you're invited

the season of weddings is already somewhat underway.

i have three to go to this year, including my own. i've had years when there's more than three and years when there's only one or two. 

and everyone's wedding is different. even the description of what to wear can vary. cocktail? garden? evening wear? there's a lot.

so with that in mind, here's three looks, complete with shoes and accessories. and as a bonus, with each look, you have a secret weapon that'll get you through the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception with ease.

via polyvore

now about those secret weapons: for our daytime look, i included some neato-looking shades and a floppy-but-not-obnoxious sun hat to keep you cool. for the cocktail look, i threw in some oil-absorbing sheets and solid perfume to make sure you're shine-free and superfresh. and for that last look? the weaponry is more about the dramatic than the practical. but a pretty little flirty LBD like that demands something extra. so some fake lashes and red lipstick are in order.

_ _ _

enjoy your weddings in style! 

just one last very important thing to remember: the electric slide is the devil.

nailed it

by couldawouldapica on polyvore

having my nails freshly painted and polished makes me happy, and i'm really digging these rich, warm colors for fall and winter.

now, i love to go to the nail salon, but i'm making an effort to take manicuring into my own ...hands.

yikes.

anyways, lacquerized has this great diagram that shows exactly how to apply polish like the pros.

by lacquerized via pinterest

practice makes perfect...i hope

fishy

i was not born with thick hair. 

if my hair was noodles, it would be angel hair. 

cut in half vertically.

via here and here | originally via flickr user miss electric

i had this co-worker once who would come to work with this gigantic, luxuriously thick rope of a braid. 

via here and here | original art by popperfoto/getty

i was always so jealous.

i tried, but mine looked more like a braided graduation tassel.

braids are still everywhere, and i've attempted this side braid style a few times. 

it's...ok on me. 

i just always end up with these little wispy pieces and it falls apart after a few hours.

_ _ _

then, the other day, i was reading a beautiful mess + came across these step-by-step instructions for a fishtail braid.

i've wanted to try a fishtail for a while now, but haven't attempted one since about fifth grade, so i needed a refresher.

image via a beautiful mess

the result?

my version!

not bad! i have to say, this was pretty easy, and it held up well throughout the work day.

i'm gonna try this more often.

thanks, beautiful mess!

_ _ _

p.s. elsie's blog is a whole bunch of fun. check it out sometime. her wedding was featured on 100 layer cake a while ago. also totally worth it to take a look. 

so bright + happy!

making the most

i love shopping

but as much as i'd like to be able to buy something new all the time, the funds just aren't always there.

[really, mortgage? i guess you come first]

so how do i satisfy my need for new + keep the bill collectors at bay?

wear a dress as a shirt.

_ _ _

here's my method:

take a dress made from somewhat thin material (don't want any wrinkly butts, right?)

my beloved mechanics of style dress by modcloth 

pop a skirt over 

sparkle + fade skirt by UO | no longer in stores :/

(add a belt if you like. i almost always do)

luxurious bathroom photo shoot | swear i'm not bald

and that's it!

i do this all the time. i have a lot of dresses that are ok for the weekend, but would be kinda pushing it in an office setting. 

it's an easy way to get a whole new outfit that didn't cost a thing! and i just have so much love for repurposing items in my closet.

look out now!

kate

when life gives you a sample sale...

here 

here

you buy the shit outta that shit before some b gets the last one in your size.

boom.

details

pretty details on one of my favorite office looks | 
from fresh of georgetown (which appears to be closed for renovations?)

bright eyes

my favorite purple (fake) wayfarers broke. luckily, there's plenty left on the internet.

view set here

just one please

not gonna rant about beach season or anything

but

it's nice to see more one-piece options are coming out to play these days. 

and options that don't relegate you to swim team or tired mom  in the looks department.

by couldawouldapica via polyvore

too short

originally saw this on ffjd

but it's also been on huffington post


definitely own some f21 dresses that don't make the cut. 

edited to add: apparently this is the work of amy sly


nice one, amy.

'don't worry about it'

i don't think about age too often




but i may be having a 
milestoney(ish, esque) 
bday this year. 






//see video





by advanced style via nowness







this is how you do it. 




love their attitude about life + fashions



|advanced style| 
dedicated to celebrating that mentality

femme



i

e    n    j    o    y

via polyvore by couldawoudlapica



being a

girl

-doris day