Happy Tuesday, ladies!  The week is underway, and Spring is officially here.  The cherry blossoms have sprung in Athens, and the temps are hanging out in the 70s.  We’ll take it, for sure.  Hard to believe March is coming to a close.  Where is the time going?  (But I think that every year.)  Time for some Ann Taylor, at least.  I’m really feeling their Spring collection this year.  Yesterday, we featured a tweed jacket/sheath dress combo.  One reader said it had Jackie Kenndy vibes.  I’ll take it.  Today, we’re featuring a blue ruffle blouse I think you’re gonna like.  

Blue ruffle blouse

Today’s OOTD pairs a chambray ruffle blouse from Ann Taylor (limited sizes, similar here and here) with a white denim skirt (old, similar here here and here).  To add a little twist, I layered the blouse with a striped tee.  You could argue it gives the outfit a bit of a conservative feel, but I like the visual interest the stripes add.  

And you know me:  hard to pass up the opportunity to add a color pop with accessories.  This red camera handbag (old, similar here and here) and shoes (old, similar here and here) did the trick.

Chambray Ruffle Blouse (Ann Taylor, limited sizes, similar here and here) | White Denim Skirt (old, similar here here and here) | Similar Striped Tee | Similar belt | Red Camera Handbag (old, similar here and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Earrings | Watch Band | Bangle | Similar sunglasses

White denim skirt

Always love a denim skirt.  So much so that it made my essential bottoms list this year.  A white denim skirt (old, similar here here and here) is classic and will work with just about anything in your wardrobe.  This one sits right above the knees but find a length that works for you. 

Chambray Ruffle Blouse (Ann Taylor, limited sizes, similar here and here) | White Denim Skirt (old, similar here here and here) | Similar Striped Tee | Similar belt | Red Camera Handbag (old, similar here and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Earrings | Watch Band | Bangle | Similar sunglasses

Red camera handbag 

Chambray Ruffle Blouse (Ann Taylor, limited sizes, similar here and here) | White Denim Skirt (old, similar here here and here) | Similar Striped Tee | Similar belt | Red Camera Handbag (old, similar here and here) | Shoes (old, similar here and here) | Earrings | Watch Band | Bangle | Similar sunglasses

In case you missed it

Loving Ann Taylor this week.  Yesterday, we featured a beautiful tweed jacket and sheath dress combo.  

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.

Happy Friday, gang! Another week has come and gone, and so has my beach getaway to Cancún, Mexico. It was a relaxing trip filled with blue skies, sunshine, and a white sandy beach that stretched for miles. Margaritas on the rocks, guacamole, and chips, plus a good beach read are all that’s necessary to keep this girl happy. I am truly my mother’s daughter in so many ways. Now it’s time to switch gears and get back to work.  I’ve got a fun one for you today:  how to make a charcuterie board.

While I was gone, my garage door was finally installed! Hooray! It’s beautiful. Next up is a paint job outside. Yes, the house is getting a facelift, and I finally decided to paint the brick! The prep work started while I was in Mexico; barring rain, I will have a brand spanking fresh coat of paint (or two) by the end of next week. Black gutters were installed in February, so along with a new garage door and paint job, my 70s ranch will look fresh and modern. Houses need to keep up with the times just like us!

Classic blouse & denim

Today’s outfit is just as simple to throw together as the charcuterie tray! It’s a simple style uniform for spring and summer: denim, tee or blouse, and sandals. When spring rolls into town the rinse of my denim gets lighter.

Yes, it visually adds pounds but I’m totally okay with putting FUN into my wardrobe and nothing says summer than a pair of light rinse denim from Ann Taylor. Y’all know my love of white blouses so it was time to slip into a short sleeve version of this iconic closet staple from J.Crew (old, similar here and here). Add a pair of white sandals from Tory Burch and this outfit is in the bag.

denim | blouse (old, similar here and here) | bracelet | watch band | bangle |  sandals

Charcuterie tray

Today’s menu couldn’t be easier or more perfect for a beautiful spring day. Wine and cheese, anyone? A charcuterie board is so easy to put together especially last minute when friends and family drop by. There is nothing better than sitting on my screen porch with a glass of wi e in hand and good company. 

How to make a charcuterie board

Today, I chose a savory board for my theme that includes one hard and one soft cheese. I added nuts, cured meats, pickled vegetables, olives, sweet fig jam, and a crusty baguette. So easy, right? 

I have a tried and true method to pull together a platter in no time flat! And what’s easier than uncorking a bottle of red and white wine? I always like to keep one of each on hand. So come join Oscar and me, and Ollie whose always in the background.

• Pick wood, slate, ceramic, or marble board
• Choose your props: tongs, cheese knives & forks, wooden picks, vessels, napkins.
• Invent a theme
• Add salty, sweet, savory, and tangy
• Start with main food items then add components one at a time

Fridays with Oscar

denim | blouse (old, similar here and here) | bracelet | watch band | bangle |  sandals

Oscar, Ollie, and I wish you a lovely weekend!

Shop Boards & Platters (click below)

In case you missed it

It’s travel week all week over here on the blog.  So far, we’ve shown you

• 5 travel outfit ideas for Spring; 
• my travel capsule wardrobe for Mexico; and 
• 3 swimsuits & coverups for the beach.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective

What’s on-trend for spring? Denim is always on-trend, but the silhouette changes from year to year.  Anyone remember when skinny jeans burst on the scene?  The slim-fitting jean was quite the departure from previous years—and there was more than one nay-sayer that thought they wouldn’t last. Ha! But given their long run, their popularity is waning, and other silhouettes are finding favor. One style I’m loving this Spring are the best straight leg jeans from Wit and Wisdom, available at my favorite retailer Nordstrom. 

Best straight leg jeans

Wit & Wisdom carries a wide variety of denim from girlfriend jeans to bootcut jeans to crop jeans. It was hard to decide which direction to go but I decided on a straight leg frayed hem that gives your denim an of-the-moment look. Since the first blush of spring is right around the corner I chose a wrap tie white blouse that will serve me well until summer rolls into town. For a simple yet chic look that’s perfect for an evening out, I added a pair of suede pumps in a neutral color. A classic quilted handbag is a perfect accessory all year long and a cuff bracelet adds a signature statement while keeping this ootn on point for 2022.

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Spring denim trends 

denim | blouse | shoes | handbag | cuff bracelet | sunglasses | bangle bracelet | watchband | earrings

Shop trending jeans (Click below)

Nordstrom  

A few of my favorite things about Nordstrom:

• Free shipping and returns by mail or in-store.
• buy online pick up in-store
• curbside pick up (no muss, no fuss. Nordstrom brings your merchandise to you while you wait in your car)
• the Nordy club earns 1 point per dollar, status based on spend, and enjoys perks to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and the first to shop select brands.

denim | blouse | shoes | handbag | cuff bracelet | sunglasses | bangle bracelet | watchband | earrings

Shop the Post (Click below)

A big thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle Collective for this sponsored post. And thank you lovely readers for supporting the brand that allows me to bring you fresh ideas.

In case you missed it

Makes sure you stay on top of all the fashion trends this Spring, including the pant silhouette that’s trending this Spring.