Peplum + Black & White Floral Pants

You may remember (from Facebook and Instagram) the cute storm of a mermaid modeling shoot my adorable niece Allie was in last weekend. 

Tomorrow's blog post will be a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot, and info about where you can get your own mermaid tails for all the little girls in your life. And even better, I will be hosting a "mermaid tail" giveaway for one lucky reader!

This is what I wore to take my niece to the mermaid shoot. I'm not embarrassed to say that my outfit's cuteness pales in comparison to the sweet little mermaids that were hopping all around me in their tails last weekend.

Top: Forever 21

Pants: Target (not online)

Shoes: Forever 21

Bracelets: Forever 21 (sold out but similar here)

Photo credit: Mom

Stripes and Floral

If you are just starting out at the pattern-mixing trend, floral and stripes are a perfect pace to begin.

It's a fun combination that doesn't require much thought. Pair your favorite striped top with a super-trendy and available-everywhere-right-now floral bottom (my favorite on sale here). 

Just make sure that the stripes are simple and that the color theme is slightly similar to one of the colors in the floral print. Blue/navy stripes are a safe bet but red would also be a good option. 

And don't worry if this kind of floral print is too busy for you. Try an option like this (on sale) and the effect will be the same, just a little more mild.

What patterns are you mixing for spring?

 

Top: Old Navy (a spring alternative here)

Pants: H&M

Heels & blue bracelet and short necklace (similar options here): Forever 21

Long Necklace: J. Crew

Sparkly rose gold bracelet and watch: Charming Charlie

Theme: COLOR - Pink & Floral

You know what I'm getting really sick of? Wind! I know this is Chicago, the "windy city," but enough. I'm pretty tough when it comes to taking my coat off in the below-freezing temps, but the wind is super annoying. Blowing my hair, clothes and skirts all over the place making it near impossible to take outfit pictures outside. 

That is all on that rant.

Anyway, the highlight of wearing this outfit was when a student asked me if I was "wearing my pajamas!" Of course! Don't all people wear jewelry, wedges and a belt to sleep?! That was pretty darn funny coming from a 10-year-old.

This is my China knock-off of the J. Crew Archipelago necklace that I became obsessed with when I saw it on a episode of The Bachelor! See the real version here. ($165)

Necklace: eBay

Pink button-down: Ralph Lauren Outlet

Pants: H&M (recent)

Shoes: J. Crew Factory Sylvia Patent Wedges

Watch: La Mer

Army Jacket: Forever 21