Heartstrings

Leighton walked out on stage–mug in hand–wearing a very simple, laid back look. She's as sweet in real life as she was feisty on Gossip Girl. And her music...j'adore. Last night was the first stop on the Heartstrings tour, Leighton's first headlining show. She sang, played guitar, and kept up good humor even when the crowd showered her with "I love you!" and "What was it like kissing Ed Westwick?" remarks. Though she didn't play any of her earlier music, she did do a cover of No Doubt's "Say That You Love Me" as well as a Loretta Lynn number. I love when she sings country so I was super happy about that!

I definitely recommend checking her tour out if it stops near you. And, of course, grab her album! In addition to spending time with my good friend, I also liked that Leighton's opener was a local musician. Owen Danoff is a great lyricist and easy going guy himself. All in all, sweet night of music!

The Birchmere didn't allow photography so I wasn't able to snap any pics. Still, I've shared the look she was wearing and how you can purchase each piece to get your own laid back concert look!

Leighton wore an open denim shirt. Find this one here.

A simple tank worked well with. Try this one.

Dark denim? A girl after my own heart, I'd say! Try these.

Starting the tour in suede comfort. This works!

What's your favorite track on 'Heartstrings'? 

xo | din

So Simple

It's so simple to liven up your look. Just put on a dress! 

For an event, I chose to wear this long dress with a lace overlay and belt. See, I wasn't feeling very well this day, and effortless was key! Lace is in this season and the rich color made it evening appropriate. The belt is braided and its color adds a nice pop. 

As I was walking by these beautiful flowers, I decided I would tuck one behind my ear to finish off the look. What do you think?

xo | din

dress | Trixxi

belt | H&M

makeup | Urban Decay shadow palette, MAC foundation, Mary Kay blush, Milani bronzer

ring | Top Shop

nails | Strawberry Margarita by OPI

sandals | Chinese Laundry (old)

blowout | Shannon at Taylor & York

photos | Reflection Photography

Clutch Moments

You know how it is when you're running out of the door for a girls' night out or date night with your boo, and you need to swap out your workday tote for a small, chic clutch. Sometimes this seemingly simple task can be a nightmare. That's why I recommend always having a go-to prepared. One you know you can fit your gloss, keys, i.d., cash, cards, and don't forget...your phone!

This clutch let's me carry all of these necessities without distorting its structure. Don't worry! I've found some options for you so that you can have a smooth transition and fashionably fun night out, too! Check here, here, and here for great options at a great price.

Have a beautiful Saturday (and night)!

xo | din

Blending

Often times when the season teases a change, we pull out the new trends in anticipation that the.sun.will.stay. In this case: Spring.

 

Instead of breaking out all of your neons and pastels, try working a few pieces into your current wardrobe. That's what I did here with a brighter blue added to my skirt and boots look.

 

Fortunately, this look took me from day to night! I met up with some friends for Young the Giant concert at The Fillmore in Silver Spring. Check out some awesome photos from Reflection Photography below and here! They were fantastic and the opening band, Cayukas, wasn't too bad either (I especially liked their song, Hella. So west coast!)

xo | din

shades | Aldo
sweater | Willow Smith
skirt | H&M
boots | Apostrophe
lips | Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural N28 and Aqua Lip C10

Light + Reflection

There's a lot of beauty that surrounds us when the light shines. It illuminates the details of things we take for granted everyday. Each of us has our own light to share and it's important that we keep calling it out from each other.

My outfit speaks to this, too. The detailing of each piece shows better in the light; and the bold pink lip calls the focus to stay there. (What's not to love about that?!)

Let your light shine and reflect in the world!

xo | din

jacket | IZ Byer

dress | Forever 21

textured tights | LOFT

boots | Apostrophe
lip | Pink Nouveau by MAC (also seen here)

photo credit | Reflection Photography

Sun Craze

You know, there's a saying around Seattle: Sun does not equal warmth! The deception used to drive me crazy when I lived there. Now, even though I'm not deceived by its teasing glow, it still makes me a little crazy (can you tell?).  I think the only solution is that summer needs to be here. Tomorrow.

On a style note, I absolutely LOVE this sweater! If it wasn't on it's way to the dry cleaner right now I'd wear it again tomorrow.

xo | din

sweater | LOFT
tank | H&M [similar here]
necklace | Forever 21 [similar here]
ring | H&M [similar here]
leggings | H&M
boots | Fergalicious 'Erupt'
lip color | MAC 'Pink Nouveau'

photos | Reflection Photography

Winter Hue

Often the mindset for winter wardrobe is to go dark. But a summer bird like myself, I often like to find ways to break the mold. This beautiful Tahari coat and a colorful bird patterned button-down blouse are great against the backdrop of the snow, don't you think?

What do you wear to break the mold?

xo | din

coat | Tahari
headband | LOFT
ring | H&M
blouse | Tramp
skirt | One Clothing
fishnets | Victoria's Secret
knee high socks | Urban Outfitters
boots | Fergalicious

photos | Reflection Photography

[ Enchanted ]

shirt | Sans Souci 

skirt | One Clothing 

shoes | MRKT 

rings | Forever 21 (knuckle), Express (cocktail)

necklace | ModCloth
earrings | M Style
lips | Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural N28
nails | Tart Deco by Essie

Not gonna lie. I love this outfit. I first fell in love with the faux leather skirt and knew it was going to become a staple in my wardrobe. Pairing it with this-- dare I say Etro-esq-- sleeveless blouse was a bonus. The details on this blouse are fantastic. The spiked buttons you see (closer version here) synch the lower back as well. And, what better way to show you care than by adding a compliment-- in the shape of a rhinestone collar!

I just love that feeling of putting something on that transforms the way you feel and move. Needless to say, you'll be seeing me style these pieces in several different ways in the near future. So, what's in your wardrobe that leaves you enchanted?

xo | din

photos | Reflection Photography