Don't Trust The Weatherman

This Saturday was a lesson in packing an umbrella - which of course I didn't. Ever have one of those days when you have glorious outdoor plans, and being the responsible human being you are, you of course checked the hourly?

After running errands in the morning, the husband and I planned to spend the afternoon poolside thanks to an optimistic forecast. With snacks packed and sunscreen applied we headed to pool only to be there 5 minutes before mother nature decided to let loose. Best part is that we had to run back to our apartment in the torrential downpour, which was pretty hilarious and entertaining to any onlookers.

The result? A change of plans and these here outfit photos. But don't let the sunny background fool you, it of course started raining just as we were finishing snapping these bad boys. 

FE sunglasses / h&m dress, similar look here & here / zara bag, last seen here / timex watch / converse 

Sunday Browsing vol. 14

Happy Sunday Friends! Here are a few links to accompany your Sunday Funday! And don't get sad today about the week ahead, it's a short one!

• to shop: so I'm kinda digging the uh-mazing detail of this top, thoughts?
• to look: absolutely adored the way Lacey styled the crop top trend. 
• to know: I'm always struggling to with how to arrange the flowers the snatch from Trader Joe's every week, so I was excited to read these helpful tips & tricks from Emily.
• to appreciate: total #firstworldproblem but with being a sunglasses lover I always struggle to find pairs with a new style that are less then $300 - enter this article on WhoWhatWear - and therefore, I'm appreciative. 
• to laugh: you know any post that starts with the line "all my friends are getting married - and I'm just building a killer ass wardrobe" is going to be good. Double bonus? The outfit that Hallie rocks is pretty uh-mazing. She wasn't kidding with that opener. 
• to remember: this quote I stumbled upon while scrolling through pinterest is just perfect. 

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Beach Getaway

maxi dress / tote / sunglasses / romper /  swimsuit top & bottom / dress / sandals

Next week we are headed to Florida to celebrate the 4th of July with friends, and I couldn't be more excited. As cliche as it may sound, there's something about the ocean breeze and constant sunlight that turns me into a different person - and let me be clear here, it's a better person.

When packing for a trip to the promised land (aka the ocean), I like to take items that are effortless and can easily transition from day to night - or even be used as a swimsuit coverup. 

What are your must-have items for a little beach getaway?

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Loving Lately // Pom - Pom Details

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven

While indulging in my favorite hobby last week, online browsing (duh), I noticed a detail that seemed to be prevalent on almost every site I visited - pom-poms. Whether they adorn an accessory or add embellishment to a summer staple, they seem to add just the right amount of playfulness to any piece. Since summer's carefree attitude lends itself to expiramentation, why not try out a few pieces with a little extra detail?

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Greased Lightning

Happy Monday Friends! I hope your weekend was just as relaxing & enjoyable as mine. One of my best friends came up to visit for the weekend, and we didn't do much outside of eat, lay at the pool & catch-up on life. It was pretty fantastic. 

We met up with a few of our college friends for dinner on Saturday night, and as I was getting dressed in this outfit, I couldn't help but feel like I was channeling my inner Sandy - post-makeover of course. Speaking of which, how amazing is that movie? So so good. 

FE sunglasses / bb dakota vest, last seen here / anthropologie necklace / timex watch / target clutch, similar here / j.crew factory shorts / zara heels

photos courtesy of shiffman photography ;)

Loving Lately // Summer Blackout

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Happy Friday party peeps! Who is pumped for the freakin' weekend?! Let's just say I am wishing this workday goes flies by as one of my best friends is coming up to hang this weekend. On the agenda: the pool and only the pool. Ah, summer, you are oh so good to me. 

On to the task at hand. Black, classic & chic as it may be, isn't the first color I associate with the hot, summer months. In fact, I learned yesterday that even the weatherman will advice against wearing the color on muggy days. 

While the color may not be the most intelligent choice for sitting in direct sun for hours on end, I was inspired by the pictures above and below this week which confirm that head-to-toe black is a season-less selection. 

Thoughts on head-to-toe black for summer?

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Wanderlust Wednesday // New Orleans

necklace / clutch / heels / top / shorts / vest / floral pants / sandals / hinge bangle / gold cuff / backpack

In recent conversations of upcoming travel plans with my husband, New Orleans continues to be a city that we talk more frequently about visiting. The vibrant culture and resillance of this southern city are so attractive, and I would love to spend a long weekend exploring all of it's nooks and crannies - all while eating my weight in some traditional New Orleans food. 

Whenever we do make it there, we'll be sure to follow some of the New York Times' recommendations  and of course pack a suitcase that is just as bold and spirited as the destination.

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Back to the Basics

As much as I love traveling and experimenting with new looks, at times the combination of the two proves to be a bit overwhelming. If I'm being honest, I probably care too much about what I pack for trips - always considering what activities could arise to make sure I have all my bases covered. Knowing this, it will come as no surprise to you that it takes me at minimum an hour to pack regardless of trip length #highmaintence. 

However, this past Thursday night I hit a milestone when for the first time, packing was a breeze. My strategy? Pack my tried and true basics, ones I know and love - the fruits of my labor are seen here. Breakthrough I know. If you're wondering, yes I do have a college degree. Ohio State should be proud.

mink pink top (last seen here) / banana republic jeans (similar here & here) / FE sunglasses / sole society heels

Sunday Browsing vol. 13

Happy Father's Day friends! I'm wishing you all a day that allows time for a conversation, whether it be short or long with the man who was your first love. I just got back last night from visiting my dad and family in Pennsylvania, and I always leave grateful heart. Time with family is just really good. 

In between time spent with your Pops today, here are a few links to enjoy!

• to shop: I've haven't been too excited about the backpack trend to date, but this number is quickly changing my mind
• to really shop: I discovered the UK based shop Olive Clothing this week online and have literally been to their site everyday eyeing my faves.
• to read: I'm currently reading (& loving!) Lean In, so I naturally loved this article on Darling Magazine's blog. 
• to blog: I discovered Kayla's blog Not Your Standard recently and it's already one that I'm checking everyday - her style is flawless. 
• to eat: My husband has a pretty healthy love affair with chicken & waffles, so the appetizer version that Erin shared this week will be on our menu ASAP. 
• to inspire: for this week's daily dose of home inspiration (or slight envy in my case), check out this recent home tour on The Everygirl. 

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Austin, Texas

top / necklace / cross body bag / sandals / jeans / clutch / dress / heels

If I'm honest, Austin wasn't a city that first topped my list of must-see places, but lately I've found myself in conversations where it is continually praised as a must-see travel destination. With the growing popularity of SXSW and the rich culture that I continually hear of, I am happy to report that the city has officially made it on the long-weekend away list. 

When I make my way to the city that is said to be in the middle of a cultural renaissance, I plan to pack laid back looks for the days spent exploring and perhaps a dress or two that are a little unexpected. And since I went down the rabbit hole known as airbnb last night, here's a fun alternative to an Austin hotel. 

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Loving Lately // High-Waisted Swimwear

one / two: top & bottom / three: top & bottom / four: top & bottom / five: top & bottom / six: top & bottom / seven / eight

I realized as I unpacked my summer clothes a few weeks ago that my bathing suit line-up is rather sad. I'm pretty sure the last bikini I bought was for my honeymoon a year and a half ago, and the rest date back to my college days. Needless to say, my current collection is a little sad. 

Never fear though, because my good friend the high-waisted bikini is here to help a sister out. After buying my first pair of high-waisted jeans and expressing my love for all things riding high, it only seemed natural to round up my high-waisted bikini faves.

What's your go-to suit style this summer?

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Misson Accomplished

Happy Monday Friends! Anyone else forget to set their alarm to "on" this morning? no? just me? Chalk it up to case of the Mondays I suppose. 

When I started a new job a little over a year ago, it was no longer a requirement to dress in business casual attire everyday. Immediately the portion of my closet (and budget!) dedicated to clothes I would only wear to the office diminished and close to anything I bought was suitable for both work and play. With the graphic tee trend starting at the same time, I was determined to find a few options that I could dress up or down - however that searched proved to be a bit challenging. For whatever reason, I graphic tee would be on my mental "to-buy" list every month, but I never could find any that I love. Enter the tees created by Julie of Sincerely Jules (also found here). There are so many great designs, and fit perfectly. Mission accomplished.

sincerely jules tee / sunglasses / tinley road shorts (last seen here) / timex watch (similar) / target clutch / zara heels 

Wanderlust Wednesday // Charleston

top / shorts / denim vest / clutch / sunglasses / dress / cuff / sandals

For spring break my senior year of college, all of my housemates and I went on a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas. It was such a fun trip and the perfect way to celebrate our last year in school together. The icing on the cake to a sun-filled week at sea was Charleston, the dock city of our cruise. When we got back, we spent the entire day wandering the streets of downtown Charleston, shopping, and semi-wishing (at least for a minute) that we had set our sights on College of Charleston instead of Ohio State. 

It is a picturesque town, and although I haven't been back since but the city is high on the list as a destination for a long weekend away. 

Have you been to Charleston? What are you favorite things to do/see?!

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5 Ideas For: Summer Hair

If you're a reader of this blog, it will come as no surprise to you that experimenting with new hairstyles is not exactly my thing. For whatever reason, I get easily frustrated when it comes to hair, and lose my patience quickly. This is why in the summer, my hair typical gets thrown into a bun on the top of my head, that looks nothing close to as chic as this. 

This summer though, I'd like to step out of my comfort zone so I rounded up a few looks that I'd love to try. Help a sister out - what's your favorite way to wear your hair in warmer months?

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Drop it Low

After spending too many mornings staring at my closet for over 20 minutes (I acknowledge that this is sad, but it's also true), I decided to take a new approach to shopping. I realized my closet was filled with pieces that I considered to be "just okay". For me this meant they weren't basics or particularly on-trend items, but instead somewhere between the two, resulting in what I considered to be a rather un-inspiring collection of clothes.

With this is mind, I've recently made an effort to purchase clothing that only falls in one extreme (basics or on-trend) instead of a compromise between the two. Of course, these buckets can take on different interpretations for everyone, but for me this drop-waist dress, which cues me to sing drop it low everytime I think about it, was a step in the direction of a basic - a flattering silhouette that can be dressed up or down. 

baublebar necklace / tildon dress (sold out, love this t-shirt version) / kelsi dagger sandals (last year, love these) /  clutch, last seen here