Fashion Friday: 10 nautical faves

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How ironic that I should post about beating the heat this week. Just as we were going to bed last night, we noticed that the thermostat was stuck at a hotter temp than usual. It got hotter overnight, so by the morning, we had to call the repairman, who, thankfully, had everything fixed (yay for warranties!) and cooled off by 10 a.m.

And now, as I sit here drinking my ice-cold Diet Coke, I can't help but daydream about a lazy summer day at the beach. The kind of days that mark so many of my childhood summers spent on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, frolicking and splashing and laughing. Well, nothing screams beach day more than nautical style, so I thought it would be fun to round-up 10 pieces I'm loving right now...

*Panama hat, $58
*Signature French terry dress, $15.99
*Linen anchor pocket tee, $49.50
*Striped bikini, top ($29.99) and bottom ($24.99)
*Ponytail holder (set of five), $5
*Sailboat button earrings, $38
*Anchor rope bracelet, $38
*Wondrous whale ring, $40
*Gold knot ring, $27
*DIY anchor tote

So, what's your favorite nautical-themed find, friends? Are you wearing a lot of it this summer? I'd love to hear! xoxo

P.S. Friday links are coming up shortly! :)

[Top photo via The Sartorialist]

Found: 7 ways to beat the heat

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As Nelly once said, "It's getting hot in herrre." And it is. Literally. The sweltering summer heat has finally arrived, and we're under a heat advisory for the next couple days. I stepped outside this morning, only to be greeted by a fiery-hot blast of air. You know what that means, don't you? There's only one thing to do: Conserve all your energy and find ways to stay cool. To help you in your search, here are seven ways to beat the heat...

Dip in the pool (here are 12 modern pools...).

Drink a sweet treat, like watermelon punch.

Slip into something light and breezy.

Put your feet up and let the cool air tickle your toes.

Curl up on the couch with a good movie (Netflix is offering a one-month free trial).

Let a melting popsicle run down your chin (here are four more popsicle recipes).

And...enjoy a cool summer supper, like the one my mom made last night. It was absolutely delicious!

Your turn, friends: How do you beat the heat during the summer? Any cool (pun intended...) tips and tricks? What's your weather like these days? Do you like hot weather, or not so much? Here's to staying cool... xoxo

[Top photo from LIFE magazine, via Pinterest]

Fashion Friday: Denim on denim

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I had a bit of a fashion realization this morning: I rocked denim back in the day! Denim jeans were my go-to staple of the '80s, as you can see from the above photo, and I wore them proudly. Well, The New York Times recently featured a street style round-up of people sporting their best denim-clad looks from around the world. And luckily, the denim-on-denim trend isn't hard to master. "The trick is to mix fabric weights and washes," says Patrick Robinson, Gap's executive vice president of design. Here are my six favorite picks for styling the look...

*Liz Claiborne long-sleeve chambray shirt, $29.99
*Boyfriend jeans in dark vintage wash, $64.49
*Classic espadrille flats, $16.95
*Stripe sweater, $75
*Roll-up jean shorts, $178
*Jean jacket in storm cloud wash, $118

What do you think, friends? Would you rock the denim on denim look? Is it a fashion do or don't? What's your favorite piece of denim attire? Let's chat... xoxo

[Bottom photo via Madewell's Pinterest]

Fashion Friday: Taylor Swift for Keds Collection

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For the final day of Summer Week, I thought it would be fun to feature one of my favorite ladies. Taylor has perfected that effortless, laid-back summer vibe with her breezy dresses and vintage glam. And now, she's bringing pops of color to feet everywhere with her Taylor Swift for Keds Collection...

How cool are these shoes? So much fresh, eye-popping color. Now if only I could get a custom-made pair...I'd be set for summer!! What do you think, friends? Is this your style? xoxo

P.S. More Taylor Swift style.

Thursday Giveaway!

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Today's giveaway is from Maddy from Marolsha, a beautiful Etsy shop of vintage- and nature-inspired bridal jewelry, as well as modern, everyday pieces. Maddy handcrafts each piece -- from her trademark hair combs to lockets to rings to necklaces to earrings to bracelets to her bridal collection -- with love and care.

"I have lived and traveled to many countries and loved the unique experiences of many beautiful places, cultures and people," she says. "Life is a gift, and I am grateful for it every day. I create from my heart and I am happy to be able to share my beautiful handmade jewelries with you."

She's offering this flower hair collage comb to one lucky reader. I love how the mint and pink hues complement each other so nicely, don't you? It'd be perfect for everything from a summer picnic to a summer wedding!

For your chance to win, simply visit Marolsha, and leave a comment below, telling us where you'd where it if you won. You can also LIKE Marolsha on Facebook, GET INSPIRED on Pinterest and PIN TWO ITEMS from her shop to your Pinterest for extra entries. AND, you can also share the giveaway on Twitter by tweeting, "I just entered to win this beautiful vintage hair comb" via @melissablake. Enter the giveaway here: http://bit.ly/12uOHoe

As always, make sure you leave separate comments for each entry. A winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, June 11th, so you've got five days to enter. Happy browsing, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Meg! Thanks so much! :)

Fashion Friday: Marolsha's romantic hair combs and lockets

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You may remember Maddy from a couple years ago when we teamed up for a giveaway of one of her awesome vintage clam shell lockets. Well, I'm so excited to be working with her again! Her Etsy shop Marolsha has the prettiest hair pieces, like the mint mum flower hair comb and the pink rose hair comb. Both would be perfect for a summer wedding, don't you think?

And, her lockets have me daydreaming of all the loved ones I'd like to keep close to my heart. So many people I'd like to put in there... xoxo

(This post was sponsored by Marolsha. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said's wonderful sponsors!)

Sponsor Spotlight: Modern Edge Clothing

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If there's one thing I've learned since I started blogging nearly five years ago, it's how much fun fashion can be as an expression of who you are. It's the perfect reflection of your personality (polo shirts, anyone?), and there's always something for everyone -- from brights to understated elegance. Well, today, I'm excited to share a fun interview with Alyssa from Modern Edge Clothing, an online women's boutique that describes itself as "classy, sexy and edgy." Read on to find out how the shop got its start and what summer trends to keep an eye out for as the weather heats up! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Modern Edge Clothing
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

Tell me about Modern Edge. What's the inspiration behind its launch?
Modern Edge caters to young women who love to express who they are through clothing. The inspiration behind Modern Edge started when I realized most women in their 20s dress not according to their age. They do not know how to break away from wearing the boring t-shirt-and-jeans combo. I've always had great taste in fashion and others always complimented me on my style. So I decided to open my own online shop. Modern Edge stands for classy, sexy and edgy -- a style that is above all others. Modern Edge is fairly new, but I feel it will quickly catch on and be a huge inspiration to women all over!

What are some trends we're seeing as we move into the summer? What are some of your favorite fashion trends?
Some of our favorite trends are bodycon dresses and a lot of mint! Mint is such a popular color right now, and for good reason! It’s such a fun and bright color, not to mention flattering. Bodycon dresses are perfect for the warmer weather and are a great, simple way to dress up.

What are some things people should keep in mind when shopping for jewelry?
One thing to keep in mind is what outfit you plan to wear the jewelry with. A common mistake people make is buying jewelry just because it looks cute, and then they realize it doesn't go with any of their outfits! It’s always good to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, but it probably won’t get worn if you have nothing to go with it!

What are some ways that people can still look chic for less?
One of the best ways to look chic for less is to spice up an outfit with a new statement piece (like a cute pair of shoes or a fun jacket) that you can mix and match with basic items you already have in your closet. It’s a great way to give new life to your everyday outfits!

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
Right now, one of our favorite pieces in the shop is our chiffon peep toe heels. They are perfect for summer, day or night, and they are one of our bestsellers (did we mention that they also come in mint?). They go great with basically anything: dresses, skirts or even jeans!

Sponsor Spotlight: Dreamingleo Designs

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I'm excited to share a fun interview today with Rachael, the Maryland-based artist and designer behind Dreamingleo Designs. Rachael's creative mind kicked in at an early age. She had dreams of being an independent career woman, and her grandparents taught her that hard work and perseverance pays off. Read on for the story behind her shop's launch, her take on summer trends and her expert shopping advice! xoxo

Keep in touch...
Official Web site: Dreamingleo Designs
Become a fan on Facebook

What's the inspiration behind its launch?
Well I was born in August and that makes me a Leo. Ever since I was a little child, I've always had big dreams to be an independent career woman. My grandparents instilled in me that hard work and perseverance pays off. They also told me that I could do anything I wanted in my life as long as I set my mind to it. So far, it's worked. That's the beauty behind the first part of DreamingLeo. As far as the "design" part, I am very crafty by nature. I would go into stores wanting a cute necklace or bracelet but not finding anything my style or color. So, 3 years ago, I set to make my own beaded jewelry. I've come a long way since then, and I make a variety of pieces. You'll see in my shop, that I love simple pieces as well as vintage or beaded ones. A lot of my beaded pieces are "One Of A Kind," meaning they will not be made again. I would prefer some pieces to stay original. There's no method to my creativity. :)

What are some trends we're seeing as we move into the summer? What are some of your favorite fashion trends?
For me, the trends for summer are (and always have been) color! I love color, and jewelry with color can make an outfit! I try to pay attention to the Pantone color guides to see what the hottest colors are. I like to tailor my jewelry to either match or complement those colors.

What are some things people should keep in mind when shopping for jewelry?
*Always read feedback/reviews on a shop before you buy.
*Price shop!
*If you see something you like but want a different color, ask the seller! It will never hurt to ask. The worse response you can get is "no."
*Ask for custom pieces -- that way you know it's truly one of a kind. I have had my customers ask me for things they have seen in magazines but know I can make cheaper.
*High prices doesn't always mean high quality.
*If you have any metal sensitivity, ask the sellers what metal their jewelry is made of before you buy.

What are some ways that people can still look chic for less?
I like mixing and matching outfits that are in my closet. I try not to buy new clothes unless I absolutely have to. Even then if I find a shirt I like, I buy it in multiple colors. There are colors and patterns that look great together. I challenge myself to pair two different colors together sometimes, and it works! I'll even pair a patterned shirt with a solid color cardigan or necklace. Sometimes, I even like to make outfits around my jewelry.

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
Oh this is a difficult question because I love everything that I make. If I had to choose, it would have to be my gold and orange asymmetrical flower necklace. When I found those beads, I bought every strand that was left. This necklace is one of a kind, and I will not be making another. I fell in love with them and have kept some behind for myself.

Fashion Friday: My short hair for summer!

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I had a doctor's appointment a couple days ago (more about that next week...), but before the appointment, I got my hair cut just in time for summer. This was a long time coming, trust me -- you know how your hair starts to get in your face and just become all-around unruly? Well, that's how mine was getting...times a million! So, I'm sporting a shorter 'do for the summer. It feels so refreshing! What do you think, friends? Do you sport shorter hair during the summer? xoxo

P.S. I love how Harry photobombed my last photo! :)

P.P.S. More summer hair love.