The United States of Summer

          Remember the sun? Hot days and cool nights? Wearing shorts and sandals? I sure do. And even though I love layering and rocking my outerwear & boots, I miss those summery days too. Given the crazy weather and freezing temperatures here in the Northeast I figured now was a great time to share a few pictures from my vacation this summer and reminisce. My Route 66 roadtrip became a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and I loved driving through the country seeing different landscapes and landmarks only ever seen on TV or things I'd never even heard of. 

          My friend Kat and I got to experience all new things everyday, there was never a dull moment on our road trip; Whether it was intense weather (110+ ° temperatures, 70 mph dust storms, forest fires, etc.) crazy characters (old men with no teeth for example), amazing scenery & natural wonders (Umm the Grand Freakin' Canyon), or cool activities (a free Cake concert!, etc.) there was always something interesting just down the road.

Below are just a few shots from the stops we made along the way... from New Jersey to California and everywhere in between. <3

Walking the hills of San Francisco, California.

Taking in the view... The breathtaking Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Just lounging in the Redwood Empire...  Leggett, California

Hangin' with James Dean...  Braidwood, Illinois

Tinkertown Museum...  Sandia Park, New Mexico

The Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma 

Citygarden's urban oasis... St. Louis, Missouri

          For more details on any of my outfits or my trip in general feel free to message me on Twitter, Facebook, or our email fashiontakesmyheart@gmail.com. I wish I could share all of my 1500+ pics on here, but that might be a bit excessive. haha... They are gorgeous though so I'll probably have to devote another post to some nature shots soon. Keep an eye out for that one. ;-]

Cali Street Style Breakdown... Part 2

          California has a distinct feel and reputation for style; So it came as no surprise that the fashion seen on the streets would reflect a California state of mind. Here's the last bunch of pictures for my street style breakdown, showing just how brightly the Golden State really shines...


<< At a festival, besides dressing cute- you've got to be comfortable. Lots of walking and standing around means the right footwear is key. This girl chose low black converse sneakers and wore a big cross body messenger bag. 

Adding a feminine touch to this outfit, with a floral high-low skirt, really makes this a standout for me; It's simple, pretty, and easy. The basic black tank even has a "muscle tee" shape to it- which is a nice offset to the flowy skirt.

To pull it all together and get some shade from the sun, she chose a khaki fedora with a black band (Hat #3). These colors pull from the skirt and are a perfect complement to this laidback look. The aviators are a nice touch too.

<< We love lace. And so do these girls, each wearing a lace piece in a different way. The sheer top to the left's lace pattern, semi-boxy shape, and raw edge scalloped hem are just lovely. The gorgeous white skirt to the right has a mini-sharkbite lace effect and tiered overlay.

Paired with these delicate items are two darker basics. A black jersey maxi skirt with the lace top, and a heathered grey tank for the skirt. I especially like the maxi skirt look, it's such a pretty contrast.

Both girls went with wedge sandals, one in an espadrille style and the other a strappy taupe pair. I love a good wedge sandal, so thumbs up for both pairs. Oh and I can't forget the envelope clutch, what a sleek accessory.

<< Here's a pair of friends walking along Rodeo Dr. Shopping at beautiful stores on a beautiful day, calls for beautiful clothing. A maxi dress/skirt is a great way to be comfortable and totally stylish.

The first thing that caught my eye was of course the neon lime color of this maxi dress ensemble. This head to toe look- complete with matching super long scarf- was a seriously bold choice. And I kind of love it. I mean where else have you seen that much neon lime?

You can't tell in this photo, but the friend in the black maxi has on a sleeveless faded denim shirt with USA's stars & stripes. Fun. Add a big expensive black bag like these two, and you're ready for Rodeo Dr shopping.









<< Colorblocking is all the rage right now. And I can say I'm a huge fan. Whether it's wearing multiple brights, or a neutral and a neon, I'm on board. It's just nice to mix it up and have a little fun with your wardrobe.

These girls went with both options; One in a colorblocked strapless mini dress, with a non-matching purple medium sized cross body bag. And the other with a coral high-low skirt, a loose white tank, and a turquoise skinny belt. 

Personally, I adore the high-low skirt outfit. It's so easy and yet so chic. On a hot summer's day don't you want to feel good and look great at the same time? Play it cool with some colorblocking and simple pieces and you'll definitely succeed.








<< This look is casual yet put together and just dressed up enough that it could easily transition from a day activity to a night of dinner and drinks. The items in this look allow for different activity options, so you won't look out of place. 

A dark pair of skinny jeans can take you just about anywhere and the turned up cuffs show off her cute embellished pewter flats. Throw on a sleeveless cream top with just a bit of ruffles and your instantly flirty and fashionable. 

Keep it simple with your accessories for a more relaxed feel; This girl went with a watch instead of bracelets and opted for a small cross body bag. Oh and she's wearing a very nice hat (That's #4 for those of you keeping track. ha) to tie in with the muted color pallet. 







          

         This concludes my take on some of the fashion I saw while in California. I hope you enjoyed these outfits as much as I did, and were inspired to create new & exciting looks for yourself. If so, don't forget to share. - J

Cali Street Style Breakdown... Part 1

          Hey all! J here. Remember my road trip vacation? Well it was AMAZING!! I experienced so many new things, saw breathtaking views and beautiful scenery from all over the country, and basically got a feel for how the rest of the America lives. Before I embarked on my journey, I promised some street style photos, and I'm here to deliver on that promise. While in California, I was able to get a variety of fashion shots; Here's the first set of pictures:


<< The first thing you might notice in this outfit is the hat. (Hats were a big trend I noticed while in Cali and you'll be seeing more of them in these breakdown posts.)

Next would have to be the shoes she's wearing, "Flatform" sandals with a bit of a wedge to be exact. Flatforms are a hybrid of a flat and a platform, hence the name, so you get height and comfort-ability. They are very hot right now; You can spot a variety of styles in stores, on runways, and celebs.

Lastly, the navy & pink floral high-low dress is an easy breezy way to get around town. Add a small shoulder bag with a chain detail and sunglasses like she did, and you're ready for some fun in the sun. 












<< Somehow this outfit is bright and yet not overwhelming. Maybe it's the details of the 3 seemingly simple items she's wearing, or maybe it's just me. ha

Let's break down the shirt: Yellow. Cold shoulder cut-outs. Faux tie waist. Now for the shorts: Dark navy. Matelot button waist. Great length, short but not too short. And lastly the shoes: Yellow. Jelly. Cut-out peep toe flats.

If you really love a specific color, this is an example of how to wear  it. Simple but fun pieces will do the trick without going overboard with accessories in your fav color.








<< Speaking of color, check out this look. Clearly this girl is not afraid of adding a little or a lot; She has a young, preppy, "Vacation in the Hamptons" style.

This Madras woven tube top is very summery and its many colors allow you to pull any one for a matching bottom. She chose a bright blue skinny jean that kicks this outfit up a notch. To top it all off, she threw on a classy multi-strand pearl necklace and casual beach sandals.

Summer is a great time to test out different patterns and colors, so why not try both in one outfit? Take this pairing as a testament to having a style and rocking it out. 











<< Accessories can make an otherwise basic outfit really something special. Take this look for instance- just a woven short-sleeve shirt and a pair of blue denim cut-offs. Pretty boring right? 

Here's how she styled those two pieces. She tied the shirt up, added a skinny hot pink belt to her shorts, a black hat (See, that's hat #2) with a turquoise sash, a black mini handbag, and hot pink cut-out flats.

It really doesn't take much effort to create an outfit like this, all you have to have is personality and some colorful accessories. Try it out and go have some fun!






 

 



<< This outfit inspired me. Since I have a very similar top and white shorts, and they both look so cute on her, I plan to make a version of my own.

With an embellished neckline, thin metallic gold striping on black, and a tulip open back- I was in love with this top at first sight. The white shorts are a really fresh, crisp touch for the outfit; As is the barrette ponytail holder.

Her choice of bag was a great move too; It tied everything together. A two tone (black & taupe), medium sized, cross body bag w/ studs proved to be the perfect accessory. Love it.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Cali Street Style Breakdown installment. Coming Soon!