Cover up essential!

I believe the countdown to Spring break has started?! This is the 4-6 week time period where most of us hit the gym more often, give up sweets and (for the most strong willed) wine is eliminated from our diet! My family and I are heading to the beach and I can't wait for some vitamin D! I admit I have been working out a bit more and I have started to think about what new pieces of clothing and accessories I want for our trip! As a mom, I think one of the most important beach items is a great cover up.  I not only want to look good in my bathing suit, but also what covers it during the sand castle building, lunches by the pool and trips back to the room to grab the 20th item forgotten by one of my kids.

I fell in love with this Lem Lem coverup from Perch (Denver/Vail). The fabric is so light and soft and will be perfect for hot beach weather! Plus, it's beyond flattering and comfortable. Truly- a no-brainer purchase. I paired the cover up with Steve Madden stacked sneakers - a fun alternative to the expected flip flop or sandal. I can't get enough of this Antonello clutch (it's been in a few blogs at this point!) - it works for day and night and is a great staple for Spring (Perch Denver/Vail). Last touches - earrings (Henri Bendel) and bracelets (Jcrew, Kate Spade Gorjana) - also some blog repeats because they're that versatile!  Oh and yes, I wear jewelry at the beach--why not??

Cropped flare jeans - friend or foe?

So, cropped flare jeans are on-trend, but that doesn't mean that all of us ladies are going to embrace them (right away)! I believe that with every new jean trend finding what shoes to pair them with can make or break the trend (and your love for it)!

For me, at 5' 5" (on a good day), cropped flared jeans look best when paired with a heel or wedge. If you are lucky and have some height on you, you can pair these great jeans from Perch (Denver/Vail) with anything from a heeled boot to a great pair of flats. I fell in love with this Michelle Mason blouse from Perch (Denver/Vail) because it is so versatile. I can wear this top with a good part of my wardrobe. See by Chloe makes such beautiful shoes and at great price points. I l love the denim fringe detail. Final touches, an Antonello clutch (Perch - Denver/Vail) - perfect for the upcoming Spring season, and Henri Bendel hoops (similar) and layered bracelets (Jcrew, Henri Bendel, (similar) Nordstrom Nordstrom). So, I say go for it! Try out this new denim trend and make it your own!

Busy Calendar!

I always assume that once the holidays are over that things will calm down. January and February will be slow months where I will have time to organize my life, read a book, go to a movie (during the day), but for some reason this never happens! We all find ourselves busier than ever. Non-stop kids activities, school sign-ups, and social events. Silver lining - all of these galas, dinners, and fundraisers all require something fun to wear! That's where I come in :-)

I found this Michelle Mason dress at Perch (Denver/Vail). It is truly one of the most comfortable and flattering dresses I have ever tried on! And I love how there is an extra layer of the dress that wraps in the front. This dress is perfect for a cocktail party or dinner out with friends! The Malone Souliers are shown again...how versatile are these mules?! Simple earrings from Jcrew (on sale!) and bracelets from Jcrew and Julie Vos. Everything in this look is only a click away, except the pooch. He is not for sale!

Denim Collection

One pair of really awesome jeans can dress you for so many occasions! When I go shopping for a new pair of jeans (my denim collection is extensive) - I ask myself, "How many looks can I get from this one pair of jeans?". The answer is "at least 5 looks" in order for me to buy them. The so called "mom jean" is on trend. I don't know exactly what the title means... Do you have to be a mom to wear them? Are they supposed to be unflattering? (sounds like they should be)... Well, I am a mom of 3 and I am digging these jeans. So, thank you to whomever titled these awesome new addition to my jean "collection"!

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I found these Derek Lam "mom jeans" at Perch. I LOVED them the second I put them on. They were fitted where they should be and loose where I WANTED them to be. Truly, I feel amazing in these jeans. I put two looks together (though, there are countless more options- more than 5!) featuring two great jackets from Nordstrom. The Blank NYC suede biker jacket comes is SO many colors! I chose burgundy because it works really well with black, gray and navy. And this Joe's jacket is such a fun take on a bomber jacket and perfect for Spring. Shoes - black Mary Jane's (a footwear staple) and the very popular Malone Souliers mules. Accessories - Norstrom bracelets (cuff), (bangle), Henri Bendel cuff (similar) and a gorgeous Antonello clutch from Perch. Happy shopping!

Shoes & Jewelry, OH MY!

One thing I love about shoes and jewelry is that they always fit!  Despite quitting the gym or reintroducing ice cream into your diet, your little piggies still fit in those pretty stilettos and gold bangles!  A new pair of shoes makes me smile, gets me excited to go out, and literally puts a skip in my step! The right bracelet or earring can dress your look up or down and add that pop of color you are looking for. I picked out some current accessory favorites of mine - all different price points and they will appeal to anyone from a mom to a college student!

Spring has some amazing shoes to pick from! These denim fringe See by Chloe wedges (Perch Denver/Perch Vail) are beautiful and a great price point. They can be worn with anything from jeans to a casual dress. You can get get the pop of color you need in your look with a great pair of shoes. I found these light blue suede pumps at Banana Republic for a steal (in store only) and I love the bow on the back! A good black pair of Mary Jane heels will be a staple in your wardrobe. Who doesn't need a classic pair of black pumps? Mules are here to stay and this pair of Malone Souliers are gorgeous. Probably my new favorite shoe . Finally, this espadrille/sneaker combo gives you a little height and is the perfect spring/summer shoe!

Stacked bracelets and fun earrings are a must for every season! I found some great earrings at Henri Bendel (enamel drop) (gold hoop) and JCrew. (gold drops)  (navy tassel)- similar.  When it comes to bracelets, my motto is the more, the merrier. Stack away! I found some great ones at Nordstrom (Kate Spade) (Kate Spade) (gorjana), JCrew, Julie Vos and Hermes.

All blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography