Ann Taylor blouse and shorts (c/o)

Ann Taylor skirt, sweater, and sandals (c/o)

Photos: Taylor Cole Photography

As yesterday's 95-degree weather might indicate, summer is pretty much here (or at least just around the corner), and with the heat, so comes summer style.  Recently I checked out the newest summer spread at Ann Taylor, and let me warn you: it's just. so. good.  This weekend (May 2nd through the 4th) Ann Taylor is once again launching their Style on Call event so that you can check out the new collection with the one-on-one help of their amazing in-store stylists.  Your stylist can help you figure out what works for your style and body and maybe even suggest a few ways for you to step out of your comfort zone.

I headed to my local Ann Taylor and worked with Monet (who was a blast to work with) to pick out a few new pieces for my summer wardrobe.  For me, nothing screams summer quite like a white blouse and linen shorts combo, so I couldn't resist the first look above.  A white blouse is probably one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your closet, and you really can't go wrong with well-fitting striped shorts.  Add a pair of wedges (like these or THESE), and you're good to go.  For the second look, I decided to step a little outside my comfort zone and try out this whole midi-skirt thing that I've mostly avoided.  When it comes to skirt and dress hemlines, I tend to go for short or long and nothing in between, but I couldn't resist the fun way this floral midi moves when you walk.  A fitted little sweater helped to add shape, while these comfy wedges finished off the look.

If you're feeling like your closet could use a little spruce or you just want a fun shopping experience (complete with treats, discounts, and a free gift from EOS), then book your appointment and head over to the Style on Call event at the Ann Taylor near you.  With the help of their helpful stylists, you're sure to find the a few new pieces to jump start your summer wardrobe.  Happy shopping!
xoxo

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Ann Taylor, but all opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.

Free People shorts;  Old Navy blouse;  Vintage blazer;  Chinese Laundry flats (c/o);  Tory Burch handbag (on sale!);  Ray-Ban sunglasses;  Julie Vos bracelet

Last week while visiting my parents in Mississippi, my mom and I snuck off and spent the afternoon in Ocean Springs.  I had never been before, but it was the cutest little town with tons of boutique shopping and adorable restaurants and coffee shops.  The morning was a little chilly, so I originally headed out in jeans and a black blouse (that I picked up at Old Navy for $10 the day before - score!).  As we shopped the day definitely warmed up, so I was excited when I came across these little Free People cut-offs at Pout, an adorable bohemian boutique.  They're called the "Sharkbite" shorts, and I just had to wear them out of the store.  Next stop was Browse Myrtle's House which was packed with really great vintage finds.  Although another blazer was definitely not on my shopping list, this one fit too well to pass up, and I can't resist a black and navy combo.  The shopping day was a success, and I'd definitely recommend a stop in Ocean Springs if you're ever in the Biloxi, Mississippi area.  Hope everyone is having a great week!
xoxo

P.S. - Don't forget to enter the C.Wonder $500 giveaway from Coupons.com!

With Mother's Day just around the corner, have you picked out that perfect gift yet?  C. Wonder is a definite go-to for me when it comes to any holiday, but I find it's especially perfect for Mother's Day.  The store and website are filled with those special, can't-find-them-anywhere-else gifts that moms probably wouldn't buy for themselves.  From signature totes and fun jewelry to home goods and that mug that just might become her favorite, there's something for any mom to love.  My personal pick?  How adorable would the "Mom" plate be on a dresser with jewelry in it? For more gift ideas, head over to the site and shop the Mother's Day gift guide at C. Wonder!  (And for added savings, check out the C. Wonder codes at Coupons.com!)

And now for the good news.  If you haven't shopped for mom yet, you're in luck because I'm teaming up with a few favorite blog ladies and Coupons.com to give away a $500 gift card to C. Wonder!  Whether you're a mom yourself or entering on behalf of one, best of luck, and happy early Mother's Day!
xoxo

1. Passion Fruit Scented Candle $28
2. Printed Stripe Signature Tote $78
3. Whale Cheese Board $38
4. Porcelain Word Plate $18
5. Classic Flat Espadrille $48
6. Bling Stud Earrings $28
7. Pierced Ginger Jars $68 - $78
8. Pave Cube Monogram Necklace $38
9. Pave Edged Love Cuff $48
10. Printed Stripe Zip Top Pouch $48
11. Porcelain Monogram Mug $10

Like what you see here and want to get your hands on some great gifts for mom? I've teamed up with Oh to Be a Muse and other bloggers to give you the chance to win a $500 C. Wonder e-gift card when you enter this Mother's Day Giveaway courtesy of Coupons.com. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends May 9, 2014.

Express pants; Sweater via T.J.Maxx;  BCBGeneration heels;  Michael Kors clutch;  Paula & Chlo necklace (c/o) - 25% off with code MYSTYLEDIARIES25;  ZeroUV sunglasses (c/o);  Gorjana bracelets (here and here);  Michael Kors watch

This week I spent a couple of days with my parents in Biloxi, Mississippi, and it was such a nice change of pace.  I spent the mornings working with the view of the beach in the background, and in the afternoons my mom and I would explore the shopping and scenes in nearby areas.  One thing I always do when I visit home is raid my mom's closet for things to borrow (ahem, steal), and this time my favorite find was this pair of silky blue pants.  The sweater is also mom's, but the shoes and accessories are all my own.  I loved how this Paula & Chlo necklace added the perfect finishing touch.  (Use code MYSTYLEDIARIES25 for 25% off!)  It's bittersweet for me heading back to California today and back to the normal routine.  Stay tuned for more snaps from my days in Mississippi.  Hope everyone is having a great week!
xoxo

Gorjana bracelets: Teagan Cuff, Chaplin Cuff

Dress via No Rest for Bridget;  H&M blazer;  Chinese Laundry flats (c/o)

Gorjana rings: Lena Shimmer Double Bar Ring, G Ring Set, Marni Midi Ring

Gorjana Necklaces:  Aria Long Necklace, Cat Eye Necklace (sold out), Fatima Wrap Necklace (similar)

Photos thanks to Taylor Cole Photography

It's no secret around here that I'm a huge fan of Gorjana and pretty much every ring, bracelet, and necklace they churn out.  I've been collecting their pieces for a couple of years, and while a shiny new bauble is always exciting, it's the old favorites that I'm constantly layering in.  It's that thought exactly that inspired Gorjana's current "Laws of Layering" campaign, and I couldn't agree more.  Their pieces are my constant go-to's for layering, so I was thrilled when they asked me to be a part of it.  Gorjana has come up with their own "Laws" (Choose a Hero;  Dare to Mix;  Multitask;  Stack Up or Stack Out;  and Pick a Theme) and asked for any of my own laws of layering.  It was interesting to think about my own jewelry habits and figure out what my tried and true rules are.  I managed to narrow it down to three: Go For Gold;  Consider Proportion;  and More Is More!  Take a look above and on Gorjana's site to see my Laws of Layering plus those of a few fashion-obsessed others.  When it comes to jewelry, how do you layer?
xoxo

Photos thanks to Hadasa

Dittos jeans (c/o);  CAbi blouse and jacket (c/o);  Rebecca Minkoff bag (c/o) Paula & Chlo;  Persol sunglasses (similar);  Kendra Phillip necklace (c/o);  Ariel Gordon Jewelry ring (c/o);  Wantable bracelet (c/o);  Caravelle watch

Today's look is one of my favorite spring combos: flared denim, an easy white blouse, and a shrunken blazer to help add shape.  I absolutely love this little textured jacket from CAbi, and I can already tell that the blouse will be a favorite for seasons to come.  The flares are a recent release from Dittos, and the denim is just the softest.  I topped it all off with a contrasting handbag, a few silver jewels, and sunglasses borrowed from the boyfriend.  Hope everyone had a great weekend!
xoxo

Gentle Fawn Paradise Dress (c/o);  Matisse heels (old);  Target clutch;  Calvin Klein sunglasses;  NYX Matte Lipstick in Shocking Pink;  Caravelle watch

Happy Friday, everyone!  The weekend is almost here, and I'm so excited to head home and spend it with family and friends in Louisiana.  With nothing but warm temperatures in my forecast, I couldn't resist throwing on something tropical for today's post.  I'm loving the kaleidoscope floral and animal print of this dress by Gentle Fawn, and the fabric is light and easy enough for even the hottest summer weather.  I kept accessories simple and added a fun heel and a bold pink lip for a no-fuss look that would be perfect for celebrating Easter on Sunday.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!
xoxo

Photos thanks to Hadasa

Dittos jeans (c/o);  Forever 21 shirt (similar);  Nasty Gal blazer;  Joe's heels;  Olivia + Joy bag;  Zero UV sunglasses (c/o);  Gorjana bracelet and ring (c/o);  Michael Kors watch

I've got a thing lately for blazers.  I also, along with about a million other ladies in the blogging community, have a thing for wearing them draped over my shoulders like some sort of cape, so you can probably imagine my excitement when I came across this hybrid cape-blazer while browsing Nasty Gal.  Sticking with my recent habit of bold colors, I ordered it in red and am loving it paired with a simple blouse and skinny jeans.  (For summer, I'm thinking white skinnies and a chambray shirt, but we'll save that for later.)  These skinnies were my first time trying out Dittos jeans, and I must say, I'm a definite fan.  I've worn these three to four times with no stretched-out, sagging rear, and really, what more could you want?  My staple leather messenger and go-to heels finished off the look.  Hope everyone is having a great week!
xoxo

Well, it's happening again.  We're in the midst of Shopbop's Friends & Family sale, and my cart runneth over.  Shop now and take 25% off everything on the site (including sale!) by entering "INTHEFAMILY14" at checkout.  (And hurry up - the sale ends tomorrow!)  I've got my eye on a ton of things, but this little white fringed number will definitely be landing on my doorstep soon.  Which spring pieces will you pick up today?
xoxo

Forever 21 top and necklace;  Rules of Etiquette shorts via Nordstrom (old, but LOVE these);  Nine West heels;  Rebecca Minkoff bag (c/o) Paula & Chlo;  Henri Bendel bracelet;  Caravelle watch;  Ariel Gordon Jewelry ring (c/o)

I'm a sucker for a good spring print, and when I saw this little bird print top hanging alone on a Forever 21 rack, I knew it had to be mine.  I love that it's a little different and gives such a sweet touch to anything leather in my closet.  I recently received this minty-aqua Rebecca Minkoff from Paula & Chloe (check the site for some serious handbag and accessory shopping), and well, it's simply springtime perfection.  I've never been one for huge bags, so it's the perfect little size for me.  Plus, I like the handle options.  I wore this outfit for an event at Lucky FABB, but I had to recreate it with my new spring bag because I love the shades of blue together.  What prints and accessories are you adding to your spring wardrobe?
xoxo