Ease into Neon

If you haven't noticed by now, neons are everywhere! Clothes, shoes, accessories, even Sharpies! If you've been afraid to try wearing it, be afraid no more! Here's some tips to help you add some brightness to your outfit.

Now I'm not one to wear a lot of black in the summer, but I knew that black would really make this color stand out!

If you're afraid to try a bright shirt all by itself, layer it underneath something. I layered this top with a lace moto jacket. This jacket is great for warm weather! It breathes well since it is lace. You can find one in black or white here. 

If you are still afraid to try a lot of brightness at once, start small. Wear a neon scarf with the same color neon sandals. Or use a neon purse. You can even go smaller and start with an accessory like a watch, or headband.

This top is great for layering. It's loose, comfy, and cool. Great for when you feel bloated and blah… if you know what I mean ;)

 This maxi skirt I found on sale at Dillard's a while back for $12! It it kind of long though, so I had to wear my highest heels with it. Just FYI, if you have a Dillard's in your area, my sister in law told me that they're having a big sale this week. In fact, I'm sure most stores will be having a sale soon since they need to start moving out all the spring/summer clothes and bringing in the fall clothes. Keep an eye out!

 * Jacket & top: Forever 21 * Skirt & shoes: Dillard's *

XOXO

Carmen

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Spring has Sprung! Plus... need a pencil skirt?

I think our weather here is finally turned into Spring! We've had some MAJOR ups and downs these past couple of weeks. And when I say major, I mean going from 90 one afternoon to 30 the next morning. Crazy!

I know I've posted about this same chambray shirt before, but this outfit was too cute not to post! Chambray is so versatile and you can do so much with it! Since it's like jeans it goes great with any color. I got this cute pinwheel from Hobby Lobby. All their Spring stuff is 50% off right now. This one will be going in a flower pot soon! But I decided to have some fun with it first :)

This great skirt was found by one of my blogger friends. Chandra at More Modern Modesty posted about it here a couple months ago and I jumped at the chance to buy it! Thanks Chandra! And lucky for all of you, it's still on the website for $19.99! So before you go buy it, let me give you some tips and review what I think about it...

There are two different sizings on the website: the regular women's size and the petite women's size. I am 5'2" and usually a size 4. I ordered the small petite size and it fits perfectly! Now, if you are taller or like your skirts longer, go with the regular size. The waist fits just right. In fact, during the day it stretches a little and gets more comfortable as you wear it. It didn't sit too high on the waist and it still covered my knees when I sat down. I haven't washed it yet, since this is my first time wearing it, so I'll let you know soon how it washes :) There are so many pretty colors of this skirt on the website, I wish I could get them all!

Now I know I could have worn this chambray all buttoned up, but how could I not show off this beauty? I found it at Marshall's last week and fell in love! I love the alternating lace and fabric layers. Plus, the neckline is high enough that I don't have to layer anything underneath it. The mint and white combination is so springy to me!

When I wear these I want to click my heels and say, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home." I know they're not red, but if you've read the book, you know that they were originally silver! I found these at Target a while back. When I first saw them, they looked uncomfortable but they were sparkly! lol, I get easily distracted by sparkly things. Anyways, they turned out to be the most comfortable pair of flats I own! (Besides my Toms) I found them on the website but they only have them in purple now. There are some similar ones in black and gold that I would definitely like to get as well.

Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for me this week since I wasn't feeling well. God answered quickly and I'm feeling great! Stay tuned, there's a giveaway coming soon!

XOXO

Carmen

Lace, Orange, and LV

As I started writing this post, I realized… it's been two weeks since I've posted anything! I can't believe I've let this much time pass between posts! It has definitely been busy, but don't worry, I haven't quit or disappeared. Just took a little break :)

Our church choir has started a new thing. Instead of wearing robes, we coordinate colors. Yesterday's colors were white, brown or gray, khaki, and orange. Here's what I came  up with…

I've worn this shirt before, here, but this time, I decided to tuck it in. I've never been one to tuck in my shirts, but after this outfit, I think I might try it more often.

This fabulous lace skirt is from Stein Mart. I'm telling you ladies… if you need a skirt, look no further than Stein Mart! They have some pretty fabulous stuff! My gold/nude heels are Gianni Bini from Dillards. Nude colored shoes are a great way to elongate your legs. And a shorty like me needs that!

I noticed that I never have purses in my postings but that is for a reason. I love purses but I can't stand changing them. I know people who change them with each outfit and I wish I had the patience for that, but I don't. This Louis Vuitton is my baby right now. My husband bought it for my birthday last June and I have been using it since then. Good quality purses will last a LOONG time versus a new cheap purse that breaks every month.

Belts are also something that make a big difference. I hope to do a post soon on different sized belts, what they are for, and the difference they make. This particular one is from Target.

XOXO

Carmen

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Lunch with the boys

Today I got to go have lunch with two of my brothers. This doesn't happen very often, since they are both in high school and both VERY busy! So, instead of getting all dressed up, I kept it casual but still a little frilly :) I am the only girl after all.

 Today is the first day that I've been able to pull out my flip flops! The weather was extremely warm today and I was soo happy! These wedge sandals came from Target.

This cute little cardigan came from TJ Maxx. It is a pretty blush pink with a lacy back. I completely LOVE that store, as any fashionista does. If you've never been there before… GO!

This lace shirt came from Macy's. I found it on clearance a couple of months ago. There is a similar one  here. 

Now, let me tell you about this AMAZING undershirt I am wearing. It is 3/4 length and has a higher scoop neckline. They are super comfortable and great for layering. I have one in every single color they have available! They wash really well and don't lose their color. They are great to put under sheer tops, dresses, or anything else you may need some cover with! You can buy them HERE! The color I am wearing is called dusky green but to me it looks more like grey. They are very true to size and are very form fitting. This works perfect if you want them underneath clothes. If you want it to fit looser, go a size up.

My jean skirt is from SteinMart. It seems like SteinMart always has great skirts for a good price. Its always hard to find longer lengths but I can always find some there.

Well, Spring Break is almost over :( But, luckily for me, summer is just around the corner! Stay tuned for more soon!

Carmen

XOXO

Matthew 6:25-34

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Polka Dots and Lace

Hi! That's me... Carmen :) So today was Sunday, which means time for church! This morning I was running late and needed something quick. I love polka dots! They are always in style; Fun, flirty, and easy to wear. I found this polka dot top at Burlington Coat Factory for super cheap! It's a silky sleeveless top that is easy to layer. The neck is already high so you don't have to worry about wearing another tank top underneath. Instead of your typical black skirt, I opted for a winter white lace skirt. Here's a great tip when wearing white: Wear a black slip underneath and you won't be able to see through it! I found this skirt at SteinMart. I love texture and especially lace. Its very feminine and dainty, and can easily dress up any outfit. Black and white was all over the runway at NY Fashion Week recently, and I am definitely ready for that trend! And to give it a pop of color, I wore a pink sweater from NY&Company... my all time favorite store!

I also wore my favorite black heels, by Gianni Bini. They always add a little sparkle to whatever I'm wearing! Every woman needs a great pair of black heels and these are all that and more!

This fun charm watch is also from NY&Company. I thought the pearls worked well with the polka dots.
Well, off to bed for tonight fashionista friends! Tomorrow is President's Day which means no school for me! Until next time!