Why Not . . . Wear Rain Boots?

With April showers occurring regularly and often unexpectedly, it is always a good idea to incorporate rain boots into your about-town style. Whether you prefer to wear jeans or skirts, or even shorts, rain boots can easily (and not to be forgotten – stylishly) be integrated into your wardrobe.

1. Weather Resilient



As a dog owner, having a pair of rain boots is a must especially while living in an area that reports more than average rainfall. Knowing that the shoes you choose to wear will not be destroyed by the moisture, allows you to relax and enjoy the stroll through the puddles and perhaps dance through the sprinkles recreating your very own version of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ sans Gene Kelly.

2. Common Sense Style
With spring, comes showers. And with showers come the need to dress accordingly. Since often the weather can change in a matter of minutes, having a pair of rain boots handy allows you to present yourself as an always stylish and well-prepared fashionista. Before you know it, people will be assuming you’re dating the weather man or are yourself a meteorologist.

3. Versatility
Depending upon your style preference, rain boots can be worn with a variety of options and assuredly look chic.  Here is a list to keep in mind when you know you’ll be needing to slip on your wellies:

*Tuck your skinny jeans inside
*Wear with leggings, a top and a trench
*Pair with shorts – love this look!
*Don’t forget boots work with dresses and skirts as well.



What you might have noticed is that they work well with just about anything and in nearly any occasion.

4. Reveal Your Signature Style



Now that you know you can wear them with nearly anything in your closet, have fun. Express a bit of your signature style.  Choose color that exudes your fabulousness and speaks to your personality. Also, if you don’t necessarily want to wear boots, but want protection from the rain, rain skimmers (rain-resistant flats) are a wonderful alternative to help keep you dry and stylish. Love these feminine, simple rain skimmers from Hunter as they come in all sizes and are less expensive than the boot. One last note, I know some women desire a boot that fits a larger calf. Have a look at Hunter’s Huntress as it addresses just this issue yet instill includes all of the luxuries of the original style.

So let it rain, because with your trusty rain boots, you can be confident you will always look effortlessly stylish.

SHOP THIS LOOK: I’ve gathered up options of rain boots and skimmers available in a variety of styles, colors and price points:

Images: (1) source  (2) source (3) source (4) source  (5) source (6) source (7) source (8) source (9) source  (10) source  (11) source 

Style Inspiration: Leopard, Color & More!

Summer is right around the corner, but spring layers are still in demand. Leopard can always be considered and certainly have fun with colors. Here’s some ideas . . .

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Style Inspiration: Colors & Prints

Spring is a wonderful time to play with bright colors and playful prints. The mixing and matching of dots and stripes, leopard prints and bold, daring colors is a way to have fun with fashion and flex your quiet confidence.

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This & That: No. 15

Sweet spring treats, summer fashions, decor inspiration and motivation for simple living . . .

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Style Inspiration: White & Neon

It’s spring and while the rule of no white before Memorial Day may still be lingering in the back of our minds, I beg of you – dismiss it! Now is the time for white cropped, straight leg pants. Pair them with flats, heels, a beautifully designed classic cashmere sweater, or as you will see below, the trend of neon. Ah, now relax, and enjoy shopping and creating your own unique signature style minus traditional, unnecessary rules.

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Style Inspiration: Cropped & Floral

A few of this spring’s trends are included in this week’s Style Inspiration. From one of my favorite trends that is one to invest in (cropped pants), to a trend that is very feminine, but can easily be included in your wardrobe without spending too much money (florals), these two looks are fun and showing up everywhere.

The beauty of the cropped pant is that it works with nearly every woman’s body type, and when hemmed right above your ankle, can be stylishly worn with ballet flats or heels.

With regards to florals. Many brands are offering skirts aplenty with floral designs that are cut in many different flattering styles. A lovely pencil skirt paired with a solid silk blouse and nude pumps, or a floral top paired with classic denim jeans are two ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe and be assured to look classically chic, but aware of what fashion is currently offering.

Have a look at his week's gathering of stylish inspiration for spring:

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Style Inspiration: Parisian Chic

I have been lost in thoughts of Paris this week, and while my trip isn’t until this summer, I am planning my wardrobe; thus this week’s Style Inspiration post is full of Parisian chic ensembles and actual chic style that walked the fashionable streets of Paris this last October. With nautical stripes, white jeans, and every piece well-tailored, oh la la doesn’t begin to do justice to the stylish inspiration the French have caused so many to love.
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Why Not . . . Prep for Spring?

Having been out of town this past weekend, when I arrived home, I was greeted with the spectacular sight of a green lawn.  It seemed almost as if overnight my grass had miraculously turned lusciously green and was promptly begging to be manicured. So . . . I was more than eager to pull out my lawn-mower and appease it.

Yes, spring has officially begun, and with the first hum of the mowers buzzing throughout the neighborhood, it also gives us all an opportunity to make this the best spring yet.  Whether it be with regards to our homes, wardrobes, beauty, health or yard and gardens, spring offers the motivation to get busy and make things happen. Below are twelve ways I have found useful in my quest to help prep for spring.
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The Weekend . . .

Like the girl pictured above, I am dreaming. I am dreaming and giddily excited about the upcoming week I have off.  Nothing extravagant is planned, nothing earth-shattering, but pure freedom to make my schedule each day that suits exactly what I need to accomplish is certainly something I am looking forward to.

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Style Inspiration

With splashes of color and white popping up a bit more frequently, I do believe it is safe to say spring is unofficially here. Especially the few days here and there that have reached into the 60s and 70s, I can’t help but get excited for sandals, shorts and linen. Between finding an excuse to go spring wardrobe shopping and picking up a few daffodils on my way home from my favorite boutiques, this time of year simply makes me happy.

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Style Inspiration

An eclectic mix of everything in this week’s Style Inspiration, from peep toes, to hot pink, leopard, black and white and classic trenches. Spring is beginning to show signs of arriving, so schedule a pedicure and a day of boutique perusal, because looking fabulous is certain to make any day that much better.

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The Spring Newsletter Here!

Thursday is here and while Rules of Style usually is what is posted, this week I’ve been pulling together the quarterly newsletter that will be full of simply luxurious spring styles and trends to help guide you through the spring 2011 season. Titled Prepping Your Wardrobe for Spring, it is full of investment ideas, fabulous frugal trendy items, and pieces I’ve selected to help in the shopping process, I hope you’ll find this particular newsletter to be a resource as you plan your attack for your next shopping outing.

And if you haven’t subscribed, simply enter your first name and email in the right-hand column on the blog. 

Look for Rules of Style to return next week!

Image: vogue and coffee

Why Not . . . Take In All That Spring Has To Offer?

Yes, spring is here, and I am one very happy girl. There is that sense of renewal in the air – that anything is possible again. With the warmth of the sun on our cheeks and flowers revealing the color that seems to have been hidden away for too long, it serves as a reminder that everything goes through cycles.  The lesson to be learned is that in order to evolve and to begin anew we must shed old skins and old beliefs that haven’t worked and believe that anything is possible.

Today, I gathered up a long list of opportunities to take advantages of during spring. Try a few, try them all, but do try at least one and see how it feels.  And feel free to add to the list. I’d love to hear what you most enjoy doing during this much welcoming season.

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Spring Spruce Up!

This upcoming weekend is one that I look forward to every year.  Now depending upon the weather, it may fall earlier or later during spring, but the weekend I am referring to involves the initial start to the energizing of my front porch.  By way of annual-filled containers and ceramic pots, hanging baskets, the building of my herb garden and adding a few new perennials here and there, this weekend always seems to lift my spirits. 

On my list this weekend:

*An iron trellis for my three-year-old climbing rose from Heirloom Roses

*A few more hostas – one of my favorite perennials that I can’t seem to get enough of – so lush and full.

*Combinations of annuals for my ceramic pots – maybe some creeping jenny, sweet potato vines, coleus, begonias or petunias.

*I can’t forget to pick up some of my favorite herbs – basil and Italian parsley.

Phew!  I have a feeling that will keep me busy for my Saturday.  After all of that work, I have a feeling I’ll be reaching for a cozy seat on the porch with my loyal companions, a fresh, new magazine and a sweet treat. 

Here’s hoping all goes well!

Images: (1)  The Inspired Room (2) My Home Ideas (3) Source (4) White Flower Farm (5) White Flower Farm (6) Sunset magazine (7) Source (8) Source (9) Flickr (10) Glam Nest

Sunshine!

On my drive to my hair stylist recently, I was accompanied by a certain someone who hasn’t been showing their face a lot as of late . . . the sun. As you probably can imagine, it is amazing how rejuvenating it is to feel the sun on your face when you haven’t felt it in quite some time. And in a serendipitous moment, I noticed that my local nursery had changed their reader board to state the phrase you see above. Spring IS coming, and just knowing this fact causes my fingers to dance as they know they will be able to play in the dirt again soon.


And to add to the theme of the day, I came away a more vivified version of myself with the help of my long time stylist – Kyle at the Beehive. The sun really was shining every where, if only for a few hours.

The atmosphere at the Beehive is always modern, yet welcoming, confident professionals busily working at their craft, and a locale that is a perfect perch overlooking the city center’s goings on.

Now I didn’t come away looking like Jennifer Aniston, but a valiant effort was made. After all, that’s asking an quite a bit, but needless to say, I feel renewed. Thanks Kyle!

Hopefully you too have had a day recently or upcoming that allows you to refresh, renew and rejuvenate. What are some of your favorite ways to attain this feeling?