The It List!

Happy Friday!  I can't believe April is over... hopefully all this rain and storms are as well.

I am ready for some May flowers!

• lady M is celebrating her birthday... stop by and wish her a happy day and also check out her fun wardrobe inspiration for the big day!
• rose a la mode is sporting an adorable new floral dress... even on a chilly spring day she perfectly accessorizes it! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• mama loves papa hosts a simply adorable little blog party for your stylish little ones - stop by to play along or just 'oooh' and 'aaah.' (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
• meet virginia design layers gorgeous neutral pieces for an ethereal feel to this casual outfit.  These colors are so on trend right now too! (find meet virginia design on twitter!)
• a little dash of ash has a delicious looking smoothie recipe to share with us. I always love to see what others' smoothie concoctions are - this one looks yummy and healthy! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
• rebecca with an R is definitely beach ready in this gorgeous maxi dress and oversized hat - I am seriously loving this outfit! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is looking gorgeous in this drapey feather printed dress - it's just her style! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• baby shopaholic had this super sweet little doll custom made for her daughter for Easter.  What a fun keepsake and toy for a little one, my daughter would love this!
• the capital barbie is giving away sassy shoe themed note cards on her blog this week - you must stop by and enter quickly! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• good tots features the artwork of modern pops - these bold graphic prints make for great nursery artwork!
• the stylish housewife sports a floppy sun hat and a chevron dress, quite possibly the most perfect summer combo ever. I am in love with this look! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
• good clean fun made these margarita flavored cupcakes for Easter - but I think they would be perfect for any summer day! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is sick of the rain... and quite frankly, aren't we all!?!? But rain never looked this good before... I promise! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• good life for less has a casual but chic outfit for Easter.  Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - check out how you can be involved here!

Not So Vanilla

Great news guys, it's almost Friday.  Do you have any plans for this weekend? The BF and I will be going to watch the Nationals most likely get beat this weekend but hey, we have fun!

Today's post is about neutrals that shine.  I got some inspiration from Loft  and I thought it's a great way to get into spring with some basics and embellishments.

Loft, Sequin Tank, $59

This shirt is so decadent but in the airiest way possible.  I just love the thick straps too!

Talbots, cuffed sash shorts, $48

I really like the pintucks here right underneath the double belt loop.  The sash makes these shorts so special.

Nordstrom, Alexia Admor metallic rosette hammered satin dress, $88

Hello summer wedding.  Such a classic piece for day or night.

Target, Merona collection adelle skirt, $27

The light floral pattern on this champagne pencil skirt is perfect for the work day or date night.

So remember, neutrals don't have to be boring.  Add some metallic sheen to it, or a great sequin.  Stand out in your neutrals!

Be fabulous today!

Chain Link and Confident

Sometimes hardware can be just that: hard.  But sometimes it can offer a certain sense of weight that gives an accessory a confident presence.  We see this most often with large jewelry- take for instance the larger masculine style watches that are in right now.  When you look at them, they seem hefty, but still sleek and sophisticated on a woman.

Today I want to feature a similar situation with a type of jewelry style that is popular right now: chain link.

Blue Fly, Danielle Stevens ellipse link bracelet, $66

SO sophisticated.  But it demands some confident attention. 

Piperlime, Hive & Honey chain link bracelet, $28

I really like the mix of metal here, makes the piece eye catching.

Juicy Couture, Convertible chain bracelet, $30

I really love this double duty necklace/bracelet! So fun with jeans or a white button down.

Banana Republic, Fringed link earring, $35

These are so feminine but in a 'I just threw these on' kind of way.

Some jewelry is meant to be delicate while other styles aim to make a harsher statement.  Chain link style is definitely making that a priority.  Try mixing it with silk or softer colors to contrast the metal.

Be fabulous today!

Ikat's Meow

Ikat.  What is it? Well it's weaving pattern that uses resist dyeing similar to tie dye.  It probably originated in Central America but now we are seeing a similar type of pattern pop up in today's styles.

This pattern is busy, colorful, and just beautiful.  Take a look!

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente dress, $68

Some of my favorite colors and a great kimono sleeve.  I love this with gladiator sandals.

Forever 21, Ikat romper, $11.50

Ok, I'm still not sure if I can pull off a romper- but for $11 it's worth a shot!

Ann Taylor, Feline ikat print shell, $78

This ruffle necline is beautiful and I really like this pattern for under a suit or with skinny jeans.

Nordstrom, Sequin large ikat enamel bangle, $42

Just gorgeous.  A little bohemian, a little dressy, perfect.

Anthropologie, Liquid Rhombus Scarf, $19.95

Great spring piece to add to your collection.  Comes in two other colors as well.

I'm really loving the ikat style print for spring and summer.  It feels very sunny and breezy.  And the jewelry is versatile.  

Be fabulous today!