When it comes to a classic look, blue jeans and a black tee are about as classic as you can get.  To elevate this go-to staple I switched out a black tee for a flowy black blouse, loaded on some metallic bracelets, and went with a platform heel and vibrant clutch.  Basic doesn’t have to be boring.

I am wearing Jeans: c/o Salsa .  They are a line known for having the perfect fit for you regardless of your shape.  I am wearing the Bliss Curvy fit jeans.  Top: Bardot (another cute one), Clutch: Forever 21,  Coin Bracelet: LowLuv,  Bangles: Forever 21

With my continuing mission to switch to more and more green/eco products all the time, I’ve now made the switch to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste.  I’ve really been liking it.  I don’t get that weird gritty aftertaste thing in my mouth after brushing.  My husband is not loving it as much.  He say’s it tastes a bit “mediciney”.   Hopefully it will just take a bit of getting used to for him.

The one I bought contains fluoride  whitens with naturally sourced silicas, freshens breath, and gives tarter control.  What makes it green?  Tom’s of Maine is cruelty free, uses sustainable practices, and has ingredients like calcium and peppermint oil.  My favorite missing ingredient?…sugar. Not in my toothpaste  please.

When it comes to my Summer wardrobe, I try to add a bit of colour and life to my warm weather style.  There are certain pieces in my closet that make my wardrobe a bit more fabulous.  Here are 5 of my musts to get me through our upcoming sun-shiny season.

1.  Silk Kimono top by Winter Kate

2. Silk printed maxi dress by BCBG.

3. Mint flowy hi-low skirt by Wilfred.

4. Floral print dress by Prabal  Gurung for Target

5. Sheer white blouse by Staple.

 Happy Friday! xoxo

New glosses, lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundation, and nail art by Revlon.

This Spring/Summer season Revlon is giving us loads of fresh, bright hues.  I recently had the opportunity to preview and try their new collection.  They have thought of all the things I care about for warmer weather.  Their Nearly Naked foundation offers up barely there coverage, beautiful new glosses and lip shades that scream Summer, and fun new nail lacquers in beautiful natural tones.  I’m personally quite in love with the Baby Sticks for lips and cheeks from the Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman.  You can either add sheer texture with a subtle flush to the cheek or do a punch of colour on the lip.  They have two limited addition shades…Sunset and Tahitian.  Love them!  I can’t wait to play even more with all these fun and amazing products.

Have a beauty question?  I’d love to hear them.

Many of us can get stuck wearing certain pieces together all the time.  We only wear that fave blue blouse with the black pants you bought it with.  The key to developing a wardrobe is to buy individual pieces that will work well with several other things already in your closet.  You have probably seen most of these items on my blog before (see below).  Here I took some of the elements of different outfits to re-mix them into a new casual look.

Jeans: Seven from Marshalls, Top: Joe Fresh (old), Bracelets: Forever 21, Bag: H&M, Scarf: Emu, Shoes: Nine West

The jeans, bag, shoes, and scarf as seen on the blog before.

Next time you go to get dressed, try and break up your favorite pairings into new and fabulous looks.  Not sure how to style something in your closet?  Shoot me your styling questions to jen@prairiegirlinthecity.com  I’d love to help:)

One of the most difficult natural products for me to switch over to was deodorant.  Over the last year I have tried about a dozen different products in this category.  I’ve tried powders, sprays, bars, liquids, and tradition deodorant sticks.  I found many of them didn’t work.  I was smelly, my clothes were smelly, and some even caused me to break out into rashes.  So after each disappointing test, I would go back to my “bad for me” deodorant that made me smell fresh and clean.  The reason I say bad-for-me, is because there have been many studies that show there are cancer causing agents in a lot of the traditional deodorants and antiperspirants we use.  Yikes!  Not worth it.

I finally feel my search is over.  I have now discovered Lafes all natural roll on deodorant.  I went with the active formula to give me a little extra protection.  What makes it green?  Lafes is gluten, paraben, and propylene glycol free.  It contains no harmful aluminums, was not tested on animals,  is certified organic, and is made with organic hemp oil, aloe vera, and essential oils.  Another thing I love is that 1% of their profits go to support breast cancer prevention.

To keep a more casual outfit looking polished, pay attention to all the details.  Little touches can amp up your jersey’s and knits.  For this look I kept my colour palette quite neutral and then added a few richer looking accessories.  I went with a studded bag and sandals, long silver necklace, layered bracelet, and sparkly stud earrings.  Other details like a fresh hair cut ( and color) and polished toes and nails allow me to feel great in whatever I put on…even casual looks.

Sweater: Inwear,  Skirt: Horny Toad,  Bag: Coach,  Bracelet: SIMS (see below for discount details), Shoes: gift,  Necklace: Karen Telio

SPECIAL PROMO FOR PRAIRIE GIRL READERS! From now until May 31st /2013 receive 20% off your online purchases from SIMS. (ON line coupon: 20OFF SIMS) Go to www.AreYOUwearingaSIMS.com To your door only $1.99 Can & US

My Mom and I on my wedding day.

1) Buy her a special little accessory to wear.  Every time she puts it on she’ll think of you.

2) Instead of a traditional gift, donate money to a charity near and dear to her heart.

3) If you live far away from her, have her favorite flowers delivered to her.  If she doesn’t really have a favorite,  think beyond roses.  Peonies are a beautiful bouquet to send.

4) Make her something she’ll love.  This could be as simple as some homemade cookies or take time and create a photo album of the two of you over the years.

5) Give her the one thing she really wants…time with you.  If you’re lucky enough to live close by take some time to hang out with your Mom.  It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re together.

Happy Mothers Day weekend!

We, on the West Coast, have been blessed with some amazing weather the last week or so.  With it being hot and sunny my mood has been quick to jump to Summer mode.  My love affair with maxi skirts and dresses continues.  I really hope maxis never go out of style.  I love them!  I’ve been bringing out my hoop earrings again.  They are a Summer staple for me.  Straw hats, sunnies, stackable rings, wedges, and sandals are all making their way into my day to day style routine.  For a bit of a change I’ve been going to neutral nail colours like soft beiges and nudes.   My super versatile leopard print scarf looks great paired with some bright cheery hues.  Coral lips are another warm weather go-to for me.  It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii.   What are you pulling out of your closet now that the weather is warming up?

When I think of The Great Gatsby, I think of lace, pearls, jewels, and exotic head wraps.  It’s a film where luxury and opulence are bountiful.  To take a style cue from this flick, based in the Roaring 20′s, I opted for a flattering white lace dress.  To keep that 20′s feel without getting too flapper costume like, I went with a modern ombre print scarf that I knotted and tied up turban style.  I also went with a 20′s inspired t-strap shoe but in a modern nubuck leather.  Accessories like this tassel pearl necklace, large gold cuff, and sequin clutch complete the look by adding some luxe.

Dress: Marshalls,  Shoes:Coclico  , Head Scarf: Emu, Necklace: Banana Republic, Cuff: H&M, Clutch: Kiss & Make-up

To see more Great Gatsby inspired looks, check out this week’s Style Panel at FashionMagazine.com