A Tropical Theme Beats a Topical Cream

Top: Nine West, Kohl's; Skirt: Dollhouse, Macy's

Emotion Commotion Necklace

Bag: Xhilaration, Target

Pitcher: Celebrate, Kohl's

Flower clips: Capelli, ULTA; Sunglasses: Mudd, Kohl's

Farm stand feels. 

Tray: Macy's Backstage

Top: Nine West, Kohl's; Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's

Necklace: Betsey Johnson, Amazon; Big bracelet: Amrita Singh, Zulily

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Collection, DSW

Bag: Francesca's

Dress: Nine West, Kohl's; Top: Madden Girl, Kohl's

Shoes: Unisa, DSW

Bag: Amazon

Unless, of course, you need a topical cream, in which case you should definitely use it.  Preferably while wearing a Hawaiian shirt to lend levity to the proceedings. 

Clearly, the pineapple gelati I had earlier has gone to my head.  

And on that awkward note, aloha.

Setting Sail on the S.S. Smiley: Happy Face Place

Skirt: Tinseltown, Macy's; Bag: Marshalls

Top: Bisou Bisou, JCPenney

Don't Worry Be Crafty Necklace

Shoes: Unisa, DSW

Bag: Nine West, Marshalls

Smiley Sailor Necklace

Tunic (really a bathing suit coverup!): Miken, Macy's

Fabulous Felt Yellow Dice Barrette; Yellow rose ring: Making Waves, Ocean City; Gray ring: Old Navy; Lemon wedge clip: Wild Fable, Target; Whole lemon clip: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's

Shoes: New York & Company

Dress: B Smart, Kohls; Bag: Xhilaration, Target; Shoes: Simply Vera, Kohl's

Smiley Swan Necklace

Little bow: Carole, JCPenney; Big bow: INC, Macy's 

Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's; Bag: Olivia Miller, Amazon

Top: Just Polly, Macy's

Black Cutie Necklace

Love bangle: Boscov's; First yellow bangle: Silver Linings, Ocean City; Both black bangles and black and white bracelet: Mixit, JCPenney; Second yellow bangle: B Fabulous

Skirt: ELLE, Kohl's

Top: Nine West, Kohl's

Affable Anchor Necklace

Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson, Zulily

Bag: Betsey Johnson, Macy's

Black and yellow are an undeniable duo.  They're equal parts dramatic and mellow, making bees, cabs, and caution tape pop.  And also, of course, smiley faces!  I was excited to make necklaces with these happy face beads and build black and yellow outfits around them.  I also had some black and white anchors, which explains the necklaces' nautical bent.  You might think I'm some sort of sailing enthusiast considering how often anchors come up in my projects.  But no, I just like the way they look and the retro feels they represent.  In reality, I steer clear of boats because I get seasick.  Kind of like how I'm crazy for cacti but have no desire to visit the desert.  Or how I'm into unicorns but not horses.  Also, if by some miracle I met a unicorn, then I'd probably run screaming in the other direction.  

Ah, crafting.  You let me soar while keeping me grounded.  

And that's why you're my happy place.