Closet Love: The invites are out

The invites and save-the-dates are hanging on my fridge. The final details are being meticulously put together and the anxious, excited, nervous feelings are starting to sprout in the stomachs of many brides and grooms. As the flowers started to bud, wedding season officially arrived. We have a good amount of weddings this year so I started to think about some of the dresses I would love to have as a guest at these weddings. Here are a few I would love to have hanging in my closet, I even promise to keep you in plastic little dress, if you make your way over here.

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, JCrew, Tibi, Warehouse, Madewell, Boutique, European Culture

Closet Love: Park Picnic

The sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and its not yet 115 degrees, all of which, leads to my little boy thinking he lives outside. He is only content now with being in the sunshine playing baseball, soccer ball, baskeetbawl, chalk, or the best entertainment in the world...the hose! So with all this outside fun to be had, it is impossible to convince him he needs to take the time to come in the house and gasp, eat. It's a battle that does not need to be had, so lunch now comes to him on a blanket being carried in a basket. He thinks it is the coolest thing ever. And taking a walk down the street to eat at the park...even better! So this outfit is inspired for a picnic at the park.

Shirt

Shorts

Shoes

Sunglasses

Bag

Blanket

Closet Love: Clothes that give back

I went shopping this weekend. I love shopping. It is definitely one of my favorite things to do. But I started thinking about all the time and money that goes into shopping. Did you know that Americans spend 15 billion dollars every year on perfume alone and 50.7 billion a year on shoes, shoes?! I guess I'm not the only one who likes to shop ;). When I was trying on the cutest Anthropologie dress that fit like it was made for me with fabric that moved as I moved and as I started to drool a little over a dress I looked at the price tag and thought "that's a lot of money to spend on myself," which led me to think how we can I turn my shopping habits into opportunities to give back. With a little research I found companies that have turned their businesses or parts of their businesses into funding movements to aid causes and help people. I would be naive to say I could only wear clothes like this but sometimes I can intentionally make choices when I shop and turn it into a way to give. So, here is a whole outfit that gives back.

Shirt: Common Threadz- A nonprofit for helping orphans, every shirt you purchase buys a school uniform for an orphan.

Pants: Volcom-is offering a wonderful solution, Give Jeans a Chance, to find your used denim a new home through The National Coalition for the Homeless. You bring them your denim (any brand), they will clothe someone who needs it.

Shoes: TOMS- With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.

Necklace: 31 Bits-Not only are their necklaces made from recycled paper and other local materials but 31 Bits is a business using fashion and design to empower women in Uganda to rise above poverty.

Perfume: Donna Karen's Pure by DKNY- is part of a collaborative project with CARE proceeds from this particular fragrance going to help over 1000 women in Uganda break the cycle of poverty by helping them with education and jobs.

Bag: STOPstart- made from recycled feed bags these bags and wallets go to stopping human trafficing and helping the victims start a new life. By purchasing their products you will help support projects that work with victims of human trafficing.

Closet Love: Casual Working Girl

I had to buy a black suit in college. A two piece, multiple button, no character to it but a high price tag, suit. But I felt so professional, so classy as I stood in front of my peers giving presentations preparing for the real world. I graduated and went to my first interview in my black suit, like I was told to by my professors, and I walked into the interview room and almost died. I was way overdressed. I started to sweat. I actually asked if it was ok if I took my jacket off as I was starting to get nervous that 1) I would break out in hives how hot I was in my black suit, in summer, in Arizona and 2) that they wouldn't hire me because I was too stiff. I'm sure a suit is necessary for some jobs and interviews but Arizona seems to have this laid back attire in the workplace. Even at city council meetings the councilmen are just in slacks and Hawaiian shirts.

So for my first job I ditched the black suit opting for more relaxed business attire but then I switched jobs and even the relaxed business attire was too much. And though it is fun to dress up and wear high heels everyday I was excited to wear jeans. Everyone in the office wore jeans. Awesome. So jeans and converse became the usual. Sounds nice but I have been looking for ways to dress down but more put together and this outfit is something that I think would be perfect for a casual workplace, or lunch with friends, or shopping, or a day date, lots of possibilities!

Shirt

Jeans

Shoes

Belt

Bag

Closet Love: Easter Sunday

I remember Easter was an excuse for my mom to buy my brother and I new matching "fancy" outfits and an excuse to buy a new outfit for herself probably. The whole family would dress alike and we would pose for pictures in our pastel colored Easter clothes, me standing tall proud to show off my new dress and my brother fidgeting with his tie or bowtie ready to rip it off as soon as the camera was put away. Now that I have a family of my own, I believe the tradition should definitely be carried on...a perfect excuse for a new outfit, good job momma ;). Happy Easter week, He is risen!

Dress

Shoes

Handbag (i found it here but i'm not sure you can still purchase it)

Earrings