Dressed for Time | Spring and Summer Style Tips from a Chicago blogger

My Perfect Summer Dress – Worn Two Ways

August 22, 2017

Hello, hello, my loves!
If you’re reading this after seeing my post on Instagram, you will already know the news… these long locks are no more! My photographer brought to my attention, actually the afternoon of my big chop, that I still had one last post to share before the big reveal. She asked me if I was going to look back at our shoot, this shot in particular, and regret my decision. More about that in my next post!
For now, I just want to rave some more about this perfect maxi dress that I discovered while browsing around on Amazon’s prime day. It wasn’t included in the deals, but that didn’t matter, because it was still under $30! It comes in like a bagillion colors, OK, closer to 35, but I fell in love with this one because the print reminded me of something Reformation would create. I have neither the budget for that brand, nor am I even sure that they carry my size, plus there’s Amazon Prime soooo.
I wanted to share a couple of different ways to style a dress like this, because first instinct would be to throw on a pair of flat sandals and call it a day. For the first look, I chose some brand new white sneaks, a denim jacket, little crossbody bag and delicate layered necklaces. This is so perfect for brunch with the girls or a date where you know you’ll be walking a bunch. Later on in the post, I paired it with some mixed-metal mules, my favorite O-ring bag, and some oversized sunnies. I’d definitely wear this to go shopping or grabbing a quick dinner with the boyfriend. I hope you enjoy the looks!

Dress / Amazon // Jacket / JustFab // Sneakers / Superga USA // Bag / Shaffer LA from the Box of Style // Necklaces / LA Finds

Look Two

Dress / Amazon // Mules / ASOS // Bag / Nordstrom // Both necklaces / Gorjana from Rocksbox // Ring / Rocksbox (use code kristinbff320 for your first month of Rocksbox free!) / Sunnies / Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Shot by Holli Z Photography.

This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission.

Clean Head to Toe with Soapbox

August 17, 2017

Hello, loves!
Today, I’m happy to be reviewing the newly redesigned Soapbox line of products, including their hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The old packaging, I must say, was quite lackluster and nothing that I would reach for in the store. They’ve completely redone it, to have a chicer and more inviting vibe, while still being offered at very budget-friendly prices, which I’m never mad at. One thing that definitely stood out to me about that brand, before I even cracked open one of the bottles, was that Soapbox is truly a company that gives back. To date, they’ve provided more than 2.6 million bars of soap to people in need, both in and outside of the U.S.! You can even type in the code found on each bottle to find which project your purchase is contributing to! Such a phenomenal idea. Now.. On to the good stuff!
I’ll start with my favorites. The Citrus & Peach Rose hand soap is seriously one of the best smelling things I’ve ever used. It’s the perfect blend of fruity and floral and the ideal soap to display proudly in my guest bathroom. I love that the scent lingers for a little while on hands, not overwhelmingly so, but mildly present.
When I saw that the body wash was coconut and sandalwood, I was a little iffy, because I’m kind of over the sunscreen-scented bath products that have been inundating the market lately. This one, thankfully, has a great balance of the sweetness and nuttiness of coconut, along with the subtle musk of sandalwood, making it the perfect unisex wash. It also leaves my skin nice and smooth and has a lovely lather.
Moving on to the shampoo and conditioner, I didn’t find the conditioner quite as favorably. I think that my long, color-treated (re: damaged), hair requires a bit more moisture than the conditioner provides. I didn’t feel the softness and lushness that I do with some other brands. The shampoo did it’s job of making my hair feel clean, like I was actually ridding it of all of the dry shampoo and various products I throw in my ‘do, but without stripping it of the natural oils, so that I will give positive marks for. The scents of the hair products are also on the more neutral side, and would be great for leaving in the guest bath as well, because everyone could use them. I’m actually planning on cutting my hair very soon, so I’m going to try out the conditioner again and see if maybe the condition of my locks had something to do with my less-than-stellar experience with it.
All in all, the standouts are the hand soap and body wash. I would absolutely purchase these again, and am already thinking of next ordering the Pomegranate & Plum hand soap for fall. Soapbox is offering my followers 20% off with code Kristinsoapbox and all of these products are available as of today! I hope you enjoyed reading my “honest-as-always” review on how to get clean head to toe with Soapbox!
😀

All products from Soapbox.

Shot by Holli Z Photography.

This post was sponsored by Soapbox. Items in this post were sent to me for reviewing purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dark Florals & Jord Wood Watch Giveaway

August 15, 2017

Hello, loves!
I seriously can not get over how quickly this year has gone by! Admittedly, the first couple months of 2017 were a little blurry for Mark and I, with two family members passing away and a flood in our front room, but even still, I feel like it was April just yesterday! Another month of summer, and fall will already be upon us.
Planning ahead a bit, I’m loving the idea of bringing florals in to fall. Let’s be honest, I could wear them all year round, but some of the neon and pastel florals don’t really translate well into colder weather. I’ve found that sticking to prints that have either a dark background (grey, navy, black), or ones that have autumnal-themed flowers (red, plum, yellow, orange), can give a piece a lot more versatility in terms of being able to wear it seamlessly throughout the year. I love pairing florals with more substantial jewelry pieces, like a statement necklace, or an oversized watch. The rose gold trim and purpleheart links of this Jord watch make it the perfect transition piece into fall and winter.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Jord, and when they reached out and offered to hold a giveaway for my readers and followers, I was all about it! I think the wooden watches are really cool, and I especially love the uniqueness of the one I picked out. Details of the giveaway are at the bottom of this post 😀

Top / Stitch Fix (also worn as a jacket) // Jeans / Stitch Fix // Sandals / Just Fab // Watch c/o Jord Watches // Necklace / gift from my amazing BF // Wrap bracelet / LA find

Shot by Holli Z Photography.

So the giveaway rules are simple! Click on my link ——-> here
Fill out the super short survey and voila, you’re entered! One lucky winner will receive $100 credit, and everyone who enters gets a $25 off code once the contest is over. Good luck, babes!

Luxury Wooden Watch

This post was sponsored by Jord Wooden Watches, and contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission. This is part of what helps keep Dressed for Time posting, bringing you helpful styling tips and tricks, and woohoo giveaways!

Damask Crochet Midi Dress

August 7, 2017

Hey, babes!
So, I’ll be completely honest with you all about this dress… When I first took it out of the box, I wasn’t too sure about it! It looked a little shapeless and frumpty-dumpty, but I’m glad that I reserved final judgement until I actually tried it on. It has great movement, I’m in love with the fun and cheery print, and the crochet trim is such a great textural element! I decided to keep the boho vibe going and paired it with a druzy tassel necklace, beaded wrap bracelet, and some espadrille wedges. I love this look for a casual date night or brunch with the babes!
I’m so happy that it has been cooling off (slightly) in my neck of the woods, aka Southern California. M and I went down to San Diego to visit with my papa yesterday and it was about 15 degrees cooler! It was blissful sitting on his patio, with the light breeze and views of the foothills. We came back home and there was actually a chill in the air, and it made me really want to work on getting our patio and backyard in better condition for hosting outdoor parties as fall approaches. Right now we have a table with 4 chairs, a grill, and that’s about it! I’d love to get an outdoor cooler, some fun storage options and definitely more seating. I’d love recommendations on where to find some reasonably priced, and cute of course, outdoor décor! Side note, I can totally see myself wearing this outfit to host an end-of-summer party, can’t you?

Dress c/o Pink Blush Boutique // Necklace / My French Farm // Wedges / JustFab // Bracelet / LA find // Sunnies / Lauren Conrad for Kohls

Shot by Holli Z Photography.

This post was sponsored by Pink Blush Boutique. Items in this post were provided to me for reviewing purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or making purchases through them may provide me with a small commission.