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:

Seeing Spots

I really feel like I'm seeing spots today. I do not feel well at all. But, as my teacher friends know, it's easier to suck it up and go to school than it is to plan for a sub. So, I got dressed super comfy and went to school.

I am loving these tie front shirts. I've seen them all over. At first I was very wary of trying it on. But, once it was on, it looked super cute! I got this one at Macy's a while back. Here's a similar shirt in mint green that I would love to own! This shirt is also great because the fabric is thin. I have worn it with a long sleeve shirt in winter, and today I wore it with a tank top since it was a warmer.

Black skirts are a staple in every woman's closet and this one is a twist on the classic black skirt. The ruffles give it a fun vibe. I got this one at Target more than a couple of years ago :) Here is another cute ruffle skirt from Target that would look great on anyone!

These shoes are AH-mazing!! They are my other favorite pair to wear besides these. The brand is called Sofft. They have a small kitten heel, which is great to give me some height. But, unlike other heels, these do NOT hurt to wear all day! They are VERY comfortable and VERY worth the price! But, lucky for you, this Mary Jane style is on sale right now here!! These are also available in leopard print. Too cute! I was pretty excited to see all of the great Spring sandals on their website! I know the price looks a little steep but for someone who is on their feet all day, it is worth it!

Pray that I feel better quick! Ain't nobody got time to be sick!

XOXO

Carmen

Pattern Mixing

So, if you haven't heard, one of the trends this spring is pattern mixing. I've been on the fence about it because it comes close to looking like you got dressed in the dark. But, I've seen some pretty amazing posts like this one from Serena over at The Serena Saga and this one from Chioma at Chioma's Evolution of Style. They inspired me to finally try it. Now this outfit is just a baby step since I only mixed two patterns but I think the two patterns look great together! I apologize in advance because the pictures were taken in about 10 minutes and I was absolutely exhausted! So there are not very many, needless to say.

I know, I know, the boots aren't very "springy" but the day that I wore this outfit, it was 20 degrees when I woke up. It had been 80 the day before. So I HAD to wear boots and leggings, it was freezing! Our weather can't make up it's mind!

What do you think of pattern mixing? Like it? Love it? Afraid of it? What patterns do you think look good together?

Carmen

XOXO

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!