Romp In Your Romper!

We are feeling the heat right now at Inspire Me! And right now, just like the weather, the romper is HOT, HOT, HOT this season!

Olive + Oak Peach Romper

Necklace by Vanessa Mooney and Earrings by Mashka

Oddly enough, the romper actually started out as a casual garment for children in the 1900s. Their function was to give children more freedom of movement while playing, a departure from the restrictive clothing of the Victorian era. Think “romp”–it means “play,” right? Later, during the 1950s, rompers became popular for women in leisure-wear and beachwear. In the 1970s they reached their full popularity and–lucky for us–retailers began to offer them in a wider variety of materials, versus the terrycloth prototype that endured for a few years. The romper came to represent the fashion-forward, modern woman with a boho-chic twist.

Sanctuary Sydney Romper, Necklace by Hila and Wrap Bracelet by Chan Luu

So goodbye restrictive Victorian clothing! We can’t resist that freedom of movement and the convenience of one layer right? Not to mention that they keep us cool in the summer sun. And you better believe we make it look good! Nowadays, the possibilities in styles, colors, prints, and structures for the romper are endless! You can go casual with an easy, laid-back style;

you can do a throwback to those original rompers and go with a boho-print;

Free People Santiago Romper

Necklace and Bracelet by Chan Luu. Ice Cream Bar by Paleteria Y Neveria La Rosita bought at the Purple Porch.

you can rock a sleek and sexy style with a strapless piece (don’t be afraid to throw on a strapless bra or bandeaux!);

Cupcakes And Cashmere Jaxon Romper

Necklace by Chan Luu and Sunglasses by Freyer’s

or you can go for a girly, flouncy look that’s perfect for fun in the sun;

or show a little skin with a flirty open-back!

Danny Romper by Tart Collections, Choker Necklace by Chan Luu

So there’s a romper for every personality and body type–casual and sporty, sassy and chic, girly and flirty; there are fitted and flowy styles, rompers that zip, tie, and button; styles with pockets or no pockets; strapless or tank-style straps; open and closed backs. Accessorize to your heart’s desire–dress them up for the perfect nightlife outfit with heels or wedges, dress them down for a casual get-together with sandals or fun flats. Even rock a pair of booties! Some rompers come with built-in accessories, like a front zipper or buttons, cute grommet-work, or eyelets; your jewelry supplements your story! There are no rules! Whichever irresistible style you choose, the romper has your back.

So get inspired–the romper is a blank slate! Tell your story. Be chic and sassy, girly and flirty. Move freely and play!

Enjoy the Weekend!

Inspire Me!

written by Kelsea King, Model is Brittany Krugh

The Warmth of the Sundress

Close your eyes for a moment. Picture a warm summer’s day, the sun kissing your shoulders. You come upon a lush, green hill covered in colorful wildflowers, their scent hanging thickly in the air. A lovely woman comes over the crest of the hill. She is radiant and smiling, the breeze playing with her hair. She bends to pick the wildflowers as she trips happily down the hill. As she nears you, you feel she is someone you have always wanted to meet, yet you see a glimmer of yourself in her as well. She is a warm, kindred spirit, perhaps even the best version of yourself.

Gentle Fawn Gypsy Boho Dress, Bag by Chen & Derington and bracelets by Skiss

In this little scene, what is she wearing? What are you wearing as you watch her?

Probably a sundress!

When you think about it, sundresses probably make up nearly half of our summer wardrobes. After all, they are perfect for summer; they keep us cool with one layer while letting us get some sun; they can be dressed up for a wedding or summer party with wedges, flats, or heels; dressed down for the beach or a casual lunch with flip-flops or sandals. Certain sundresses can even pair with booties for an edgier style. Sundresses come in all kinds of styles: long, short, strapless, ruffled, fitted, flowy…the list goes on and on. They come in all sorts of amazing prints, from animal to Aztec. The ways in which to accessorize your sundress has almost the same infinite possibilities: a long necklace, a choker, or layered pieces; bangle bracelets or a cuff; statement earrings or simple hoops; a great clutch or a must-have handbag. Undoubtedly, part of the charm of the sundress is its versatility. They truly are a blank page upon which to write our story.

Olive + Oak Bandana Dress

Necklace and Bracelet by Chan Luu and Tote by Star Mela

But that is not the only reason why we are in love with the sundress. Versatility may be part of their charm, but what makes them magical is how they make us feel. Sundresses make us feel pretty. Feminine. Playful. Sassy. Enchanting. They can be liberating; for which of us hasn’t spun in a circle in the sun, watched the skirt of our sundress billow outwards while feeling a soothing breeze on our legs, and landed in a giggling heap in the soft grass? They make us think of the warmth, excitement, and joy of summer.

Dress by Olive + Oak, Necklace by Hila and Bag by Chen & Derington

Gwena Dress by Tart Collections, Bag by Buco and bracelets by Rosa Gonzales

Jan Dress by Tart Collections

Bracelet and Necklace by Brighton Collectibles and Tote by Star Mela

BB Dakota Olive Polka Dot Dress

Earrings by Kendra Scott and Bag by Brighton Collectibles

Expand your sundress horizons. The possibilities are endless: there is a sundress for every style, every story. Most of all, feel beautiful and enchanting!

American Quilt Dress by Sanctuary

Tote by Star Mela and Bracelet by Chan Luu

We hope that we inspired you on this beautiful Friday afternoon!!

Enjoy the weekend!

Inspire Me!!

written by Kelsea King, model is Brittany Krugh

The Off Shoulder Top Is Hot!

What is it about women’s shoulders that are so tantalizing? Is it the way our delicate collarbones fluidly connect to that gentle curve? Is it the way the sunlight hits them? Or is the way that our shoulders invite a whisper of a touch as we look back over them with a small, knowing smile?

The undeniable allure of our shoulders is certainly no new phenomenon, although it was not always considered “proper” or “decent” for us to expose them; in some parts of the world, it still isn’t! The shoulder area–and the larger area of the décolletage–has a long and controversial history. In the 16th century, exposed shoulders was considered high fashion in all social classes, from women of leisure all the way down to ladies of the night. Later, however, in the 17th century, bare shoulders were considered a status symbol of wealth, privilege, and beauty. This, interestingly, coincided with the rise in popularity of Greek art: our exposed shoulders align us with the marble statues of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was almost exclusively depicted with bare shoulders. Much later, in the 1950s, stars like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor who were the epitome of beauty made the bare shoulder look the essence of elegance and quiet femininity.

Fifteen-Twenty Off Shoulder Top, beaded Bracelet by Chan Luu and Earrings by Kendra Scott.

As they say, all trends come back around. No trend is hotter right now than the exposed, or “off,” shoulder trend! It is the perfect vehicle for displaying that uncanny way we have of being in command of that perfect balance of a dismissive turn of the shoulder while also giving a tiny, inviting, “come hither” smile: the perfect recipe for creating a stir.

Free People Off Shoulder Top, Cross Bracelet and Choker by Chan Luu and Ring by Kendra Scott.

But how do we wear them? Long gone are the corsets and complicated padding of yesteryear (thank goodness!). Of course, it would be wise to invest in a good strapless bra; any straps from a bra or cami will diminish the grace and sophistication of an off shoulder. Strapless bras not your thing? A bandeau is also an acceptable option. The important thing is to be comfortable while fearlessly and totally embracing the trend, because is more beautiful than a confident you!

Tart Collection Off Shoulder Top, Necklace and Bracelet by Chan Luu and Tote by Kerisma.

So love your shoulders. Embrace them! Look back over them with a little flirtatious stare. Let the sun warm your collarbones. Be the Greek goddess that you are. Show off your shoulders!

We hope that we inspired you!

Inspire Me!

written by Kelsea King, Model is Brittany Krugh

Keeping it Cool

Welcome to Inspire Me Boutique’s blog! Today, we hope to inspire you with Summer style trends that will help keep you “cool” the next couple of warm, wonderful months.

Get these gorgeous pieces from Weston Wear this season. The line is full of vintage-inspired floral prints, flowy mesh printed tops and maxis. These styles shown here are a few of our favorites. Nothing over-the-top here, in fact, the colors all seem to appeal to everyone’s color tastes. From the watercolor palette of soothing aquas and neutral beiges combined with pops of coral red.

A fit and flare style dress and a fringed lattice tank paired with a short sporty styled skirt, these two look like they need to head to the club for lunch on the Veranda. They are such classic styles that I see having in your wardrobe of years to come. The model on the left is Sarah and she is wearing necklaces and ring/bracelet by Chan Luu and the model on the right is Brittany and she is wearing a necklace by .hila Designs. Both girls are wearing earrings by Rachel Marie Designs.

Still keeping it cool wearing summer style trends, but looking a bit more mischievous and very “fashionable”, the girls are both wearing asymmetrical ribbed tanks by Red 23 in different colors.

On the left, Brittany is wearing a silver beaded bracelet by Trades of the East and earrings by Rachel Marie Designs and on the right, Sarah is wear a beaded cuff by Pin and Tube and a silver wrap cross bracelet by Chan Luu and earrings by Elisabetta Ricciardi Jewelry.

The silver metallic jeans that Sarah is wearing are by Lauren Vidal and the Dark Denim Skinny yoga jeans that Brittany is wearing are Yoga Jeans by Second Clothing.

Horn Pendant Necklaces are a huge trend right now and Sarah is wearing one that I picked up on a recent trip to New York with a silver laser cut clutch by Buco Bags. Tassel Necklaces are another huge trend as well and Brittany is wearing a cross one by Zacasha and a crossbody tasseled bag by Chen and Derington.

We always have so much fun doing these photo shoots with our wonderful photographer Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography!

Girls just want to have fun!

And they SHOULD!!!!

And you Should TOO!! Enjoy!!!

I hope that I inspired you!

Jeanne

PS: Thank you Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography for your continued patience and wonderful work! I love you! AND thank you Sarah Bader for modeling again! You are so much fun and so natural in front of the camera! And our gorgeous model and summer employee Brittany Krugh for modeling for the first time, you did amazing!!! And Salon Rouge for doing the hair and makeup!

Bohemian Chic meets Romantic

I usually introduce a new clothing collection to you at either a Trunk Show or a Fashion Show, but this time, I decided to show it through our fashion blog.

Nana Nucci is a beautiful line from Italy combining the taste of French and Italian style, dedicating it to a pure, romantic and refined woman, enhancing her femininity. This Spring Collection that I fell in love with has a Bohemian Chic feel to it and our model Sierra has the perfect “look” for this group.

This first look is so relaxed and the perfect outfit for this summer’s activities. I layered a couple of our Chan Luu necklaces and added one of our foldable straw hats by Two’s Company to accessorize her.

The beautiful top she is wearing is the Storyteller Embroidered Tunic with the gorgeous scalloped detail at the hemline and notice the intricate embroidery all over the body of the piece.

Amazingly, the Embroidered Wide Leg Pant has the same intricate detail as the top with the scalloped hem and embroidered legs.

I added our asymmetrical front to back pearl earrings to match the pearls of the necklaces and to keep it feminine and romantic.

I seriously LOVE how my photographer Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography keeps getting my vibe on how I want to capture each model and look of each shoot! If I have said this before, I can’t apologize because I just had to say it again.

It is hard to look at the clothing when Sierra looks so gorgeous in all of them, especially this one.

This beautiful Black Embroidered Leaf Tank has impeccable detail as all the Nana Nucci pieces do.

Here I added our triple tiered earrings by Love Heals, a thin crystal bar necklace by Bud to Rose and a sterling silver and wood bead wrap bracelet by Chan Luu to accessorize this bohemian chic look.

For cooler days or nights, I showed a beautiful Cropped Lace Jacket for a little added warmth. These stunningly chic and amazingly comfortable Floral Printed Silky Pants are so on trend this season.

I LOVE this photo with the brim of straw hat turned down over her eyes shading the sun. Hats are a must-have this season.

To add to the accessories, I added this amazing gold plated horn necklace by Chan Luu and a simple gold and tiny black tassel bracelet by Bud to Rose that you will see in the following pics. Simple accessories because the clothing is the statement here for this bohemian chic look.

I added our cool Rita Sunglasses by Equipment in this shot.

Culottes are the HUGE trend for summer. They can be worn with flat shoes, either sandals or sneakers, for a very cool comfy look or pair them with heels for a more formal occasion and you will always look stunning. Here I added our Edith Culottes by Weston Wear with this beautiful hi-low V-neck sweater.

This beautiful 3/4 sleeve Open Weave Cheetah Pullover Sweater has a pinkish-beige layer underneath and buttons down the back with a pretty tie at the neckline.

On those HOT romantic summer nights, this pretty little Midnight in Paris Sequined Dress can be dressed up with heels or worn with sandals to the beach.

To accessorize, I added a silver and beaded dagger necklace and silver and beaded wrap bracelet and metallic threaded wrap scarf all by Chan Luu.

Asymmetrical front to back pearl earrings and this glittery cuff bracelet also add to the elegance of this look.

These darling glitter sandals are some of our new arrivals by Pons Avarcas and they available in tons of colors and with ankle straps. They are handmade in Spain and the soles are made of recycled tires. Everyone is loving them including me!

I love Sierra’s smile outside of Circa Art’s Gallery where she is wearing the Natural Woven Ruffle Dress that is so perfect to wear to all of the Art Shows that are happening around our area this summer!

The tortoise shell sunglasses are the Rita from Equipment and tan woven sandals look perfect with the dress.

For accessories, I mixed up a few bohemian chic jewelry pieces to the romantic ruffle knitted dress.

The large gold hoop earrings with crystals are by Noir, the tribal bone necklace with ribbon tie is by Hoss Intropia and the wooden beaded bracelets with turquoise leather tie is by hila. designs.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend everyone!

I hope that I inspired you!!!

Jeanne

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sierra Majors for modeling again!!! You were gorgeous!! and my STAR photographer Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography for these amazing photos!

“Summer Fun”

August is here and it is time to enjoy the rest of the Summer!! We decided to take advantage of the sunny day in one of our beautiful local parks, Baugo Creek County Park, and have some fun in the sun!

The girls were all chillin’ at the start of the shoot this early morning.

Our lovely Sierra is wearing a white Eyelet Lauren Vidal Top and a striped scarf/sarong by Echo.

These Egyptian style earrings and tribal style necklace and the multi colored strand bracelet below are the perfect accessories this summer.

We tried getting 3 people in the hula hoop but it was a bit awkward so we settled for these 2 adorable girls, Sarah and Nicole.

We just received an assortment of fun sunglasses in a variety of colors like these that Nicole is wearing here with a cute spaghetti strap top and white ruffle bottom shorts.

These cute little owl earrings fit the style of this top.

This chain bracelet with a few crystals gives a little edginess to her look.

Reach for the Stars!!!!!

Simple pieces make people look beautiful like Sarah in these Hawaiian Print shorts and black cropped top.

We added turquoise bead chandelier earrings and a multi strand bracelet to her look to add more color.

A great shot of Gabby displaying her incredible volleyball skills!

Gabrielle looks amazing in this super trendy Lightweight blue jacket and neon yellow anchor tank.

A set of 5 gold bangles are a nice accent to her beach ensemble.

The girls were so awesome as we were figuring out the best way to spell out L_O_V_E. The toughest one was the E on the end . I think it turned out great! Don’t you?

A great shoot at the park! Now it is time for Ice Cream!!!!

(actually it was Iced Tea)

I hope that you take some time and enjoy the beach or park soon, you deserve it!

I hope that we inspired you!

Jeanne

Thank you so much Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography for the incredible work you do!!

and

Thank you to our gorgeous models Sierra Majors, Gabrielle Ravotto, Sarah Bader and Nicole Lesniwecz.

“Romantic Language of Summer”

Can’t you just hear their laughter in this adorable picture of these darling girls standing in the beautiful Historic Oliver Gardens at the Center for History in South Bend?

The line that I am highlighting this week is “Language”, the beautiful silk embroidered tops that the girls are wearing. They have a romantic, bohemian feel to them and so I decided to mix it up with 3 different style girls.

Gabby has a soft rocker vibe to her look in this outfit. The hat is what really sets her apart from the others and it works great with the soft green color of this tank by Language and maxi slip/skirt by Chan Luu and pastel floral infinity scarf to add a little color to brighten things up.

Chan Luu Silver beaded earrings

Lenny and Eva “Always” bracelet and Love Heals pearl necklace and leaf charm wrapped as a bracelet.

Hand beaded adjustable ring

I love the different looks shown here!

Sierra has a fragile “don’t break my heart” look that I love here. These cool wedged shoes can say a lot especially in this outfit because of the contrast with the other colors.

I mixed crystals and pearls and silver to give her a feminine gypsy vibe especially with these AMAZING sterling silver chandelier earrings by Chan Luu!

I adore this photo of her “fragility” here in embroidered suspender jeans by Desigual, blush embroidered top by Language and floral scarf used as a sarong/wrap by Johnny Was.

Leather snap cuff by Anna Sukardi

The coral color of this top is such an amazing healthy color on everyone especially blondes like Emily paired with a white lace skirt by Chan Luu. I love the sweetness that she radiates in these photos!

Clear Crystal Earrings and Necklace by Chan Luu

I requested some photos of flowers in the garden and so our photographer Brooke took pictures of sweet Emily twirling in the center of this garden patch.

We currently have a collection of floral headbands like this sweet fuchsia one at the store now that everyone is going crazy for!

Stretch pearl cross bracelet and pink beaded wrap bracelet from Gawdybobbles. Rings are models own.

Young girls innocence, do we have to grow up?

No!!! we are coming back soon!!!

I hope that we inspired you!!

Jeanne

Special THANK YOU to the amazing Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography and our gorgeous and talented models Emily Nicole Sroda, Sierra Majors and Gabrielle Ravotto!!!

“Johnny Was Here”

As many of you know, I have been in business for 20 years and I have accumulated a lot of things in the basement of the store. Antiques, metal clothing racks, doilies, silk flowers, vases, holiday decorations galore and mannequins seem to keep taking over even when things seem to be pretty organized. We had fun with the chaos last week, when the rain stopped our plan to go outside to do the photo shoot.

In this setting, we chose this antique corner cabinet and 2 antique folding screens and hung 2 small chandeliers to give the bohemian feel of the clothing that Johnny Was portrays. Emily is wearing one of their beautiful embroidered ivory tunic dresses and a silk floral scarf as a headscarf.

I was able to find soft willow branches in my menagerie of flowers.

These beautiful gold triple hooped earrings by Mashka were the perfect compliment to this outfit.

Our gorgeous model is Emily Sroda.

Our photographer Brooke, chose all of the settings in the basement. She is truly amazing at what she does! Here she took metal clothing racks and layered them around and then laid Emily among them here. Emily is wearing a Johnny Was peasant embroidered top and embroidered cutout pants. She is also wearing multi colored chain jewelry by Lee Angel.

Here you see a male and a female mannequin. We used to carry Men’s clothes a few years ago. We still have the mannequins so…… you never know, we may again. Emily is wearing a sheer lace top by Johnny Was and white ruffled shorts.

This is what we call ALOT of hangers! Emily looking incredibly gorgeous in this blue and white striped embroidered blouse by Johnny Was and jeans by David Kahn and turquoise hoop earrings.

I hope that we inspired you!!

Jeanne

A Special THANK YOU to Brooke from Ashley Beige Photography and our beautiful model Emily Sroda for their amazing spontaneity this week!! Magic happens if you just relax and let it be and we had a blast!

inspire me boutique

We all tell stories through the way we dress.

Summer Looks

Romp In Your Romper!

Necklace by Vanessa Mooney and Earrings by Mashka

Like this:

The Warmth of the Sundress

Necklace and Bracelet by Chan Luu and Tote by Star Mela

Dress by Olive + Oak, Necklace by Hila and Bag by Chen & Derington

Tote by Star Mela and Bracelet by Chan Luu

Like this:

The Off Shoulder Top Is Hot!

Like this:

Keeping it Cool

Like this:

Bohemian Chic meets Romantic

Like this:

“Summer Fun”

Like this:

“Romantic Language of Summer”

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“Johnny Was Here”

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Necklace by Vanessa Mooney and Earrings by Mashka

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Necklace and Bracelet by Chan Luu and Tote by Star Mela

Dress by Olive + Oak, Necklace by Hila and Bag by Chen & Derington

Tote by Star Mela and Bracelet by Chan Luu

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