to the max

As someone who is under 5'5" (and 5'4", and 5'3"...) participating in the ever-popular maxi dress trend is frustrating. All the normal-height girls are wearing them, but each one that I hold up to my body drags the ground a good 4 inches. Those who suffer in this peril will understand how pleased I was to find this simple coral ruffled number - and my toes even peek out the bottom.

dress: Nordstrom // bag: Louis Vuitton 'Artsy' // hat // sunnies: Karen Walker // shoes: Kors by Michael Kors {old, similar on sale} // ombre necklace: Francesca's {similar} // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, Derng, Handpicked // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

pink + green : floral + stripes

Thank you so much, readers, for being patient with me the past few weeks. I have been swamped and unable to give my blog much attention {evident by my swollen eyes!}. First order of business:

I was selected as the winner of Bows & Sequins' giveaway of a beautiful Spike the Punch necklace! Not only have I loved reading Bows & Sequins blog, I have long obsessed with Spike the Punch jewelry, but it sure is hard to snag an amazing handmade piece. I was ecstatic when Jessica told me I had won, and promised her I'd include it in an outfit post ASAP. "Soon" was apparently used loosely.

What I'm wearing:

blouse: LOFT

skirt: J.Crew

platform shoes: Via Spiga

purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

sunnies: House of Harlow

Jewelry: J.Crew, David Yurman, Michael Kors, Cartier, Hermes, YSL

handmade blues

      

Today I have another beautiful handmade piece! I designed this tunic top and my talented mother did all the sewing {we also collaborated together to create this dress & more!}. She is so gifted, and I am - slowly - learning as well. I got a brand new sewing machine for Christmas, now all I need is free time! I love tunic shirts and dresses for summer, so easy to throw on.

What I'm wearing:

Top: handmade, my own

White toothpick chinos: J. Crew {similar}

Wedges: Aldo {similar here and here}

Clutch: Tory Burch

Sunnies: House of Harlow

Earrings: unknown, from Luna

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz & amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, & Handpicked

Rings: David Yurman (blue topaz & stack & pave) and Cartier

My monogrammed sash is from LaRoque, she's a Carolina-girl's best kept secret! Annabelle Laroque is the founder and designer of the boutique-turned-fashion line based out of Columbia, South Carolina. Any girl can appreciate her southern preppy-chic style, not to mention the fun, bright prints she uses! Contact her for your next dress need, she custom-designs! Here are some of my favorite original pieces:

Caroline Bow Top with Lucy Shorts

Eleanor Wrap Dress

Ellis Strapless Dress

Jodi Bow Skirt with Annie Ruffle Top

TGIF & have a fantastic weekend!!

lace & bows

Does it get more feminine than lace & bows? I don't think you can overload on either. 

What I'm wearing:

>>Chainlink-print bow blouse: ASOS

>>Lace scalloped shorts: Zara

>>Bow platform pumps: ASOS

>>Quilted purse: Chanel

>>Necklace: HRH Collection

>>Bracelets: Handpicked, Cartier, David Yurman

>>Watch: Michael Kors

>>Rings: David Yurman

flower power

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
Luther Burbank

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into.
Henry Ward Beecher

I love flowers. I love flowers in the park. I love flowers on my clothes. I even love flowers on my shoes. Here's the proof:

What I'm wearing:

>>sunglasses: Rayban

>>blouse: H&M

>>skirt: ASOS

>>flower pins: J.Crew

>>clutch: Tory Burch

>>heels: Badgley Mischka

>>jewelry: Michael Kors, David Yurman, Cartier, Nordstrom, Handpicked, Moon & Lola

pink + nude

OOTD: mixing brights & neutrals

>>what I'm wearing:

top: H & M

pants: Zara

shoes: Zara

sunnies: House of Harlow

purse: Chanel

Jewelry:

>>wrists - Handpicked, Cartier, David Yurman, Michael Kors

>>fingers - David Yurman, Cartier, onyx class ring

>>neck - Arden B., Moon & Lola

>>ears - C Wonder

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous "Love That Pink

{mint + gold}

OOTD.

blouse>> Zara

white denim>> Vigoss at Nordstrom

shoes>> Aldo

clutch>> Tory Burch

Jewelry>> chains: HRH collection, monogrammed necklace: Moon & Lola, watch: Michael Kors, bracelet & ring: Cartier, bracelets & rings: David Yurman, white bracelet: Handpicked, & my college class ring.