Style Idea 24: Dreaming of Fall

I’m hoping that if I mention fall in enough style idea posts, fall will see how welcome he’d be in Las Vegas and stop by for a long visit. The temperatures have been dropping, but it’s nowhere near cool enough to bust out my tights and cardigans. Sometimes I wish I lived in New York or Maryland or Canada – anywhere that has real seasons!

Chunky Blue Cardigan: $48.00 Tulle

Twinkle Twinkle Dress: $168.00 Anthro

Navy Tights: $12.50 We Love Colors

Lace-Up Booties: $67.99 Ruche

Ivory Bag: $54.99 Spotted Moth

Style Idea 23: Hoping for Fall

I went out for my morning jog yesterday and realized I should have brought a jacket! It was enough to get me daydreaming about fall. Leggings, boots, blazers, coats! I even planned the perfect beginning of fall outfit to wear that day, The weather forecast shattered my dreams, though. Temperatures are indeed falling, but in Vegas that means we drop from the 110’s to the low 100’s. Still not nearly cool enough for a fall outfit. I can still dream, right?

Doctor Bag: $49.00 Urban Outfitters

Colorful Tunic: $44.00 Francesca's

Maroon Leggings: $26.00 We Love Colors

Black Booties: $49.95 DSW

Navy Blazer: $98.00 Gap

Style Idea 22: College

Two of my youth group kids are starting college next week! I couldn’t be more proud of them or more surprised at how quickly time passes by. It’s almost been a whole year since I started school and it feels like my first day was just yesterday. All the excitement and energy I felt is exactly what they’re feeling now. The least I can do I help pick a comfortable outfit perfect for that first day.

Evening Horizon Scarf: $17.99 Mod Cloth

Blush Tank: $26.99 Ruche

Corduroy Backpack: $68.00 Urban Outfitters

Blush Sandals: $34.00 Urban Outfitters

Denim Button Down Skirt: $25.00 Thread Sence

Style Idea 21: Star Gazing

Richie, my brother, and I headed out to Red Rock Canyon late on Friday night to watch the Perseid meteor shower. We’d tried to watch meteor showers before but had never really found a good spot. Red Rock turned out to be perfect – it’s pretty close to our house yet far enough from the brightest city lights. Being out there was amazing and it made me want to go back for a Friday date with just the husband. I think the right outfit would make a trip like that more date-like. Of course, this is something I would wear on a star gazing trip and not an actual hike or anything!

Lace Collar Dress: $68.00 Urban Outfitters

Vintage Binoculars: $21.95 Etsy

Crocheted Belt: $9.50 Charlotte Russe

The Shoes I Really Wish I Had: $144.99 Mod Cloth

background image via James Marvin Phelps

Style Idea 20: Casual Date Night

Friday night is usually date night for the Garcia’s. While “date night” sounds fancy and expensive, the husband and I typically go for casual outings: picnics, dollar movies, and free live music. So even though I want to dress up a bit for our date, I also don’t want to overdo it. That’s why I love this outfit and wish I could actually get it! It’s more dressed up than what I usually wear without going overboard. And I could really use a cool cardigan like this one!

 

Owl Necklace: $14.99 Mod Cloth

Black Tank Top: $19.50 Delia's

Light Striped Cardigan: $30.00 Lulu's

Caramel Leather Bag: $168.00 Fossil

Layered Ruffle Skirt: $38.99 Mod Cloth

Black Hole Punch Flats: $27.99 Mod Cloth

Style Idea 19: Simple Skirt and Tank

Although the heart’s starting to wane, me typical 102-degree days still feel too hot for anything other than a dress or skirt. I asked my husband once if my skirt and tank top outfit was casual enough and he laughed. Most people probably would agree with him and say that a skirt getup can’t be casual, but I think it definitely can. Just like you can dress jeans up, you can dress skirts down. Just pair them with a simple top, comfortable shoes, and a few basic accessories and you have an outfit casual enough for an impromptu weekend bbq.

 

 

Sunnies: $12.99 Ruche

Green Tank: $4.50 Forever 21

Thick Woven Belt: $19.99 Ruche

Paisley and Flower Print Skirt: $28.00 Francesca's

Woven Leather Oxfords: $114.99 Mod Cloth

Style Idea 18: Summer Heat

It’s been a hot summer in Las Vegas. It may seem like an obvious thing to say, but it still kind of amazes me when it’s past 90 degrees at 7am. I am amazed pretty much daily. The best thing to wear on 115-degree days is a breezy dress like this one with the least amount of accessories possible. This way, you won’t have to fuss with intricate folds of fabric as you venture out for groceries or popsicles.

Mosaic Dress: $38.00 Francesca's

 

Handmade Leather Bag: $185.00 Jenny N Design

 

Sunnies: $5.80 Forever 21

 

Black Wedges: $64.99 Mod Cloth

Style Idea 17: LA Lady

Reasons why LA is great:

1. The weather is always fabulous.
2. You can never get too far away from a beach.
3. People drive more kindly than in Vegas.
4. The mood is always casual and laid back.
5. It’s where I was born and raised!

Black Tank: $19.50 PacSun

Marigold Sunglasses: $11.99 Mod Cloth

Basic Denim Shorts: $9.50 Forever 21

Yellow Sandals: $44. 95 DSW

Awesome LA Tote: $19.99 Mod Cloth

Style Idea 16: Patriotic

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and even though I’ll be in Mexico for it,  I won’t miss the opportunity to dress in red, white and blue! Today’s outfit idea is sure to keep you cool and comfortable for a picnic and afternoon of fireworks.

 

Light Lace Cardigan: $37.99 Ruche

Blue Button Down Dress: $13.50 Forever 21

Red Bow Headband: $12.99 Mod Cloth

Red Stripe Canvas Wedges: $69.00 Toms (with every pair purchased, a child in need also gets a pair of new shoes)

Style Idea 15: Airport Chic

In exactly a week and about eight hours, I’ll finally be headed on a long-awaited vacation to Mexico! I’ll only be able to stay for about ten days, but its been a while since I last was able to take a trip like this. No matter how much time passes by, though, I never forget how uncomfortable airports and airplanes are. And since my flight this time will be at around midnight and last for more than three hours, comfort is high up on the traveling day priorities list. Something like today’s outfit would be wonderful – the flowy tank top keeps me from worrying about my gut showing, the cardigan can double as a pillow if need be, and all the books and magazines I tend to over pack can fit into the amazing bag.

 

 

Coral Cardigan: $62.00 J Crew

Black and Peach Tank: $24.99 Mod Cloth

Dark Wash Skinnies: $69.50 Gap

Leather Oxfords: $114.99 Mod Cloth

Traveling Canvas Bag: $48.99 Ruche

Style Idea 14: Beach Retreat

The company my dad woks for holds huge annual summer picnics and this year, my brother, sister, niece, husband and I are driving out to LA to attend. Not only will we get to spend Father’s Day weekend with our dad, we’ll get to do so on Manhattan Beach! Naturally, I’m already thinking of outfits for this weekend-long mini family vacation by the sea, and I’d love to pack something like this outfit.

Floral Dress: $33.00 Be Yourself Boutique

Chunky Bead Necklace: $22.00 Shop Mamie

Brown Repurposed Leather Bag: $119.00 Mod Cloth

Coral Flats: $26.99 Ruche

Woven Belt: $12.00 The Novel Hunt

Style Idea 13: Skirt and T-Shirt Kind of Day

I love skirts. If I could, I would wear a skirt every day. You don’t need a special occasion, a date, or any reason whatsoever to thrown on something a pretty as a floral skirt. Put one on even if your plans for the day are grocery shopping and dish washing. Dress it down by pairing it with a simple T-shirt and relaxed flat sandals. Seeing the pretty print every time you happen to glance down will brighten your day.

Purple V-Neck: $12.50 Gap

Leaf Necklace: $30.00 Top Shop

Floral Skirt: $44.95 Mod Cloth

Casual Black Sandals: $49.95 DSW

Style Idea 12: Bright Spring Days

Spring in Las Vegas is a lot different than Spring anywhere else. It rarely rains, the temperature is quite warm, and most days feel like the beginning of summer. Transitioning from cold weather to warmer weather is not a big deal; the change usually happens over night. Having said that, today’s the perfect day for an outfit like this.

True Blue Top: $32.99 Mod Cloth

Lightning Yellow Shorts: $17.80 Forever 21

Licorice Belt: $15.99 Mod Cloth

Gladiators: $79.00 Piperlime

Style Idea 11: Vacation Planning

I booked a flight to Mexico yesterday and now I'm so excited to plan the trip! Granted, we won't take off until late June, but Richie and I haven't taken a real vacation since our honey moon more than three years ago. We'll be visiting my mom's hometown where I hope to take lots of walks without a destination, explore the nearby woods, and relax in my grandma's sunroom. Naturally, I've got an outfit planned for lazy summer days.

Big Retro Sunglasses: $30.00 Top Shop

Agate Stone Necklace: $9.00 Charlotte Russe

Navy Blue Polka Dot Romper: $37.99 Ruche

Marigold Cardigan: $36.00 Tulle

Marigold Peep Toe Flats: $39.95 DSW

Style Idea 9

The weather in Las Vegas is lovely today! Its just perfect for lunch at the park but I'm unfortunately stuck at the office. This quarter's classes are almost over and I've noticed that having studied color theory has affected my wardrobe choices. I love using complimentary colors and analogous schemes in outfits!

Striped Spring Dress: $24.00 Tulle

Knit Cardigan: $18.90 Forever 21

Marble Bracelets: $4.00 Charlotte Russe

Mustard Purse: $26.80 Forever 21

Lovely Blue-Green Flats: $34.99 Mod Cloth

Style Idea 8

While I work up the courage to post a photo of one of my own outfits, these little fantasy wardrobe collages will do. Since a reader asked me if I actually buy the things I put together, I guess it would be good to make it clear that I don't. I don't have nearly enough money to buy all these beautiful clothes! The collages are really just inspiration and a way for me to experiment with clothes and get fresh ideas for what I already own. Most of my clothing actually comes from thrift stores, which is why I'd like to show you one of my daily outfits and how I style thrift store finds. For now, since I'm a bit of a chicken, I'll keep posting collages. Without further ado, an outfit I vow to wear when I finally go on that dreamy Paris vacation (also a good way of winterizing summer dresses):

Navy and White Striped Dress: $47.99 Mod Cloth                                                     (because only French bread is more French than stripes)

Embroidered Cardigan: $22.90 Forever 21

Red Sequin Beret: $19.95 Amazon                                                                              (because you just have to wear a beret in Paris, just like you have to wear Hawaiian prints in Honolulu)

Navy Tights: $12.50 We Love Colors 

Red Pointy Toed Patent Flats: $59.00 Zappos                                                              (because I just got a pair and wish I could wear them every day... and I would do a lot of walking in Paris)

Style Idea 7

If I shopped like this in real life, I'd be completely broke! I never buy clothing this expensive but I guess since these are just idea boards, its ok to go overboard.

When I told Richie I want Spring to get here already he rolled his eyes and chuckled. Just a few weeks ago I was upset at the wimpy Las Vegas winter. Now that we've had our two weeks of rain and cold, though, I can't wait for Spring-time weather. What can be more Springy than bright turquoise, cardigans, and pale lace?

Cucumber Melon Cardigan: $32.99 Mod Cloth

Delicate Doily Blouse: $98.00 Anthropologie

Blue and Gold Striped Skirt: $149.00 Kate Spade

Scout Green Tights: $12.50 We Love Colors

Brown Ankle Boots: $59.00 Zappos

Style Idea 6

Its warm and sunny here in Vegas and it feels like Spring is here to stay! How could I not be in the mood for a light chambray shirt, floral skirt, and comfy flats? Its the perfect outfit for a long meandering Spring-time adventure!

Chambray shirt: $26.50 Old Navy (or $2 at a thrift store!)

Orange Floral Skirt: $24.75 Yes Style

Asymmetrical Wooden Necklace: $24.00 Newport News

Basket-Woven Flats: $59.95 DSW

Style Idea 5

Instead of wearing red and green for Christmas, I go for the more subtle silvers or golds. For the fourth of July, I prefer baby blues instead of navy combined with red. This Valentine Day outfit follows the same rule: it makes use of the holiday's trademark hue (in this case, red) in different tones than the usually prescribed one. Instead of fire-engine red and bright pink, go for magenta, burgundy, and blush. The colors have the Valentine feel without looking like they were pulled out of a Hallmark card!

*Wine-colored Tights: $15.00 Banana Republic

V-neck Sweater: $25.49 Blue Fly

Black Rosette Necklace: $50.00 Etsy 

Monet Skirt: $46.00 LuLu's

*Wine-colored Booties: $79.99 Piperlime

*Matching shoes and tights idea thanks to Jessica Schroeder!

Style Idea 4

Since this week is my birthday week, I thought it would be ok to be completely self-indulgent and make an outfit entirely of things I wish I could buy myself as a birthday gifts! I've been in love with this green Mod Cloth dress forever now, have been looking for a vintage clasp belt for ages, need basic black pumps, and would love a crazy print coat now that I have my basics down. Oh, and the peacock necklace is just beautiful! In a perfect universe, I would be able to afford all this and have it shipped on time to wear to the birthday dinner my husband is secretly planning.

Green Grecian Dress: $89.99 Mod Cloth

Vintage Peacock Necklace: $25.00 Etsy

Retro Clasp Belt: $17.99 Mod Cloth

Black Pumps: $77.00 Zappos

Leopard Print Coat: $69.00 Newport News