Layering lace tops

I found myself a purple lace top at TJMaxx for $16 the other day, and since it was down pouring this morning and I was not going to even attempt to go out; I thought I would spend some time experimenting with layering the top.

Subtle Pattern
A navy tank with polka dots is a bit more interesting than black, but still pretty tame.

Neon
A much bolder statement, and it really showcases the lace pattern.

Under a vest
I wanted to be daring and try it without a cammi. I thought putting a belt over the vest would be a good way to establish that this vest isn't going anywhere.

Under a strapless dress
I was thinking it would be a fun way to dress-up something more causal, but this dress was begging to be paired with it. (You want to know something awful? I've had this dress for three years and haven't worn it yet. I really like it with this top though, and I need to wear it, pronto!)

Under a romper
I like experimenting with really causal pieces to see if I can't turn them into something I'd wear to an evening out. Maybe not 'fancy restaurant' appropriate, but perhaps an outdoor bar, on a tropical island...

And today
lace over yellow
Under a mustard cammi and a vest!
Lace top TJMaxx - Denim vest TJMaxx - Mustard cammi Macy's - Grey cords J.Crew -  Bronze wedges Unlisted - Necklace Aldo

And now some lace tops you could call you own:


Purple short sleeve, Urban Outfitters - $38
Grey racerback, Mod Cloth - $50
Black short sleeve, ASOS - $25
Black long sleeve, Urban Outfitters - $28
Peach short sleeve, Forever 21 - $19.80
Burgundy tank, Forever 21 - $9.80

Outfit Under $100 Stripes and Polka Dots


The weather is finally getting warm enough that tight wearing is becoming unnecessary, but before retiring them for the summer months, I simply had to pair my dot tights with my striped mini skirt.

Everything else is pretty neutral, to let the patterns have their due, and the addition of the yellow scarf was important because I do love color, and it is spring after all!

Weird side bar - when I was leaving work for the day and walking to the car, someone drove by me and shouted "You are beautiful - want a ride?!" And yes, it was a creepy person. So I said nothing and got into the car as quickly as possible.


Striped Mini skirt - NY&Co. $16.47
Black Blazer - Old Navy $40
Black Cammi - Forever 21 $2.50
Yellow Scarf - Scarf World $8.35
Black T-Straps - Amazon $20 (or $30, depending on size)
Dot Tights - Ebay $6.75 (These have been at both F21 and H&M, but you know I can't find them online there...)

Total: $94.07 (or $104.07)

I've haven't been doing very many outfits under $100 -- which is something I had originally wanted to do regularly - at least monthly!

What do you think - Do you like them? Should I get on the ball and start doing them more often?

Loose ends

Two months ago I started a style challenge where I was supposed to choose some neglected items from my closet and create four outfits with each of them.
I started out pretty strong, but then, rather than finishing before Italy, or bringing any of those items with me, I just let them sit in the closet. On Friday they confronted me for being such a lazy, style challenge neglecter, so I decided I had better finish!

The Brushstoke Top

Satin overload

I feel like this look is so very un-me.
Shorts, first of all, I am still making peace with. I actually made these myself when I was feeling inspired by Vera Wang's 2010 Resort Collection. This is my first time wearing them, and I paired them with a satin top, of all things!

To save myself from feeling too much of a satin overload, I added as much leather as I could, with a belt from Urban Outfitters, my Italy sandals, and clutch. Also sporting my nOir hedgehog ring.

Previous pairings (I couldn't even remember what I'd worn this with before...)

Happy Easter!Brushstroke topBrushstroke top, Look 2

The Sequin Tank


Sequins and Turquoise

Next was the sequined tank, which I was so unsure of when I bought it, but now I really quite love it. I'm not even completely sick of it. The turquoise belt was newly thrifted last weekend, the skirt is from Macy's, the earrings made by me, and the shoes and bracelet were borrowed from my mother and sister.

When it was on before

Like the sunAye AyeI started out with color

The velvet blazer

Green Dress

This dress is Max Studio found at TJMaxx, and is what I consider a super fancy designer item. Haha. The hemline actually falls about five inches below my knee, but rather than destroy the really pretty hem, I just blouse it. The sandals are by my favorite Made in the USA shoe brand, Onex, and the pendant is from Kohl's.

One last look

AntlersMe? Shorts?Dot tights and lace cammies

Anyone who would like to give me the award for slowest style challenge completion, I'll happily accept.

And speaking of awards, I actually have two to post:

A big thanks to Nicola-x for the Sunshine Award!


Rules
- Put the award on your blog
- Pass the award to 12 positive and creative bloggers
- Link the chosen ones within your posts
- Inform the chosen ones by commenting on their blog
And thanks to Margaret for the I love Your Blog Award!

The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Copy the award and place it on your blog
3. Link the person that nominated you
4. Nominate 15 bloggers
I'm passing this one on to..... Everyone who commented on my last post. How about that!

Also I have to thank Lemon Drop Vintage, I won her purse giveaway and they are lovely!


It was so fun to have a pile of boxes and birthday cards to come home to, it was like second birthday.
I must share a couple of my favorite gifts:


A pair of converse sneakers. They seem like a regular pair of Chucks, but no -- they are my custom designed Chucks, that I mentioned in this blog post two months ago, and my super awesome friend got them for me!!!


This super glamorous beaded skirt from Urban Outfitters - So excited to wear it, I don't think I'll bother waiting for a special occasion.

And what second birthday would be complete with out cake? Sure, my funny little Italy cake was nice, but my mom has made me a birthday cake for 23 years, and I wouldn't want to stop now. So my cake request was a chocolate cake with cannolli filling and chocolate gnash. Definitely a winner.

Birthday cake