Hello, friends!

If you are a bloom follower, please also follow my new project HERE! I'll still be posting to bloom occasionally, but my focus will be Kellory Jeannette. Thank you :)

Help me name the fashion segment!

As I was browsing one of my friend's blog, I realized that my fashion segment has the same name as a fashion piece she did a while back. That is completely unintentional and I'd hate to be a copy cat, so I'm enlisting your help to rename the segment.

Remember, the basis of the segment is taking outfits or trends that I've pinned on Pinterest, going through my pre-existing closet (no shopping specifically for this segment), and posting what I've come up with, as well as the prices. My goals are to learn to appreciate what I already have, learn to embrace and be confident about my individual style, and to show readers what you can do on a budget.

Any suggestions? You can leave a comment, post in my facebook if you're already my friend, or email me.

And while you're at it, follow My Friend Staci :)

Inspired By: Crop tops and high waisted bottoms

That description sounds frightening, doesn't it? Crop tops are making a come-back in the fashion world but all they make me think of is cheerleading competition. Regardless, there is a tasteful way to incorporate this trend. When crop tops are paired with a high waisted bottom, it elongates the leg and leaves the top hanging at the very tip top of the pants or shorts, or whatever bottoms you're wearing. We don't have to walk around looking like we just time traveled to the early 90s and took a trip to the gym. You can also opt to tuck the top in, which is what I did. I'm not nearly bold enough to allow any part of my tummy to show.

So, here is the look I pinned:

And here is my version:

Top: $2, Goodwill; Shorts: $9, Urban Outfitters at a discount store

I think tucking in your top is definitely the way to go with this look, especially if you're wanting to define or create a tiny waist. Also, having a graphic pattern on the top and a more subdued color on the bottom distracts from the possible "Mom jean" effect of the high waisted trend.

As long as you don't stand around like you have a back ache....ehem.

In other news:
Who else is ready for fall? Dressing for cooler weather is so much more fun. I have a kajillion outfits lined up and ready.

Inspired By: Classic Casual

What I love about this look is that it doesn't follow an obvious trend. All of the pieces are classic staples in and of themselves. You will start to notice a trend in this feature, however. I am a bit of an Olsen twin fan. Call me crazy, or immature, whatever. They have such great style these days, especially Ashley.

Here is the photo I pinned:

And here is my version:

Shirt: birthday gift, around $30 from Express; Pants: back of my closet; Shoes: about $8, Target; Watch: gift, Fossil

This look is so great because not only is it super comfy, but it can be so versatile. Pairing the outfit with some heels and a nice blazer could easily go to the workplace. The shirt being tucked in makes everything look a bit more tied together and, while I'm not sure if this is really true, it seemed like it made my midsection feel more controlled.  The men's wear-style watch really adds to the laid back nature of the ensemble. And I personally loved my leopard flats, I think they add a little interest.

What do you like to wear on a casual day?

Inspired By: Maxi and Jackets

A trend I'm seeing a lot for the coming fall is carrying over the summer maxi dress and pairing it with a jacket or blazer to make it a good fall transition outfit. I am a big fan of fall and, like many of us here in Kansas, I'm so over this summer heat. Maybe if I start to dress like the weather is already cooler, I can convince myself? Probably not.
Okay, so here is the picture I pinned:

And here is my version:

Maxi dress: Forever21, around $15; Jacket: back of my closet, I've had that since about 7th grade

Keep in mind that I am a grand total of 5 feet and 2 inches, so the maxi dress is realistically not the most flattering shape for my frame. But c'mon, they are so comfy and easy--how can I resist?
This look is so easy to duplicate--just 2 pieces! You can also opt for using a long skirt and simple top, and I've seen a lot of people pair a maxi with a blazer which is adorbs! Yes, I just said adorbs.

Hey, do you like this photo size better than the size I've been using?

Hats off to my lovely hubby for taking my photos for me!

Inspired By: My Pinterest Challenge

Those of us who have discovered Pinterest know that it's a great place to gather inspiration for the home, recipes, and DIY projects. Perhaps my favorite thing about Pinterest is perusing the fashion tab and looking through all of the fabulous outifits and street style photos. If you're like me, many of those ensembles seem unattainable, or unrealistic for your lifestyle. There have been many times when I have pinned something and thought, "if I didn't go to a small mid-western college, I could totally wear this".
During the school year, I usually try to wake up, put make-up on, and look put together for my classes. I realize that is out of the norm for many college students, but I find that I pay attention and focus better when I am dressed like school is my job. Also, I am a young married chick, so I don't exactly have a budget that lends itself to shopping every weekend to keep up with the latest fashions. So, I've come up with a plan.

My idea is far from original, there are many bloggers out there taking pictures of what they're wearing (sometimes everyday), but I'm not doing this to have a hit blog. I'm doing this to feel better about myself in the style of clothes that I want to wear, I'm doing this to challenge myself and expand my clothing comfort zone, and I'm doing this to hopefully show my readers what you can do on a limited budget.

I'll be frequently posting pictures of my outfit du jour, each of them inspired by something I've seen on Pinterest.

So, without further adieu, here is my first day:

I've been seeing so much color on Pinterest lately. Think Kate Spade pops of color. I'm loving it. Here is a photo I've pinned:

I love that pop of pink and the graphic black and white contrast. Of course, I don't have these exact pieces in my closet, but I knew I could recreate the overall effect.

Top: back of my closet (a piece I've had for about 4 years); Skirt: thrifted $4; Shoes: birthday gift last year, from Journey shoes; Watch: gift, Fossil; Ring: Rue21

The inspiration outfit looks much more carefree, but I'm happy with the more professional look of my outift-and it's still very comfortable. Inspiration is more about taking an idea and making it your own than it is about completely trying to copy what you've seen.

How would you interpret the "Pops of Color" trend?