Peplum from the Runway to the Sidewalk

Peplum was a big trend in the spring that didn’t slow down for summer. Peplum, for those of you who may not be familiar with the term, is defined as “a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips”. I know that this trend can be extremely scary for a lot of people. But girls, you should definitely give it a try! It looks adorable on almost all body types (surprised?!), and gives you plenty of fun options.

Let’s start with a peplum top.

The details are endless. You could work with a solid, print and detailing such as lace or beading. Peplum tops are best paired with skinny pants or a pencil skirt. Don’t be afraid to do a bright color or print on the bottom, especially if the top is simple and neutral. Avoid adding pieces that flow away from the body. 

A skirt with a peplum top is probably a little bit harder to wear. If you want to add curves find a skirt that the peplum falls around your hips. If you’re already a curvy girl gravitate towards a skirt with a little higher cut so the peplum hits just above the hips, which will camouflage. For a casual look tuck a basic tank top or cotton shirt in the skirt. I recommend a fitted top that does not blouse for this look. If you have a dressier skirt; look for richer fabrics such as silk. These tops can be bloused slightly, but avoid too much extra fabric in the risk of looking frumpy. You can also pair it with a corset style top; however, avoid costume-y looking ones and add on a cropped blazer for a more professional touch.

The easiest way to pull off this look is with a dress. This is the worry-free way to know that you’re pulling the look off right. You can find a peplum dress that perfectly matches your style; whether it be strapless, sleeveless, long sleeves, lace detailing, bright colors or floral prints, the options are endless. 

Tried this look before? Comment with a link to a picture of you pulling of this fresh look!

When I Grow Up...

I'm sure you all can remember when you were little talking about what you want to be when you grow up. I love animals, I always have, and for years I was convinced that I was going to be a vet. Then one day my mom gave me the warning that I would have to put puppies and kitties to rest. That dream was over in an instant. 

Then I moved on to bigger plans. I would just be a famous actress. I was cast the lead in several plays to all types of audiences, including one for Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security. That did it for me, I was convinced. However, growing up in a redneck town in the middle of no where Pennsylvania, I didn't come in contact with many options. By 7th grade I had focused my attention strictly on soccer. That February I underwent my first knee surgery. Let me tell you, no matter how young you may be, you never really recover from knee surgery.

Once I was in high school I wasn't really focused on becoming anything. Doesn't everyone say this is the time of your life anyways? I spent the next several years enjoying my time with friends and meeting as many new ones as possible. I fell in love with road trips, I had one of the best friends a girl could ask for. We got in trouble together, explored, became spontaneous, chased boys, let them chase us, stayed out past curfew, got into fights, laughed, cried and ultimately became sisters. At this point, "real life" was not a focus.

Senior year came before I realized I wasn't a freshman anymore. I took one photography class and fell in love. I had always been obsessed with pictures, but thought nothing more of it. That was the one class I actually focused on senior year and was convinced that I needed to become a photographer, because that's what made me happy.

The first time I had ever went to Charlotte, NC was when I was pretty little. From that day on I always told my mom that I was going to go to college there. I was about eight years old. Everyone in my family thought it was just a phase, I was excited about a new place, and that it would just wear off eventually. On top of that they wanted me to go to school back home. However, to their surprise, when it became time to apply to college the first school I applied to was the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Granted, that would have been the ONLY school I applied to but since my mom kept telling me I needed a back up plan, "just in case". To make her happy, I decided to get a back up plan. The next day I applied to the University of California in Los Angeles. My parents stopped trying to get me to apply to a Pennsylvania school after that.

I received early acceptance at UNCC, and was beyond excited for my new journey. As I was filling out my paperwork I got to the part to apply for your major. Oh shit, this is where it got real. Did I want to take pictures for the rest of my life? Would I be happy? Then I realized I didn't know what I wanted. I decided to be safe and go in as an undeclared major. Plus, you have to take all those general education courses anyways, why rush into something?

Freshman year was a blast. I met some of the most amazing people in my life and created fabulous memories. I never felt so at home as I did down there. My first semester flew by and going into my second semester my adviser was really pressing me to declare a major. That's when I knew I had to get serious.

I was watching Project Runway one evening with my best friend/roommate, when all of a sudden it hit me: I'm naturally good at fashion! I always had this knack for styling, and piecing together unique pieces, making basic garments appear expensive and just making people feel good in their clothes. Friends had relied on me for years to go shopping with them. I finally knew, my perfect job would be a personal stylist.

When I let my parents know what I was declaring my major, all I remember is my dad saying, "Get a job, not a hobby." I've always believed that you should never wake up not wanting to go to work, because the day that you do should be your last day working there. I wanted to do something that I was enthusiastic about, that I had passion for, and something that I could go somewhere with.

But I was thrown a curve ball... I was paying for school myself and the out-of-state tuition for such a major school was outrageous. After my freshman year I already owed more money than my brother, who just completed his junior year of college in PA. I wasn't given a choice, I had to move back. I was heartbroken, and felt defeated. Charlotte was my home, and I was forced to leave.

Halfway through the summer I still hadn't applied to any schools. I finally had to get on the ball and pray that someone would accept me less than two months away from the start of the semester. I researched schools that offered fashion merchandising and/or fashion marketing and decided on a medium sized school a little ways outside of Pittsburgh.

I declared my major in fashion merchandising and started in the fall. My first semester was rough, I was bitter about having to leave and wanted nothing to do with that school. But it slowly got better. I allowed myself to make friends, I worked a lot, and had some of the most fun classes out of any major on campus.

I ended up graduating a semester early and went on to become a store manager less than two months later. I loved the company I was working for, but I hated the area I was in and was ready to move back down south. I tried to transfer within that company but my voice wasn't being heard. Finally I decided that I needed to find other means to be able to move. The first company I went for an interview with was in Raleigh, NC. I wanted this job (a visual merchandiser) more than anything. It was one step closer to my dream job of being a stylist. I was ecstatic when offered the position, until we discussed the pay rate. I would be making a little more than I was as a store manager, but not enough to account for the cost of living in a city as compared to a ghost town. I was also starting to pay off those countless student loans and a pay increase was a must.

I hated to do so, but I had to turn down this amazing opportunity for something as petty as money. Devastated, I returned to work and decided I would have to look elsewhere. Less than a week later I was contacted by this same company. They were offering me a different position, more money and something I couldn't say no to.

That weekend I packed up my life and moved, and I have no regretted this decision once. I love my new job, coworkers, lifestyle, and being back in North Carolina. The only way this could get better is if I was in Charlotte, and working as a stylist.

But here's the thing, I'm not ready to grow up, so until then I am more than happy with my current position. My life has been turned upside down once again. I have lost some "friends", gained new ones, fell in love, and became, what I think, is a better me. I don't know about you, but I believe everything happens for a reason. And my dream job will come along, but until then I will enjoy every day even more than the last.

When I finally grow up I want to be a stylist, what about you?

week[end] cap

 

Tonight is a much needed girls night but I just wanted to share a few things from this past week. 

(which has been a crazy one)

Love getting snail mail: especially packages!

Had department moves in ladies. A lot of hard work but SO much fun!

Just like with all children play time always turns into a fight.

 

Babe got a new puppy. His name is Bruno. He's an Australian Shephard // Mastiff mix.

&& he hides under the couch when I try to FaceTime him.

Pretty sure this was the start of a tornado...   

Layed outside and watched the planes.

Woke up in the middle of the night freezing to death... 

Apparently AJ thought I would cuddle more if he turned the air to 54.

The best part was definitely having babe home again, even if it was only for a couple days. It's amazing to realize how big of an affect someone can have on your life. But all I can say is that I'm lucky to have someone that makes saying goodbye so freaking hard.

Indecisive

AJ recently learned about this friends and family "meet and greet" the players event that he'll be having for basketball, and I was expected to attend. A wave of excitement rushed over me, followed by a pit of panic. What in the world was I suppose to wear?

Before I knew it every option I had began prancing through my head. But I'm sure you can guess where this is going... NOTHING was perfect for the occasion. As for those of you who know me you can probably agree that I can get impatient easily. Granted it was now 10 at night, and I wanted a solution. The only mall that was open was the world wide web. I love shopping online, the ideas are endless and you can get something designed half a world away in a week. The downfall is that I will search for days upon days. I always feel that if I check "just one more place" then I will find something I love even more.

Knowing that I had to get up at 4:30 for work I probably never should have started looking at dresses. Instead I told myself that I would check out one website and then go to bed. HUGE MISTAKE. Three hours later I glanced at the clock and it was almost 1 am. So much for getting sleep. I stumbled into bed and got three lovely hours of sleep before I had to get up. On the bright side, I found almost fifty dresses I love.

Once I get more details on the event I can narrow it down to what type of dress I want but until then I'll share a few ideas that I have.

For a fun/dressy casual event I love this cutout sheer top dress.

This red sweetheart dress is perfect for a party environment.

I love this heart cutout dress for a casual event, play it up with some fun sandals and accessories.

This one shoulder ruffle dress is perfect for a cocktail event. Make it shine by adding a pop of color in your stilettos and jewelry.

And lastly, we have this strapless ivory dress with beaded detailing on the bust. This would be amazing for an outdoor venue. Think of how stunning this dress with look when placed upon the newest landscaping.

Which style is your favorite?

Take a Dip

Like everything else in the fashion industry, bathing suits go through trends as well. Some years (like last year) can be more towards the boring side. Of course the colors were bright and prints were huge, mixing and matching was on the "daring" side.

However, this year we can see a lot more fun with our bathing suit options. The slideshow above showcases some of my favorite looks for this year. Cut out one pieces are selling off the racks. They are amazing no matter what size you are and the options are endless this year. But take caution in the not-so-flattering tan lines you'll receive. 

 Bandeau tops are (from my experience) the most popular piece this year. They can be found in every color and multiple styles. My favorite thing about them is the fun detailing that they're being designed with. I adore the white top in the slideshow with the sea-inspired flower detail. However if that is a little too much for you look for zippers, rouching, twists, charms and ruffles... 

Which brings me to my next point: ruffles. I LOVE ruffles all the time so to add them to bathing suits is just perfect. Look for a ruffled bottom to help camouflage a problem area, or on a v-neck to emphasize the tatas. The ruffles can be blended in a little by using the same fabric as the rest of the suit, or emphasized as a complementary color or pattern. 

And finally, the third big trend I've noticed is vintage inspired. I'm finding high waisted bottoms at most stores, and suits are being offered in "hippie" inspired prints that are fun and rather loud. 

Keep in mind that no matter what the trend may be, your top focus in shopping for a bathing suit is your body style. Just like general clothing, not all bathing suit trends will work for everyone. You want to feel confident while you're soaking up the sun. Plus, you never know who you'll meet at the beach. ;)

A Surprise Called Life

I was setting a table at work today and a sales associate had told me a story about recent events in her life and shortly after she was done she made a comment on how she never would have imagined a year ago that she would be where she is today. You know when a simple statement can stick with you throughout an entire day and just plays over and over again in your head? Well that was me today.

I thought back to a year ago today and couldn’t agree with her more. I would NEVER have imagined that I would be where I am one short year later. This time last year I was only out of college for about half a year, I had my own store. I absolutely adored my job. I had amazing associates on my staff and a great support system behind me. I loved the company I was working for and appreciated their belief in me. That part of my life was perfect.

Now the not-so-perfect part of my life… I barely knew anyone (besides coworkers) in this new town (which was near Amish country), the Mennonites which consumed my town were against my college party lifestyle, my best Pennsylvania friends were over three hours away at our college town and I was dating a boy who was completely wrong for me.

Forward a year and look at me now. I have a new job, that I love even more than my last one, I work for a fabulous company that offers many options to my career, I live in a city and I have yet to see a Mennonite while here, there isn’t any “horse and buggy” reserved parking at the doctor’s office, my best friend lives two short hours away in my favorite city, three of my best friends from PA are moving down in a month, I’m dating a man who treats me  better than Kate Middleton and things are only looking up.

It’s crazy to think that nothing in my life is the same as it was a year ago, but everything has only improved. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things might go in a different direction than we imagine them, but in the end it all plays out how it should.

So when you get thrown a curve ball, all you can do is slap on a smile, enjoy the ride and be surprised with the outcome.

What has happened in your life that turned into an unexpected surprise?

True [[Happy]]ness

It's amazing how much one person can affect you.

A couple days ago AJ came home after being in Chicago // Des Moines // Atlanta for over a month. As the day got closer for him to come I got more and more excited. Literally I was more excited than a 5 year old on Christmas. 

After work on Tuesday I jumped in my car and excitedly was on my way to Charlotte. The two and a half hour drive felt like it was going to last FOREVER, and the anticipation kept building up each mile I encountered. When I was nearing Concord, just outside of Charlotte, I had the pleasure of hitting the evening traffic. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal but that day - it was.

Finally after what felt like a lifetime, I was turning into a driveway that I haven't seen in forever.

And there he was:

The most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on. Tall (6'8"), dark, handsome and now super toned from basketball workouts. I was definitely okay with his slight change of appearance. Then it hid me. Butterflies. Like I was 12 or something. And that is exactly how I felt. From the look on his face, I could tell that he was just as excited as I was.

 

Now is the part that won't be a surprise to my friends. We had a nice evening planned out, dinner at an exclusive restaurant that I could never afford, maybe a movie or drinks in the city. HOWEVER... what really happened was a lot of Grey Goose and Red Bull, followed by AJ convincing me that there was a ghost in the house. A drunken heart-to-heart about religion was placed somewhere in between.

Nevertheless, somehow it turned out to be a perfect evening, with my perfect man.