Reader Request: Maxis Under $30

I got a request for my favorite sleeveless maxis under $30.

1 - Popover Challis Maxi Dress - Boscovs - $19.99 (Orig. $58.00)
2 - Mossimo Challis Maxi Dress - Blue Print - Target - $29.99
3 - Jersey Tank Maxi Dress - Old Navy - $29.94 
4 - Everything to Me Dress - Dr. Jays - $18.99 (Orig. $35.00)

For those of you looking for an option with sleeves, try one of these:

Short Sleeve Colorblocked Maxi

Kaleidoscope Print Maxi Dress

Floral Surplice Maxi Dress

Peasant Top Maxi Dress

Must Have: Anthropologie Swim

I was poking around the Anthropologie sale section and stumbled on a few one piece suits I would just love to have (and that are massively discounted).

Macrame Halter Suit - $49.99 (Orig. $198.00)

Pidot Maillot - $49.99 (Orig. $198.00)

Damsel Fish Maillot - $49.99 (Orig. $188.00)

I am partial to that little orange number. Which is your favorite?

PS - I also found these wedges, and I kind of love them.

This Week

As I mentioned last week, we hit up a sea turtle hatching at Padre Island. It was the coolest. We had to get up before dawn and drive 40 miles, but I would do it again in a heart beat. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots:

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend: 

 I adore these bike & heat friendly hair tutorials.

I am loving mix & match swimwear right now. This top and bottom are a lovely pair (and on sale).

I just found this jem of a modest fashion blog.

I want this lovely dress (in cobalt).

And I am totally coveting this bauble necklace.

***

Also, guess who graduated to Toddler Times?

Changing Tate's diaper is becoming increasingly like wrestling a bear cub.

And my favorite breastfeeding perk expired. (I couldn't be more irritated).

We are planning to paint Tate's bedroom this weekend. What are your weekend plans?

Spied: Retro Zigzag Skirt

It's official: Forever 21 is my favorite place to find modest skirts.

Today, I am loving this one.

Retro Zigzag Skirt - Forever 21 - $24.90

I love the color palette and isn't a bit reminiscent of Missoni?

As usual, F21 has come out with a whole new batch of modest skirts.

 Here are a few good ones (all under $25)

Midi-Length Polka Dot Skirt
Pyramid A-Line Circle
Accordion Pleated High-Low Skirt (in a very pretty coral)
Lace Circle Skirt 

Many of the skirts I have featured in the past are still in stock. 
Click here to see other posts in this series.

Look For Less: Navy Stripe Calypso Toms Wedges

I received and email from blog reader, Clare, alerting me to this spot on look for less.

Navy Stripe Calypso Canvas TOMS Wedges - TOMS - $69 (Sold out)
Wanted Anchor Striped Wedge Pump - DSW - $34.94 (Orig. $50.00)
(Available in more colors and patterns here)

I think the style is adorable and the budget option is a dead ringer. What do you think? Would you wear them?

Video Tutorial: Single Twist Gibson Tuck

A few months ago, I posted a tutorial for the double twist gibson tuck. 

The series of pictures could only explain so much about the mechanics of the hairstyle. So, I decided to make a short video tutorial of the slightly less complicated, but equally attractive, sister hairstyle - the single twist gibson tuck.

Click through to see the video.

Inspired: J.Crew Style Guide + 30% Off

J.Crew put out a new set of looks to love, and well, I love them. Here are some noteworthy pairings (with my favorites marked with a *)

And since we are talking J.Crew, I should mention they are now offering 30% off of their clearance section. (Coupon code | SHOPNOW)

Here are a few things to check out:

Sunlit Sequin Tank

Jersey Maxiskirt

Daisylace Tee

Patent Leather Skinny Belt

Painter V-Neck Cardigan in Stripe

Look for Less: J.Crew Ink-Dip Popover

I stumbled on this look for less and wanted to share:

Ink-Dip Popover - J.Crew - $72.00
Split Collar Woven Shirt - Forever 21 - $18.90

I prefer the faded quality and details of the J.Crew version, but think the F21 is a great match for the price. I especially like the bargain version in light blue. So chic.

This Week

Tate's face in this picture is killing me dead.

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend:

I am loving this new blouse (and it's on sale).

I highly recommend these smart tips for growing out your bangs without going bananas.

I desperately want these pants.

I am so impressed with DIY look for less.

I absolutely must have these wedges (preferably in gold).

PS - Don't forget to enter the Blowfish Shoe Giveaway. 

We are planning to watch a sea turtle hatching and hitting up the farmer's market this weekend. 

What are your weekend plans?

Our Life: Family Photo Shoot

I mentioned last week that we had a few family pictures taken. My friend Amy was kind enough to take them and I couldn't be happier. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

on me:

old navy button up - $12 | similar here | here | and here

charming charlie necklace - $20 | similar here | and here

shade skirt - $15 | similar here | here | and here

old navy wedges - $25 | similar here | and here

on Tate:

arizona button up - $7 | similar here | and here

carters pants - gift | similar here | on sale here

on Steve: 

tasso elba linen sportcoat - $99 | similar here | on sale here

kohls button up - $20 | similar here 

dark blue jeans - $20

lacoste sneakers - $40 | similar on sale here

Request: Keeper Chambray Shirt

My cousin, Melissa, asked if I could find a more reasonable option of this shirt for her.

{keeper chambray shirt - j.crew}

Here are my best finds:

1 • Merona Breezy Chambray Tunic • Target • $20.00
2 • Bar None Denim Shirt • BTY • $44.00
3 • Route 66 Long Sleeve Medium Wash • Kmart • $11.99 (Orig. $22.99)
4 • Tencel Denim Shirt • Chicos • $24.98 (Orig. $89.00)
5 • Lightweight Camp Shirt • Old Navy • $17.50 (Orig. $24.94)
6 • Indigo Shirt • J.Jill •$39.99 (Orig. $59.00)

Which do you like best?

Welcome Blowfish Shoes (Giveaway)

*Giveaway Closed*

I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Blowfish Shoes has a fabulous selection of stylish shoes at reasonable prices. They were kind enough to send me a pair of monica sandals.

old navy blouse - $12

charming charlie necklace - $20 (similar here | and here)

anthropologie shorts - gift (similar here)

monica sandals c/o blowfish

(The face on the left is the special goober look I save for Tate who was lurking behind the camera. 

He had to get in at least on shot, and he was not amused.)

Today I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Blowfish is offering any pair of shoes to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

Here are the rules:

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first name and a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.

• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook.

Bonus entries:
• Visit Blowfish Shoes and leave a comment listing your favorite shoes.
• Follow Blowfish Shoes on Twitter.
• Follow Blowfish on Pinterest

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 17, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Must Have: Summer Blouses

I don't know about you, but I'm already tired of sporting tees every day. It's obviously too hot to layer - unless you work in an office with A/C on overdrive. Lightweight blouses are just the thing to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

Here are my favs:

1 • Charmeuse 3/4-Tab Sleeve Top • Old Navy • $17.00 (Orig. $29.94)
2 • Smocked Floral Print Blouse • Forever 21 • $19.80
3 • Oversized Peter Pan Collar Top • Forever 21 • $19.80
4 • 3/4-Sleeve Bow-Back Blouse • JCPenney • $18.00 (updated link)
5 • Box Pleated Top • Forever 21 • $22.80
6 • Sailboat-Print 3/4-Sleeve Top • Old Navy • $14.99 (Orig. $29.94)
7 • Boxy Distressed Stripes Top • Forever 21 • $17.80
8 • Roslyn Blouse • Alloy • $19.90 (Orig. $24.90)
9 • Crepe Flutter-Sleeve Blouse • Old Navy • $19.00 (Orig. $22.94)

What's your favorite?

This Week

I took this snapshot while a friend was taking a few family pictures for us.
I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Here are a few things to take you into the weekend:

I brought this pretty little tee home with me.

I adore this vintage-inspired photoshoot.

I am admiring this dress from afar.

I can't get over how pretty this necklace is.

I am so impressed with this look for less.

We are planning to soak up some sun at Rockport Beach today. What are your weekend plans?

Inspired: Anthropologie Knit + Floral

I spotted this image on pinterest, and just fell head over heels for it. I love the oversized knit and floral pants - not to mention the windswept side braid.

{sweater | pants | necklace | bracelet}

My look for less:

Oversized Pointelle Sweater • Forever 21 • $17.80
Cropped Conversational Print Pants • Forever 21 • $24.80
Faceted Stone Bracelet • Forever 21 • $10.80
Dimpled Crescent Necklace • Forever 21 • $5.80
Adrienne Studded Sandal • Alloy • $24.90

I am especially smitten with the pants (no surprises there). What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

Sale: Anthropologie

Anthropologie added a gamut of new items to their sale section. 

There are so many good things, I just had to share.

1 • Casetta Skirt • $39.95 (Orig. $88.00)

2 • Casting Wider Top • $29.95 (Orig. $78.00)

3 • Hibiscus Dare Midi Dress • $49.95 (Orig. $168.00)

4 • Called Port Top • $29.95 (Orig. $58.00)

5 • Tamarind Skirt • $29.95 (Orig. $68.00)

6 • Ardith Blouse • $39.95 (Orig. $98.00)

7 • Dice Notation Skirt • $49.95 (Orig. $168.00)

8 • Twinkle & Gleam Pullover • $39.95 (Orig. $158.00)

9 • Shape Swirled Skirt • $39.95 (Orig. $128.00)

10 • Atzi Blouse • $49.95 (Orig. $98.00)

11 • Tucked Tiered Skirt • $29.95 (Orig. $68.00)

12 • Freehand Lines Top • $29.95 (Orig. $48.00)

Anything you are looking to buy? I think that hibiscus midi dress is especially fantastic.

And in case you go crazy, they are offering free shipping for purchases over $100.

Look for Less: Silk Garden Floral Bow Cami

One of my best reader sources, Tamara, sent me this fabulous look for less over the weekend:

Silk Bow Cami in Garden Floral - J.Crew - $110.00
Merona Bow Blouse - Target - $19.99

The floral pattern on the J.Crew blouse is fantastic, but I think the Target option is a good one.

What do you think? Something you would wear?

Inspired: For the Beach

 

Most of my dressing inspiration lately has to do with the water. Living on the coast has me going to the beach/pool/splash park as often as possible. Here's what I want to wear:

Striped Bandeau Swimsuit - Old Navy - $29.94 {Get 30% off today only with code | 24HOURS}
Sashed Floppy Hat - Forever 21 - $14.80
Gauze Shirt Dress - JCPenney - $20.00
Metallic Thong Sandals - Forever 21 - $7.50

I've never owned a big floppy summer hat, but I desperately want one now. 

Here are a few other good ones (all under $15):

Striped Floppy Hat 

Polka Dot Ribbon Floppy Hat 

Braided Trim Straw Hat 

Colorblock Trim Floppy Hat

PS - I just had to buy this swimsuit and I'm head over heels for it!

Guest Post: The Noble Art of Leaving Things Undone

Anna, of In Honor of Design, was kind enough to invite me to be part of her Real Chat series.

Click through to find my post, The Noble Art of Leaving Things Undone.

Wish List: Stripes on Stripes

I want to dress like this.

{ top (on sale) | capris | pumps | sunglasses }

I should button my shirt up to the top more often.

What's on your wish list right now?