How to Choose the Right Floral Pattern

Many of my personal styling clients have told me that they are scared of prints, so most of their closets are made up of solid colors (predominantly black, gray and white) with a sprinkle of polka dots and stripes. But did you know most people respond favorably to bright, cheerful colors and prints when they meet someone for the first time? I think our fear of judgement makes us choose the "safe and easy" route of solid colors. However, color blocking your body with a solid color top, bottom (usually denim) and shoes actually draws more attention to areas women feel self-conscious of such as their chest, waist and thighs.

But I also know that shopping for a print can be quite difficult, especially in the spring when the floral patterns are plentiful and you don't know which one to choose. Instead, we end up with several options in our dressing room and feeling frustrated because they all seem to look as if they are wearing us and not the other way around.

1. Eliminate your choices by sticking to colors you like on yourself. If you're not sure what you think looks best on you, ask your spouse, best friend or mom. With my olive complexion, I have found that purples, corals and teals look great. This royal blue floral dress is one of my favorites. The purple tones are very complimentary.

2. After you have found some clothes in the color palette you prefer; you can further narrow your options based on the shape and construction. For me, halter tops are very flattering because I have a fuller chest. I'm also very tall so maxi dresses are easy for me to wear without appearing pregnant.

3. Now it's time to choose your print...If you have a fuller figure and you are nervous about feeling like a walking floral bouquet, don't! Prints often disguise a lot of extra curves, but stick to smaller prints like the one I'm wearing.

Photos by Kym Ventola; dress from Macy's

Anthropologie Pop-up Farmer's Market

Who doesn't love Anthropologie? Every time I'm at the mall I always have to pop in to see their latest home decor and apparel. This coming Sunday, Anthro is hosting their first Pop-up Farmer's market at their Scottsdale Fashion Square store from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Local coffee roasters, florists and bakers will be there selling their freshly made items. I can't wait to check this event out. I'm going to visit between 1pm and 1:30 if anyone else wants to go. See you there!

Embroidered Details

As spring approaches floral patterns are starting to flood the storefronts. If you are a person that sticks to solid colors and simple prints this trend may be a bit overwhelming for you.

I have a couple floral pieces in my closet, but in general, I stick to geometric prints and simple stripes. So, a simple way to incorporate florals is in the details of your outfit. This beautiful top from Frances Vintage it a great example of this approach. The embroidery is lovely and gives my outfit a relaxed vibe. I paired the top with my favorite military vest from Forever 21 and skinny jeans from Madewell. I think this top would look equally cute with leggings and a denim jacket. Another way you incorporate floral details would be in in a scarf, headband, belt or handbag.

Side note: I have become obsessed with lavender lately, so I couldn't resist buying this Sally Hansen polish called Lacey Lilac and trying it out. I think it's a new favorite of mine.

Photos by Kym Ventola

Clothes Speak First

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Saying "hello" to someone is usually how we start our conversations. Although, my toddler prefers to yell "Mama" when she has something to say. But, in all actuality, our clothes usually get the first "word" in. So, I love the idea of wearing a tee that simply says, "Hello," like this one from Frances Vintage. In my head it seems like it would start any conversation off on the right foot and give the appearance that you're a welcoming person.

This tee can be found at Frances Vintage and is locally made by Hello Apparel. I love the floral pattern on the letters. If you're a print minimalist, this is the perfect way to incorporate the spring floral trend. Not to mention, the shirt is 100% cotton, which means I can throw it in the washing machine and it's incredibly comfortable.

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I styled the t-shirt with a pleated maxi skirt and glitter belt to add a feminine flair. However, there's nothing more classic than jeans and a t-shirt.

Photo by Kym Ventola.

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Sunday Life

This blog has always been a place for sharing fashion inspiration and my latest projects, but with this relaunch I've decided to share more about my personal life. Part of that is a look into my home life with Ryan and Elle.

This past weekend was very relaxing and I got to do quite a bit of cooking. I started out as a terrible cook, but since the launch of Pinterest in 2011 I have been a decent one. Yet, another thing I owe to the great social inspiration tool.

While I cook Elle usually plays with her toys in the kitchen. I love our home so much, and the kitchen is really the place where we spend most of our time. Even when guests come over we all congregate there. Although, I suspect it's food that draws us there more than the space itself.

As far as what I wear on the weekends, you can count on me living in jeans. I found this cute, comfy t-shirt at Urban Outfitters (you can get 2 for $24) recently, and I paired it with a J.Crew cardigan and polka dot oxfords from GAP. They don't sell the oxfords anymore, but they do have amazing polka dot pointy flats. I also wore a special Kate Spade necklace Ryan got me a couple years ago. I wear it A LOT! (Now I'm obsessing over this KS necklace, click here).

How do you spend your weekends? What do you typically wear? I'd love to hear!