Striped

It seems like we are always talking about the latest trends at the change of seasons: tassels, pom poms, off-the-shoulder, boho chic…you get the picture. And as much as I love these hot, new trends, there is one “permanent trend” that will always have my heart: stripes. Between Monday’s post with this striped cardigan, and today’s Wednesday Wishes, you can see that I definitely have had stripes on my mind this week. I must say, as much as I love the standard black/navy and white, classic nautical stripes {which seem to be a trend each spring} I can’t get enough of the bright colored striped pieces for this season! It’s like taking my stripe obsession to an all new level with the fun and bright colors! 


First, this jacquard striped pencil skirt is to die for! It’s hard to see in this picture, but the bottom of the skirt has a frayed hem — such a cute detail! And speaking of the hem, it falls below your knees so it would be great for work. Have to love those practical pieces! 


Can we take a minute and talk about both of these shoes?! The wedge style is one of my favorites and I love the lace-up ankle on these colorful striped ones. Unfortunately, there is limited sizing in this color, but they are available in black and white, which is probably more practical anyways 😉 Moving onto the oh so comfortable, slip-on espadrilles…don’t they look like the same stripe pattern as the pencil skirt?! Priced at $54, these shoes will be perfect all spring and summer long. {P.S. You may remember this style from last week’s post!}


I just couldn’t resist sharing a few home and cooking items with you, including the kitchen towel and apron, which has some handy measurements/conversions on the back so you can reference them while cooking! That’s the most genius idea ever! Ok, and did you see the striped lasagna?? I cannot even comprehend how amazing these would be in a dish — talk about presentation! I could definitely see using a pesto sauce with these to show off the cuteness. And in case you don’t like lasagna, this striped pasta is also available in bowties! Too much for this pasta-loving girl to handle!


How do you feel about stripes this spring? I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!


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Casual #OOTD

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Shein striped cardigan c/o | black tank | black jeans | Urban Expressions fringe ‘Arizona’ bucket bag {obsessed!} c/o | Ray-Ban sunglasses | tan mules, mine are from last year {super similar here & they are under $100!} | monogrammed earrings | lipstick {210}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! We thankfully didn’t see much snow {and nothing stuck to the ground!} but it was a pretty rainy and dreary weekend. We actually got these pictures done right before the rain started Saturday morning! Whew! 

There is nothing like a good, casual outfit. Something that’s comfortable, cute and could be worn all day while running errands is my definition of a good casual outfit. What about you? As I talked about in last week’s post, layers are essential with the changing spring temperatures, and this striped cardigan from Shein is a great layering piece that can be styled with just about any color in your closet. I love the slight waterfall style of the cardigan, which I think adds to the casual style of the entire look. Doesn’t the waterfall cardigan just scream comfort?!

I paired this black and white look with my go-to spring and summer tan mules and this FABULOUS fringe bucket bag from Urban Expressions. When I first spotted the ‘Arizona’ fringe bag, I knew I had to have it. Not only was it a perfect match for my favorite mules, it combined two of my favorite trends for spring: the bucket bag and fringe! I wore it with the regular handbag strap, but it also comes with the crossbody strap, which is ideal for running errands {especially the grocery store!}, right?! I’m definitely looking forward to carrying this “bag of the moment” all spring, but with it’s neutral, tan color, it can easily carry you into summer and fall, too!

Thanks for dropping by and be sure to stop back tomorrow for a fun Easter recipe you will not want to miss! Have a great start to the week!

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My Favorite Spring Jacket

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 green utility jacket {mine is last season, this is current version} | similar shirt {mine is old!} | Current/Elliott jeans {my very favorite!} | leopard pumps, sold out {similar style & only $80} | pearl earrings | Tory Burch tote {updated version} | Kate Spade watch | Karen Walker sunglasses | lipstick {creme cup}, lipgloss {turkish delight}


Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The warmer temperatures we have been experiencing the last week have me thinking all things spring. Alas, the weather has different plans with snow flurries in the forecast for Sunday. Snow flurries?! How is that even possible when we had temperatures in the 70s yesterday? Since we do have a few weeks left of these crazy, fluctuating temperatures, there is one thing that needs to get on my mind: layers.


Layering with a lightweight jacket is the best way to combat this awkward spring weather. And with so many spring jackets to choose from, there aren’t many things that beat this utility jacket in my closet. I bought this utility jacket last spring {I’ve linked the current version of this same jacket above} and I literally have worn it each season. Pair it with shorts on a cool summer night, riding boots in the fall, layered over a chunky sweater for winter {you may remember it from my #snowzilla post} and of course in the spring with a light shirt.


Not only is it season versatile, but it’s also closet versatile! The green is a great neutral {it also comes in a khaki} and can easily be worn with jeans, white jeans, skirts…you name it, you can probably wear this jacket with it! I also love the idea of pairing it with a floral dress or more feminine pieces — the perfect way to achieve a fun juxtaposition!


Spring jackets are a great way to transition into the new season, and there are so many cute styles to pick from right now! I’ve included some of my favorites below for you to browse, and they are all under $100! What is you favorite jacket for spring? I don’t know about you, but denim jackets definitely come in a close second for me 😉


I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m hoping to possibly see some of the Cherry Blossoms {peak bloom is happening soon thanks to the warm weather!} and catch up on some food posts this weekend to share with you in the coming weeks. See you Monday!


P.S. If you are looking for some St. Patrick’s Day recipes, here is a great, simple dish for dinner and a fun treat!


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BEST SPRING JACKETS


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Spring Accessories Under $100

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Beige: 
handbag | mules | nail polish {naked} | lipgloss {glisten}

Blush:

Coral:
mini tote & wristlet {only $38!} | lace-up sandals | nail polish {jolly good} | lipgloss {carina}

Crimson: 
envelope clutch | lace-up flats {on sale!} | nail polish {#999} | lipstick {dangerous}


Happy Wednesday! A little different Wednesday Wishes for you this week, what do you think?! My intent for this collage was just simply my favorite handbags and shoes for spring, because, I don’t know about you, but those are two of my favorite kinds of accessories in my closet! But, as I was adding items I liked to the board I was creating, I noticed some serious trends in the colors I was picking. So instead, I decided to incorporate my picks for spring accessories with my favorite colors of the season while keeping each item under $100! That’s a win-win-win, right?!

There are so many things I love about these spring pieces, it’s hard to know where to start. As you know from Monday’s post, I have a serious crush on blush for spring, but who doesn’t! Blush lipgloss and nail polish are my go-to during the season, and I love both of these shades. Although, the brighter shades of coral and crimson also have my heart — how cute is this mini tote and wristlet and the vibrant red envelope clutch with the zipper detailing?! I have the tote and wristlet in a larger version {taupe/pale pink} that I bought last year and I get so much use out of it — it’s great for work, travel and even serves as my laptop, camera, cords, etc. bag at times!

Besides these gorgeous colors, this collage also features two of my favorite trends for spring: tassels and lace-ups. I’m so glad both are sticking around for at least another season because both trends add the perfect pop of detail {is that a thing?}. You can’t beat this blush tassel crossbody bag or the tassel handbag with two strap options. I love that both are very neutral shades that will take you all the way through summer and can be worn with virtually anything in your closet. And speaking of summer, I think I will definitely be adding these lace-up sandals to my closet — they are the perfect color and style for spring/summer!

One last thing! Did you catch these cute flamingo espadrilles?! I just recently discovered Soludos — how did I not know about them before this?! They have the cutest designs and I am already eyeing these {I mean, way too appropriate after yesterday’s post!} and these {since my obsession is real}!! Have any of your tried these espadrilles? I would love to know what you think of them!

Thanks so much for dropping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Blushing for Spring

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Mark and Graham bucket bag, zip pouch & monogram cuff bracelet c/o | grey tunic {$58 & super soft, true to size} | white jeans | blush lace-up flats {under $100!} | sunglasses | nail polish {romantique, I did 3 coats} | lipstick {creme cup}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday, hope you all had a wonderful weekend! As I hinted last week, there was going to be a lot of blush in today’s post — isn’t it a great way to welcome spring?! There is something so fresh and clean about this spring neutral, and I love that I am finally able to start incorporating it into my wardrobe. 

Combine this gorgeous, springy color with one of the hottest handbags of the moment, the bucket bag, and you are well on your way to creating the most gorgeous spring look. Not only is this bag the prettiest blush color, it’s a super functional bag as well: with two sizes of straps, wear it as a crossbody or as a handbag — it’s so versatile! And this cute zipped pouch is the perfect accessory for your purse to hold lipgloss or even your iPad, or carry it alone as a clutch for a night out. And, the one thing that makes this bag, pouch and cuff even better is that it’s monogrammed! There is no denying my love for plastering my monogram over anything and everything, and Mark and Graham will do just that! I have several pieces {you may remember this bag} and their collections just keep getting better and better!

As we start to move our winter clothes out of our closets to make room for all the pretty spring tones, it’s a great time to break out the white jeans {even though Easter is still a little over a week away!}. Pairing white jeans with a darker grey top and the blush accessories is spring appropriate, but isn’t overdone for mid- to late-March. And I love the way the white and grey mix to allow the blush to be the real star of the show! 

Incorporating the blush bag with the blush lace-up flats is a fabulous way to get spring off to a great start, don’t you think?! Have you started to add these soft, neutral tones into your outfits yet? I would love to hear in the comments section below. Hope you all have a wonderful start to the week and see you tomorrow!


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Spring Floral

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Design History cardigan c/o {no longer available} | J.Crew floral blouse {on sale! I sized up for length} | Current/Elliott jeans | Rebecca Minkoff red bag | Karen Walker sunglasses | Tory Burch flats {I sized down 1/2 size} | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#110}

Happy Thursday! Today’s floral blouse is definitely not the soft and feminine florals that we typically see in the spring. Don’t get me wrong, I love blush for spring {just wait until Monday’s post!} but there is something unexpected about these bright florals this time of the year. 

I decided to pair this floral number with the cozy Design History cardigan. {Unfortunately, the cardigan is from the fall collection and is no longer available, but there are so many fabulous pieces in the spring collection, you will have to take a look!} Since it still is the beginning of March, the navy cardigan was the perfect balance for this vibrant top. But, what I love most about this blouse is that I will be able to wear it all summer with shorts, skirts and white jeans. And it’s the perfect way to achieve a patriotic look for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July! 

I’ve been wearing a lot of brown and tan accessories as of late, and these Tory Burch flats are the perfect way to complete the look. Just a heads up on these flats: I have had the black version of the Reva flats for a few years now and they have the elastic in the back of the shoe. I got the tan flats around Christmas and these do not have the elastic! Apparently, they changed the design and I had to size down a half size in the new Reva. Just an FYI if you are looking to buy these! 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Not much planned for us, but I’m so looking forward to getting some house work and errands done and maybe even some outside work! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in the DC area this week. It was in the 80s yesterday! I don’t want to get my hopes up, I’m sure our usual March weather will be back next week.

Thanks so much for dropping by and be sure to stop by on Monday for an exciting, all new post you won’t want to miss! Happy Friday Eve!


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mint green

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Today’s Wednesday Wishes is all about my latest color crush. And, since it’s March, the timing could not be more perfect! This color crush actually originated with this mint green nail polish. My polish of choice is typically something in the nude to pink range with red over the holidays. Let’s just say I don’t get too crazy with nail polish colors! The fact that I picked up this nail polish to examine it closer was SO outside the box. Granted, I haven’t purchased this color yet, but it’s on my list of spring colors to buy 🙂

Since seeing this color at Target the other week, I have been seeing it more and more and it’s really growing on me! I think it is such a pretty shade for spring and pairs so well with other colors, like blue, yellow and even my favorite, pink! I love the softer mint in this tunic sweater {it comes in a few other colors too and is currently an extra 30% off!} but the brighter shade of mint mixed with blues, greens and yellows in this skirt is also gorgeous! 

And, what I love most about this color, is that it looks fabulous in clothing and accessory form! When I first started researching mint green pieces to include in this collage, I was concerned that the color would be too “in your face” and overpowering for clothing and that I would have to stick to sharing mint accessories. But, I have to say, I really love it the clothing form too! 

What is your latest color crush for spring? I would love to hear in the comments section below!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and I’ll be back tomorrow with an all new outfit post!

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International Women’s Day

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cabi siena blouse {flowy style & runs large, I’m wearing a small}, cabi destructed boyfriend jeans {looser, boyfriend style, size down for more fitted look} & cabi helios cuff c/o | Tory Burch bag | Tory Burch flats | Karen Walker sunglasses | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#200}, NARS lipgloss {turkish delight}




Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! After a whirlwind few days in Ohio, I am back with a special post for you today.

Tomorrow, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, where we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And with as much progress that has been made, there is still room for improvement in many places throughout the world. I am so excited to be teaming up with cabi to not only discuss IWD and cabi’s efforts to help women, but also my journey as a female entrepreneur.

To celebrate this special day, I am wearing a soft and springy look with the Siena blouse, the destructed boyfriend jeans and the helios cuff to finish the look. Not only is this boho style blouse a gorgeous print, but also has a wonderful back story. A portion of the proceeds of the Siena blouse go to the Heart of cabi Foundation, who’s mission is to encourage and empower women in need. One of the efforts of this foundation is the W.E. are cabi program, a one-for-one micro lending and mentorship program. For every new cabi Stylist, cabi will fund a small business loan in her name for a woman entrepreneur in a developing country who is building her own business.

As a female entrepreneur myself, I understand the benefits and challenges of running my own business. Since beginning A Blonde’s Moment in November of 2013, I have faced many challenges. Like any business, there have been trials and tribulations along the way — from launching a website to figuring out the best way to promote my blog for the most exposure, it has been a lot of experimenting, researching and learning. Apart from the “behind the scenes” of the blog, time always seems to be a challenge, as I’m sure everyone can relate to. Working a full time job, being a wife and puppy mother and cooking dinner every night {I usually take Saturdays off ;)} all while running a blog can be exhausting. In the past two years, there hasn’t been much time for taking a day off or free time. But, I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. 

As an entrepreneur, I love seeing what I have created become a success, and I think that is something any entrepreneur can relate to. The countless hours and, for lack of a better phrase, “blood, sweat and tears” that have gone into this project has brought so much joy, excitement and accomplishment. And, although those feelings have been and will continue to be wonderful, the connections I have made with other women has been something that is so special. It truly has been a blessing getting to know so many amazing women, sharing our stories and having the support of such a wonderful community. And I believe that this truly represents the success of a female entrepreneur: it is through the help of other women that we have success, a perfect description for cabi’s foundation. 

Have a wonderful start to the week and thanks for stopping by!

Coral & Kicks

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Shein coral blouse c/o {I sized up — available in 6 colors!} | distressed denim | New Balance shoes | Tory Burch tote | Karen Walker sunglasses | David Yurman link bracelet, cuff, one-station bracelet | earrings | Lancome lipstick {#310}, lipgloss {turkish delight}

Nothing says spring like a bright and cheerful color. If you caught my posts from earlier this week {here & here}, you know that I’m completely ready to embrace spring with open arms. Who isn’t?! And what better way to welcome spring than with this pretty coral top! This loose and airy blouse {priced at $17!} will be a great addition to your wardrobe for spring and summer {I wore a cami under it because the fabric is pretty light}. With the adjustable sleeve length, it’s a great shirt for both upcoming seasons! {It’s definitely light enough to wear throughout summer and it would be so cute with shorts, too!}

I have been loving neutral shades as of late, and these accessories are no exception! I bought these New Balance tennis shoes last year and I get so much use out of them during the spring and summer months. Not only are they comfortable, but the gold accents give the otherwise ordinary tennis shoe a little pizzazz, am I right?!

Lastly, I finished the look with the perfect color coral lipstick/lipgloss combination. You probably know how much I love matching my lipstick/lipgloss with my outfit and this color is a perfect match for the blouse! I have this Lancome lip crayon in a few colors and I wear them all the time. They are super easy to apply and adding the lipgloss on top gives the prettiest sheen. I would definitely recommend these crayons, such great colors to pick from too!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m heading back to Ohio for a quick trip to visit with my grandmother and celebrate a sweet little girl’s first birthday! See you back here on Monday for an all new post and, as always, thanks for dropping by!

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Warm Weather Wishes

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pink tassel beach dress {comes in 4 colors, more tassel dresses here} | citron crystal earrings {25% off with code SHOPNOW} | pink aviator sunglasses, also here | pom pom hat | pom pom tote {this color sold out, but still available in these colors} | seashell phone case | tropical floral swimsuit {more sizes here} | orange crossbody bag {on sale!}  | beautycounter sunscreen | mermaid hair makeup bag {how cute is this?!} | beachwear travel bags | white denim shorts {on sale!} | pom pom sandals {also here, less expensive version here} | citron v-neck tee {on sale for $22 & available in 11 colors!}
Welcome to a bright and colorful Wednesday Wishes! I don’t know about you, but now that we have had just the tiniest taste of spring, I am ready for warm weather all the time! It seems like by March, people are sick of the snow and are dying to escape someplace warm and tropical so this post is dedicated to you! {As a side note, I made this post before I realized the Shopbop Sale {use code BIGEVENT16} started yesterday, so there are a few things that are already out of stock. I linked to other stores that carry the item or similar pieces I’ve found.}

There is no denying my obsession with tassels and pom poms for spring, as I’m sure you can tell from this collage! These pom pom accessories are such a fun way to spice up your outfit and scream warm weather. Of all the pom pom related items, I can’t seem to get enough of these sandals. They are a little on the pricey side {I linked a cute, more affordable alternative} but I think they would be such a fun sandal for the summer! And could go with pretty much anything in your closet with all these fabulous colors 🙂

I recently discovered these beachwear travel bags from flight 001 {they also have bags for shoes, boots, in-flight organizers and even a travel blanket!} which allows you to separate your dirty beach clothes from the rest of the items in your suitcase! I love finding things that make travel more easy and organized.


What are some of your go-to vacation essentials? Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday and see you back here tomorrow!


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