goin' dotty

I've been working on a project this week, and the client wants bright colors and kicky prints. Since it's spring, those things are everywhere-- but there is a catch. The clothes are promoting a diet product, and so everything has to be body-conscious. I found so many cute floaty tops and flowy skirts that just wouldn't do. These two polka dot looks are inspired by combinations that the client wouldn't have wanted. It's my outlet! The mini skirt is tight, but paired with a boyfriend t and blazer for a looser look on top. For the other, the proportions are flipped: tight sweater on top, flowy pleated skirt on bottom. 

(l) boyfriend t, jersey blazer, mini skirt, sandals, pink necklace, black necklace
(r) tank, open knit sweater, pleated skirt, pumps, green necklace, gold necklace

Left outfit total: $139.44

Right outfit total: $82.95

spring strip-down

I remember, growing up in the Midwest, the first moderately warm day of spring every kid would try to wear shorts to school. We were usually covered in goosebumps until the glorious sun would come out and warm things up in the afternoon, and then it was all worth it. I feel like every day in Los Angeles is kind of like that, and I swear that's why the whole Uggs+miniskirts combo became a fad: Uggs warm you for the cold morning, the miniskirt cools you off for the afternoon. It's a splitting-the-difference kind of combo. 

Layering is key. I find that if my feet are warm, the rest of me can handle the cool weather. I usually pair boots with a skirt, and then pile the rest of the layers on top. I have a cool option (a tank top), with a medium weight (chambray shirt) with a chunky sweater on top. Add a scarf, and I'm all bundled up for the morning. Then you can just remove layers as the day goes on! (Or if you are like me, you will continue to add and remove layers over and over throughout the day based on a cold front or a hot flash). 

tank, skirt, chambray shirt, cardigan, belt, boots, scarf, necklace

music festival staples

Coachella is just days away, and the rest of the summer's music festivals aren't far behind. Here are a few items to beat the heat and battle the elements of outdoor concerting: 

fedora, white tank, feather necklace, chambray shirt,
maxi dress, lime green scarf, black and brown sandals,
black sneakers, sunglasses, lime culottes, floral dress,
white polka dot dress, grey scarf, duster cardigan,
brown and white bikini, pink bustier bikini,
grey tshirt, grey culottes

• A fedora or other lightweight hat to shield face, prevent scalp and ear sunburn, and cover up unwashed hair.
• A trusty pair of sunglasses. Or a few. I tend to lose/break mine, so I stick with the cheap kind. No one wants to hear you fussing about your expensive shades getting lost in foot traffic.
• Flowy tanks and tshirts that can be layered over swim suits, paired with skorts. 
• Yes, I said skorts! You thought you left these skirt-short combos on the grade school playground, but they are perfect for a sweltering day when you are still trying to look cute. The two below look like breezy little skirts, but with that added shorts panel to keep your thighs from touching. (I know there are plenty of ladies at these things whose thighs don't touch, but the rest of you will be thankful). 
• A button down chambray shirt to throw over everything when your shoulders start to burn a little, or when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
• Scarves to tie in your hair or around your neck to shield your chest from the sun. Also soak one in water and have a fashionable little cooler around your neck. 
• Both sandals and sneakers to rotate if you start to get blisters. Sandals fasten around ankle so you won't lose a shoe in the mud, sneakers are black since they'll probably end up pretty muddy too. 
• A couple of cotton dresses. You'll be happy you left the polyester at home for some breathable pieces that make getting dressed a one-step process. 
• A variety of swim suits. Since these will often serve as your underwear for the day, have a rotation of bikinis (easier for port-a-potties) to wear. Different necklines and silhouettes can help ease the pain of a strap over a sunburned spot too.  
• A maxi dress for a more-coverage option. Can be tied up in the front to keep it from dragging and to have a little more breeze around the knees. 
• A cardigan. I love this waterfall cardigan duster because you can belt it closed and wear it like a dress, wear it open as a swim suit cover-up, and wear it over everything else you brought. It is cozy, flowy, and breezy all at the same time!