My One Year Anniversary!

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Skirt: Zara ||  Crop Top: American Apparel  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot   || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old)  || Sunglasses: Anthropologie

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Skirt: Zara ||  Crop Top: American Apparel  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot   || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old)  || Sunglasses: Anthropologie

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You guys! It's officially been 1 year since I started my blog! I can't believe it. I'm so grateful for all of you who have encouraged and supported me through this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Wow, a lot has changed in a year. And some things have stayed the same...like I still love to rock a midi skirt and crop top! :) So I thought why not celebrate my first birthday with one of my favorite looks!?

You know, you really can't go wrong with black and white. It will always be a classic look. To give this timeless combo a modern twist, opt for bold prints like graphics or florals. And try a crop top! Come on! It's about time! Like I said on my very first blog post, you just need to show a sliver of skin. And if done right, you can wear this look to work or church! (Yes, I said it!) So I found this midi skirt at Zara a few months back and immediately fell in love with the design. I thought it looked like a piece of art. This might sound like a no-brainer but make sure you really love a print before you try it on or buy it. The more you love the design, the more wear you'll get out of it. And when you're looking for a crop top, try one that is a basic color, fitted, and cut with a higher neck (that way you're really not showing too much skin and it will go with every high waisted skirt you own!). P.S. This American Apparel one I'm wearing is still online!

It looks like this midi skirt is only available in stores at the moment but have no fear because I've included a few similar options from Anthropologie below. Oh Anthro, you have so many most gorgeous skirts! Hey, a girl can day dream...

The Little Tin Man Opening Weekend OOTD

Laura Perkins and Kiki Kapral                                                 Dress: Madewell  ||  Heels: Aldo

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MacKenzie Mauzy and Laura Perkins

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Laura and Matthew Perkins (Writer/Director of The Little Tin Man)

Catherine Quinn O'Neill, Angela Francine Popplewell and Laura Perkins  Crop Top: American Apparel  ||  Skirt: Urban Outfitters  ||  Heels: Aldo  ||  Earrings: Alexis Bitar

Carly Creighton and Laura Perkins

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The Little Tin Man  ||  Watch the Trailer

My husband's first feature film, The Little Tin Man, recently opened on October 3rd!! I don't think words can express how extremely proud I am of him. He has been working on this passion project for 10 years and now the world can finally see it (it's available nation-wide On Demand)! This has been a long journey with a lot of blood, sweat and tears so I can't even begin to tell you how incredibly grateful we were for the amazing review from the New York Times! It was definitely an example to us of God's faithfulness.

The Little Tin Man is an indie darling about not giving up on your dreams. One of my favorite lines from the film is what Lead Actor Kay Cannon (Writer of 30 Rock, New Girl and Pitch Perfect) says to Star Aaron Beelner, "If you're going to have one regret, please don't let it be that you never tried." That is such a good reminder for me, especially in this season that I'm in.

But, okay - let's talk fashion! I'm not gonna lie, I had the hardest time figuring out what to wear for Opening Weekend. I'll admit it was one of those moments where I tried on like 50 things in my closet! I don't know about you but when something is really important, I like to wear something new. But since I was on a bit of a budget, I was determined to find something in my closet that appeared to be new! So after much thought, on the first night I decided to wear a black fitted pencil skirt with a black crop top and statement earrings. (I seriously almost put a flannel shirt around my waist because we were in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (just kidding! Although maybe that would have been cool!?). The second night I decided to wear this burgundy fit and flare dress with leather trim around the neck. I realized I had worn this to the Napa Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and Naples International Film Festival so I figured it was only fitting to wear it in New York for the theatrical release!

And I have to thank all my sweet friends who made it out to the Opening Weekend screenings to celebrate with us! We are so appreciative of your support! It really meant so much to us! Love you guys!!

The Midi Skirt Secret

Skirt: Madewell  ||  Crop top: American Apparel  ||  Heels: Jessica Simpson (old)  ||  Clutch: J.Crew  ||  Necklace: Go Fish 

Dress: Urban Outfitters  ||  Tshirt: J.Crew (similar)  ||  Necklace: Go Fish  ||  Heels: Aldo (similar)

You all probably know by now that I love midi skirts! (You might even remember that In my Loehmann's video I say that it's my favorite trend!) As I've talked about in previous posts, they look great with crop tops or graphic shirts and my #1 rule is that you must wear them with heels. BUT what I haven't shared with you all is my midi skirt secret! It may come as a surprise that in the photo above, I'm actually wearing a yellow striped midi dress (not a skirt)! Whoa! I added a basic t-shirt over this sleeveless dress and tied it in a knot in the back to create the look of a midi skirt. I made sure to have the shirt hit my waist when knotting it to give the illusion that the skirt was high waisted. Is your mind blown or what?! :) Seriously though, I encourage you to try this with any of your mid-length dresses in your closet. It will immediately update your wardrobe! Plus you get to wear something old in a new way! Yippee! And I can't forget to mention my Go Fish necklace that I absolutely adore and wear all the time! Fall Styling tip: In cooler temperatures, throw on a jean jacket (over your shoulders of course!).

How to Wear A Crop Top

One of my favorite trends this year has definitely been the crop top. I'm not sure if it's because I went to high school during the Britney Spears era or I'm just a Florida girl at heart. Either way, I hope this trend stays around for a while. A lot of my friends will tell me that a crop top is not for them or that they can't pull it off,  but I strongly disagree. If a pregnant Kerry Washington can do it, anyone can! The key is proportions. If you're going to wear a crop top, I recommend higher waisted bottoms so you are only showing a silver of skin (in the most flattering area - your natural waist). For a crop top look that is feminine without coming across too scandalous, pair with a full midi skirt or trouser pants. The proportion in length and looseness keeps it classy yet modern. And bonus - it makes your waist look teeny-tiny! Here are a few ways I've worn a crop top.

Top: American Apparel, Skirt: H&M, Purse: Michal Kors

Top: American Apparel, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: Aldo Necklace: Go Fish

Top: Urban Outfitters Pants: Zara Shoes: Aldo Necklace: Go Fish

Top: Urban Outfitters Pants: Zara Shoes: Aldo Necklace: Go Fish