Backless Ruffle Dress

One of my fun "summer/party/occasion" dresses this season is this tie-back ruffle dress from Urban Outfitters. It's currently on sale for $29! OMG! This is the time to go backless. It's hot out, and it's festival season-- summertime in the city calls for open back and less coverage. I first wore this buffalo-plaid number at Megan's bachelorette party in Nashville. It was perfect for the steamy temps and dancing with the girls! 

Author's note: sorry all the pictures in this post will be from my grainy iPhone cam! 

My girl Lauren and me-- mirror selfies while getting ready!

Many thanks to my darling Amanda for the Lilly P. for Target travel cosmetics bag. I use it CONSTANTLY! 

Tory Burch cross body purse: similar here. Every year I tell Mike I am going to sell this purse on eBay (it's also from my ex BF, like the Burberry coat! Haha), but every year I keep it because it's SO darn practical! It can be a clutch, a larger cross-body bag (not folded over) or a fold-over as shown above. I usually try to put it on eBay right before Lollapalooza, but then Mike reminds me of how convenient it is, and I wimp out. Even though my ex-boyfriend bought it for me, it's REALLY awesome. I have had it for 4+ years; it's just amazing quality. 

Similar Lilly Pulitzer cosmetics bags: here and here. 

Similar Lilly Pulitzer phone case: here. 

How fun is the back of this dress?

You'll need this backless bra from VS. It's reusable up to 25 times. It's a sticky bra, perfect for any backless shirt or dress. Follow the directions for application, and it will stay put for hours!

My lovely bestie, the bride, Megan! 

Nashville was sooo much fun celebrating this bride-to-be.

A special shout out to Jackie for letting me borrow her fabulous cowboy boots! I fit in perfectly with the Nashville crowd! Thanks, girl! 

Just dancing with Megzo!

Besties since bowl cut age!

 

I wore this dress again for Lollapalooza (Sunday). Here's our group before Silversun Pickups-- who were INCREDIBLE!  

Scott, Matthew, myself and Mike!

Below are some more backless dress picks from Urban Outfitters. A lot are on sale, so the time to buy is now! You can tuck them away for next summer, too!

Which backless dresses are your favorite?
xxoo
Mary

Trending: 6.10.16

Here's what is currently #trending in Belle on Trend's world!

[1.0] This Limited maxi dress.
I fell totally in love with this beauty when I saw Megan's sister, Kimmy, wearing this at Meg's bridal shower. OMG, it needs to be in my closet. Now. Here's Kimmy rocking it (below) at the shower with Megan (middle) and their younger sister, Kaitlyn! (More on the shower to come!). Kimmy's earrings were Kendra Scott (to die for) and matched perfectly. Kimmy is the sweetest-- she gave me a 50% off for The Limited so I can scoop that dress up! I just saw on their site now that some items are 40% off, and if you use code 301, you can get 20% off anything! Wahoo! Happy shopping!

[2.0] These "Dizzy" shorts by Elizabeth McKay.

How darling is that scalloped belt? These shorts come in 4 colors, too! I am loving all the Elizabeth McKay dresses, too! The Coco dress would be absolutely gorgeous for a summer wedding! 

[3.0] This Nancy Rose Performance open back top. 

I own this top in black, and now I want to purchase the twilight color! The owner of Pure Barre Geneva, Brynn, wore this top in the cobalt/twilight color, and I knew I had to have it. I snagged it up from the Pure Barre Geneva Instagram auction, so I got it for a steal! But, I'm willing to pay full price for such an amazing piece. It's long, it's super soft, and it's completely flattering. There are thumb holes, too! I love that it comes in numeric sizes-- I got a 6 for reference. 

[4.0] This Free to Be (Wild) sports bra.

I know I talk about these FTB bras a lot, but that is because they're AMAZING! (See above with my Nancy Rose top!)  There's nothing better for running, Pure Barre or just lounging. I typically scope them out on the "We Made Too Much" sale section of the Lululemon website. I love a good sale, and since I know my size, I can swoop these up without going into the Naperville store (where I'd be tempted to buy much more than just one specific item!). My new obsession is open back tank tops, and the FTB bra looks fabulous underneath. The strappier, the better!

[5.0] This pleated Kelly Green ombre dress.

Banana Republic has some excellent options for summer weddings! This would be ideal-- you could wear it with wedges or pumps to a wedding but also dress it down with your Jacks for date night. How beautiful is that color!!??

[6.0] This ruffle dress from Banana Republic.

I can see this as a perfect summer dress for a winery tour or a day walking around on vacation with your family or friends. I also see this as a fall work dress with a cute cardigan over it.  However, never, ever, ever pay full price at Banana. They are constantly having 30-40% off sales. I've never paid full price for anything from BR because of their outstanding sales!

[7.0] These Tory Burch sandals.

OMG, they're multi-colored! I can't even fathom my excitement! My friend Scott got his now wife, Lauren, the Miller sandal for their wedding. Her maiden name was Miller, so it was the perfect gift to represent the transition to Wasulko! I've been eyeing the Miller sandals ever since Scott asked me about them, and now I've found the ones I NEED!  Lauren can attest to them being super comfortable. She wears them to work and out on the weekends, too! The Tory Navy and Sunshine Patent Leather are both multi-colored on the T's! ADORABLE! Here they are in red, too!

[8.0] This pineapple cardigan.

With just a subtle pineapple detail, you will add instant flair to any outfit. How summery is this? I'm in love! And for $29? Yes, please! 

What's on your wish list?

xxoo

Mary

Super Bowl Game Watch Outfits

I am going to be 100% honest with you all and tell you this: I have no idea which teams are playing in the Super Bowl. Haha! I could Google it, but I don't have much interest. I know my friend Fran loves Peyton Manning, and I am pretty sure he is in the Super Bowl this year, but I don't know for whom he plays, nor do I care. I care about Notre Dame sports, and that is the extent of my sports interests. And pretty much has always been... as evidenced below:

Above: Anna and me recreating a Halloween picture with the exact shirts of our youth. 

Dad and me, Notre Dame tee and bicycle on fleek.

Frem-ik reunion! Kubmeau! South Bend lovin'! :):) With Courtney and Mark.

As you can see, what matters to me is making sure my green, gold and navy are on point for Notre Dame games. Here with Mike and Joe!

However, I DO love dressing for sporting events (Bears, Bulls, Cubs game watches or games-- I will never turn down an excuse to watch sports outside in the sun). But, for this weekend, I am much more focused on Puppy Bowl XII and how hot Chris Martin will look at halftime. (Sorry, hubs! hahaha!!).

Last year, we were super snowed in for Super Bowl Sunday, and Mike and I chilled in our jammies at home on our couch. This year, even if it is uber snowy, we are still going to our planned event: our across the hall neighbors are hosting a Super Bowl party!

Here are a few looks for the game this weekend! Addendum: I found out it's the Panthers vs. the Broncos. More importantly, we're working with Carolina Blue and navy and orange for Denver.


If you are cheering for the Panthers (or just prefer a cerulean blue), here are some pieces for you:

The Vineyard Vines Shep Shirts and Pullovers are pieces you will wear year-round. I love this wintermint version with the signature whales across the back.

Above and below: Heading to Jamaica, the day after our wedding, at approximately 5 am! Haha!

I imagine I will be cheering on the Panthers in a Lilly Pulitzer pullover like this, mainly because I sort of despise the color orange. Haha! This popover, in Breakwater Blue Underwater Escape, would be perfect for Sunday! 

Glitter sunglasses: Kate Spade

Mrs. Necklace: Kate Spade

To mingle with your popover of choice, pick up a pair (or two-- for under $50 you could feasibly buy both the dark and lighter wash!) of these J. Crew Factory straight and narrow jeans. I love the fit of J. Crew Factory jeans-- they don't stretch out like Gap or Banana Republic tends to do. I've had mine for about four years, and I still wear them to this day!  

The last piece to your Super Bowl outfit would be your shoes: I have these Tory Burch flats in Biscay, but I am also loving the Jelly Blue color. I wear them all day to teach in with no problem-- they're comfortable and versatile! I have had these particular ballet flats for over three years. They're still in excellent condition. The color is SO vibrant in person! 

If you are a Broncos fan, (hi, Fran!), or simply like orange and navy better, here are some options for you:

This ombre Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt is so fun! I love the pullover-- easy to wear on a weekend, post workout, or just for a comfy game watch look. Vineyard Vines is quintessential preppy-- I love the story of the brothers who started the company. They decided they wanted to stop wearing ties in a corporate setting and quit their jobs to start designing them (ties) instead. The iconic whale critters are too cute!

I am loving shirts with printed phrases on them these days. To incorporate orange, check out this Good Mood sweatshirt from Nordstrom. Any shirt with writing on it is casual and a fun conversation piece. This one from Mindy Mae's Market is adorbs (and $40!).

Pair the sweatshirt or Shep Shirt with a dark skinny jean and gray booties (the Toms booties are the most comfortable heels I have ever worn-- these are on sale for under $70!), and you're all set for Sunday!  Side note: I have the Toms booties in black suede, and I wear them constantly. Slap a nice suede protective spray (I use the Kiwi brand) on pre-first wear, and you are golden!

I love to dress up seemingly casual tees or sweatshirts with a statement piece of jewelry. I am all about the inexpensive jewels from J. Crew Factory. Try this or this to support the Broncos!



Who are you cheering for on Sunday? Or, more importantly, what will you be wearing? ;-)
xxoo
Mary

Gold Polka Dots and a Stella and Dot Statement Piece

My sweet friends (and sisters) Lauren, Steph and Melissa (in conjunction with Scott!) bought me this beautiful Stella and Dot necklace for my 29th birthday. (SO THOUGHTFUL!!!) It is truly a statement necklace; I have already received numerous compliments on it with my first wear! It can be worn three different ways. You can have 1, 2 or 3 pieces to it. It's very simple to maneuver and remove the sections. However, I LOVE it so much with all three parts! But, it's nice to have that option in case you do want to scale down the statement. 

 I chose to wear this foil dot shirt from J. Crew (a lovely Christmas gift from my mom) with the Stella and Dot stunner. It fits so well! I could totally see this gold polka-dotted shirt under a crisp, black blazer with a black pencil skirt for a polished interview (or observation, teachers!) look. Something that is slightly different than a plain collared shirt, yet still completely appropriate to wow your interviewers. Also, don't you think an interview committee would remember those fun polka dots on you?  :-)

I wore my (newly resoled!) favorite Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats. Unfortunately, these are super old. BUT, fear not! Here are some similar flats. Do keep in mind that Tory Burch *often* hosts 30% off sales. Never pay full price for your Revas! I have had these particular flats since 2011. A $25 insole fix, and we are good to go for a few more seasons!

I kept this look simple on the bottom with a classic black pant from Ann Taylor. 

I hope you all had a marvelous Monday; as a teacher, I loved having the extra day in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.!  Our wind chill was -21 today, so it was a little rough, but I will take a long weekend at any temp! I am keeping this short tonight as I am trying out the ShopStyle Collective (thanks to my friend Krista's tutelage!). Please let me know what you think! (See below!). 

xxoo

Mary

Christmas Day Look and New Year's Eve Outfit Sneak Peek!

Mike and I spent Christmas day in Ohio with my mom's side of the family. It was ridiculously warm (50s! In Northeast Ohio! On Christmas! Sheesh!), which made me a little distressed about my outfit. I didn't want to overheat! But I definitely wanted to wear a tartan skirt and green sweater! #fashionbloggerprobs I'd purchased the skirt with Christmas in mind, but I also got to wear it to work on "red, white and green" finals spirit week day. LOVE. 

Thus, I opted for a tights-less Christmas, which I don't think I've ever had in my life! It was pretty glorious. 

Gallivanting around with glee because I was sans tights on December 25.

Embellished sweater: (old J.Crew Factory, similar from Express here). 

Skirt: sold out from J. Crew Factory, but here, here, and here are equally fabulous options!).

The weather was warm enough for us to be outside snapping pictures before my cousin and uncle came over! 

Shoes: Tory Burch, old, similar here. 

These sparkly Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, ever. They're super comfortable, and I always receive compliments on them. I wear them constantly to school, and my kids get a kick out of the sparkle. These are quite old, a gift to me in 2011, but I have since had them sewn on the back (from sheer overuse), and they're currently being re-insoled! I cannot let these babies go! 

Yes, the Tory flats are pricey-- there is no two ways about it-- but for the amount of mileage these beauties get, it is so worth every cent. I recently helped my friend Scott pick out a pair of Revas for his fiance (and my friend, too!), Lauren. I think I can attest to the fact that she was one happy camper upon receiving the gift! 

Side note: the Tory Burch ballet flats often go on sale. Also, Tory Burch has 30% off sitewide sales quite regularly-- just get on her email list! I have 3 pairs of these ballet flats in different colors and styles, and I have had each for YEARS. They outlast all my other work shoes! Plus, they're gorgeous!

I am in love with embellished sweaters. You can skip a necklace thanks to the detailing. This sweater was a Christmas gift last year, but I have gotten so much use out of it. Check out my current favorite embellished sweaters: 60% off at Ann Taylor, 60% at Loft, too!

Lipstick: MAC Brave Red

My Kate Spade knot earrings are my go-to gold earrings. My bestie, Mandy, got me these when Mike and I got engaged in 2014! I haven't stopped wearing them since. It was such a thoughtful gift for a newly engaged gal-- for "tying the knot"! A perfect, thoughtful gift if you have any newly engaged gal pals. 

I've talked about my Alex and Ani bracelets before, but I can't get over how much I adore them. I have the Saint Mary's College one, an F, a guardian angel of answers (in honor of my aunt Sue), a Godmother bangle (from Beth and Bryn), and a beautiful feather wrap bracelet (that doesn't hang) from my hubs. These can be stacked and worn all at once (as pictured) or worn individually. My sister has gold and silver bangles and mixes them, which looks super chic. They're a perfect gift and extremely meaningful collection to start for any woman in your life. 

We had the most hilariously fun Christmas with our family. We missed my aunt so very much, but we could tell she was watching over us as we ate Holiday Potatoes, drank Christmas Ales, danced in the family room and cracked up about all our ridiculous family memories. The stories were the best part of the day. We sat in the dining room and talked about our Notre Dame game shenanigans, my timeliness, our shower-hair rituals, and the Sobotka wedding on the bay (LOL).  I love everyone in this picture so much, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Auntie Ash and Auntie Mar are going to spoil Baby Boy Connolly so much! So happy for my sister and her husband! I can't wait to meet him in April! 

And now for a little sneak peek of tonight's New Year's Eve ensemble! 

Yesterday, I headed into the city for a shoot of my New Year's Eve outfit with Gabby. However, the weather was NOT in agreement with our plans. We had to cancel because downtown Chicago weather yesterday was not conducive to a photoshoot. Gabby and I were so sad, but we are going to try again soon! She is a FABULOUS photographer and incredibly talented. Check out her website, here. 

Instead, my BFF, Mandy, came to my rescue and shot a few pics in the burbs. We laughed so hard and got a few great snaps in. Thanks to Mandy for brightening my day! More to come on the NYE look soon!

Here she is! I had to turn the cam on her because she cheered me up so much! Thanks, girl!

Her North Face Thermoball jacket is so amazing. It's unbelievably lightweight but INCREDIBLY warm. I was, of course, obsessed, and ordered myself this one from the Nordstrom's sale! Mandy's is here in Dramatic Plum. Her distressed jeans are Gap (here) and the lace shirt she has on is Ann Taylor (currently 40% off here!).

Heading out for a haircut and then into the city for a NYE party with my SMC/ND Chicago besties! I am so excited to be together tonight! How are you ringing in the new year? 

Be safe and have a phenomenal time tonight!

xxoo

Mary