counter intuitive

Sorry for not posting yesterday - as you might have seen on Twitter, I just didn't feel like coming out from under the covers & serving up my bubble gum happy fashion post in light of the horrific events in Boston. 

When life gets me down or my energy levels plummet after weeks of trying to keep up with a puppy, it is my tendency to crawl into bed & not want to come out.

However, that just gets me into a viscous cycle of dark & stormy thoughts - worrying, stressing about things SO very out of my control, getting anxious about the big bad world that looms outside my door.

As simple as it sounds - getting up, fixing my hair, putting on a cute top & going about my productive day is what puts me at ease.

Look good, feel good, do good.
It's not a lot, but it is what I can do & I have to start with what I have.

{ What I Wore: Wallis blouse // ModCloth mint jeans // Steve Madden nude pumps }

This is my first kimono top & I am officially adding it to the list of simple things that make me happy.

What is a simple thing that makes you happy?

P.S. There is a fabulous giveaway running for a Posh'mina hybrid scarf right now!

enter {here}

Don't forget about Mother's Day coming up! Posh'mina is offering the Miss Mosaic & Muse at a discounted price in honor of chic Moms & Moms-in-law everywhere!

See all your options here & make Mom remember why you’re her favorite. 

(psssst... Your order ships out the next day and for free in U.S. and Canada!)

that girl

{ What I Wore: Old Navy dress // Gap jacket (psst... I found mine on eBay) // Target wedges // Golden Ponies leopard clutch }

I talked about my love for bold black & white stripes yesterday & here is the proof!

I actually saw the inspiration for this outfit on Instagram & knew that this dress needed to be in my closet ASAP! (looks like this dress is currently sold out in b&w, but totally worth stalking for a re-stock)

I am so happy that I jumped on this graphic dress & scored it for a song on one of those perpetual Old Navy sales. But I have a little secret for making Old Navy dresses look more luxe than they actually are - a slip.

Yup, that old fashioned thing that your granny wears.

A slip makes your dress un-see-through, prevents VPL (visible pantie lines), & gives you peace of mind that your dress will not stick to your legs after sitting down during a hot Southern summer.

I'm that girl that my friends make fun of for pulling out her slip to get ready to go out to the clubs, but I won't leave town with out it!

Are you a slip believer?

Doesn't seem like many stores still sell this undervalued undergarment, any tips for places for ladies look for a slip?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a fabulous Posh'mina hybrid scarf here!

Sunday Shopping: go for the bold

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 

I am actually very excited about the Spring trends!

Floral Explosion, Baseball hat chic, B&W everything & Camo are all easily implement-able into my closet... 

but the one I have embraced first? Bold black & white stripes!

I picked up this Old Navy dress on super sale (if you aren't getting your Old Navy purchase on sale, you are doing it wrong) & just know that it is going to be a rockstar in my Spring wardrobe.

What Spring trend are you most looking forward to?

weekend reading: 4.13.13

Left // Middle // Right

this weekend why don't you : rock a skirt you can twirl in

{1.} Easy to chew tips from some of the best bloggers in the biz. What's the best blog advice you ever got?

{2.} Alt Summit for everyone!? 

{3.} Stylish overalls... isn't that an oxymoron? What are your thoughts on this fashion comeback?

{4.} The summer accessory on the top of my wish list? A fab Panama Hat. Here are 12 ways I am dying to wear it!

{5.} Why do you blog? Is it all a numbers game? 

{6.} I Love this idea for a blogger/brand collaboration! 

{7.} I'm a little bit Country, she's a little bit City. Check out my collaboration with the lovely Rachel here!

{8.} The blossoms are here... the most beautiful time of the year!

highlighter & a giveaway

Yes, this dress naturally fluoresces.
I don't think it is technically neon, but I tamed it down with some basic neutrals - just to be safe!

{ What I Wore: Old Navy dress // Nisolo tote // Nine West sandals (similar, from Nisolo) // J.Crew cashmere hooded sweater, bought on super sale ages ago! }

Holy cannoli, THE bag is MINE! Mwhahahahaa (<-- that's my evil laugh)

After months of hemming & hawing (official terms there), I took the plunge & brought home a classic leather tote, with clean lines, soft leather & a match-everything rich brown color.

I am beyond happy with my purchase. 

The bag itself is the perrrrrrfect size for toting around my camera, wallet, 17 lip products that I insist on carrying at all times, possible dog accessories & has a separate pocket for storing keys & iPhone (the first things that typically go missing in the dark abysses of purses)

I am also super ecstatic that instead of caving & getting the blog-popular Madewell version, I supported a brand that is not only connected to a friend of mine, but also has a beyond worthy cause - Nisolo.

If you haven't had the chance to check out Nisolo yet, I hope you will.

In keeping with yesterday's post about smart shopping, these quality leather goods will be total work horses in your closet. 

And to get you started, Nisolo is offering 10% off your first purchase with the code "WearChange"

Another fabulous brand that you KNOW Scout & I lurve is Posh'mina (see our feature here).

And the lovely ladies behind the genius invention that is the Posh'mina, want to give YOU your own scarf to be draped, wrapped, belted & rocked this Spring (or given to your beautiful mom for Mother's Day.. hint hint)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Weekend!