Summer and Fall Graphics

Trend Update!

I am a trend seeker as much as I can be and when I say trends I mean what is affordable and trendy as opposed to crazy runway trends that have no purpose in real life! One trend I never thought would come back are graphic tees but they seem to be gaining momentum this summer and I'm sure into fall also. I got rid of many "brand name" graphic tees and swore them off for years opting for classic solid, striped and recently printed tees to both dress up and down. However, the cute and whimsical twist with some of these graphics has even made their way into skeptical closet. I searched for (ok maybe stalked) the mint "Amor" tee (below) from Old Navy for a few weeks after thinking about it in the early spring. My store seemed to have received another huge shipment of these so I was thrilled to see this included with others! For $9 I could not resist this subtle basic that happens to be on trend.  I think it will be a fun piece to wear now and layer with sweaters or even put with sweats when I'm hanging out with "my amor!" Of course being the sappy romantic I am I have to say my next piece may have to be the "kiss" tee from J. Crew Factory.

What do you think of the graphic trend being "back?"

Check out some of my picks from J.Crew Factory and Old Navy below!

Summer and Fall Graphics by ahealthyportionoffashion featuring short sleeve tops

Short sleeve top
factory.jcrew.com

Knit top
factory.jcrew.com

Cotton tee
factory.jcrew.com

Old Navy short sleeve top
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy fitted t shirt
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy mint green tee
oldnavy.gap.com

Crazy for Neon

 Summer fashion is always a time to push the limits and I always find myself paying close attention to the fashion magazines. However there are certain trends that even though they may make a "comeback" I ignore them because it will always be a summer staple to me. Between trends like: seersucker, plaid, white denim, gladiator sandals and of course NEON you will always see me rocking some of these trends even if it is in small doses. Many adults I know laugh at me wearing neon because it is a total throwback to the 80s but I love this trend no matter what. Neon colors can be worn in small doses like accessories or swimwear or even in beauty products like nails or lips. This can also make a great night look by making a statement by looking both stylish and sexy! An added bonus with neon is that it can make a pale girl like me with a moderate tan look very tan. Notice I posted this Old Navy dress again because I love it's versatility!

I love a great neon swimsuit or a top paired with white jeans. This is one trend I will be sporting all summer especially on my toes with these great new neon shades from OPI! Show off that summer glow with my picks below!

Crazy for neon by ahealthyportionoffashion featuring a white nail polish

Old navy dress
oldnavy.gap.com

Free Society lime green sweatshirt
kohls.com

Factory embroidered neon floral short
factory.jcrew.com

Victoria s Secret PINK swim cover up
victoriassecret.com

Victoria s Secret bikini
victoriassecret.com

Michael kors jewelry
piperlime.gap.com

Bracelet jewelry
factory.jcrew.com

Express drop earrings
express.com

OPI white nail polish
$56 - nelly.com

Tory Burch Robinson Smart-Phone Wristlet Wallet, Neon Green
cusp.com



How will you be wearing neon this summer?

xoxo 
Lauren

Fruity Favorites

Let me first start out this post by explaining that I am a huge fan of patterns! Don't get me wrong I love basic tees and jeans but over the years I love anything plaid, floral, houndstooth, Vera Bradley, nautical, you name it! I just think patterns amp up any outfit whether you are wearing jeans and a patterned top to the grocery store or pairing a pattern pant or skirt with basic top for work. Mixing it up with pattern and color makes you instantly look more pulled together!

To more accurately explain where my love of patterns came from. Even as a young girl I remember my mom dressing me in patterned shorts, overalls and dresses. When you're young being pattern crazy is adorable and it truly is funny how things come full circle as an adult! Seen here in my throwback picture I am about 5 wearing an early pattern: OshKosh strawberry print overalls! So needless to say I am glad fruit patterns are back! (Think I could rock this in a larger size now? ;)

My first love of this trend was the J. Crew factory Charley sweater in the tangerine print! Then Target had a "must have" pineapple button down blouse but I opted for the cardigan version to wear over dresses and such in the summer on a cool night.
I recently wore this over the Citron Old Navy eyelet dress for my brother's high school graduation and should have left the cardigan on because my shoulders got major sunburn! Ouch! (If you see any of these Old Navy dresses on sale at your store- get it ASAP because it is comfortable, flattering and can be dressed up or down!)

I paired it with a necklace from here but here is another option and Old Navy sandals (old).

The most recent pattern trend has me super excited because not only is it adorable but as a dietitian, I am able to express my love of fruit and fashion in one shot! Pineapple prints especially with other fruit prints as strong contenders such as lemons and oranges! Yellow and orange are always colors I wear in the summer and this is such a fun new print to create a conversation piece! (aka you will get adorable comments ladies!)


Would you wear this trend?

Fruity Favorites by ahealthyportionoffashion featuring an orange sweater

Old Navy eyelet dress
oldnavy.gap.com

J Crew orange sweater
factory.jcrew.com

Shirts top
target.com

Old Navy drawstring shorts
oldnavy.gap.com

Kate Spade woven handbag
neimanmarcus.com

Kate Spade starfish jewelry
katespade.com

J Crew tech accessory
factory.jcrew.com





Stay healthy, Stay trendy!

xoxo
Lauren

Steal vs Splurge

Left is J. Crew factory version and right is the Our World Boutique version

I have always loved J. Crew factory and it definitely seems to be my store of choice lately! I have mentioned I like a mix of price points in my wardrobe and as much as I love their style, I just cannot spend a lot on more trendy pieces like certain accessories. However, there are tons of trendy jewelry stores and websites that offer fun statement necklaces, bling-bling earrings and bracelets that can be layered up that we can afford and do not feel guilty about if we do not get a certain number of wears out of them to make the piece feel like a good fashion investment.

The J.Crew factory version this season is available in several colors after the red beaded rose was such a huge hit with J. Crew retail last year. Check out the yellow, coral and white factory versions here. Promotional pricing may vary from time to time.

A few months ago I discovered Our World Boutique for their on trend pieces with great quality, great service and not to mention great prices that you can pick up some statement pieces in multiple colors ;) So during one of my J. Crew factory trips and drooling over the jewels I found a yellow beaded rose necklace that would be a nice sunny addition to my spring and summer wardrobe. However, the ticketed price was $69.50 (sales fluctuate 30-50% off from week to week) I was determined to find a similar necklace at a more budget friendly price! I was thrilled when Our World Boutique restocked these in 3 flower, 5 flower and 7 flower versions in a wide variety of colors! But wait for the price! Wait for it... wait for it... Only $7.99-$12.99! My yellow version is available in the 7 flower version. Like I said get yourself a bouquet of colors to brighten up your wardrobe at that price!! Wowza! Check them out here.

I cannot wait to wear the yellow beaded rose necklace with lots of color combos and a variety of clothing with both button downs for work or even sundresses on the weekend!

Happy Spring!

*Note this necklace was courtesy of Our World Boutique to showcase the item for styling options as well as a review.*

Splurge vs Steal

Now I love good quality pieces but I also love a good deal. J. Crew Factory and Old Navy are two of my go-to stores but J. Crew Factory can also run a little pricey. Nautical looks are one of my all time favorite trends and this trend is back with avengance this spring and makes an anchor loving gal very happy to pick up more pieces! On the left is the Old Navy sweater available now for $15 and the J. Crew Factory sweatshirt with nautical ropes for $45.

            Old Navy                                                       J. Crew Factory

I also wore the sweater shown with an anchor print white chambray shirt from Old Navy available here.  It is super soft and the perfect length to layer early in the spring or wear tucked in or open with shorts. Did I mention I am a new chambray shirt addict?

Do you like designer looks for less? Have you jumped aboard the nautical trend?

Anchors away!

Lauren

Bath and Body Works Insider

Hello All!

Today I have some fun product reviews to share with a new sample program called "Bath and Body Works Insider" #BBWinsider. I applied through Facebook and was approved based on some basic demographic information. Each "campaign" becomes live throughFacebook at a set time and there are limited sign ups to receive these samples. These 2 are the only ones I have received so far but there have been a few others. 

First off let me start of by saying these little goodies have shown up after the longest work days and were like little "spa days!" I have always shopped at Bath and Body Works since I was a pre-teen buying roll on glitter. They are very inventive and creative with new products and I rarely try a scent that does not appeal to me. 

 The first package was Oahu "Coconut Sunset." I love switching to coconut scents for summer and this will be a treat for my everyday use. It is sweet with a hint of floral and coconut. Definitely not the classic "suntan lotion" style coconut but more of a high end perfume like scent. Layering scents is key to getting it to last and I can't wait to smell this every morning in the showe and then layer with lotion and body spray. The sleek new packaging of the fine fragrance mist is a great addition too. There are 2 other varieties available too: Maui and  Hawaii. 

The next series was the preview of different blends of French lavender. This 3 wick candle is a beautiful, earthy classic lavender. I have been burning it in my room after a long day. Lavender is one of my new favorite scents and I am excited to see the other twists on this spring classic. Did I mention this came with a Parisian inspired post card? Oh la-la! A girl can dream about a romantic trip to Paris but for now these scents will have to do!

Included with the candle was a French lavender and honey body lotion. This was  a great scent for a body product because this more floral and sweet scent is better in this form than in home fragrance. I also like lavender with vanilla for body products like the "Sleep" lotion from the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy line.  There have also been some previews of lavender with apricot from this collection as well. 

I can't wait for the rest of this program and the sneak peeks of new products!

What looks like a good one to you?

*Note: I received these products for free from Bath and Body Works. I was not compensated for this review nor was a review required. 

 

WinterMint!

Many times I "save" certain items or colors in my wardrobe for certain seasons but anymore fashion has no rules: "Wear white after Labor Day!" "Mix Prints" "Wear navy and black!" "Of course plaid and stripes match!" So I figured why not brighten up my winter wardrobe with pops of mint. I jumped on the mint bandwagon last year and it surely has staying power in the fashion industry and I am always looking for new ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe.
My love for mint usually is saved for spring but with the winter being very snowy and yuck and spring feeling far, far away, I decided to winterize these mint looks especially with my new necklace from Our World Boutique! How can you say no to this J.Crew inspired piece at only $7.99? Just wait until you see the matching bracelet too!

Mint Blouse: Old Navy Similar Style this Season
Sweater: Old Navy (old)
Pants: Kohl's (old)
Necklace c/o Our World Boutique

This is another typical winter outfit for me but the warm and cozy feel is brightened up with some more mint with my "bliss set" c/o  Our World Boutique

All clothing items are last season:

Cords: American Eagle 

Sweater: Express

Fur Vest: Forever 21

Boots: DSW

Purse: Michael Kors

Hope my early fashion posts keep you inspired! Can't wait for more color once all the snow melts!

Lauren