Outfit Post: Transitional Skirt

Don't hate me, but I'm kind of ready for fall. Maybe not fall weather, but certainly fall fashion. This feeling seems to be cyclical. Every August, I get tired of looking at sundresses and denim cut offs and I start to crave textures and jewel tones and layers. I get excited to pull out my cashmere and leather. And then winter hits and I curse the day I ever wished for cooler temps. I'm like freakin' Goldilocks - why can't I just embrace the season I'm in??

I bought this skirt with fall in mind. I immediately envisioned it paired with a chunky sweater, tan knee high boots and a trench coat layered on top. But since it's not fall (and I'm working on embracing this too hot heat), I've paired the skirt with some strappy sandals and a simple cami for a breezy summer look.

Is anyone else already working their fall pieces into their summer wardrobe?

top: express

skirt: topshop

heels: target (similar here)

clutch: clare v. via willys detroit

watch: shinola

bracelet: stella and dot renegade cluster

Outfit Post: Romping Around Belle Isle

Between trips to Virginia and the recent heat wave in Detroit, it's been a challenge finding outfits to stay cool. Rompers and jumpsuits are my secret weapon to both staying on trend and battling high temps. I love that this Zara romper is loose and effortless and looks just as good with a casual pair of flats (or in this case, some kick ass gladiators) as it does paired with a blazer and heels.

I'd also like to do a quick shout out to my photographer for these photos, Meghan from MeliaBelle Photography. Earlier this summer I teamed up with Meghan for a fashion shoot on Belle Isle (if you follow me on Instagram, you've seen a sneak peek here, here and here). We had a total blast shooting these - along with help from our hair and makeup team, B's Makeup Artistry - and I look forward to sharing more with you guys soon!

romper: zara (similar here)

sandals: madden girl

ring: stella and dot rebel ring

necklace: similar here

arm band: pitaya (similar here)

Outfit Post: Event Styling

When dressing for a special event, I tend to put some thought into my outfit. I like to stand out and wear something unique, but I also make sure the outfit represents my personal style. There's nothing worse than showing up at an event and not feeling like your bold and confident self.

So when deciding what to wear, I like to ask myself three questions:

1. Will I be comfortable?
If I am tugging at a dress or worried about it being too tight or too short, I will spend the entire evening self conscious and paying more attention to my outfit than to the event itself. Definitely not how I want to spend my time. I am a huge believer in looking good and feeling good in your clothes.
2. Is there a unique element to my outfit?
I really love fashion. I love experimenting and playing with trends. Part of my personal style involves taking risks in fashion, so it's important to me to have on something different. Even if I'm in a basic LBD, I'll be sure to add a statement shoe or bold accessory to stand out in the sea of other little black dresses. And finally...
3. Does this represent my own personal style?
As much as I love to play with styles, I know what feels like "me" and I make sure to stick to that. Personally, I avoid short and tight. I am attracted to neutrals over patterns. My preference is a nod to menswear instead of overly feminine. This doesn't mean I'll never stray from these guidelines (experimenting with other styles is part of the fun of fashion), but knowing my own personal style helps me to know what looks I'll confidently rock, especially when getting dressed in a hurry.

This dress from Rent the Runway, hits all three points. The scuba-like material is incredibly comfortable and is form fitting without being too tight. The side cut-out detail transforms this dress into something a little sexier than a standard pencil dress, creating a perfect date night look. And the modern silhouette is on trend, but still classic - representing my own personal style.

What do you look for when choosing a dress for an event? Do you follow any guidelines to make the decision easier? If you need help figuring out your own personal style, I can help.

dress: c/o rent the runway

clutch: vintage (similar here)

shoes: ann taylor (similar here)

earrings: thrifted (similar here)

Outfit Post: Head to Toe Summer Black

Like most people, summer is typically when I pull out all my bright clothing, bold prints, and monochromatic white outfits.

But sometimes? Sometimes I just want to wear black.

Regardless of what Anna Wintour says (*gasp*), head to toe black is always in style. The trick is making it - and you - feel summery. Here are a few of my tips for staying seasonally cool while wearing the hue:

1. Black doesn't mean boring. Keep the outfit exciting with some sort of visual interest. Think cutout sandals or an asymmetrical hemline. 

2. Look for light and breathable fabrics. Save your leather and wool pieces for the cooler months and opt for items in silks and linens instead. 

3. Play with proportions. Keep things cool and playful by experimenting with cut outs and crop tops.  

4. Lighten up the shoes. Think strappy, not bulky. Go for open toed over closed. 

5. Add interest with accessories. Go for a bold metallic cuff or oversized turquoise necklace. Accessories are where you can really make an all black outfit stand out.

Are you a fan of all black during the summer or do you stick to lighter shades?

top: bcbg (old, similar here)

bottoms: rag and bone (similar here)

shoes: c/o cynthia vincent (similar here)

clutch: nordstrom

ring: kendra scott

earrings: stella and dot

Currently Coveting: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

1. dress / 2. sunglasses / 3. pillow / 4. scarf / 5. hat / 6. bag / 7. oxfords / 8. clutch / 9. boots / 10. trench / 11. watch / 12. moscow mule mugs

To me, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale marks the beginning of the fall fashion season. I know, I know. It's only July and summer has barely begun. But in the fashion world, we are already thinking about next year's collection and the stores are preparing for next season's trends.

This is the perfect opportunity to sort through your closet and reassess what fits and what needs to be replaced. And the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the perfect time to pick up a few items on your list. Above are a few of the pieces I have my eye on for this fall season: a modern cocktail dress, some updated bags and shoes, and a new trench coat.

What are you shopping for this season? Will you be taking advantage of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Outfit Post: Flea Market Maxi

If I could give you one tip for shopping (and negotiating) at flea markets it's this: be breezy.

Stay cool, don't show excitement, be breezy.

I picked up this maxi dress on my last trip to New York City at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and immediately fell in love. There's nothing easier for summer than a maxi dress. It's uncomplicated and comfortable. It makes a statement with almost no effort whatsoever. It's very essence is breezy.

However, when I saw this dress from across the market, I lost all my cool and collected composure. I didn't slowly stroll over to check it out. I didn't pretend to half browse the racks while being distracted by my phone. I didn't ask how much and walk away. No, I sprinted - roadrunner style - to the dress, threw it on over my clothes, and loudly announced I had to have it.

Totally unbreezy.

The vendor took one look at me and had the upper hand. She knew it. I knew it. Everyone knew it.

But I figure when you find a dress that is so cool and laid back and breezy, you don't have to be. And besides, 40 dollars is a small price to pay for unbreezy behavior and a dress you love.

dress: hell's kitchen flea market

sandals: old forever21(similar here)

clutch: pitaya (similar here)

necklace: similar here

ring: kendra scott

sunglasses: ray-ban

Outfit Post: Fourth of July

I'm a huge fan of holidays. They almost always involve friends and family and food and drinks, and they usually involve some sort of holiday themed outfit. 

Fourth of July is no exception. 

Usually for the fourth, I'm a little bit more obnoxious obvious in my themed outfits: think stars and stripes and full on patriotic accessories. But this year, I've decided on a more classic, all-American approach to my Independence Day attire - something a little more toned-down and ladylike. This red shirt dress is the perfect way to embrace the holiday without looking like I was attacked by an American flag (definitely a past offender). 

But with three days of grilling, fireworks, seafood boils, and beach days ahead of me, there's still plenty of time to revert to my old ways. After all, there's only so long one can remain ladylike with the abundance of obnoxious holiday accessories available. 

No matter what you have planned to wear (or do), I hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend!

dress: marissa webb via rent the runway unlimited

clutch: clare v. via rent the runway unlimited

heels: target (similar here)

watch: shinola

hat: target

sunglasses: ray-ban