Memorial Day Vibes

While Memorial Day has always signaled the start of summer for me, I also want to take a moment to express gratitude to the brave souls who have served and continue to serve this beautiful country so that we may sleep in peace and live our lives day to day knowing that we are protected and watched over. From the bottom of my heart I am grateful for the blanket of protection these soldiers have served us.  Paying respect to those who have perished for us, and giving a sincere heartfelt wish that all those serving now will return home safely to their families.

xo Karen

(All photographs were taken by the badass team at ZY2PHOTO Photography, Kelly Ridgeway and Betz Dauterman.)  Follow them on instagram at @zy2photo.

On a lighter note, I have now included links on here so that you can click and shop the look instantly for your convenience!  If an item is no longer available ( like this sold out Freedom maxi dress by 

(Forever 21) I will do my best to include a link to a similar piece.  Hope you find this helpful!

SHOP THE LOOK:

I See You

In the past, many fashion risk takers who have dared to don see-through clothing have been penalized to some version of a  "Would You be Caught Dead In This" list of fashion mishaps.  But lately, with so many cute lingerie lines out there, such as my favorite, SKIVVIES by For Love & Lemons, it's almost a damn shame to not let your pretty underthings show!!  This lovely see through lace dress is not only girly and feminine, but it's the perfect piece to showcase your sexy skivvies, which, let's face it, are a fashion statement on their own!

This trend of see through lace/ sheer dresses and tops is one that I'm feeling, if done in a tasteful way. Some pieces I've seen are downright gorgeous if you ask me. (Did y'all catch the Beyonces and J Lo's at the MET Gala this year??)  Just stunning.  What do you guys think? Would you dare to go see through?

xo Karen

Outfit Details:

Dress: Luna Boutique

Bra: For Love and Lemons

Bodysuit: DKNY

Necklace: (No longer avail, here is similar) Vanessa Mooney

Boots: Steve Madden

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Backpack: (similar) Luna Boutique

Photography: Kelly Ridgeway and Betz Dauterman (ZY2PHOTO Photography)

Summer Vacation Staple: The Romper

I've always been a fan of the maxi dress.  Slip one on and add a few accessories, and it's the quickest most effortless way to look put together.  I'm loving summer's version of the maxi dress, the romper.  Rompers are great because they are a quick throw on one piece, much like the maxi dress, but much shorter for the sunny weather, and are "shorts" versus a dress, for a more casual, on the go outfit.  I love the ones that are low in the front and are pretty much backless, like the one I'm wearing here, because they almost have a one-piece bathing suit (which are making a comeback in a strong way) vibe to them.  It's perfect to wear to lunch on vacation straight to an impromptu lay out at the pool!  Speaking of vacation...you guys have any plans coming up for Memorial Weekend? Make sure to pack a romper on that vaycay!

xo Karen

        Outfit Details:

Romper: Luna Boutique

Hat:  Merilees Swimwear (similar)

Photography: Rahil Hashim Photography

Tribal Playset

One trend I'm loving this spring/ summer is the matching playset.  They're fun to wear together as a matching set, or wear separately to create many looks. Some of the fun ones I've seen have a cropped top and a high waist short, giving it a flirty summer vibe.  This one is by one of my favorite brands, Free People.  The side lacing detail and fun tribal print makes it perfect for vacation! What do you guys think???

xo Karen

Outfit Details:

Playset: Free People

Sunglasses: Quay Australia

Photography: Rahim Hashim