Short Shorts atop Stilettos

If Zara were an ex-boyfriend, he’d have slapped me with a restraining order well before now. Seriously, I can’t stay away — and it certainly doesn’t help that I live a mere 300 yards from the Spanish retailer’s Chicago-based outpost.

On my last shopping haul trip, I picked up a few items, including these floral-print shorts and a pair of perfectly color-blocked strappy sandals. Both, I thought, were perfect for spring and summer, so I jumped at my first opportunity to style them together when the temps rose above 60 degrees last week.

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Just how frequently do I find myself taking the long route home to pay a quick and, often times, unnecessary trip Zara? I’m won’t divulge that, since my parents read this; but I will tell you that twice a week, the store receives a fresh shipment of limited runway-inspired clothing and accessories. Wink.

orange and teal outfit

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floral pants outfit inspiration, floral shorts outfit inspiration*Head to toe: Gap shirt, Zara shorts (similar), BCBG clutch (similar style, which I like better!),
cocktail ring c/o Alue Boutique, Zara sandals, Chanel sunglasses

**Don’t forget, you get 15% off your entire purchase with the code ‘CORALS’ at Alue Boutique now through June 1, 2012. Click here to check out the affordable, trendy jewelry at Alue. Click here to see the spike bracelet from Alue that I’m loving — it’s only $16 after discount!

Shimmer and Lace

I’ve been easily seduced by high-low hemlines this season, and from the moment I laid eyes on this shimmer and lace dress by Plastic Island, I knew I had to have it.

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I wore this dress to the Yigal Azrouël fashion show in Chicago last week, hosted by Saks and CS Magazine. Photos of the event will be posted tomorrow, but in the meantime, I couldn’t wait to share a few photos of my new favorite frock with you:

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For now, I’m wearing this as a tailored trend — belted with a cropped blazer or toughened up with darker separates — but I’m bound to toss on a few neon statement-makers (and matching stilettos, of course), closer to summer.

In the meantime, you can find me shopping the rest of the well-priced, contemporary fashions on Collective Habit, my new favorite online shopping spot. Disclaimer? Don’t come after me when you’re checking out with a well-stocked cart an hour from now — blame the lovely Laura from OnTheRacks, because she introduced me.

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Fashion Road Trip: Houston, Texas

As I mentioned (and styled!) earlier this week, I recently took a trip to Texas, where I instantly fell in love with its unresisting sunshine and relaxed style vibe.

I maintained a western chic-type of mindset when combing my closet for items to pack, embodying fashion icons like Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth as the source of my inspiration — particularly in how they effortlessly blend casual, bohemian vibes with cool and contemporary pieces.

 

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That being said, I was completely unprepared for the fact that it was still a bit on the chilly side (it is January, I guess), so I ended up fusing elements of Houston and Chicago style in an effort to remain cozy while still looking chic.

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That, of course, didn’t stop us from exploring… with our wallets.

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My Houston host and sister, Katy

I’m looking forward to returning this spring — sans scarf.

Wearing: Dress from …/method, Tory Burch wedges (similar), cashmere scarf, Chanel sunglasses