Preppy Summer Work Outfits

Here are two favorite preppy outfits I've worn to work recently. The first outfit includes a classic Lilly Pulitzer skirt with a white top. I also wore a white cardigan with this outfit but forgot I had taken it off when I took these pictures:

Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer Roslyn Skirt in Lilly's Pink Big Squeeze (love the adorable koalas in this print!); Top: Banana Republic Outlet; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pearls: Honora; Bracelets: Kate Spade "Hot To Trot" and "Tickle The Ivories" Idiom Bangles; Ring: Kate Spade; Shoes: Jack Rogers

Not Pictured: J.Crew Factory White Cardigan

The second outfit includes super comfortable cotton knit dress from the Banana Republic Outlet, dressed up with a cardigan and heels. And I love how my colorblocked bangle adds a pop of pink to the navy and white palette:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet; Cardigan: J.Crew Factory; Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer; Bangle: J.Crew Factory; Earrings and Cocktail Ring: Kate Spade; Shoes: Merona for Target

-L

xoxo

Swimsuits: The Best of Summer 2013

As promised, here is the first of several Summer Essentials posts. Summer is just getting started, and the  pool and beach are calling your name! It's never too late to grab the perfect swimsuit for a relaxing afternoon in the sun or a week-long getaway to the coast. Target is my absolute favorite place to shop for bathing suits! Their Mossimo brand suits are adorable, well-made, and the price can't be beat! I also really like Target's suits because the bottoms provide adequate coverage, which I'm self-conscious about. I have purchased these two swimsuits from Target this season:

Target Berry Pink Polka Dot Twist Bandeau Top and Side-Tie Bottoms 

Top / Bottom

Target Peppermint Stripe Twist Bandeau Top and Side-Tie Bottoms

Top / Bottom

And here are a couple more cute suits available from Target this summer, in similar styles as the ones above:

Target Black and White Polka Dot Twist Bandeau and Hipster Bottoms

(this black and white polka dot look is so classic!)

Top / Bottom

Target Mandarin Stripe Twist Bandeau Top and Side-Tie Bottoms

Top / Bottom

Lilly Pulitzer has a bikini in the Multi Chin Chin print that I adore:

Louella Bandeau

Sandi String Bottom

This navy pineapple print suit from J.Crew is fun:

Navy Pineapple

J.Crew is also famous for their seersucker swimsuit:

Neon Peach Seersucker

And if you're up for a splurge, here is a gorgeous logo halter and logo bottom suit from Tory Burch:

Top / Bottoms

Have y'all found great swimsuits for this summer? Where is your favorite place to shop for swimwear?

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Happy Easter!

Hope y'all had a Happy Easter! I am thankful for the celebration of Christ's Resurrection and the hope it brings.

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" -Luke 24:5b-6a

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." -Matthew 28:5-6

Here is what I wore for Easter:

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Adeline dress; Cardigan: J.Crew; Shoes: Target canvas espradille wedges; Sunglasses: Kate Spade; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pearls: Pearl of Orient; Ring: Lilly Pulitzer; Purse: Lilly Pulitzer Pandamonium Small Tote (from Spring 2010)

A shot without the sunnies

I did not wear the hat to church, but it the Lilly Pulitzer gift with purchase hat that I got as part of my birthday present. I think it is just precious and really want to go to a Kentucky Derby party so I can wear it!

Hope y'all had a great Easter!

-L

xoxo

AMAZING Spring Shoes via Target

Last week was new shoes galore for me! I finally invested in some Tory Burch tan Revas, but I also found some amazing budget-friendly shoes at Target. I bought a pair of the Merona Margeurite neutral canvas espradille wedges. I first saw these on Let's Be Preppy, one of my favorite blogs, and when I walked past them in Target I couldn't resist trying them on. They are so fun and a great way to add some diversity to your spring shoe collection without spending a lot of money. I am obsessed with the polka dots on the wedge's interior, even though nobody can see it while you are wearing them. This style is also available in black, red, and turquoise, but neutral is definitely the most practical. They will go with everything and can be worn for both work and going out. If you want multiple colors they are currently Buy One Get One 50% off online.

I also found another great style: the Merona Magee patent peep-toe pump. I originally bought the black patent peep-toes in store, but they didn't have the nude patent ones in my size. When I went to order the nude ones online I saw that the Magee was Buy One, Get One 50% off, so I ordered another pair of the black ones at a discount online and will return the pair I bought in-store. Since I don't wear heels as much, I don't like to invest in them the way I would Tory flats, Jack Rogers, or cowgirl boots. These Target patent peep-toe heels are so nice and classy, and cost a fraction of what you would pay for a similar pair at a boutique or department store. I got notification today that my order shipped, so hopefully they will arrive later this week. The Magee is also available in turquoise, and online exclusives navy, red, and cheetah.

Merona Magee Black Patent Peep-toe Pump

Merona Magee Nude Patent Peep-toe Pump

Have y'all checked out Target's Spring shoe selection yet? What are your favorites?

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Old Navy Sweater Dress

Here is another recent outfit I've worn that I wanted to be sure and post before it goes out of season, since Spring is almost here-thank goodness!!! I love this sweater dress I found at Old Navy this past fall. It fits me super well, and is classic and budget-friendly!

Dress: Old Navy; Tights: Target; Cowgirl Boots: Ariat Heritage Western R-toe; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer bow critter earrings (Resort 2012); Pearls: Honora; Cocktail Ring: Kate Spade

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit: Snaps For Legally Blonde

My apologies for the lack of posts over the past several days. I was busy preparing for and then traveling to another fun girls' weekend with my best friend. The highlight of our weekend was going to a community theater production of Legally Blonde The Musical on Saturday night! It was absolutely amazing! I had seen the traveling Broadway production nearly four years ago and although this one obviously wasn't quite at that level it was still thoroughly enjoyable. Legally Blonde is one of my all-time favorite movies so I naturally love the musical too. Of course my outfit had to include pink, because according to Elle Woods, "whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed." Here is what I wore:

Cardigan: Lilly Pulitzer Paley V-neck; Camisole: Banana Republic outlet; Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet; Tights: Target (Merona brand); Shoes: Target (Mossimo brand); Earrings: Kate Spade; Necklace: J.Crew outlet; Cocktail ring: Lilly Pulitzer

A good close-up of the J.Crew elephant critter necklace. I can't get enough of this!

Me and my bestie all dressed up and ready to go!

Even though I'm a brunette I definitely have a lot of Elle Woods inside me! I have even been her twice for Halloween! Have y'all ever seen Legally Blonde The Musical or listened to the soundtrack? What are your favorite songs/parts?

-L

xoxo

The Best Tights Ever!

I love wearing skirts and dresses, and I don't let the cold weather stop me! Thanks to Merona Premium Sweater Tights from Target I don't have to sacrifice comfort and my legs stay warm. These really are the best tights I've ever had. They are thicker than regular tights which provides added warmth yet not too bulky, so they still look sleek and stylish. I also think they are so much more comfortable than normal tights-they are soft and not at all itchy. Before I discovered these last winter I avoided wearing dresses and skirts during the cold months because I felt that tights were too uncomfortable and didn't really keep my legs warm. Now I no longer have that dilemma, and I am so glad because I despise wearing dress pants to work and church. They are so unflattering on me and I feel really frumpy when I wear them. Furthermore, my legs actually stay warmer when I wear a skirt with sweater tights as opposed to dress pants. The cold air just goes right up my pants whenever I do wear them. Plus, it's nice having more wardrobe choices in general since I don't have to worry about my legs freezing in 40 degree weather. I have these marvelous tights in black, brown, and gray. I highly recommend getting a pair or two!

Black

Gray

Do y'all have a favorite brand of tights?

-L

xoxo

Featured Outfit

Here's a favorite outfit I wore out to dinner with a friend the other night-a polka dot cardigan, white ruffle shirt, fun bright belt, and skinny jeans. Since it was a super rainy evening I wore my bright pink rain boots.

Cardigan: Lilly Pulitzer Paley Cardigan (from Fall 2011); Shirt: LOFT; Belt: Banana Republic Factory Store; Jeans: Joe's Jeans Skinny Visionnaire; Rain Boots: Target; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pearls: Honora

A closer view of the cardigan, shirt, and belt.

-L

xoxo

Target + Neiman Marcus Collection

Over the past couple years Target has partnered with high-end designers such as Jason Wu, Missoni, and The Webster to create affordable lines sold exclusively at Target. Holiday Season 2012 has brought one of their best collaborations yet: the Target + Neiman Marcus Collection. This line features clothing and gifts from designers like Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Brian Atwood, Oscar de la Renta, and Judith Leiber, but at Target prices! What's not to love? My personal favorites from the collection are (not surprisingly) the two items by Tory Burch: a lunch box and printed aluminum beverage container.

Tory Burch Lunch Box

Tory Burch Printed Beverage Container

The cap doubles as a small cup and it comes with a stopper.

I have actually already purchased the water bottle and love it! The lunch box is definitely on my wish list. 

You can view all of the Target-Neiman Marcus Collection items here. What are y'alls favorite things from this collection? Have you bought anything yet for yourself or for a gift?

-L

xoxo

Cardigan Corner

Cardigans are the perfect wardrobe essential during the transition into fall. Throwing on a coordinating cardigan enables you to continue wearing your favorite sleeveless tops and dresses well into fall. (As long as they aren't too summery of course!) Find a cardigan style you like and buy it in multiple colors. This preppy basic never goes out of style! Here are some of my favorites:

J.Crew Jackie Cardigan

This is seriously one of the best cardigans ever! I have it in at least seven colors. I recommend getting these at the J.Crew outlet where you can get the same cardigan for a better deal.

Lilly Pulitzer Caroline Cardigan (Image via Pinterest)

I love this cardigan style by Lilly. I have gotten a couple of them thru Rue La La sales in the past year. This cardigan is shorter than other styles, so might not work as well if you're tall. I'm only 5'3" so it works great for me! Sadly Lilly Pulitzer does not have the Caroline available in their current Fall collection but you might be able to find one on eBay or the Re-Lilly Facebook page. Hopefully Lilly will bring this style back in future seasons!

Lilly Pulitzer Paley Cardigan

Again, another favorite style of Lilly cardigan that is not currently available. The Paley is longer than the Caroline and it has gold-rimmed buttons, which is a nice extra Lilly detail. Hopefully Lilly will re-introduce the Paley as well.

Target Merona Cardigan

Target has a great classic cardigan as well, and the price is unbeatable. I don't like theirs quite as much because they are a little bit longer on me than I would prefer, but this brand is a great option for those of y'all who are taller. I used to have several of these cardigans but gave them away when I realized the J.Crew and Lilly styles fit my petite short-waisted frame better.

Lilly Pulitzer Printed Paley Cardigan

I also love my polka dot Paley Cardigan from the Lilly Fall 2011 collection. Lilly did not come out with any printed cardigans this fall either. Hopefully their cardigan selection will be better next fall!

Do you wear a lot of cardigans? What are your favorite brands and styles?

-L

xoxo