump style shoe or slipper made with a circular vamp and a quarter that curves to meet the vamp at the shank line (Merriam Webster).

What is even more appealing about this shoe is that they are easy to find on a budget. I found a pair similar to these at TJ's for $16.99.

D'orsay flats pair well with skinny pants or jeans as well as dresses and skirts.  It's just wondrous when function and fashion meet. Win win!

The Strong Brow

Think Brooke Shields, 1980s Jordache Jeans: the strong brow is back. And why not? A strong brow provides a beautiful frame for your face. 

There is a whole natural beauty trend going on now; more natural brows and hair.  It's time to rock what your Mama gave you.  Really, what could be more budget friendly?!? 

Put down the tweezers and try a fuller brow. A few tools  will help you enhance what you have while keeping it neat. You will need an eyebrow pencil (try a neutral shade or a close match to your color) and brush. Beauty editors love brow pomades. They give hold and color simultaneously. This will definitely be my next beauty purchase.

Try Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dipbrow Pomade

Ulta, $18.

Sunshine Yellow

You know the saying, when life hands you lemons... make lemonade.  

*Here is an adorable little life-hack: use tongs to crush those lemons and your hands won't get as tired.

In the spirit of making each day a little brighter, here is some outfit inspiration:

Yellow is everywhere this season.  It is so fresh and springy.  I'm sure you have some in your closet! If you cannot wear it on top due to your coloring try yellow jeans or a skirt. You are sure to brighten everyone's day!

"How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun."

-Van Gogh

If yellow clothes are not your thing, try an accessory. A fun yellow bag or phone case might be just the ticket.

 

iPhone 5/5s iPhone case

Modcloth, $35.99

 

Thank you readers for keeping me motivated and inspired.  Our family was struck with tragedy in the past month so I have been out of pocket and off the grid.  But, I have a new computer coming for Mother's Day (thank you sweet Hubby!!), and a new perspective to go with it. I plan to do a lot here this year and I hope you will be along for the ride!