Signs Of Spring :: flowey shorts + mules

I cannot get enough of spring. Blooming foliage, warm rays of sunshine, extended daylight, and of course leg-bearing shorts are all things that I live for. They're also tried-and-true signs of spring. Another springtime affiliate? Shorts! This sweater & shorts combo is energetic and colorful with a splash of 

elegance - curating the best of the season all in one look. 

Coral, robin's egg blue, and magenta make for a sunny, vibrant combination. Isn't it cool how my shorts match the flowers I'm standing in front of? So springy! And side note: is it just me who always thought of magenta as being more of a pinky shade? Well I looked it up and apparently magenta is a purple, who knew! I blame Blue's Clues for my misguidance ;) 

Flowers may be my absolute favorite part of the season. They seem more vivid during springtime than during any other time of year. The added color makes me feel like I'm strolling through a painting every day. 

I switched up my nail routine this week and added polka dots into the mix. I got this effect by dipping a bobby pin head in polish and just dabbing away. It's super simple - if I can do it, anyone can! 

These mules make me happy! I tried them on with caution, assuming they'd be impossible to walk in, but I was very pleasantly surprised. They are both comfortable and stable and they clearly get an A+ in the looks department. 

My accessories breathe some new life into this ensemble. Without them I'm simply wearing a sweater paired with shorts. It's accessories that turn an outfit into a look. 

Photos by Brooke Faison 

[sweater: Loft, shorts: Loft, mules: Sam Edelman, necklace: Ann Taylor, earrings: fine jewelry, gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot, gold knot bangle: Kate Spade, gold & turquoise bracelet: Banana Republic]

I'm so thankful I don't have allergies. With the resurrection of beautiful flowers, comes the inevitable pollen storm. Unfortunately sniffles and red noses are yet another sign of spring, definitely an uglier sign. In fact, our area in North Carolina has one of the worst pollen ratings currently; it literally coats everything. Cars are yellow, porches, sidewalks. You can't avoid it. 

I feel lucky that I can enjoy spring's beauty without discomfort. For those of you suffering this season, it will get better soon. Summer is just around the corner!

 SHOP :: 

Full Bloom :: floral skirt + stripes

I was really looking forward to styling this statement skirt for spring. You may remember seeing it here when I wore it in winter, but for this look I decided to play with pattern and do a stripe + floral mix. I think the result is bold, flirty, and flowery enough to make the trees behind me jealous. This spring, dare to go full bloom ahead! 

This is just one of those skirts. You know the ones. The ones that make you feel your best, the ones you get endless compliments on, and the ones you can't wait to style and wear again and again. I love the fit, the print, and how easily it can transition from season to season while looking great next to so many pieces that I already own. 

Playing off the white in my sweater, I love how this necklace blends in while still standing out. Its quiet elegance completes my look. 

This slightly cropped sweater is a new favorite. It's just long enough to comfortably wear with high-waisted jeans yet short enough to wear with skirts. And how classic is this bold striped print? I can't get enough!

My mom and I love to shop. We especially love shopping together and that applies to both online shopping and in-store shopping. But sometimes it's online where you can find the best deals. That's where these amazing sandals come in. Late one night we were perusing the web when we came across these shoes from Vince Camuto's Signature collection. Originally worth $250, we were able to score them for $49 from Neiman Marcus Last Call! Can you even believe it? And THAT is the story of how these beauties became my graduation heels. 

How great is this lip shade for spring? It's called Kiss It and I just love how the electrifying pink hue gives a new life to all my springy outfits. 

Photos by Brooke Faison 

[top: Ann Taylor, skirt: Gap, heels: Vince Camuto Signature collection, necklace: Nordstrom, leather bracelet: Michael Dawkins, bangle: Ann Taylor]

Mixing prints doesn't have to be limited to fashion risk-takers. Some consider it an art but I like to think of it as a style strategy that anyone can master. My number one favorite pairing for spring is floral & stripes (obviously), and for this look I made sure to keep one piece neutral (sweater) while letting the other do all the talking (skirt). Keep your color palette similar and allow one piece to standout. Easy peasy! 

SHOP ::

Denim Bomb :: chambray bomber jacket

Since my last bomber-inspired post, my love for these jackets has in no way faltered and today I'm showing off an entirely unique bomber - a denim one. Jean jackets may have been around forever, but you've never seen one like this before!

Unlike the last bomber jacket I blogged about, this one is much lighter and ideal for those warmer spring days or cooler summer nights. It's extremely comfortable and I sized up to get that extra slouchy fit. 

I've been getting so much use out of these earrings lately. For those of us who may feel a tad intimated by overbearing earcuffs, an earring like this is a happy (and equally as stylish) compromise. 

I got this cuff a few years ago and it's one of those pieces that I always seem to forget I own. But once in a while I'll uncover it beneath oodles and oodles of my other bracelets and low and behold it'll be the perfect accessory to wear that day! 

This skirt is definitely a favorite of mine. The bright shade and the subtle pleats make this piece soft, feminine, but also bold in its own right. As a bonus, it's high-waisted, which makes it ideal for crop tops ;)

I've been digging denim everything lately and I think this chambray bomber jacket is a fantastic addition to my closet. The style reminds me of something straight out of the 80s but the fabric is so current and fresh, making it stylish and unexpected for this decade. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[crop top: Zara, skirt: Ann Taylor, jacket: Loft, booties: Old Navy, headband: Loft, earrings: Loft, cream bangle: Kate Spade, cuff: Loft]

I've been having so much fun dressing for spring as well as window shopping around and checking out my favorite store's new collections. But sadly actual spring shopping is something that really isn't in the cards for me at the moment because I need to save for my big move to NYC in June. Especially now with so many sales going on, it's very tempting to spend a little here and a little there but of course it all adds up eventually. 

Saving has never been my strong suit but this season I'm trying to be good! Anyone have any savings tips they'd like to share? I'm all ears!

SHOP ::