Wardrobe Staple- A Denim Vest

 Madewell denim vest | The Limited blouse | Ann Taylor tuxedo pants | Miu Miu heels | Zara handbag | J.Crew necklace | Fendi sunglasses 

I am a huge fan of layering vests, cropped leather jackets, and blazers throughout the year and I practically live in my jean jacket. But now that the weather is finally warming up it is a great time to put away the jean jacket and opt for a jean vest instead.  A jean vest is the perfect layering piece because it is lightweight, not so bulky, and looks super chic. It is a great wardrobe staple for all seasons and you can wear it with just about anything in your wardrobe.  For the spring and summer a jean vest looks great with a strapless dress, a maxi skirt or dress, and even over a fun t-shirt and pair of white jeans.  

{Style Tip-layer silver and gold bracelets together}

{Style Tip-Invest in a few high quality pairs of shoes as opposed to several uncomforable pairs. I don't have a lot of shoes but I buy ones I know I can wear from one season to the next and for years to come.}

Photos by Bonnie Sen

This Week-Let's Reflect

Image designed by the amazing and talented Jessica with Creative Index

Happy Friday everyone!

So often we make New Year's resolutions and by about this time of year it all falls by the wayside. But this year I decided to make small, specific, and attainable resolutions like wake up at 7 am every morning (because I knew a goal of 6 am would likely never happen), drink a full glass of water before my coffee and smoothie, and tickle Ariyana and laugh with her every single night before she goes to sleep.  Lately, I have also been making small changes each week that have made me feel more productive, healthier, active, and most importantly happier. 

Be productive and organized 

1. For the past couple of weeks I have been starting my day with a cup of coffee and my iPad. Ariyana usually is not up this early so I use this quiet time to check email, read blogs, websites, and news. Here are a few of my favorite articles I shared on Twitter and Facebook this week. 

- 50 Things Every Woman Should Know How To Do by 50

- Seven Things You Should Always Wear On A Plane 

-19 Easy Ways To Look Like A Chic European 

-9 Amazing Benefits Of Coffee 

-9 Habits of People Who Build Extraordinary Relationships 

2. I always say I want to read more so this week I committed to reading 30 minutes before going to sleep. Right now I am reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. It is so easy to read all those glossy magazines I have downloaded on my iPad but I think at night it is therapeutic to read a page turning novel instead. 

3. This week I am using my Jonathan Adler To Do notepad to jot down all the things I need to do. Yes I admit I am one of those people who likes to phyiscally cross off the things I accomplish each day. 

Be healthy and try new recipes 

We are not completely vegetarian but I enjoy cooking mostly vegetarian food and fish.  So this week I decided to cook from of one of my favorite cookbooks- A Year In A Vegetarian Kitchen by Jack Bishop. These recipes are super quick and easy and I have to say cooking strictly from one cookbook makes planning meals so much easier during the week. 

-Penne with Pan-Roasted Garlic, Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil

-Spicy-Pan Glazed Tofu

-Orecchiette With Spicy Broccoli

Be active and try new workout routines 

1. This week I went to Tabata (basically a high intensity interval training class) and it was amazing-so amazing I literally couldn't work out the next two days. Check out more information about Tabata here. 

2. I also had a fun date with two of my girlfriends at the driving range.  We all decided we want to learn how to play golf together this year. I am excited to learn how to play and it really is so much more fun with girlfriends. 

And last week Ariyana spent her spring break with my parents in North Carolina. When Ariyana came back she had a short list of simple things she wanted me to do.  I have no issues with request #1 but I am going to need to practice and find a tutorial on #2. 

1. "Mama from now please give me warm water with honey and lemon in the morning with my breakfast "

2. "Oh and I want you to please braid my hair for school everyday. "

Have a wonderful weekend!

Spring Accessories Trends - ABC's Let's Talk Live

Last week I stopped by ABC's Let's Talk Live to chat with Melanie about all the fun trends for the spring season. From lucite bracelets to black and white chic handbags and block heel sandals there are tons of great and affordable options out there for everyone. 

And if you missed it check out my Spring Accessories Guide and my last TV fashion segment on Spring Fashion Trends.

Style At Work-Mixing Neutral Colors

Sometimes being fashionable from 9-5 is not always easy and effortless, but Ashley Olsen makes it seem that way in this sophisticated and classy outfit.  I love how she mixes neutrals with the white shirt, ivory skirt, and brown heels. And the black statement tote, gold watch, and soft bun are great finishing touches.  She looks professional, polished, and so so chic! What is your style at the office?

 Burberry Brit cotton shirt | J.Crew pencil skirt | Tory Burch heels | 3.1 Phillip Lim bag | Coach bracelet watch | Coach bracelet | Gucci eyewear | Clarins lipstick

Mixing Patterns: Stripes + Lace {And More Stripes}

Zara linen striped top | Infinity scarf (brand not known-similar ) | Ann Taylor lace skirt | Miu Miu shoes | Kate Spade patent clutch | Banana Republic anchors metal bracelet 

I am not a huge fan of wearing stripes from head to toe but I definitely like the idea of mixing stripes with other patterns like lace and floral prints. I also like mixing stripes with more stripes if the final look is simple and understated. You can certainly have more fun with stripes and mix up a striped blouse and skirt or even a striped t-shirt and blazer.  The secret to making these looks work is to vary the widths of the two striped pieces.

Photos by Bonnie Sen