Tangerine

{J.Crew dress, purse and bracelet, Carole Little wedges, Banana Republic necklace, TJ Maxx rings, Anthropologie sunglasses}

I walked past this J.Crew dress several times before trying it on. I'm not afraid of color; it's quite the opposite, really. If you ever catch me dressed in black, it can only mean two things - I either had nothing appropriate to wear for the occasion or I just didn't care much about it. Orange, on the other hand, has never been my favorite color. I don't like it around me, and I certainly didn't think I would like it on me. For some reason it always seemed to me that a bright orange and pale skin combo would be a big no no. Only when the dress was heavily discounted did it finally accompany me to the dressing room. And I'm glad it did. To my surprise tangerine had nothing against my pasty complexion. In fact it complemented it quite well. The simple classic cut of the dress made it even more wearable. Fear no orange no more!

            

Casual Sunday

{H&M tee, thrifted skirt, J.Crew hat and flip flops, Madewell necklace, Kenneth Cole bracelets}

Michigan Weekend

Last weekend C and I took a short road trip to Michigan to visit his family and to celebrate our birthdays. I always find it so refreshing to escape the city for a few days, to get some cleaner air and explore the charming small towns. This time was no exception. It was a fun weekend that went by so quickly. We shared some gifts, danced around to the silly synthesizer beats, enjoyed some delicious food at Graydon's Crossing, got some rays at Kirk Park beach and ended the excursion with a viewing of The Dark Knight Rises.  

Casual Sunday

{J. Crew tee, skirt, and belt, Joan & David flats, Margot handbag and unknown jewelry via TJ Maxx}

Secret Agent

{ Trina Turk shirtdress, J.Crew purse, Carole Little wedges, Jewelmint rings, Kenneth Cole bracelet, Warby Parker glasses. }

I've always been a fan of shirtdresses. Mainly because they are so classic and easy to style. Remember Rachel McAdams and her enviable collection of shirtdresses in Midnight in Paris? So simple yet effortlessly chic.

I like a different take on a classic shirtdress in this Trina Turk number. The military elements add just enough interest and edge to otherwise fairly understated piece. Throw in a pair of nerdy glasses to the ensemble and you may be mistaken for a secret agent (or that's what my husband says).

Simple Delights

{A new set of  crisp white sheets}

Thank you Mr. Calvin Klein for making such fine bed linens, and Home Goods for making them super affordable!

{Adorable new jammies to lounge around in those new sheets.}

I found these on sale at Anthropologie.

 {My French Life - a beautiful book for all you francophiles.}

It's filled with breathtaking photos of life in Provence that will have you daydreaming.

High and Low

H&M shirt, Zara skirt, Anthropologie clutch and sunglasses, Franco Sarto sandals, self made necklace

I tend to gravitate towards timeless silhouettes when buying clothing; think knee length hems, defined waist, wide leg bottoms. It always seems to be a better investment and usually the most flattering choice as well. I've been seeing uneven hem skirts and dresses everywhere this season. Despite that I was totally going to pass on this look. Well, that was until I came across this beautiful royal blue skirt at Zara. It was the deep rich color that attracted me to it. The added bonus - the skirt flows beautifully in summer breeze. 

Pleats and Polka Dots

 J.Crew top and belt, Anthropologie skirt, Coach pumps, Kate Spade clutch

When it comes to trends there are some that I am happy to retire at the end of the season and some that I have a hard time parting with. And then of course there's a few that are too embarrassing to remember (90s denim overall shorts anyone?). Pleats and polka dots are the two current trends that I can't get enough of. While the bigger pattern can be tricky to wear, for those of us who are trying to camouflage certain areas of our bodies, smaller pleats and polka dots can flatter nearly any figure.

What are your favorite trends of the moment?