How to Avoid Looking Awkward in a Midi Skirt

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Midi skirts are tough to style. They're in that awkward length between maxi and pencil-skirt...grazing your calves.

Midis come in all sorts of fabrics & styles, from high-waist, circle, ethereal, a-line and more!

According to the Daily.Uk, "Asos has just reported a 200 percent rise in midi sales on this time last year." Wowza. I'm all for midis...in magazines and style blogs midi outfits always look both classy and trendy.

But unlike the easier, classic cuts (pencil-skirts and maxis), the awkward length of the midi length skirt can unintentionally highlight your shins (not the most flattering feature).

Pictured on the left is my attempt at styling a midi skirt. I'm wearing a thrifted Free People midi length skirt and a black crop top from Urban Outfitters with a pair of sandals (this was taken at Malibu, pier, where sandals are green lit year-round!).

I like the way the flowy skirt contrasts the tight-fitted, short top...

Styling with the Stars - {Griffith Observatory}

This past weekend, Mimi & I escaped a bit of the high heat wave in SoCal by making a trip Griffith Observatory, which sits on a slope of Mount Hollywood overlooking the LA skyline and infamous Hollywood sign. If you're (ever) in the LA area, this is a must-see, free and gorgeous attraction! 

We couldn't get enough of the clear, scenic views from the hilltop. 

It's awesome to be able to access so much knowledge and a unique perspective,

 thanks to this grand spectacle. 

In fact, this was the primary purpose of building this particular observatory. According to brochures, founder Griffith J. Griffith (yea, an interesting name!), "believed that astronomy and observation could alter perspective, and by doing so, could improve people's lives."

Lace blouse: Free People (thrifted at Crossroads) / High-waisted shorts: My Story (thrifted at Crossroads) / Booties: Lucky (Hautelook) / Sunglasses: Anthropologie 

Latest Obsession of Summer Whites!

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I love wearing whites and bright yellows this season. Here in SoCal, we had a nice, sunny dry heat this weekend. Lots of fun times exploring downtown cities and celebrating birthdays outdoors (water guns and all). It's kind of strange, but wearing white somehow adds a touch of confidence for me. 

It's uplifting, clean and really stands out on my dark skin. Same goes for yellow!

I've only made three purchases in the past two months (go me!): plain white tee at Gap (on sale), plane white long sleeved t-shirt from Old Navy -- both of which are so versatile -- and these pairs of white Nordstrom sandals (perfect for the office!). 

A few of my favorite, eye-catching whites at the shoppes I've been eyeing:

Suit Jacket at Mango $109.99

Found on Pinterest -- Can't find the shop, but cute white inspiration

3 Ways to Wear Floral Leggings

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One of my favorite things about my mom is that she is absolutely clueless about fashion. It's really cute and funny how she'll pick out something totally random to unintentionally mismatch something because it's on sale. 

It's one of those problems I can look back and laugh at now. And although I've been supporting and cultivating my own wardrobe for years...she still enjoys buying an item here and there just for kicks (despite any resistance). 

The best part is that it's almost always something I'd never pick myself. 

For instance, recently, she brought home a pair of floral leggings. Although I am legging-obsessed (leggings = pants all the way!), I'd never actually buy a pair of floral leggings. They're loud, bold and a little too look-at-me with giant floral, colorful print.

She found this particular pair in the junior's section of Sears. It's safe to say, they are in style. My mom's picks are a fun way to challenge myself to style something I'd never normally wear.

After doing some meticulous fashion research, here are three ways I plan to sport my new floral leggings:

1. Dress it Up: Blazer

Oasis shirt, / Topshop boyfriend blazer / Floral print pants, / Tory Burch platform sandals / Colorblock handbag, 

Copy that Cat: Zooey Deschanel

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Everyone has their own unique signature look, that when perfected, makes their best features shine. Zooey Deschanel, in my opinion, perfects her signature look with her vintage girly-girl outfits and quirky personality. What I also admire and adore about her, is her outlook on styling and saving; She discovered her signature looks by hitting up thrift stores and now created online community for virtually anyone to contribute tips, tricks, DIYs and more, to "inspire a smile" at HelloGiggles.com about fashion and life.

In this edition of Copy that Cat, I created 3 looks inspired by Zooey:

a. mint green cardigan b. peter-pan collar blouse c. santeen shorts d. peep-toe heels

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Her quirky personality shines through her unique style from head to toe. This outfit is perfect for those casual spring and summer days.

Peggy Olson's Fashion Evolution in 'Mad Men'

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“I don’t think anyone wants to be one of a hundred colors in a box"

These are some wise words from Peggy Olson, who has come a long way since she first made this bold remark in the first season of Mad Men. It was a memorable moment. When all the women in the office were given the opportunity to pick a shade of lipstick as part of an ad campaign research, Peggy was the only one who didn't scour the colors to grab one--any one. She declined.

"They don't have my color," she said defiantly, but respectfully.

It was arguably at this point, when she first voiced her unique opinion that allowed her to chart her own course from being an ordinary secretary of season one to a high-powered ad woman of season six.  

Her sensible wit, determination and unabashed courage helps her truly evolve as a woman both in her career and personal life. And as we're getting into season six of the show, I couldn't help but notice that Peggy's wardrobe evolved right alongside her. 

Let's take a look at season 1:

Season 1

Remember this Peggy? This totally captures innocent, fun-loving Peggy of season one (remember her hook-up with Pete?) This waist line isn't at all flattering on Peggy. It makes sense, at this point, even she didn't know her potential quite just yet. 

Copy that Cat : Pretty Little Liars Outfits

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It's Thursday - almost Friday!  Let me share with you some affordable and wearable looks inspired by the Pretty Little Liars cast from Entertainment Weekly's March 1, 2013 issue.