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Fashion

You are in how many weddings this summer?

Tis’ the time for wedding season as you open up your google calendar only to notice that you are in three weddings in June four in July oh yeah and you are a bridesmaid…in all of them.  At this point you may feel like Catherine Heigel in the movie 27 dresses.  Depending on the wedding you are in can range from having the exact shoes, dress, and even the hairstyle requested by the bride all the way to heres a color, pick your own bridesmaid dress.  The kind of bride that I am referencing in this post is the bride that is right in the middle. They have selected the same dress for all, but you have the freedom to choose your own accessories.  When short on time or on a budget this can make some want to flip out like Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaid…you know the scene…at the wedding shower…grass being thrown in the chocolate fondue fountain.

For this post I have highlighted three bridesmaid dresses with different neckline styles and accessory pairings that I have recommended. Most likely about 10,000  photos will be taken on that special day so you want to make sure you keep in mind the vibe of the wedding and to select accessories that are not too over the top.  The first look I chose is a off the shoulder v neckline in a shade of rose paired with a basic pearl necklace as one option from Marshalls. This look is especially perfect if the wedding is more on the casual side.  This bridesmaid dress specifically is for an outdoor wedding with a more natural feel.

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For my second look for this same dress I paired a Francesca’s floral gem embellished statement necklace for under $30!  This style would be more for a wedding that has bright colored bouquets and arrangements especially if it is a destination wedding. With this style neckline I would definetely recommend a necklace pairing.

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Next look is a vibrant strapless dress paired with a set of earrings from World Market for under $20.   Since there is a floral accent on the waist of the dress you do not want to distract it away by pairing with a bold necklace like above.  By pairing with colored drop earrings this gives the best of both worlds. Keep this tip in mind when there are accent belts or other details that make the dress unique, you definetely want to accentuate those details by keeping jewelry basic.

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The last look is a lace high neckline, which is also floor length by Jim Hjelm.  This dress barely needs any accessorizing since it is quite elegant on its own.  A basic pair of pearl earrings from Marshalls can do the trick.  For high necklines always key to keep in mind that if the pattern is simple a bold pair of earrings is perfet, but if you have bold colors or detailed patterns, keeping a basic stud earring can also complete this look.

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Share your bridesmaid accessory with me on Instagram @dreamyrealistfashion or on Twitter @dreamrealfash3

Categories
Fashion

The Amazing “Goes with Everything” Necklace

Whether your on the run when it comes work, school, chasing little ones around, style can be put on the backburner for all of us at different times in our life.  In these scenarios typically all you need is just that oneeeee item that will complete the look for the next wedding, baby shower, birthday, you name it that you attend.  In reality when you are short on time or on a budget having that one go to piece of clothing or jewelry is needed for every womens closet.  With my life feeling at times that it is going high speed ahead I wanted to share with you my “goes with everything” piece of jewelry that I just recently purchased at Charming Charlies for under $30!

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Charming Charlies under $20
Charming Charlies under $20

When selecting your go-to piece of jewelry it is always great to keep in mind simplicity, but funky!  Yes, these are literally opposite words, but when shopping for that perfect piece I recommend keeping the color basic whether it be gold, silver, pink gold, bronze, etc.  and look for unique details like  the intertwinning circles I selected or there are floral designs, geometric, double layered, etc.  So simply put keep it simple on the tones and unique in the design.  Charming Charlies has an amazing selection to choose from and prices are typically under $30 depending on the pieces that you purchase.  Click the link to find the closest Charming Charlies near you http://stores.charmingcharlie.com/?godesktop=true#fbid=zmUzqy-zHBW

Share your go-to pieces with me on my Instagram @dreamyrealistfashion or on Twitter @dreamrealfash3

 

Categories
Fashion

That one time I bought a crop top…

So I attempted the crop top… and alas my selection was not a win.  Oh but wait, then a thought came to mind!  A wear it two ways theme for my unexpected failed mission in the world of the crop top!  For those of you that may not know what a crop top is, here is a perfect definition courtesy of Urban Dictionary, ” A short singlet that doesn’t quite cover your stomach, popular in the 90’s.”  Indeed the 90’s are over, but slowly making a comeback which makes me clap for joy is the potential for platform sandals, pattern clashing, but let’s leave scrunchies in the past.

Even if you do not have a crop top fail that you need to revamp this look can be done for any top that has shrunk or seen better days.  The colorful neon croptop below is from Target for under $20 and the sheer black tank is from New York & Co. for under $25.  When mixed together this gives a perfect extension to the crop top without having to get rid of a top that is in perfect mint condition!

 

New York & Co. under $25
New York & Co. under $25

 

Target under $20
Target under $20

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Tweet to @dreamrealfash3 or post on my Instagram and mention @dreamyrealistfashion your creative fashion hacks!

Categories
Fashion

Running in Style for Aunt Pat!

We all know that one family that has what seems like a 1,000 grandkids, 800 cousins, 300 aunts and uncles…and that is only on one side of the family. Family get togethers consist of wet kisses on the cheek from grandma, cheersing beers to health and happiness, a whole lot of laughter, sarcastic comments and jokes left and right, but always a whole lot of love!  This description will give you the perfect vision for the DeCusatis, O’Connor, & Connelly family.

This past September, their family experienced the loss of a wonderful sister, mother, and friend who is the Godmother of one of my close friends, Patricia DeCusatis (Aunt Pat), from Gliobastoma (GBM), a form of brain cancer.  When using the term “loss” it does not even feel like a word that should be included in my prior statement. I say that because her spirit has been found and lives on through the fundraising and awareness that this family is now spreading through the Race for Hope.  The Race for Hope is a 5k dedicated to raise brain cancer awareness and to raise money for research.

That same family gathering feel will be brought to the race course April 25th in Wilmington, Delaware and May 3rd in Washington, DC! While supporting a great cause you also want to look fabulous when crossing that finish line for Aunt Pat!  I am hightlighting the looks that Erin and friend Kelly will be sporting for both races!

Erin is rocking a racer back cotton gray tank from Victoria Secret, Pink collection, perfect for comfort and also gray is the color in support of brain cancer awareness! Her spandex capris are perfect for running long distances since it is a poly blend and has a bit of stretch! Come on…who doesn’t love a little turquoise accent on the side!  Also, the key to a successful race is to have the right running shoes.  Erin’s choice is a bright and vibrant pair from Asics.  If you are not so comfortable with bold colored clothing, bold shoes is where it’s at!

Tank, PINK, under $25; Spandex,New Balance, under $30; Shoes, Asics, under $100
Tank, PINK, under $25; Spandex,New Balance, under $30; Shoes, Asics, under $100
Spandex, New Balance, under $30
Spandex, New Balance, under $40
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Running Shoes, Asics, under $100

 Struggling to get out the door for a run? Throwing on some hot pink will immediately turn your mood up a level to get going!  Kelly is showing off her, Under Armour, hot pink top, which is perfect for any type of weather along with spandex capris by Calvin Klein.  Her choice of running shoe is, Nike, found for under $75 at Sports Authority!

Top, Under Armour, under $30; Spandex, Calvin Klein, under $40; Shoes, Nike, under $70
Top, Under Armour, under $30; Spandex, Calvin Klein, under $40; Shoes, Nike, under $75
Spandex, Calvin Klein, under $40
Spandex, Calvin Klein, under $40
Running Shoes, Nike, under $75
Running Shoes, Nike, under $75

If you live in the DC Metro area or Wilmington, Delware and would like to join the team to run for Aunt Pat in the Race for Hope or donate to this amazing cause for an amazing woman, CLICK HERE for more information!

Already signed up and ready to start training?  Check out the Couch to 5k app that can be downloaded on your phone!  I personally use this app for train for 5ks and it is definitely a perfect way to get your muscles ready for raceday and its free! Click the link for their website and how to download http://c25kfree.com/