Category: Fashion

Casual Attire, Fashion

DIY Tie Dye Fashion

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DIY Tie Dye Fashion
Tie dye has never fully gone out of style, but it seems that in the last year or two, it has come back in a big way. Space dye is incredibly popular and you will find it in lounge-wear, graphic t-shirts, scrunchies, and hats. This week, I’m sharing my DIY tie dye project and showing you how to get cute, on trend fashion without having to break the bank!

DIY Tie Dye fashion is super easy to do and it’s only a little messy (most kits come with a set of gloves). To start, I bought two basic white t-shirts from Michael’s and a tie dye kit. I am going to be honest with you, tie dye kits are hard to come by right now and I was kind of shocked by this! It’s another thing that quarantine has made difficult to get. I found a kid’s tie dye kit (made for young girls) at Target and I only used the dye, containers, and rubber-bands. I skipped assembling the tie dye swirl spinner! This is the Swirl & Style kit that I used. It would be a great family activity if you have kids looking for something to do.

Let’s talking about tying styles!

I used two different methods on the shirts for tying. For the first one, I used the swirl style method before adding the rubber-bands. Some people use a fork in the middle of the shirt and swirl it, but I just used my hands and started with a twist in the middle while the shirt was flat on the table. I did the first shirt in purple, blue, and a few squirts of green. For the second shirt, I wanted to try a free form style and just tied knots in different parts of the shirt. I dyed shirt number two with purple, yellow, and red.

The kit came with ten dye packs and i used a total of five tablets. I mixed the dyes in the sink (follow the instructions closely on this) and did the dyeing portion in my garage. I spent about ten minutes on each squirting the dye and getting it in the creases. Make sure you flip it over and do the back of the shirt as well! A lot of people forget about the backside. I photographed the shirts the morning after (they need to sit for about 8 hours to dry). I left them overnight and then rinsed them in the sink. It’s recommended to do this for the reds/purples because those colors bleed.

How did they come out? You tell me!

I really liked how shirt number one came out with the purple and blue. You can see the swirl and it isn’t overdone. I honestly don’t enjoy shirt two as much. The yellow overlapped with the purple in spots and created a brown color. I also don’t enjoy the more haphazard pattern. I would do a different set of colors for shirt two, but am still pleased that I have a couple of fun new shirts to wear out!

Finally, I am sharing how I styled shirt number one below. I am wearing Raw Hemmed Crop Jeans by Top Shop and Havana Sliders by Steve Madden. These jeans fit snug! I am normally a 27 which is equivalent of a 4, but in these jeans I’m a 28. My other recommendation is the Wedgie Jeans by Levi. I wear a 28 x 28 because again, they are a snug fit. It is getting later into summer and that means stores are starting to sell out of certain clothing items (sandals, shorts, etc), but check out my LikeToKnow.it page for links to similar styles! The app is free and will give you access to all my looks. I knotted the tie dye T-shirt in front for shape and paired it with silver hoop earrings.

I am also including my top tie dye finds if you aren’t into DIY-ing and want to do a little bit of shopping! Shoes, t-shirts, lounge-wear, hats, and dress are all included!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

The Return of the Wide-Leg Jean

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The Return of the Wide-Leg Jean
Skinny jeans and high-waist pants have been the in-trend for a number of years now, but if you remember the 00’s, you remember the trend was low rise jeans and boot-cut jeans. After a long period of being dormant, wider leg are finally making returns to the mainstream!

I am giving you the scoop of how to style a wide-leg jean (in case you’ve forgotten, it’s been a while). I am also giving you my top ten choices to rock a boot-cut or flare jean.

First off, lets discuss the difference between flare and boot-cut jeans before we dive into how to style a wide-leg jean. A flare leg has a narrow knee and a wide-leg opening vs. a boot-cut jean that is not as tapered at the knee. A boot-cut is less dramatic (slightly more practical) and more of a 00’s jean and a flare is more classic and carries a 1970’s vibe. The biggest modern twist with both boot-cut and flares is that cropped styles are popular in both, meaning your have a lot of options in terms of styling and shoe selection. My outfit is a cropped retro flare look and I’ll be sharing it below.

Now let’s talk about styling!

For this week’s look, I paired my High Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jeans from Gap with a balloon sleeve top! I’ve said it before, but Gap knows jeans. They turn out a quality jean in a variety of styles and lengths and I return to their jeans over and over again. This Mock Neck Top from Banana Republic is almost identical to mine and is light and feminine. The Zala Wedge Platform Sandals are from Chinese Laundry and Kristin Cavallari is a shoe wizard. She’s a petite girl who makes short legs look fantastic. For me, platforms give me confidence and the wide-leg of the jean is offset by the height of the shoe. These jeans are high-waisted and they make me look taller than I am. Why? The wide leg is drawing the eye upward and creating a nice even symmetry with my top half. The high waist is also flattering and balances the wide style of the leg opening.

Here are my selections for both flare jeans and boot-cut jeans! All pairs have a petite option and include a couple cropped styles that are more popular than traditional jean lengths right now.

Styling a wide-leg jean is fun, flirty, and classic! I hope you feel inspired to try something new!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

10 Best Biker Shorts for Women

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10 Best Biker Shorts for Women
In last week’s post, I discussed 3 ways to style women’s biker shorts. I have heard back from many of you and want to share the 10 best biker shorts for women that are out there!

Biker shorts really are a flattering and fun trend if you find the right pair. I suggest first figuring out what your goal is in wearing them. Are you looking for casual pair that can go from gym to errands, or are you looking to push the envelope and go more fashion forward? Once you determine where and when you’ll be wearing them, biker shorts will be a standard wardrobe piece in your closet. This top 10 list of biker shorts for women was compiled off of top reviews, price tags, and most importantly comfort & style!

Let the list begin!

First off are the All Eyes on Me Silver Grey Snake Bicycle Shorts by Mint Julep. If you want a fun short, these shorts are SO cute. They have a fun silver-snakeskin sheen and a high-rise waist. These shorts also have a longer inseam ensuring they don’t ride up as is typical of shorter length biker shorts.

2. Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Short – These shorts by Lululemon are some of the most technical on this list and are a really great option for being active. These training shorts come in over 11 colors (grey, olive, orchid, etc) and come in a 6″ option or an 8″. Their signature Everlux fabric is designed to be breathable and lightweight. I highly recommend these shorts for runners or gym goers.

3. BCG Women’s Essential Bike Shorts – Looking for the most economical choice for bike shorts? Look no further. These bike shorts from Academy Sports + Outdoors are $4.99. That’s right, FOUR DOLLARS & NINETY-NINE CENTS. They come in a ton of different colors and are not compression based, meaning you aren’t being restricted. Reviews say that the quality is great despite having such a low price point.

4. Spanx Faux Leather Bike Short – This list wouldn’t be complete without an inclusion from Spanx, the king of shape-wear. These faux leather shorts are perfect for dressing up a graphic t-shirt or adding some edge to an outfit. “Flat gut and great butt,” is the motto and the power waist-band is designed with flattery in mind. They are also designed to eliminate any muffin-top mishaps and are are oh so stretchy.

5. Onzie High Waist Bike Shorts – These shorts by Onzie come in a high waist style and fun patterns such as Leopard and Camo. The mid length thigh allows for the short to be styled in a number of ways and they are extra stretchy! Seeking versatility? This pair is ideal for you.

Halfway through the list!

6. J. Crew Biker Short in Signature Flex – These bad boys from J. Crew are fantastic when it comes to durability. They are designed with movement in mind and we all want a short that moves with us and not against. The Flex shorts are designed with weekend activities in mind and have a pocket in the back to stash chapstick or keys. The colors are limited to Navy and Black, but the standard colors are versatile and you have tons of options for styling.

7. Free People Seamless Rib Bike Shorts – Ladies, these Rib Shorts are FANTASTIC! They are the perfect pair to make bike shorts fashionable. They come in a number of sparkle styles (absolutely gorgeous), as well as a Peach and a White. These shorts are not workout friendly, but are perfect for lounge or going out. They also retail for $20.00. SCORE!

Finally heading into the top three!

8. Good American Icon Bike Short – If we want to talk about who made bike shorts fashionable, look no further than the Kardashians. These biker shorts by Khloe Kardashian’s company Good American are designed to be breathable and have a four-way stretch. They are high-waisted, hit mid thigh, and are compression based. Reviews also praise their lack of sheerness which is hugely important. If you are aiming to for one of the most flattering pairs, these shorts are high on the list!

9. Mint Julep Get Active Bicycle Shorts – I shared these shorts from the Mint Julep before, but they are fantastic! These bike shorts are a great length (no riding up here) and not restrictive. They are lightweight, durable, and have great stretch. Also, they are versatile and can be worn as gym wear or paired with a blazer for a dressier look.

To wrap up the list, at number 10 is the Everlane Perform Bike Short. Everlane always creates minimal and clean designs and these bike shorts are no exception. They come in Copper and Black and have an extra high-waist design. There are also minimal seams for added comfortable and sleekness. Additionally, these shorts have a built in pocket making it ideal for a phone. These shorts are also breathable and lightweight for hot summer temps.

Overall, I hope my list of 10 Best Biker Shorts for Women is helpful and useful as you hunt for that perfect pair of shorts!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

Styling Bike Shorts Three Ways

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Styling Bike Shorts Three Ways
Bike shorts are in! What was once only favored by avid bikers on long rides across tough terrain, is now in style. Honestly, fashion is funny that way and I love its inability to be predicted. I am going to share with you three ways to style them so that you can rock the next big trend!

I have been skeptical of styling bicycle shorts because I’ve worried that I’m too old to rock what the young one’s wear. As a number three creeps close to the front of my age, I’ve questioned my ability to look good in a biker short. Biker shorts are also spandex and that’s all that needs to be said about that. BUT, if I can do it, you can too!

For each of my outfits, I will be using the Get Active Bicycle Shorts in Navy from the Mint Julep. I will link all the products that I can again at the end of this post!

Now onto the first look!

For my first look, I am wearing this Coco Graphic Tee from Alex Erinn that is so soft and comfy. If you haven’t looked at Alex Erinn’s shop, I highly suggest you do! All of their pieces are fun, feminine, and well priced! Use Darcy15 at checkout to get 15% off of your order.

I paired my first look with slider Havana Sandals by Steve Madden. It looks like DSW is largely sold out of the sandals in black, but they do have a bright yellow color, as well as an animal print pattern that would be perfect with a black biker short. I tied the t-shirt for a more structured look and if you don’t a lot of extra shirt to knot, I recommend using a skinny hair tie in the same color as the shirt to knot it.

Next look!

For my second biker short look, I paired the shorts with my trusty Travel Tans from Steve Madden, a white halter tank, and a Banana Repubic Utility Shirt in Chambray Blue. This look isn’t overdone in part because the loose fitting nature of the top counters the tightness of the short. Opposites DO attract!

And now my final look!

For my third and final look, I paired the bike shorts with a white t-shirt, and blue blazer in corduroy from J. Crew. The corduroy tends be a seasonal item, so I am linking other options at the end! I paired this look with Tommy Hilfiger Lightz Sneakers in red, white, and blue. I love mixing the formal nature of the blazer with the laid back vibe of the biker short. Think structured movement up top vs. fitted on bottom.

While styling bicycle shorts in different ways can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy (and fun!) Fashion is all about pushing our boundaries and if it’s not challenging you, it’s not changing you.

Below are most of the featured items or similar options for this post.

-xo

Darcy

Business Attire, Fashion

Dressing Well as a Petite

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Dressing Well as a Petite

If you are petite, you know the struggle of pants and sleeves being too long, tops that slide off of your shoulders, dresses that overwhelm your frame, and clothing that makes you feel like you are about two-feet tall. I am here to tell you that there is hope and there are tips & tricks to make your life as a petite woman easier! Below are my top five pieces of fashion advice for petites.

My first piece of fashion advice for petite women is to wear a monochromatic look. By picking something in a singular color palette, you are not breaking up your body at a midpoint, it’s all one smooth line! Monochromatic looks will make you appear visually longer than you are and that’s the name of the game! As short gals, we rely on visual tricks to make our bodies look taller and monochromatic looks are a great way to achieve that.

My second and third hacks for petites are both shoe related. When picking out a shoes, the best shape option is a pointy toe. Why a pointy toe? Pointy toe shoes make your legs appear elongated and who doesn’t love a good pointy-toe? Pointy toes are some of my favorite shoes in my closet and it’s another visual trick that helps petite women appear taller.

My third hack is to go for a neutral colored shoe vs. a colored or black shoe. Neutral shoes reflect natural skin toes and by wearing a cream, tan, or beige colored shoe, you’ll blend your skin color with the shoe and create the illusion of height that we all want. Along those lines, ankle strapped shoes visually break up the ankle from the foot. If you are looking to maximize your height, a non ankle strap shoe is the most visually pleasing on petites.

Nude color bag and nude heels are great options for petite women.

My fourth hack is a simple one, less is more! Use a small purse or clutch and not a large purse when picking a bag. Having a big back makes petites look heavy and off balance. Instead opt for a mid to small bag and you’ll look more proportionate. It’s easy for smaller frames to get weighed down and being aware of accessory sizes is important.

My fifth and final piece of fashion advice for petite women is to opt for v-necks type shirts and blouses over scooped or round neck shirts. V-necks make your neck appear longer and draws the eye upward. With a round neck, petites appear to have a shorter torso and midsection.

These are by no means all the petite hacks that are out there! It’s also important to note that you can wear a round toe shoe or scoop neck top. I absolutely do! I don’t want my readers to think that I’m saying to avoid certain looks entirely, I want to emphasize that! These are merely some hacks that I’ve learned and they don’t have to be followed daily. BUT if you do have a big interview or important event, give these hacks a try and let me know what you think!

Below is a representation of these hacks at work! I am wearing a white colored blazer, white jeans, and white v-neck style cami. This look is paired with a nude colored heel that is both strapless and has a pointed toe. I finished this look off with a small, neutral colored bag.

The pieces that I am wearing are linked below with a few extra options included!

As always, email or comment below!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

Raise Your Pom Poms

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Raise Your Pom Poms

This week I’m talking all about poms! Not the pom-poms cheerleader shake around after a team scores a touchdown, but the fashion-y poms that add a little extra pizzazz to an outfit. In the summertime, a pom-pom is the perfect addition to a beach sarong or a summer bag.

This LOFT Pom Pom Staw Crossbody Bag is currently on rotation in my closet. I love the gold chain and it 100% screams summer. There are two things that I love about this bag.

First off, I really like is that the gold chain is thick. To me, that’s the sign of a well made item. The bag isn’t flimsy and it wont fall off if I put it on the back of a chair on a patio. Similarly, the base of the bag is light and doesn’t weigh heavy across my shoulders.

Secondly, I like the bag size. I am all about using an over-sized bag if you are headed to the beach or going on a big outing, but during the summer months I don’t want to lug around everything under the sun in a large tote. The Pom bag is an ideal size. It comfortably fits a small glasses case (and an inhaler if you fall into the super nerd category like me), a key chain sized wallet, and some chap-stick or a small tube of makeup or sunscreen.

I paired the pom bag with the Steve Madden Travel Tan sandals and Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans from Top Shop. The sandals are super popular right now. I love them because they add some edge to an outfit with the studs on the band, they are definitely a statement shoe. The Top Shop jeans do fit a bit snug and it is recommended to size up. I love Top Shop for petite jeans because they are of a good quality, fit well, and are not overly priced.

For the top, I’m wearing a braided top from Ann Taylor in a light mint color. The top is from the spring collection so I am linking near identical styles below. I paired this look with a Round Buckle Belt from LOFT. What’s your go-to jean?! Tell me in the comments below or email me!

I am including all of my outfit grabs below!

FEATURED IN MY OUTFIT

Below I am linking my favorite pom finds plus the Pom Bag from LOFT. Everything listed is under $100.00. Bright, colorful, and oh so summery!

POM-POM MUST HAVES

-xo

Darcy

Business Attire

Dress to Impress

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Dress to Impress

Lounge-wear is slowly being retired to its original place in the dresser drawer as the working world slowly begins to resume after months of quarantine. Looking for some great work attire to impress the colleagues you haven’t seen in months? I’ve got you covered with my top picks.

I also want to start off by letting you know that I am now on LiketoKnowit! If you are wanting to shop my looks, I will be creating a page for my outfits and recommendations, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you can go to visit my profile here and follow me on LiketoKnow.it.

Now back to the blogging! Flutter dresses are some of my work attire favorites! They are versatile, professional, and I can throw a cardigan over the top to create a great work outfit. This lemon colored dress is from last year’s collection from Ann Taylor and the I love it for summer work-wear. Ann Taylor is also a great stop for cardigans and the V-neck Short Sleeve Cardigan is a great piece to wear atop a work dress. The cardigan comes in Night Sky, Fresh Mandarin, and Sensational Sand.

Also from Ann Taylor, I recommend the Ankle Pant in Crosshatch in neutral. The light crosshatch pattern is so classic and clean. It also adds texture to an outfit and would look great with a bright colored top.

Along with the pants, I recommend the Cameron Slim Crop Pant from J. Crew. This pant comes in SO many colors ranging from a vintage Kelly Green, Heather Graphite, Deep Fuchsia, and I personally love the Subtle Pink. It’s just a touch pink and almost resembles a peach ivory.

Ann Taylor also has a fabulous Flutter Sleeve Shirt Dress that I am currently oow-ing and aw-ing over. It comes in gorgeous Electric Cherry and I love the slight cutouts in the sleeves. It also has a tie-waist and would be great with a nude heel like this Low Block-Heel Slingback Pump from Banana Republic. These heels come in Natural & Black, Snakeskin, and Navy & Black Leather.

Transition to pencil skirts (there’s nothing more classic than a pencil skirt), this Petite No. 2 Pencil Skirt in bi-stretch cotton from J. Crew is a must. If you are in work-wear all day, you want to be comfy! The stretch on this skirt means it is less restrictive and it doesn’t ride up as much as a tradition pencil skirt. It hits knee length where is right where you want it to hit. It comes in Bitter Lemon, Soft Fuchsia, Ivory and Navy. The Bitter Lemon is near identical to the color of my flutter dress if you’re looking for something bright and summery.

Finally, this Bi-Stretch Blazer from Banana Republic comes in White & Navy Stripe. Similar to the skirt, this blazer is designed with stretch in mind. It moves with you, which is great for long days in the office. It has a single button for waist enhancement and a notched lapel. I love the classic feel of the Navy Stripe and the light color is great for hot days where you have to dress for work, but don’t want to be in a heavy, dark colored blazer.

Email me or comment below with your thoughts, or let me know your thoughts about what I’m missing on my list!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Fashion

Boho Maxi Dresses

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Boho Maxi Dresses

Flowy dresses with lots of movement are the best, especially in hot and heavy summer weather. I love dresses (that’s nothing new to anyone who has been reading my posts) and I would describe my style as feminine, leaning more towards classic looks. Bohemian style dresses are not something that I usually associate with my sense of style, but with the right dress, the sky is the limit. I am fully behind trying new styles and breaking into new trends, if it looks good. That’s how we grow and build our confidence. Clothing is a reflection of who you are and the way you dress mirrors how you feel about yourself. I’m here for the maxi dress and this is why.

This is the Shimmer Floral Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress and I LOVE IT. I was skeptical when I purchased it because the shimmer and ruffles do add a lot to the dress. It actually fits really well and doesn’t overwhelm my frame. It actually works because the bodice is fitted and the sleeves ruffles are drawing your upward and outward (it’s all about illusions). The shoulder ruffles are also smaller and that makes a big difference when dressing a smaller build. There are also some ruffles along the torso and they hug the body which makes the dress flattering.

Let’s also talk about fabric for little bit.

The other takeaway when looking at maxi dresses, and all clothing for that matter, is fabric. If you are petite, DON’T GO TOO HEAVY. Pick a lighter fabric like a linen, a silk (talking about silk midi skirts again), or polyester. A lot of women don’t look at fabrics and this is a huge no-no. Fabric content is important because fabrics can impact the way you look just as much as the style of dress. This AT dress is 98% polyester and there is a reason a lot of clothing like workout wear is polyester based. It’s breathable and wicks way better than cotton. Polyester is also considerably lighter than cotton and won’t look as heavy or dense on a petite frame. I really do love cotton, but if you’re looking to dress up, cotton just isn’t the best fabric to wear. You’ll also sweat less in polyester, big bonus! I paired my look with my Steve Madden Karolyn Sandals and opted for a small crown braid to pair with the boho style of this maxi dress.

The other maxi dresses that I recommend are this Petite Strappy Ruched Maxi Dress from Banana and the Eliza J Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress. The Ruched Maxi is light and flowy with a spaghetti strap top. I love that it is ruched because it’s flattering to the tummy area and covers an area that a lot of women are self conscious about. It’s gorgeous in the White Floral, as well as in basic black. The Eliza J Dress is made of chiffon, so it goes back to the airy feel of summer dresses. It’s cinched at the waist with a gold belt for a little sparkle and structure. This dress has a halter style top which is flattering on petite frames and the floral pattern is perfect for summer days out and about.

Have a wonderful start to summer!

-xo

Darcy

Dressy Attire, Fashion

White Summer Dresses

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White Summer Dresses

I love all dresses. All styles. All the time. I love colorful dresses and patterns, but I’m also a big fan of a simple and clean looking dresses. There is something about a white dress in particular that captures the vibe of summertime. A white dress reminds me of watermelon, fireworks, and beaches. Here is my rundown of my favorite white dresses for summer 2020.

First off is this dress from Banana Republic! It is one of my favorite dresses I own. I wish it came it different colors because I would buy them all! I love it because it’s comfortable, but it’s also flattering on my frame. The Linen-Cotton Button-Front Mini Dress comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes. It has a slight ruffle cap sleeve (nothing too overpowering) and white buttoning down the chest. I paired it with espadrilles in black from LOFT and an Embroidered Wide Floppy Hat from Nordstrom Rack. The espadrilles are sold out, but I LOVE Viscata for espadrilles. They have the Canet Canvas Espadrille Wedges which are almost identical to mine. I’ve mention Viscata before, but I cannot get enough of them. They are elegant and can dress up any outfit.

A lot of women shy away from white dresses because they believe white is less flattering vs. black, or that they are concerned that they will become washed out by wearing white. Neither of these is true, you simple need to find the right dress with the right fit and you can always add pops of color later with shoes, jewelry, or a purse. White dresses can look great on all bodies, petite, tall, plus, and regular.

My next pick is a dress that’s more of a flowy option. If you’re looking for a more baby doll look, I recommend the Square Neck Flounce Dress from LOFT. It is extra flowy and would be great for a walk along the beach or a relaxed date night out. It also comes in Forever Navy, Electric Sun, and Shiny Coral.

My third selection is a super fun and trendy dress. If you’re on the hunt for something fun, look no further than French Connection’s Azana Ruffle V-Neck Midi Dress. The ruffle detailing on the shoulders adds femininity and flirtatiousness to the dress and the low neckline is offset by the the longer hemline. It is also comes in Red Ochre and Black. In the day, pair it with a colored sandal and to transform it at night, a platform or wedge would add a layer of sophistication.

When you’re looking for dresses, you can never go wrong with the Red Dress Boutique. There dresses are always reasonably priced and they have a huge selection of dresses that is updated daily. The downside to Red Dress is that because of their popularity, particularly in the summer, their dresses sellout quickly. If you’re someone who likes to keep items in your cart for more than a few hours, you’ll miss out on your selections. I am a big fan of eyelet dresses and the Summer Rays White Eyelet Dress is classic summer. The dress features a V-neck and short bell sleeves. The dress is slightly fitted through the hips and waist, but lends itself to a more relaxed vibe. The skirt is short and would look great with a platform sandal or a strappy ankle sandal.

Another eyelet option is Madewell’s Eyelet Tassel-Tie Mini Dress. It has a full sleeve and a keyhole front. It hits above the knee and has a tassel belt to cinch the waist. Out of all of my picks, this eyelet dress is the most conservative and traditional. That doesn’t mean it’s any less cute or trendy! I recommend pairing this dress with a ballet flat, a cat eye sunglasses, and a fun hair accessory such as a headband or a hair scarf.

I also really love a good maxi dress. The ASOS DESIGN Petite Exclusive strappy tiered maxi dress in white is a great option for a full length dress for petites. It has a v-neck with cami-straps and a scooped neck back. It has a tiered look and the cotton look makes it comfortable for a day dress. I suggest pairing it with a gladiator sandal or slip on sandal. Gold accessories would really elevate the simplicity of the dress, as would a pair of large frame sunglasses.

Please connect with me via email or through my Instagram! Have a great summer day beauties!

-xo

Darcy

Casual Attire, Dressy Attire, Fashion

Midi Skirt Must Haves

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Midi Skirt Must Haves

Do you remember in the late 90’s, when slinky slip dresses and skirts were one of the “it girl” must haves? If you’re old enough to remember that era, close your eyes and picture Sarah Michelle Gellar and her perfectly placed butterfly clips, spaghetti strap top, silk skirt, and you can almost smell the roll-on glitter. Not every 1990’s trend needs to make a come back (I’m looking at you chunky highlights and puka shell necklaces), but I am excited that the slip look is making a comeback in a new and improved way in 2020. Here’s why the slip skirt and the midi skirt are closet must haves.

Slips skirts are not bulky – for a petite frame, that’s ideal! There are a lot of trends that overpower smaller builds and midi skirts in general are not one of them. They give smaller gals the illusion of length vs. a maxi dress that can make you appear shorter because it goes all the way to the ground. Don’t get me wrong I love a good maxi and you’ll see me in them all summer long! Slip skirts also give texture and shine to an outfit that otherwise would fall into a more basic category. That also means slip skirts are ideal for switching from day to night wear and you can style them in a variety of ways. I’m going to walk you through how to style a midi skirt in a variety of ways using my new and favorite Bea Skirt from Reformation. They sadly sold out of it recently because of Reformation’s huge sale last week, but they do have the Bea Skirt in Cappuchino at Shop Bob in regular sizes 4-10. J. Crew has a Pull-on Slip Skirt that comes in a variety of colors ranging in Navy, Olive, Red Rock, and Neon Fuchsia. Some of the brighter colors only have a few sizes left, but not to worry, I am linking other options!

Nordstrom Rack has the Elodie Wrap Skirt in Leopard (only small sizes left!) and Apple Green. I’m really loving the bright electric greens for summer! Nordstrom Rack also has this adorable and silky midi skirt from HYFVE. It’s a wrap style which I find flattering on so many different body types and it comes in both Mustard and Copper. Onto my looks!

My first look is my midi skirt, balloon sweater, and nude pointed toe heels in Shel Paten from BCBG. I think people overthink the tuck on the sweater. Don’t tuck it in all the way around, just tuck the front piece in loosely. This creates the look of “effortless cool” where you want to look pulled together, but still relaxed. I would recommend the Ann Taylor Petite Ribbed Balloon Sleeve Sweater for sweaters. It’s a super comfortable sweater that wont leave you feeling cold in the chiller months.

My second look is my midi skirt paired with a button down tunic top in black and the same nude heels. I did the same front tuck that I did with the balloon sweater. Keep it loose and not overly structured. The tunic is from LOFT and I love that they carry the same style in a variety of colors throughout the year. Since the black is more of a winter color, they only have the tunic in white, but I’m sure they will change the colors in the coming months!

My third look is my midi skirt paired a black ribbed tank top from Banana Republic, open-toe heels in black from Steve Madden, and a black & gold chained purse from BCBG. By pairing the fitted tank with the skirt, I have more structure on top vs. the flowy movement of the skirt on bottom. This is one of my fav date outfits (when we could leave the house, way back when). I couldn’t find an identical match to my mini purse, but Zara is one of my go-to places for accessories and I love their Animal Embossed Crossbody Box Bag.

My last look is my midi skirt with a basic V-neck T-shirt from Banana Republic and tennis shoes from Tommy Hilfiger. I tied my shirt into a side-knot to make the shirt look more chic and form fitting. I can throw a jean jacket on top of this look and be ready to run errands around town, see family for a casual get together, or hit the brewery with my hubby!

I would be happy to explain more about different shirt knot ties and how to make your basic T-shirt look super cute and stylish! As always, comment below or ask my questions about style, how to’s, and anything else that’s on your mind!

-xo

Darcy