Spring 2017 Trends

March 19, 2017

Until today my disdain for winter has seemed to be the driving force of my blog. The time has come to put the past behind and spring ahead! Today is the first day of spring and I am so looking forward to enjoying the lighter clothing and shoes that this weather calls for. According to Neiman Marcus, the world of fashion will be seeing more of the following this spring:

Ruffles & Flounces

This blouse from one of my favorite shopping sites, Shein meets the criteria for several of these trends as it is a neutral and off the shoulder. In contrast to the Neiman Marcus styles, it has a tiny little price tag… $9. Here is another beauty that is priced at $7.98

Shirting Redefined

Blouses and shirts that are just slightly over the top… Although I don’t consider this to be over the top, I especially like the Caroline Constas shirt for $395.

Persephone Décolleté Shirt, White

More easily affordable is this shirt for $16, although not quite as cute.

Peekaboo Styles

Of all the Neiman Marcus items I mention in this post, this Kobi Halpern blouse would have to be my favorite. With ruffles and shoulder cut-outs (hence the peekaboo), it is made of silk and so very girly! Okay. I REALLY want this

Another more affordable option which is similar is this

In addition to blouses, peekaboo style includes items that reveal the legs, like this

Slips & Slides

Not much to say about this trend… I’m all for it if you like slip on shoes. I enjoy slipping on my Old Navy flip flops for a quick walk out into the yard, or over to Mama’s house, but most of my shoes have a strap on the back. Here are some trend pics… actually the first pair are kinda cute and would pair nicely with the ‘ruffles and flounces’ at the top of this post:

Intrecciato Napa 40mm Slide Sandal, Mist img_2491-2

Stripes

Covering the stripes spring trend, as well as the peekaboo and shirting redefined… I love this cold-shoulder striped top by Parker

Maureen Cold-Shoulder Striped Combo Top, Powder Blue

I would totally buy this if it weren’t $220…

but am more likely to purchase this blue striped blouse

or this grey and white top which offers interest with the split back and is only $13.00

Everything Embellished

Beads, Tassels, Feathers, Embroidery, Patches, Sequins, Lace! Pop some of these items on a pair of shoes, a handbag, or any item of clothing and you’re on trend! Here is an example of an embellished blouse and these red leg-wrap flats are embellished with fringe:

The Mini Bag

This one I have covered, starting with the kitty cat bag that my daughter Stephanie gave me last Christmas. There are several other wristlets and cross body bags in my closet so I will likely not be purchasing any new mini bags to participate in the mini bag trend (although this leather elephant bag is adorable).

Neutrals

White, Cream, Beige and Khaki take center stage with these nonpartisans this spring. Check out this ribbed crewneck pullover sweater.
Head-Turning Earrings

My new go-to earrings are the Kate Spade infinity and beyond hoops my Mama gave me for Christmas. Neiman Marcus spring trends include earrings that are HUGE and will no doubt make a powerful statement. This will be a trend that will take me some easing in to possibly with these blue stud hoops

The Hi-Def Lip

My thoughts on the Hi-Def Lip… Check this…

“For the whole world is Irish on the seventeenth o’ March!” – Thomas Augustine Daly

March 17, 2017

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17. The day honors the patron saint of Ireland with celebrations around the world. There is no exception here in North Florida where we have celebrated St Patrick’s Day for as long as I can remember. Most recently at the block party in Five Points which ended this year with the closing of O’Brothers Irish Pub

The block party was great fun and it is disheartening that I now have no place in which to wear my green wig. But alas…

All is still well… I may have no where to go on St Patrick’s Day but I still have baking skills.

Since I make preparations to have a dessert of the month for my LB (pictured above in the green top hat) March typically calls for the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake. LB loves his evening dessert… whatever it may be it must have Reddi Whip and a maraschino cherry on top.

This cake is right out of the oven before glazing. Boy Oh Boy is it tasty! (hence the smile)

Every March 17th I’m styling a green wig, an “Irish for a Day” tee, green star sunglasses, countless beads and other paraphernalia , and my everyday jeans and shoes. Surely most of you have collected these things in your travels.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Here’s a tasty Irish treat:

Reuben Sliders

Winter Gem

March 16, 2017

This coming Monday marks the first day of spring. Today there is no doubt that it is still winter. I’ve pulled out the wool coat and even kept it on for a few hours after arriving at my office.

This coat is a little gem that I found while waiting for a connecting flight to Vegas last November. Yes… it is an airport special. And yes… I needed it because I forgot to pack a coat.

It has a lovely ruffled back which gives it a girly-girl look. It fast became my favorite article of clothing on that trip!
Today I’m styling a Simply Vera top (similar) with black leggings. Both items are from Kohl’s and were added to my wardrobe two years ago.

Wintry Wednesday

March 15, 2017

The resistance has ended… and I have retrieved the winter clothes.
Boots too.

These riding boots are a brand called Top Moda that I found as a result of a search for ‘riding boots‘ in Amazon and were very inexpensive. They were $29.98 when I bought them and are now listed as $15.99 with only 2 left in stock. Although I never specified ‘wide leg’ these are wide enough to run into each other when I walk. On a positive note, they are warm and that is my main goal today.

This is outfit # 321 from my Stylebook:

I’m not wearing it in my selfie, but the jacket was a must today and this one was purchased from Kohl’s. It’s an Apt 9 motorcycle jacket

What state is this anyway?

March 14, 2017

Isn’t this the SUNSHINE STATE???

I know I keep going on about this…

COLD!

And NO, this is Not a weather blog.

It’s all about fashion

Because of the chilly temps today I’m styling a turtleneck. Turtlenecks Do have their advantages. For one, they hide neck flaws. As I mentioned previously, I have put my winter clothes away. However, this turtleneck stays out for use year round.

It is sleeveless and can be worn with a jack in cooler weather or alone when it is warm… which is what I prefer.

Stylebook look # 335
And – YES – my teeth are chattering in this pic

The jeans are Venus colored skinny denim (wine) and they are currently my go-to jeans. They come in 15 colors and are sized 2-24. LOVE THEM.

My ‘shooties‘ are so comfortable and were only $28.00

I also have them in tan

Seasonally Challenged

March 13, 2017

“If you don’t like the weather in Florida now, just wait a few minutes.” Mark Twain

… except he was referring to New England, not Florida.

The official start of spring is but a week away! Although it’s been spring-like in Florida, today we are having winter.

The weather forecast this week calls for lower than normal temperatures and wouldn’t you know that I’ve packed away all my winter clothes.

No need to panic… I have a plethora of jackets stashed in the home office closet.

I also have a pair of jeans with thick white stitching that I love. These jeans from the Barely Boot collection by Express were purchased a few years ago and have served me well. The white stitching is more pronounced than this picture shows

I used to wear them with my lost white blouse. Since I was fortunate enough to find a replacement white blouse this past weekend (see yesterday’s post) we have a winner.

This is outfit #45 from my Stylebook:

Alas… The blouse in my style book that brought such joy was taken away with the towels.

Here is my new blouse:

First Timer

March 12, 2017

Yesterday was a splurge day and I loved every minute of it. My shopping excursion in the Golden Isles ended with a stop at White House Black Market. We walked past several store windows without feeling the draw to enter, but when we saw the featured window items, LB knew that I wanted to go inside.

The prices are what I consider to be high i.e. $98 for a blouse. But when it draws you into the store and your man tells you to “go try it on”… how do you respond to that?

OKAY!

I LOVED IT!

And LB bought it for me.

It can be worn on the shoulders as well as off. The blouse shown above is paired with ivory dress pants, but it was shown in store with a light colored blue jeans. This will look great with my black skinny jeans, winter white skinny jeans, black cropped pants, and ivory skirt… The possibilities seem endless and I can’t wait to wear this blouse!

The next eye catcher was…

How lovely is that?!

This was on sale but is still featured on the website here. I was tickled pink to be able to wear it in a size 2, but purchased the 4 just because.

Last but Absolutely Not Least was the white blouse I found on the 50% off rack. I may have heard the angels sing when I picked up this blouse. Reason being, last year LB and I went away on a cruise. On day two, due to a last minute change of plans, I removed my beloved white blouse and opted for something more casual. Instead of hanging it in the closet, I hung it on a hook in the dressing area then quickly left the cabin. When I returned, I found that the cabin had been cleaned, bed made, and the towels taken away to be laundered… along with my white blouse. [TEARS]. After several months searching for a replacement…

The search is over. I have found my white blouse!

Yes… I’m a happy girl!

It’s all about fashion

Here is my new blouse:

OKAY!

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