Short & Sweet

dress (Library by Lauren Lail c/o), heels (Kate Spade ON SALE), necklace (Sole Society c/o), bracelet (J.Crew), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

How sweet is this little number from Library by Lauren Lail?  A little shorter than I tend to gravitate towards, it's soft palette, silky fabric, and peter pan collar sweeten the deal and add a boatload of femininity--therefore, making the length secondary for me.  I'm also looking forward to pairing her with some black opaque tights and chunky heels once it cools down for a little dose of soft & edgy.  

My youngest starts back to school today so I have to scoot---cheers to a fantastic Wednesday, gang--Make it a good one!   

Oh and PS--a huge congrats goes to Alicia Cadigan.  You my dear are the winner of the Elaine Turner Giveaway!  A sincere thank you to all who participated---we've got some good giveaways coming up so stay tuned!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Stripes at Work

dress (DVF on SALE), heels (Pour La Victoire), bag (Michael Kors), necklace (J.Crew), bracelets (J.Crew, Stella & Dot), shades (Ray Ban), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Some days I'm in the mood to create a 'look' for work (exhibits A, B, & C) other times, not so much.  When my creativity is lacking and time isn't on my side, dresses like this lovely DVF are a gal's best friend.  In a classic shape with figure flattering seaming, this number has become a work staple in my closet (that's not to say it isn't perfect for a number of other occasions).  Initially I was going to toss her on with some black heels; however, a Nude Wedge helps to elongate the leg which is never a bad thing.  Alright gang, hope you all had a lovely weekend.  It was so gorg here in Lex that we def spent the majority of our time outside!  Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

It's Effortless

                         

dress (J.Crew have THIS VERSION, TOO), sneaks (Vans), ballets (Sole Society c/o 20% off first purchase_, bags (Juicy Couture), shades (Ray Ban), bracelts (Crewcuts, souvenir shop in Fla), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Fridays and the impending weekend call for an all natural, effortless look in my opinion.  I like to feel natural, comfy, and in my skin....no muss, no fuss but definitely polished and pulled together.  My formula for accomplishing a look with ease is tossing on a Casual Dress, Flats, or Sneaks.  There's nothing more comfy for me and I still feel crisp.  My beauty regime also remains pretty effortless.  As a mother of two tykes, I truly just don't have the time to primp--gotta keep her seamless & quick.  Not to mention I have no dang clue how to do makeup--mascara, cheek flush, brow pencil, and a gloss about sums it up!  Kinda thrilled with the Seventh Generation Skin Serum (pictured below) I've been using.  All natural, it doubles up as my serum and moisturizer for my mug so it's the only thing I'm using in the morn for moisturizer--quite effortless indeed--and really light and moisturizing!  Do you gals have any tricks or tips for keeping your look effortless?  Make sure to share your all natural style secrets!  Make it a good one gang, and cheers to a lovely weekend!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.

Call of the Wild

dress (Rebecca Taylor on SALE), jacket (HM see SIMILAR), shoes (Zara love THESE), necklace (Adele of Lexington), bag (Burberry), bracelets (J.Crew & Stella & Dot on SALE), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Gucci)

When done in a classic shape, Leopard can absolutely be appropriate for the office.  The key is to have some classic accessories and a Blazer to top her off.  My necklace from Adele stays true to the wild palette but adds some femininity with the stones & gold hardware.  Always remember, if non Lexingtonian, Adele will cover the shipping costs if you mention s + s.  Another friendly reminder, today is the last day to enter the HM 50 States of Fashion Contest.  As the KY state ambassador, gotta rally you gals to submit your HM threads on Instagram and be sure to tag #HMShoponlineKY for a chance to win a shopping spree!  Alright ladies, make it a good one--thank you for stopping by! 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Tee for Two

look 1:  shirt (J.Crew, Commes des Garcon), blazer (J.Crew extra 30% off), shorts (Gap, last seen HERE), heels (French Connection),  belt (J.Crew), bag (Michael Kors), watch (Michael Kors), shades (Gucci)

look 2:  jeans (DL1961), heels (Kate Spade), bracelets (J.Crew, Jennifer Zuener, Adele of Lexington), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bag (Louis Vuitton), shades (Ray Ban), photos (Kristin Tatem)

Now normally I would not condone the purchase of a T-Shirt that is over $100; however, when you're meeting with an editor from Southern Living, all of that logical thinking kinda takes a back street.  Erin contacted me prior to taking a trip to the Bluegrass to see if we could meet and chat about all things Lexington--um, yes, of course we can Erin (by the way, I just adored her---brilliant and loved bouncing ideas off of her)!  But then comes the whole, "What in the sam hell am I gonna wear," conundrum.  With its English translation being, "Like the Boys," this Commes Des Garcons T-Shirt, pretty much fits my personality to a tee---fun, playful, with a bit of quirk.  I had to toss on my signature stripe motif and luckily this Blazer & stripe short complemented one another perfectly--hardly even realize they're separates, right?  I also wanted to take the opportunity to show the tee looks just a fun as a stand alone. She pairs perfectly with some Distressed Denim & Heels.  Check out some other fun Commes Des Garcons for J.Crew pieces below.  I'm thinking if you've got a man in your life--buy him one and y'all can share--more bang for your buck and would look super cute oversized!  Make it a good one, gang!

Military Maven

jacket (H&M), jeans (Gap, similar HERE), tshirt (Enza Costa), belt (Linea Pelle c/o), shoes (Zara, love THESE), bag (Michael Kors), necklace (Sheer Addiction c/o), bracelets (Stella & Dot & Linea Pelle, InPink), shades (Michael Kors), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Had such an amazing weekend with my girlfriends--truly one of our best trips-- but good grief I feel outta sorts today getting back into the groove (hence the afternoon post situation going on).  Spending 6 hours stuck in the Atlanta Airport on 3 hours of sleep can do that to a gal.  

Onto the rig--thrilled  These Guys are available again this season if you weren't able to scoop them up in the spring.  It's pretty obvious based on THIS & THIS that I'm a big fan!  And while this look is a pretty literal interpretation of military inspired thanks to this H&M Jacket, I added a dose of glam with a Statement Necklace & Chevron Studded Belt.  Just a little friendly reminder that balance is a pretty important element when putting together a look!  Sidenote, any Lexingtonians wanna take a stab as to where these pics were shot?  One of my fave past times--I'm totally that girl who hits it up solo any chance I can get!  Alright, gang, cheers to a lovely Monday--make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Snake Charmer Giveaway

bag (Elaine Turner c/o), blazer (J.Crew SIMILAR), jeans (Current/Elliot), blouse (J.Crew ON SALE), heels (Pour La Victoire ON SALE), necklace (J.Crew), bracelets (J.Crew, Linea Pelle), watch (Michael Kors), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), shades (Gucci)

Stripes & Snakeskin--I'm a big fan!  Elaine Turner is serving up some snakeskin loveliness this season and I am VERY EXCITED about today's giveaway!  Elaine Turner is gifting one of these gorgeous Kathleen Python Crossbody Bags to one lucky s + s reader.  It truly is so very gorgeous in person.  Elaine Turner is also extending a 20% discount to s + s readers using the promo code "saddles," now through August 31st.  Make sure you check out some other lovely snake charmers below!  Entry rules for the giveaway are listed below as well.  Alright gang, I'm en route to the airport bright and early this morning so I need to scoot--y'all have a wonderful weekend!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Apple

sweater (Old Navy--LOVE THIS, THIS, & THIS), chambray (J.Crew), shorts & belt (J.Crew old), heels (French Connection), bag (Kate Spade sold out--tons for sale on EBAY), bracelets (Target, Stella & Dot, Linea Pelle), ring (Lagos, Anna Beck), watch (Michael Kors), shades(Gucci)

Off to the city tomorrow to celebrate my best gal's baby-to-be with my other best gal in tow and I couldn't be more excited!  So here's the question--what in the sam hell am I gonna pack?  Ok, for starters, I'm going to keep it pretty minimal with an interchangeable palette and I am NOT going to check a bag!  So for this getaway, I'm going to bring a few key pieces for daytime--a Chambray, a cozy sweater for the chillier mornings, some Shorts for strolling, a fun shopper Tote, and these guys....essentially, I'm bringing this exact rig above!  But let us not forget the one key element aside from a good DreamDry blowout & mani/pedi that will be the icing to my outfit cake---a TAN!!  Because everything in my book looks better with a tan,  am I right?  

Luckily for us, Sun Tan City has a different deal everyday throughout the month of August.  Consider it a Weekday Getaway if you will.  I took advantage of the VeraSpa sunless tan and I think she turned out pretty darn good (see above stems for reference).  Make sure to visit a Sun Tan City to get your glow on and take advantage of the different Weekday Getaway Deals!  Alright gang, make it a good one and follow along my NYC excursion on InstaGram--see you tomorrow Snook & Jenn!

Style Squad

Make Every Day a Getaway at Sun Tan City this Month.  There's a Special for Everyone, so let Yourself Shine!  Offer Valid on Days indicated.  Restrictions may apply.  Event ends Aug 31, 2012.

DISCLOSURE:  This post was sponsored by Sun Tan City as a part of the Style Squad program.  The opinions expressed in this post are those of s + s and not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sun Tan City.

photos courtesy of Krisitn Tatem