Spring Forward!

This outfit is all about Spring.

Although the first day of Spring is technically March 20, setting our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time over the weekend signals the start of the season for me.

Of course, it's always summer when you live in Florida, but I'm looking forward to seeing more spring-time looks out of my wardrobe and in other blogs. I know everyone further north can't wait for warmer temps so they can say goodbye to all the snow they've been seeing.

Let's talk about this cool, psychedelic necklace by ViviDot via Etsy. I was first introduced to Molly Hooper's unique designs by ModCloth. I bought a couple of her pieces that way, and when I went back to look for more, her designs were gone. :( But much to my delight, one of my favorite bloggers, Marisa Noelle of The Shades of Monet Chronicles, linked to Molly's Etsy shop in one of her latest posts (Outfits: Doubling Up)!

I immediately found this necklace, which I adored, but I wondered if Molly could use a silver-colored chain instead of the antiqued brass one that it came with. I sent her a message, and she got back to me within the hour with a picture of two silver-colored options. The one I chose ended up being sterling silver, and Molly gave me tips on how to keep it from tarnishing and didn't even charge me extra for the more expensive metal!

I'm just super impressed by her design aesthetic, her magnificent craftsmanship, and her customer care. Thanks, Molly!

Outfit Details:

American Eagle Dress (old)

Old Navy Cardigan (old)

Keds Shoes (old)

ViviDot Necklace

Druzy Ring from Gray Jewelers at John's Pass in Madeira Beach

Nectar Clothing Earrings (old)

Vintage Purse from La France in Tampa's Ybor City

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

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

Flirty Floral from Forever 21

Once I reached a certain age, the idea of shopping at Forever 21 seemed a bit juvenile.

Walking into the store to look through racks of cute clothing among high school girls lost its appeal, and I began to find that fitting into the clothes themselves was becoming more and more difficult.

About a year ago, I swore off Forever 21 completely. I had simply gotten too old and (ahem) too womanly for the store. It was time to move on.

So when I was killing time at the mall recently while Matt was participating in a nearby Outback Steak House taste test (he seriously falls into the most random opportunities!), I passed Forever 21 without giving it a second look.

That is until I walked by it again in the opposite direction after having browsed two levels of the entire mall. "OK," I thought as I went in, "let's see if I've been missing out."

The answer? Yep, I had.

At least at this particular Forever 21, which offered an abundance of styles for women, men and plus sizes. I found black leggings for $7 each (can't have too many, especially at that price!) and this adorable floral print dress.

Now, I'm shopping the website for even more flattering finds.

So, I apologize, Forever 21. I was wrong about you, but please don't be mad. There's a polka dot dress in my online shopping bag just begging to come home to me. And it isn't at all "juvenile."

Outfit Details:
Garden Party Fit & Flare Dress from Forever 21
Target Tights
Target Shoes (old, similar)
Icing Purse
Necklace (gift from Matt from Etsy shop CeciliaJewelry)
Urban Outfitters Ring (old)
Nectar Clothing Earrings (old)

Photos by my sweet fiance, Matt

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