Spring Has Sprung… A Vintage Spring Break Look

Hey y’all! I know it has been forever since I have posted an outfit of the day, but things have been crazy around here! Not only have I been super busy with class and work and life in general, but it seems like it hasn’t stopped raining in weeks! However, today marks the third day of spring break and it is sunny with temperatures in the 70s! Dominic and I are headed to Kansas City for a few days of much needed vacation and I am feeling roadtrip ready in this head-to-toe vintage outfit, featuring the most amazing pair of shorts ever! I mean, come on, not only are they vintage Levi’s but they have horses on them and are perfect for pattern mixing. This is definitely one of my favorite outfits to date, so check it out below!

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

70s floral shirt and vintage Levi’s: Grey Dog Boutique

Spring Getaway – Five Different Outfits with Five Must-Have Spring Basics

Glory hallelujah! Spring break is here! Well, not quite, but since I only have class separating me from that sweet week of relaxation, I can’t get spring out of my mind. Today, I am talking about my top five closet must haves (all under $50!) and showing you all five different outfit combinations. Of course, there are many more ways to wear, especially if you like to get creative with your closet! Basics are a great way to get your closet rolling into a new season without having to break the bank. Since they tend to go with everything (hence the term “basic”) you can create several different outfits using only one piece. This allows you to save up for those more unique (and possibly more expensive) items that might not be quite as easy to wear!

PS: If you’re traveling over spring break, basics are another great way to get you through your trip without having to check too many bags!

 Outfit One

I live in these American Apparel leotards all summer! I, personally, have three different colors and sleeve lengths. They are perfect for layering that that open back is to die for! If you love showing off some skin, while still keeping it classy, you need to get one of these immediately. In this outfit, I have paired the leotard with another one of my spring basics, the scalloped short! Universally flattering, a scalloped edge short is a classic silhouette that looks super professional (as long as you keep them at an appropriate length) but doesn’t compromise on interest. Basically, it’s like taking your favorite pair of linen shorts and adding just a hint of spice.

Outfit Two

 

First off, you can’t go wrong with a pleated skirt! When choosing a “basic” item, you don’t have to always stray away from prints. Simple and small patterns like polka-dots and stripes, especially in black and white, can go with anything! If you are a master pattern mixer, try a funky monochromatic floral or animal print! Patterned basics, like this skirt, are my go-to item this spring!

Outfit Three

This outfit is an absolute dream! When I found this dress on Forever 21 for only $25, I knew I had to have it. This little denim dress is a blank-canvas for layering! I went “french girl” chic by layering my leotard under the dress. This adds a little hint of pattern, and also is perfect for those chillier spring days! Throw on a pair of white sneakers and a cute hat and you’re ready for a perfect day out!

Outfit Four

 

Since the last outfit layered UNDER the dress, I just had to throw this super chic sweater over our basic denim dress! A lightweight sweater is a life-saver in the spring, especially in the south, as those rainy days can get rather cold. Also, if you get too warm you can always rock your sweater 90s style and tie it around your waist as an interesting accessory!

Outfit Five

Personally, I will never stop singing the praises of the graphic sweater! A simple graphic sweater is the definition of a must-have basic. It looks amazing paired with a pattern (as seen in outfit two), but it also can act as the focal part of your look. With a graphic sweater, you will never feel sloppy or under-dressed. Pair it with denim shorts or go for a more “up-town” look by pairing it with some linen shorts and heels. This will be one purchase you won’t regret!

Alligator Food Means “I Love You”

2014 was the year of dreams for me! I started this wonderful blog, which has grown tremendously in the last few months, was in my first Art Gallery Show and most importantly, my first craft show, with my wonderful company Alligator Food Design! I grew up going to craft shows, antique shows, clothesline fairs, etc. all over the state. There was something about them that completely fascinated me. As I grew up and decided to pursue art, I knew I wanted to own a small business, but I didn’t exactly know how to start. Enter, The Little Craft Show.

In the past 5 years or so, “indie” craft shows have taken off. Now, shows are no longer for southern women and hippies, but they extend to and attract people from all walks of life. This rise in popularity, is directly correlated to the popularity of Etsy, which not only was a huge tool for makers, made handmade goods more accessible to everyday people, without requiring a major life-change on their end. Now I could go on and on about craft-shows, Etsy and even makers themselves, but for the sake of time, let’s just skip to the good stuff.

Ever since The 2014 Little Craft Show, my dream business has taken off! I am now shipping products nationwide and connecting with all kinds of people along the way! It has been a dream come true, and I am confident that one day my dream of being a full-time maker will be realized. In celebration of my little dream’s growth I am highlighting a few of my favorite items in today’s post! Scroll down for Alligator Food Design’s current calendar and a special discount code!

Need More Sleep Mug:

 Because don’t we all need at least a LITTLE more sleep?

 Vintage Volkswagen Bug Print:

This was one of my VERY first prints, made almost two years ago! It is a classic that will always be in my heart!

Moon and Further Painted Print:

This sweet little print is one of my first adventures in real digital illustration and watercolor! I love the way it turned out and I learned a lot in the process!

Buffalo Watercolor Print:

Another watercolor print, but this time I decided to break away from my comfort zone and make a print without text.

Inspirational Coffee Mug:

And last but not least, what a great way to start out your morning!

Well thanks for reading! As promised here is a coupon code for 15% off your entire purchase, valid 3/12/15 thru 3/16/15! Use code “beeplusyou” at check out!

CALENDAR:

Etsyfest hosted by Etsy Little Rock – April 25, 2015

Block Street Block Party – May 17, 2015

 MORE TO COME!

If you mouth “Alligator Food” it looks like you’re saying “I love you”

Spring Chic

We’ll y’all, looks like our snow might finally be gone (at least for a little while). Don’t get me wrong, I love winter, but all of this snow and ice has been rather annoying recently. Although I did enjoy my days out of class, sometimes a girl just needs some sunshine. Today’s look is an homage to springtime. I am secretly hoping that my bright teal (sweater)dress, my favorite floppy sunhat and some adorable cut-out sandals will attract some warmer weather. However, I have added a comfy cream cardigan, just incase I get a little chilly on my commute across campus. I am loving this warm, but bright, outfit and it definitely has me dreaming of spring!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Cardigan: Old, Dress: Grey Dog, Bag: Grey Dog, old, Shoes: Mason’s (available here), Hat: Target

Not So Snowy Snowday

Everything around here is closed down, which seems a little premature to me, as we have yet to get any actual winter weather, but I mean who is really complaining? Anyway, I am really excited about today’s outfit, because it features a really special brand. As you all know, I love socks, especially funky patterned socks. So imagine my excitement when Sammy Icon contacted me asking to do a partnership with Bee+You. Sammy Icon is a Ukrainian company specializing in colorful socks and mens underwear. I was honestly a little surprised when they contacted me, but they loved my looks and were really interested in having me promote their product. I talked with their customer-service department (they are seriously so nice and helpful) and a month later, I have three amazing and super comfy pairs of socks to share with you all! When choosing my socks from their website, I didn’t let color or pattern scare me. I decided to just go with my gut and let the styling fall into place later. When I opened the package for this pink, purple, blue and green pair, I’ll admit I was a little nervous. However, I chose this opportunity to try-out the whole socks and heels trend and I LOVE the way the pink peeps through the cut outs on these black heels. I then decided on my favorite velvet baby-doll dress, which is perfectly complimentary to the bright green on the socks, and a leather jacket for warmth. I kept it simple with my accessories, allowing the socks to be the main focal-point of the look. In the end, I have a pretty casual look with the perfect amount of flair! Oh and I can’t wait to cuddle up in my new socks on this rainy snow-day.

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Jacket: Dillard’s (old), Dress: Riffraff, Necklace: The Wanderlust, Shoes: Riffraff (old), Socks: Sammy Icon (similar)

Friday Flare… Casual take on flare denim

Today’s outfit is the definition of “casual Friday.” The weather around here has dropped dramatically, with temperatures getting down in the single digits, so I have spent my days bundled up in my warmest sweater. Today is no exception, but I am adding a little more flare (heh, see what I did there) to my typical winter get-up. In a world of skinny jeans, flare denim is slowly beginning to claim its territory in our closets. I have been stalking this trend on Pinterest, but being as short as I am, I have been afraid of trying it. But, when I passed this amazing pair of jeans at Forever 21 (I know, right?!) I just had to have them. I am absolutely loving the tailored twist they give to my plain-jane outfit. I am slowly discovering that adding flare to your jeans can add flair to your entire day! I can’t wait to experiment more with this growing trend!

All photography by Laurence Tan Photography

Jeans: Forever 21, Top: American Apparel, Sweater: Old, Necklace: Stella and Dot

Three Ways to REALLY Wear Marsala

As you all probably know, Marsala was named the 2015 color of the year and I couldn’t be more excited!I mean, we all loved Radiant Orchid, but was that a color we could really build a closet around? Well, Marsala is definitely the most wearable Pantone color to come about in the past couple of years, and the fashion world is LOVING it! Shades of the famous color were spotted all over the runways at New York Fashion Week and it’s beginning to pop up in store of all price ranges. To prove just how wearable Marsala actually is, I have created three very different outfits for three very different occasions and very different girls. Check them out and let me know how you’ll be wearing Marsala this year!

 

    

 

Score! Pants that aren’t only work appropriate and universally flattering, but the pattern gives the perfect hint of color to your workday look. To complete the look, throw on a white silk top and your best pair of black shoes. I love how the black contrasts with the pants and makes your accessories pop. Need a little bling? A simple rose gold necklace, like this ADORABLE palm tree, does the trick! You’ll be getting compliments in the coffee shop and the cubical with this amazing look!

 

 

 
Sweater dress? Yes please! I know everyone has their minds in spring mode, but we still have snow on the ground and probably will for awhile, so this look is perfect for a chilly march day. The best part about this dress is that it is easily transitioned into spring, just replace the beanie and throw on a pair of sandals and you’re good to go! However, for right now, you’re gonna need that beanie (and maybe even a jacket). However, one thing’s for sure, you NEED this dress!
 

 

 
As much as I love Marsala as a solid color, I am loving it more as a pattern! I am especially obsessing over this Topshop mini skirt. I mean imagine the possibilities! Not only does it go perfectly with a collared sweater, but you could wear it with stripes, a cardigan or your favorite graphic tee. This little skirt is definitely a closet must-have. Don’t kid yourself, I know you are plotting the many outfits you could make with this little beauty. So go ahead, grab one for you AND one for me!
 

The Perfect Snow Day Playlist

We have had another round of snow here in wonderful Arkansas! I am loving this beautiful winter wonderland around me, especially because it has given me some time to catch up on some Alligator Food Design projects (blog post with details coming soon!). In celebration of another much-needed snow day, I have created a Spotify Playlist of the top 10 songs I have been listening to recently. You can hear them below, or for those of you who don’t have Spotify, feel free to look up any of the ten songs that grab your attention. I absolutely love finding new artists, so comment below and let me know what you’ve been listening to this winter! Oh and make sure to put on your warmest pair of socks, it’s cold out there!

A Formal Affair

Hey y’all! Happy Friday! It’s a particularly happy one for me, because I am in Conway a day early visiting Dom (kids, don’t skip class)! Anyway, I am down here because this weekend is Winter Formal! Winter formal is my absolute favorite because it gives me an excuse to buy a new dress and then party with my friends, which are my two favorite things. This year, finding the perfect dress was a little challenging, especially because it is supposed to rain/sleet/snow all day today and into tomorrow. After months, and I do mean months, of searching I finally found the perfect long sleeved dress. Fashion tip: Tim Gunn once told me (and by me I mean thousands of prime time television viewers) that if you have long sleeves your dress can be as short as you like, and I definitely take this to heart. I decided to go with something asymmetrical, because I am all about that these days, I mean look at my hair. The dress came in two colors, but I settled on classic black, because I love the way the dress sparkles without being full out sequins. I added a pop of gold accessories, including this stunning necklace to draw the eyes up and balance out the deep v-neck and to match the gold studs on my favorite heels. Putting the whole look together made me so excited for tomorrow! I’ve been waiting months for this event and I can’t wait to dance my ass off!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

Dress: Urban Outfitters (on sale!), Necklace: E. Leigh’s (available in-store), Shoe: Nicole (old)

Snow Daze

We have had a particularly warm winter here in Arkansas. Most of January and February has consisted of short-sleeves and Saturday’s spent outside with friends, rather than bundled up by the fire with a book. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have loved this warmer weather, but I have also been waiting for snow. It’s weird not having any snow, I mean usually January and February are full of icy roads and snow days, but we hadn’t had a single inch of snow until Sunday. It was magical, waking up Monday morning to snow on the ground and no school. So, in celebration, I broke out the snow day outfit I have had picked out for months and we ventured out on a hike into the woods for some pictures. Not exactly the warmest get up, but it was perfect for our snowy adventure!

 

All photos by Laurence Tan Photography

 

Dress: Ruche (old, similar), Coat: Riffraff (on sale!), Purse: Target (old, similar), Shoes: Maude (available in-store)