primary color blocking

blazer: j.crew. pants: gap. shoes: j.crew. watch: michael kors. earring: jewelmint. purse: j.crew.

I love yellow (and all bright colors, clearly), but it is one of the least-flattering colors to wear near my face. I was thrilled when Gap made these yellow boyfriend jeans. (They are also incredibly comfortable.)

Anytime you want to wear a color that might not be ideal for you, do so in a pant, piece of jewelry, or handbag. 

b&w with a pop

blouse: gap. jeans: madewell. shoes: calvin klein. watch: michael kors (similiar here). jewelry: jewelmint, cara accessories. lips: chanel "rouge allure velvet 32." 

White pants are such a versatile option for summer, and now that Memorial Day has passed, we can officially pull them out! (Although I'd be lying if I said they haven't been in my closet for a few weeks now . . . )

Throw on some heels, a blouse, and lipstick for a dressy option, or keep it casual with a tucked-in tee and Sperrys. 

style & substance

Happy Memorial Day! Casey and I have always believed that your style should be a reflection of who you are on the inside. It should be a way to help you stand out—not fade in the background. With that in mind, I wanted to share Fashionista.com's recent article on stylish AND smart women, who prove that you truly can have it all! Enjoy!

"Style and Substance: 10 Ladies Who Prove You Can Have Both"

--Nat

mint & pink

jacket: zara. blouse: banana republic. denim: dl1961. shoes: MICHAEL michael kors. 

I love a Chanel-style jacket! And this one comes at a fraction of the price of the real deal. (Thank you, Zara!) Pairing it with a simple blouse and dark-wash jeans makes the look appropriate for day but dressy enough for dinner. 

red & gold pops

blouse: aqua. jeans: gap. cardigan: cable & gauge. shoes: steve madden (similar here). purse. kate spade (similar here and here). watch: michael kors. jewelry: jewelmint. 

Anytime you want to add some dimension to your outfit, introduce a pop of color or a fun texture. For me, I love this tomato red cardigan and the pizzazz of my gold Kate Spade purse!

statement glasses

blazer: aqua. blouse: madewell. pants: joe's jeans. shoes: kate spade. necklace: kate spade. watch: michael kors. sunglasses: stella mccartney. 

You will see a lot of colored pants in my closet. It's one of my favorite trends. 

I was feeling particularly "hippy" when I put this outfit together, so I made sure to add a light-colored blazer on top to add structure to my shoulders thus balancing out my hips and to attention toward my face with a lighter color. 

SheFinds.com 30 Before 30

I just celebrated my 29th birthday, so turning 30 is on the brain. We all know about Glamour's 30 things you should have and know list. However, today SheFinds.com posted a more fashion-focused list of 30 items every women should have before she turns 30. I think it's a pretty good list, and I'm happy to report I only have a few items to fill in (insert sigh of relief). If you are missing a lot of these pieces, here are the 10 items I think should be at the top of your list:

1. Expensive bag (#29 on She Find's list)
2. Killer cocktail dress (#27)
3. Expensive jeans that make your butt look amazing. Read here for our jean tips. (#22)
4. Medium-weight, tailored leather jacket (#2)
5. Sunglasses that fit your face. We agree with She Finds that a good tip is to photograph yourself in them before you buy (#14)
6. Spanx—or any support undergarment (#3)
7. Great, versatile blouse (#25)
8. Huge, super-comfy sweater (#12)
9. Chic but comfy sneakers for weekend errands. We'll expand that to a comfy pair of loafers, boat shoes, or oxfords (#30)
10. Statement necklace (#5)

--Nat

How many of these items do you have? What are some things you want to have before your next milestone birthday? 

colored pants for every occasion

From pretty pastels to bright neons, colored pants continue to be all the rage this spring. The trend versatile and looks to be around for awhile, so if you haven't yet, don't be afraid to invest some time and money in finding your perfect pair. I've purchased more colored pants than I care to admit (all in the name of research, right?), and here are some of my favorites. 

--Nat

 Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans: $69.95

 J.Brand 811 Mid-rise Skinny: $169

 J.Crew Hutton Trouser: $89.99

Joe's Jeans Chelsea: $158