Cobalt Maxi

I'm pretty terrible at making a ponytail look special. It usually winds up looking exactly the same every time. This time, however, I decided to give it my all by breaking out the teasing comb and adding a little volume. Still not a monumental difference, but at least I tried.

Any suggestions on how you add some oomph to your pony tail? If you have a tutorial or suggestion, share in the comments below!

P.S I will be back mid-week from my honeymoon, so that will all from me until I return home. 

Dress: Forever 21 (from last summer but super cute option here from Piperlime)

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina" (on sale now!)

Necklace and bracelet: Vintage via the Randolph Street Market

Scarf: Gap (similar here)

Sunglasses: Taste of Randolph Street Fest (similar here)

Summer Time Classics

This dress is two summers old and I still think it's just perfect every time i wear it. It never gets old. These sandals, however, actually are old. I mean really old, like six years maybe, and in shoe years that's like 100. I've never been able to get rid of these old classics because they are just so darn comfy, easy to slip on and match with all things summer!

What do you have that you consider a summer classic?

Dress: Anthropologie "Shapeshifter" Maxi (found one here on eBay in a small, same size as mine)

Sandals: Cole Haan (old)

Toe color: "Bond With Whomever" by Essie

Hat & sunglasses: Street Fest (perfect hat match here)

Spike Bracelet: eBay (Stella and Dot one here)

Gold loop bracelet: Vintage

Lace Baseball Hat

I'm pretty sure the words "lace" and "baseball hat" have never been used together, but here they are, and paired with a skirt nonetheless!

My hair could not be allowed out on such a humid day so I had to contain it. This cap has been sitting in my closet since I heard the first whispers of the baseball hat trend months ago, yet I never really found a chance to wear it (it really didnt go with my professional teacher look). 

Making the best of bad hair days - yet another reason I love summer accessories.

 

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina"

Skirt: Zara Jacquard stripe skirt

Linen top: Uniqlo

Hat: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Randolph Street Fest (match here)

Bracelet: Vintage

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Tildon via Nordstrom

Joe Fresh Summer Stripes

Have you noticed that I'm getting a lot of wear out of this Fan Fringe Necklace? It just seems to go with everything summer related and I'm totally fine with that. Not to mention these silly heart sunglasses that scream summer, too! Gotta love summer accessories.

By the way you may see this dress again... in a different color scheme. I picked it up at my beloved Joe Fresh when I was in New York and liked it so much I bought both colors it came in!

Dress: Joe Fresh (Shop Joe Fresh online at JC Penny here)

Sunglasses: Taste of Randolph Street Fast (cute gap ones here)

Necklace: Silver Linings Shop

Shoes: Zara

Watch: La Mer via Gilt (similar)

Bracelet: Banana Republic Outlet

Navy and White Stripe Maxi

This dress was worn on one of those days when it's too humid to want to wear anything. The tee-shirt comfiness was perfect for a nice casual dinner out in Greek Town. And for $14, this dress was a steal!

Dress & Sunglasses: Forever 21

Necklace: Silver Linings Shop

Sandals: Sam Edelman "Nalo" (old but one pair in brown on eBay)

Purse: Sam Edelman
Lips: Heatwave by Nars

Embellished Romper from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

By now hopefully I am in Greece and there is no more transportation strike complicating our honeymoon. Sheesh!

Lucky for me I have gorgeous friends that can fill in the fashion gaps when I am absent! 

Angelique recently visited the Nordstrom Anniversary Early Access sale and picked up this fabulous jade romber. Maybe you are like Angelique and you would never have picked this out for yourself, but with a push from someone else, you may find something and wind up loving it. 

Nordstrom Sale: Topshop Embellished Neck Romper

Lips: Nars "Yu"

*Thanks to Angelique for being my model!

Sale Away...

To mark me "sailing" away to Greece (not sailing, flying actually), I'll put up my favorite new sailboat top that I picked up in NY at Uniqlo a few weeks ago. I love how it feels like I'm wearing little boy's pjs! 

You might notice some small changes over the next 11 days at Hot Pink Style. I will be overseas, so I won't be doing as much Facebooking or Instagramming. I'm still going to put up my regular posts to keep the fashion hunger satisfied, and don't worry, I promise to come back and share all the beautiful places from our trip. 

Are you wondering if I spelled sale wrong in the title? I meant to do that. Today starts the public opening of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I've added my favorites down at the bottom for you to check out. 

 Sandals: Sam Edelman "Trina" (on sale here)

Jeans: Zara

Top: Cabbages and Roses for Uniqlo (same print here) (cute video on the brand collaboration here)

Watch: Michael Kors "Runway"

Necklace: Tildon Vintage Floral Statement necklace from Nordstrom

Purse: Sam Edelman


Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks:

From top left going clockwise: Click to shop 

Snowcat print dress

Geo print dress

Trina Turk coat of my DREAMS!

Vince Camuto quilted jacket

"Clayton" Satchel

Rag & Bone Booties

Mixed media sweater

Black and blue colorblocked blouse

Josie bra (my favorite and comes in a new shade of pink)

 Smashbox brush set

Happy First Birthday Hot Pink Style!!!

Wow! I really can't believe that this blog has existed for a whole year. It's such a huge part of me and I'm so thankful for all the people out there who have supported me.

I remember when I wrote my first post. To put it all out there was a super-terrifying leap of faith. I hoped people would respond to it well and now every day I am surprised by the opportunities and feedback my readers offer. Sometimes it comes just in the nick of time too, like when I'm in a doubtful mindset but then someone sends and email or leaves a comment and it reminds me why I started this blog in the first place.

What is that reason, you may ask? To help people feel their very best.

In this last year I've been able to realize that goal by working with new clients and sponsors to help spread the word about my personal shopping/stylist service: Jill of All Trades Chicago. As you may already know, you can hire me whether you live near or far to help you with all of your wardrobe, fashion or lifestyle needs. Click here or on the tabs above to find out more!

Nothing makes me happier than helping someone feel their best by looking their best. If you are interested in a consultation - or you know someone who has felt frustrated, overwhelmed or intimidated with their wardrobe, feel free to email me!

Right now I'm offering all my readers 50% off their first hour of services! Email me at jillstyle55@gmail.com. I can't wait to begin working with you!

***I will be out of the country til August 1st. Bookings will begin then!

Thank you to all my readers for all the support and encouragement you give. It truly means the world to me!

Jill

Off Duty

I almost didn't want to post these pictures. I didn't know if my readers would enjoy the non-pencil-skirt-wearing side of me, or wouldn't be interested in my lazy day outfits. 

But then, as my very talented hairstylist and beauty blogger friend Sonya reminded me, sometimes that's what people want to see most. (She also happend to squeeze me in for this cut and blow out you see here.)

So I hope my yogi-grunge outfit hasn't scared you off. Let me know if you would like to see more of the teacher-off-duty looks of summer 2013!

Sandals: Topshop (similar)

Toe color: "Bond With Whomever" by Essie

Shorts: Zara (on sale in stores)

Tank: H&M (seen here & only $15)

Purse: Sam Edelman

Lace and Neon

You may remember this top from my dressing room shots in the new Piperlime store in New York. There, I tried it on with black leather shorts. But for work, I wore it with neon jeans to bring out the neon orange detailing in the lace. What do you think?

Top: Piperlime

Jeans: JC Penny (on clearance for $12 here)

Shoes: Sole Society "Austin"

Necklace: Forever 21

Bracelet: Oia Jules

Watch: Charming Charlie

Sunglasses: Nordstrom

And since I can't be back in the splendor of the Soho Piperlime store right now, I can only browse the site and dream. Here are some pretty little dresses I've got my eye on.

 Click here to shop the looks: 1/2/3/4