Ruffles, Meet Stripes

by Laura Perkins


Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Ruffles have been one of my favorite trends this year. The wavy frill adds such a playful and feminine detail to everything. I just love it. And stripes will forever be a summer staple. Combine the two with a peek-a-boo floral print and you have a winner. You've probably noticed that I'm all about the low block heel lately. They're so practical but also very much in style. In keeping with the stripe theme, I'm completing this look with these amazing Marion Parke mary jane's.

Below is another ruffle top that will instantly update your basic white tee style. I have gotten so many compliments on this shirt and you guys, it's from Target! Pretty sure I paid less than $20 for it. If you haven't checked out their Who What Wear section, you need to. Everything is so stinkin cute and super affordable. These shoes are from Target too!! And they have been my go-to this spring. Target's shoe section has really stepped it up lately (no pun intended! hah). I'm currently crushing on these. (insert heart eye emoji)

So if you don't own anything with ruffles, you need to give it a try. Just trust me. There are so many different styles - big, small, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, ]single or layered, on the top or the bottom....I could go on and on. I haven't met a ruffle I didn't like. :) There really is a ruffle for everyone. I think oversized ruffles are so chic but you might like a subtle ruffle....either way they are really fun so I recommend giving them a shot! :) Style tip: the larger the ruffle, the more it acts as an accessory so you might not need much jewelry.

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target


Off the Shoulder Ruffles

by Laura Perkins


Top: Zara (actually a dress!)  ||  Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans   ||    Sandals: Target (old) 

Top: Zara (actually a dress!)  ||  Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans   

Top: Zara (actually a dress!)  ||  Jeans: AG Skinny Ripped Jeans   ||    Sandals: Target (old)  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old, now available at J.Crew Factory)

Okay, if you girls don't own an off-the-shoulder top or dress, you seriously need one! They have been a summer essential for me and are just so flattering. I'm excited to tell you that this blouse is actually a non-maternity DRESS from Zara that I bought to wear as a top! Haha! Back in the spring, I had been on the hunt for an off-the-shoulder top with oversized ruffles (which was hard to find that would fit this bump) but when I saw this one, I fell in love. The dress looked pretty short so I knew I could make it work as a tunic. The little light blue and white pinstripes are so cute. And the ruffles just make it really fun and flirty. I'll definitely be wearing this after the baby is born! With my red lipstick and basket clutch, some girl told me I looked like a modern day Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz! Hah! I'll take it! :)


Navy and Ruffles

by Laura Perkins


Dress: ASOS  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot

Dress: ASOS  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot

Dress: ASOS  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  ||  Heels: Marion Parke

I have had a few dressy business occasions for work and this fun yet conservative dress has been my go-to...also doubling as a great cocktail dress. Another super affordable find from ASOS! (my pregnancy obsession). And it's currently on sale for $43.50!! I love the asymmetrical ruffles which really add a cute, feminine detail that's also very flattering. I like that it's a thicker material which makes it a little dressier and professional. These pictures were taken on our France trip (at 31 weeks) at the most amazing chateau in Poitiers for our friends, Chris and Carly's, wedding. I added some statement jewelry and wore this dress for the rehearsal dinner. Styling Note - Don't ever be afraid to pair navy with black. It actually goes so well together.