Daily Look: Pleat Party

Shirt: Banana Republic // Skirt: Elizabeth Claiborne via Marshall's // Shoes: Nine West via Endless // Earrings: Gift // Bracelet: Forever 21 // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Blue Me Away // Lips: Milani in Rose Hip

After painting my nails this fun shade of bright blue, I knew I'd have to wear this similarly-colored pleated skirt. I bought it many years ago to wear to Easter brunch, but I have to say I still like it a lot. I doubt I'll ever get over my love of pleats; they're just so darn adorable, and they remind me of tennis skirts. Maybe I should hack a few inches off of this skirt and go play a set. I might play terribly, but I'd look cute doing it! Are you a fan of pleats?

Daily Look: Bright Spot

Dress: Maggy London via Nordstrom // Shoes: Guess // Earrings: Francesca's // Bracelets: Banana Republic

This was an outfit that I wore to the symphony for a performance of Star Wars and Other Space Odysseys. It was such a fun night, filled with excellent people watching and music. There was even a choreographed light saber fight performed by fans in movie-quality costumes. I was complimented on my dress by a sweet lady sitting nearby, which made me feel great considering I got ready in five minutes after losing track of time running errands all over town. There's nothing like a great dress to make you look pulled together. 

Daily Look: Stripes Forever

Shirt: Urban Outfitters // Skirt: Zara // Belt: Target // Earrings, Necklace: Banana Republic Factory // Bracelets: Forever 21, Banana Republic // Shoes: J. Crew Factory // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban // Lips: L'Oreal Colour Juice in Cherry Fizz // Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Blue Me Away

Oh stripes, how I love you! I honestly don't think I can get enough striped pieces in my wardrobe. Just like George Costanza would drape himself in velvet if it were socially acceptable, I'd probably wear stripes every day if given the chance. Speaking of Seinfeld, most of my 17-year-old students have either never watched or never heard of it. There's nothing that makes you feel like an old lady quite like making outdated pop culture references. Well, I'm off to go listen to some Third Eye Blind on my Discman while I look for my old Lisa Frank backpack.

Daily Look: Sushi Night

Blouse: Banana Republic // Skirt: J. Crew // Shoes: Zara // Earrings: Francesca's // Bracelet: Vintage // Necklace: Gift

I love an excuse to get a little dolled up on the weekend, so even though I could have saved a few bucks by getting carryout, I actually dined in at my favorite sushi restaurant this time.  To celebrate the lovely warm weather, I broke out my elastic waisted miniskirt, perfect for stretching to accommodate an after-dinner gelato. I kept the whole look monotone in shades of gray, which made my bright pink nails really pop. Do you ever wear all one color, or do you prefer to mix it up?

Roundup: Retro Swimsuits

Can you believe that Memorial Day weekend, otherwise known as the unofficial start of summer, is less than a week away? It seems like spring just started, and now we're about to transition into the next season. With that in mind, I decided to do a roundup of some of my favorite swimsuits. I'm absolutely loving the retro style we've been seeing in swimwear for the last several years. Not only are vintage-inspired suits adorable, but they tend to be super flattering, with styles meant to lift you up and suck you in where needed. And while going shopping for a new bathing suit isn't particularly fun, a little (internet) window shopping is not nearly as stressful!

Will you be buying a new swimsuit this year? Do you like the retro look, or will you be going for something a little more modern?  

Daily Look: Loops and Threads

Blouse/Dress & Skirt: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Aldo // Earrings: Limited // Bracelets: Banana Republic // Necklace: Tiffany

Sometimes little problems just solve themselves. I got this skirt for Christmas, but it is a bit see-through and I haven't been able to find the right slip. Then, I ordered this dress from UO on deep clearance, only to find that it is way too short to wear in public. But lo and behold, by their powers combined, I have a complete and appropriate outfit! The shortness of the dress actually works with the skirt because it allows some of the eyelets to show through, whereas my last slip blacked them out completely. I really couldn't be happier with this bit of happenstance! Now to continue my quest for the perfect striped cotton dress with a shape and a decent length.