Non-fashion traveling...

I haven't yet mentioned that my family was going on a volunteer trip to Ecuador for 6 weeks and that I probably wouldn't be posting any outfit photos during that time.  Perhaps I was optimistic that the practical, non-fashiony and not even well-fitting clothes I was packing would miraculously transform themselves into cute, photo-worthy outfits.  Not so much.  

Perhaps more later on the reason for the trip, the reason for the goofy clothing needed, etc. but for now, here are some gorgeous pictures of this beautiful country to enjoy along with this update.  And there's one sort of fashiony photo that shows skirts in the market (one of which I will buy during this trip, wear in San Francisco, and photograph for this blog).

Street scenes from Cuenca, Ecuador:

The river that splits Cuenca:

Cuenca clothes market:

Cuenca food market:

OUTFIT: Blushing

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Meeting for worship

Blazer: Gap via ebay (similar)
Top: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Skirt: J. Crew via ebay (exact in current colors, similar color)
Shoes: BCBG via ebay (similar)
Bag: Dooney & Burke via ebay (similar)
Earrings: Rose gold studs via Groupon (similar)
Long Necklace: via ebay (similar)
Pendant Necklace: boutique in Gruen, TX (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Hair: Styled by Elianne

I was trying so hard to just be brave about taking pictures behind my many-unit apartment building, while still hoping no one was watching.  And I thought they weren't, until my upstairs neighbor on his balcony decided to address me from on high, exactly at the moment the camera snapped the first photo, apparently.  I decided to just keep going, but the awkwardness continued into the second picture.  However, a good outfit can't be wasted, and while the expressions are goofy, the outfit was fine.  Just enjoy my blushes...

Here are some options to recreate this look:

CLOTHING:

ACCESSORIES:

OUTFIT: New top (plus recent Old Navy items reviewed)

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Old Navy (exact)
Skirt: J. Crew (exact in current color options, similar color)
Sandals: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Bag: vintage Coach via ebay (similar)
Earrings: rose gold stud balls via Groupon (similar)
Sunglasses: Forever 21 (exact)
Watch: Timex via ebay (similar)

There are a few stores that have been really nailing it for me lately - Old Navy, Forever 21, and even Charlotte Russe.  I had some credit card rewards to redeem, so I made a foray to Old Navy - I found so much to try on, and so many things I liked!  This is completely not sponsored, but I just thought I'd share some of my finds, in case you're shopping for spring or summer right now (it's so rare I can link exact outfit items, so I'll take advantage of it!).  This top, for example, a really lightweight but quality-feeling linen and cotton blend fabric.  I was pleasantly surprised!  Today was the first day I got to wear it.  I can't wait to pair it with my white shorts next time.  And my ivory pencil skirt.  And my white denim crops.....  

Here are some other items I purchased or tried on (plus one item I didn't see but want to check out!), with a brief description/review of each:

1. Printed swing trapeze top. This fabric is really great, and perfect for summer.  Buy based on your shoulder size, as the swing bottom portion is quite generous.  I actually purchased this in XS (my usual Old Navy size is M), but it fits my shoulders, which are on the narrower side.  The print is navy with a soft white (neither bright white nor ivory), and a small touch of mustard-brown (not so visible in my photos), very versatile for summer.

2. Eyelet trim midi dress.  Mine is a beautiful orangey-red shade, and truly on the lower-calf midi length for me (the online photos show it as practically knee length in certain views).  I purchased it in L, a size bigger than I could probably fit, but I wanted it to fit loosely and not at all fitted, plus I wanted to leave room in case it shrinks with washing (can't report on that, since I haven't washed it yet).  The dress is fully lined in cotton, and I like how the inner lining goes to the knee, which is important to me (rather than a mid-thigh length).  This cotton fabric is also very nice, very lightweight yet "fine" feeling.

3. Linear gauze scarf.  I wore this here, and know I'll get lots of use this summer for this ivory/taupe lightweight cotton scarf.  I've been looking for some lighter colors in scarves, and some lighter weights, to make them more versatile.

4. Neon jacquard scarf.  This was on such a fabulous sale, plus I just adore the color and pattern.  I know many fashion sites are saying neon is dead, and perhaps it is, but I find this color quite reasonably soft, but yet bright enough to set off summer clothing (and a bit of a tan).  It feels much better made and looks more expensive than it was - always a good thing!

5. Faux leather tassel saddle purse in pale pink.  As I have been mentioning lately, I'm rather obsessed with pale colors, especially pale pink.  While I didn't end up purchasing this item (mostly because it didn't fit into my travel plans for the next few weeks), I did make sure to see it in person in the store to check out the quality.  I'm not a huge fan of faux leather in general, but this did have a decent look to it, and would look perfectly fine as a trendy bag for the season.  Especially since light bags don't stay clean forever, purchasing a lower price point may make some sense.

6. Cropped button-back tank (and matching shorts).  I've been seeing this outfit on (sponsored) blogs everywhere, and wanted to check it out while I was in the store.  I tried on a medium top and size 10 shorts.  They fit correctly, I don't think I'd wear a different size in either top (although I might try a small top to see if the v-neck was a little higher). But, it wasn't really a flattering look for me, with the swing top and flared shorts, so I didn't purchase it.  Very cute, though!!

7. Printed swing-tank.  I didn't personally try this on, but my friend just wore it today, and it looked very nice in person.  She's built very similarly to me, with a generous bust, and it was very flattering on her.  I think she wore a camisole underneath, due to the V-neck, but that's normal for those built like us.  I loved the summery orange color, too.  Very versatile for summer - with navy, white, denim, chambray.  

8. Embroidered peplum top.  I tried this on in medium, and didn't end up buying it, but I really liked it.  Had I not needed to buy a few things for Gavin, I probably would have bought this top also.  It is lightweight, but not completely sheer, I don't think a camisole is needed if you wear a smooth nude-colored bra.  Very cute!

9. Chambray peplum top.  I didn't see this top in store (probably a good thing!), but it's definitely on my wish list for the future.  I'm guessing it runs similarly in sizing to the embroidered peplum top, so I would plan on trying a medium.  Since I'm addicted to chambray tops, this sleeveless version would be perfect to swap in for summer looks.

OUTFIT: Chambray and olive shorts

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: LOFT (similar)
Shorts: Gap, old (similar)
Sandals: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Bag: Coach via ebay (similar)
Hat: Forever 21 (exact)
Watch: Michael Kors via ebay (similar)
Earrings: Robin Undira boutique (similar)

I'm always looking for a new outfit "formula".  I already know I love chambray with almost everything, but I don't remember wearing it much with olive in the past. When some unexpectedly warm and sunny weather arrived, I dug out my trusty olive linen shorts and paired it with one of my favorite chambray tops.  While there aren't always that many days you would actually pair shorts with a long-sleeve shirt (in places other than San Francisco, that is...), it can be a surprising comfortable combination.  As a bonus, I didn't have to worry too much about sunscreen on my arms!

Here are some shopping options for you to recreate the look:

OLIVE SHORTS:

CHAMBRAY TOP:

SUN HAT:

PLATFORM SANDALS:

OUTFIT: New season, new location

OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: Charlotte Russe, purchased in store recently (similar)
Scarf: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Franco Sarto via DSW (similar)
Bag: Ann Taylor, thrifted (similar)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban via ebay (exact)
Watch: Kenneth Cole (similar)
Bracelet: long necklace worn as bracelet - eBay (similar)
Earrings: sterling silver stud balls via eBay (similar)

Can you sense a theme in my recent posts?  Gray, taupe, blush, remix and repeat. I haven't been able to get enough!  And, thankfully, I've finally found some of the items I had in mind in the store, so I've been enjoying creating the outfits I've been craving for some time now.  However, I did try a new location for photos....

In case you've been having similar fashion cravings, here are a few options for these items:

BLUSH PENCIL SKIRT:

TAUPE TOP:

BREEZY SCARF: