Maxed Out

A breezy maxi skirt is essential during the summer months. But as you can probably tell, this is not your ordinary maxi. This Archer Townsend design is Fashion Week ready! It's essentially two skirts in one. 

These photos were taken last month when I was back home in Chicago for my little sister's 16th birthday. This is the two of us on her special day!  

There's nothing like the bond between sisters 

The newspaper print of this skirt is unique and modern. I've never seen anything like it, which is what captivated me immediately. 

A neon statement necklace completes this attention-grabbing look and adds a touch of elegance and color. 

I love the way this skirt flows in the wind and the high slit is super hot without being revealing.  

Strappy black heels make this outfit edgy and bold. 

Wearing an all-black ensemble can still be spring and summer appropriate - especially when you include a burst of neon! 

I wore this outfit to a professional production of "Les Miserables" and then to a fancy French restaurant in Oakbrook. My mom thought I was too dressed up for the occasion, but I don't believe in being too dressed up for anything. 

Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)!

[skirt: Archer Townsend, top: Forever21, heels: Sofft, necklace: gift, yellow bracelet: J Crew, black bracelet: Ann Taylor]

You can't help but feel like a supermodel in this skirt. I mean, just look at it, it's fierce. Whenever I put this on, wherever I'm going feels immediately more special. That's the beauty behind a spectacular article of clothing! 

Shop maxis :: 

Miami Outfit Challenge

This week I've had the opportunity to work with well-known travel expert, Kendra Thornton. Kendra is taking a Miami vacay with her husband this month and challenged me, along with her other favorite fashion bloggers, to create the perfect look for her romantic getaway. 

I decided to go with a classic LBD paired with summer splashes of color and pattern. Nothing is more glam and bright. This look has it all, allure, charm, elegance, femininity, and of course, eye-popping accessories!  

If you're going to take on Miami, you've got to do it with a little pizazz! 

And now a message from Kendra herself: 

Everyone needs to getaway now and then. My husband and I are going to enjoy some quality time together in Miami soon. I’ve enjoyed planning our trip, and the friendly travel experts at gogobot have been amazingly helpful, as I’ve worked at finding the perfect hotel as well as activities and entertainment for us to enjoy during our stay! We’re going to have a fabulous time, and I’ve almost completed the preparations for our trip. Before leaving, however, I need a little fashion advice.

Any time I go on vacation, I’m always sure to take plenty of photos. Of course, I want to look my best whether I’m snapping the photos myself or posing for the camera. Besides, I have a better time anywhere when I feel cool and confident in the outfit I’m wearing. Since I’m a mother of three kids, I’d like a style update before I take my trip to Miami. I need to pick a great outfit for an elegant evening with my husband. Review the following information about the hotel where we’ll be staying. Let me know what clothing and accessories you recommend. I want to be camera-ready throughout my trip!

During our romantic getaway, my husband and I will be staying at the ultra-modern Hotel Beaux Arts Miami. This architectural masterpiece rises 39-stories into the Miami sky and features many exclusive modern amenities. On the premises, guests can enjoy the Mariano Bartolome Indoor golf School or relax and enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the exclusive Enliven Salon and Spa. The hotel complex also includes a venue for virtual bowling and a full-size indoor basketball court. After enjoying these amenities during the day, my husband and I plan to indulge in a fine-dining experience at db Bistro Moderne. This restaurant, owned by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, features menu options inspired by traditional French bistro cuisine and modern American flavors. The décor here speaks to the elegance and romance of life in Miami through contemporary designs and spacious 16-foot ceilings. I definitely need the perfect little black dress along with some eye-popping accessories to wear to dinner here.

As a travel enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to go many places, and I always enjoy myself the most when I look my best in trendy fashions. I like looking cool and confident, and I find that when I look absolutely stunning I feel my best too. I’m grateful for all the help I found on Gogobot in planning this Miami getaway, and I’m looking forward to receiving expert style tips from all my favorite fashion bloggers.

Shop the look: 

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Bold stripes meet a girly silhouette and delicate pleats to create a look that's uber feminine and classic. 

This ladylike dress is super flattering, and the pleats in the skirt add a spark of elegance and femininity. 

Nautical-inspired styles have always been the summer equivalency of effortless, preppy clothing. Navy & white are a match made in heaven - especially when done in stripes. The look reminds me of a breezy day at sea! 

I wanted to keep my accessories light and fun in order for the look to stay fresh and colorful. 

I can't enough of this dress style. The fit-and-flare is my new favorite trend because it hugs my body in all the right places and subtly hides typical problem areas. I feel like a princess with such a flared out skirt and we all know that when you look good, you feel good! 

Nude booties are a contemporary alternative to your simple run-of-the-mill nude pumps. They're more youthful and fun! 

A splash of pink compliments navy impeccably well. 

 Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)

[dress: Gap, heels: Gianni Bini, necklace: Ann Taylor, headband: Tasha via Nordstrom, watch: Kate Spade, earrings: boutique, bracelets: Ann Taylor, Stella & Dot, Alex & Ani]

Happy May everyone! May has got to be one of my favorite months. The flowers are in bloom, the cloudy skies of April are behind us, and summer's just beyond the horizon. These warm days are slowly turning into hot ones and the promise of more sunshine and outdoor activities is enough to make the stress of my approaching finals seem insignificant...almost!   

I decided to take a break from my unhealthy obsession with florals and dress in something classic and bold. Nothing embodies modern femininity more than stripes! And the nautical color scheme of navy and white is ultra chic and fresh during these warmer months.  

GIVEAWAY

Today I'm hosting my very first giveaway with two lovely ladies! Anna from "Happy Medley," Amy from "The Real Arnolds," and I have teamed up for this cool giveaway. I'm so very excited about this and can't wait to share it with you all. I know that for Mother's Day we are all looking for something special to give our mothers. So if you found that something but lacking in funds, this is for you. We are giving away two $50 gift cards to the store of your choice (OR) PayPal cash. You choose! Talk about a win/win, huh? Enter with the rafflecopter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway