The Power Of A Flower :: black skinny jeans + floral blouse + fedora

An all-black look is great - but you know what's even better? All black with a splash of personality! That's right, nothing beats good old fashioned floral print, especially in tropical colors AND during springtime. The contrast against a totally black backdrop is beyond spectacular. 

With spring coming in hot on March 20th, I'm loving everything floral, bright, and colorful. This blouse is such a brilliant top and it's absolutely perfect for this transitional weather due to its fabric, structure, and neutral background. I love pairing it with all black everything because it pops so well and really makes a statement. Doesn't it remind you of a painting? 

Holey black jeans are back in for spring! These skinnies are a total favorite of mine and honestly it was so sad because I literally had no idea where they were for almost a year. Just recently my dad found them in the back of my family's minivan buried under newspapers - I don't want to think about how they got there. But my dad saw the holes in them and almost THREW THEM OUT! Dad! Holes are FASHIONABLE now! These may just be my lucky jeans ;) 

Time to whip out your fedora again! Spring is total fedora weather and let's just say, I don't hate it. These classic toppers are sometimes the BEST way to cap off a look. They're effortless and endlessly stylish. 

My necklace completely matches! Amazing, right? I love when accessories compliment the main show SO well that it looks like the pieces were made for each other. This extra pop of aqua is so fun and really serves to pull the whole look together.  

I got a bit colorful with my other jewelry pieces too, incorporating more turquoise and then adding a splash of pink. And of course I couldn't resist matching my nails. Is it obvious yet that I'm SO ready for spring? ...But it's the little things that can help tide you over, you know?

I went with flower earrings to imitate my floral top, however, I picked a totally neutral pair as not to compete with the main attraction. Rose gold is a great option when you want to wear something that stands out yet blends in at the same time. It's the "nude pump" of the metal department. 

Soft makeup complete with a pale pink lip and shades of bronze swiped across your lids is a no-fail option when it comes to looking perfectly polished in the daytime. To get the full effect, brush some light pink blush on the apples of your cheeks and don't forget about a touch of bronzer on your nose and underneath your blush line. 

Peep-toe booties are a must-have for every fall and spring. When it's not too hot, but also not too cold, these babies will provide you with temperature comfort, ventilation, and the best part? Duh - you get to show off your pedi! 

Photos by Dan Harper

[blouse: Anthropologie (old, but I also like this one) // jeans: Gap (super similar pair here) // booties: Old Navy (super similar here) // hat: Urban Outfitters (similar here) // necklace: Kate Spade (I also like this one) // earrings: Kate Spade (I also like this pair) // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // nail polish: Sephora's Formula X // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked palette // lipstick: "Obsessed" by Urban Decay] 

These photos were taken a while ago when I was back home in the Chicago area. And I'm sure you've noticed my special guest - the adorable Cody! I love featuring the family dog in my photos, I mean, just LOOK at that FACE!

I'm loving this type of weekend look for this time of year because it's honestly got everything you need to stay warm without a jacket, but it also has a springlike air to it. When dressing for spring, think: straw fedora, florals, brights, peep-toe booties. Those are your key pieces until the temps rise! 

SHOP ::