Postcard Print...Again!

If you love pattern mixing as well this J. Crew Postcard Print, which I have literally posted about three times in the last month or two, then this post is for you! If you don't like any of these things, then all I can say is, "I'm sorry!" So, yes, here I'm back in another version of the J. Crew Postcard Print. This time it's this adorable tie waist skirt. Truth be told, I think this is probably my favorite of the three postcard print items that I own, but choosing between them is difficult!

I guess one of the reasons that this skirt is my favorite is that it's going to be a piece that I wear all year long. While this skirt might not work in the middle of the winter if you're facing freezing temps and snow where you live, it would be perfect for the mild winters here in Los Angeles. Specifically, I am imagining it paired with a yellow and green sweater or maybe my orange tote bag, so look for it in the upcoming cooler months again on my blog or Instagram account, although if you're sick of this print, then you can just look away!

Skirt: J. Crew "Postcard" print skirt here
Tee: H&M similar striped tee here
Shoes: Ralph Lauren similar here
Necklace: J. Crew "Honeymoon" necklace similar here, fancy version here
Sunglasses: Celine
Bag: H&M similar gold straw clutch here

Heart to Heart: Face to Face

I think I have a spring in my step in today's post for a few reasons. First, the weather has cooled down considerably here in Los Angeles and it finally feels almost like fall. Second, I got my hair cut and the few inches that I had my hairdresser take off make me feel like a whole new person. (Goodbye split ends, hello fabulous!) Finally, this fun button-down face top has me feeling fabulous as well!

I currently own three of these "face" tops from SheIn that feature fun face shapes. This blue and white stripe one is the newest addition to my collection. Even so, I am actually thinking about buying this one with a hand shaped collar too! I love how these "face" blouse designs take a classic staple, here a blue and white striped button-down shirt, and make it avant garde with the addition of these quirky faces. Also, at under $20, they are a fabulous deal, especially when you compare them to the ones from Vivetta, which retail for $300-$400 each, that these are styled after. It's definitely safe to say that I "heart" these face tops, hence my burgeoning collection!

Come to think of it, I would say that this heart wall and my silver loafers also put a spring in my step! These loafers that I bought last year from ASOS are super comfy and perfect for strolling along the boulevard on a Sunday afternoon, which is where and when these photos were taken, or for being at work on my feet all day. The loafer trend seems like it's going to be hot again this fall, so I have included a few of my favorite metallic options below.

Shirt: c/o SheIn here
Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar Jeans
Shoes: ASOS similar here and here
Bag: Louis Vuitton budget version here
Sunglasses: Prada "Baroque" here

Shirtdresses: You Can Never Have Too Many!

I think I might have an obsession with shirtdresses! In particular, I am obsessed with this gingham one from J. Crew Factory. My obsession runs so deep that I decided to buy this shirtdress in two colors: green and black! I don't know what it is about the shirtdress but as a wardrobe staple, I find them to be very versatile. They are comfortable, classic, and you can just throw one on with a cute clutch like this rainbow Milly one and you're all ready to go!

In case you were wondering, this fun geometric wall, which is the backdrop for my shirtdress today, is located in Long Beach. The wall is located alongside an auto shop and it has a cool, industrial feel. It reminds me that I still have to compile my Los Angeles wall guide. (As you can see, I am prone to not only obsessing over shirtdresses but also to procrastination!) Anyway, this fun wall will definitely make the cut when I get around putting my list together!

Dress: J. Crew Factory gingham shirtdress here
Clutch: Milly rainbow clutch here
Sandals: J. Crew similar gold sandals here
Watch: Wristology here and save 10% with code Katie10
Sunglasses: Celine here

Postcards from California

I'm definitely head over heels in love with the postcard print that came out this summer from J. Crew! In fact, I'm so in love with it that I own three pieces that feature the print: this bow top, a blouse, and a skirt that I'll be featuring soon on my blog. I actually thought I had bought everything I possibly could with this particular print only to realize yesterday that there is also a dress! While I am tempted to get the dress to complete my collection, you can easily convert the blouse and the skirt (I think J. Crew calls that type of matchy, matchy thing "the hookup") into something that resembles a dress, so I think I'll pass...at least for now.

At first I was going to style this outfit with a graphic black and white skirt but then I decided to play up some of the colors featured in the print. I thought the addition of primary colors such as these cobalt pants and red heels gave a much needed pop of color to the look. The endless styling possibilities is one of the reasons why I adore this postcard print so much! Apparently, I am not the only one who adores the print because when my husband took these pictures outside of a small Japanese restaurant, the owner came out and applauded! Maybe she liked the outfit or maybe she just wanted us to come in and have some sushi!

Shirt: J. Crew bow shoulder top in postcard print
Pants: Old Navy similar cobalt pants here, and here
Shoes: J. Crew almost an exact version here
Earrings: Baublebar sale version here, similar here
Clutch: J. Crew Factoryyellow clutch here
Sunglasses: Celine here

No Fear of Color!

It's no secret that I love color and use it liberally in my wardrobe. It's also no secret that I love colorful backdrops for my photos, but usually I try to find a balance between the two. In this post, clearly both the outfit and the wall are saturated in color! Originally, I had planned to wear this rainbow striped dress against a more neutral wall that didn't have quite so much going on, but unfortunately it was fenced off, which meant I needed a backup wall. I was hesitant to use the backup wall shown here, as it's really loud and very, very colorful, but I once I got the photos home, I was pleased with the overall effect. After all, if you're going to go for color, why not go all the way?

The rainbow color dress I have on is from SheIn. One of the things I love about their clothing is that it's inexpensive but, if styled correctly, can have a more high-end look. When I tried on this dress for the first time, I was a little unsure about it. (I also had a moment when I thought it closely resembled the uniforms for Hot Dog On a Stick!) My husband comforted me, however, saying that if I wore it with a belt and without the uniform hat I would look fine. Anyway, this dress, much like the photos, really grew on me, so it all worked out in the end. I guess you can say that you can never go wrong with color!

Dress: c/o SheIn here
Shoes: J. Crew similar here
Bag: Coach similar here
Belt: J. Crew similar here
Sunglasses: Celine , similar here
Watch: c/o Wristology save 10% with promo code: Katie10

Breaking the Rules

How do you feel about wearing white after Labor Day? Personally, I think it's one of those fashion rules that you always hear about but that now seems outdated. I wore this particular outfit of white jeans and this gorgeous floral top from SheIn last week on Labor Day. I figured that if it's my last day to wear white, I might as well go out with a bang! Since I'm posting this after Labor Day, it technically makes me a rule breaker, but I don't care, as you can clearly see from the expression on my face in the first photo. Plus, as I previously stated, I'm not sure if I can abide by this "no whites after Labor Day" rule anyway!

Speaking of breaking the rules and going out with a bang, this frilly top not only features a traditional floral print (it also comes in a lovely striped version too!) but it also has a gorgeous surprise in back. It's also a tremendous bang for the buck, coming in at under $20!  I hesitate to say it, but it's a bit like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back! Yes, I said it: the top is like a mullet, albeit a very beautiful and fashionable mullet, if that's at all possible!

Shirt: c/o Shein here
Pants: J. Crew toothpick jean here, similar white jeans here
Bag: Louis Vuitton budget version here
Shoes: Christian Louboutin  similar pink patent pumps here
Sunglasses: Celine here
Necklace: J. Crew similar here

Donut You Love This Hat?

First, I would like to give a big shout out to the nice people working at the Long Beach Big Five Sporting Goods store for making this post possible! You see, I had to do an outfit change in order to do this post, but this area had no public restrooms whatsoever. I went in to Big Five and looked sad like I really needed to go to the bathroom and they gladly let me use the employee restroom. They probably thought it was weird when I came out in a different outfit but maybe no one noticed! Also, I give props to my husband for not only holding my hat while I was inside, but for wearing it. He texted me this when I was in the restroom: "When you come outside, I'll be the man on the corner across from Chuck E. Cheese's wearing the pink woman's donut hat!" Sure enough, when I went outside he was indeed there wearing the hat!

So, speaking of hats, I absolutely love this hat from Charming Charlie. Unfortunately, it is now sold out but they do have a similar one with confetti that is equally adorable. The rainbow colored sprinkles on its brim add a colorful pop to any ensemble, plus I'll definitely be wearing it on National Donut Day. (It also looked great with what my husband was wearing too!) Another thing that I love is this new wall that just went up a few months ago in Long Beach. Move over West Hollywood, Long Beach is now becoming the epicenter for amazing, colorful walls!

Shirt: J. Crew button front ruffle top here
Jeans: J. Crew similar here
Hat: Charming Charlie similar style here
Bag: H&M similar gold clutch here
Shoes: J. Crew similar here
Sunglasses: Celine here
Necklace: J. Crew similar colorful necklace here