The Quest for the Perfect Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress

I had only one fashion goal this summer.

Find a maxi dress with short sleeves.

It might sound simple, but it's no easy feat. Think about the maxis you've seen on your shopping adventures. Most of them are sleeveless, aren't they?

Strike a Pose: Betsey Johnson Camera Bag

I've been into photography for as long as I can remember.

When I was a kid, someone gifted me a small camera with Mickey Mouse on it just like this one before a big trip to Disney World.

It was the kind of camera that took 110 film and flash cubes. Ah, memories.

At first, I ended up with a lot of blurry shots and pictures of my pointer finger. But after a while, I got pretty good at taking photos.

My interest led to a minor in photography, and now I shoot photos for the newspapers/websites I work for.

So, I was immediately drawn to this adorable Betsey Johnson purse shaped like a camera from ModCloth. I had originally planned to tell my mother-in-law about it and ModCloth's handy 2014 Gift Guide. The bag would be the perfect Christmas present.

But when a shipping snafu caused ModCloth to offer me 15 percent off my next order, it was the perfect opportunity to go ahead and get the purse as an early birthday present for myself.

It's so cute, and I especially love the little details, like the jeweled flash and "3 2 1" words and phrases around the lens.

Are you into photography? How did you get started? Tell me in the comments.

Outfit details:
Coach Tour Dress in Houndstooth from ModCloth
T-Shirt from Old Navy
Tights from Target
Moccasins from Minnetonka (I've had these for at least 10 years, and they're still going strong.)
Betsey Johnson Photographic Charm Bag from ModCloth
Ring from Etsy shop I Am So Not Cool
Locket from Old Navy (old)
Hat handmade by my grandmother

This post contains ModCloth and Betsey Johnson affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

November Wish List

Here's what I'm wishing for this month.

1. Vintage Flowers Temporary Tattoos from Etsy shop Pepper Ink, $20
You already know I'm currently obsessed with temporary tattoos, and these watercolor-y ones are just so pretty.

2. Sueded Pointed-Toe Flats from Old Navy, $20
I have these in teal, and they're super comfy. Plus, I'm really liking the color fuchia for fall.

3. Floral Print Satin Dress from Forever 21, $24.80
Can't go wrong with a floral print, amiright?

4. Silla Yellow Flats from B.A.I.T Footwear, $38
I've been eyeing these for a while now. I don't have any shoes from B.A.I.T. Totally seems like I should. ;)

5. Branches of Silver Leaves Headband from Icing, $10.50
Is there anything that says fall more than leaves?

6. Prancing in the Reindeer Dress from ModCloth, $89.99
This dress reminds me of my iPad case, which is basically the cutest. I love the colors and the deer.

What are you wishing for this month? Tell me in the comments!

This post contains Forever 21 and ModCloth affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Colors of Autumn

I grew up in Virginia where leaves change to beautiful hues of yellow, orange and red in the fall. Now that I live in Florida, I have to make my own autumn colors by piecing together items in my wardrobe.

That was my intent when I styled this outfit. The orange, burgundy and hunter green brought a sense of fall to this warm day in late October.

And, as you'll see in these photos, it was also a day in which Cleo was being unbelievably cute.

The back of my top is printed with ducks.

High five for successfully stealing the show!

Outfit details:

Top from Anthropologie (old, similar)

Skirt from Kohls (old, similar)

Shoes from Old Navy

Purse from Mezo Culture (not available online)

Hair Clip from Anthropologie (old)

Ring from Michael's (old)

What's Black, White and Red All Over

The outfit I wore over the weekend to the St. Pete Indie Market, that's what!

Matt and I checked out the once-a-month makers faire on Saturday, and there were so many cute, handmade, and vintage items. I walked away with a working pocket watch/locket necklace from Lauralie Bradford, one of my favorite local jewelry makers. You can check out her shop, The Genesis, on Etsy.

Here's the necklace:

I got this classic-looking dress recently because I had nothing like it in my wardrobe. Although I've only been wearing it with red accessories so far, it's a versatile piece that I'll be able to change up frequently. Versatility is what I seem to be gravitating more toward lately.

Outfit details:
Dress from Old Navy (color sold out online)
Flats from Charlotte Russe (old, similar)
Belt and Sunglasses from Target (neither available online)
Purse from Urban Outfitters (old, similar)
Hair Bow from ModCloth (freebie)
Ring from Topshop (old, similar)
Zodiac Necklace from The Alchemy Shop
Moon Necklace (gift)
Spike Necklace from Forever 21 (old, similar)

This post contains Urban Outfitters, ModCloth and Forever 21 affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

October Wish List

Here's what I'm wishing for this month.

1. Claire Richards Print Tea Dress from Simply Be, $64.95
Vintage-inspired styling with a bird and butterfly print. You had me at vintage-inspired.

2. Wool Felt Floppy Hat from Icing, $26
This screams fall to me, and the feathers are a pretty touch.

3. Trapunto Saddle Crossbody in Navy from Charming Charlie, $25
I have several crossbody bags, but none of them are navy. Seems like it's time to remedy the situation.

4. Silver Sagittarius Zodiac Pendant Necklace from The Alchemy Shop, $35.99
For some reason unbeknownst to me, I'm really into my zodiac sign lately. Maybe the reason is in the stars?

5. Woodland Nail Decals from JsUtopia on Etsy, $4.90
I'm also into all creatures woodland for fall.

6. Cowl Neck Pullover from Old Navy, $29.94
I know I live in Florida where we basically have year-round summer, but for the few chilly days, this sweatshirt looks so super soft and cozy. And bonus: I can wear it with leggings. #comfy

What are you wishing for this month? Tell me in the comments!

Flouncy Floral and Ruffles

When I looked through these photos to pick out my faves, I was surprised at how much I look like my mom in this first picture.

Growing up, I was always told by relatives that I was a spitting image of my dad. But the tables seem to have turned somewhere along the way, and I'm totally channeling the maternal side of my family tree.

I wore this outfit on one of my first days at my new job, and I liked how flattering the dress-cardi-tights combo turned out.

I'll definitely be repeating this look at the office!

Outfit Details:
Simply Be Dress (out of stock)
Kohls Cardigan (old)
Target Tights
Urban Outfitters Shoes, Purse and Ring (all old)
Old Navy Necklace (old)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains Kohls and Urban Outfitters affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

How to Make Cute Twirling Fruit

The Cutest of the Fruit Dress from ModCloth is one of the items I put on my March Wish List that quickly made it to my March shopping list.

I love fruit prints for summer, and this one has all my favorite fruits (minus strawberries). Once it arrived, I was super impressed with the flattering fit, as well as the twirling potential of the skirt.

Speaking of twirling, did you know ModCloth is having a "Twirl Around the World Contest" through March 31? Snap a photo of yourself twirling in your favorite spring ensemble and upload it to the Style Gallery or post it on your Instagram account with the hashtag #modtwirl, and you could win a $350 gift card. Videos will also be considered on Instagram. The contest ends March 31 at 10 a.m. PT, and one Instagram winner and one Style Gallery winner will be chosen that day.

Here's my twirling photo:

So, you might have noticed my blogging absence for the past week. Since I started my new job, I haven't found a good blogging schedule. I decided I'd take all my outfit photos over the weekend, write up all the posts, and then schedule one for each day of the week.

Well, as you can see from these photos, picture day found Tampa drenched in rain, so I had to take many of my outfit photos inside. Bummer. I much prefer the natural light and surroundings of the outdoors. Fingers crossed for next weekend.

Outfit Details:
Cutest of the Fruit Dress from ModCloth
Old Navy Cardigan (old)
Target Shoes (old)
Urban Outfitters Purse (old)
Revolve Clothing Exchange Earrings (local)
Petit Point Ring (handmade locally)
Fossil Strawberry Charm (old, similar)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

This post contains ModCloth and Urban Outfitters affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.

Boho Beauty vs. Gardening Granny

I'm a ModCloth affiliate, meaning that I've partnered with the online retailer to offer links to their site on my blog. Those links are meant to generate sales, and in exchange for each sale, I receive a small commission.

Every so often, ModCloth sets a fashion challenge for their bloggers, and most recently, they asked us to style our best boho/festival-themed outfit. Always up for a challenge, I decided to participate and pulled all my best boho pieces from my closet.

But when I took a look at the first set of pictures (the outfit on the right above), something about the combination of the straw hat with the crocheted shrug read more "grandma in the garden" than "boho girl at a festival."

So, I gave it a second try (the outfit on the left above). The dress and jewelry were right, so I kept them the same. But I switched the straw hat for a flower crown, the crocheted shrug for a lacy cardi, and the beachy sandals for gladiators.

Although the second look is similar to the first, I think it's more of a success as far as the challenge is concerned. Do you agree? Tell me in the comments!

Here are both looks so you can compare.

First Attempt:

Outfit Details:

Old Navy Dress (old)

Torrid Shrug (old)

Old Navy Sandals

Vintage Hat via eBay

Free People Long Necklace (old)

Charming Charlie Short Necklace (in store only)
The Native Source Ring

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

***

Second Attempt:

Outfit Details:
Old Navy Dress (old)
Victoria's Secret Cardigan (old)
ModCloth Sandals
Flower Crown from the 2010 Bay Area Renaissance Festival (This year's festival is going on now!)

Free People Long Necklace (old)

Charming Charlie Short Necklace (in store only)
The Native Source Ring

Photos by yours truly

***

Check out other boho/festival-themed looks in the ModCloth Style Gallery! One of my other festival-inspired outfits is there. :)

This post contains ModCloth and Free People affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you click on them and make a purchase.