LocalLily.com Contributor

I have wonderful news to share with you...I am now a monthly contributor on LocalLily.com. YAY! If you haven't visited Local Lily before, then I'm happy to be the first person to tell you about it. It's a website devoted to all things local in the State of Arizona. From fashion to food to entertainment for your kids, this is a great website to find out how you can support local businesses AND enjoy great experiences in Arizona. Local Lily only writes reviews on places they have visited and LOVED. I suppose you can say they follow the rule of sharing only when you have something nice to say. I love that!

So, once a month you will see a post from me sharing how to create fun outfits. I'm hoping to also explore some fabulous clothing boutiques and share about my experiences too!

Go stop by and say hi. Also, download your free copy of Your Guide to an Arizona Summer That Doesn't Suck.

Happy Monday!

Stylin' Daddy

I'm in the stage where all of my friends are havin' babies left and right. Even though I'm not there yet, it's pretty cool to watch friends settle into their new roles as parents, especially guys. The best is seeing their hearts melt with every smile, giggle and coo. So, with Father's Day just around the corner, this post is for them! Here are some awesome summer menswear styles that I'm lovin'!

Unabashedly Prep, unknown, Glitter Guide, Glitter Guide, That Kind of Woman, unknown, Image SparkZara, Another Fashion Book, Men With Style, The Style Blogger

All-American Love

This past weekend a team of dear friends joined together to create an engagement shoot centered around nautical inspiration. Now, if you don't know...I live in the desert of Phoenix, AZ. I've always loved New England since that's where my extended family lives, and I consider my style to reflect that of a preppy Bostonian. So, obviously, this shoot was definitely fun to style!

Hannah and Steve Wright are an amazing couple that attend my church. They also happen to be down right gorgeous together!

Gina Meola is a good friend of mine, and a FANtastic photographer. We're practically neighbors in downtown Phoenix, and we've definitely done some great bonding since meeting at Melissa Jill's doggie birthday part (yes, we go to doggie bday parties!).

Sarah Hubbell did Hannah's hair for the shoot. Sarah has already had her turn in front for the camera for sequin shoot with Michelle Herrick. Sarah recommended her friend Jessica Mangieri for makeup, and she sure did rock it!

Okay, so down the nitty gritty of the clothes...Obviously, we focused on a patriotic color scheme of red, white and blue. We created two looks for Hannah and Steve. The first look was casual and playful - perfect for their pedal boat ride at Tempe Town Lake (BEST date night place).  The second look was a bit more dressy, and was photographed in a picnic setting. I incorporated little details of a boat rope headband, a bandana scarf and floppy hats. Details always bring a photo shoot to life!!!

I think this is SUCH a fun concept for couples and families that are planning to get their pictures taken this summer. If you love the water, the all-American spirit and look great in red, white and blue...This is for YOU! It's really easy to recreate. Heck, if we can do it in a desert, you can do it ANYWHERE!

 

Summer Lovin'

Summer is in full swing! In Arizona that's not something we really celebrate because it means 100 degree weather is a regular occurrence, BUT it also means new fashion trends and wardrobe additions to my closet. =) There are three main summer trends that I'm implementing in my wardrobe, and I think you guys might love them too...

1. DRESSY SHORTS - I love shorts! They are comfortable, easy to wear and they show off your legs. I especially like to wear them with blazers and cardigans. If your outfit looks this cute with a blazer or cardi, it's worth battling the sweat. You can find great shorts at Urban Outfitters, H&M and Ann Taylor Loft.

 

2. BOLD COLOR - Last winter I wrote about how much I love my bright red pants. Well, now I want skirts and pants in  every color of the rainbow. Don't you?! You can find this green skirt at Zara or splurge on these yellow pants at Tory Burch.

 

3. FLIRTY SKIRTS & DRESSES - Light and flirty skirts come back every year, and I never tire of them. They're feminine, cool and comfortable. Anthropologie has the best selection!