Fabulous for Less Under $250: Breezy Summer Maxi

When I think of summer dressing, the first thing that comes to mind is, "easy."  Translation: "I don't want to think about it.  But it's gotta be cute and comfortable."  My favorite and possibly the easiest thing to wear this season is the maxi.  I've worn it on vacation (perfect airport style), to school events, and on the weekends with my family. Definitely a summer mommy uniform.  So effortless.


Get the Look: Such an amazing deal on this Planet Gold maxi dress and it's super flattering on all body types.  Prints are great for camouflaging flaws and an elastic waistband does wonders to create shape as well as accentuate curves.  I love a bare shoulder in the summertime, but there's also plenty of styles that offer more support.  One way to draw the attention up top is by adding a statement or pendant necklace. There's a couple of options with shoes; chic nude wedges or if you want to experiment with color-shocking bright sandals.  I'm adding a touch of boho with beaded and bright woven friendship bracelets.  Have fun with it and stack 'em as high as you'd like.  Bags with interesting details always grab my attention.  There's a mix of easy and daytime glam with this Park Lane crossbody-love the woven leather.  Finish with oversized sunnies and for extra protection from the sun, fabulous fedoras.  All under $250!!!


Style Tip: Avoid over accessorizing.  Too much can be too much.  If you're doing large chandelier earrings, consider a delicate necklace or none at all.  Add a statement ring or two-beyond that is just too much.










"Breezy Summer"

Forever 21 Basketweave Fedora w/Ribbon $12.80

Planet Gold Tie Dye Print Maxi (available in 3 colors) $17.99 (sale)

Need Supply Co. Gold Spike Necklace $24

MANGO Oversize Sunglasses in Chocolate $34.99
Park Lane Leather Across Body Bag in Cream $55.66 (sale)
People Tree Summer Beads Bracelet $16.53 (sale)
Need Supply Co. Curry Bracelet $18
Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Indigo' in Light Cove Wedge $69
(Total $248.97)

Mens Fabulous for Less Under $250: Memorial Day Weekend Style

Heading out of town this Memorial Day weekend or staying close to home?  As many prepare to honor the holiday, there's also a lot of folks planning for beach getaways and backyard bbqs.


Celebrating and What to wear:  I like to go with a style that's chic and patriotic.  Of course, anything red, white, and blue makes a statement.  But I think a combination of the colors work too.  For guys, a classic white button-down shirt and checked or striped shorts look great.  It's easy yet polished and understated. Keep it relaxed with rolled sleeves and showcase a big watch. The pop of yellow against all black on this Timex is majorrr.  Hats serve their purpose, and fedoras definitely add another level of chicness to the look.  I love the checked detail on this fedora.  With the striped shorts, it's a fun way of mixing patterns.  And for summertime, I'm all for a fresh pair of white sneakers.  These Jack Purcells or Converse boat shoes are my go-tos for men; vintage-inspired and very cool.  Don't forget your favorite sunnies.  Can't go wrong with classic aviators or retro wayfarers.


Style Tip: Tuck in only the front of the shirt for belt to show.  It doesn't have to be perfect; just loose and not-so-fussy.









"Memorial Day Weekend Style"

J. Crew Secret Wash Lightweight Solid Shirt in White $54.50 (sale)

Zara Checked Paper Hat in Brown $19.90

H&M Aviator Sunglasses in Silver $9.95

Timex Easy Reader Limited Watch in Yellow $65

H&M Leather Belt in Brown $12.95

H&M Chino Shorts in Blue/Striped $29.95

Converse 'Jack Purcell' Sneaker in White $54.95

(Total $247.20)

Style Inspiration: In the Wild

Words from the photographer:
You may be wondering who’s behind the camera for all these style inspirations. It’s me, her husband, and I’m also taking the opportunity to write today’s intro. To say I’m an amateur photographer would be more than an understatement. If anyone could witness the struggles we go through back and forth coming up with these shots. My brain has no concept of what's artistic, which leaves no place for me in the world of fashion. I continue on though, trying to get my wife the perfect shots to showcase her looks. This was maybe the toughest one of all. The crystal waters and white sands were calling out to me. My snorkel gear laid close by, our son was already in the water, and I admit was a bit distracted. I’ll let her explain what she wore and all that stuff, frankly I have no idea or input. I will say the look certainly did open my eyes; it was not one I had seen through the lens before. To hear her say these are the best pics I've taken and her favorites, is all that matters in the end.   


The Inspiration:
Taken at a rugged yet amazingly beautiful little beach...

Red lips have a way of transforming my mood.  It takes me to a world that's more glamorous and slightly dangerous.  In my day-to-day, I'm a low-key "nude lips" kind of girl; this inspiration was definitely a moment.  Adding a bold dagger necklace felt fierce and tribal-it's what dictated the direction of this shoot.

At first glance, it appears I'm wearing a maxi dress.  Actually, it's a combination of a one-piece suit and maxi skirt.  The two worked great for our day at the beach and with a denim jacket (not pictured), transitioned easily into a casual dinner style.

A special "thank you" to my husband for his patience and willingness to do these shoots.  He's game for anything and gives his best time after time.  And I do understand the level of pressure that is placed upon him.  After 15 years of marriage, he's proven to be a keeper.

We had a fantastic time in Hawaii and truly thankful for every moment.  Happy Anniversary Love!!!

What I wore:



When: May 14th

Where: Waialea Bay, Kona, HI

What:
Dagger Agate Necklace: Yochi New York
Black Halter Swimsuit: Vix
Black High-low Maxi Skirt: MANGO
18K Gold Etched Bangles: Gift from Mom

photos/afashionistasblog.com, instagram

Style Inspiration: Island Lace

I've been having a love affair with lace lately.  Whether it's a dress or cropped top, lace just brings a sexy and romantic vibe to your look.  For Mom's Day dinner on the island, we went for casual Thai dining.  I opted for evening shorts and dressed it down with a tank and knit jacket.  Love the scalloped layers on these and it feels very feminine.  My husband's reaction, "it's cutesy sexy, not so overtly sexy."  Haha!  Always nice when he gives me feedback on what I'm wearing.  Truth is, shorts totally take me out of my comfort zone.  You know that one part of your body that isn't your favorite?  Mine are my legs.  But, I'm coming around and learning to embrace them.  One great thing about shorts is when paired with wedges, my legs look much, much longer.

Accessories: Hubby knows me well and apparently gets ideas from the blog.  Does the crossbody look familiar?  Guess he knew I would love it.  And I do!  The color wasn't as bright as I had thought-more mustard yellow and subtle.  But it was the perfect punch of color with my neutrals.  For evening, I love adding a statement bracelet or cuff.  This aquamarine bracelet by LOFT reminds me of the tropical waters.  It's so beautiful!!







What I wore:



When: May 13th

Where: Kona, HI, Resort

What:
Grey Knit Jacket: Olivia Moon
White Tank: Gap
Ivory Lace Shorts: Sans Souci
Leather Crossbody: Madewell
Bracelet: LOFT
Gold Spike Ring: ???
Oversized Sunnies: Michael Kors
Espadrille Wedges: BCBGeneration

photos/afashionistasblog.com/instagram

Style Inspiration: Meet You at Beach 69

Okay, don't get the wrong idea.  I can hear the giggles now.  Hello, my family reads this blog too.  The title refers to a secluded beach located not far from our resort.  There were no obvious signs or directions to this place. Had we not talked to some locals, we wouldn't have discovered this gem.  It's a quaint beach with soft white sand; gorgeous blue waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.  And for the fearless, there's even an area for rock diving.

This "style inspiration" was very impromptu to capture the gorgeous setting.  My outfit was from lunch at Queen's Marketplace; also our daily spot for afternoon coffee.  It's easy and comfortable, but certainly not what I would wear for a day at the beach.  The beaded bracelets were a last minute addition.  We had stopped in at a local boutique earlier where designer Cara of Dragonfly Diva held a trunk show.  I think they're perfect for vacation; love the pink beads, stones, and dainty heart charms.





Here's what I wore:



When: May 12th

Where: Waialea Bay (Beach 69), Kona, HI

What:
Turquoise Cardi: Tea n Rose, tobi.com
Crochet Tank with Sheer Back: Hazel, urbanoutfitters.com/piperlime.com
Light Khaki Twill Shorts: Juicy Couture
Tortoise Sunnies: O by Oscar de la Renta
Bead & Agate Bracelets: Dragonfly Diva, Persimmon Boutique
Gold Bar Bracelet, Gold Nugget Bracelet: M. Fredric, Shashi
Leather Fringe Crossbody: Madewell
Mother-of-Pearl Watch: Michael Kors

 photos/afashionistasblog.com, instagram

Style Inspiration: Kona Beach Getaway

I try to fit in as many "style inspirations" as possible.  Lately, it hasn't been much, but luckily we found time to do a few while on vacation in Kona, Hawaii.  My husband and I just celebrated 15 years together.  You don't really think about the time until your anniversary comes around.  It's surprising how quickly it goes-hoping for many more.

We spent 5 days 4 nights at our resort with plenty of things to get into.  Each morning, my guys would venture out and swim alongside the sea turtles.  I, on the other hand, wasn't so daring and happily stayed on shore.  We fell in love with these turtles on our first trip to the islands, which is why we keep finding our way back.  This time around, our son was able to live out a dream; to swim with dolphins.  So happy we could give him that gift.

In between all the fun, hubby snapped these photos (via Instagram).  Our 9-year-old got in on the action too-he shot the first two.






Here's what I wore:



When: May 12th

Where: Kona, HI, Resort

What:
Hi-Low Coverup: Miken
Orange One-Piece Halter Swimsuit: Juicy Couture
White Beach Sandals: Havaianas
Tortoise Shell Sunnies: O by Oscar de la Renta
Gold Bar Bracelet, Gold Nugget Bracelet: M. Fredric, Shashi

10 Best Summer Swimsuits: Bikinis and One Pieces

Swimsuit season is here...  If you're still on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit, little bright bikinis or a fabulous one-piece, here are my top 10 favorite picks.











OndadeMar Sienna String Bikini Top & Bottom

Vitamin A Ruched Cutout Swimsuit 

 Mara Hoffman String Bikini Set

Becca Crochet Bikini Top & Bottom

Carmen Marc Valvo Retro One-Piece (available in 3 colors)

Shoshanna Crochet With Hot Pink Triangle Top & Bottom

Splendid Bayside Solid Halter One Piece

Basta Surf Solanas Bandeau Reversible Bikini 

Vix Ubud Bia One Piece

Robin Piccone Ikat Swimsuit

Fabulous Last Minute Mom's Day Gifts

We're just a few days away...  Still searching for the perfect gift for Mom?  These pretty little extras should do!

1. Shai Shanti Tribal Scarf $105  A spring/summertime essential.  Love the burst of colors; fabulous with her everyday wardrobe.

2. J. Crew Crystal Starfish Necklace $58  Pendant necklaces are a fun addition day or night.  Layer with other necklaces or stand alone, this whimsical starfish adds a touch of glamour to her look.

3. Tai Rose Agate Disc Bracelet $130  Beaded bracelets are an obsession this season.  Whether she's out shopping or headed to the beach, Mom will love stacking this pretty piece all season long.

4. Mulberry Cookie Mini Leather Shoulder Bag $435  This little Mulberry will be Mom's new favorite bag.  It's feminine, chic, and fabulous on-the-go.  Perfect right into the Fall season.

5. La Mer Colette Crystal Chain Wrap Watch in Black/White/Gold $160  Love this casual watch with everything!  With jeans, shorts, maxis, tees, and blouses; totally daytime glamorous.

6. Coach Madison Tossed Lace Lindsey in Silver/Parchment $598  Every girl needs a white bag in her closet.  This Coach 'Madison' has all the luxe details Mom will love.  New Moms especially, it's large enough to hold all of her snacks and goodies for the little one.