spring outfit Archives - Page 15 of 16

Derby Days: I’ve Got the Blues

March 28, 2016

Hi! Welcome to my new series on the blog, Derby Days! The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday after the first Friday in May and is the event of the year in Louisville. For me, it represents the switch from spring to summer and each year is filled with beautiful outfits, hats, people and good times. I’m excited to share some outfits over the next month that I love for Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, the race held the day before Derby where the fillies run and attendees are asked to don pink to raise awareness for breast and ovarian cancer. Churchill Downs donates money each year to Bright Pink and has stations throughout the track where attendees can make a check or cash donation on Oaks Day.

What Nicole Wore: Derby Days: I've Got the Blues — shop the post: royal blue cape dress + statement necklace c/o {similar | also seen here} + blue mirrored aviators {similar | also seen here} + fringe suede wedge sandal {also seen here} + black and blue fascinator {under $6!} + nail wrap ring c/o + ring + pink matte lipstick + eyeshadow + blush + highlighter

Cape dresses have been a big trend lately and this one really won me over with the open back. I love how the cape portion provides a little comfort and adds a layer on top of the body con base of the dress too.

I’ll admit Kentucky Derby is one of the few times a year that I find myself really willing to splurge, {I mean $100+ on a hat…? Not a normal occurrence for me} but I did want to show some look that were more budget friendly through this series.

And the biggest {and most necessary} accessory for Derby weekend? The hat or fascinator of course! The decision between hat and fascinator can be a tough one; at times a hat can seem like a big commitment – and a financial one too.

This one was only $6 — a complete steal. This one matched perfectly with my dress, but it’s easy to add more patterned tulle {I love the polka dots!}, feathers or flowers.

Comfortable shoes are a must, I never want to be the girl walking around Churchill Downs barefoot {#yikes}, so these fringe low wedge sandals in brown suede are perfect to complete the look. Also perfect? This hot pink matte lipstick, simple gold rings and a statement necklace full of spring colors.

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Hello, It’s Me

March 25, 2016

And by it’s me, I mean Casual Friday! I could’t resist snagging this sweatshirt that The KY Shop teamed up with Hello Apparel to put out — especially when it went on sale for a couple hours last weekend. It’s definitely softened the blow of the Wildcats bowing out of the NCAA tournament early — RIP 2015-2016 Kentucky Basketball. You will be….missed.

What Nicole Wore: Hello, It's Me — shop the post: hello sweatshirt with kentucky state outline + blue gingham shirt {old, similar linked and here | also seen here} + white skinny jeans {also seen here} + blue converse sneakers {also seen here} + marble print leather clutch {exact sold out, linked in solid | also seen here} + gold spiked bracelet {also seen here} + crystal bracelet c/o {similar | also seen here} + gold ring {also seen here} + nail polish + lipstick

I’m not always matchy-matchy, but my royal blue Chucks seemed too perfect to not wear with this outfit. I’ve been eyeing a white pair recently but am a little nervous that they’ll show dirt too easily.

Cuffing these sleeves so I could show off the gingham layer underneath was a no brainer for me {cuffs are such a fun detail!} and it lets me also show off my gold spiked bracelet that I seem to wear ALL the time plus my crystal bracelet.

Of course my marble clutch was the perfect accessory to pair with all this. I love that the printed leather is such a fun piece — I always get so many compliments on it and it acts as a huge conversation starter.

I hope you have a great Easter weekend; looking forward to overindulging in deviled eggs and hopefully starting some 5k training {probably not….}

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Spring Florals or Stripes? (and a Giveaway!)

March 17, 2016

How about both? This shirt immediately grabbed my attention because it combines my favorite print, stripes, with the classic print for spring, florals.

This post is coming at you a day early because I’m part of a fab giveaway to celebrate Tif from Bright on a Budget‘s 2 year blogiversary! Be sure to read all the way through to see how you can win a gorgeous Kate Spade New York handbag + a $25 gift card to Target!

What Nicole Wore: Spring Florals & Stripes — shop the post: floral striped shirt c/o shein {sold out} + pink chino shorts {also seen here} + braided sandals {old, similar} + pink clutch {similar option under $200 | also seen here} + pink tassel necklace {similar under $25 | also seen here} + karen walker sunglasses c/o DITTO {similar for $12 | also seen here} + matte pink lipstick

While my top is sold out, I did want to share some current favorite tops from SheIn as well as some skirts and dresses that ship in 24 hours if you’re still trying to decide what to wear for Easter:

It’s been so warm lately that it actually made sense to pair this up with shorts and not denim! I love these bright pink chino shorts from J. Crew Factory and they pair perfectly with my hot pink tassel necklace, a Living Social find from a few years ago.

I’m MAJORLY crushing on these Karen Walker shades, but the price tag is still a little steep for my budget. Shop DITTO allows you to rent endless eyewear and swap out frames as frequently as you’d like. If you think you might be interested in the service, you can sign up with code whatnicolewore at checkout to try one month free.

Ready for giveaway details? Be sure to check out all the fabulous hosts! Contest is open to residents of the 48 contiguous US states {excludes Hawaii and Alaska} that are 18 and older. Giveaway begins at 12 EST on March 17, 2016 and closes at 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

HOSTS

Bright on a Budget // Della Devoted // Cup of Tea

BYBMG // How to Make a Life // Garay Treasures // Faith & Fashion

The Lady Lawyer // Doused in Pink // What Nicole Wore // Green Fashionista

Hope you have a great first weekend of spring!

Thank you to SheIn for sponsoring this blog post; as always all opinions are my own.

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Luck of the Irish

March 16, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day seemed to come out of nowhere this year. I’m pretty sure time passing faster is a sign that I’m turning into an old spinster, but I haven’t even had time to grab a Shamrock Shake yet.

What Nicole Wore: Luck of the Irish — shop the post: navy and green striped shirt {old, similar} + jean vest {another option | also seen here} + tortoise and crystal pendant necklace {also seen here} + white skirt c/o {similar linked | also seen here} + rain boots {also seen here} + faux leather satchel {exact color sold out, linked in coral, also available in yellow and burnt orange | also seen here} + foundation 1 & 2 {I use 2 around the outside of my face for a more natural look where I’m darker from the sun} + eyebrows

Funny story about these photos: I had put this outfit on and knew I wanted to shoot it for the blog, but figured I had the whole day to get to it. While I was out shopping, I saw that a big thunderstorm was rolling in, so I pulled into the mall, drove up to the roof of this parking garage, hopped out, snapped a handful of photos and hoped they’d turn out. Luckily, most of the cars were parked closer to the doors so I didn’t have to deal with anyone asking me what I was doing — always a plus in my book.

I picked out this white skirt last summer while collaborating with a small boutique and absolutely love the fun cutout detail above the knee. It ran a little big and didn’t hit exactly where I wanted it to, so I took it to my go to tailor and now it appropriate fits at the waist instead of the hip. {Louisville pals, I go to Ann at the Peddler’s Mall in Middletown and she always does a fabulous job and is super reasonably priced.}

This green satchel was a purchase when Vera Bradley first came out with their faux leather line. This bag was released in the fall but seems like the perfect color for spring. While this exact shade has sold out, I’ve linked a couple other colors that are perfect for spring! The bag does have a shoulder strap included too.

I told you guys last week how much I love my denim vest and so it’s really not a surprise at all that it’s already back in a blog post. Lightweight vests are such a perfect layering piece for the spring. This top is an old Forever21 sale find and while I love the color {and obviously the fact that it’s a striped tee}, it does have a tendency to slip on my shoulders so having a layer to keep it in place and keep my bra straps covered is key.

Hope you have a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow, I’m already looking forward to catching some of the March Madness action.

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Thick Skin and an Elastic Heart

March 14, 2016

I’ve been loving graphic tees lately which is a bit of a change for me. For a long time, graphic tees made me think back to middle school when everyone wanted to wear the ‘brunettes have more fun’ tees from Hollister/Abercrombie…. I’m glad to be far away from the days of popped collars and overly strong wafting cologne.

What Nicole Wore: Thick Skin and an Elastic Heart — shop the post: karen walker sunglasses c/o DITTO {sign up to rent designer frames with code whatnicolewore to get your first month free, similar style for $12} + heart print graphic tee {on sale, I’m wearing a girls XL, typically I wear a women’s XS | also seen here} + olive field jacket {on sale, also available in twill, similar options here, here and here} + distressed skinny jeans {also seen here} + nude lace up flats {sold out, similar linked and here | also seen here} + ring {also seen here} + cognac carryall tote {similar under $50 | also seen here} + lipstick {also seen here}

I’ve been eyeing this tote for awhile, but finally pulled the trigger because the size was really what I was looking for; I mentioned in a recent post that I’d been considering the Tory Burch York tote, after seeing what the handles on some of the used totes looked like, I wanted to look at some different alternatives that may wear better. I was really surprised to find that Kate Spade doesn’t currently make a large tote in tan. While the company is known for their ‘live colorfully,’ motto, it seems like they may be missing out by not selling any classic tan pieces.

This tote is available in a few different shades and can be monogramed as well. I’ll be sure to write a review after I’ve had a few more weeks to carry it, but so far I like the size of the small zipper pocket for keeping my work, house and car keys in easy reach, and the large open size makes it easy for me to throw everything I need in: a small cosmetic bag with lotion, lip balm, medicine, a notebook, my planner, snacks {most important item in my bag at any given time, obviously}, sunglasses and all the other random things I like to tote around.

Some of my favorite reads from last week:

These milkshake recipes from Aww, Sam. I need that donut shake in my life like….yesterday.
Krista’s gorgeous post in front of this wall art makes me want to face my fear of shooting in front of strangers and get out there ASAP.
Kayla’s been eyeing the same Rebecca Minkoff tassel clutch and crossbody that I have and posted her DIY version. In love!
I always giggle while reading Courtney‘s posts and she looks absolutely beautiful in this lilac coat and polka dot dress.

Currently crushing on:

These adorable one pieces from Aerie! I love that they offer more coverage than a bikini and come in fun prints! {Extra bonus: free shipping and returns!} 1 2 3
This pineapple pool float is a pool essential {I spent most of last summer lounging on my donut, pretzel and popsicle floats} as well as these designer dupe shades that are under $15.
Love love love the scalloped, high neckline on this bodysuit.
I think this white dress from Ashley Graham’s collection for Dressbarn would be absolutely stunning for a bride to be.
The Local Pride by Todd Snyder collection for Target. Sassy graphic tees to support your hometown {or state} in? Sign me up. Sadly, they just have California, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and Minnesota ones, but if you’re from one of these there’s definitely one for you. Holding out hope that DC maybe gets included in the next go round.

So grateful for spring weather finally gracing Louisville. While I love boot weather, being able to free my {pasty} feet and let them breathe and see sunshine makes me super happy. I’ve been loving this olive jacket the past couple weeks. It has a soft shell that you can put it in for cooler days, but I’m wearing just the shell here.

Also how cute are these Karen Walker shades? I’m loving the unique shape.

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