I love to cook, but cleaning is definitely not my favorite thing. Now that I’m married, I’ve got even more to clean and an extra mouth to feed–and impress! Wearing an adorable apron makes cooking even the most easy of meals seem glamorous and I’d rather vacuum in one of these than an old ratty shirt.

From left to right:

• Ballyhoo Vintage sheer red apron with heart detail
• Cupcake Provocateur “Cupcake Cutie” apron
• Anthropologie “Sunny Rose” apron
• Jessie Steele “Cafe Toile” apron
• Carolyn’s Kitchen “Dorothy Apron”
• Williams-Sonoma “Jardin des Fleurs” apron
• Addicted to Aprons “Rose Blue Stripe” apron

Favorite Summer Shoes by jackieheartsb on Polyvore.com

My favorite new summer shoes include a bevy of adorable, colorful sandals; platform heels and bright-colored flats. All–yes all–of these shoes are under $60 and all are available to purchase online.

A few surefire picks: the gray Havaianas slingbacks, which are perfect for vacation if you are going to be doing a lot of walking or shopping. Also, these $20 Ecote triple-button t-strap sandals from Urban Outfitters are a no-brainer steal.

What are your favorite shoes for summer?

Shoes above: Target blue print platforms, Target pewter ruffle wedge sandals, Target blue pointed flats, Forever 21 brown platforms, NYLA beaded medallion sandals, Urban Outfitters ecote triple-button sandals, Havaianas slingback sandals, Urban Outfitters Kimchi & Blue mint flats, Pierre Dumas beaded sandals, Pierre Dumas white t-strap sandals, Aerosoles gray and brown wedges

When I told my sister I was buying a romper, she laughed in my face. I don’t blame her! I was initially very anti-romper, thinking they looked like toddler clothing or diapers remixed into adult wear. Awkward!

Rompers are a love it or hate it trend, but the four rompers above are undeniably cute and relatively inexpensive.

Will you be buying or wearing a romper this summer?

From left: Silence & Noise knot front gray jumper ; Ecote printed floral halter jumper ; Buffalo black twill romper ; Silence & Noise white romper

Forever 21, the trendy and inexpensive go-to for millions of women had, until recently, ignored a significant market. But, with their new fashion-forward plus size line Faith 21, they are finally filling a gap that desperately needed filling.

Here are my favorite pieces from the line:

From right to left, clockwise:

Strapless floral dress ; Blue floral skirt ; Orange & purple strapless tank ; Colorblock skirt ; Abstract brush graphic tunic ; Zigzag print dress

Some rules for curvier ladies to remember when picking out new clothing:

• Nothing baggy or the wrong size. Lots of women think they are a bigger size than they actually are. Get a measuring tape and measure in the comfort of your own bathroom, then look up a size chart at the store you plan to shop at. Keep in mind that the size that the chart says is fluid and not binding. Every designer and manufacturer is different. If you are a 12 at one store, you might be an 8 or a 14 at two others.
• Wear belts when possible.
• Don’t buy trapeze tops–they are rarely flattering on anyone.
• Don’t be afraid of skirts and dresses. Keep the length decent (i.e. no goodies showing), but show a little leg with a flouncy mini: the most flattering option.
• Lots of curvier women think that black is their most flattering color for clothing, but please! Try a print. See the zigzag dress above? A print distracts from trouble spots, whereas black can–and does–emphasize them on occasion.
• If you are a little shy about going sleeveless, a little cardigan or jacket would look great with any of the outfits/pieces above.

Michelle Obama is known for her down-to-earth personality and love of affordable clothing. That’s exciting, but whenever she wears something from J. Crew or the Gap, the clothes immediately sell out. Check out my inexpensive takes on two of the First Lady’s looks:

• Dillard’s yellow dress, Arden B cardigan, Forever 21 studded belt

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Yesterday I visited my local H&M and tried on one of the Matthew Williamson dresses. I loved it, but thought it was slightly pricey for H&M–$80! What do you think of the dress?

The best thing about spring and summer is how you can transform an outfit with simple, stylish accessories.

Check out how I created two separate looks: one funky and feminine and the other more chic and sophisticated.

Which look do you like better? How would you style this strapless purple dress from Target?

Funky & Feminine : Forever 21 linen cardigan, Forever 21 printed scarf, Payless patent pink wedges, Forever 21 necklace

Chic & Sophisticated : Forever 21 coral earrings, Target Mossimo gladiator platforms, Forever 21 belt, Forever 21 vest

It happens like clockwork: each winter I haul out my boots and warmest sweaters and begin to sacrifice style bit by bit in favor of the comfortable and the cozy.

Part of my rationalization for not being more creative is because I know I’m going to put a coat over everything I wear. If that’s the case, why bother trying?

Well, I should bother because there are lots of fantastic (and warm) winter style options.

1. Wear this adorable toggle sweater over a long-sleeved shirt, with skinny jeans, boots and a bright scarf.
2. Most waterproof and practical winter boots are fairly ugly. However, this cute pair from Target has a tie back so you can tighten the top around your jeans (preventing snow from wetting your socks). They also have a subtle wedge heel, which will glam up your outfit a couple notches.
3. This newsboy hat has a Blair Waldorf-like bow on the side.
4. Fingerless gloves are really practical: it’s easier to drive, text and open your chapstick. These have a cool military-inspired look.
5. Shawl-collar cardigans are chic and so comfortable. They look best with a more fitted look on the bottom (either jeans or a pencil skirt, for instance) and really interesting oversized jewelry.
6. If you have the moxie to try out a funky, faux-fur hat, by all means, wear one like this!
7. A traditional holiday sweater like this looks good with more modern pairings. I would try it with dark leggings, flat-soled boots and a great pair of earrings.
8. I would really like to open these Nine West boots on Christmas morning. I can’t lie: I love them.
9. Wear a spin on the traditional Ugg boot style with these cuffed sweater boots.
10. I really like these London Fog boots: they have a little wedge and are fur-lined on the inside.
11. When it comes to scarves, you can’t go wrong with plaid.

What do you like to wear when the weather turns cold?

Last August, my sister had a baby girl and I became an aunt for the first time. To top it off , my sister decided to name the beautiful little girl after me! As soon as I heard of the pregnancy, I started developing an interest in great-looking and fun baby accessories. Who says you can’t have an adult sense of humor about all things infant?

To wear

From top left: Skull Bib, Raised by Wolves onesie, iPoo onesie, cute baby shoes, My Mom is Hotter than Yours onesie, and My Daddy Rocks onesie.

To Cuddle

From top left: Ludic the Woollyhoodwink, Billy the Tuff Bunny, Drunk Underwear Man (I wonder why its no longer for sale…?), and Bop’N Beep.

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