Maxi Skirts and Maxi Dresses

To preface this post, I had just spent a few hours on this very post, and I lost it! Somehow it went into the black hole of the internet.  :(:(:(  There were tears. But, this one is going to be a little briefer because I am still sad over that massive bust. Bummer! I hope you are having a great start to the week! Sometimes technology makes me so upset. Sheesh.

I was lucky enough to be invited to check out YM Boutique's new inventory a few weekends ago, and I fell in love with their maxi skirts and dresses. The above purple skirt is called the Zoey Maxi. It's only $48.75, and the best news? Even if you aren't near the YM Boutique locations in Aurora, IL or Geneva, IL, YM will ship to you! Follow them on Instagram @ShopYMB to get your orders in. You can also check out their Facebook pages, too! 

These jewel-tone maxi skirts are perfect for holiday parties!

Tuck in a plain, strappy tank with your high-waisted maxi skirt. It's a super easy look to be holiday-party ready! My Levi tank has the best, strappy-detailed back-- not to mention, it's $22 at YM Boutique!

The best part of a maxi skirt is that you can be dressy even in the coldest of temperatures. And, no tights necessary!  (I kinda hate tights! LOL)

Loving these shades of red above ^^^

The Mika Maxi dress from YM Boutique is $90 and such a stunner. How perfect would this be with a fur shawl or coat for a winter wedding? 

Check out these similar blush dresses below! The Needle and Thread maxi is a carbon copy of the YM Boutique Mika, but it's $279! You can't beat YM Boutique's prices. And, now that they ship, you can order from anywhere in the country! 

This might be my next purchase from Asos. Those ruffles and shades of pink? Pure glam! 

How is the weather for you all? We got so much snow here yesterday! It's beautiful when you don't have to travel anywhere!  My kids were all hoping for an E-learning day today, but we had school! :)

xxoo

Mary

TRENDING 5.10.16: Outfits for Summer Fests + Concerts

Today's #TRENDING was motivated by the release of the hourly schedule for Lollapalooza 2016! We are sooooo pumped!


I surprised Mike (or tried to, haha!) with Lollapalooza tickets for his birthday and our one year wedding anniversary (since it's paper, traditionally). I was in cahoots with Mike's oldest brother, Scott, because we have a little three year tradition running of going to Lolla together. I told Scott I wanted to buy Mike Saturday and Sunday passes; I was extremely proud of this gift idea. Well, a few days before the individual day passes were released, Mike said to me over dinner, "I think I'm going to get us Saturday and Sunday Lollapalooza passes!" and I'm like noooooooooooo! He's like, "What?! why?!" And then I had to tell him my surprise. HA! We are the worst with surprises because we get too excited and tell each other. LOL! But, needless to say, we are going for year 3 of Lolla excursions with Scott and his friends. We will have so much fun! Lollapalooza has expanded to four days this year! I knew Mike had very little vacay time left, so the weekend days will be perfect. I cannot wait for Nathaniel Rateliff!

Waiting for the El on our first Lollapalooza excursion together, 2013.

With our pals Lindsay and John at Tegan and Sara's set, 2013. 

More 2013 fun, Jill and Scott in the background. (Mike was apparently hot, haha!)

Aside from the music, sunshine and lobster corndogs, I love the fashion of Lollapalooza. I always try to wear the lightest weight clothing I can because late July/early August is always steamy in Chicago. Typically I opt for an airy dress, and last year, I found the best cut-out dress!

Cool dance moves... not!

Here are my top ten outfit choices for summer fests and concerts:

[1.0] I am all about cut-outs for summer fests. This dress from ASOS is perfect to keep you cool while you rock out to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Besides, when else is it appropriate to wear cut-out clothing? :)

[2.0] Not only is this dress gorgeous and so unique, you might actually be able to make yourself kind of percussion-y with the embellishments! HAHA!  This will be perfect for seeing Wilco in August (thanks to Jackie for giving us the heads-up about this show! I was actually able to surprise Mike with these tickets!).

[3.0] I love how nautical this is. Also, those cut-outs are to die for! ASOS has free shipping, BTW! (This is the striped version of 1.0).

[4.0] I always opt for brighter dresses at Lollapalooza so I never get lost from the group, haha, (hence, this day-glo orange dress [below] from a few years back!). This red dress is a bright color that will make you easily spottable!

With Lauren in 2013 before she went on to be backstage with Mumford and Sons! #Jealous

Sightseeing on our trip down to Grant Park, 2013. 

RIP those shoes I'm wearing. They did not survive the mud of Lollapalooza 2013.

After surviving a pseudo-mosh pit (front row!) at Matt and Kim!

[5.0] Black is another smart color for Lollapalooza. We often sit in the grass in the shade, and the last thing you want to happen is to get muddy somehow.  The crochet will be lightweight for the temperatures, and the shorts are practical. I like that you can mix and match these pieces with other clothes you might already have. Bonus: the strapless top will offer a great tanning opportunity! Haha!

[6.0] Kelly green AND cut-out back? Count me in! The price is right, too!

[7.0] Urban Outfitters has some perfect dresses for the summer fest season! This dress is such a pretty yellow, and the peek-a-boo cut out is fabulous!

[8.0] I bought this dress for one day at Lolla, and I will also wear it to my bestie's Nashville Bachelorette party in July! Ideal for showing off my rib tats-- haha!

[9.0] This floral print is just fantastic for an outdoor festival this summer! And the fact that it is less than $25 makes it epic! (Try this color combo, too!).

[10.0] The dusty pink color of this sundress is so fabulous.  I love the strappiness of it, too! It will be super lightweight and perfect for the heat of the summer.

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't spend too much money on a summer concert outfit, especially because you're bound to be sweaty from all your dancing (flashback to Mike and I dancing like maniacs at Vampire Weekend 3 years ago), and you're guaranteed to spill or be spilled on. Go for a dress that is comfortable, lightweight and inexpensive.

Mike showing off his muddiness, 2013.

Matthew lifting up Mike during Walk the Moon, 2015.

Mike getting sweaty during Metallica, 2015.

What summer concerts will you be attending? Here's a helpful list of Chicago summer fests and events by month!

xxoo
Mary

Belle On Trend(ing): Current Obsessions

T R E N D I N G

Here's a little look at what's trending in Belle On Trend's world...

[1.0] Express Olive green fit-and-flare dress (online exclusive)
My cousin, Ashley, and my bestie, Mandy, always find the cutest pieces at Express. They motivated me to give Express another try (it had always been my favorite store growing up and through college, but I hadn't been there lately). This fit-and-flare shirt dress would be perfect for a winter night out. With tights and knee-high boots, you'll be warm enough through winter. Come spring, you could ditch the tights and swap out your Fryes for some peep-toe pumps and a fresh pedi.

[2.0] Express Off the shoulder ruffle dress (online exclusive)
How darling is this off-the-should ruffle dress? I am melting for it! It will be ideal for your spring break trip (if you're in a colder climate) yet ready-to-wear for my southern Belles!

[3.0] Kate Spade Bow Neck Workout Jacket
Beyond Yoga has teamed up with Kate Spade to create some of the most adorable workout pieces I have ever laid eyes upon. So many gals tagged me on Instagram for this workout gear (you girls know me well!). It combines three things I love: bows, Pure Barre gear and Kate Spade. Check out this bow neck jacket in the vibrant red (necessary for Fridays at work-- it's a school color!).


[4.0] The Nanette Dress by Camilyn Beth
Absolutely in love with the Nanette Dress by Camilyn Beth. The navy and chiffon is elegant enough to pull you out of the doldrums of winter.  Gray, suede over-the-knee boots would look amazing with this frock. Bonus: look at those dainty, ruffled-flare sleeves!

[5.0] Scalloped ballet flats-- 2 price points
I have been searching far and wide for a pair of scalloped ballet flats. I love all things scalloped; there's no exception when it comes to ballet flats. These Jack Rogers camel flats will welcome spring quite well, as I live in ballet flats at work once the temperatures hit 40 or above. I have three pairs of Jack Rogers sandals from over the years;  the quality is superior, and they remain in impeccable shape.  For an even more phenomenal deal, check out these Athena Alexander ballet flats from Nordies.  The scallops add femininity to any outfit.


[6.0]  J. Crew Tweed Dress (or the blazer version!)
SO many winners in the new J. Crew catalog! On my list to purchase post-tax refund (haha) is this tweed stunner. I can wear it to work AND pair it with fabulous pumps for date night. The color screams "spring," but the weight of the fabric will keep you warm throughout the winter months. Navy tights would be on point with this dress for work. A navy shell underneath and navy pencil skirt would flawlessly pair with the blazer version. Also, essential spring interviewing attire!


[7.0] Banana Republic Shirt Dress
I saw this beauty in stores when I was spending $36 total on four (I KNOW, RIGHT?!) shirts at Banana a few weeks ago. It was originally $118, and it has been marked down to $58. Pair it with navy tights and brown or camel booties (these suede ones are to die for!) until the temperatures stop dipping below comprehensible. :-) Then, pick up the coral, teal, or pink flowers from the dress and pair ballet flats, wedges or Jack Rogers sandals with this dress for spring and summer.


What's on your clothing "shopping list"? Happy weekend!
xxoo
Mary