Feature Attraction

Girly movie night with your best friend? Awesome. While wearing ruffles and florals? Even better.
It's just as easy to wear jeans with a blouse (or a nice knit top) and a cardigan as it is with a t shirt and hoodie. Trade up! The bolder the top, the less work you have do with accessories.
Same with the shoes. Cute flats are not exactly sneakers, but you can still do a mean run for the bus in them. While pretty much everyone has jumped on the ballet flat bandwagon, there is still time if you haven't.
Blouse: BCBG, BCBG Outlet (Tulalip WA)

Cardigan: J Crew

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity 'Faye', Hill's of Kerrisdale (Citizens: please start making these again)

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden, Zappos.com

The Darling Buds of June

Normally I wear this cardigan in more formal iterations, but I loved the way it paired with dots so much I wanted to wear it with my polka dot flats in a casual outfit.While I originally thought a short-sleeved cardigan would be totally impractical, and bought it for the print alone, I have been surprised at how often it is the perfect layering piece in a temperate climate like Vancouver's. I have been wearing my casual jean capris like crazy this spring with both t-shirts and converse and more dressed-up versions like this. I like how they make work staples like a staid floral cardigan and prim flats seem more laid-back.Because I often go for fun over practical, I have never owned a basic black camisole other than $6 spandex versions until I bought this empire-waisted one on sale at the Gap. I can't believe I ever lived without one! Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, Ebay
Camisole: Gap
Jeans: American Eagle
Flats: Jessica Simpson, 6pm.com
Necklace: Tiffany's, gifted by my boyfriend

How Green is My Valley

This outfit is all about casual comfort without the sloppy factor. Because I usually wear jeans, I always try to find special tops that can dress them up while being both work and every-day appropriate. Even everyday bottoms like these lighter-wash cuffed capris can pass muster with the addition of gold flats rather than sneakers.
This shell, which has been making many appearances on fashion blogs across the interwebs, fit the criteria perfectly. The unique print reminded me of impressionist blossoms in dappled sunlight, and the colours felt fresh for spring.
My green cardigan is complementary rather than coordinating. It works because its shade has a similar depth and tone as the hues in the blouse. A gold necklace adds additional formality and sparkle but doesn't seem out of place with the sunny print.

Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft

Capris: American Eagle

Cardigan: JCrew, Ebay

Flats: Tory Burch, Ebay

Necklace: Heirloom piece, my Grandfather's