Camo and Lace

One of my favorite things to do when getting dressed is to pick unique textures and prints and mix them! Today's outfit is one of my favorite examples of that, camo and lace. Loft has some really amazing sweatshirts out right now that you can dress up or dress down, I think they are perfect for work, an evening out or casual weekend. This olive green lace is one of my favorites that I bought for this fall. You can pair it with boyfriend jeans, a cute skirt or black pants as I show here. I also love the added pop of the camo print shoes, it really brings a unique and funky style to this outfit.

Lace Front Sweatshirt - Loft - $59.50, Black Skinny Jeans - Old Navy - $29.50, Open Side Camo Flats - American Eagle - $24.99

Loft has 40% off tops today, American Eagle has BOGO 1/2 off all shoes, and Old Navy has 30% off when you have a Gap, Old Navy or Banana Card code "STUFFSAVE" or 20% off without the card using code "DEAL"

Welcome back 70's

Sorry for the delay in posts, with the holiday and getting my boys ready for back to school life has been a little crazy to say the least. New York Fashion week is in full swing and I love seeing all the pictures and styles that are popping up on my news feed.  This is definitely on my bucket list to go to someday! The best part is as far as I can see the 70's are coming back! I have often said I think I was born in the wrong decade, I love the style of the 70's long flowing dresses, big floppy hats, flare jeans, billowy tops and platform shoes.  The silhouettes are both feminine with a touch of bohemian chic, 2 of my favorite things. 

Take a look at some of the affordable 70's inspired items from Target that I found, and let me know which are your favorite. These are all great items that can transition to fall as well. 

Woven Lace Detail Top - Target - $24.99, Tortoise Cateye Sunglasses - Target - $14.99, High Waist Flare Denim - Target - $29.99, Long Chain Beaded and Fringe Necklace - Target - $16.99, Fringe Crossbody Bag - Target - $26.99, Sylvia Platform Wedge - Target - $25.48

All items are under $30, as well as if you spend over $99 online you save 20% off with the promo code "PREVIEW".

CHATBOOKS

Have ya'll heard of chatbooks?? I was perusing one of my fellow blogger's Instagram the other day and she posted this great new app called Chatbooks where you can upload photos from your phone or Instagram and create 6"x6" bound photo books 60 pages for only $6 free shipping!  My boys love to look at pictures and I have been horrible lately about printing prints so I fell in love and immediately ordered 9 photo books of all my Instagram photos. The best part is if you sign up for there automatic service it will let you know everytime you get close to 60 pages and you can pick out what photos you want and order your next book. Chatbooks was kind enough to offer a coupon code for my readers, It is good for their first book free in their Instagram subscription, with a minimum order of three books. Coupon Code: CHATFB . Check it out and let me know what you think, I am so excited to get my books and will definitely share pics when I receive them!

Rad in Plaid

If you have been watching the trends for this fall you have probably seen the trusty plaid check show up once again. This country girl is a lifetime lover of plaid, from the traditional red to the fun new incarnations designers are coming up with this fall. We are seeing it on everything from shirts, to jackets to shoes. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Best I Ever Plaid Blouse - Shop Sosie - $39.00

2. Stepping to the Beat Flat in Plaid - ModCloth - $39.99

3. Remixed Plaid Knotted Headwrap - Forever 21 - $3.80

4. Wrapped Plaid Cardigan - Shop Elysian - $54.00

5. Plaid Western Shirt Dress - Gap - $59.95

DIY Easy Marquee Letter

I am love with an and all things retro and vintage, and one thing I have been dying to have is a marquee letter. The issue is vintage ones are few and far between and most of the DIY versions didn't look very "original" to me and the good DIY ones were pretty difficult. So I figured I am sure there is a better way I can do it myself, and a matter of fact there was, and bonus it is super easy! I was at my local Hobby Lobby and found this galvanized metal letter "H" and knew this was the perfect place to start my marquee project and with my 40% off coupon I couldn't beat the price.

Galvanized Metal Letter - Hobby Lobby - $29.99 after coupon $17.99

Supplies

Large Metal Letter - Hobby Lobby

String Lights - I bought these ones from Target

Sharpie 

Drill and Bit

Zip Ties

Instructions

1. Mark off and drill out holes where you want your lights to go. I drilled 11 holes 5 on each side and 1 in the middle. 

2. Unscrew the bulbs off the lights and place them in the open holes, screw the light bulbs back on the 11 bulbs that are sticking out the front, leave the remainder without the bulbs on.

3. Zip tie all of the cord down so it is all tucked within the back of the letter leaving the plug hanging towards the bottom so it can easily be plugged in with an extension cord.

4. You are finished, all you need to do is hang it up on your wall and add a small extension cord, I bought a 6 ft brown one from Lowe's for $1.97.

Here is the finished product, don't you just LOVE it!!

Total Project Cost - $29.95

Simplicity Saturday

I don't think anything can be simpler than a sweatshirt, I think I could honestly rock one everyday especially lately since it has been a little bit cooler here in Michigan. I love how versatile they are, and can be dressed up with a cute mini skirt or thrown on with your favorite pair of jeans. I also tend to gravitate towards anything striped, and this hooded sweatshirt is no exception. I just ordered it on pre-order to arrive in September just in time for the cooler weather, I can't wait!

Double Hooded Sweatshirt - Mindy Mae's Market - $49.99

Boutique Your Interest

I am often asked what my favorite boutiques are that I shop online to find unique pieces. I am a big online shopper so it seems like I am always coming across new and cute boutiques. There are a ton out there, a great place to search is Pinterest, but here are a few of my favorites right now.

Lily Boutique is great for finding the perfect dress for an upcoming wedding or event that you need something dressy for. They often provide designer inspired cost friendly options. For instance this dress is inspired from the $2980.00 Lace Valentino Dress that Cameron Diaz wore and they offer it in both a black and ivory option.

Prairie Angel Valentino Inspired Dress - Lily Boutique - $70.00

Red Dress Boutique offers a colorful variety of unique and trendy clothing options. They offer styles that are casual and comfy along with limited one of a kind pieces. If you are looking for something to brighten your day, just peruse this online boutique. Speaking of unique, I absolutely adore this dress for fall!

Look No Further Dress - Red Dress Boutique - $44.00

Ducks and Dressing - Korie Robertson and daughter Rebecca branched out from their success on everyone's favorite American reality TV show Duck Dynasty to launch their own clothing boutique in their hometown of Monroe, LA.  They say it is a mix of Anthropolgie and Milk & Honey but with their own southern twist and I completely agree! They are a little more on the high end than I personally like to spend, but they have great quality products and you can definitely find some deals like this top below, especially if you follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Eyelit Trim Top - Ducks & Dressing - $39.00

I am thinking I may update this every couple months since there is always new ones popping up. Let me know what you think!

Beach Ready Cover Up

August is upon us and if you are anything like me you are trying to enjoy these last dog days of summer. I live in Michigan and we try and soak up as many of these beautiful days as possible before the long winter starts again...cry, cry, cry. One of my favorite things about Michigan and our summers are all the beautiful lakes that surround us. My husband and I are blessed to have a boat out by Lake Michigan so we try and get out there with our boys as much as possible. One of the things I am always looking for is a good bathing suit cover up. Here are couple that I recently bought and a few more that are on my wishlist.

Cover Up Swim Dress - Target - $17.99, Strappy Cami Dress - ASOS - $29.02

More options

Kvetka Floral Print Swing Dress

Willa Embroidered Dress

Aniya Tunic in Blush

Morning Jogger Pant

Looking for something casual plus cute, you have found your match with the jogger pant. The question is how to style them without looking like you are wearing your big brother's old college sweatpants. The jogger pant is extremely comfortable while offering a look that is extremely versatile. You can wear them running errands, traveling or even dress them up for a night out. Here are a couple outfits I have put together showing you the all around options for this style pant.

Jogger Pant - H&M - $24.95,  Lyocell Tank Top - H&M - $17.95, Long Necklace - H&M - $5.95, Loafers - H&M - $14.95, Handbag - H&M - $49.95

French Terry Jogger - Alloy - $29.90, Olivia Blouse - Alloy - $19.90, Tessa Heel - Alloy - $29.90, Piper Triple Zip Crossbody Bag - Alloy - $24.90

Here some additional pairs of jogger pants

Faux Leather Trimmed Jogger

ASOS Super Soft Joggers

Bobeau Track Pants

Entirely Elegant Peplum

One of the things I have been crushing on for a while is peplums, whether it be a peplum skirt, dress jacket or top I think they are to die for. When it comes to Peplum's I think ASOS has cornered the market on this trend and made some amazingly chic products. This is a dress I bought for an upcoming wedding, it is modest but also sexy which I love.

Midi Dress With Peplum Hem and Sweetheart Neckline - ASOS - $85.74

Here are a couple other Peplum items from ASOS I have been pining over. 

Peplum Hem Scuba Pencil Skirt In Watercolour Ombre Print - ASOS - $51.45, Blazer In Longline With Peplum Hem - ASOS - $38.11, Peplum Top in Scuba with Floral Print - ASOS - $40.01, Scuba Pencil Dress with Peplum Hem in Floral Print - ASOS - $85.74

Save A Swim for Me High Waisted Bikini's

Last year when I was diagnosed with colon cancer and had my colon removed, I had to live with an ileostomy for 5 months. I had the ileostomy over the entire summer and since my husband and I own a boat I was dreading finding a swim suit that was still cute but would hide my ostomy. The answer to my prayers came in a high waisted bikini, I wore them all summer and ended up falling in love with them. I adore anything vintage and you can add this one to the list. Here is a picture of me in my High Waisted Bikini from Urban Outfitters last summer.

This exact swim suit is no longer in stock, but I wanted to show you a couple other options. These are great for my fellow girls with ostomies, but I think they really flatter any body type.  I love how so many people are picking up on this trend this summer, including AE and Victorias Secret, I must have started something  ;)

Here are a couple styles I love for this summer. Also being that it is the end of the season a lot of these are on super sale!! I bought the 3rd one this spring and wear it with a navy bandeau from Target top so cute!!

Beach Sexy High Waist Bottom - Victorias Secret - $13.00, Aerie Hi-Rise Convertible Bikini Bottom - Aerie - 19.99, Out From Under Ruched High-Waist Bikini Bottom - Urban Outfitters - $42.00, Out From Under Ruched High-Waist Bikini Bottom - Urban Outfitters - $42.00

Here are a couple others I am liking too.

Unique Vintage Monroe Bikini Bottom

Unique Vintage Monroe Bikini Bottom

Pour Moi Curves Poynesia Deep Brief Bikini Bottom

Flounce SwimMini Swim Skirt

Around the Clock Cargo

Skinny cargo pants are a street style that I just love. The fun thing about Cargo pants are you can wear them for casual or dress them up for a fun night out. They are a trendy alternative to your colored skinny jeans and are a perfect style for the summer and going into the Fall. Either way they are a must have in my book. I wanted to show you a couple looks featuring this adorable cargo pant from Kohls for only $24.99.  They come in multiple colors, my favorite being the Smoky Forest. Everything is from Kohls and both outfits total under $100!!

SO Skinny Cargo Pants - Kohls - $24.99, LC Lauren Conrad Lace Chiffon Top - Kohls - $32.99, Mudd Gold Tone Cabochon Long Necklace - Kohls - $10.40, SO Gladiator Flat Sandals - Kohls - $18.97, Apt 9 Gina Gusset Mini Convertible Phone Wallet - Kohls - $10.20

SO Skinny Cargo Pants - Kohls - $24.99, Mudd Lace Halter Top - Kohls - $14.00, Jennifer Lopez Simulated Crystal Fringe Necklace - Kohls - $7.60, Elle Peep Toe High Heels - Kohls - $41.99, Apt 9 Gina Gusseted Leopard Convertible Wristlet - Kohls - $10.20

Happy Shopping!

Midi Yes

I don't know about you, but I am loving midi skirts right now. Maybe because I am tall and it's finally a trend where my booty doesn't hang out either way I think they are just fabulous.
I do think in order to pull it off there is a few musts.
1. Since there is more volume on the bottom I recommend wearing a more form fitting top, and if your brave maybe even a crop top!
2. High heels are a must! Sorry ladies but flats will just make you look frumpy. Booties are okay too!
Here are a few bargain combos.

Crinkled Skirt - H&M - $34.95

Classic Lace A-Line Skirt - Forever 21 - $27.80

Floral Print Full Midi Skirt - Charlotte Russe - $22.99

Belle of the Ballet

Most little girls grow up being fascinated with ballerinas, they're a beautiful, strong and ladylike. Their dresses are to die for and shoes, what little girls didn't dance around their house in a pair of ballerina slippers? So why not dance through your day in the big girl version of the ballet slipper. 

Get the look for less!

Chloe Squared Toe Ballerina Flat - Barney's New York - $179.00 On Sale Normally $450.00

Audrey Brooke Pierre Ballet Flat - DSW $59.95

Similar Versions

Bamboo Ballet Flat

Gomax Ballerina Flat
Corso Como Flat

Follow your Dreams

Hi, my name is Heidi! I am a wife and mom of two beautiful rambunctious little boys. I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and I have a passion for fashion and beauty. I love scouring the internet and stores to find the latest styles and and fashions for a steal. I get joy out of going through my friends closets and helping them put outfits together with what they have, showing them what they could get rid of and what staples they could add. Every women deserves to feel beautiful even if they are on a budget.  I believe fashion is a form of art, and really speaks to who you are. I love to take chances, and keep people guessing with my style.

I have been dreaming of doing this for a while, and after going through some tough times and through encouragement of close friends and family I am finally taking the leap and doing something that I love. My goal is to uplift encourage and motivate women to be the best version of themselves.

A little about my journey, I was diagnosed with Indeterminable Colitis when I was 12 years old. I went through many years of being extremely sick causing a lot of problems including both of my boys being born prematurely due to not getting enough nutrition from me. In 2013 at age 28 I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I underwent a total colectomy and went through 6 rounds of chemo. I lived with an ileostomy for 6 months, and had another surgery to "reconnect" everything. Those were the hardest days of my life, but going through that year a lot of things were really put into perspective for me. Mostly the importance of God being number one in my life and trusting Him no matter what.  I truly felt his hand through all the hardships, he carried me through those times. Also I learned the true meaning of love for my Husband, boys, family and friends, and being happy with who I am scars and all. By the grace of God I am happy to say I just had my one year anniversary of finding out and I am Cancer Free and feel healthier than ever!! Feel free to read more about my health journey here- Heidi Henion blog.  I know my story could have turned out a lot differently so I am taking my second chance at life to do something I love.

With all that being said, welcome to my blog my creative outlet where I will share my fashion finds, outfit ideas, some DIY, cooking, and general life insights. The name of my blog is Dash of Flare because if you know me I have had a long time love and obsession with big flare bell bottom jeans. I think they are effortlessly chic and make your legs look super long.

So for my first fashion find I want to share of course some super cute flare jeans for a steal, and bonus for us tall girls they come in longer inseams as well!

Jean 1 - Alloy, Jean 2 - Alloy, Jean 3 - Gap, Jean 4 - Gap