The Perfect Summer Top | J. Jill Linen Button Down

31 weeks down down, 9 weeks to go. Isn't that crazy?! Part of me wonders where all the time has gone and part of me feels like the third trimester may quickly wear out its welcome. I tried on four different outfits before work this morning before I found something that was both comfortable (a main goal of mine) and presentable...AKA my morning routine takes a lot more time than it used to. For most of my pregnancy, I was able to wear some of my regular, looser fitting shirts with maternity jeans. These days, many of them no longer work so I have been spending a lot of time in dresses (this is one of my favorites) but with our recent string of chillier rainy days, I opted for white jeans to keep the Summer vibes alive and this amazing linen button down. You guys, my new favorite shirt!

I was so excited when I put it on because it's a long length, non-maternity (which means it will be perfect post-baby) and since it's linen, it's super lightweight. It has side vents too so I think this will be one of my go-to tops to beat the heat when I'm feeling super preggo towards the end of June ;) Things are getting very real lately, friends...my body has changed a lot and so has our second bedroom, which is now almost fully transformed into the little man's nursery...stay tuned for photos of the progress next week!

SHOP THE LOOK:

Wearing:
Top: c/o J. Jill Jeans: Jessica Simpson (similar) Shoes: c/o Sole Society (similar) Purse: Express Jean Jacket: Forever 21 (similar) Lemon Cup: Kate Spade via Shopbop Sunnies: LOFT Flowers: Mariano's

Overalls & Embroidery

I am so in love with all the embroidered items currently selling this season. Why style only one in your outfit when you can wear two? This floral strap bag was the perfect compliment to the floral back jacket. Both of these items are one major repeat and I am not mad about it! It's OK to wear the same bag and jacket all the time with no judgment, right? Because I am all over that move! ;) 

Another repeat offender here are my flare overalls. Ever since I had them altered so I can wear them with lower shoes, I find myself wearing them at least once a week. They are just so comfortable and still look fashionable. That is what you call a double win! This look was perfect for everyday and to dress it up a bit I added my favorite bright red lip color. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

Overalls & Boots: JustFab // Jacket: c/o Style & Co // Top & Bag: Express  Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Lip Color: GloMinerals- Crimson  (photos by Cecilia Jean) Are you a fan of embroidered clothing and accessories?  What do you think of flare overalls?

Bell Sleeves & Braids

I have to say, I am loving all the bell sleeve styles currently selling everywhere I look. I still can't get enough of my bell sleeve turtleneck, but I am happy to trade it in on these warmer days for a breezy blouse like the one I styled here. This outfit was perfect for a weekend brunch at my in-laws house. The blouse is so flowy and comfortable, I definitely had lots of room in case I wanted a bit more bacon or a second mimosa (OK, I'll admit it, I had both this day)! ;)

I wanted to style this blouse with black skinny jeans but then I felt like I was wearing too much black for a Sunday with the fam bam. So, I simply did what any fashion minded individual would do. I added lots of plum accessories and gold jewelry of course! Seriously though, is plum not the best color ever right now? I'm still lusting over these boots and I've had them since Fall. The chains on the heel though....swoon!

Top: c/o Style & Co. // Jacket: Sheinside (similar) // Jeans: Gap // Boots: Michael Kors (similar)  Bag: c/o Sole Society // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Moon Ring & Earrings: Express
Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry

Are you embracing the retro bell sleeve styles?  What do you think of this pairing?

Ivy Walls & Overalls

These pictures combine two of my favorite things when taking Fall photos: ivy walls and overalls. It really doesn't get more seasonal then this, so when myself and Kaitlyn stumbled upon this location in Geneva, it was blogger love at first site. I actually drove by it five days later and all the leafs had fallen down. Clearly these photos were meant to be! 

I have discussed in the past my overall obsession, and this pair just makes me love them more. I am a huge fan of all black outfit pairings, so when I was gifted this beautiful top from Style & Co, I thought it would be a great addition to break up the all black look I had planned to wear. I love the gray stripes, so I decided to use that color to pull more gray into my outfit by adding these heels. I also used the maroon stripe to inspire my sunglasses pairing. Sometime inspiration comes from one article of clothing and this time around it was all about this top!

Shop the look:

Top: c/o Style & CO // Overalls: AG Jeans // Bag & Heels: JustFab // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Watch: Fossil // Teal Ring: House of Harlow 1960 // Large Ring: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Hat: c/o Sole Society

Are you a fan of overalls? What do you think of the ivy wall we found? Swoon worthy, right?

5 Tips for Styling Formal Wear

Formal wear is one of my favorite types of clothing to style. I have always been the type of person that would rather be over dressed then underdressed so any excuse to dress up, I am all over! Weather you are attending a black tie event, wedding, holiday party, or even a school dance (for our younger readers), there are a few styling tips I always follow. 

1) Bring in pops of color in your bag and/or shoes. This does not only apply to black dresses! Don't ever be afraid of mixing color. 

2) Choose jewelry that compliments your gown. If your neckline is higher, add a statement necklace. If you neckline is lower, add a simple necklace and go bigger with the earring and bracelet. A good rule to remember is less is more when the dress is busy like the one I have styled here (deep neck, cut outs, etc.).

3) Nude shoes are a great way to lengthen your legs and keep the eyes on the dress. 

4) Pull your hair back. It just really finishes the look and makes the look more formal. 

5) Choose a dress that you feel comfortable and sexy in. In the end, how you feel in the dress will be how others see you. If you are uncomfortable and not able to sit, it probably is not the right dress for you. ;)

Dress: Mignon via Rent the Runway // Bag: Express // Earrings & Bracelet: Kate Spade via Rent the Runway // Watch: Fossil

If you end up buying your formal wear, you can get more bang for your buck by re-wearing it to a less formal event. To make it appropriate for that, you can have your dress shortened, pair it with casual shoes (hello Converse!), or even pair it under a blazer. You can also rent your dress, like I did here from Rent the Runway, or choose to donate it to one of the many great dress donation organizations (Glass Slipper Project,  Becca's Closet, Love to Know).

Shop a few of my favorite formal wear pieces below. These are all $100-$200! 

How do you style your formal wear? Do you ever re-wear your gowns to less formal events by changing the styling? 

Little Black Dress

Everyone needs a little black dress in their wardrobe (or ten!). Seriously though, I am a big fan of stocking up on items that can be worn year in and year out and won't go out of style. Which is why I have quite a few black dresses that I love! This LBD is a twist on the norm with great cut-outs in the sleeves, and a keyhole detail in the back. It is perfect for a date night, GNO, or can even be worn under a cardigan and paired with cute flats for a day at the office. Head over to Tobi and pick up this beauty at half price. New customers always get 50% off their first order!

On this day, I was having dinner out and wanted to mix my neutrals. I love mixing brown and black even though I think most people still see it as a fashion faux-paw. Rules were made to be broken ladies, mix those neutrals! I wanted to add in a few other colors so I added my red glasses and a mix black and dark denim jacket. In the end I loved my outfit but I did feel a bit like a go-go girl! ;) 

Dress: c/o Tobi // Jacket: Guess (similar) // Boots: c/o Sole Society (similar) // Bag: c/o Sole Society // Sunglasses: Kate Spade // Moon Earrings: c/o Park Lane Jewelry // Cuff: Coach (similar) // Watch: Fossil

How many LBD's do you have?
Are you a fan of mixing black & brown?

P.S. Get 50% off your first order with TOBI!