OUT + OUTFIT

Today I am teaming up with Megan from Pretty in Pink Megan to bring you two different polka dot looks.  Megan, a long time fashion blogger, is a friend I met while serving as a college ambassador.  However, I remember barely being able to be her friend because I was always too jealous of her outfits.  It was bad.

But I am so excited that we were able to come together over a shared love of dots.  Black and white polka dot is my favorite color and pairing it with a black and white stripe allows me to indulge my pattern mixing habit.  And the neon embellishment on the top provides an awesome and trendy pop to what could have been a simple and classic outfit.  This one is a fun one, all the way around.

Now make sure to head on over to PIPMegan to see how she styled her dots!

Pretty Pony Boutique top | J.Crew Factory silk button down | Madewell ponte pant | | Mossimo Co booties from Target (similar) | Ray Ban aviators

images by Jenn Mercer

Scarves are necklaces in my book.  I wear them constantly, through all seasons, because they are the perfect accent and layering piece.  Which is why I am excited to feature a scarf from Shawlsmith London today.  Shawlsmith London provides unique scarf designs and well-described tutorials to bring range and variety to this trend.  Better yet, Shawlsmith London is offering 25% off their ENTIRE site with the discount code SSL25!

So make sure to head over to Shawlsmith London to check out their new spring collection, especially this one, this one, and this one.  All are lovely and on trend and would be awesome additions to a growing scarf collection.

Shawlsmith London scarf c/o | Old Navy tee | Madewell demin and rings

images by Jenn Mercer

This. is. AWESOME.  I have been invited to cohost a shopping event at Madewell on Thursday May 1st from 5-8 and you are ALL invited!  If you know me, or if you’ve been following this blog, you know that Madewell is easily my most favorite brand.  Need more confirmation? Check out this post, this post, this post, this post, and this post.  Oh and I pretty much wear their ponte pant every other day, in every other post.

I sincerely hope to see you all there!  It’s going to be a blast.

Furthermore, the winner of the Stella & Dot Amelie sparkle bracelet is….

Tracey Eckert!

Congrats Tracey!  Enjoy the gorgeous bracelet.  Please email my sister-in-law Jaime at jgdillman@yahoo.com to claim your prize!

giveaway recipient generated by random.org

I have good news and bad news.  Bad news?  This is the last Saks post until next time.  Good news?  We are ending with this sweet and sexy little BCBGMAXAZARIA dress.

More good news and bad news.  Bad news?  I dropped out of the marathon race this year.  The once-a-week polar vortex really put a cramp in my running style.  And I definitely don’t like running enough to put myself on a treadmill to train. So, welp see ya.  Good news?  I’m now free Derby weekend and have made plans to get together in Louisville with some girlfriends.  Which means I’ll need a dress.  Jackpot.

How fitting would this number be?  The pale pink with the combination of textures would be beyond perfect for the occasion.  The tiered peplum skirt is super flattering, and the sheer panels around the sides provide just the right amount of peek to turn an eye for the right reason.  Given the variety of pattern on the dress, I kept the accessories monochromatic and neutral.  The Jimmy Choo clutch in the same color palatte and the Prada shoes in white allow the dress to be the shining star.  Add a fascinator and you are good to go.

BCBGMAXAZRIA dress | Prada shoes | Jimmy Choo clutch | Tory Burch sunglasses (similar)

images by Jenn Mercer | thanks again Amie at Saks for the exciting opportunity!

Also, don’t forget to comment on this post for a chance to win the Stella & Dot bracelet…winner announced tomorrow!

Not having to report to work last week allowed me to make a coffee date with my sister-in-law Jaime to check out and style some new Stella & Dot looks.  I liked those plans very much.

We treated ourselves to a Coffee Emporium dessert latte, parked at a cute table out back, and pulled out all the goods.  And oh were they good.  The colors, the lengths, the options, I could literally see every single piece being paired with every single thing in my closet.

The first one I had to try on was the Makena pendant.  What I liked about this necklace is that it didn’t feel like the typical Stella & Dot necklace, which to me is usually a colorful statement piece that stands out on its own.  This one is edgier, bolder, and something that I think would look stunning with a simple tee like this.

The second must try on was the Norah pendant with the Somervell.  With the chambray button down, I liked wearing both a little closer to the collar, but they would also look great worn at the longest extension with a fitted crewneck shirt or sweater.

Jaime said that she gets tons of compliments every time she wears the Elodie necklace and I am not surprised.  This mix stone piece is the perfect little pop that touches on all the right colors and will compliment anything you have on.

Now this one I love.  The Sardinia pendant is actually a twofer: can be worn as I have it, or remove the bottom pendant for a more versatile layering piece.  Heck yes.

Oh and this bag, this bag, this bag.  The Geranium Perforated double clutch is just the perfect little number.  Bright color and graphic texture make for a must-have summer accessory.

And finally some attention can be paid to the layered bracelets that I’ve had on the whole time.  The trademark Renegade cluster with the timeless Christina link plus my absolute favorite Amelie sparkle is just the arm party that I like.

Now if you are loving these styles, it is easy and fun to get them for FREE!  Typically hostesses earn over $250 in free products, plus shop at half price, just by having a few friends stop by for boutique-style shopping over a glass of wine or cup of coffee!  If this sounds like a good deal to you (which it totally is!) contact Jaime at  jgdillman@yahoo.com for more details!

And Jaime has been kind enough to giveaway the Amelie sparkle bracelet in peach to one lucky reader!  For a chance to win, simply comment on this post as to why you love this absolutely lovable bracelet.  And for another chance, share the image on Instagram and tag @outandoutfit with the hashtag #stellameplease.  A winner will be announced next Tuesday!

images by Jaime Holocher (Stella & Dot Stylist extraordinaire!)

I have a rule: either legs or arms, never both.  It is either pants with tanks or shorts with sleeved tops.  I love to show a little skin but I like when the focus can be on just one asset or the other.  So when I spotted these printed Diane von Furstenberg shorts, I made no exception.  I looked for another print to pair with and a cardigan to balance out the look for me.  Add a crossbody bag and this is exactly something I’d do to feel layered and secure.

And this crossbody bag.  Could there be anything cuter and more on trend than these mixed neon prints?  Rebecca Minkoff is an absolute favorite of mine and this number is just begging to come to mama.

In fact, here is my excitement when I turned the corner and saw it:

Diane von Furstenberg shorts | Joie tank (in a stripe) | Theory sweater (similar) | Joie wedges | Rebecca Minkoff bag (as a tote)

images by Jenn Mercer