Tag: summer 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

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

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

by fashionablepetiteLeave a Comment on Boho Maxi Dresses
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