The Work Dress

dress (DVF, avail locally at AJs Casuals), bag (Clare Vivier, avail locally at Omar + Elsie), heels (French Connection, ON SALE, ORDER FULL SIZE UP), shades (Ray Ban), bracelets (Cuff Morton James, Omar + Elsie Coordinates Bracelet, Kate Spade), necklaces (Adele of Lexington, Sheer Addiction c/o), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Now that warmer weather is officially upon us, I've been gravitating towards dresses during my 9 to 5 gig.  They're super easy, polished, and comfy while still maintaining a level of professionalism.  The good thing, too, about many dresses nowadays, is they'll take you from day to after work festivities be it happy hour or dinner.  I've really been stocking up on them lately and I'm definitely thinking I'm going to add this little GEM to the mix---how great would it look paired with red, navy, kelly green, more mint, or black--too many possibilities to choose from!  Tossed a few others I've been clocking down below (ps:  the black scalloped number comes in mint, too).  Cheers to a wonderful week--make it a good one, oh and make sure to check out my posts from the weekend HERE and HERE!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Mother's Day

mom:  dress (Hatley, Blossom of Lexington c/o non-Lexington avail HERE), hat (HM, similar HERE), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), bracelets (Morton James Cuff, Omar + Elsie Coordinates Bracelet, Kate Spade), sweater (GAP)

kiddos:  all clothing (Hatley, Blossom of Lex c/o non-Lexington avail HERE, HERE), shoes (Converse High Tops, Toms), all Hair Accessories (Remington c/o)

You two.  You're the reason I get to celebrate this day.  You are the reason I strive to be better.  You give this wild ride of life meaning and purpose.  You make me so happy.  You make me laugh.  You make me cry.  You strengthen me.  You teach me.  You give me courage. You challenge me.  You love me.  I love you.  

Happiest of Mother's Day to all Moms.  But especially to mine.  Mom, it wasn't until I had these two nuggets that I truly "got" all you are, all you did, all you sacrificed for Steph, Jarrod, and me.  Amazing doesn't do you justice, Mom.  If I'm half as good as you were and continue to be, I'll be doing a damn good job.  Love you and wish we were together today.  

Two other shouts out go to Kristin Tatem of Kristin Tatem Photography and Rebecca Kent of Blossom--two amazing, hard working moms whom I also call friends and who made this post possible.  KT, you know I love you & your mad skills, and Rebecca, I adore your spunk and fabulous threads you clothe me and the gals in!  Enjoy your day ladies!  

PS:  Let me briefly talk shop because I know I struggle with finding hair accessories that both the gals and I can agree on.  One it's gotta hold their manes in place (they've got very thick heads of hair thanks to my mother).   And two, it must be comfy and cute--and I use that term loosely since my big gal is such a tomboy, God forbid it's girly or cute.  Thankfully Remington has tons of adorable options that satisfy both me and the little ladies.  Headbands are ridiculously comfortable with no behind the ear complaining, and the barrettes actually hold their hair in place--it's a miracle I tell ya!  Cute, comfy, and functional--thank you,  Remington!  

Enjoy your day gang.  Moms, kick your feet up and relax--you deserve it, you're doing a wonderful job!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Stripes Done Twice

LOOK 1:  top (J.Crew ON SALE), skirt (L.Mae Boutique c/o), heels (J.Crew similar ON SALE HERE), shades (Ray Ban), belt (Gap, similar HERE)

LOOK 2:  shorts (Asos see similar HERE), shoes (Zara), clutch (Asos see similar HERE), shades (dare I say, Gas Station find c/o my daughter), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

I truly had the best intentions to get this sucker posted early this morn but alas, it was one of those days that was nonstop from start to finish.  So here we sit at 11:50 on a Friday night and I'm finally hopping to it.  

This STRIPE TOP is one I've worn the hell out of already and with that in mind, I figured I'd showcase a few ways I've sported it...with a fun & fancy TULLE SKIRT and with Duel Stripes (see similar shorts HERE).  Both looks playful and ladylike but rest assured this top would go with a handful of pieces...A Printed Pencil Skirt, Some Boyfriends & Leopard SlingBacks, or with some Printed Trousers and a Black Heel.  Broken record alert:  purchase items that you'll get most mileage out of--versatility is key! This LOVELY definitely delivers.  Make it a good one gang and enjoy your weekend!  Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mother whom I love to "bits" as well as all the other marvelous moms out there!  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Sophia, Rebecca, & Clare

heels (Sophia Webster), dress (Rebecca Taylor avail in Lex at AJs Casuals), bag (Clare Vivier, Omar + Elsie, also avail HERE), cuff (Morton James), shades (Gucci), bracelets (Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade), rings (Anna Beck, Lagos)

Sported three of my fave gals for Day 2 of the rewardStyle Conference.  And while Rebecca Taylor's DRESS and Clare Vivier's BAG are no doubt two of my current faves in the closet, it's the Sophia Webster Heels that had me salivating upon first glance.  This is one of probably 10 pairs I'd love to get my hands on, but alas, unless I want the little ladies and I noshing on pb&j for the month...well, I'm just going to be happy as a clam I got my hands on these.  In the mood to do a little craving and jonesing along with me?  Check out these killers below:  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Navy Times Two

blouse (Morton James), belt (HM), skirt (Chico's See Similar HERE c/o), clutch (Clare Vivier, Omar + Elsie also available HERE), sneaks (Vans), heels (Rebecca Minkoff, love THESE and THESE), bracelets (Morton James Cuff, Omar + Elsie, Kate Spade), rings (lagos, Anna Beck), hat (HM, see SIMILAR), necklace (Page Sargisson)

As a single working mom, I've got a certain number of criteria my threads must meet.  Style aside, I opt for pieces that are flattering, comfy, age appropriate, a good investment (think Bags, Denim, and Shades)--meaning am I going to get enough wear out of the pieces to justify the price--but most importantly for me--versatility.  Is the piece going to allow me to wear it in a multitude of ways?  Well this Navy Maxi Skirt definitely meets all of my requirements.  Check.  

I wanted to showcase the Maxi's ability to be easy going and casual with a hat & Sneaks, but also that she can be spruced up with some heels and a patterned Clutch.  Perfect little number for my lifestyle and also moving into the warmer months--although how cute would she be paired with a chunky knit for the fall? It also bears mentioning that while we're revving up for vacations and travel plans, the Maxi is sure to make any Destination Fabulous--easy to toss in the suitcase, and adorable with a slew of summer threads (tunics, tanks, bikini tops, summer sweaters).  
Alright gang, make it a good one---another gorg day in Lex--we'll be grilling out tonight for sure!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem 
this post is sponsored by Chico's