fringe

what it is people!!!  oh yes yes yes, it is friday!!!!!!!  (i'm totally singing this, don't you worry)  so.  friday makes me so very very happy, much like every other human being on the face of this earth.  it's basically the happiest day of the week.  and even though it's a zillion degrees, i keep jumping back and forth from summer to fall because i'm in the mood for layers and neutrals and everything else that goes along with cool weather clothing.  so, to feed my need, i've been mixing all my seasons together for a weird mashup that i'm totally digging.  this Design History top, i mean, so fun right??

will blog for fashion

it has literally taken me 3 days to get this post live.  pink eye has infected my household, making my already needy children overly clingy and minimizing my ability to use 2 hands or even one to do anything other than hold them.  but I do love the cuddles!!  I'm gonna do my best to keep it short on the chit chat and stick to the fashion, since that's the real reason you're stopping by, right?  so, 2 weeks ago was SBScon and lucky for me, it took place in Charleston, which meant I didn't have to travel.  for those of you unfamiliar, this is a conference for bloggers.  we come, we socialize, we learn and I cant speak for everyone else, but I went home feeling pretty pumped to blog, blog and blog some more.  of course, for me, it was all about getting dressed up and out of the house!!  so, starting with look numero uno, ie my first impression, I wanted to make a statement.  I think I always want to make a statement, but especially when meeting new people, which was the case, because I wore this tuxedo number to our Friday night cocktail meet and greet hosted by swoozies.  starting with the white romper, I love the lace detail, but in true form, I couldn't leave it at that, so I layered over my tuxedo blazer and buttoned it up exposing the pretty scalloped hem of the shorts.  staying on the black and white train, I laced up my black sandals and my latest pair of sunglasses from my endless eyewear collection.  lastly I slung on this cross-body for a bold pop of pink and if it looks a little different than the ones I've worn before, its because its LIZARD!!  for me, this is amazing, because im a little bit of a clutz and, uh, hello!  I have 3 sticky children, so the lizard is much more spill friendly than the classic python. 

skipping over to sunday brunch with Hallmark, I wore this utility shirt dress that I immediately fell in love with as soon as I walked in to Finicky Filly.  yes, im a sucker for olive, and i'm gonna go ahead and forecast my fall wardrobe being much more this minimal vibe.  im really digging it.  of course, nothing for me is too minimal.  I had to add something, so I stuck with my staple of the moment; the tied on denim jacket.  I was originally thinking black heels, but having sent back my zac posen sunnies from Friday night, I wanted to break in my new pair and they just so happened to be tortoise, so I switched it up for nude lace ups.  these guys are super old, but I've linked a few similar pairs below because you can never have too many nude heels!

jumping back to Saturday, this was our longest day, and the most inspiring.  we had the amazing opportunity to learn from some big time influencers and then meet with amazing brands to discuss potential collaborations.  just you wait guys, good things are coming to NLSB!!  so, of course, I wanted something fun and comfortable at the same time.  enter in the culotte!!  at first mention of the comeback of the culottes, I was thinking, no, no, no, please NO!!!  but these are not your mothers culottes and everytime i wear this white pair, all I think is, how was I so wrong?  a heal is a must for these baggy britches, but they are oh so perfect for everything!  i paired them with this super cool ribbon tank and turban (thanks Arkeedah!) and finished it off with this python tote which I basically shoved my life in for the day.  Thank you Southern Blog Society for having me!!  I am so excited for where this year is headed and I now feel more equipped than ever!!  and thank you guys for sticking with me as I figure this thing out.  i may know style, but technology and i are yet to be friends.

"to blog is to share, to connect, to create, to inspire"

white lace romper c/o The Impeccable Pig
vintage tuxedo blazer Cavortress
carrie cross-body lizard bag c/o Taxidermy
lace up heels Charlotte Russe
zac posen bibi sunnies c/o Ditto
double pearl studs c/o Moon and Lola

 

j brand utility shirt dress c/o The Finicky Filly

denim jacket 7 for all Mankind

westward leaning voyager sunnies c/o Ditto

nude lace up sandals Shoemint



milly illusion tank c/o The Finicky Filly

1. state culottes Belk

single strap heels Shoemint

turban

lucite sunnies Forever 21

midi Mackie python tote c/o Taxidermy



special thanks to Chloe of Top Knots and Polkadots for being my fabulous photographer for the weekend!!  love you!

peachy keen

yay, happy Friday!!!

I have to be honest, I am really struggling trying to keep a schedule with this new little addition.  if he's not eating or pooping, he's sleeping and all I want to do is stare at him all day while trying to keep 2 crazy toddlers from jumping all over him.  its a balance i have yet to master, so my posts will most likely be pretty sporadic the next few weeks, but I promise i will do my best to quickly get through the last of my maternity looks.  its been so gloomy all week, so I though I would brighten it up a bit with this pretty little peach blouse.  my bestie owns this amazing pop-up shop Synergy Style and lucky me, I get first dibs on all the goodies!!  this blouse was oh so perfect to priss up this big boy bump (and ps, its totally not maternity, i just bumped up a size) so the moment i saw it, I knew it was a must have!!  I always love peach/blush tones against my pale complexion and the lace trim is so feminine and flattering.  I paired them with light wash skinnies (also non-maternity, but totally rockin the belly band to make them fit) and lots of white and pearl accessories to match the trim.  thanks for hangin in there with me, i hope you all have a wonderful (hopefully dry) weekend!!!

 "i am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

 

top c/o Synergy Style // skinnies J Brand // bag Old Navy // heels Lulus // sunnies Aldo //
"&" c/o Carrie Grace Shop // "love" c/o Towne & Reese // earrings Synergy Style //
chain link c/o Towne & Reese // watch Michael Kors

back to basics

never underestimate the power of basics!!  no matter the trends or the time of year, closet staples will keep you forever chic from season to season.  let's break it down to the must haves; numero uno: Denim - every woman should own a great fitting pair of jeans!  this is an area where it pays off to splurge!!  i love a great deal, but all denim were not created equal, so i seriously suggest investing in a designer pair in your favorite fit.  these skinnies have been in my closet for over 5 years now and have even managed to fit me through 3 pregnancies!!  (fun fact: if u loop a hair tie through your button hole you can elongate the life of your pre-pregnancy pants)  #2: The Basic Tee - there is no such thing as too many white t-shirts!  I literally have a chest of drawers dedicated just to tees, from band to basic, you can just never have enough, but white reigns supreme.  a little oxi-clean can definitely keep you looking crisp, but white doesn't last forever and dingy isn't cute, so I suggest refreshing your collection at least once a year.  #3:  Camel Coat:  there are plenty of jacket styles that last the test of time (ie: tuxedo, blazer, leather) but nothing says classic like the camel coat.  the trick is to keep it simple!  no need for embellishments or fancy fits, the longline coat has been around for decades and its still the chicest style on the block.  #4:  Statement Tote:  you're a woman on the go, so chances are you have a lot of crap that you have to tote around on a daily basis.  save yourself the trouble and invest in a large tote that fits it all without lacking in style.  neutrals are great, but I love a bright color for my everyday bag and this poppy red is pretty much perfection.  I can fit diapers, wipes, bottles, a laptop, the kitchen sink . . . you name it, I probably have it in my bag.  most importantly, I keep an envelope clutch tucked inside so I can easily swap out should a child-free opportunity arise.  #5:  The Perfect Pump:  ok, so these aren't exactly your basic pointy toe pump, but I've never been a very basic girl when it comes to my heels.  the point is, every closet needs a killer pair of black pumps!  and lastly, Accessories:  these are the whip cream on top.  without a little bling, no outfit is truly complete.  statement pieces are great, but they tend to turn over with the trends.  I prefer layered on dainty pieces for my every day.  I do have quite a collection of tiny trinkets that I switch up regularly, but my staples are gold rimmed aviators and my oversized men's watch. simple studs and a chain link bracelet are always a great addition to any collection and simple rings show off your polished paws. Of course, its always fun to add a surprise element to any look, and even though an umbrella isn't necessarily part of an outfit, they are definitely an accessory that comes in handy, so why not keep a cute one close by? Vinrella (yes, its a wine bottle shaped umbrella) offers a plethora of prints that fit perfectly in your purse and have you looking chic while staying dry! So next time you hit the mall and don't have a clue what to buy, stick to the basics! Classic styles are just that, CLASSIC!!

"some people feel the rain, others just get wet"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

duster Forever 21 // tee c/o Synergy Style // skinnies J Brand // heels GoJane // bag Aldo //

sunnies Ray-Ban // "love" necklace c/o Towne & Reese // ampersand c/o Carrie Grace Shop //

double stud Synergy Style // watch Michael Kors // chain link c/o Towne & Reese //

rings Forever 21 // umbrella Vinrella c/o Its Retail Therapy

brick walls + watercolors

i am slightly obsessed with this look

or really any look that allows me the opportunity to wear these pumps!!

the combo of red and pink is just so eye catching, i cant get enough of them

in my previous life (pre-babies) i could get away with wearing beautiful silk blouses (literally everyday) and not have to worry about spit up or slobber or whatever other stickiness these boys might find

now-a-days i usually pick up washer friendly styles (ie: cotton!)

but, my wonderful mother-in-law gave me the day off and and a chance to revisit the "sXc" section of my closet, that is all too frequently neglected

if you're a stay-at-home mom, you will totally relate with me on this!!

i got myself all fancied up for an afternoon downtown, ALONE!!!!!

i can't tell you the last time i did that, probably never

and as delightful and QUIET as it was, I was more than eager to get home to my beautiful boys

"the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

 blouse Julie Haus (old) love this and this, faux leather jacket Nordstrom identical here, jeans J Brand, adrienne pumps Shoemint, leather envelope Baekgaard, necklaces Dogeared, watch Michael Kors, bangles Alex and Ani

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ