How to Wear Tropical Print

{Shirt: Vintage, pile sale find (similar)} {Skirt: thrifted vintage} {Glasses: Similar} {Necklace: F21} 

{Shoes: c/o Charlotte Russe} {Clutch: Abas, old(similar)}

Homer Simpson once famously said, "There are only 2 types of people who wear Hawaiian shirts: gay guys and big fat party animals" Although that may have been the case in the 90's, it is no longer. Although I do kinda consider myself a big fat party animal, it can't be said for the masses sporting the tropical trend now-a-days. 

I have this theory that the "Aloha" trend reared it's ironic little head recently due to economic stress. Who has time to drink Mai Tai's while lounging on a yacht listening to Hall & Oats (traditionally what one is supposed to do when wearing a hawaiian shirt, right?) when there's WORK to do? Most Americans can't afford a tropical vacation, so maybe that lack of ability to put ourselves in a sandy paradise is what led us to dress like we are in one (fashion as escapism, yet again). 

"I'll take my tropical vacation in a size Medium for $15.99, please."

Wanna get a piece of this paradise, but unsure what to pair your tropical prints with? I put together a few ideas at the bottom of this post!

When wearing a bold print it's always safe to go all black with the other pieces in your look:

Karmaloop Sunglasses · ModCloth Sandals · Topshop Dress Pants

Matching your shoes or accessories with a bright floral in your print can easily brighten your day:

Forever 21 Day Dresses · Need Supply Co. Sneakers · Nasty Gal Platforms

Pattern mixing with tropical prints is bold, but with traditional patterns like dots and stripes you can pull off something a little more fashion forward:

Juicy Couture Shortsleeve Tops · Stella Jean Button Front Tops · Delia's Skirts

Whether your print is on top or bottom there's one fabric that makes sporting patterns a breeze: denim/chambray(period)

jcpenney Skirts · Madewell Button Front Tops · J.Crew Factory Skinny Denim

Fashion as Escapism: The Floral Dress

Sometimes we have to deal with grown up stuff. Being a person who talks about/laughs at doo doo on the regular, I'd be lying if I said the grown up stuff didn't have the propensity to really, severely, cry-on-my-bed-and-pout bum me out. It's times like these when utilizing fashion as a form of escapism comes in handy.

Perhaps as a knee jerk reaction to the sussing out of grown up stuff in my life recently, I turned to this playfully youthful floral dress. It's one of those modernized, hemmed and trimmed vintage secretary dresses. I'm actually surprised there aren't photos of me twirling in this bad boy, because that's all I want to do when I sport it. The gal in this dress doesn't care about bills or resumes. She just wants to TWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRLLLL!

I suppose that's the lesson for today. When life hands you grown up bullshit, sometimes you just have to put on a girly dress and twirl like a damn 6 year old. 

Do you ever use your closet to escape? 

{Dress: Vintage, available at Westminster and Fifth} 

{Clutch: Thrifted Vintage (similar)}

{Boots: Vintage, Dolly Python (similar)}

{Glasses: Borrowed from my friend, Rynn (these are rad too)}

Straw Studios Clutches · Nasty Gal Sunglasses · ModCloth Day Dresses

Link Love

Gotta love IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers for those out of the loop). I always shocked at the amount of useful content they churn out DAILY. On top of that they give of weekly lists of other badass bloggers! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered to be featured in

May 30th's Links a la Mode! And in the photo collage, no less! Check out these other 

bloggers' posts!

xo

Always Be Prepared
It may well be the Scout Motto, but any good fashionista knows that preparation is the key to impeccable style. Whether it be DIYing the latest fashion trends, beautifying yourself, finding the best deals, studying up on classic prints, or getting everything ready for the oncoming season, for most of us it actually takes a lot of effort to carry of that effortless chic. This week's roundup has almost everything you need to get your summer preparation going so you can have a wonderfully chic season!

Links à la Mode: May 30th

    
A Pair of High Heels: The elegance of a white t-shirt
    
Arteresa Lynn: How I Maintain My Curls
    
Carlytati: Best Kept French Beauty Secret
    
Cella Jane: DIY Cute Jean Cutoff Shorts
    
Dress Up On A Cloudy Day: 8 Ways to Mix Prints
    
For Sure J'Adore: Sun Kissed: 3 Bronzers under $35
    
Flash [Frame]: Protect Your iPad in Style
    
Happy Friends Shoppe: DIY 2 Minute No Sew Bunny Necktie and Quirky Outfit Of The Day
    
Hip Shapes and Bristol Fashion: Is It Time To Change Your Shopping Habits?
    
I Can Style U: How to Wear Stripes
    
Kittenhood: 3 DIY jewelry ideas using pistachio shells & nail polish
    
Moi Contre Le Vie: ShoeMint, JustFab & JewelMint
    
Sarah's Real Life: 7 Ways to Wear a Button-Up/Oxford Shirt
    
Street Fashion Paris: Is Paris life really a dream?
    
Style Me Thrifty: Where to Shop When You're In Your 30's
    
Styles by Ola: Points of Interest: Is your look classy or cluttered?
    
The Photogramps: A Breif History of the Polka Dot
    
The Flight of Fancy: How To Care For Your Clear PVC Bag
    
Wild Beauty: Why Perfection is Overrated (Even in Hollywood!)
    
Wishing for Chanel: Less Is More | The Minimalism Trend

 
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