3 Seasons // Midi Skirt

summer: pixie market top / zara skirt / crap eyewear sunglasses / topshop slides / aerie bralette

autumn: j.crew tee / zara skirt / nasty gal hat / h&m booties / h&m scarf

winter: madewell sweater / h&m jacket / zara skirt /forever 21 beanie / dsw boots

Although the weather has finally decided to act like summer, this weekend marks the unofficial start of fall and with it, a change in wardrobe. I will definitely be (virtually) hitting up the Labor Day sales this weekend, but since a total revamp of my closet for fall would break the bank, I will be looking for pieces that can carry me across multiple seasons. 

Case in point, this skirt from Zara that comes in 3 beautiful colors. I love the idea of wearing it with a breezy top and sandals during the last few week of warm weather all the way through to winter, when paired with a graphic sweater, leather jacket, and classic black boots (inspiration here). 

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Destroyed

I remember back in 7th grade when distressed denim ("holy/ ripped jeans") from Hollister were the only acceptable choice, my dad would tease me - "so you're telling me that you paid money for your jeans to have holes in them?!" Ahh parents. The Beastie Boys had it right, they just don't understand. 

Flash forward 12 years and I have to image my Father would have similar comments about this t-shirt I had to get my hands on as soon as I spotted it on Olive Clothing's site (ps-check this British retailer out, they're so good!). For old times sake, I plan on packing it for my trip to visit this weekend. I wouldn't be a good daughter if I didn't cause just a little headache now and then, right?

 olive clothing tee / zara coated jeans (similar from asos) / sam edelman booties / ray-ban sunglasses / movado watch 

Sunday Browsing vol. 20 & A Little Note

This week was one where I spent a lot of time thinking. Anyone else ever have those weeks where life events can wrap you up in a serious amount of reflection? You may or may not be tired of hearing about it, but I have been moved by the popularity of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Six years ago, my Aunt was diagnosed with this terrible disease and has fought it head on ever since, fighting to be apart of her two young children's lives in every capacity. 

I love my family, but I would be lying if I said my aunt's illness has affected my everyday life for the past six years. For it is easy to remove yourself from tragedy when you're not staring it in the face day after day. So to all who have donated, whether it was $10 or $100 dollars, a very sincere thank you. Thank you for raising money and awareness for this heartbreaking disease, and selfishly, giving me the opportunity to reflect and pray on the delicate life not only of my aunt, but all of us. Tomorrow is never promised. My heart is broken in so many ways, but so full at the same time. 

On a lighthearted note, here are a few links I'm loving this week. 

• to eat: I don't know about you, but when I run out of leftovers, I run out of packed lunches. But at last, I found found a solve in this roundup! (ps - all options are vegetarian!)
• to decorate: doesn't this just seem like the most perfect bathroom decor? And let's face it, we all need a little encouragement sometimes. Get the look here. 
• to give: Are dinner parties or trips to visit friends on the agenda? Check out these 10 creative hostess gift ideas. 
• to shop: Recently I have been scrolling through the all the goodies at goodnight macaroon, a new to me shop. Check it out and let me know what you think. A few things I'm loving are this adorable button up, a floral shift, and this amazing statement jacket. Also picked up these booties - hello #majorsale. 

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Closet Royalty

This summer has been a lesson in vest versatility. Seems counterintuitive for the warmest time of the year, but I feel like anytime I am looking to add a bit of interest to an outfit, a vest is always ends up being my MVP.

What I'm really saying is, I'm hoping that my trusty vest and royal t-shirt make up for my 3 day dirty hair that's concealed in a messy bun...

tory burch sunglasses / j.crew tee / bb dakota vest, similar / j.crew factory shorts / enzo angiolini sandals   / movado watch (borrowed from the husband) / french connection bag, similar

And just in case you needed photo evidence that I'm really as ridiculous as I sound…

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Loving Lately // Culottes

left to right, culottes from: 

top: topshop / h&m / miss selfridges

middle: boohoo / zara / boohoo

bottom: topshop / nordstrom / dorothy perkins

Today we are addressing the question - to culotte or not to culotte? If you're asking yourself  cul-WHAT?! right now, you've come to the right place. Remember gaucho pants that were popular 10 years ago? Well, think of culottes as their updated, more sophisticated, older sister. 

I will admit that for awhile, this trend was a non-starter to me - perhaps still scarred from the gaucho pants of my youth? But after reading this article and finding some of the chicest street style stars rocking the look, I am a convert. I was surprised just how versatile culottes appear to be, pairing just as nicely with birkenstocks as heels and seeming to be appropriate for both work and play. 

Anyone else willing to jump on board the culotte train?

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images: 1 & 2, 3

A Camo Night Out

 Um, so anyone else confused on how Monday got here so quickly? Such a sneaky little day, isn't it? I've decided to take a new approach to the beginning of the week - instead of mourning a bygone weekend, I'm looking ahead to all the greatness of this week. Currently on tap? Dinner with friends Tuesday and Wednesday - I'll take it!

It's no surprise that camo is one of my all-time favorite prints (exhibit a, b, & c) so when Friday evening called for a night at the food truck fest (holla!), I pulled out my old trusty friend. What are your go-to prints? 

 rachel zoe jacket (similar) / denim & supply top /  zara shorts (similar from asos) / guess booties / old navy bucket bag (sold out) - great option from Nasty Gal

Sunday Browsing vol. 19

Happy Sunday Friends! How are you celebrating this last weekend day before Monday creeps in? The husband and I are planning to cook up a Sunday morning brunch, followed by church and perhaps a little pool action - we only have a few weekends left people! Ah! 

Here's a few links to keep your #sundayfunday company! What have you being loving on the web this week?

• to know: considering I have always been challenged in the braid department, I'm hoping this guide will be the answer to my problems. 
• to eat: this grain-free peach bread is on the agenda for today!
• to shop: I highly recommend scrolling through Nordstrom's savvy trends sale section, they have an amazing selection right now. #holla. And if you're needing another reason to enter into the world of online shopping today, check out Hallie's August mood board. I personally am loving everything. 
•  to be (outfit) inspired: if you're in need of a little outfit inspiration for a night out, I loved all five of Refinery 29's late minute date-night ideas. 

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Grown-Up School Supplies

desk accessories: anthropologie calendar / urban outfitters stamp / ban.do pens / kate spade stapler via design darling

notebooks: kate spade / urban outfitters / sugar paper / rifle paper co.

tech accessories: eastern collective USB cables via j.crew / ban.do case / tripe c power card via madewell / anthropologie case

carryall bags: zara tote / asos backpack / urban outfitters tote / free people backpack

Three weeks ago I started a new job within the same company I've worked for the past year or so. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond thrilled to learn a new role and dive right in, but I would be lying if I didn't say a good percentage of my excitement comes from the fact that I now have a semi legitimate excuse to indulge in new school supplies. 

I was expressing this sentiment to co-worker, who kindly informed me that since I'm a grown adult (umm, what?!) and not a teacher, they are no longer called school supplies. #that'swhatfriendsarefor. 

Either way, there's something about new school office supplies (?!) , and a little reorganizing that makes me feel like I have a clean slate and am embark on a new adventure. 

What are some of your fave resources for new office accessories?

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Laid-Back Black

A few weeks back I had one of those mornings where I really wished I would have spent the extra 10 minutes the night before to pick out I was going to wear to work. You know, the type of morning where you look at your clock and realize you should already be out the door, but your still in a towel and your once clean bedroom now looks like a natural disaster just hit. 

In the middle of The Great Outfit Crisis of Summer 2014, the planets aligned when I spotted this top in my closet that I had previously only reserved for an all-black look. Paired with my trusted distressed denim and a feminine pair of heels, I thought it made for the perfect laid-back black look. 

Now you ask, did I learn my lesson? Of course not. I'm crossing my fingers that if a disaster strikes again today, I have similar luck. 

 ray-ban wayfares / madewell top, updated version & a close match / banana republic jeans, great options at madewell & target / sequin clutch, similar / movado watch, borrowed from the husband / mix no. 6 sandals / h&m rings

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Jump On It

People, it is FRIDAY! Oh Friday, I never thought I would see your bright, shining face. Is anyone else convinced that there was an extra day snuck into this workweek? Cheers to the freaking weekend friends, this week has been quite the marathon.

In other news, I picked up this jumpsuit unexpectedly a few weekends back, and was surprised by not only how well it fit, but just how comfortable it is. However the real benefit is the fact that I sing "jump on it" to myself everytime I slip it on. Hey, it's a classic. 

old navy jacket (cursing on this acid wash version) / abercombie jumpsuit / husband's watch / ray-ban aviators / similar clutch / kelsi dagger sandals, similar

shop the post & a few other faves:

Killer Combos // Leather Jacket & A Feminine Dress

left to right:

miss self ridge jacket + topshop dress 

h&m jacket + chic wish dress

 zara jacket + h&m dress 

Ever since I spotted the image above on the wonderful world of pinterest, I have been smitten with the idea of pairing a leather jacket with an overly feminine dress. So perfect for our upcoming transition into fall, wouldn't you agree?

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In The Tropics

Shorts have been my go-to staple this summer. It may seem obvious, but with the multitude of different options available this year, it's been easy move beyond the classic denim short look, which of course, I still love. 

I picked up these palm-print shorts last month during Zara's summer sale, and I'm so glad I did. To my surprise, I have found them to be quite versatile, even playing nicely with Mr. Flamingo - who has had a strong run this summer as well - evidence here & here. 

What have been your summer staples this year?

h&m blazer / sincerely jules tee (on sale!) / zara shorts, similar / michael kors watch / old navy bucket bag / kelsi dagger sandals, similar

shop the post & a few other favorites!

Sunday Browsing vol. 18

Happy Sunday peeps! Can you believe it's August?! I for one am a little saddened by this fact considering July felt more like September, and therefore I'm feeling a bit robbed. Yes, I know, fall is great and I can't wait to hunting for the perfect pumpkin, but when you live in Ohio, summer is a precious season. The real problem? My tan is seriously suffering. I know, #firstworldproblem. I'll spare you the rest of the 10 minute rant that my husband was subjected to - instead, enjoy some links!

• to read: loved Emily's post on how to feel more confident. Can we just hold hands and say the struggle is real here people?
• to be impressed: be prepared for your jaw to drop. Natalie's deck makeover is amazing, as in I would totally live out there amazing. Check it out and I know you'll agree. 
• to drink: I think this lemon-basil mojito is the perfect drink to accompany the last weeks of summer. 
• to shop: I fell in love with this pink number as soon as I saw it in on the page anthropologie's latest catalog. Speaking of accessories, how adorable is this backpack?! And such a steal!
• to decorate: Domaine Home shared two great articles for all of us apartment dwellers this week - how to renovate a rental under $100 & 
• to blog: yesterday I discovered Mary's blog, The Classy Cubicle and have already spent a few too many minutes scrolling through all of her amazing posts. She has such a great way of wearing current trends in a way that is 100% office appropriate. Serious props are deserved. 

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