Summer BBQ: To the Max-i Skirt

Summer is here. Time for BBQs, vacations, beach days, pool days, and those annoying street fireworks that go off before and after the 4th and make me want to tranquilize my dog and kids.

This past weekend was the first weekend of summer and fittingly it was the first time the June Gloom burned away to reveal some glorious sun. I had a BBQ to attend and decided a breezy maxi skirt was the way to go.

If you remember from this past post, I had my eye on a striped maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters. But, $200 was just too much for this gal. So, I found an alternative that was much easier on the wallet at a local boutique. I paired it with a black jersey raw edge loose tank, flat sandals, and a turquoise drop necklace for the look below.

I felt stylish and comfortable - my favorite combination - especially when chasing after too kids and making sure they don't drown or eat sand. (I succeeded in preventing drowning, didn't fare too well on the other.)

I have recreated the look below with similar items and links to individual items. Click 'em to buy 'em.

Sleeveless Tops by Three Dots
Necklaces at Piperlime

Summer Trend Alert: Coral!

Coral is everywhere this summer, and I am happy about it.  It is a cheerful color!  When I wear it it makes me feel like I could click my heels a few times or eat watermelon and let it drip down my cheek.  It also looks good a variety of skin tones...and especially good with a tan (preferably from self-tanner to protect your skin.)

I am also into dresses this summer and all lengths and styles are filling the stores from maxis to minis.

I collected a few great coral picks (all under $100) to add to your summer wardrobe.

More Topshop...

If you opt for separates or just want to accessorize, I LOVE the look of navy and coral. The gorgeous maxi dress below illustrates the fab pairing. I would buy that dress in a heartbeat but it only Medium and Large are available at that price and all reviews say it runs big. But, if you are typically a Large or XL I would grab one -- immediately. You cannot beat the price. (Click below to purchase.)



The Lovapella dress above in Coral also comes in Navy (I am a big navy fan!).  You can purchase it by clicking below.

I'm Not Afraid of Shorts! (Repeat 3x)

I am trying to kick my fear of shorts.  I have tried to avoid them as much I as could for the past 10 years, but, they are cute.  Let's face it, I am not 22 so I will never ever sport short shorts.  (And wouldn't have done that at 22 either.)  But, there is a time and place where shorts come in handy and are appropriate.  It gets hot in California and on vacation.  And, sometimes capris or long bermuda type shorts just leave you feeling frumpy.

Evening shorts with tights was getting closer to my comfort zone, probably because you remove the massive amounts of exposed skin.

Now, I am voyaging into the casual day short...with skin.  My strategy, keep them just long enough not to look frumpy, pair them with a long or 3/4 length sleeved top that is feminine and not tight, and wear with cute flat sandals.  The result is below...

What do you think? Did I pull it off?

I must recommend these shorts from American Eagle.  They are a good length and you can cuff them up or down to adjust.  The top is from Buckle and can be dressed up or down.  I have been living in these sandals lately because they are too darn comfy.  Every item here is under $40!

You can purchase using the image links below.







Little Black Casual Dress (LBCD)

I spotted this Vero Moda Cut Out dress on the Look for Less (click to see) and loved it, and the price (under $30.)  This was my first personal experience with ASOS (a UK based retailer).  It was a pretty good one...free shipping and good communication. Shipping took about a week which is a little slow for this impatient shopper, but not too bad...for free.

Cut out detail

I think the dress is really cute. And it is lightweight.  It is a little big on me and clearly needed a thick belt.  Without a belt it looked like a sack.  Some people are not fans of black in the daytime, but I like it...with the right accessories. It becomes a LBCD (C=Casual).  And it makes the dress dual purpose...wear with wedges and a casual purse for day (I threw a cream cardigan over it too.)  Or, add some cute heels and a bright colored clutch for evening.

I wore it with my Steve Madden Wedges. You can buy a similar style (Fantastik) by clicking below.



Here are some black dresses similar in feel to the one I bought. Unfortunately, the exact dress from Vero Moda  is Out of Stock at ASOS right now, but I included it below just in case it gets restocked.   Click on any to browse or buy.

More Vero Moda...

Happy Monday!

Basic Beauty on a Budget

I am a product junkie.  I try out A LOT of all types and price ranges from Chanel to Jergens.  I know there are a lot of others out there with the same product obsession so I thought I would share what is next to my bathroom vanity with you all.  These are the basics I have been using and happy with lately.  And, I was on a budget kick so there are no really high dollar items included.

HERE THEY ARE:

Mary Kay Time Wise 3-in-1 cleanser - This is the perfect balance of creamy with  micro beads for a bit of exfoliation.

Johnson's Baby Powder - I have been taking the tips of other fashion bloggers and using this to refresh hair on days you choose not to wash.  It sounded weird but it works.  Also a good fix if you went overboard on products one day and look a little greasy.

Procellix Anti-Cellulite Gel - Bathing suit season is upon us and I was not blessed with an external smooth rear view (curses to those of you who are!) I researched these a bit and this came on top of reviews.  It's not a miracle but I see noticeable difference.  Plus, it is non-greasy and easy to apply. No, I won't be wearing booty shorts anytime soon but I didn't throw it out the window.

Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer - With just a hint of self-tanner.  The scent is pretty mild for a self-tanner and it is very moisturizing for an all over body lotion.  Wish it came in a bigger bottle.  I plow through body lotion.  Is that because I am 5'11"?

Mary Kay Time Wise firming eye cream - Rich and non-greasy.  I have tried 3 million eye creams and like this one.  And the price!  Eye creams can be costly.

Benefit POREfessional - I love  this stuff for minimizing pores and giving your skin a silky finish.  Use with or without foundation. I posted about it here.

Matrix Sleek.look Sealing Serum - Step 4 of the products I posted about here.  Great for keeping hair sleek, smooth, and non-oily.

Almay Oil-free Makeup Remover Pads - I actually give these a B but I am very picky about eye makeup removers and these are the 2nd best I have found.  The best are MAC Wipes (hands down) I just haven't gotten to the MAC counter lately.

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Lotion with UV Protection (hidden behind the sleek look/orange bottle) - I am picky about moisturizers.  Anything too heavy and my skin retaliates.  Anything too light and my skin is dry.  This is great and you can get it at your drugstore.  I used to use Lancome and Chanel but have since switched.

Benefit Cosmetics Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15 - Light with a fresh scent.  I got a small sample and am liking it so far.  With SPF 15.

Mary Kay Night Solution - A light gel like solution that is not heavy and does not irritate my skin.  Just the perfect amount of night moisture if you have normal or combo skin. Mine even gets a little dry but this is still perfect for me.

BVLGARI Eau Parfumee au the blanc - This perfume smells so fresh and yummy I could bathe in it.

** You will notice quite a few Mary Kay products.  My sister sells Mary Kay so has had me try quite a few products.  And, many of them are fantastic.  I am promoting them here because I really like these products, not because my sister sells it.  If you want to give them a try and don't know an MK consultant, you can visit my sister's site and support my sis. She's a stay at home Mom who sells a lil beauty on the side. Thanks!

I also have a few Benefit products and I just love Benefit for some reason.  Probably because I get my brows waxed there and they have me try all their new products while I am there regularly.  I am a sucker.  I always walk away with tic tacs. an US magazine, and Wet Ones travel packs when I check out at Vons too.

But, I truly love the Benefit products and the witty names and cute packaging doesn't hurt.

Embrace Color - I Am!

Yellow and cobalt blue specifically.  Ever since I bought this yellow cardigan from Urban Outfitters (which I love!) I have been wanting to pair it with everything.  Blue and yellow is my latest obsession.

I don't usually include pictures of myself for many reasons -- one important one is that items I have are not always still available for purchase. But I realize people like to see real people in clothes AND people like to be inspired by fashion -- not always buy the exact items.  So, here goes...me in a cobalt ruffle tank, yellow cardigan, tan pencil skirt and nude patent peep toe pumps.

The look below includes the same cardigan and similar items. Click an individual piece to browse or purchase.

Cardigans by BDG
Pumps by Chinese Laundry

What do you think? Do you like REAL picture on Stylish Dish? Leave a comment below and make me feel less insecure. :).