All Eyelet All Over!

Eyelet, noun: a small hole, usually round and finished along the edge, as in cloth or leather for the passage of a lace or cord or as in embroidery for ornamental effect; a lightweight fabric pierced by small holes finished with stitching and often laid out in flowerlike designs (courtesy of Dictionary.com). 

There is nothing more appropriate to officially welcome spring than eyelet! You may have seen the material before and didn't realize that it was eyelet. I am constantly learning new terms for patterns (buffalo plaid, gingham, houndstooth, and my bestie and fellow fashionista, Courtney, just taught me damask!). Eyelet comes in skirts, shirts, dresses and even shoes! Below are some pieces to get you spring-ready! 

One of my all time favorite outfits: remember this?

An updated look for spring!

My skirt: old Loft, but similar here.

I'm loving these eyelet skirts: here, here and here. 

My little Coop! 

Cooper loves his Auntie. Just wait until BBC gets here... I can't wait to spoil him!

Adoring these eyelet long-sleeved options: here and here.

The best thing about eyelet pieces is how lightweight and airy they are. Even a long-sleeved eyelet shirt will be comfortable in warmer temperatures because of all the holes. 

Eyelet peplum from Banana Republic: here. 

Warning: this shirt is fabulous, but runs REALLY large. This is an XS on me; I am not an XS, haha.  The shirt is meant to be flowy, so if you are someone who prefers a more body-hugging silhouette, this might not be the eyelet top for you. 

Loving these eyelet tops: here, here (for under $10! OMG!), here, here (the yellow and back! Beauty!), here with ruffles, and here. 

Eyelet dresses: here, here, here, here, here, here and my personal fave, here, which I am planning to try on in Florida!

Vintage ND shirt (from the time that Cavanaugh was a men's dorm at Notre Dame) thanks to my sis-in-law and fellow Smick Chick, Lidija. 

Eyelet shorts: here, here and here.

There are even eyelet SHOES!  Believe it or not!

Pretty shoe pics courtesy of Mike's artistic ability!

There is not a better heel out there than the Toms peep toe booties. I can stand in them all day-- without any pain-- I hit 10,000 steps on my FitBit in these bad boys without any problems. I love pairing these eyelet booties with shorts, skirts and dresses! I also love them with a rolled up, cropped boyfriend jean! The fringe on these is amazing. These are also a nice alternative.

How will you rock your eyelet this season?
xxoo
Mary

Spring Break Style: Bathing Suits and Warmer Weather Trends

My sweet bestie, Amanda, gave me the inspiration for this blog post. And it made me think: I will be in FLORIDA in less than a month! I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by! I need to get serious about being bathing suit ready (thank God for the 20 in 31 days Pure Barre March Madness challenge!) and having the appropriate attire for the southern temps. Many thanks to Amanda for suggesting this post idea.

For all your packing needs:

One Piece Bathing Suits

Gingham from J. Crew Factory-- the navy or the pink is perfect for spring break!

I love the cut-out back of this Top Shop bathing suit and the peek-a-boo front (and in two-tone)!

Never think of one-pieces being boring again: check out these scallops!


Two Piece Bathing Suits

Splurge: The Marysia scalloped swimsuits are all the rage right now. However, the price tag is a little hefty for this high school teacher. If you can afford this splurge, I completely endorse it (go ahead and tell your SO that, haha!). Here is a beautiful option from Marysia. (High-waisted bikini bottoms are extremely flattering!).

Somewhat save: this Kate Spade option is TOO CUTE! It's somewhere between Marysia and Old Navy, but personally, I think it's the most adorable of the three!

Save: I found this Marysia look alike when I was at Old Navy a few weekends ago with my bestie, Mandy. I LOVED the fit of the bottoms-- a medium for me for reference worked perfectly.  The top was nice, but if you are over 12 years old or weigh more than 100 lbs, the coverage may not be appropriate. LOL. I will be mixing an old top with those teal scalloped bottoms instead. They're such a steal for under $30!




Bathing Suit Cover Ups

I am obsessed with this gingham cover-up. This is ideal for a walk down to the pool or beach, but it can also double as a flowy/lightweight top to pair with skinny white jeans.

This eyelet stunner is absolutely show-stopping. I LOVE all things eyelet for the spring and summer. It truly is a classy cover up! It would be ideal for a new wifey on her honeymoon (Kelly!)-- white!


Lightweight dresses

When I think of warmer weather, Lilly Pulitzer automatically comes to mind. I may be biased, but to me, there is nothing classier than a Lilly Pulitzer dress for sunny days and hot temperatures.

The cut outs of this dress remind me of my first ever Lilly P. purchase. I was perusing the local TJ Maxx in Lincoln Park with Julie when I lived in the city. There was a beautiful yellow and white Lilly dress on an end-cap in a way-too-small-size. Julie convinced me to try it on, and it fit perfectly! The cut out mid-section would show off your tan!

This skirt and shirt combo. are in my new favorite Lilly Pulitzer pattern. I love the chic-ness of this look. This would be ideal for a night out in Florida on spring break! You could also wear each piece separately!

There is nothing better than the versatility of this maxi dress. It is a pull-on-and-go dress for spring break! Wear it to dinner and drinks or to the tiki-hut to watch the sunset.

For a fancy dinner on your spring break trip, check out this Boden dress. It's just so cheerful! A strappy pair of sandals would look perfect with this sheath.

The cut out back of this lightweight dress will definitely be a head-turner for your vacation. The color and price-point are both lovely!

In yet another beautiful color, this off-the-shoulder-dress will pop with your tan!

Finally, check out this total splurge-- but DARLING-- dress: by Marysia. That back though!




Rompers

One of my fashion pushes this spring is to make myself branch out and purchase a romper. I have always been hesitant and thought I couldn't pull this off. But, I am pledging to give it a try! How cute are these rompers? In love!

This black and white patterned romper is darling!

These stripes are so playful and cute!

The lace detail and bow back make this romper dainty and easy to dress up with peep-toe pumps!


Shorts

Scalloped white shorts! My fave new shorts from J. Crew Factory.

A good pair of jean shorts will take you through the fall. I wear mine CONSTANTLY!



Tanks

I love airy, lightweight tanks for warmer weather. Throw them on with your favorite jorts and Jacks, and you're ready to take on the day. Check out these great deals from Old Navy!

This peplum! Under $20! I just ordered the madras version!

The gingham and buttons of this tank are amaze!

I just love the peplum swing of this tank top! And the plaid!

I ordered this shirt in white-- I know it looks interesting-- but trust me! It was fabulous on! They just didn't have my size at our Old Navy, so I had to order it online.


What is on your packing list for spring break? I am so excited to travel to Punta Gorda to spend a week with my mom and step dad (and my hubs!)    :-)
xxoo
Mary

Valentine's Day Date Looks

If you're like me, you enjoy a good plan. (Okay, maybe I LOVE a good plan; let's be serious here). I asked my hubs what we were going to do for Valentine's Day last week, and being the incredibly patient and understanding man he is, he knew that was a nudge to make some ressies. Again, he knows me so well!

Mike chose Villa Verone for our romantic dinner (we ADORE VV; we went for my birthday this year and a few times over the last three years of knowing each other).

I have already purchased Mike's Valentine's Day gifts, and I'd love to share them, but it's going to have to be post-February 14. (Hi, babe!). But I'll conjure up some ideas of great gifts for the men in your life for Valentine's Day in a coming entry.

Now for the fun part: dressing for Valentine's Day!

Last year I wore this outfit:

How cute is my man in that bowtie? <3

I get so much wear out of these red pants and polka dot shirt! The pants are perfect for Fridays at my school, as our colors are red and blue! 

Red pants: similar here for under $40!. 

Equally adorable shirt (with cherries!): here.

Lauren and I, accidentally twinning! 

Last year, Mike and I had dinner at Fiora's (another phenomenal restaurant in Geneva), and I remember the wind chill being (literally) 40 below 0.  It was PAINFULLY cold. My fingers are crossed that this year's temperatures will be slightly less torturous, but you know how Northern Illinois can be! Thus, the range of outfits for this Valentine's Day will vary, as I know some of you are in much warmer climates! (Hi, Mom in Florida! Hi, Kelly and Sarah in California!).


Here are my top 4 picks for Valentine's Day looks this year:

1. This Lovers + Friends fit and flare dress
I first saw it on Megan Runion's blog, and I knew I had to have it. Particularly at that price point! Check out her fabulous blog-- she's so stylish!

Similar dress idea here (in blush-- currently 50% off!), but it could also double as a work outfit (since the back isn't cut out like the Lovers + Friends find).


2. I talk about the BB Dakota Rhianna Illusion dress in practically every three blogs, but it is just THAT amazing. Mike recently purchased the green for me for my birthday, and here I am in the red for my friend's wedding at Notre Dame in December.  It would be perfect with tights and a cardigan for Valentine's Day!

My recommendation to you is to buy this dress in the Crimson pictured here or the Fuscia/Rose here. You will not regret this purchase! It's perfect to wear as a wedding guest, too!

3. This Camilyn Beth scalloped dress would be absolutely romantic for your Valentine's Day evening! I have to say, if I had the means, I would buy every. single. Camilyn Beth dress ever made. I swoon over every dress she creates! The team at Camilyn Beth is extremely helpful (they helped me decide on a size in my scalloped dress) and truly personal. If you are looking for a dress that is extremely high quality and a company that cares about you as a customer, go to her website and make a purchase.

Side note: her spring line can be pre-ordered, but the pieces would come in post-February 14. Otherwise, this would be the best V-day dress, ever! It is worth every penny, I promise you. Check it out! Love that blush with the ruffle! To die for!

I wore this Camilyn Beth scalloped dress for my wedding shower hosted by my sister and bridesmaids. I received so many compliments! I also wore it for my engagement photos by Blossom Lane Photography. 

Perhaps, a lower price point would be more appealing (trust me, I know!). If so, this and this (under $20, OMG! and that back!) are two other awesome scalloped options for Valentine's Day. The scalloped detailing is to die for, and that red is va-va-voom!

I wore a much more affordable coral scalloped dress for my friend Leah's wedding and again in Jamaica on our honeymoon. It was last season from Loft, but this Adrianna Papell dress (for under $60!) is very similar!

Wow. I want to be that tan again!! 

If you prefer a dressy blouse for your Valentine's Day and still want to incorporate scallops, Banana Republic has you covered. Here is my blue scalloped shirt in pink and red. Adorable! And 50% off currently!

There's something so dainty, fun and romantic about scallops! And the blush and red will be perfect for February 14!

4. My mom recently got her first Lilly Pulitzer items the other day in Florida. Of course, I was super jealous! But it has encouraged me to start shopping her new pieces. Check these out for warmer climates for Valentine's Day. This dress looked so cute on her! #BuyMeLilly

This shirt dress incorporates pink for the holiday! Throw on some black tights and black pumps if you're in colder climates or pop on your pink Jack Rogers sandals down south.

Monogrammed Jack Rogers from our Jamaican honeymoon! 

My mom also purchased this top, which I am totally lusting after! How fabulous would that look with a pair of punchy pink pants and gold wedges? (Can you tell I am daydreaming for warm temps? You're so lucky out west and down south!).

I'm already looking forward to a romantic dinner with my hubs. I can't believe this will be our third Valentine's Day together. :) Here's to 85 more.
Who are you spending Valentine's Day with? And what will you wear?

xxoo
Mary