Mules Shoe Trend

Mules. What are your thoughts? To buy or pass? I've been asking myself this question for months. Mules remind me so much of my mother, which isn't a bad thing, but I can still remember as a young girl my mom wearing mules. She'd always look so stylish in her mules while heading off to work or making a trip to the grocery store. They were her favorite.

In one of many attempts to purchase mules I'd try on the shoe, walk around and store and always end up putting them back on the shelf. When trying a new trend there are so many unknowns. How will I wear this? Will this look ridiculous on me? Can I really pull this off? and most importantly, How long will this be in style? There have been times when I bought the latest trend  and the following week it was already out of style. That's how I felt about mules...

It wasn't till a few weeks ago I finally decided to pull the trigger (on two pairs) while Zara was having their summer sale. When I brought them home I was excited to have them join my shoe collect. I will admit I'm still trying to figure out how to wear them with my wardrobe, but overall I think they're a great piece to add to your collection. It should be interesting to see how long they're in style. I'm sure in a few years I'll look back at this post and wonder why I ever wore mules. Till then, I'm looking forward to wearing the trend this season. 

Express Crop Top

Zara Shorts (similar at YesStyle & ShopBop)

J.Crew Necklace (similar at BaubleBar)

Prada Sunnies (similar Asos & NastyGal)

Vince Camuto Bag

Zara Mules (love these 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5) 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

How to Wear Shorts in Cold Weather

Good morning! Our last day in SF and I couldn't be more excited to fly home! Today's outfits is another outfit I've been wearing during the winter time in NYC. As much as I love wearing skirts out in the city, it's nice to throw on a pair of shorts with tights (it's so much easier getting in and out of cabs). Here are a few tips when wearing shorts in the cold weather.

1. Wear Tights - throw on any color tights with your shorts (I wore mustard color tights here)

2. Wear longer or rolled shorts - if you have any longer shorts or even shorts that can be rolled up, try those (like she did here)

3. Pair with Boots or Booties - this is a great time to bring out your boot or booties, which look great with tights and can sometimes be difficult to wear with skirts (love this look)

4. Tuck in Top - wearing fitted top & shorts is great for the summer, wear an oversized top with the look (love her outfit)

5. Layers - this is a great wear to throw on some of your favorite pieces, a black cropped blazer would have also worked with this look (like Olivia Palermo did here)

Top :: Express

Shorts :: The Limited (similar here & here)

Necklace :: J. Crew (similar here)

Heels :: Halogen 

Coat :: Zara (similar here & here)

Bag :: Zara (love this one)

Trend this Season :: How to wear a Baseball Hat this Fall

This week has begun! Morning everyone. This weekend I spent time with my family in Kansas City, Missouri. When I'm back home, I spend most of my time running around seeing my favorite people in the world.  I always find time to do some shopping, they always have great sales! This weekend I found my new "fall" bag. Can't wait to show you photos. 

Today's post was inspired by one of my favorite accessories. The baseball hat. I've been getting away with this trend for years. I've always owned some type of hat. For years it was a STL Cardinals hat, then a Chief's hat, then a leather hat and now it's this beautiful J. Crew hat. I got this hat in navy and it seems to go with everything. It doesn't look as "tough" as my leather hat and doesn't look as sporty as my sports hats. The best advise I can give when wearing a baseball hat is to keep it simple. I think a white top and jeans are a great look. Then put on your favorite pump and you look like Sporty Spice! What do you think about the baseball hat trend? Do you like or love? 

Place you could wear this outfit :: happy hour, brunch date, strolling around the city on a Sunday.

 

Top :: Banana Republic

Shorts :: Piperlime

Heels :: Zara 

Hat :: J. Crew 

Watch :: Timex

Bag :: Coach

 Photo Credits :: Lydia Hudges

leather baseball cap

 

 

 

Top: Banana Republic, Shorts: TJ Maxx (similar here), Hat: Gift (similar here), Necklace; Nordstroms, Bag: Coach

 

My new favorite accessory is my new leather baseball hat.  The most fashionable savvy person I know gave it to me.  If you're wondering who this mystery person is...it's my sister-in-law.  She's amazing & beautiful. She knows more about fashion than anyone else I know.  She keeps me updated on trends, let's me know about any cool blogs she finds and always encourages me with my dreams.  

  Last night we took an adventure to a new grocery store in the city. We're still trying to figure out what works best for us. Getting stuff delivered or going to the store every few days.  I think in the next few months we'll figure it out.

diy ombre lace trim shorts

What you'll need to ombre: old pair of jeans, bleach & a spray bottle

Before

Step 1: Cut one leg to desired length (I cut a little longer to test what length I liked best)

Step 2: repeat to other side

Step 3: Test pant leg you cut. Soak pant leg in warm water. 

Step 4: Mix 1/2 bleach and half water.  Spray on leg to test denim. 

Tested pant leg. 

Step 5: Soak shorts in warm water. 

Step 6: Spray heavy amount at the bottom of the pants and slowly make your ways upward.  Remember to do the same in the back of the pants.  I had a fan to help dry the shorts and see faster results.  I had to do this a few times. 

Step 7: After desired amount of ombre is complete, rinse out bleach. Afterwards, put in washer and dryer.  

Step 8: Cut shorter, if desired.  

Step 9: Cut both sides to same length. 

What you'll need to add lace: dry ombre shorts, pins, lace and a sewing machine (can be sewed by hand). 

Step 10: Turn shorts inside out.  Pin lace to inside of shorts. 

Step 11: Sew lace to shorts.  Make sure to use a zigzap stitch.  This will keep the jeans from fraying upward and securing the lace on the shorts.  Repeat on both sides.  Cut excess lace. 

Completed! Your own DIY ombre lace trim shorts! 

These shorts were inspired by a friend who was going to Coachella.  We have several DIY nights.  I brought over my sewing machine, we found our favorite bottle of red wine and we begun making our projects! These shorts were inspired by a pair she saw at Urban Outfitters.  They turned out great.  Good luck.  Let me know if you have any questions.

A few tips: make sure you do this in a ventilated area.  To speed up the process, use a fan or put these out in the sun to dry faster.