Simplicity

On Saturday at my Oldest's First Communion, I wore one of my favorite looks so far this year.  It was clean, simple, sophisticated and perfect for Spring.  Though I love to layer, sometimes the simplest looks have the biggest impact. 
 

Dress: Banana Republic / Heels: Tory Burch / Earrings: Stella & Dot / Lipstick: Nars

Sneakers

I cannot even believe I am writing this post.

It just means I have succumbed to something that I was so adamantly opposed to in the beginning.

It is just like that Taylor Swift song "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together".

The first time I heard it I could not stand it.

The thousandth time I heard it I was turning it up and singing along.

Same with the sneaker trend.

When the first high top sneakers came out, I could not deal.

Perhaps they reminded me a little too much of the "Pump" Reeboks I owned in the 80's.  

After months of them not going away, I am not finding myself craving a pair.

I did own a pair of the Michael Jackson LA Gear High Tops in Junior High so perhaps it was fate.

Which pair am I craving?

This one.

Tory Burch Benjamin Leather and Flannel High Tops

But don't worry, there are MANY others out there from numerous designers.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Glam Studded High Top

Steve Madden Olympiaa High Top

Topshop Aerobic2 Wedge Sneaker

Where do you stand on this?  Love?  Hate?

One More Thing

I already wished you a "Happy Weekend" with complete plans to not come back to the blog until Monday.  Then I received an email from Tory Burch.  I am LOVING her Pre-Fall collection and had to share some of my favorites.  Yes, I understand that it is 100 degrees across the country and NO ONE is looking forward to boots and long sleeves.  But you know, sometimes fashion just does not make sense.  This is one of those times.

Marlow Dress

Calista Flat Riding Boot

Brigitte Tunic

Favorite Fall Looks From Tory Burch

Tory Burch keeps getting it right.  Each season I feel like she takes it up a notch and produces a collection even better than the season before.  This Fall is no exception and I can see myself wearing all of it.  These four looks are my favorites with #3 being top of the list.  What do you think?  Do you have a favorite?    

Impulse Purchase Brought To Life

If you follow me on twitter, then you will know that a couple weeks ago, I made an impulse purchase of this TEXTILE Elizabeth and James Riley Skirt.  I had written about it here and have been keeping an eye on it.  While casually perusing ShopBop, I noticed it was on sale so I snatched it up (just in time too because it sold out the next day).  I opted for the Charcoal color so that it could be worn into Fall with boots and a sweater.  Here it is making its debut this past Sunday.

Everything else?

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs (via Rue LaLa)

Earrings - Forever 21

Necklace - Banana Republic

Tank - H&M

Watch - Michael Kors

Clutch - Tory Burch

Shoes -  I am not wearing any. Sorry, it was nice outside and I was lazy

Bringing the 70's Back

I have developed a crush on all things 70's lately.  Blame Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie with their fabulous 70's fashion but I cannot seem to get enough of the super wide legged, high waisted trousers, big sunglasses and fabulous printed blouses.  One of my favorite blogs, Mommy Chic (you should definitely check her out!) blogged about some high waisted Gap jeans that were currently on sale.  Lucky for me, I was able to track them down for just $10!  STEAL!  Here was my debut of the jeans.  What do you think?  Mind you people, I am not a fashion blogger, these photos were a quick snap from my hubby (BTW, how do they pose?  I felt SO silly!).  Please do not have high expectations....

Curious about everything else?

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tank - Tory Burch

Belt - Gap

Shoes - DV by Dolce Vita

Handbag - Marc Jacobs

We headed to the movies after this and saw Crazy, Stupid, Love.  I loved it!  Highly recommend!

Only two more days until the voting is over!  Thank you so much for the continued support!

One of My NEW Favorites: Penny Loafers

Yes, you read correctly.  I am actually stating that one of my new favorites for Fall is a Flat and not a Stiletto.  Crazy right?  Well, remember when I wrote this post about not being able to wear heels for a while?  This obviously meant I had a prescription for some new flats to get me through these trying times.  Designers must have known I needed something fashionable yet practical because penny loafers are now everywhere and I am loving it.  Menswear at its best.  They can work with my sundresses and skirts through the rest of summer and will play a fabulous part in my Fall wardrobe.  Here are two on my "must have" list .....

Sam Edelman "Etiene" Loafer
I was able to pick these up at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Tory Burch Penny Loafer
This red is amazing!

And, if you are not having back issues like I am, here are some heeled versions that are adorable and perfect for Fall!

Marc By Marc Jacobs Loafers

Adrienne Vittadini Porter

Don't worry, I have not given up heels forever.  Just a few more weeks.....

Also, I know I keep asking but there are only a few days left so if you have a second to vote, I would really appreciate it!  

Pool Bag: Major Dilemma Here

Yesterday was my first official day of venturing out to the pool with all three kids by myself this summer.  I knew I had a LOT to take with me but I also knew that I had the perfectly large, over-sized tote to pack it all in.  I was determined to take only one bag as I found it completely annoying that for two hours I would need two.  So, I packed up the bag.  This is one one that we have...

Family Tote by Pottery Barn

Looks great right?  WRONG.  The bag was packed so tight that I thought I was going to fall over walking in.  Nothing was organized and things kept falling out everywhere.  When we left the pool, I shoved everything in the best that I could (potentially using my foot to shove it in there) and this is what it came home looking like...

GROSS! Such a mess!  Since then I have been scouring the internet looking for something to hold all of our stuff.  I am not willing to admit that I am a family so large that we need two pool bags.  Unfortunately, nothing is coming up.  Short of bringing a suitcase with us, the measurements of all bags are coming in at the exact same size.  Soo, I started fantastizing about what bag I could use if I had no children with me, with only the need to carry some magazines, water bottle, sunscreen and a book...

Striped Canvas Tote by Vix Swimwear

Canvas Beach Tote by Tory Burch

Sophie Tote by Kate Spade NY

Hmmm, perhaps I do need two.  One for the kids and one for me....

One of My Favorites: Oversized Sunglasses

I have a slight obsession with oversized sunglasses.  They just work for me.  I have tried other styles but I always go back.  Because of having children, I always keep a couple pairs of child-friendly sunglasses on me, but love to have a nice pair when I know they will not be destroyed.

These are my favorite child-friendly pair.  I have about 5 pairs scattered around the house.  If they break or I lose them, I always have a backup.  LOVE that they are $5.80.

Forever 21 Sunglasses

I am currently pondering the purchase of one of these two pairs.  They are both adorable but the Chloe might take first place.

LOVE the scalloped trim on these!

Chloe Scalloped Trim Oversized Square Sunglasses

But I love the color and detail on these ones too...

Tory Burch Oversized Sunglasses

One of My Favorites: Tory Burch Five Pocket Denim Legging

There is only one thing I need to say about these Tory Burch Five Pocket Denim Leggings.  BEST JEANS EVER.  They are the perfect combination of fitting like a legging but still looking like a jean.  They are extremely slimming and are snug in all the right places.  I am currently contemplating a second pair just in case TB decides to discontinue them.  The only problem now is that I have given up wearing any of my other jeans in favor of these ones.  LOVE.