Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Your Look: Peter Pan Collar Done Two Ways

Your Look: Peter Pan Collar Done Two Ways
Nothing is new, as evidenced by the revival of the peter pan collar. It has been around for over a hundred years. You can read about its interesting history here.

 I decided to build two different looks around the same top and shorts. I really like a floppy hat and sandals. To me it reads 'vacation,' and after having a sick baby for the past few months (he catches a cold once every two weeks), I am ready for a break! Since the outfit is full of blush tones, throwing in a mint tote will help add some fun to the whole look.


The second look is revved up by adding a heel (see my previous post on sandals with heels here), jewel encrusted earrings and a sweet bracelet. The knucklebox clutch has enough rings on it so leave your cocktail rings at home.
















Topshop sleeveless top
$68 - topshop.com

Short shorts
$70 - topshop.com

Chloé tote hand bag
£1,545 - harrods.com

Clutch hand bag
$2,075 - alexandermcqueen.com

Lizzie Fortunato cuff jewelry
$244 - otteny.com

Sydney Evan polka dot jewelry
£695 - austique.co.uk

Oasis tiger eye jewelry
$19 - oasis-stores.com

Helen Kaminski raffia hat
$266 - boutique1.com

Sambag see through shades
125 AUD - thegrandsocial.com.au

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Zig Zags!

Zig Zags!
Zig zag prints are popping up everywhere, even on umbrellas. I am loving the idea of a zig zag print on sunglasses. You can transform a basic outfit with a bright zig zag patterned shade.

If you want to add a little visual interest to your outfit, this print is the way to go. If zig zags just aren't your thing, then try its sister, the horizontal stripe. I did a post on stripes not too long ago. Check it out and see which one you like best!





Lipsy scoop neck dress
$81 - asos.com

Zoompy Zig Zag Shorts
$32 - tobi.com

Everly Up Or Down Dress
$35 - tobi.com

Long shorts
$30 - tobi.com

Dorothy Perkins yellow gold jewelry
$15 - dorothyperkins.com

Zigzag jewelry
piperlime.gap.com

Plastic sunglasses
$10 - tobi.com

Topshop umbrella
$30 - topshop.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

It's Electric!


I bought this bright yellow blouse and cropped black pants a few weeks ago at LOFT. The pants were on sale for $20 (hello!!!) so I couldn't pass them up. The only problem was that the 'cropped' portion of the pants hit at just the wrong length. I decided that I would just hem them with a blind hem. I have never done a blind hem before but I figured it couldn't be that hard. Well, after reading my sewing manual (several times), I still could not figure out what the instructions were telling me to do. So I did what I always do when I can't figure something out. I wing it. I think they turned out okay for my first attempt.



I just had to add these two shots of my little man.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sandal Season - Heels - Part Three



I saved the stiletto sandal (my favorite) for the last segment in my series. These sandals pump up the girly factor simply by adding a tall heel. Try one on. You may find that it changes the way you feel and the way you walk. No, I am not talking about changing the way you walk by stumbling around (although that might occur if you don't have practice wearing a heel). I'm talking about the confidence that comes with knowing that you look good. THAT changes the way you walk! You can be sure that you will never feel frumpy when wearing one of these sandals. You can't help but look elegant and chic. Perhaps that is why sandals with heels are my favorite. As a busy mom of two, I like to be reassured that I still look good. No frumpy mama over here! Of course, pushing a baby around in a stroller wearing five inch heels is not exactly practical, but that has never stopped me!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Flat Sandals - Part Two of Three



Who says that flat sandals have to be boring? The very first sandal pictured (my favorite) is proof that flat sandals can pack as much punch as their heeled counterparts. Just add color and good design and you can be sure you will be comfortably chic.

Flat sandals are great for a picnic in the park. They are also great for chasing kids at the park. (Don't wear a four inch wedge to the park with a toddler...trust me). Flat sandals are also a great way to be stylish when you know you will be on your feet most of the day. I am headed to Vegas in April and you can bet (no pun intended) that I will hit the pavement on the strip in cute flats.

Which is your favorite?

Friday, February 24, 2012

Wedge Sandals - Part One in a Three Part Series




Here are a few of my favorite wedge sandals that I found while internet 'browsing.' Wedge sandals are great for afternoon lunch dates with your friends. They easily make an outfit chic while maintaining the comfort factor that many women crave.

Whether your taste is classic or trendy, my bet is that you will find a wedge sandal in this collection that you love. And if you think your feet aren't quite ready for sandal season, then do yourself a favor and read my last post. You will be ready in no time!

Stayed tuned for the next two segments in this series!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pumice Please!

Pumice Please!

Several years ago when I lived on my own, I had plenty of time to devote to pampering myself. I remember moisturizing and pushing back the cuticles on my fingers and toes every single night before bed. One day I told my boss about my nightly routine, and she marveled at the fact that I had time to devote to such a strict beauty regimen.

Several years (and two kids) later, I find that I no longer have the luxury of my nightly mani-pedis. I'm doing good to pumice my heels twice a week. Of course my fingers and toes never go without polish. (Please don't look past the polish as it is a bit scary).

If you have time, try this routine. Pumice your heels (or any other rough spots) while in the shower. When you get out, rub a liberal amount of body cream (more moisturizing than just a lotion) on your heels and then put on a pair of socks. If you do this daily, I promise you will see (and feel) a big difference!


Pumice Please! by amyshaughnessy on polyvore.com

Triple Moisture Body Cream
$13 - bathandbodyworks.com

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Your Look: Client Dinner


Keep it simple and chic for an important client dinner. This navy peplum dress is classic enough to look serious, yet current enough to be stylish. Keep the accessories minimal. Save your armful of bangles and rings for a date night!

Dress: ModCloth, $169.99
Earrings: Lord & Taylor, $700
Necklace: Topshop, $30
Clutch: Nina Mae, $100
Ring: Kendra Scott, $67.99 (regularly $75)
Pump: ASOS, $121.75

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Leather and Lace

Warehouse blouse, Topshop pants
Leather and lace are both really big for spring. I decided to try both trends in the same look and realized that I like the idea of pairing a feminine lace blouse with edgy leather (in this case, leather-like) pants. The two seem to balance each other out. 

What are your thoughts on these two trends? (Or the two together?)

Monday, February 20, 2012

Get the Look!

Get the Look!
I am not the biggest country music fan, but Taylor Swift struck a chord with me in this fun little number. This outfit is simple enough in silhouette for all of you classic girls out there, yet stylish enough with the incorporation of color. This is a great example of coloring blocking, a huge spring trend!





J Crew knit top
$158 - jcrew.com

Knit skirt
$60 - modcloth.com

Flat
$20 - payless.com

J Crew leather handbag
$238 - jcrew.com

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Mad Dash!



My husband and I planned on having a leisurely breakfast out before Mass this morning. That was the plan, anyway. My toddler spent the night at my mother in law's so we only had to get ourselves and our four-month-old baby ready. It seemed like a piece of cake until I found myself eyeing the clock and literally ripping the hot rollers out of my hair as the minutes flew by. As I quickly readied myself, I thought I would try to put together a new outfit for church and then quickly dismissed that idea. The time to try something new (whether it be an outfit, make-up, or a hair style) is not when you are pressed for time. So I went to a tried and true look. One that I could throw on without any thought whatsoever.

I definitely recommend having a standby outfit. It is nice to know that when you are crunched for time, you have an outfit on reserve.

By the way, we made it to breakfast and had a few moments to spare!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Like Leather?

Like Leather?
If you want to add some leather pieces to your wardrobe, now is the time! ASOS.com is marking 60% off certain leather items for 24 hours only! For those of you in the central time zone with me, our sale starts at 3 a.m. If you have children like I do, you are already up at that ghastly hour. If you would rather sleep (trust me, I so want to as well), then just check out the website when you get up in the morning. Happy shopping! (Or sleeping).

Friday, February 17, 2012

Your Date Night Look: Outdoor Dining Attire

Your Date Night Look: Outdoor Dining Attire
I like the idea of a romantic, girly dress for al fresco dining. Somehow the little flowers at the neckline of the dress seem appropriate for dinner under the stars. If I am wearing a frilly dress, I like to balance it with accessories that have very definite shapes to them. (See the earrings above).






Since the dress and the heels are both blush tones, try a clutch in a darker, richer color. The ring with the red stones helps to add a little pop of color to the ensemble as well.




Ryu sheer dress
$73 - modcloth.com

Bracelet
$25 - topshop.com

Stone ring
£10 - topshop.com

: Target
target.com

Folded Studs
$20 - topshop.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Nailed It!

Most people who know me will agree that I am definitely a 'girly girl.' With that being said, I absolutely do not leave the house without my nails done. Okay, so it has happened once...in three years. No big deal.

Here are four of my favorite polishes (all by Essie, $8). These four have been in heavy rotation for the past few weeks. Although bright in the bottle, the pink polish (one of my absolute favorites) does not come off looking like a tacky 80's pink polish. It is bright without being electric. The white polish (another favorite) is actually a pale pink when applied to the nails. After about 2-3 coats, the pale pink starts to show.

I think I might be done with darker shades of polish for the time being. With spring just around the corner, I can't help but embrace these pretty shades (and more to come).


From left:



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Cloudy With a Chance of Punchy Color

Cloudy With a Chance of Punchy Color

Yesterday was a frigid, rainy day. (I think rainy days are made even worse when you mix in cold temperatures). Be a bright beacon on a damp, drizzly day in these colorful umbrella and rain boot combinations. You can be sure they will lift your spirits!

I think the pink boots and umbrella are my favorite. Which is yours?



Cloudy With a Chance of Punchy Color by amyshaughnessy featuring hunter shoes

Hunter shoes
$125 - zappos.com

Hunter shoes
$125 - zappos.com

Umbrella
target.com

Umbrella
target.com

Umbrella
target.com

Umbrella
target.com

umbrellas at Target
$25 - target.com

rain boots at Target
$33 - target.com