PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

Fashion month is officially upon us. It's so exciting to see what designers have dreamed up for us to look forward to in the upcoming season, but that's not the only reason I love following along with the action. One of my favorite things about fashion week is the hoards of street style shots that come along with it. From the industry insiders practically sprinting from show to show, to the stylish on-lookers who get caught candidly on camera, style and personal expression is at it's height. There's a certain essence and movement to these shots that simply can't be premeditated. 

You're sure to see lots of these street style shots flowing through my Pinterest feed over the next month. Below is one that I've pinned recently. I love this monochrome look with just a pop of red. The outfit is so simple, but the ribbed sweater and accordion pleated skirt give the look great texture. Grab the whole ensemble below for $145 and make the streets your runway. 

She Inside Sweater - $15

Forever 21 Pleated Skirt - $25

Forever 21 Crossbody Bag - $25

Sole Society Block Heel Sandals - $80

Total: $145

Three Dresses for Five Days: Simple White

Alex2_0104web

There's an allure to a simple white dress, but so often I have avoided wearing one. Other than my wedding day, I don't think I have ever owned or worn a white dress. Someone once told me that white makes women look bigger, and I think since then I have avoided the color all together. I also manage to stain almost every white piece of clothing I own, and so it's just not a practical color for a mom on the go.

That was all until I wore the Sienna dress by Kokoon...I just love it too much, AND you know what? It's machine washable. Ding! Ding! I can just bleach it if it gets stained. It doesn't wrinkle either because of the knit textile. Hallelujah!

The raglan sleeve detail makes this simple white dress perfect for weekend hangs with my family. You can wear it with wedges or sandals, but I loved wearing my white chucks to make my outfit even more casual. Add a denim jacket to keep you warm during the spring nights, and you are set for a Saturday in style.

Alex2_0139web

Have I made you re-think your white fabric hesitation? Keep checking back every day this week to see how I only need three dresses for five days of the week.

This post is sponsored by Kokoon. Photos by Katina Patriquin.

What NOT to Wear - A Personal Example

Okay, so I'm about to completely make an arse of myself, but it's for YOUR benefit that I'm doing this! This is how much I love you! It was back in 2006 (six years ago mind you) when Ryan and I hired our wedding photographer, Melissa Jill. I'm so glad to say that we're all great friends to this day and I get to work with her all of the time. YAY!!! But back to the story...Our engagement shoot was approaching, and I was freaking at as to what to wear for our session. So, what did I do? I looked online to see what other people were doing.

Mistake #1 - I didn't stay true to myself. I copied other people - other people that had NO style, apparently.

I saw that most people were wearing black and white in the photos. BORING snooze fest colors that are the WORST colors for the camera by far. NEVER, ever wear black or white for a photo shoot. Promise?!

Mistake #2 - Thinking that the only color in the world that is slimming is black.

Both Ryan and I wanted to look our best, so of course, that meant looking our thinnest, right? Sure, black does make people look slimmer, but it's a terrible color for photographers to work with and doesn't pop in a photo. Other colors like red and purple look great with my skin, are dark, and complement the camera. Prints would have also been a fabulous choice because the right one will easily hide any love handles.

Mistake #3 - We MATCHED! M-A-T-C-H-E-D!!!

Why, oh why, did we think this was a good idea?! Just combine mistake 1 and 2, and you have your answer. Thankfully, the fact that I'm Greek and Italian and he's Norwegian kept us from looking like siblings. Praise the Lord!

So, now when I say don't wear black, white, match, etc., you know I'm not just saying that because I read it somewhere. I'm saying it because I made the mistake of doing it myself and confessed it on this blog for the whole world to see.

I seriously can only share this now after having a well established respect among the lifestyle, wedding and fashion photographers in my area and a portfolio to back my taste up! haha!

White Lace

Trend alert! White lace is popping up everywhere. The ultra feminine fabric is ushering in spring and summer in stores like J.Crew and H&M. I've never really been a huge lace fan mostly because my style is simple and clean. And WHITE lace...Well, until now, I've only worn it on my wedding dress, but for some reason I'm really diggin' this pure and flirty fashion statement.

I'm thinking my Easter dress is going to be right up this alley.

Here is some inspiration to get you on the band wagon...

Photos: Unknown, ASOS, Fashion Kingdom, unknown, Because I'm addicted

Bright White

Happy Friday! It's Memorial Day weekend, and I'm relaxing and hanging out with my family for the next couple of days.

I thought the perfect way to end the week and start the party would be to show some fashion inspiration based on the most popular color of the summer season AND a color found in our American flag - WHITE.

What are your plans for the weekend? BBQ?