Fashion Friday: The Half Up Top Knot

I know what you're thinking.  I'm getting really good at this whole blogging thing!  You know, this whole, 3 posts a week and then two weeks of silence stuff is pure GOLD, right?!?  ;)

Okay.  So in fact that opposite is true.  And I always have an excuse, it's true.  But I hope you'll forgive me once again as I work on balancing mommy-hood and my blog.  =)

I'm back today for you with a little hair fashion!  I have been seeing this look on several of my favorite bloggers and I'll admit, I was hesitant to give it a try.  I'm such a perfectionist that the messy-on-purpose look is kind of hard for me to achieve.  But I put on my big girl pants and decided there was no harm in trying.  And guess what?!?  I love it!  It really was easy (I did it on second day hair so it wouldn't be so silky it would fall out) and casual and works for this busy mama's life!

The Half Up Top Knot

Also today I'm wearing one of my go-to summer outfits!  This shirt is super light weight and perfect for keeping me cool when it's hot outside, and simply belting it keeps it from looking frumpy.  And yes, these shorts are some old jeans I cut off.  Not the cutest thing....but I have a really hard time finding shorts I like so I'm going with it until I find a pair I do!!!

These photos are curtesy of my lil man, and yes, the diva was making some FACES today, hahaha!  She soooo cracks me up! =)

I know the half up top knot won't be everyone's favorite - and honestly, that's okay.  But I'd love to hear your thoughts.  What do you think of the look and would you try it out?  Make sure if you do, to post it on Instagram and tag me (@thisdomesticateddiva) so I can see!  Mkay???

Now.  The sun broke through the clouds again so I am on my way outdoors to plan some more flowers.  Better late than never, right?  Happy Friday!

Top: Francesca's Collections (Similar)

Belt: Target (old)

Shorts: old jeans I cut off

Glatiater Sandals: Payless Shoes (old)

Watch, Bracelet, and Earrings: Francesca's Collections (Here, Here, and Similar)

Fashion Friday: Summer Style

With summer just around the corner (or already here, for anyone who doesn't live in the Pacific NW) I've been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect summer pieces to add to my wardrobe.  Now I'll be the first to admit that summer trends don't tend to be my favorite.  Crop tops and micro shorts have never exactly been flattering to my figure.  And it can definitely be a challenge to look chic and pulled-together with sweat dripping down your face, taking your make up right on with it.  So how do you pull off a fashionable look without exposing every square inch of your body?  Well here's MY favorite summer trends and how to make it work for you.

What screams summer more than an electric burst of color?  And while those mini neon shorts may not be the most flattering on those curvy thighs that haven't seen the light of day in just about a year, that doesn't mean you need to write it off as not for you.  There are plenty of ways to pull of neon without blinding your neighbors.

This color block top, for example, gives a great shot of neon all while balancing it out with neutral tones on the back.  The basic tee can be paired with about anything and the neon clutch is the perfect accessory.

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Which brings me to my next example...  A great way to pull of neon is in your accessories.  A clutch, a pair of shoes, a stack of bracelets, or a killer pair of sunnies is a great way to go.  I'm not gonna lie - I've been obsessed with chain bracelets for quite some time now.  But once they started popping up in all shades neon my obsession grew exponentially!

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I'm not sure there's a woman in the world complaining about the maxi trend right now...and let me tell you why.  They are mostly made of comfortable, lightweight fabrics that are breathable and airy for those hot summer days.  They are long (hence the name) and hide the legs on the off chance you forgot to shave.  You can dress them up or dress them down and even layer them come fall for a great seasonal transition.  Like I said...what's not to love?

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This lilac stunner could be dressed up for an evening out or dressed down for errands around town just by switching up your accessories, make up, and hair.  I love nothing more than pieces that can transition from day to night seamlessly.

Everything about lace is so feminine, I'm sure there's no surprise that this trend is screaming my name.  And why wouldn't it?  It's so easy to layer now and come fall it seems silly not to invest (in my humble opinion).  Whether you're wearing a soft-spoken summer dress, keeping it cool and classy with some chic shorts, or a layering a boxy-shaped number to top off a maxi....I just feel like there is something here to offer for everyone.

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These southwestern prints have been popping up everywhere, and I have to admit at first I wasn't so sure.  But the more I see them the more smitten I am and now I kind of want to add it to my collection.  Whether in a simple fitted skirt or a trendy tee, this seems like an easy one for anyone to pull off, especially now in these soft color palettes.

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If you follow me on Instagram you may have had a sneak peek into my obsession of black and white prints, both on myself and Cocoa.  From stripes to chevron and every angle in between, bold is making a comeback in a big way.  Especially when paired with neons or pastels, I think it is absolutely perfect for the summer months!  

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When shopping, just be sure look for lightweight, season-appropriate fabrics to pair with your existing wardrobe staples and you will do just fine!

Not everyone is going to like this trend and that's okay.  (Because for the record, just because something is in style does not mean you have to wear it.  Be original - that's the real trend!)  But the good news is that if you DO like palazzo pants, you can go for the look with confidence.  These are easy to style, uber comfortable, and a very forgiving silhouette.  What can be better than that?  I'm currently obsessed with this specific pair.....

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Pair them with a basic tee or cardigan and BAM!  Just like that you have  killer style with incredible comfort to boot.  To dress it up simply pair it with some heels and rock out on the accessories.

Get your mind out of the gutter....I'm not talking about walking around in your birthday suit y'all!  I'm talking about the neutral color palette that's so in right now.  Whether you are going for the monochromatic look or simply balancing out a brightly colored ensemble (like that neon trend I'm oh-so-fond of), nude is the way to go!  The trick is finding the right shade for your skin tone.  But don't be shy - just go and try them on!  And if you're not sure, grab some advice of a sales clerk or a trusted friend.

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Still sound too scary?  No fear...you know that nude shoes go with ANYTHING, right?!?  But if you're still feeling hesitant to really dive into the trend, you can test it out with simple nude-toned nails - it's that simple!

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So there you go - seven easy trends YOU can rock this summer!  Just don't forget, the key to pulling off any style is confidence.  You are beautiful exactly the way God made you - so don't you forget that!

And as for that dripping makeup??  Add a little primer to your morning routine and embrace the dewey look!  After all, it's summer and no one's judging you.

Fashion Friday: Nail Art

My husband spoils me rotten - I'll admit that right now.  He definitely "gets" the daily challenges of being a stay at home mom and makes sure I get some free time here and there to regroup and relax.  I know...he's awesome, isn't he?

Well days before my best friend headed off for a girl's vacation to Vegas, she invited me to join her for a mani/pedi.  I hesitated to give her a definite answer, not sure if it was in our budget or not...but my hubby was quick to step in and say yes.

So off we went!  And I must say....this is probably the prettiest my natural nails have ever looked!

So was it worth it?  Definitely.  Especially if you do Shellac on the hands....it lasts for two weeks (longer if you aren't hard on your nails like I am).  Not to mention the salon we went to offered to fix it for FREE if it chipped before two weeks.  I may not have it in the budget to do this on a regular basis, but it definitely has inspired me to take better care of my hands and feet.

Thanks for dragging me out of the house Nicole!  And glad you had a great time in Vegas =)

Fashion Friday: What's Your Style?

Someone asked me that question the other day: what's your fashion style?  And you know what???  I didn't know how to answer it.

I think I have a pretty good sense of what I like and what I don't.  What will work on my body type and what will make me look like I'm trying to fit in with the high school crowd.  Not to say I get it perfect all the time...

But as far as what my fashion style is, I'm not sure I have a label for it!

There's the Classic Style, that I have come to appreciate.  Clean lines and sophisticated charm...what's not to love?

There's the Romantic Style.  Big bows or dainty lace.  Flowy fabrics, luxe textures, and a hint of glimmer.  It's so girly I can't help but adore it.

There's the Glam Style with sparkle and animal prints and fur which all just scream Hollywood to me!

There's the Edgy Style which speaks to the rocker deep within.  Graphic prints and leather mixed in with some flowy feminine touches just speak to me!

There's also the Casual Chic Style, which essential for the mom in me.  Practical and comfortable, yet with a touch of sass.

Of course there are many more...these are just the ones that I like to pull bits and pieces of to put together a look that is uniquely my own.  Which I think is important, and most of you would agree!  There's no fun about a simple copy cat outfit - everyone needs a dose of individuality to really pull something off.  

But how am I suppossed to put that on paper?  I think this is the best I can do.  

So there you have it, This Domesticated Diva's fashion style:

The Sometimes Casual Glamorous Romantic 

with a touch of Classic Edge

That works, right?!  ;)

Fashion Friday: Things I Love

Valentine's Day isn't exactly a highly celebrated event in this house...but it took even a further backseat this year.  We recently returned home from a mini vacation to Whistler, BC (which you can catch glimpses of if you are following me in Instagram or Facebook) and since then we have been battling one thing after the other.  Yep - both kids are sick...and new symptoms keep popping up so I don't think the end is in sight yet.  As if that wasn't enough of a reason, my hubby turns the big 3-0 next week, and assuming we both aren't hacking up our lungs, my parents are supposed to take the kids so we can have a weekend of sleeping in (yep, sounds heavenly, doesn't it?)  Not to mention we're planning an actual vacation (airplane and all) so the funds are being set aside for that.

So...I'll save the money on flowers and chocolates and diamond jewelry (do people actually do that for Valentine's?) and virtually share with you some of the things I love in the fashion world right now.  The top ten things that are calling my name and inspiring me (and you can see much more of that on Pinterest, where all these photos have been pinned by moi).

1. Cat Eye and Red Lips

This is my GO TO look and the quickest one for me to do, not to mention it works well with my porcelain skin.  If you aren't in the practice of using liquid liner (or a creme liner) it might take some getting used to...but there are TONS of pins on Pinterest giving you a step-by-step for this easy yet glamorous look.  And the red lips - they're just the icing on the cake.  But nothing makes me feel put together (even on the days I haven't had time to brush my hair) like some red lipstick.

 

2. Soft Vintage Curls

I'm sure it's no shock that I love the "Old Hollywood" look and these soft waves and ringlets are the perfect way to achieve that look.  Once you figure out the right way to set your curls, it really doesn't take much time at all (especially when you apply your cat eye and red lipstick as it cools).  

3. Pastels and Lace

I already hinted to you about my obsession with pastels in my post about the inspiration for my creative space remodel.  Blushing pink and mint green being at the top of my list for my pastel picks.  But add lace into the mix and you have the epitome of feminine.  It's no surprise that I'm a girly girl, and I love nothing more than getting dressed up!

4. Icey Blonde Locks

I've been trying to find the time to switch up my look with a new hairstyle for months now.  It has been SOOOOO long since I've been platinum blonde, and I must admit, it's calling my name.  The cost and time of the upkeep is the only thing holding my back but I WILL find a way to incorporate some blonde SOMEhow!! 

5. Pleated Skirts

These pleats are feminine and flirty and just my style!  And I love how they can be easily paired with a simple tee for a classy and sophisticated look...and easy to pull off for a busy mom!  I've seen these all over in all different lengths and depending on what top you pair with it it can go from pretty casual to glam!

6. Hi-Low Hemlines

I've been drooling over these since last summer but after Cassadee Pope's incredible performance on The Voice wearing this stunning number, I FELL IN LOVE!  I know there are some pretty risque versions of this look out in stores, but I think these three nailed it on the head in terms of modesty and style.

7. Texture and Layers

I love to incorporate lots of texture and layers into my look with scarves, jewelry, or different fabrics.  It adds some visual interest and intrigue.  It also gives a unique touch to any outfit and shows off a little of your personality!  

8. A Touch of Sparkle

It's right there in my title - This Domesticated Diva.  What diva doesn't add a little sparkle whenever she can???  But obviously we all know there's a huge difference between body glitter and a little touch here or there.  Maybe I couldn't differentiate the two back in my cheerleading days...but rest assured, I can now.  And here's a couple perfect examples of just the right touch of sparkle!

9. A Pop of Color

I'm a hairstylist.  An artist, in my own sense.  I NEEEED color.  I thrive off color.  So an all neutral or black and white ensemble???  That's just not me.  But add a simple pop of color and I'm a happy camper!  I know many of you can pull of neutrals with style and grace.  Maybe it's my porcelain skin or the dull shade of red in my hair right now...but that is just not my thing!  Even if it is something as simple as some bright peek-a-boo strands or funky nails...it makes a huge difference in my world.

10. Infinity Scarves

Yes, I know not everyone can pull them off.  My mom, for one, insists they make her look like she has no neck.  Her words, not mine.  But with two little kids looking for anything to pull (I have holes in the hemlines of all my tanks to prove it, not to mention a pile of jewelry for my husband to fix) infinity scarves have proved to be a lifesaver for me.  Especially for someone who has a constantly cold neck.  And when you live in Washington...that often INCLUDES the summer months.

Vintage Dutch Girl (my sister in law) made this one for me - super cozy, inexpensive, and she has a wide variety of fabrics to choose from!  See for yourself!

My favorite scarf from Fashionable Scarves, which you may have read about a time or two on here.    Great cause and beautiful product...you don't want to miss out on owning one (or several) of these!

So tell me ladies (and gents)....what has been your fashion inspiration so far this year?!?