wardrobe wednesday

Leather & Lace

 

 

 

Something most people don't know about me is that from age nine to well into my college years, I showed Quarter Horses. Instead of a car for my sixteenth birthday, I got my beloved gelding Taxi. And while I loved just about every aspect of my horse-show days, I totally blame them for developing my keen affinity (and undying affection) for cowboy boots.

It's been quite some time since I've been in the saddle, but I see that as no reason to stop collecting the pretty, pretty boots. A girl's gotta stay true to her roots, right?!? This pair is definitely my favorite because of the gorgeous hand-stitched flowers and the fact that they go with everything from jean shorts to lace dresses. And of course, since you just never know when you might have to help wrangle a runaway steed when you're out to dinner, I feel the need to wear them on pretty regular basis. Yee Haw!

Happy Thursday!

P.S. I'm linking up with Three-fer Thursday today! Check it out for lots of inspiring spring looks! 

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Navy Tiered Dress (local boutique) | similar, similar, similar, similar
A Slip Shop lace slip extender
Old Navy jean jacket
Old Gringo Bonnie boots
Leather Tote by staceyleigh
Mossimo Leather Stud Belt
Turquoise Bead Necklace
Bali Clicks leather bracelet

 

Five on Friday: Favorite Spring Skirts

Spring is definitely my favorite time for wearing skirts! The warmer weather means I don't have struggle with the dilemma of tights/hosiery/leggings and can go bare-legged. Of course, that means I must actually put forth the effort to shave my legs, lest I be mistaken for a sasquatch just emerging from hibernation. But with so many cute options available right now, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make! (albeit grudgingly). Here's five of my current favorites:

1.  J. Crew Factory Printed Linen Mini ($34.50). I might have been a zebra in a former life because stripes are my weakness. A quick glance in my closet will confirm: the girl kinda likes stripes. I'm especially fond of the navy + white combination, as it serves as the perfect neutral for happy spring colors like pink, mint, and coral.

 

2.  H&M Sweatshirt Skirt ($39.95).  Um, you had me at sweatshirt. An article of clothing that's just as comfy as my ratty oversized Grand Lake sweatshirt (but unequivocally more appropriate for public wear??) Sold!

3.  Merona Woven Printed Pencil Skirt ($22.99). Tribal prints are hot this spring and I love this budget-friendly option from Target. The mix of vivid colors, playful texture and pattern is perfection. Top it with a tee and white jean jacket and you're ready to go!

4.  Grand Pas Tulle Skirt ($52.99).  I am so obessed with light flowy skirts this season! My yellow chiffon skirt in the post below is getting a workout lately. Paired with denim or leather, they can look edgy, or topped with a preppy striped tee and heel, they can have a demure, girly look. Because why should ballerinas have all the fun?

 

5.  Boden Modern Pencil Skirt ($74.80). The classic pencil skirt looks great on everyone and can be dressed up or down for just about any occasion. I adore this bright striped number and could see it with a crisp white linen shirt and sandals or a casual tee shirt and Chucks. 

 

So what are you loving for spring??

Top Gun.

 

 

When I thrifted this yellow chiffon skirt a few months back, I had ideas for styling it up all girly and creating outfits worthy of champagne brunches and wine tastings and picnics in the park. Not that my life actually includes any of those events, but sometimes I like to pretend. I've worn it several times now, styled as such, and it's been fun dressing it up all feminine and frilly. And I may have even drank some wine while wearing it.

But this is my attempt at trying something different. Throwing a little grunge into the mix, ala Air Force fatigues (my dad's!) and distressed boots. And I have to admit, I kinda like the mix of functional and fancy. It's just a little bit dressy, but not so much that you can't put your feet up and crack open a Colorado microbrew. Because as fun as it is to have champagne wishes and caviar dreams, sometimes a girl just needs an ice cold beer. (And Ice Man aviators, natch!)

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

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Forever 21 chiffon skirt (thrifted) | similar on etsy
Air Force shirt (vintage) | similar
A Slip Shop tiered slip
Old Navy Lace-Front tee
Frye Veronica Shortie boot
Kenneth Cole Reaction tote | on ebay
American Eagle aviators
Target pearl charm bracelet | similar

 

Little Miss Sunshine {Pants}

I know that technically, the calendar says it's officially spring. But in Colorado, Mother Nature works on her own timeline. It may be 70˚ one day and snowing the next, and quite often this weather see-saw continues all the way through Memorial Day. And since we got a nice dusting of the white stuff just this past weekend, I haven't pulled out the shorts and sandals quite yet. But that doesn't mean I can't celebrate spring in my own way. Which totally means breaking out the yellow pants.

Sure, I had to pair them with a denim shirt and my boots instead of tank and flip flops, but they are bright enough to make me feel a lot like springtime. And with a floral necklace blooming on my neck, who needs real flowers?

So until spring really does arrive around here (and that can be ANY DAY NOW....do you hear me Mother Nature?!) I'll be making my own sunshine. Or at least wearing happy yellow pants.

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Seven for All Mankind denim shirt (old)  | similar
Old Navy Rock Star Super Skinny jean (sold out) | other colors
Ruby Bloom floral necklace | similar on etsy
Frye Campus boot in Dark Brown
Leather bow tote by staceyleigh
Target watch | similar