A Spring Time Photo Shoot!

Jackie and I got together to kick off our partnership with a little photo shoot!  

I mean, what better way to show off her amazing makeup skills AND Spring time Fashion! 

I don't love close-ups of my face, especially makeup free- but we wanted you to see the 'canvas' Jackie was working with! ;) 

Ana- the photog (and Jackie's Sis- YEY!) snapped this mid application.  Contouring? What's that?!  

Just need lips and we are ready to go!  Didn't Jackie do a FAB job?!?  Want to know what she used?  Check out the blog later in the week to see her post! 

 While I was in Mall of America in February, I came across this amazing store called Foreign Exchange and found this Orchid Skirt.  Orchid may have been the color of the year last year- but it's too beautiful of a color to toss into the back of the closet.  I'm still planning on rocking it this year.  (Full disclose- I also bought this skirt in Navy!)  

 The first thing that happens when I see a style I like is I HAVE to touch it.  I am big on texture, and clothes have to FEEL good.  I mean, if I'm uncomfortable in it- there is NO room in my closet in it.  This  box, pleat skirt  (click the link to be directed to the site)  is SO soft and moveable- hence why I bought it in two colors ;)  It was also a steal at $24.

Next thing is that I think through if it can coordinate with what I have in my closet.  I try not to buy clothing that only has one use. Then the 'cost per wear' to me is too high.  That's when I put it back and walk away. 

With this skirt, I was fully confident that I could rock this day- to- night, every day to special occasion.  Check out how I styled it below!

 The first thing that I have to say- is that I LOVE that sneakers are so on trend right now.  If that doesn't scream comfort, I don't know what does!  I picked up these grey embellished sneakers for just $24 from here.  The cute little floral ones you see featured are from a tiny little store in Minnesota, so no links for you on those! 

I'm only 5'4" so sometimes the Mid-Skirt can appear too long on me.  It's easy to manipulate shapes by tying, tucking and moving the focus to different parts of your outfit.  Think scarves, necklaces, shoes, jackets, and side ties of slouchy tops!

I absolutely love the combo of small pinstripes with the floral.  My grammie gave me this beautiful pinstripe button up with touched shoulders.  It's a classic piece that will never go out of style.   You can switch out these sneakers for pumps and wear it for career wear also! 

 Next up was transition this skirt to nightwear.  I pulled out the long sleeve, leather paneled top that I had dug out of a clearance rack for a measly $5 knowing that one day I could find it's purpose.  I love how it instantly adds edge the the outfit.  I tucked it in to keep it polished and added a cage show and a long necklace.  This picture doesn't do justice on how incredible it looked.   The cream crop was such a fun piece that I picked up at the same time as the skirt.  We all know crops are in and have been sneaking into everyone's heart for a year now.  This is an easy way to show this style, without bearing too much skin.   I paired it with long gold and pearl accessories, and I will be rocking floral pumps with this outfit!

 Jackies's night time look!  She just added a new shadow and a different lip and viola! I was ready!  Seriously, check out the blog later for makeup sets from this day of fun!

Blaze on, 

*tara