Stripe Me Up, I’m Just Too Darn Cool
Today was my ode to the relaxed cool girl look. Look at me wearing a cute dress with sneakers and a denim jacket- I am so damn cool. I wanted to be comfy, but I also wanted to look like I kind of made an effort. You know, in that “single mom back on the market going to the grocery store looking for produce… and new love” kind of way. The layering of the floral mesh over the dress was a massive experiment and I’m beyond pleased with how it worked out. I love how some of the florals pop bright with the layer of hot coral behind them. Hot Coral, such an excellent band name. We could wear crowns made of seashells and the drummer could wear a rainbow neck-brace with streamers that makes him look like a jellyfish. Clearly, I need a vacation… Outfit details after this adorable photo break.
The striped hot coral dress is from Torrid, and also easily converts to a tube dress. It’s a nice little spring/summer essential. The ruffled floral mesh overlay is from New Look and I’ve knotted it just below the bust line to define my waist. This jean jacket is the only proof in my wardrobe that I am a successful crafter; I took an old Torrid denim jacket and hand painted the design on the back. My earrings were purchased in India, my sneakers from Nike (here’s a great gold sneaker alternative), and my glasses as a last minute splurge from Ashley Stewart.
I hear it time and time again. “Don’t you think that’s a little loud for the office?” Simple answer is no. Prints scare people. However as scary as a funky frock might feel, never before has it been more acceptable for a woman to have fun with her work day wardrobe. Professionals in television and media are even regularly shown sporting bold, colorful prints. Take for example,
I love this 
Simple Neutral Color Pairings
When it gets hot, I don’t like wearing anymore on my body then I physically have to. So I pretty much give up all accessories, except for bold earrings that dangle away from my body and provide absolutely no extra heat.
I also say goodbye to most my make up. I basically commit to an entire season of waterproof mascara that’s proven itself to me that it can handle my excessive forehead sweat. Because by the time summer hits, my hair line is like a salty sprinkler or body fluid grossness. So when I shop for Austin’s 9 month summer, I cherish little details. Its the little flourishes that make something basic special; I can wear something light and airy but still feel fashion forward and hip.
This look is the perfect example of this fashion shift. The scallop edge on 
True to my typical spring swag I busted out 
This look was inspired by my teenage self and the fact that festival season is upon us. Teenage me was the type of girl who would boldly walk backstage at gigs, like she worked for the band, and find herself chilling like a villain in the green room. 
Ok. That only really happened a handful of times, and each time I was scared out of my wits and just lurked awkwardly in the corner until someone acknowledged me. But I did play pool with a couple of nice (and pretty famous) bands who reached out to the young weirdo in the corner. 
Teenage me would have totally rocked this metallic rocker chic gone sexpot number had such options existed back in the day. It’s literally the perfect look for SXSW- the festival that has currently turned my quiet hometown of Austin into a hot mess that’s musically blessed. 
Want to rock this grown up groupie, look? The top is 
I am in Miami for work for the next few days and I packed this 
When I travel for work I rely on dresses I can throw in a bag and go- with out worries of wasting space or *sigh* wrinkles. This number is the perfect example of what I love most in a travel dress. It’s uber flattering and, while basic, can easily be dressed up and down. This means I can make it work overtime and be re-worn when trying to pack light. There are also subtle details that makes it a not-so-basic staple, like the up and down seaming. The thing is $24, works for all body types, comes in a million colors and I firmly believe every girl should own one. I wasn’t paid to say that, I’m just simply a big fan of all the sunny vibes this mustard magic is putting out.
This majestic tribal necklace- believe it or not- was an airport buy. Ok the airport in India, which for the record,has by far the best accessories I have ever seen. At $15, this necklace looks like it should cost $70 and an intimate knowledge the hipster wearable art scene. It’s eccentric and unique and just dang cool. It’s one of my favorite things Ive purchased abroad andgoes almost too perfectly with the mustard hue of this swing dress. Sadly I don’t know where you can pick up this exact necklace online, but I found 
For shoes I am breaking so many people’s unrealistic fashion rules, and wearing Crocs- 
Before I talk about the finishing touches. Can we talk about Data’s cameo in this photo and how happy it makes me feel? I took theses photos while simultaneously chasing him around the terrace of my hotel. Here he’s sneaking back waiting for me to chase him again. Awww little nugget, I love you. DRAMATIC AND UNEXPLAINED SUBJECT CHANGE. I finished off this look with a low messy adventuress bun, simple make up in soft browns, a vintage grossgrain belt and my favorite motivational 
