Boho Dreams

Do you ever have problems with outfit execution? I often find that outfits just don't look the way I'd imagined them in my head. 

When I bought this flowy, hi/low hemmed, sleeveless blouse (which I loved so much I bought in two prints) I imagined I'd style it in the kind of bohemian street style you'd expect to see from Nicole Richie:

I've always loved the boho look. As a 13-15 year old I mimicked and idolized the style of Kate Hudson's Penny Lane character in Almost Famous. On my curvy frame those loose, flowy styles don't always have the same effect. I wind up looking more frumpy than free spirited.  In the hopes of balancing out the volume of the shirt, I paired it with some fitted skinny jeans and brown flat sandals. 

The result was sadly a little more frumpy than boho, but at least the shirt was comfy and breezy on a warm day. 

I'm not ready to give up on this shirt, or it's black feather print cousin. I think I'll play around with the styling a little bit more. 

Outfit: Shirt: H&M similar from Evans; Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar; Sandals- ? via Marshalls similar from DSW

Help me! How would you style this shirt? 

All Knotted Up

Knotting a button down shirt is my new favorite thing. In fact, I wore this outfit before I even saw the inspiration picture for Two Birds' Inspiration Monday. What could be better than a knotted shirt, a flowy skirt and some sandals?

Outfit:

Blouse: Old Navy

Cami and Skirt: H&M

Sandals: Payless

Necklace: Gift

Here's the inspiration picture of the lovely Eva Mendes. 

Have you ever knotted your shirt? Is it a little too 90s for you?

Maxi Monday

Every week one of my favorite blogs, Two Birds, does an Inspiration Monday link-up. I have discovered lots of other blogs through the link up. I also just love seeing how Megan and Nora, the two sisters that run Two Birds, create outfits inspired by a celebrity photo. I haven't participated in a really long time because I always forget about it until I am already dressed and at work Monday morning. When they posted this awesome picture of Michelle Trachtenberg, aka Harriet the Spy, in a maxi dress and denim jacket I just HAD to participate.

I brought my striped maxi dress and denim jacket with me to upstate New York this weekend, but didn't find the opportunity to wear them. I think it all worked out for the best because I found an awesome maxi dress on clearance at Target over the weekend. So this morning I got up early so I could take pictures and edit them before leaving for work.

This is the perfect outfit for that Monday where you really don't want to go to work and can't believe the weekend is over already. Is anyone else having one of those days?

Outfit:
Dress: Target
Cami: ?
Jacket: JCrew, thrifted
Sandals: b.o.c. via Famous Footwear

Weekly Wishlist: Peplum Pretties

I stayed up late last night to watch the Oscars. My two favorite dresses both had a peplum style waist line.

Michelle Williams and Tina Fey at the Oscars- Image via celebuzz.com

I love the vintage look of peplums, and their ability to be formal or casual, but I haven't tried any peplum items on yet. I'm not sure how the style is going to work on my body shape, but I'm feeling inspired after seeing Tina fey work it on the red carpet last night. Here are a few more casual peplum items I've got my eye on.

Image via Forever21.com

Matelasse Peplum Top: Forever 21+ $22.80

I think this shirt would look great with a pencil skirt for work, or dressed down with some skinny jeans and flats on the weekend. I'd add a brightly colored skinny belt to it for a pop of color. 

Image via dorothyperkins.com

 Green Peplum Dress: Dorothy Perkins $49

I love this dress. The modest neckline and long length would make it a great workwear dress, but the green color and slight peplum make it a little more fun than the typical black or gray shift dress. Available in sizes 2-18. I've never ordered from Dorothy Perkins, but I may have to give it a shot. 

Image via Asos.com

Leopard Print Peplum Top: Asos Curve $44.76

This top is so fun! I've been wanting to add one or two leopard print items to my closet. I can never justify spending over $40 on a shirt, but if the price goes down this shirt might make an appearance in my closet.

Image via Dorothyperkins.com

Purple Curve Seamed Dress: Dorothy Perkins $75

This A-line dress with a slight peplum detail at the waist feels a little more safe to me than the exaggerated peplum shapes. I really love the rich deep purple color and all of the structure and detail on the bodice.

How do you feel about peplums? What were your favorite Oscar gowns?