Casual Friday: Ready for the Weekend

With spring here, I decided it was time to add a new feature to the blog.  Warmer weather usually means more casual wear for me, so Fridays are going to be dedicated to casual wear - inspiration for easy weekends.

Top:  Target (Available here)
Jeans:  The Limited Petites (old)

I am kicking things off today with two outfits.  First, I'm wearing a look I have worn a few times already for running weekend errands or for casual Sunday brunch.

Sandals:  Payless (old)
Clutch:  Target (old)

The easy off-the-shoulder top is a simple pairing with jeans and sandals.  This is a look that I could easily dress up with heels or make more casual with a pair of booties.

Necklace:  Target
Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Top:  The Limited

The second look gives a more polished feel to my citrus print shorts from Marimekko for Target.  I added a black button-down top, wedges, and a cute "lemon" clutch.  A bright coral lip adds another pop of color.

Shorts:  Marimekko for Target (Available here)

Clutch:  The Limited
Shoes:  Sugar

What is your casual go-to for warm weather?  Are you a fan of the off-the-shoulder and cold shoulder trends?  Have you tried any pieces from the Marimekko for Target line?

For the jeans in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.
For the shorts in another look, see here.
For the button-down top in another look, see here.

Shop Your Closet: The Plaid Shorts

With spring here and Memorial Day being the unofficial kick-off for summer festivities, it's time to start thinking more about warm weather style.  To that end, I'm starting a new regular feature on the blog called Shop Your Closet! 

As I have been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to reduce my clothing expenditures and stick to a budget, I have been playing in my closet a bit more, looking to wear pieces that I already have in a greater variety of ways to increase their use value.  So, periodically, I will be featuring an item from my closet worn at least three different ways to help give you all ideas on how to style pieces in your closet.  In addition, this feature will help me slow down with new purchases - does the article of clothing I'm considering meet a wardrobe need? Is it functional for my life?  Do I already have what I need to make at least three outfits with this new piece? 

Shorts:  Myrda J Designer Apparel (Available here)

I start the new Shop Your Closet feature today with shorts!

Enjoying shorts is somewhat new to me. I didn't have much problem with them as a kid, but by college, I was not a huge fan.  It seemed like every pair I ever tried would ride up between the legs and as my body confidence waned, I didn't feel comfortable showing off my thick thighs.

In the last few years, things have really started to change for me regarding shorts.  Don't get me wrong...I still prefer a cute skirt or culottes over shorts, but I have a newfound love of shorts.  Saint Louis has hot and humid summers.  They can be quite miserable - a pair of cool cotton shorts like this flirty pair from Myrda J Designer Apparel is a great solution.  Plus, I think printed shorts are less overwhelming than printed pants on my petite frame.

Blazer:  Eloquii (Available here)

I can easily pair these shorts with a blazer as I did here for a pulled-together but not too serious look for evening. 

Bodysuit:  BoohooUSA (Available here)

This is my favorite of the three looks featured today!  It's a little sexy, a little sophisticated, and it makes me at 4'9" look like I have legs for d...well, legs for a day at least.

Shoes:  Candie's (Available in other colors here)

Clutch:  Ann Taylor
Bracelets:  LOFT and gift

Tee:  Torrid

For an easy, breezy summer look for wrangling kids, running weekend errands, etc., I could pair the shorts with a tee and sandals for a more casual feel.

Wedges:  Sugar

Bracelet:  The Limited

Bikini top:  GabiFresh for SwimsuitsForAll

Lastly, I took a little summer inspiration from Chastity of Garner Style and paired my plaid shorts with a bikini top, perfect for laying out in the backyard with a good book or hanging poolside with the kids.

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Do you like wearing shorts? Have you tried Myrda J - this indie designer carries petite plus sizing to fit us shorties so well!!! :-D

How would you style this pair?

Want to try a pair for yourself?  Myrda is graciously offering all Style Cassentials readers a coupon worth 20% off your entire cart!  Head to MyrdaJ.com now through June 15, 2016 and use CASSENTIALS2016 at checkout to save!

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein

From Look #1
See the bodysuit in another look here.
See the blazer in other looks here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

From Look #2
See the tee in other looks here, here, and here.

From Look #3
See the bikini top in another look here.

Wild Card Wednesday: Who What Wear Slip Dress

For today's Wild Card Wednesday post, I'm featuring one of the two outfits I wore on Mother's Day.  I went out to dinner with my husband and kids at a delicious local Italian eatery.  I decided to wear this chestnut-colored slip dress from the Who What Wear line for Target.  I'm really in love with so many pieces from this line, and the dress is no exception!

Dress:  Target (Available here)

It's super comfortable and versatile.  The dress can be layered with a trench as I did here, given structure with a blazer, worn loose or belted, layered over a tee, or worn as a slip dress.  Options - LOVE IT!

Shoes: New Look

Jacket:  Boohoo Plus (Available here)

I love this chestnut color for summer, but it's also a great color for fall, so this dress will got a lot of wear all year round.

Cuff:  Eloquii

Glasses:  Coach

I added layered necklaces and other gold accents to complete the look.

Necklaces:  Target (Available here)

I hope all of you mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day! 
How would you style this dress?

Clutch:  The Limited

For the trench in another look, see here.

Wild Card Wednesday: That Versatile Skirt

This skirt is such a favorite that I excitedly keep styling it in different ways.  Today, I went for a flirty, feminine look that I would wear for an evening out, a date, or even a daytime event.

Skirt:  Lane Bryant (Available here)

Top:  Eloquii

I considered a shoe or clutch in another bright color, but I decided that I preferred the simplicity of black and white. 

Shoes:  New Look Wide Fit (Available here)

The white clutch creates a nice graphic contrast.

Clutch:  NY&CO
Glasses:  Coach

I finished the look with a simple gold bangle and dangly earrings.

Earrings:  Eloquii
Bangle:  Target

How would you style this skirt?

For the skirt in other looks, see here and here.
For the top in other looks, see here and here.

Manic Monday: The Floral Dress

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all are feeling great and re-charged from the weekend! 

Dress:  Target (Available here)

Today, I'm wearing a dress from the Who What Wear line for Target and styling it simply for work. 

Shoes:  New Look

I really like the black floral pieces from this line that I previously styled here, so when I saw this tie-neck dress in white with a similar floral pattern, I decided to scoop it up.

Satchel:  The Limited

I like that the tie can be tied in a variety of ways or left loose.  Actually, I am quite surprised at the versatility of this piece, in general.  This fall/winter, I plan on styling this dress with a blazer and tights for work.  I will pair it with a moto jacket and booties for weekends, and I could throw on some pretty strappy sandals for a wedding or date.

Glasses:  Coach

Today, I went with closed-toe two-piece heels and added a quilted work satchel for a super simple work look.

Bracelets:  The Limited & Macy's

While I'll definitely be adding some pops of blush and green to this dress later down the road, the black and simple gold accessories really let the dress be the star.

Are you a fan of florals?  Have you checked out the Who What Wear line from Target?

Spring Double Feature: Bolder Shoulder

I hope you have been enjoying my series with Irene of Petite Plus, Meow! on some of spring's biggest trends.  You have seen our takes on wearing white, florals, and stripes, and citron chartreuse, but we're not done yet!Today, we finish off our Spring Double Feature by baring a little shoulder and showing off those sexy clavicles with the off-the-shoulder trend that is everywhere this spring.

Top:  Target (Available here)

I decided to take this trend in a super casual direction, pairing an off-the-shoulder tunic with these comfy shorts from the new Marimekko for Target collection. 

Shorts:  Marimekko for Target (Available here)

The shorts feature Marimekko's citrusy Appelsiini print, a lovely graphic summery print. These shorts are available in both straight and plus sizes - for reference, I'm wearing a straight size large.  The top is also from Target.  It's a junior's size top, and runs big.  I'm wearing an XL. 

Wedges:  Sugar

I added wedge sandals to add a little height while allowing me to stay comfortable.  A straw hat and clutch, both oldies but goodies from Target, complete the look.

Clutch:  Target

I'm really digging the relaxed vibe of this outfit and the fact that both pieces are such airy, cool cotton.  They will be perfect for summertime.  The hubby and I have been discussing the possibility of another beach trip with the kids this summer, and these pieces will definitely be in my suitcase!

The top is super sheer, so you will need to pair with a tank or use as a cover-up for a bikini top as I did here.

Hat:  Target

I love my casual look, but I'm also digging the super sexy tropical floral dress that Irene is rocking three different ways.  Head to Petite Plus, Meow! to get all the details on her look and don't forget to follow her on social media - you can find her Facebook page here and Instagram here.

Irene of Petite Plus, Meow!

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Are you a fan of the off-the-shoulder trend?  

Wild Card Wednesday: Weekend Vibes

It might only be Wednesday, but my mind is forever on the weekend, so I thought I would serve up an easy look that's perfect for more casual weekend days!

Skirt:  Smart Glamour (Available in other colors here; length customized)

Last Sunday, I pulled out my Smart Glamour maxi skirt and paired it with an abstract print crop top and denim jacket for an early dinner out with the family.

Top:  F21+ (Available here)

Denim jacket:  Torrid (Available here)

Clutch:  Target

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein

The denim jacket gives the skirt a more casual vibe, and the print of the top and sheer green panels on the skirt lighten up the mostly black outfit.

Booties:  Target

Earrings:  eBay

A maxi skirt or dress will forever be my favorite casual weekend go-to!  What's yours?

For the skirt in another look, see here.
For the jacket in another look, see here.