LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY | Our Ultimate Dad's Day Gift Guide

You're welcome ;)

Originally posted in The CLOSET

You've got to hand it to dads. I mean, enduring ballet recitals, waiting out endless bathroom takeovers and braving the long teenage years is enough to make even the most sane guy want to midlife crisis his way into a red Camaro. Dads are expected to keep things fun when moms like me get naggy. Do this. Do that. I mean do this, that way. Do that, but you're doing that all wrong. My husband can only take so much direction, at which point bedtime hits and he starts spontaneously hurling packs of candy at my daughter and doing bad-ass ninja taekwondo with my son. Must be some evolutionary response to eons of nagging wives. 

I was lucky to grow up with the best dad who, though he's sadly passed away, will always be with me. When I find myself taking life too seriously, I think of the look my dad would have given me and it always makes me laugh. When I find myself rushing through my day, I remember how my dad and I would spend hours staring at the clouds, magically willing them to evaporate away. When I get too stuck in a routine, I'll whisk my kids off to do something exciting because nobody taught me the value of adventure more than my spontaneous dad. He was also the first one to arrive in any crisis and the first person I'd call if I needed a cry. I now watch my husband with my kids and feel so lucky that they're growing up with a wonderful dad, too. He makes crepes on Sundays, he takes them on bike rides through the city, and makes bedtime stories way more exciting than any author could ever have imagined. Dads might not parent exactly like moms, but it turns out that's a very good thing.

Whether he's an athlete, a techie, a wannabe hipster or just a laid-back kinda bro, we've rounded up the top gifts to show him how much you appreciate every little thing. We love you, dads! 

SEE OUR DAD'S DAY GIFT GUIDE HERE...

SHUT UP & DANCE | 35 Fun Accessories for your Next Formal Fête

via Pinterest

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Let's get something straight: it's not about the dress. Okay, I mean, it's not ALL about the dress. When it comes to the formal fêtes of summer, so many of us put all of our efforts into finding that perfect dress. The dress of our dreams, the frock of our fancies, you know - the ONE. And whether you've found that dress or have yet to track it down, it's a win-win either way. 

Okay, so in scenario 1, you've got Dream Dress hanging in your closet. It might fit you perfectly, hugging your curves in all the right places and when you put it on, you feel like a total bae. Some women stop there. But we've all seen how bad shoes and careless accessorizing can ruin a perfectly pretty dress. It's like wearing a killer suit to a job interview and then carrying your things in a plastic bag. A pair of sleek sandals and Dream Dress-worthy accessories will ensure that your whole look doesn't fall flat on the big day.

How about those of you who have yet to find a perfect dress? Whether it's the fit, the selection or your budget that's messing with your dress shopping success, fear not. You can take a pretty basic little black dress and turn it into something memorable with the right accessories. Try a pair of fun floral pumps and statement earrings and suddenly, that LBD doesn't look so basic anymore.

I've rounded up 35 pretty accessories that will help you bring your A-game, whether you're heading to prom, a wedding or any other fancy fête this season. But first, don't miss this video for the dance moves you'll need to know when you get there. SO good. 

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R.S.V.PERFECT | Be the Best-Dressed Wedding Guest

A floral stunner from the ELLE by RW&CO. Collection via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Wedding season is upon us (does it ever actually end?) and while you might have RSVP'd and ticked off her registry list, you might not know what on earth you're going to wear. It's stressful. I mean, you want to look amazing because, we all do. You'll likely see some people you haven't seen in awhile and of course, you want to look your best for the bride and groom's big day. But do you play it safe? Or go bright? Plus there's that nasty budget to contend with. And then there are the shoes, and the clutch, and the jewelry, too. Oh, and hair and makeup. Phew. 

If you're not in the wedding party, remember this: the pressure's officially off. No speeches or showers or wedding to-do's, you just have to show up looking cute. That's all. I've rounded up some pretty ideas for you to try out if you're currently looking for some wedding day inspo. I've gone beyond the LBD with some fun little finds for you. Enjoy and happy wedding season to you!

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SHORT STORY | Get Inspired for Summer with these 4 Short & Sweet Looks

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

I've been walking 10,000 steps every day for the past 3 days. Sure, it's not that impressive. I mean, it's early days here. But I'm on a mission and I'm wishin' someone would cure my shortless condition. It's way too cold to wear shorts right now but I know that just around the corner, the sun will heat up our days and stay that way. And so I'm walking to get my legs in shape for all of the sweet shorts hitting stores now. From printed and pop bright, to classic nautical stripes to super cool culottes, there are so many shorts I'm hoping to pick up for the hot days ahead.

While finding great shorts is a battle in and of itself, requiring several changeroom visits to find a pair that fits you right, it's what you pair them with that really matters. Oh nuh-uh-uh, put away that plain old tee, if you please. Sure you can go for the basic and I'm sure you'll look cute. But the shorts of this season aren't just meant for weekend walks to the park. While shorts look right at home for super casual outings like aforementioned parks, music festivals and chilling on the patio with friends, shorts work for fancier affairs, too. Heading to a baby or wedding shower? A pair of shorts with a printed blouse and blazer look just perf. Tired of your 9-to-5 wardrobe grind? A pair of cute new culottes will instantly refresh your work look. 

Now back to my walking. After all, I've only hit 4,500 steps today and short season waits for no one. Get your short & sweet outfit inspiration below...

SEE THE OUTFITS HERE...

SPRING STYLE | 17 Fashion Finds Bloggers Can't Live Without

via Krystin_Lee on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It takes one to know one. As a Fashion Blogger (the capitals make me feel legit) I can spot another member of my 'crew' at the drop of a fedora. It has nothing to do with her # of Instagram followers because, let's face it, some bloggers buy those. And she might not even have a proper blog yet. But all stylish fashion bloggers, wannabe or full-time profesh, have certain key pieces they rely on to look stylish on the daily. They're not always super expensive, and some pieces change from season to season, but there's a certain savoir-faire when it comes to shopping for that perfect blogger wardrobe.

For spring, it's all about the mix - that perfect combo of street meets chic. Bold standout pieces reside next to classic keepers, sporty finds balance out super girly scores, and ideally, there's always that amazing conversation piece to keep your 'followers' interested.

From cute dots to culottes, I've rounded up 17 blogger-approved finds you can add to your spring wardrobe now with the insider secret ways to wear them. Enjoy!

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