Blues Baby.

Started off the week with some bright summer blues, which is a color I'm totally loving right now. Too keep the look from being too girly I made it more edgy with a utility anorak and a strong, oversized tote. The top alone is just too youthful, and ages me down about four years; the wedges definitely help mature the look!

Blues Baby.

American Eagle Flower Print Top, Black Poppy Military Jacket, Banana Republic Skinnies, Miss Me Wedges, Target Bead Necklace, Kelsi Dagger Embellished Tote: similar, American Eagle Sunnies

Fair Flare.

Summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to the fair, so for the first time Elise, Andrew and I visited the O.C. fair. Keeping it casual in a lightweight tunic from Free People and some gladiator sandals we enjoyed some unhealthy grub and checked out all the animals. My personal favorite being the little piglets, which were only TWO days old! I was on the verge of reaching into the pen and hiding one in my purse! For those of you in the Orange County area looking to save some money on the fair, check out the O.C. Fair Express. A $3 round trip shuttle ride with a $2 fair admission coupon (admission is normally $11 accompanied by a $7 parking fee). Can't really beat the deal.

 Sugary Sweets.

 Showing Andrew some love.

 Charlotte.

 

Fair Flare.

Free People New Romantics Tank: here, Wet Seal Wife Beater, Banana Republic Skinny Jeans, Mango Bead Necklace, American Eagle Sunnies, Unionbay Gladiator Sandals, Handstitched Floral Satchel: similar 

Grass is Always Greener.

I find a lot of joy in many simple things, but there aren't many things as relaxing as laying in the grass. I really wanted to make the colors in this dress pop so I paired it with neon accessories to brighten things up. Neon is a HUGE trend this summer, and I'm still navigating the waters. As someone who feels much more comfortable in darker palettes, accessories are a good place to start.

 

Grass is Always Greener.

Express Floral Dress: similar, Mango Bead Necklace: here (amazing price), American Eagle Sunnies, Rainbow Flip Flops: here, Bracelets: 31Bits, H&M, Express

Everyday Oxfords.

Photo courtesy of: Who What Wear

Gained some outfit inspiration from actress Audrey Tatou in this trend report from Who What Wear. Oxfords which originated from men's formal wear, are fun to wear casually, with feminine style and a slightly masculine twist. What may have only been seen going to the opera at one time are becoming a girl's go-to shoe from office attire to red carpet events.

Everyday Oxfords.

Banana Republic Cardigan, Forever 21 Polka Dot Blouse: similar, Express Boyfriend Jeans, Forever 21 Lace-Up Oxfords: similar

OC Fashion Week.

Still adjusting to having the majority of my weekends free from the retail world, and completely cramming them with activities. This past weekend was non-stop from one event to the other, and the highlight was attending the student design show for Orange County Fashion Week. A runway show featuring the work of grad student designers along with Project Runway alums Michael Costello and Gordana Gehlhausen (the judges). I was highly impressed at the creative designs and immaculate detailing. Congratulations to the 1st place winner, Angela Wu, with her line, 'Fearless Beauty,' a Lady Gagaesque, feminine warrior collection.

 Love the colors in the platform.

The three finalists and their favorite look.

The finalists with judges Gordana and Michael.

Photo Courtesy of OrangeCounty.com

OC Fashion Week.

Old Navy Linen Blazer, Mine Striped Top, Banana Republic Skinnies, Nine West Fast Life Sandals: here, Jason Wu for Target Satchel

Frontyard.

Taking some time to enjoy something beautiful.

Frontyard.

Liz Clairborne Silk Button Down: similar, Banana Republic Skinnies, Black Poppy Leopard Flats: similar, Ray-Ban Wayfarer Shades

Rice Krispie.

An unbelievably summertime look turned office appropriate by adding one thing, a tailored blazer. A basic knit skirt and tee can be worn just about everywhere throughout the summer, but if you want to take it one step further, a blazer or any other jacket will help polish off the look. And we all know I'm obsessing over white this season, so of course this outfit is one of my faves right now.

 Rice Krispie.

Banana Republic White Blazer: here, Gap Pure V-Neck, Heritage 1981 Striped Skirt: similar, Gap Wedges, RayBan Wayfarers, American Eagle Bird Charm Necklace: similar: affordable, H&M Starfish Ring: similar

General Education.

My older brother, Tom Morris, just directed his 

first feature film, General Education, and the official 

trailer was released yesterday. It will be in theaters 

and on iTunes beginning August 24th. So check out the 

trailer, and get pumped to see it in theaters!

 

Watch it HERE

Photo Courtesy of Filmofilia.com

Mixed Media.

If you're a little timid about mixing prints, a good way to start is with monochromatic colors or any other blend of the same colors, this way there is less confusion for the eye. From there you can accent your look with colored accessories or shoes, to make things pop and make the look your own.

Mixed Media.

Express Striped Tank, H&M Print Harem Pants: similar, 31Bits Necklace: this season, Candie's Colored Gladiator Sandals: cuter, Express Denim Jacket

Metallic Monday.

This outfit is very simple, but everything fits together perfectly. I've been trying to under accessorize lately, because I feel like it is a more mature look in most cases. And it was the great Coco Chanel who said as you are walking out the door look in the mirror and take one accessory off. Yes, Man Repeller dubbed 'Arm parties' are totally in, as well as layers and layers of boho chic necklaces, but those piled on pieces don't work always. Just the right blend of deep metals help this outfit look complete; just one cuff, my shoes and a couple rings.

Metallic Monday.

Express Metallic Sweater: similar, Kirra Chiffon Maxi Skirt, Express Metal Cuff: similar, Unionbay Gladiator Sandals: similar, Jewel Mint Ring: similar

Currently Obsessed.

As a fashionista on a budget, there are a lot 

of beautiful things I see, and sit and drool over! 

Well if you want to drool with me, you can now 

stalk the things I love on CurrentlyObsessed.me

Laguna Lunch.

Headed into Laguna today to enjoy some lunch and the sunshine. After eating at Sundried Tomato Cafe we got to enjoy the ICY chill of the ocean. What a perfect Sunday. For all you locals, Laguna has a free trolley running through the summer that you can take through town if you want to park on the outskirts free of charge. It was fun riding around feeling the cool breeze, makes sitting in traffic more enjoyable.

I perused my sister's closet for part of this look. It came to my attention that I don't have a lot of tank tops anymore. Hoping to catch some rays, I finally found this Forever 21 tank, that fit my style perfectly. It's funny for how much my sister and I are alike our wardrobes are totally different, especially our color palettes. After trying on about 6 tops I discovered this one is a perfect blend of both of us, florals & girly for me, summery & slightly neon for Elise. 

Laguna Lunch.

Forever 21 Hibiscus Tank: similar, Billabong Denim Button Front Skirt: similar, Ciao Bella Flats: similar, Deux Lux for American Eagle Handbag, RayBan Wayfarers: here & amazing price & affordable alternative

So Many Stripes. But Not Really.

Everywhere you turn in the summer time, there are horizontal stripes, perhaps to constantly remind us that we wish we were out on our hypothetical yachts. 

This morning I just couldn't get out of bed; the weather has been doing crazy things here in SoCal and I wasn't up for another work day. After sleeping in and finally rolling out almost an hour late all I could think for the first time in FOREVER is, 'I want to wear sweats.' Coming in close is this casual comfy look.

Normally even though I love them I don't go overboard with the horizontal stripes, they usually make my chest look bigger than I would like, so I stay clear. This tunic works well because the colors are so close together there isn't as much contrast, therefore there isn't as much attention on me. Oh, and I also wore a scarf covering half my body. ;)

So Many Stripes. But Not Really.

Jimmy'z Striped Tunic, Coldwater Creek Scarf, Banana Republic Skinnies, Minnetonka Mocassins, H&M: 31Bits: Express Bracelets, Old Navy Stud Earrings, American Eagle Shades, Deux Lux for American Eagle Handbag