Spring Layers

Tuesday, March 31, 2015



Free People Jacket & Crossbody - c/o Marshalls
Skirt & Top - Plato's Closet
Scarf - H&M
Heels - random online store








The mornings start a bit cooler, so layering is key! I opted for some light layers for this simple, yet ladylike look. I love throwing on a scarf to add a little color or print to my look.  I also mixed textures with this embroidered denim jacket and netted skirt. I'm obsessed with this jacket- I had been eyeing this Free People jacket online and was so excited to find it at Marshalls for a fraction of the price. 

We have been busy over here lately. If you follow me on Instagram (@FrancescaPenko), you may remember me posting about #ourlittletrailer. Nick and I bought a 1978 Aristocrat to beautify for our camping, now "glamping" trips. Well, in less than a month we have our first trip planned, so everyday  we are working like crazy to get it ready. I've been taking lots of photos and I can't wait to post them all. It's been a budget DIY heaven for me! I don't know what I'm more excited about- having a cute little trailer for adventures or not having to tent camp with an infant. Both are a win!

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 
in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB
As always, all opinions are my own.






Floral Jumpsuit

Tuesday, March 24, 2015


Yumi Kim Jumpsuit - c/o Marshalls
Heels - Steve Madden
Foley + Corinna Clutch - Ebay











Sometimes we find a fashion piece that completely embodies us- whether it be a rhinestoned heel, sleek blazer, frilly tulle skirt or in this case, a bright floral jumpsuit.
I've always been a fan of color and bright prints, they just make me happy! When I found this jumpsuit at Marshalls for a killer price, I immediately imagines all the events I would wear it to, the accessories I would add, and how it would be relatively resistant to Uriah's messy-ness ;)
I jumped on the jumpsuit bandwagon last year and haven't looked back since. They are so versatile and comfortable, but also incredible chic. I mean, why wear a dress to a wedding or drinks with the girls when you can boogie all night in a rockin' jumpsuit. Marshalls currently has tons of jumpsuits and rompers for every shape, size, and more importantly- style. 

I always look certain criteria when it comes to jumpsuits, so here are a few of my must-haves:

Neckline- I'm not a busty girl, so I want a neckline that is flattering for my smaller chest. What I love about this halter neckline is that it gives the illusion of curves and shows off my shoulders and back. Another great, universally flattering neckline is the surplice top. This designer jumpsuit is a hybrid of both and broke up the bold print nicely.

Fabric- Is the jumpsuit made from a silky fabric (like the one I'm wearing) or a thick jersey knit? I usually stick to wearing cotton or jersey fabric jumpsuits with flats for a more casual look and I wear silky or linen jumpsuits to fancier events. And don't be afraid to substitute a dress for a jumpsuit- I promise you will be glad you did!

Balance- I tend to gravitate towards jumpsuits with a cinched or belted waist with a fitted leg, this helps elongate my shorter frame and the tighter waist gives the illusion of curves. If you want a different look, try a jumpsuit with a flared leg and a fitted top- this will give you more of a bohemian vibe. Another way I balance my look is how I choose to accessorize; if the print is bold, I keep my accessories neutral and minimal, but if it's all black then I'll add a nice statement necklace and edgy heels.

Jumpsuits are making their way back into the scene and aren't going anywhere, so this is definitely a trend to try. If you are thinking of trying a jumpsuit, I always recommend a simple black jumpsuit! 
I started with a simple black jumpsuit (also from Marshalls) and since then I've been hooked!

What are some of your tips for jumpsuits?

Thank you for reading!

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 
in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB
As always, all opinions are my own.





Chasing Dreams

Wednesday, March 11, 2015


Top - Plato's Closet 
DIY Ripped Jeans - Thrifted and Restyled
Booties - Thrifted
Chain Clutch - c/o Marshalls











Over the past year, I've grown my photography business more than I could have imagined. I haven't chatted about it much here, but it's been such a great and fulfilling experience for me. I will admit, it was scary in the beginning, but I didn't want to be controlled by fear and in a job I hated. I went to school and got a degree in Early Childhood Development, but it just wasn't my dream. I always wanted to be a photographer, but was intimidated and had no idea where to even begin. Nick was the one to push me towards this career plunge and encouraged me countless nights when I had doubts. 
Getting the chance to run my own business, meet amazing clients and plan beautiful shoots has been a dream. I feel like such a #girlboss, especially after I started from scratch, working my little booty off to build it. I love that I'm able to use my creativity every day and get the honor of capturing special moments for people. One of the best parts is that I still get to enjoy days with Uriah and be a full-time mom, but when I have sessions or editing (so.much.editing) to finish, Uriah gets to spend the day with his aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It's the best of both worlds! 

With being a lifestyle and wedding photographer, dressing the part is important. For my lifestyle sessions, I wear outfits like the one I'm wearing today, except I may switch out the shoes depending on the location. Pants can be tricky because I am bending or squatting and they need to be stretchy for comfort reasons. And heck, I don't want to ruin a pair I love! I picked up this pair at a thrift store and decided to distress them a bit for a edgier look. After adding a few rips and a raw hemline, they've become one of my favorite pairs. I switched out my flats for heels, and my camera bag for a cute clutch and headed out to dinner with my family after my shoot. 
If you want to see my photography, head over to my website HERE

I love collaborating- especially for fashion related shoots, so if you're in the Bay Area and have some fun ideas..let's chat!




Spring Prints

Monday, March 2, 2015




















 






outfit 1:
Romper ($3.50) & Blazer - c/o Marshalls
Heels - Steve Madden
Givenchy Clutch - Thrifted

outfit 2:
Dress ($5.00) - c/o Marshalls
Heels - Thrifted

outfit 3:
Joe's Jeans & Leather Jacket- c/o Marshalls
Top - H&M
Heels - Thrifted


While spring is not officially here, we have been having quite a few warm spring-like days. When I wake up with the sun shining brightly, I can't help but bust out the bright prints and breezy fabrics. I love to give my wardrobe a little refresh at the start of the season, so I usually head to Marshalls to get some spring essentials. For spring especially, I gravitate towards bright prints; whether it's geometrics patterns, florals, or soft water colors- I'm sold! The nights tend to stay cool, so I want something that can transition easily into summer, but can still be worn in the cooler months. I have always been a fan of anything and everything printed. Jeans, blazers, dresses, kimonos- you name it! Prints are a great transition items for when it's time to shed those winter layers And don't be intimidated by bold prints- there's a print for everyone! Sometimes these can be outside of our comfort zone, but I'm sharing a few ways to try this trend for spring.





Tips for wearing spring prints
__________

Bright Rompers - Most rompers come in vibrant, beautiful prints. The best part about rompers is that you don't need to stress about what you will pair it with because it's one piece. The only decisions you need to make involve accessories- I don't know about you, but that makes getting ready a million times easier! If you're looking for trendy rompers, make sure to head over to The Cube during your next Marshalls visit. They always carry great ones and they're usually under $20! Like this firework romper from a recent post or the romper I'm wearing above. The geometric romper I'm wearing was actually on the clearance rack. I was on the fence, but when I saw the insane price tag, it wasn't even a question. When I say insane, I really mean it! I paid $3.50 for this. No joke! Less than a latte. I dressed it up with a beaded belt (to add a little texture) and some studded heels. The romper is a bold print, but when paired with simple accessories, it makes quite the statement.

Printed Dresses - Most dresses come in pretty prints, so look for unique fits and cuts. The dress I'm wearing has a great off the shoulder top (one of my favorite solliuettes) paired with a cinched waist and flirty length. This dress is another clearance find- it was only $5.00. I was drawn to the pastel paisley print(perfect for spring)...and who am I kidding- I loved that it was only $5.00. One great thing about Marshalls is that I can buy trendy dresses, like the one above, but also some of my favorite investment ones! People are always surprised when they find out Marshalls carries amazing designer brands like Free People, Parker, and Joie. When wearing printed dresses the possibilities are truly endless; you can mix prints with a fun scarf or patterned sweater, add a simple blazer, or dress up your look with some chic lace-up heels. And you can score all those items in one stop at Marshalls.

Printed Pants - I know these can be super intimidating, but I believe theres a style for everyone! If you're new to this trend, try a neutral print or a light polka dot. Both of these are great ways to try out the trend without wearing something too bold. My favorite is printed denim, because they still have the denim wash we all love, but with subtle accent. I like to keep the rest of my outfit very simple when I wear printed pants, like the killer pair I'm wearing above! The tuxedo strip was essential for breaking up the scarf print, while adding a little length to my leg. They look like a trouser, but they're actually white jeans with a print on top. These Joe's jeans fit like a glove and were only $39.99. Score! There are a ton of great options at Marshalls for all shapes and sizes. And who knows, you may be reaching for those bright floral pants soon! 

Spring Printed Blouses - If printed pants, dresses or rompers are still too bold, a blouse is the perfect way to refresh your look and add some color and dimension to your closet. The best part is that you can pair it with your favorite jeans and flats, or dress it up with a textured lace skirt and sandals. Just like dresses, printed blouses are incredibly versatile! Try to step outside of your comfort zone with a bold blouse or by mixing prints. 



Adding prints is a great way to bring some color to your wardrobe and get ready for the warmer months to come. All the outfits I posted feature great spring prints and together cost under $50. Insane!  I hope you got a little inspiration for spring and are ready to head over to your local Marshalls to score some of the items I shared about. They get new items every single day, so you never know what you will find when you go. It's like a treasure hunt!

How do you plan to wear prints this spring?
Thank you for reading!


Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. 
in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB
As always, all opinions are my own.