Retro Chic

Dress: Jason Wu for Target, Shoes: Franco Sarto, Watch: Michael Kors, Necklace: Elizabeth Ngo,
Bracelets: Simon Sebbag and Ann Taylor, Sunglasses: Armani Exchange

Don't be fooled by how ladylike this navy shirtdress from the Jason Wu for Target collection is. I literally had to throw elbows at Target in order to snag some of this collection. But it was well worth is. The dresses that I snatched up are so retro and gorgeous that they instantly make me feel more ladylike. (As opposed to some type of crazed shopping monster hopped up on too much Starbucks, which is a more accurate description of my personality the morning of the Jason Wu launch.) Some of my favorite style bloggers have been showing off the striped version of this shirtdress recently (check it out here and here), which I also tried on. Unfortunately with my coloring that version made me look like a big blond blob, which is not the look I'm going for. I know, shocking, right? But luckily this pleated navy-dot shift dress is equally lightweight and perfect for spring. I originally had this dress paired with a studded blue leather jacket, but it was almost 80 here the other day and heatstroke is not attractive, so I had to ditch it. Not that I'm complaining. I'll take summer weather in March any day. Of course I try to start mentally planning for Fourth of July the other day, so maybe I'd better pace myself. 

Warm Weather Panic

Jeans: Gap, Sweater: Boutique in San Diego, Sandals: Franco Sarto, Necklace: Portobello Market in London,
Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Simon Sebbag, Sunglasses: Armani Exchange

This absurdly warm weather in March has left me with so many questions: Am I still allowed to wear boots? Is this tights weather? Can I bust out my summer dresses yet? WHAT ABOUT SUEDE? Clearly I am not the person to turn to in a crisis if it only takes unseasonably warm weather to cause such major internal panic. I don't know how people who live with nice weather all the time handle it. Colored denim is going to be my go-to while Mother Nature figures out exactly what it is she's doing. Luckily, I just bought yellow, mint green, and coral jeans (three separate pairs, not one tie-dyed pair, although I'd probably buy those too), so I'll have plenty to choose from once people catch on to how often I wear this pink pair. And since all my colored jeans are currently strewn across my bed acting as makeshift denim blankets, they'll be easy to find in the morning. Win, win.

Fun in the Sun

 

 

 

Dress: Francesca's, Cardigan: J.Crew, Hat: Nordstrom, Sandals: Via Spiga, Watch: Michael Kors

This dress has a really cute back, which I would have loved to show off, however, the backs of my legs got sunburned SO badly my first day in San Diego that a friend told me, "Your legs look like someone beat you with a bamboo cane." I'd hoped that wearing red would somehow detract from the cooked-lobster color of my legs. I don't know why. I thought maybe I could claim it was the shadow or reflection from my dress making them look so red. That plan did not work. I guess that's what happens when you go from Minnesota winter to California sunshine. SPF only goes so high, and my poor, pale legs didn't stand a chance. They were so bad that strangers apparently felt the need to call me out in the grocery store. There I was, minding my own business, inspecting the margarita supplies with a friend, when a creepy old man inserted himself into our conversation. I expected his comment to be booze-related, which I actually would have welcomed, but instead he zinged me with, "Hi, I'm from Washington, and I just wanted to tell you we have this thing there called sunscreen. . . ." Really, creepy old man, really!? I wish I would have had a quick retort like, "Well, I live in Minnesota, and we have a thing there called personal space. Get out of mine!" But I was too shocked and flustered and instead I laughed awkwardly and fled the aisle.

Other than that embarrassing encounter, my trip was amazing. Beautiful weather, plenty of beach time, and lots of hanging out with friends. I overpacked to the extreme, as I usually do. Eight dresses and a raincoat may have been slightly unnecessary for a long weekend, but I maintain that if I can cram it into a carry-on, it's acceptable. And as an added bonus, the weather in Minneapolis is beyond beautiful right now, so all those things still sitting in my suitcase are going to come in handy. I planned it like that.