splendor & folly

Inspiration for a good outfit can come from anywhere. To help yourself get out of your own fashion rut, stop and really analyze someone you admire and what they are doing. Don’t think of it as copying, think of it as being inspired.

The other day, my hairdresser was wearing the most adorable outfit. A long fitted striped dress, topped with a turquoise necklace and denim vest. These are items I would never normally wear, but she inspired me to think outside my own jeans and  tee shirt box.

In addition to replicating her look, I’ve also made a different version perfect for cooler months. Don’t forget to always keep your eye out for your own fashion inspiration! 

Cocktail Dresses by Rare
Boots at Endless.com

Military still seems to be a trend for fall and you can find an array of military-style jackets to round out your wardrobe.

I recently picked up this twill jacket at Wet Seal (I know, I was surprised too). You can click the picture for the online link to purchase, but when I bought it, they were having an in-store promotion of $10 off all jackets, making this find only $25!

Here are some other options if you want to fall in line with this trend:

More American Eagle…

Kids (and adults) may be back in school, but summer is not over yet! I’ve pulled together some water-hued fashion finds for enjoying the warmth, wherever you might be spending the last days of summer.

Hey Everyone,

As promised, here is the dress from LuLu’s in real life:

My first reaction when I tried it on was that it was waaay too short. I was set on returning it when I remembered I am headed to Vegas in July which is the only place I can think of where this would not be inappropriate. Thoughts?? Is it too short? Why didn’t it look this short on the model?

I’ll start p0sting more often now (I hope) and will have something new to talk about – wedding planning! I am engaged!!!  Most of you who read this blog already know about it, but I’ll post more about it soon.

Love, Leah

I am not one of those people who hates their birthday, hates getting older, would rather just avoid it all together. I love my birthday! Here is a little something I bought for myself to celebrate :)

You can purchase this and more cute dresses from Lulus.com. Be sure to use promo code xoxo for 15% off!!

When it comes in the mail, I’ll show you what it looks like in real life. I may or may not wear it to a wedding next weekend.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!!

Anyone remember playing this game?

Here is a list of 5 things I have never worn -

1. Lipstick

 OK I know you probably don’t believe me. I have worn lipgloss and chapstick of course and I have TRIED lipstick on, but I always hate how it looks on me and immediately wipe it all off. It does not help that my lips are always terribly chapped and peeling. Anyone have suggestions for how to cure this??

2. Romper

I wore my fare share of overalls as a kid…OK I still wore a pair my freshman year of college and my roommates still make fun of me for it!  But I haven’t worn the more fashionable rompers that seem to be all the rage these days. I haven’t found one that fits right and I’m really concerned about the concept of having to take off all your clothing to use the restroom.

3. Fedora

These also seem to be ‘in’ these days, I have worn stocking caps and ballcaps, but never a hat for stylish purposes. I think they look really cute on other girls though so this is one I may have to try!

4. Watch

I can never ever remember wearing a watch and have no desire to. I rarely wear anything on my wrist and would rather just check my phone for the time.

5. Spray Tan

I have used self-tanning products at home, but have never gotten a professional spray tan. What do you think, are they worth the money? I would not want to turn out as orange as this lady!

Images via WeHeartIt.com

I thought I would let you know about two awesome deals if you had not already heard:

1. Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT are having their Friends & Family Event through this Sunday, 4/25. Use code FRIENDS online to save 30% at both stores, but hurry because sizes are going fast!

And if anyone is in the market for bridesmaid dresses, they have several great options, including this adorable lace print dress:

2. Dairy Queen is celebrating their 25th Anniversary by offering a deal to buy one blizzard, get the second for 25 cents!! Offer ends 4/25. YUMMM

It is so easy to layer in the colder months – we throw on jackets, coats, hats, scarves, anything just to stay warm! We get so used to layering for warmth that layering for style becomes difficult when the temperature rises. I love layered looks and I don’t think they should be abanonded in spring and summer. Here are 5 ways to layer and still keep your cool:

1. Chambray Shirts – throw these on as a jacket unbuttoned over a tank, tee or dress.

2. Lightweight Military Style Jackets – For Spring nights that do get a little chilly, don’t be left without this stylish top layer

3. Lightweight Cardigans and Vests – Both of these items are so incredibly versatile. Basically you can throw on top of everything!

4. Summer Scarves – These are meant for style, not warmth. But if you happen to find yourself in a building with the AC blasting, you could also use them as a wrap.

5. Statement Necklaces – These can turn a plain tee shirt into an awesome outfit, just like that!

I do think this ‘knee length’ skirt is cute though. I also like this similar one, both are from Forever 21.