Summer is, hands down, my absolute favorite season. The kids are out of school, the weather is hot and dry, and the local pool is open for business.

We spend a lot of time at the local pool. All the moms joust for position under the umbrellas and preen in front of their peers while they watch the kids. I just hunker down with a good trashy magazine and a pair of big sunglasses and throw Twizzlers at the kids once in a while.

And, for the last two summers I’ve worn a really cute swimsuit from Shade.

Striped Cannes Swim Top $42.50

Isn’t this Nautical top the cutest? I love the halter top. That’s the kind I’ve worn lately and it helps the girls stay up.

I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

Riviera Swim Top $38.50

This little number is pretty adorable too. The ruffles help maximize what you’ve already got on top, so if you’re smaller chested this one’s for you.

I won’t be wearing it.

Swim Skirt $29.50

My favorite part of Shade Swim? Their Swim Skirt. It offers a little extra protection for those of us who might need more coverage. *ahem* I … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

There are few things better than a great trench coat on a woman. Seriously, it cinches on your waist to make you look pulled together and polished while keeping you warm from the frosty Springtime air. Heaven.

Target Merona Military Trench,
Old Navy Linen Blend Trench

I’m a little shamefaced to admit I own three trench coats. And they aren’t even my Winter coats, they’re just meant for the warmish weather of March and April in Utah. I have one in green, red {of course}, and a standard khaki lined in plaid. One for every occasion; ridiculous, I know. But they’re so cute!

Marilyn Contrast Plaid Coat Forever 21,
Classic Trench Coat Banana Republic

Some things to keep in mind when buying a trench coat:

1. Proportion-

Are you tall? If so, you can get away with wearing a trench that goes past your knees. If you’re on the shortish side, pick something that hits you at mid-thigh or higher. If you go any longer than that, the coat will visually chop you off and make you look shorter than you already are. No one wants that.

2. Fit-

A trench coat is not a

… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

I’m really excited to have a guest blogger this week. Excited because I am completely spent after writing fast and furious for the last several days to meet a freelance deadline, and excited because Aly Brooks from the blog A Little Great is here all week to talk fashion! You know how I love the fashion. I’ll make an appearance every day, but stay tuned for great fashion advice this week.


What to Wear this Spring – Printed Skirts

Spring is nearly upon us. Welcome daffodils, kite flying, apple blossoms… and most of all, fun new fashion options. What could make you feel cuter than a flirty skirt on a sweet Spring day? I love that just-above-the-knee swingy feeling. This season is all about printed skirts. They come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. Here are some I crave:

Tailored and sophisticated, these slimmer cut skirts are light and airy with a classic silhouette. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Kate Spade (A. kate spade ‘garden party – kayla’ skirt $295 at Nordstrom) but you don’t want to have to get a second on your house to support your Spring fashion fix. Instead, opt … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

I love Spring and Summer fashion more than any other. Well, that’s not strictly true as Fall fashion is killer. But that’s neither here nor there. Spring is upon us and I’m totally excited about what I found browsing Old Navy last night.

I could wear this outfit all summer long. I probably will, in fact. This version of the Maxi dress makes anybody look like a rock star, and is so comfortable.

Aviator Sunglasses $9.50

Jersey Sundown Dress $20

Espadrilles $20

Would you wear it? What’s your Summer uniform? Shorts and a tee? Swimsuit and cover up? Come on, you can tell me.

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

Did you have an Oscar contest with your family and friends last night? We did, and I think Precocious might have taken the whole thing just by playing *eeny meenie miny mo* with her Oscar picks. She doesn’t know any of the movies or stars, and I think it helped.

I was rooting for Meryl long before she hit the red carpet, I loved her in Julie & Julia and I think she deserved the Oscar for her performance. She looks phenomenal in white. What a classic gown too. Way to go Meryl, we love you at our house!

I didn’t see Vera Farmiga‘s movie, but her dress, oh her dress made me swoon last night. The color, the ruffles, the oh! Loved it.

I know Elizabeth Banks has done other things since Scrubs, but I’ll always love her for it. And I adore her for taking a chance on the red carpet last night. The train was awe inspiring Elizabeth, kudos!

J.Lo? I think this might be the first and last time we agree on a dress, ever. But you nailed it last night, even if this isn’t the most flattering photo of how hot … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

Back when the weather was still warmish, DownEast Basics sent me some clothes to try out from their new {Fall} line. I took photos of the darling clothes, edited them, put the clothes in my closet and promptly forgot about the whole thing. Because I’m awesome like that.

Fast forward a few months. I was at the mall a couple of weeks ago looking for something foxy to wear to BlissDom, when I wandered into the DownEast Basics storefront and found myself coveting every. single. thing on the racks. Everything was hot fashion, cute colors, and current style in a wide range of sizes. It took a lot of self control not to buy up the whole store.

Here’s what I have in my closet, and will probably pack in my suitcase for Mom 2.0 this weekend in Houston.

I can’t find this polka dot dress on the website anymore, but I did find this spotlight dress that looks completely adorable. I especially love the sleeves on the Spotlight Dress, they’re a very flattering length for those of us without biceps.

This L’Amour Coat is still available at DownEast, in fact, it’s on sale for $19.99. … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

I ran across this article in New York Magazine about Michelle Obama’s style since she’s been in the spotlight. Personal politics aside, this woman has some serious style.

I had a hard time choosing a favorite outfit {don’t I always?} but I love the belted look she seems to favor.

Also? Even it doesn’t seem like an oddity for us mere mortals recycle outfits twice a week, Michelle is doing the same thing, and I love her for it.

{photos via New York Magazine}

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTP02-5NWU]

I was on Studio 5 again yesterday, talking about how to dress warmly while still being cute in the Winter. I was way more comfortable this time around, and didn’t flail my arms around quite as much. I still said *fun* a lot, but I guess I must say it a lot in regular conversation.

You can’t win them all.

Go to the Studio 5 website for the full article on what to wear right now. At least if you live where it’s cold, which I do.

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.