dots on dots on dots

You can find me over at Blonde Ambition today discussing my favorite trend - polka dots!

J.Crew Big Shot Twill Dress // Wallis White Spot Dress

Summer Essentials

My summertime essentials - textured tanks & linen pants, bright accessories {lip stain, clutch, & neon nail polish}, and one mustn't forget sun protection {sunnies, fedora, & tinted moisturizer}!

J.Crew Tank {Similar} // J.Crew Linen Pants // Eugenia Kim Straw Hat // Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies // ASOS Box Clutch // DV by Dolce Vita Sandals // Clinique Tinted Moisturizer // Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain // Essie Nail Polish


What are your essentials?

1 Look 3 Ways: Polka Dots

{a feminine touch...}

J.Crew Scatter Dot Skirt {Look for Less} //  Blouse // BaubleBar Rose Gold Necklace // Adrienne Vittadini Heels

{...with stripes}

J.Crew Scatter Dot Skirt {Look for Less} // J.Crew Sweater {Similar} // Nordstrom Bracelets // J.Crew Audra Sandals {Similar}

{casual...}

J.Crew Scatter Dot Skirt {Look for Less}//French Connection Tee // Converse // BaubleBar Cut Strand Necklace // Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Memorial Day Recap

Just a bit of an insta-recap of how I spent my Memorial Day Weekend! We road-tripped down to St. Louis to spend time with my family - we laughed a lot, grilled out, and cheered on the Cardinals - it was a perfect weekend that ended much too soon! 

{New Forever 21 Sunnies}

{DIY Necklace to start of the Four Day Weekend}

{DIY projects - acrylic tray & neon necklace}

{Relaxing before the weekend's festivities}

{Travel Attire}

{The Arch}

{Cards Win!}

{Tasty Treat after the Cardinal win!}

The Jem Boutique Giveaway: Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered The Jem Boutique Giveaway! Our winner is SarahLagen!

Head over to The Jem Boutique to see the amazing collection of headbands & accessories!

Multi-Tasker

I love a sleek & stylish jacket as much as the next girl, don't you?

4 Ways Jacket by Style by Marina

Her Way // My Way: Yellow Floral Dress

Wallis Dress // DKNY Flapover Clutch // Bakers Heels {Similar}

 I spotted this darling look on Harpers Bazaar's website coverage from Sydney's Fashion Week - I knew I had to recreate the affordable version of this outfit! This Wallis dress is only $32! Only $32 - get yours now - such a steal! 

{image 1}

My Style: Rock n' Roll

Another work-wear outfit inspired by something I spotted on Pinterest. 

Old Navy Sweater {Similar}// Cheap n' Chic Skirt {Similar} // London Fog Knightbridge Tote {Similar} // F21 Necklace

One Look Three Ways - Printed Pants

You can find me over at Leopard & Lavender guest posting for Kelli! I'm remixing these gorgeous printed pants three different ways!

Old Favorites

When not dressing for the office or for a night out, you can usually find me in some variation of this outfit; a comfy tee & denim.  I have started to clean out my closet {it's quite the process, but stay tuned, you will soon be able to shop my closet!} and have come across a few long lost favorites, this skirt included.  I wore this outfit out for a quick bite to eat with my boyfriend. Also, I am very pleased to introduce you to my boyfriend's pup, Floyd, he wanted to make his apparence in these photos too :)

American Apparel Top // J.Crew Chambray Skirt // Rebecca Minkoff Cross Body BAG

 

Giveaway: The Jem Boutique

{it was a bit windy}

Headbands c/o The Jem Boutique

One of my favorite things about the fashion blogging community are the connections and friends I have made since starting The Brunette One.  I recently connected with the lovely Morgan Bennett {The JEM Journal} after commenting on a The Everygirl Coffee Talk post. She and her mother opened The JEM Boutique together where they sell handmade headbands and hats, and have recently added an amazing collection of statement earrings. Morgan’s headpieces are each topped with a special vintage embellishment.  She states, “The ultimate goal of JEM Designs is to create gorgeous, handcrafted head pieces that make you feel special.”

To make one lucky reader feel *extra* special, you have a chance to win one of these gorgeous headbands.

To enter this giveaway, simply do the following:

1. “Like” The Brunette One & The JEM Boutique on Facebook
2. Follow The Brunette One on Twitter & The JEM Journal on Google Friend Connect
3. Comment on this post & let us know how you would style either one of these embellished headbands!

The contest will close a week from today and the winner will be announced next Monday, May 28, 2012!

Farmer's Market

The Des Moines Dowtown Farmer's Market has to be one of my favorite parts of summer.  I love wandering in and out of all of the boothes, picking up fresh fruit and veggies and coming home with yummy pastries & gorgeous flowers. 

Court Ave.

Beautiful Peonies

Farm Boys Heart Food Co. Burritos & Breakfast Bowls 

Caffeine Break

Successful Trip to the Market

Farmer's Market outfit photo op turned into a puppy photo shoot

What I Wore {Gap Dress & Rebecca Minkoff Bag}

Girls

I cannot stop watching Girls. If I lived in NYC, these ladies would be my close friends. Party with Jessa, girl talk with Marnie, shop with Shoshanna, & have dance parties Hannah. Girls was created by Lena Dunham, who also happens to write, produce and act {Hannah}, no big deal, just a bit of multi-tasking at its finest. She maybe, just maybe, has an idea of what it is like to be 24 & trying to navigate the real world.

If my new best friends let me style them, this is what I would have them wear.

Hannah

Jessa

Shoshanna

Marnie

{image via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Her Way // My Way: Juniper

Joie Ogden Blouse // J. Crew Pencil Skirt {Similar} // Wedges // Barney's Envelope Clutch {Similar} // Kulfi Strands Necklace

Mixing navy & aqua is subtle way to test the waters of color-blocking this season without going overboard. This is my take on Lucy Laucht’s work-wear outfit I first pinned {here}. I swapped out the blouse for a sleeveless number with bright coordinating lining and added nude wedges, a practical choice for the office.

Here is my look, thanks to this bit of inspiration – dress & heels from the Shops at Target Collection by The Webster Miami!