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Amour. The Reason to Exist.

The French phrase “raison d’être” meaning “reason for being” is the inspiration for this post’s title. When you discover that love is the reason to exist, everything else will fall into place.

I spent the weekend celebrating love with a college friend, celebrating her last days as a single gal preparing for her upcoming wedding. I was also able to spread love to my mom by spending some time with her and delivering an early birthday present that she absolutely loved.

printed shift dress

Speaking of love, I’m enchanted by the simpleness of this printed shift dress from Amour Vert. Not only do I love the dress, I love what Amour Vert stands for. The brand name translates to “green love” in French. They are a company that is committed to being the gold standard for ethical products and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Companies who think critically about the cost of manufacturing and its effect on the people and environment score points in my book. The quality of the silk is great and the colors are gorgeous. I decided to pair this dress with heels to elevate the outfit. These Dolce Vita coral sandals are my favorite shoes as of late. The color adds another dimension to the outfit which is perfect for me since I’m always down for a pop of color.

printed shift dress

printed silk dress

Nothing like an easy printed shift dress to make weekend dressing super easy. Pieces like this are great for your wardrobe because you can just throw it on and go. (Make sure it’s not wrinkled though!) Pair with colorful heels or a lace up sandal for added interest. This dress will even transition into fall with tights and a cute bootie.

printed shift dress

printed shift dress

printed shift dress

dress: Amour Vert (similar here & here) | shoes: Dolce Vita (also in tan & black) | bag: The Limited (old), (similar here & here)

So tell me what is your raison d’être/reason for being?

[linked with: Pink Sole, Claire Justine, DC in Style, Style Nudge, I do deClaire, Style Elixir, Classy Yet Trendy, Myriad Musings, TwoThirtyFiveDesigns, The Closet by Christie, Rachel the Hat]

A Tribe Called Turquoise.

TGIF!

Happy Friday people.

Fridays really get me excited, especially in the summertime. My job has summer hours which means we are able to get out of the office early. That is…if we are in a good place with our work of course! I really try to take advantage of this office perk to hang out with friends, run some errands, and enjoy the summer sun! Hopefully I’ll be able to hit a patio with friends a little early and I’m crossing my fingers for sunshine. We’ve had a thunderstorm everyday this week and this girl is ready for the sun. Memorial Day weekend could not come at a better time. Who doesn’t love an extra day off work?

Tribe Called Turquoise - summer dress

This dress is one I picked up at Forever 21 on a whim. It was way up high hanging on the wall but the colors really drew me in. While I wouldn’t say that I’m shy of prints, I’m not always naturally drawn to them as a first choice. The length also made me nervous…as I get farther and farther away from twenty-one these are things you gotta think about…(but let’s just let’s keep that age thing between us). I tried it on and actually liked it. The print + the color combination didn’t overwhelm me and the length turned out to be just right, which is an important ingredient for summer dresses!

I’m excited that summer is kicking off! All of a sudden summer trips, weddings, and events are here. My calendar is getting full…and that’s just the way I like it!

Tribe Called Turquoise - summer dresses

dress: Forever 21 (similar here & here) || ring: Kendra Scott (similar) ||
shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Tribe Called Turquoise - summer dress

Tribe Called Turquoise - summer dress

Tribe Called Turquoise - summer dress

Have a fabulous [long] weekend && stay haute!
xoxo.
-c.

 

Linked up with: Cappuccino and Fashion, Stylin' in St. Louis, Happiness at Mid-life, Living in Color Style

Necessary Neon Floral.

Yes! I’m so happy that it is finally the weekend. This week was a rough one. There were some good things mixed in with some not so good, but now that it’s Saturday, I can exhale and recharge. And although the weather doesn’t show it, I can feel that the summer season is right around the corner. Who has interesting plans for Memorial Day Weekend?!

cute floral skirt

When I shop, I buy pieces that mean something to me. Most every item in my closet tells a story. For instance, the pair of outlet store floral platform heels that I initially felt lukewarm about. I bought them on sale, only because they were on sale, and I get the most compliments whenever I wear them. Or the story of my H&M designer collaboration dresses that I just HAD to have – and have yet to wear…I mean you can’t really pass up Lanvin & Margiela right? (I promise they will get their shine soon!) One of my favorite stories is about a pair of patent yellow sandals I bought at a sample sale and a former boss of mine fell in love with them. She playfully joked more than once that I should give them to her since we wore the same size. I never knew how to respond…I mean when your boss wants your shoes, what do you even say to that?

And the list could go on. (A story about my $20 hot pink thrift store coat comes to mind.) For the most part, I try to shop with a purpose. When your clothes become more than apparel, more than something you just put on, you have gained memories that transcend the clothes. It’s about the stories and feelings that you can take with you for longer than you may have the actual garments.

neon floral 4.

This J.Crew floral skirt is no different from the clothing and accessories above. This is a story about patience. I think I stalked this skirt for at least 6 months. Okay, maybe it wasn’t 6…but it had to be at least 4. I think I saw it first in store and fell in love. While it was everything I could want in a skirt – scuba, floral, neon, and ruffle (in a good way) – paying over a hundred bucks for one item was not in my budget. Never one to miss a sale, I kept my eye on this skirt. Browsed J.Crew’s website on the regular to see if the skirt was within my price range. After a while, I gave up hope….but then I ran into a girl at work wearing a dress in the same material and print. She mentioned she got it on sale and I immediately got excited that the skirt would soon be within my grasp. It initially was only half off, but I held out and ended up purchasing the skirt for about a third of the original price. Waiting sometimes (most times) doesn’t work out, but this was meant to be. I ordered the skirt online, it fit perfectly and the rest is history.

Thinking about how long I waited for this skirt makes my heart smile every time I think about it. If you have any heart-warming clothes stories, please share. I’d love to know!

neon floral 5.

neon floral 3.

tee: J. Crew | skirt: J. Crew | handbag: Chanel | sandals: Dolce Vita (as seen here)

 

Sunday Clutch. & Happy Mother’s Day!

sunday clutch 1.Man oh man, has it been a week. From birthday celebrations and cinco de mayo shenanigans, to learning pains in a new position at work and crazy thunderstorms, to ending with me getting sick as the cherry on top. So yes, I’m writing this post cuddled up on my couch catching up on Scandal while drinking copious amounts of orange juice as I try to feel better.

sunday clutch 4.

sunday clutch 2.

We are still getting a lot of rain here in Dallas but when the sun is out, its gorgeous. Lots of people were out and about enjoying the sunshine. This is one of my go-to warm weather outfit combinations. Colored shorts, interesting tank top, wedges, and a fun clutch.

This version includes the classic J. Crew chino shorts. I add a pair or two to my collection every spring/summer season. I love finding them on sale at the J. Crew Factory outlet locations as well (the website is having a crazy sale right now…go!). The colors offered and easy fit make these my summer favorites. My Vince tank is old but I still love to wear it. I layer a simple plain tank top underneath as a solid background. While it is a sweater, the open knit makes it not too hot to wear in the summer. My oversized neon clutch purse is a great pop-of-color accessory. It’s big and makes a statement. I love adding it to an outfit with a monochromatic feel or even with all black. Even if you are not a big fan of color, mixing it in with a bright accessory will help jazz up your look.

sunday clutch 3.

sunday clutch 6.

Today is Mother’s Day! So Happy Mom’s Day to all of you mamas and soon-to-be-mothers out there! One of my college friends announced that she is expecting which makes the day all the more special. Tell your mom (or any mom’s you know) you love her and hug her tight if you can!

 

Buy me a Birkin.

No, I’m not asking you to actually buy me a Hermes Birkin handbag. It’s just a part of the cute saying on my tank top. (You can if you want to though, I won’t stop you!)

“Roses are red, violets are blue. Buy me a Birkin, and I will love you.”

Cute right? A girl can only dream.

Buy Me Birkin 6

I bought this lovely muscle tank from The Elizabeth Chronicles in the middle of December or January and I’ve been itching to wear it out. The fabric is soft and easy breezy, perfect for a warm afternoon. My coral tank underneath adds the necessary pop of color.

Guess who’s excited about the sunshine? This girl. There’s something about the beautiful bright rays that gets me in a good mood. I’m happy that it’s finally May, hopefully the weekly torrential rainstorms will take a break. Texas has been nice in keeping the rainy weather to the week days as the last couple of weekends have been sunny and not too hot.

This is the first time I’ve worn shorts out this year so you know I had to get my legs ready! Us girls tend to neglect our legs during the winter. But let me tell you, as soon as the weather is right, I break out my cut off shorts. I wish I could live in them! My mom hates them on me but I could probably wear them everyday. Not sure why I get so excited about cut offs. Maybe it’s because it’s an easy way to dress in the bohemian spirit which is such a big trend this season. I can’t really dress boho chic at my corporate job, but the weekend is my time to let out the inner bohemian girl in me. I love to mix and match styles, taking inspiration from different genres to create a style that is uniquely me.

Buy Me a Birkin1

Buy Me a Birkin 4 Buy Me a Birkin 2Buy Me a Birkin 3 Buy Me a Birkin 5tank: The Elizabeth Chronicles | cutoffs: iT jeans (old) | sandals: DV by Dolce Vita | sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs (old) from Neiman Marcus | bag: Sam Edelman (old) | necklace: Forever 21 (similar) | ring: ASOS (similar)

Looks like this tank is still available and on sale! Get it here.

See you in the sun!

-c.

Spring Pink.

When the sun comes out in Dallas, it’s basically a requirement to get outside to feel the sunshine. Friday night a huge storm came through so I was glad to see bright, sunny skies the next morning. After running some Saturday errands, I met up with some of my girlfriends for a sushi date. Not much better than sushi and quality time with friends. Patio time is my favorite time!

Spring Style. Pink.1

Spring style is nice because you can still layer but with lighter pieces. This season is time for fun colors. One of the best ways to experiment with color is with scarves and other accessories. Scarves are my go-to accessory, I could wear one everyday [but I won’t!]. I just love this pink and white scarf my brother gave me. It’s so big, yet lightweight, making it really versatile. It’s by a brand called Raj carried at Last Call by Neiman Marcus. I threw on the scarf over an easy Vince oversized tee paired with skinny jeans from one of my favorite denim brands, Mother. The fit of their jeans are spot on. This skinny style is their classic fit, called The Looker. I chose a silver cuff and ring to go with the shades of red/pink. My burgundy suede lace-up heels are one of my go-to pairs of shoes right now. They add so much to a simple outfit and really make it pop. The lace-up shoe trend is everywhere right now and I can’t get enough! Might have to add a flat pair of sandals like these to my collection soon!

Spring Style. Pink.2

Spring Style. Pink 4.

Spring Style. Pink 3.

Tell me: what are your spring staples? Can’t wait for more sun-filled days and more patio time!

 

Photo credit: Alejandra Martinez

 

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