Black and white is boring without a little color!

One of the big trends this summer is black and white. Stripes, polka dots, any print you can think of in black and white. It is a timeless color combination that anyone can wear and it looks very chic.

But if you ask me, black and white can be boring without some color! Especially in summer when everything is supposed to be bright and fun! So, I paired this black and white polka dot with a bright candy apple red pencil skirt. 

You could really pair black and white with just about any color and it would look great. This search will help you find a polka dot shirt. I got mine on sale at Stein Mart. I also got the skirt at Stein Mart. (I got to go shopping this weekend for my birthday!) Unfortunately, Stein Mart does not have online shopping but if you need help finding one, don't hesitate to contact me, I'd be glad to help!

I don't usually change purses but I used my black Coach with this outfit. My husband bought this for me our first Valentine's together. He picked it out all by himself! :)

I got this fabulous headband from a missionary who came to our church this weekend. His daughters make unique headbands. It's funny because right before church, I was complaining to my husband that I needed a new headband. And as soon as I walked in the foyer, ta da! There was a table full of headbands! Isn't is amazing how God gives us even the smallest desires of our hearts? 

T-strap heels give your look a more vintage feel. Unfortunately, I could not find these shoes on Dillard's website. I got them last year, so they may be discontinued. But, I did find some other t-strap heels that were similar here (on sale!), here, and here.

Here's the final look one more time with my little photobomber! I am babysitting my sister's dog and she kept trying to get in the pictures too! 

Have a blessed day!

Carmen

XOXO

Linking Up With:

Romantic Florals and Waves

Guess who's back?! Well, I apologize for having been gone so long. I'm not sure how many people actually noticed I was gone, but anyways... May and the beginning of June has been VERY busy/crazy. Choir show, Talent Show, end of school, end of school packing and cleaning, we had puppies, we went out of town for a wedding... and now things are finally settling down.

I didn't exactly get time to do a "fashion shoot" at the wedding but I did get some good pictures of me and my husband, who was the best man. It was at a beautiful ranch in Comfort, TX. The whole wedding was absolutely amazing. Right now as you know, it's wedding season. Love is in the air... In fact, we got married two years ago on June 17.  So wondering what to wear to a wedding?

I chose this great floral faux wrap dress. It was a thin polyester fabric, which helped keep me cool at the outdoor ceremony. This fabric also travels well and does not wrinkle. Here's a great tip for any dress at any time... Don't be afraid to invest in a full bodyshaper slip. It helps to keep any panty lines from showing and smooths everything out. When you are buying one, it shouldn't be so tight that you can't breathe, just a nice comfortable fit. I don't necessarily wear mine with every dress, but with those fabrics that are a little less forgiving than others :) And that usually means special occasion dresses.

I also have my fun Gianni Bini heels on. They have beads that dangle across the t-strap in front. Here's what the heels look like close up. I couldn't find them online :(

Florals are big right now and they are great to wear anywhere. They give a romantic vibe that goes great at a wedding. 

Another great tip for weddings this season is to wear waves in your hair. No kinky curls, but loose waves. A kind of 20's inspired look. I got mine by using a curling wand and curling my hair from about my ears to the bottom. I sprayed each strand of hair before and after I curled it. Before you brush through the curls, let them cool off and set. Get dressed and right before you leave, brush through them and voila! Beautiful waves. (I used lots of spray since it was an outdoor wedding and a little humid.)

XOXO

Carmen

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

Linking up with:

Chambray and Sequins

Today has been a good Friday indeed. I have been so busy this last week that I've barely had enough time to sleep, let alone blog. I was pretty happy about getting today off! I caught up on my sleep and now, I'm catching up on my blogging!

I had a girls' day today with my niece Amber. We had some major retail therapy going on! I've been trying to figure out for weeks what to wear with this chambray shirt. It's been sitting in my closet for more than a month with the tags on it. 

I love the rhinestone detail on the shoulders! That is the main reason I bought it. I love sparkles! The chambray is from Dillard's… here. They also have some other beautiful chambray tops with lace detail or one with leopard print.

The top is from Forever 21, here. It can be worn alone as well. The skirt I found at Burlington Coat Factory for only 6 dollars! If you have the patience to look, you can find great things. Especially when I found a similar skirt at Stein Mart today for $25. Still not a bad price, but you can't beat $6! My flip flops are Coach.

Don't forget to stop and remember what happened on this day, so many years ago. Jesus hung on the cross and died to save me and you. Where would I be, if not for your grace Jesus? 

Carmen

XOXO

Linking Up With:

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

Linking Up with:

Mani Monday

Since there was no school today (Yay President's Day!!) my best friend Vicky and I spent the day together. First lunch, then shopping, then manicures! We both opted for natural colors. Mine with a little sparkle and hers with a little shine :) We love them!