I’ve been wanting a striped “skater skirt” (full skirt?) like this for a very long time. But every one I tried on just flared out too much. After buying this one and then exchanging it for a smaller size (runs big), I’m still not sure it is the most flattering cut for me. But it sure is comfy. I decided to stick with the black & white theme by wearing my pasadena pumps and adding in pops of color with my belt and bag. You guys know how I love my matchy-matchy.

And a little update on the photography saga: I still can not get my pics to look the way I want so I am going to go back into the camera store I bought my lens from and hopefully be able to get a little help. I’m sure no one else noticed it but in yesterday’s post (and the day before), there is now a really weird shadow on on all of my pics. I have always used a flash so the shadows must have something to do with this new lens. I’ve played with the flash settings and still get the same results. Also, I have tried on numerous occasions to take pics in the shade without a flash as many have suggested and I just get harsh shadows and have to do too much post editing?!? What am I doing wrong here??? I would just rather be able to shoot straight out of the camera (with a flash) and only have to edit blemishes/wrinkles and not have to worry about lighting. Sorry about the vent sesh. Hoping to be back tomorrow with some answers. =)

Outfit Details:
Ann Taylor top
Pim & Larkin striped skirt
Pasadena Pumps c/o Tailor & Stylist
Belt actually came with this dress
Coupertina Bag (available in black, beige or mint here) c/o George, Gina & Lucy
Michael Kors Runway Watch

You might remember these shorts from the matchy-matchy outfit that I wanted to buy. I got an overwhelming….DON’T DO IT. So I ended up buying just the shorts. But I’m still thinking about the jacket. And that is all I have to say about that.

Outfit Details:
Zara Embroidered Blouse
Anthropologie Rose Point Shorts
Baublebar Tassel Necklace (not a member of Baublebar yet? Join here).
MIA Tapas Sandals
Michael Kors Runway Watch
Lace Clutch c/o JustFab

I took these pics quite a while ago…uploaded them to the blog and then forgot to share! Oops! The April Glossybox was full of items to enhance your natural beauty and get you summer ready! Here’s what I got:

TiGi Glow Blush: A soft, baked powder formula that effortlessly provides a glow-from-within effect and looks beautiful on all skin tones. My thoughts: How gorgeous is this blush?!?! I was a little concerned that it might be too pigmented but it actually is beautiful on and has just a perfect amount of shimmer to it. I only have a peach blush that I use regularly so I am happy to add a nice pink tone to my collection.

Wash With Joe Coffeemint Body Wash: This body wash contains an invigorating blend of coffee and mint that helps revitalize and balance the body and the mind while keeping skin superbly clean. My thoughts: This smells EXACTLY like a Junior Mint. Which used to be the only candy I would buy at movie theaters. So it totally reminded me of my youth and smells good enough to eat!

Alterna Professional Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist: A weightless texturizing mist that instantly gives natural, “just-back-from-the-beach” waves. Simply spray on damp or dry hair from roots to ends and shape with fingers for loose, tousled style. My thoughts: This was the product I was most looking forward to trying. I bought Bumble & Bumbles “Beach Spray” YEARS ago when it first came out. This reminds me of it only it seems to leave my hair feeling softer than the Bumble one did. I love using this spray to add texture to my just washed hair. Kinda makes you look like you have 2nd day hair (which I like) and gives you that “I just got back from the beach and have perfectly tousled hair” look. =) win.

The Honest Co Honest Organic Lip Balm: Honest Lip Balms are made from organic jojoba and oils from olives, sunflowers and coconuts. Tahititian Tamanu oil, rich with Omega 6 & 9, helps restore vitality and boost moisture. Perfect for maintaining happy, healthy lips. My thoughts: I am very familiar with Jessica Alba’s brand The Honest Co because she spoke at Luckyfabb last year. To be honest (pardon the pun…wait, was that the correct use?), I am not a big “organic” person. But I’ve already thrown it in my bag for stroller strides days. It will definitely get used.

Bulgari Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc Tea Bag for Bath: Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc is a generous and elegant expression of personal indulgence. Relaxing and calming, Eau Parfumée au thé Blanc reflects the precious nature of white tea, offering an intimate and luxurious expression of sensory pleasure. My thoughts: I don’t take baths…gasp! As nice as they sound, I just don’t ever seem to have the time to take them. I’ve always got 76786834768346 other things to do. I will probably give this away.

LE MÉTIER DE BEAUTÉ Replenishing Daily Solution: This rich, emollient formula protects, conditions and hydrates while it nourishes, rejuvenates and detoxifies skin, restoring a healthy suppleness to your skin. Paraben-free. My thoughts: I received a sample of this in my Man Repeller Glossybox and liked it so I was happy to get another sample. It is pricey so I was glad to see they offered a $75 off coupon (which brings the price down to $150…still high for me) w/ code GLOSSYBOX through May 31st.

For those of you who don’t know, Glossybox is a monthly subscription service that offers a curated box of 5 deluxe products for $21/mo. To sign up or learn more about the products included in this months box, click here.

*Disclaimer: I received this Glossybox for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

It’s rare that I wear a statement piece like this necklace back to back like I have (see yesterday’s post here). But I couldn’t help but reach for it again today. Even though it is a fairly large piece, it still feels very feminine to me. Plus I just love gold accessories. I picked up this top at an O’Neill sample sale. Somehow I got on their email list so we get invited to their sales twice a year. I convinced my husband to go twice until he figured out that he isn’t sample size so now I’m going to have to twist his arm to go with me again next time. =)

P.S. you have no idea how bad I wanted to talk about photography again. =)

Outfit Details:
O’Neill Neon Lace Top
JCrew Chino Shorts
Harlow Necklace c/o Towne & Reese
Michael Kors Runway Watch
SO Sandals (not shown)

Well, it’s day two of trying to figure out my camera. And I still just don’t see THAT much of a difference to justify the price of this lens! Once again the first pic is my fave but I went with my signature formula of sun directly behind me…with a flash. I just think it gives me the most flattering lighting (minus the flyaway hairs)! Am I crazy?!? Wait….don’t answer that. =) But I created  a photography board on Pinterest so now I just need to make the time to read through some of the tutorials. The pic below was taken with my old lens by my dad. It was the only one that wasn’t blurry. I added a little cross process on Picmonkey for fun. OK, enough complaining about my pics. It was actually a fabulous Mother’s Day. We went to lunch at one of my fave mexican restaurants, then we spent the rest of the day playing outside in the GORGEOUS weather (it was 90+ at our house) and finished the day off with cold stone ice cream.

My brother, my mom and me.

Outfit Details:
Old Navy Striped Dress
Nine West Wedges
Harlow Necklace c/o Towne & Reese
Michael Kors Runway Watch

Pic Details:
Pic One: 50mm, f/2.5, @1/500 w/ flash, ISO 200 Pic Two: 50mm, f/2.5, @1/500 w/ flash, ISO 200 Pic Three: 50mm, f/10, @1/80 w/flash, ISO 200 Pic Four: 50mm, f/2.5, @1/500 w/ flash, ISO 200 Pic Five: 24mm, f/10, @1/320 no flash, ISO 400 plus a cross process done on Picmonkey.