Mahjong Tiles

Trashy Diva may have just launched their newest collection, Birds of a Feather, but I'm still stuck on a slightly older print that I've come to like a lot. I styled one of the Mahjong print skirts back in the fall, but I had forgotten to order up a size and the skirt didn't get much wear as a result. I decided to try the Annette dress in this print (which just restocked on the Trashy Diva site!), and I'm so glad I did.

I actually ordered a size up from what I've been recently buying at TD in this print. Cotton voile is a fantastic summer fabric because it's so lightweight, but there's virtually no stretch to it whatsoever. Having wiggle/eating room is important to me, so if you're between sizes, I'd personally suggest sticking to the size chart. I'm definitely planning on bringing this dress with me when Ashley and I go down to NOLA later this summer!

Outfit Details

Annette Dress in Mahjong: Trashy Diva (purchased from Cognito Clothing)

Hat: Kohl's  ||  Wedges: DSW

This past weekend was a lot of fun. I went to the market, went to a pool party with friends from work, and watched the Tony Awards. But it was also really weird/sad. My entire swimsuit collection is just gone (we've looked everywhere at my apartment and at my parents' house) and I'm pretty upset about it. I spent years collecting really hard-to-find, amazing suits that can't be replaced – literally, since they aren't made anymore – and I'm not really sure what to do now other than be sad. I know they're just clothes in the end and there are far more important things. I'm trying to keep some perspective, but they also meant something to me. I guess I'm going to have to gather up more things to sell so I can afford to get at least a couple of new suits this summer. What else can you do but try to start anew?

Have a great Wednesday,

Dogwood and Magnolia

I'd been waiting to wear this Trashy Diva dress for months! When the Dogwood collection came out, things were still really snowy here. But I knew the magnolia trees in Highland Park would be the perfect backdrop, so I patiently put off taking these photos until they were in bloom. They're mostly gone now, but I'm glad I was able to capture them while they lasted!

I'm absolutely in love with this print, but now I wish I had gotten the skirt instead of the Alexa dress. It's really a cute style, but since side zips are my arch nemesis, I'm hoping I can eventually find the dogwood skirt in my size. This collection is nearly sold out online, so I'll have to keep a sharp eye on eBay...

...Or hope that they might just have some at one of the Trashy Diva boutiques... because Ashley and I just booked our girls' trip to NOLA for this August!! I'm SO excited! We planned to go last summer, but had to put it off because of my new job/apartment. It's a trip that's long overdue. I can't wait for us to plan out our itinerary (i.e., where we are going to eat). If you have any favorite places in New Orleans, we could definitely use your recommendations! 

Outfit Details

Alexa Dress in Dogwood: Trashy Diva

Dogwood necklace: vintage  (similar)  ||  Hat: vintage (similar)

Chase & Chloe shoes: Amazon

Did you all have a nice Mother's Day? The weather is supposed to be beautiful this week, which is ideal for the Lilac Festival! I'm determined to get my fill of my favorite flowers. After a few weeks of chilly, in-between weather, I'm so happy that spring is finally here!

Have a great start to your week!

Lovebirds

Considering that Valentine's Day was yesterday, I thought it was high time I shared the dress I bought from Trashy Diva's Lovebirds collection. This was the heritage print that TD brought back into circulation after its initial release. While I wasn't sold on it initially (I was rooting for a couple of other older prints instead), I changed my mind once it came out. It's such a sweet print but because it's black, it's still very versatile.

I chose the "Gia" style for this collection, which is pretty much the same as the dress I have in the Venice Nights collection. Along with a slight difference in sleeves, the Lovebirds Gia runs a bit tighter and it actually seems a bit shorter in comparison. I believe the waist may be slightly higher, as well, but I personally didn't have an issue with the shorter torso. While it doesn't have as much give as VN, I ordered my Trashy Diva normal size and found that it was perfect. I actually have a couple of cardigans that will be perfect with this print, but since I wanted to show off the sleeves, I braved the chill for these photos.

Outfit Details

Gia Dress in Lovebirds: Trashy Diva

Opal necklace: similar

Heels: Chase & Chloe

I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day, sweet things!

Mahjong

Well, this park looked fall-like when I took these photos... you'd never know here that it's now covered in snow! We had a decent run for fall, so I guess I can't complain too much. The snow is getting me excited for Christmas, but until then, I can't wait for Thanksgiving tomorrow! I'll actually be having two thanksgivings this year, as my guy and I are celebrating back-to-back with our families. That's something I haven't done in a long time, but I'm looking forward to it. That, and lots of mashed potatoes.

I wasn't sold on this Trashy Diva mahjong print when it first came out, but it ended up growing on me quite a bit. I got it for a really great price, though I wish I had sized up. It just zips – which means that I definitely won't be wearing it for Thanksgiving (I want to EAT!). But I really like the fall color palette, and I'm glad I got a chance to wear it before winter really arrived.

Outfit Details

Mahjong Circle Skirt: Trashy Diva

Black leotard: similar

Cardigan: similar

Flats: Amazon

I'm thankful for many things this year: a job and a boy I love, a lovely apartment of my own, my friends and family and cat. Although this month has been tough, I know I'm very fortunate. I'm worried about the future, but for now, I'm giving thanks for all the things I have. What are you thankful for this year?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Venice

Oh, novelty prints – you forever have my heart! As soon as I saw Trashy Diva's Venice Nights collection, I knew I needed to own a piece from it. I decided on the Gia dress because of its fuller gathered skirt and v-back. For those wondering about the fit of this new style, I ordered my usual TD size and it fits just great; I know some girls found the Gia to run large, but I personally couldn't have sized down. I wasn't totally sure how I felt about it on me at first, but when I tried it on again yesterday, my heart went all aflutter! Although I'm far from the canals of Venice, at least I had the backdrop of our own Erie Canal for these photos.

Outfit Details

Gia Dress in Venice Nights: Trashy Diva

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear

Heart necklace: similar

Have a great start to your week!

Lilac Atomic

Trashy Diva may have just released their new Psychadelic Ferns collection, but I'm just getting around to styling my acquisition from their Lilac Atomic range! As soon as this Debbie style dropped, I knew I had to grab one for myself; from the beautiful periwinkle background, abstract atomic print and the ruffled bust, it just called out to me. Since I missed out on getting the similarly styled seersucker version in my size (side note: if you have the "Apple Tart" dress in size 10 you're looking to get rid of, let me know), I didn't want to wait on this beauty!

I decided to go explore an arboretum out by my parents' house (which I didn't even know existed!) for these photos. Since I don't have super-easy access to my parents' backyard anymore, I'm having a lot of fun finding new locations. I'm branching out of my comfort zone quite a bit lately, and I have to remind myself to take time to appreciate that. I'll be delving more into another change in my life (fyi, I'm not engaged or pregnant, don't worry) very soon, but I'm keeping it mostly under wraps for now. Suffice it to say, it's exciting and I feel very optimistic about what the future holds.

Outfit Details

Debbie Dress in Lilac Atomic: Trashy Diva

Opal necklace: similar

Bettie Page heels: Amazon

Have a great Monday!

Red Fans

Although I don't normally do outfit posts on Fridays, I'm super excited to share these photos featuring pieces from Trashy Diva's newest collection, Red Fans! This range just launched on Wednesday, and clearly, it's a total hit (and going fast!). The sweet ladies at TD were kind enough to send me a pair of separates from this new line, and since I'm a newer convert to the world of separates (especially those from Trashy Diva), I'll be reviewing some of the finer details of these pieces in today's post – and showcasing this beautiful Asian fan print against the scenery of Sonnenberg Gardens.

The two pieces I'm wearing here are the Lena blouse and the Honey Baby skirt. I was initially a little nervous about wearing these separates, since I wasn't sure how the length of the Lena blouse would work on my frame. However, my worries melted away when I realized the final effect really looks like a dress, as the blouse is easily able to tuck into the high waistband of the skirt. Funnily enough, I actually decided to untuck the blouse from the skirt after I took these photos, and I loved that result just as much; it shows a tiny bit of skin – the section of midriff that looks good on pretty much everyone – and it's a fun & flirty look that can't wait to wear again throughout the summer.

As with many Trashy Diva styles, I did size up a bit in these pieces. The lightweight cotton (a great choice for summer) has stretch to it, and the Lena top has elasticized panels that provide additional stretch; because of this, I could have potentially worn my normal TD size in the top (which is a 10), but the 12 also fits well, and the adjustable straps are definitely a bonus. I love how the Honey Baby skirt has a contrasting black panel (which makes it pair so nicely with the Lena), and the size 12 fits me perfectly. Although the skirt is a bit shorter than I'm accustomed to, I think it's really flattering – and it has pockets! Of course, I love the look of these pieces together, but I'm eager to mix-and-match then with other items already in my closet. The rest of the Red Fans collection is really lovely, with lots of different styles to choose from. Be sure to check out the full collection here! All I can say is, after trying these separates... I'm definitely a fan. ;)

Outfit Details

Lena Blouse in Red Fans: c/o Trashy Diva

Honey Baby Skirt in Red Fans: c/o Trashy Diva

Belt: available from Pinup Girl Clothing

Shoes: Chase & Chloe

Hair flower: similar

Have you tried any separates from Trashy Diva? And are you as big of a fan of this new collection as I am? :)

Have a wonderful weekend!