Daily Dressing

Happy Thursday, 3P pretties!  Has this 'short' week been long for anyone else?  I feel like I have been going and going, but I really do like like life that way.  And, given that recent days have been filled with outdoor barbecues, summer weather, and Memorial Day celebrations, its no wonder that weekdays feel longer when you are fresh from a spree of outdoor celebrations!  As you can see in the outfit photos this week, I really am kicking off summer with a handful of BBQs- I guess a girl can't complain at all about that.  Now, time to focus on summer outfits with color blocking, and encourage myself to mix it up way more than just blue and pink (although one of these is actually my favorite color, so I don't blame myself for wearing it too much)!

Hope this last day of May is a wonderful one for you- I can't believe May is already over!

  

- Outfit 1: stripes and snake print -

Occasion: work

Shirt: Target

Skirt: LOFT (love this one for summer too)

Bag: Nine West

Sunnies and Heels: Steve Madden (flat version of blue shoes here)

Jewelry: Kohls, ON, LOFT (bracelets right hand), J.Crew (left hand), Target (watch), LOFT (ring)

- Outfit 2: fuchsia and golden tones -

Occasion: decoration consulting

Dress: LOFT (old; similar here and here)

Belt: Target

Sunnies: Target

Bag: H&M

Sandals: Ross (old; love Tory Burch's leather wedge sandal)

Jewelry: F21, Target, ON, BR (bracelets), old ring

- Outfit 3: seersucker blues -

Occasion: work

Blazer: H&M (old; another option here)

Dress and heels: Calvin Klein ( similar dress and love this design)

Bag: Nine West

Jewelry: F21, BR (necklaces), Target (watch and ring), LOFT, The Limited (bracelets)

- Outfit 4: violet fans -

Occasion: group bbq and casual dinner out

Shirt: Target

Skirt and flip flops: WHBM (old; newer skirt style here)

Purse: Nine West (also loving this gray purse)

Sunnies: Steve Madden

Jewelry: F21 ring and friendship bracelets), Tiffany, Topshop (bracelets)

- Outfit 5: maxi + stripes -

Occasion: running errands

Shirt: Express

Skirt: Target (similar)

Bag and sunnies: Nine West (eyeing this leopard hobo bag too)

Jewelry: ON, F21 (bracelets)

- Outfit 6: basic blues, greens, and browns -

Occasion: brunch with the fam

Dress: Candie's

Belt: came with an old dress

Jacket and sandals: Ross (old; might have to pick up this jacket for cooler summer evenings)

Bag: Red by Marc Ecko

Jewelry: F21 (ring) Target (bracelets)

- Outfit 7: nice and netted -

Occasion: family BBQ

Sweater: ON

Tank: LOFT

Skirt: American Eagle

Bag: TJ Maxx

Sunnies: Target

Boat shoes: Union Bay (loving this Sperry Top Sider pair)

Jewelry: heritage ('M' necklace), Stella & Dot (chain necklace), Target (watch), BR, F21, Kohl's (bracelets)

- Outfit 8: stripes ahoy! -

Occasion: Memorial Day BBQ

Dress: Ross (love these striped dresses here, here, and here)

Belt: Steve Madden

Wedges: Nine West (similar here and here)

Bag: Tommy Hilfiger

Jewelry: Starbucks, F21 (bracelets)

Weekly Wardrobe Win

The ABCs of summer espadrilles

Patterned espadrilles:

a. Asos

b. Charlotte Russe

c. Chinese Laundry

d. Madeline Girl

e. Naughty Monkey

f. Bettye Muller

g. Luichiny

h. Betsey Johnson

i.  Cynthia Vincent

The warm weather always makes my mind think of the cutest shoes that can be worn during bright, summery days. Enter: the popular espadrille.  These kinds of kicks are being seen all over this time of year, and fortunately there are a wide variety of styles and designs to fit your every summer shoe need.  Now slip on some espadrille wedges and head out to a dinner on the patio, or grab some flats and enjoy an adventurous weekend outing!

Espadrille flats:

a. Mia 

b. Borne

c. Old Navy

d. Coconuts

e. Keds

f. Soludos

g. Coconuts

h. Michael Michael Kors

i. Missoni

Espadrille Wedges:

a.  Tommy Hilfiger

b. Michael Antonio

c. AK Anne Klein

d. Sychelles

e. Nine West

f. Kelsi Dagger

g. Michael Michael Kors

h. Marc by Marc Jacobs

i. Loeffler Randall (I know these aren't wedge heels, but I just love them!)

Wonders from the weekend

< Pool time on a sunny afternoon, in celebration of my friend's birthday! >

Ahhh, what a wonderful long holiday weekend this has been!  It would have been nice to have maybe just one more day off, but thank goodness all kinds of fun can be packed in to just three days.  Visits with family made for good times during delicious meals, and a birthday barbecue celebration at our place was an excellent time with wonderful friends.  Memorial Day weekend is always one of my favorites- my husband's birthday usually falls around now, memories of honoring the service men and women who have protected our country always warms my heart, and kicking off summer with backyard barbecues and time by the water always leaves a feeling of excitement in the air.  I hope you are looking forward to a great short week, so no matter what you are facing this week, make it a great one!!

< First time out to dinner at Johnny Garlic's... delicious!! >

< Baking up a storm for birthday celebrations: chocolate cake, angel food cake, brownies, and cupcakes were all baked this weekend! >

 < Birthday party barbecue celebration for the hubs >

 < Memorial Day celebration with the family: fresh watermelon, reading material for the road trip up the hill, and a beautiful sunset in the hills >

Happy Memorial Day!

To all those who have given so much to serve, protect and keep our nation full of liberty and and justice for all- God bless you and your families and friends. Thank you for what you have all selflessly given to provide freedom for the rest of us. To my husband, my grandpas, my brothers-in-law, and my cousins who have served and are serving in active duty, I am grateful for the dedication you have had toward giving your best to defend the rest of us. May God bless America, and may we always remember those who have gone before us to protect our nation. Fly your flags high today, from sea to shining sea!

Dreaming of the long weekend...

< Fresh fruit, canopies on the beach, toes in the sand and waves, colorful umbrellas to lounge under, smores over the campfire, and freshly squeezed lemonade... yeah, summer!! >

It is hard to believe that Memorial Day is upon us.  Each year this time appears in my life these days, I am dreaming of summer vacation like my 6th grade self could not wait to be out of school!  With plans for barbecues outdoors, visiting with friends, spending time near the pool and/or lake, and celebrating the mister/s birthday, it is going to be a wonderful weekend to kick off summer!  Here are a few of my favorite summer items, with a splash of Memorial Day inspiration.  Hope you all have a wonderful, fun-filled, Memorial Day weekend!  Hooray for the long weekend and the long, summer-like days that are surrounding us!

< Red, white and blue decorations and treats- looking forward to a wonderful Memorial Day! >

< A few summer weekend outfits to provide you with outfit inspiration- pair any of these with flats or wedges and you'll be good to go! >

Top row: 1, 2, 3

Bottom row: 1, 2, 3

And just for fun...

< Remember these summertime treats from when we were younger?  Ah yes, those were the days... >

*All above images via Pinterest and edited by me

Currently Craving: Gingham

< Clockwise from top left: >

Anthropologie clutch, Bettie Page heels, Modcloth tunic, Cross journal, Old Navy dress,

Splendid pocket shirt, Asos pencil skirt dress

Recently, popular prints that are popping up on all my favorite clothing sites, on the streets, and in the lives of the fashionable people I know, are really starting to grow on me.  Take, for example, gingham- this delightfully checked pattern is cheeky and fun, can be dressed up or down, has a way of cheering you up with checks in adorable colors, and is the perfect design for a casual summer afternoon in the sunshine.  Above are a few of my current favorite gingham designs, which I hope will be making their way into my closet!! Now, off to 'check' some things off my list today!

Weekly Wardrobe

Happy Wednesday, 3P pretties!!  After a little bit of a break from the regular weekly outfit posts (see here, here, and here), I am back in action with my regular wardrobe sharing!!  As it is blatantly obvious in the picture collage above, skirts and dresses are my mainstays during warm weather.  Hooray for bright, cheery colored clothes, fun summer patterns, open-toe heels, and fun in the sun!

Hope that you enjoy browsing through these outfits, and hopefully they will help inspire you to create some new fashion out of your closet contents!  Also, be sure to vote below for your favorite in the Weekly Wardrobe Win, and check my Facebook page each Monday (or Tuesday, if Monday is a reserved holiday) to see the results!

- Outfit 1: dotted dressing -

Occasion: Mother's Day celebration

Dress: The Limited (similar)

Belt: F21

Heels: Guess (I like this style too)

Purse: Target

Sunnies: Nine West

Jewelry: Kohl's (necklace), ON, Topshop (bracelets), F21 (ring)

- Outfit 2: black, cream, and coral -

Occasion: work

Shirt: The Limited

Skirt: Target (it is coral colored, not as orange as it looks in the picture!)

Heels: Simply Vera Wang (old)

Belt: Nine West

Bag: The Limited (old; similar)

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson (cat-eye version)

Jewelry: Anne Klein (watch), F21 bracelets

- Outfit 3: apples to apples -

Occasion: dinner with friends

Dress: BeBop (eyeing this blue version)

Vest: F21 (old)

Belt: H&M

Purse: Ross

Wedges: BCBG (old; current season's version)

Sunnies: Nine West

Jewelry: F21, BR (bracelets)

- Outfit 4: The Webster dress -

Occasion: work

Dress: The Webster Miami via Target (beautiful similar design)

Heels: Guess

Purse: Target

Jewelry: J.Crew (necklace), Target (ring), BR, F21, Kohl's (bracelets)

- Outfit 5: primary stripes -

Shirt: Ross (also love this striped t-shirt)

Skirt: LOFT

Heels: Simply Vera Wang (old)

Belt: The Limited

Purse: Olivia + Joy

Sunglasses: Nine West

Jewelry: Target (watch), F21 (ring and bangles)

- Outfit 6: easy breezy cotton -

Occasion: BBQ after a hilly bike ride

Dress: ON (old, newer version)

Wedges: BCBG

Purse: H&M

Sunnies: Nine West

Bracelets (please excuse the yellow band!): ON, Target, Topshop

- Outfit 7: azure aztec -

Occasion: weekend errands

Dress: Ross (more aztec print here, here, and here)

Vest: JCPenney

Heels: LC Lauren Conrad

Bag and sunglasses: Target

Arm party: ON, LOFT, F21

- Outfit 8: coral floral with a splash of pink -

Occassion: church and brunch

Shirt: Express

Skirt: Old Navy

Heels: Guess (eying this pair too)

Sunnies: The Limited

Purse: Target

Bracelets: F21

Weekly Wardrobe Win

The ABC's of poolside essentials

With summer right around the corner (and warm weather now that is almost as warm as summer days!)  I am dreaming of days by the beach, lake, and pool.  While I think a nice pedicure is my absolute most necessitated accessory to have for time near the waves and water, I also enjoy bringing a bag that can carry all kinds of beach essentials, wearing shoes that are easy to slip in and out of, and of course, remembering those sunnies.  Here are a few ABC's of my current favorite basic poolside necessities for enjoying a day in the sun.  For some other beach wear ideas, click here, here, and here.

Have any questions about summer fashion or what to wear to a summer event?  Email me at ParticularlyPracticallyPretty@gmail.com, and I will be happy to provide you some ideas in a post!

a. ASOS keyhole sunglasses

b. Ralph Lauren rounded cat eye sunglasses

c. ASOS oversized aviators

d. Topshop aztec sack bag

e. River Island beach bag

f. Billabong beach bag

g. Old Navy t-strap sandal

h. Dolce Vita sandal

i. Sam Edelman sandal

*Above images via Pinterest and Google; edited by me

Wonders from the weekend

< Bike ride Tour on a sunny Saturday to support a local volunteer organization >

Happy Monday, you wonderful 3P readers!  This past weekend was a go-go-go kind of weekend, but was filled with wonderful events, time in the sunshine, and laughter with friends.  Activities for me and Mr. 3P (plus wonderful friends, for most events) this weekend included an outdoor concert, a 20-mile bike ride through rolling hills on a Tour in support of our local volunteers, a delicious BBQ lunch to end the Tour, another BBQ to meet some fellow travelers we will be attending a trip with in a few weeks (stay tuned for an exciting update or two on that trip!), happy hour with friends, time at my sorority's local chapter helping out with an event (it was just me that attended this), and a relaxing afternoon on the lake with good friends.  Whew!  I need a weekend from my weekend!  I have a feeling this upcoming week may require the consumption of large amounts of iced chai lattes, but no matter what, I am going to make it a great week!

Whatever you 3P wonderfuls are facing this week, make it a great one for you!

< Hot air balloon advertising at an outdoor concert on a perfect summer-like evening >

< Sushi dinner date with the hubs >

< Ahh, the amazing college memories that are brought back whenever you visit a place that reminds you of those good ol' days! >

 < Cupcakes on a boat to celebrate a friend's birthday >

< Time on the lake welcoming summer and watching the eclipse! >

Obsessed: Cannes Style

< Beautiful gowns on beautiful ladies! >

TGIF, 3P pretties!  While this week has been swamped, it has also flown by- I hope yours has too!  I realize that the Cannes Film Festival has just recently begun, and I have been ogling the pictures of the red carpet gowns I have been able to locate so far.  It really seems like there are not that many out there yet, so if you know of a secret stash, let me know!  It seems like recent Friday posts have really been trending toward gowns and dresses (see here and here), but not to worry- this is not a permanent topic for the Obsessed weekly posts.  There have just been too many pretty dresses out there recently, and I cannot resist featuring them on this blog that is all about Pretty!  Enjoy browsing through these gowns as seen on the Cannes red carpet so far this year, and be sure to read through the end the see how my obsession with Cannes has played out this week!

Have a particularly wonderful weekend. and I will see you back here next week!

< Berenice Bejo in Louis Vuitton >

< Diane Kruger nailing it in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture >

 < Costars Tilda Swinton and Kara Hayward coordinate well in their gowns! >

< I want this dress!  Freida Pinto wears a fun sequin and pink gown >

< Jessica Chastain in a Dolce & Gabbana dress, and an Alexander McQueen gown >

< Marion Cotillard pairs fun yellow heels with a beautifully pleated Dior dress >

And dreaming of Cannes... 

 < This is a 'postcard' I made, which I would love to send to you from Cannes!

Just look at the beauty! >

And if I was actually lucky enough to be  in Cannes this week, this is what I would love to pack:

< Vanessa Bruno sundress, Heidi Klein bikini top and bottom, DV sandal, Straw Studios straw tote, and Michael Kors sunglasses >

* Above images via Pinterest, Vogue.com, and PeopleStyleWatch.com; all arranged by me