Love your Peplum Skirt

Today's post comes from a reader question. You may remember the darling Jessica from her Style Showcase. I thought it would be a good opportunity to not only answer her question, but to inform the rest of you if you have similar questions. 
Jessica inquires: "I just bought the cutest olive green peplum skirt. I want to wear it in summer/winter to get my money's worth. My mom told me to pair it with a white button-up for starters, but I want more ideas/suggestions, too. Can you help me?" 


Good for you getting your money's worth from your purchases, Jessica! Your mom is right. A white button-up will look great with this skirt. In fact, you can wear it with a lot of things from your basic wardrobe. If you are looking for something different, or to make a statement, remember that olive green is a neutral and can be worn with just about anything. For a fun pop of color try navy blue, pink, or olive's color wheel complement, lavender. With a plain blouse, let your accessories do the talking. Pair a lavender blouse with a simple necklace, printed shoes, and coordinating earrings.
1. Similar
2. J. Crew
3. Topshop
4. Dillards
5. Anthropologie

Another great option for summer is a floral top. You will love this blouse from Old Navy because the print is eye-catching, yet the silhouette is simple. You will want to tuck everything into a peplum skirt to allow attention to the detail of the skirt. Balance the feminine top and flouncy skirt with a cuff bracelet and simple studs to keep your look edgy.

3. Macy's
5. Target

By trading your summer color palette for something richer, your skirt can be ready for fall! Take your look from Thanksgiving to New Year's with a sequin tank, matching cardigan, and knee high boots. Keep your styling simple by skipping a necklace and adding simple drop earrings and a wrist full of bangles.

1. Similar
2. Express
3. Macy's
4. Pink Mascara
5. J. Crew
6. Kohl's
7. Kohl's

Thanks Jessica for your inquiry, I hope this helps, and I hope it helps the rest of you, too!
If you have any style questions e-mail me at grownupdressup {at} gmail {dot} com.

Independence: For Every Budget

I've always believed in adapting a festive, yet interpretive approach to holidays. The following looks will help you look fashionably patriotic and keep your pocketbook happy. 


Make a Splash: Under $40
Indigo tankini top- $19.99 Target
 Indigo Side-Tie Bottom- $17.99 Target
Total: $37.99*

Stars & Stripes: Under $50

Twill skinny pants- $15.80 Forever 21
Flutter sleeve blouse- $20.97 Old Navy
Earrings- $2.80 Forever 21 
Espadrilles- $10 JC Penny
Total: 49.57*


Firecracker: Under $50

Clean stitch T- $7.99 Gap
Crosswalk skirt- $39 Shabby Apple (use code 'COLOR' at checkout)
Earrings- $2.50 Forever 21
Total: $49.49*




*Prices do not reflect tax or shipping.

Smitten With

Metromint water. I love this unexpected flavor and all natural ingredients. Can't wait to try them all. And clearly in my next garden I will be planting mint to make my own.
What to Expect. We seriously laughed our heads off at this movie. Chris Rock was the best part of this movie.

And this one for that matter



Ok, one more movie. This trailer. Ahhh! I want to cry every time I watch it. You can guess where I will be Christmas Day.




My germaphobe husband has forever ruined hotel rooms for me. I was so happy to see this remote in our room on our most recent trip. It is specifically designed to be easy to disinfect. I was especially grateful when I later learned in a news report that the remote control harbors more germs than any other object in your hotel room. Ewww.

 Have you seen these new Freestyle Coke machines? They are so cool and have any concoction you can imagine. I love them! I get excited when the machines are available. With over 100 choices, you may start to worry, "what if I choose the wrong one and blow it?" Fear not, even if you make a mistake and choose a lousy flavor, you can just dump it out and start over. Just so you know, Vanilla Sprite was nasty. My favorite so far has been Peach Sprite and the Dasani flavored water. If you want to know all 127 options, and read a hilarious review of EVERY option, check out this article.