Tara Colleen: June 2014

lion in the forest

im so thrilled you all enjoyed last weeks post, so today I give you the 2nd installment of MCM!! (you're welcome!)

plaid is a staple for both men and women alike, and can be styled up or down, depending on your mood. I think its fresh to see man in a plaid shirt, buttoned all the way to the top with a pair of suspenders and maybe a bowtie to really snazz it up, but for todays look, we kept it super casz. this shirt is super cool with its tribal print pocket and a pop of the cuff reveals the same fun print!! seeing as july 4th is days away, the red and blue is uber patriotic and could totally be dressed even further down with a pair of chino shorts for fireworks and fourth fun!!

kurt's lions mane inspired me to take this look a bit more lumberjack chic, so I paired this plaid with distressed denim and a rolled cuff. topped it off with gold aviators and cognac lace up loafers, this is an effortless, everyday look for the everyman!!

"and then I realized adventure was the best way to learn"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

"caneel bay" shirt 7 Diamonds // matchbox jean Adriano Goldschmied - both c/o styleXchange // shoes Aldo (old) similar here and here // aviators Ray-Ban // watch Michael Kors

bubblegum fun

heck to the yes, it is finally Friday!!! now, I know as a stay-at-home mom, technically speaking I don't have a full work schedule that gives me reasoning to complain through the week and beg for the weekend to come, but my husband does! and Friday means I get 2 solid days with my 3 favorite boys and an extra hand in the wrangling!!

do you ever haphazardly put together a totally adorable outfit, without intentionally trying? that is what happened with today's look. I fell in love with this hot pink embroidery and the way the tribal print pops off the white shift is stunning. my only disappointment was that it is a shift! i tend to have a bit too much bootie for the cut, and the clinging on the hips is less than flattering so i generally steer away. but is was just too cute to pass up, so i grabbed my denim jacket from the fitting room floor, tied it around my waist and hoped for the best. to my surprise, its a pretty cool vibe. i've seen the likes of sincerely jules and song of style rock this trend in a more laid back fashion and I've done it a time or 2 with a chambray, but never with the thickness of a jacket (at least not since the 90's).

with my waist properly accentuated the rest of the pieces just fell into place. i layered on some more pink and threw in a pop or 2 of turquoise. i stuck with my white heels because they're funky in their own right and there was no need for more color. i could not be more happy with how this turned out, and i am now putting my denim jackets on even heavier rotation bc this is perhaps my new favorite way to layer! (second to coat-slinging of course! i am still a super-fan of this trend)

i hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

"sky above me, earth below me, fire within me"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

dress styleXchange // denim jacket 7 for all Mankind (old) similar here // sandals GoJane //

sunnies MinkPink // envelope clutch Marshalls // "xoxo" Moon and Lola

pocket tees + patent pumps

so, you all know by now how much this chick loves a bargain. literally, i've gotten to the point where i won't buy without a coupon or a sale. some would call me cheap, i like to think of myself as a frugal mcdugal!! my reasoning being, i have 2 small children at home and i would like to be able to provide them with a comfortable life, so i just cant justify spending hundreds of dollars on 1 item. if im spending $100, i better be going home with a giant shopper full of goodies and enough money left over to hit up starbucks for a venti soy latte. now, let me contradict myself for a moment, because i will partake in the occasional splurge of a nice handbag or a pair of designer jeans, but even then, im not above waiting it out for a holiday weekend promo or massive markdown!!

todays entire look is comprised of my latest deals and steals, so let me break it down for you:

starting with my cheapest accessory, sunnies!! i spotted these puppies online via Forever21 and the houndstooth was too posh to pass up, and whats even better is the tortoise sides! if you've never shopped the site, let me tell you, they have the cutest sunglass selection, always funky and always cheap! you can score this funky style for $3!! (link below)

on to my next purchase, this pocket tee via Victoria's Secret Pink Collection

you know i can pass on a leopard print and this tee is the perfect layering piece. i just love the mix of patterns and at $16 (2 for $32) you cant go wrong, its basically a classic with a twist.

my necklace was yet another steal via Marshalls

i tend to forget about the jewelry counter, i usually head straight for the shoes and handbags then hit up the boutique brand selection on my way out, but when i do remember, i am always pleasantly surprised to find a collection that's trendy and fresh! his knotted gold chain set me back a mere $20.

individually, i love each and every one of these pieces, but the skirt is truly one of my fave recent purchases. leather skirts are fairly easy to come by, but this mini has the coolest pleated ruffle and uneven hemline, i found it too intriguing to pass up. for only $60 this faux leather is like butter and sure to be a staple from season to season.

lastly, can we talk about the patent pumps?? this isn't their first appearance on the blog, (check out how i styled them here) and it will most definitely not be their last! at only $30, they are a dead ringer to the oh so glamorous louboutin (sans red sole) and my latest go to for every look. something about that pop of red that takes even the most mundane outfit to a chicer level.
happy shopping lovies!!

"a successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her"

tee Victoria's Secret PINK // faux leather mini styleXchange // patent pumps GoJane //

sunnies Forever 21 // knotted necklace Marshalls

skinny jeans and busting seams

I hope you ladies enjoyed a little taste of menswear yesterday!! I apologize that your stuck with me for the rest of the week. but fret not, Kurt will be back again on Monday!!!

today's look is all about finding the perfect fit for you!!

denim is such an important aspect of every girls wardrobe! it is a staple! and with the right style and fit it can take you from playdates to cocktails. I myself am very much a skinnies kind of girl. that's not to say I don't occasionally throw on a bootcut or a bell-bottom and you know I love a boyfriend, but my go-to will forever be the perfect fitting super skinny.

one thing ive learned is never dis em til you try em! I used to swear by J Brand, and still do have quite a large collection, however, they no longer corner the market for well fitting classic denim. most all of the designer labels now carry their version of the clean cut style and the fits and washes get better every season. whether you choose Sevens or Hudson, DLs or AGs, find your perfect fit, I assure you, it is out there!

I like a mid rise with lots of stretch. no one wants to see your plumber crack and muffin top, so if your not working with rock hard abs, I would definitely suggest going for a mid to high rise style. rigid denim is great and I love it in a distressed wash, but this girl has bootie, so when looking for a tight fit, I chose stretch. rigid tends to bag out on me and give me that "pooped your pants" look that the men go crazy for ;)

my motto has always been, "if it aint tight, it aint right!"

so if your working what your momma gave you, go for the stretch!! but remember, tight is right, foopa, is wrong!! if your pants are busting at the seams and begging for release, go up a size. you should be able to bend your knees and exhale without popping a button or blowing out the crotch (I have done this, and its super embarrassing!)

so go forth, try try and try again, until you find your fit! then write that style down and buy buy buy again!! and remember, sites like hautelook and gilt are always having great deals on designer denim, so if you've found your size and fit, you can always shop the sales to grow your collection!

this look took no effort, I wanted to showcase my new skinnies, so I paired them with a pretty silk blouse, rolled a cuff and strapped on my metallic sandals. classic, chic and easy peezy!!