Skirting the Rules

A leather midi-skirt defies the seasonal calendar...which is great because we're all kinds of confused here in the Midwest. While June was a complete washout, literally, we have been experiencing high's in the 90's which my teacher husband just loathes thanks to no AC in the school. I, on the other hand, am savoring it while it lasts because come December, all of you overzealous Fall enthusiasts will be begging for a sweaty day...not sayin', I'm just sayin' :)

But even though it feels like Summer, the switch to September still makes you feel ready to bring out some of your new clothes...like when you went back to school shopping but your Mom wouldn't let you wear your new saddle shoes until the first day (#shoeprobs). Much like back then, I still have a hard time waiting so instead, I just chose to make this fall beauty seasonally appropriate by adding a sheer black top, lace up heels and a great pair of sunnies...perfect for date night! 

Top: Swap w/Lisa | Skirt: Forever 21 | Heels: Just Fab (similar) | Clutch: Aldo (similar)

Earrings: T+J Designs | Sunnies: Ditto | Bracelet: Rocksbox 

Watch: JORD | Lip color: Glo Minerals 

You are the Pineapple of my Eye

This is definitely the summer of the pineapple...The tropical juicy fruit is popping up everywhere, in fashion, jewelry, art and of course, in the corner grocery, just waiting to get blended into our morning smoothies. 

I also recently learned that it's a sign of hospitality across the South, as it was historically a rare and luxurious fruit. Before modern technology and fast transportation, it symbolized extravagance and wealth because fresh pineapple was hard to come by. How cool is that? I love the meaning behind it and luckily, Charleston is on my bucket list so I will be sure to make a stop at this fountain upon arrival.

I have run into a lot of pineapple printed apparel but this tank caught my eye right away...I love the detail on the straps and it's got just the right amount of flow, perfect for pairing with boyfriend jeans or distressed cutoffs for the summer. 

Top: H&M (love this one too!) | Jeans; Forever 21 (similar) | Heels: Aldo (old but similar here) | Bag; Just Fab 

Necklace: Rocksbox (shop it here) | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Ring: Forever 21

Are you a fan of this fruity trend?  

Here are some of my other favorite pineapple picks, (most) under $100!

Chambray PJ's? Two different views.

Actual conversation with my husband:

Me: So, what do you think of this? You said I looked cute today but what do you think of the style?

Husband: Yeah, what is that called?

Me: A romper 

Husband: Isn't that the same thing as a onesie? You're essentially wearing pajama's...outside 

Me: EXACTLY....

This is one of those conversations that perfectly highlights the difference in the way males and females think – We both see the same thing when we look at it: A comfortable outfit that resembles something similar to pajamas. Taking that a step further though, I think it’s chic and stylish whereas he remains confused and unsure of how this became acceptable to wear in public.

I still keep him in the back of my mind when I’m getting dressed because of course, I always want him to think I look pretty but as he explained to me, he really believes people are judged far too much based on what they’re wearing. Why do we place so much importance on it, he asks. To him, clothing is a necessity…to me, it is an indulgence. 

I’ve always loved fashion (hence why I’m here and not writing about bird watching) but sometimes, he does a good job of bringing me back down to earth. I will always believe your apparel is an essential part of your personality but to his point, a person is much more than their clothes and it’s important that we remember that, especially in the world of blogging for style.

With all that said, I still want to be clear about one thing; I'm obsessed with rompers and jumpers.

Jumper: Old Navy (swap w/ Lisa) | Kimono: Target (swap w/ Lisa) | Sandals: Old Navy | Bag: Forever 21 (old) 

Sunnies: ZeroUV | Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar) | Watch: JORD | Necklace: Rocksbox (swap w/ Lisa)

Ring: Pree Brulee (swap w/ Lisa) 

Do you ever have similar conversations with your spouse? 

How do their opinions enter into your fashion choices?

The Return of White Denim

The first day you wear your favorite white jeans after a long winter of hibernation in leggings is like breathing fresh air for the first time. It's an official sign that warm weather is (hopefully) here to stay and the best days are yet to come. I have 2 pairs of white denim and one pair of white cropped pants, all 3 which have now become part of my regular rotation. They feel so fresh compared to the dark denim I lived in this winter and will (eventually) look great against a tan. 

This gorgeous weekend day, we surprised my Mom with a family photo shoot in the park. We told her that we were doing a post about how to work navy into your wardrobe so she was excited and dressed for the part...However, she was shocked to find the whole family standing there upon our arrival, dressed and ready for pictures...I'd say that's even better than a blog post ;)

Top: Old Navy | Jeans: H&M (similar) | Shoes: Just Fab | Bag & Sunnies (similar): Target

Earrings & Necklace: Rocksbox | Bracelet: Shoplately

Taking a Masculine Turn for Spring

One of my favorite pairings is to take a super girly item, like this wrap dress, and style it with more masculine pieces. By adding a faux leather biker jacket and buckle boots it gave the look the perfect amount of edge I was looking for. Women's fashion is really taking a masculine turn for Spring and it's right up my ally. Most of us have been doing this for years, but this year it is super on trend. Which means finding (and shopping) for androgynous types of clothing items is going to be very easy. SCORE! ;)

I decided to continue the gold from my boots by adding two beautiful gold jewelry pieces from my most recent RocksBox shipment. Don't forget by using code "sadbblogxoxo," you can get your first 30 days for free! I finished the look off with my favorite neutral bag and was good to go for a night out with my handsome hubby.

Dress: Urban Outfitters // Jacket: Sheinside // Boots: c/o JustFab // Bag: c/o Sole Society // Necklace & Earrings: RocksBox (use code sadbblogxoxo to get your first month FREE!) // Sunglasses: Prada // Phone Case: Kate Spade 

I love this dress so much! It was perfect for my date night and just love the light gray color.

What do you think of this pairing?
Do you ever mix masculine items with girly ones to get an edgier look?

A Box of Rocks (in a Good Way...)

Here we go again...I'm guilty of being yet another "get your first month free" sucker. I always think, "I'll just test it out and cancel when I'm done" but here I am, on my third month of Rocksbox and officially addicted with no end in sight (and I have Bethany to thank for getting me started with a code!)

Once I got my first one in the mail and unwrapped the adorable chevron wrapping complete with a personalized note, I was in. I hadn't even SEEN the jewelry yet and I was melting. 

If you're on the fence about trying Rocksbox, here's 5 six things that may tip you over: 

1. Won't break your bank: Members pay a flat rate of $19/month to get access to a personalized rotating closet of designer jewelry, sent in sets of three at a time.

2. Never-ending new jewelry: You can keep and wear your Rocksbox pieces for as long as you like, so if you want to accessorize with new pieces every week, you can. Once the team receives your previous box, they will send out a new set of three right away. The beauty is you're being charged the flat rate of $19 no matter how often you exchange so as they say, this allows you to get the "most bang for your buck."

3. Keep your favorites: One of the downsides of Rent the Runway is that you have to give the dress back when you're done. Not the case here -- If you love a piece, keep it when you return your box and you'll be billed at the Insiders' Price for that item shown on your packing list.

4. Personalization: Your pieces are selected based on a profile you fill out so everything you receive should be a match with your personal style. Rocksbox is currently working with both established and emerging designers which is cool because that way, you get a taste of everything. 

5. Community Love: Rocksbox is all about sharing your style on social and as style bloggers, we're always ready to participate! By joining in the #Rocksbox conversation on IG, you can see other creative ways other fashionistas have styled their pieces to get ideas for your own. 

6. Your first month is FREE: Like I said, I know it seems like another day, another code for something you don't need but let's be honest, we all need an endless supply of jewelry...especially when you can just tell your husband, "Honey, I got my subscription free"...Just make sure you're the one to take care of those bills! 

For your first month free, use the code: sistersmariexoxo ... you thank us later ;) 

Hello, Leather Weather!

 A fellow blogger told me, "See, you can pull off flats with that outfit because you have long legs and small hips." I meannn...I don't think you've seen my hips, but thank you Deb, I'll take it and continue my lifelong love affair with flats. As a child, I developed a lifelong crush on red ballet toe shoes (think it stemmed from White Christmas)...these may be taupe and coral but you get the gist...some things never change :)

I'm also huge fan of this skirt...it pairs well with so many different style tops (graphic t's in the summer, sweaters in the winter) and I am ecstatic to be wearing it again without tights. Time to let the legs have their time in the sun (if it ever makes another appearance!)

P.S. I found an almost identical skirt on sale for $8...how can you resist?

Top: Sheinside (similar) | Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) | Flats: LOFT (similar) 

Jewelry: Rocksbox | Sunnies: Target  | Bracelet: Shoplately

Stop by tomorrow to see this outfit in action for our #SwapintheSuburbs post!