I Believe In // Girl Power

Cue up your favorite Spice Girls song, we're talking about girl power (side note - how amazing was their reunion at the Olympics last summer?). For most of my life, the disparity between men and women's pay (women make 77 cents to a man's dollar) and the culture for women in the professional world was never something that I thought much about. Then I graduated college and worked for a company where I instantly noticed one thing - there wasn't a lot of women, and of the women that worked there, few were mothers. 

There weren't a lot of mothers because the job simply wasn't conducive to being a mom - while my experience in the professional world is limited and I am far away from being someone's mother, it got me thinking. Why does it have to be so hard to balance both? Does today's workplace truly allow for women to be successful in the office and at home? Should we have to sacrifice one for the other? I'd like to think not. I don't have all the answers, but I think the conversation is important, and I'd love to know your thoughts!

A few more thoughts on this topic here and here, still dying to read this. Image via

Wanderlust Wednesday // Seattle

 Sleeveless Chambray Shirt / Knitted Stitch Sweater / Pleated Maxi Skirt /  Embroidered Belt  / Trina Sandal / Baseball Jacket /  Moto Vintage Jeans / Nike Vintage Air Pegasus / Coral Technicolor Necklace / Combined Print T-Shirt

Seattle is one of my absolute favorite places on this planet. One of my best friends lived there for the past few years, and I was lucky enough to make the trip twice to see her. Living in the midwest my entire life, I instantly noticed how different the west cost is. The first time I visited was in December, and although it was a chilly 30 degrees, people were out and about - eating outside, running, taking the bus everywhere. Needless to say, I feel in love. 

If I was going to Seattle now (I wish!), I would no doubt pack a long maxi skirt, since it's so versatile, perfect for both cooler and warmer temperatures. I'm also loving j.crew's styling of the classic nike sneaker with everyday wear - makes exploring while looking good real easy. 

Have you ever been to Seattle? What are your favorite places?!

A Little Love for Leather

Clockwise from top left: Luxe Leather Butterfly Chair / Studded Leather Bracelet  / H&M Biker Jacket / Combined Leggings / Bolted Down Clutch / Perforated Sleeve Tee / Hard Crush Bootie / Quilted Crossover Jacket / Faux Leather Trim Tee / Striped Tunic Dress

When I started pre-fall browsing online a few weeks ago, I realized that a lot of the items I was drawn to had leather details. I am loving this trend for fall,  it is such a great way to create interest on basic items - suddenly a simple t-shirt takes on a whole new form. 

Another trend I've noticed -  apparently we are no longer using the word pleather, instead, "vegan leather". Whoever thought of this is brilliant! Who wants pleather, when you can be environmentally conscious and PETA friendly, with the luxurious vegan leather.  I'm pretty sure they are the exact same thing, and if there not, please tell me so I stop sounding like an idiot without knowing. 

How do you feel about leather (pleather, vegan leather) details for fall? I think my favorite is the Perforated Sleeve Tee! 

Feelin' Floral

Ok, WE NEED TO TALK. I can't possibly be the only one who shrieked, turned their TV to the loudest volume, and had a dance party during the NSYNC reunion last night, right? A-freaking-mazing. Forget Disney World, nothing like a boy band to bring out the kid in you again.  

On a completely different note, apparently I'm good at taking my own advice lately since I ordered this fabulously priced floral shirt. I was unsure at first since it is cut wider then what I normally wear, but after employing the classic front-tuck trick, I was all set and in love. 

Zara floral t-shirt / old belt from j.crew, even better version here / white shorts from j.crew / old utility jacket from H&M, similar from Old Navy / old clutch from DSW, here's an updated version / Fossil  watch / Ray-Ban aviators

I Believe In // Treating Yourself

When I graduated high school, I took some of my graduation money and bought a shiny new Coach purse, that I still use to this day. At the time, I justified the new addition to my closet by telling myself that I had worked and thought of it as a special treat. 

Ever since, I have taken the opportunity to celebrate the little & big things in my life with a something special. It's not always extravagant, in fact a lot of times it's just a drink at Starbucks after a long week, sleeping in extra late on the weekend, or topping off dinner with an ice cream cone (more about that here). Why? Because we all work hard, lives get messy, and all good things deserve some sort of celebration. I'd love to know, do you do anything special to treat yourself?! (Image 

On a completely unrelated note, here are some things I'm pretty excited about around the interwebs:

1.  It's not new, but I just watched Sheryl Sandberg's Ted Talk, and loved it - can't wait to read          her book

2. Design Sponge's O.C Tribute - my current highschool self is pretty ecstatic about this feature

3. Check out Society 6 for amazing and affordable art prints, they have everything!

3. DID YOU HEAR?! It's rumored that 'NSYNC is reuniting at this week's VMA's, crossing all fingers & toes!

Wanderlust Wednesday // San Francisco

Scout Panama Hat / Fireball Stud Earrings / Knitted Cable Sweater  / Textured Skater Skirt / Celia Tote Bag / Join My Tribe iPhone Case / Eglantyne Rose Gold Watch / Trolly Ankle Boot 

A few years ago, I made my first trek to the west coast to visit with one of my best friends in Seattle. I instantly feel in love with the culture and attitude of the other side of our lovely country, spurring the desire to spend more time close to the Pacific Ocean. 

While we still have a few weeks left in August, dreaming of temperate San Francisco weather made me crave some fall trends I'm excited about - namely, pairing chunky knits with more delicate, feminine details.  PS - how awesome is that bag? I am loving the beautiful emerald color!

Anyone else craving the west coast?!

Image via

Confetti Chronicles // Life Lately

Summer has been fab. While I haven't crossed everything off my mental warm weather to-do list, life has been full of some pretty great things lately. Here's a few highlights!

Attended a launch party for a dear friends' new shop, Tiny Easels. Check this girl out, she's incredibly talented and an even better friend. Double whammy!

My very first niece will be here in May! Got to spend the weekend in Alabama with family celebrating. 

 (sorry for the blur but had to share this picture of my beautiful family! Hard to tell I'm related by marriage right, I look just like them ;) Can you even tell one is pregnant? Didn't think so, she looks amazing!)

A simple treat - lunch at my favorite place in Columbus. 

Camouflaged

Since I'm wearing camo, you probably inferred these pictures were taken before a hunting trip - especially since bright orange accessories really help one blend in with mother nature. While hunting isn't one of my weekend past times, I have developed a  serious appreciation for the sport's signature print (first blogged about here). 

When I recieved this little gem of a shirt in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised - the fit is great and it's incredibly comfortable. Paired with some tried and true distressed denim and a neon cross-body bag, it made for an easy outfit for a night at the movies. And with this, my love for camo is solidified. 

Piperlime Camo Shirt / Ray Ban aviators / Old J.Crew lucite necklace, love this version / Michael Kors watch / Old Banana Republic jeans, similar here / City bag from Zara / Kelci Dagger Heels from Urban Outfitters

I Believe In // Dancing

The other night, my husband and I got into a conversation around the question "What are the top 5 nights of your life so far?" It ended up being a fun discussion that resulted in a lot of reminiscing and re-living the glory days. During this, I quickly realized that all the nights I was naming involved one thing - getting down on the dance floor. Let me be the first to say that I've never taken dance lessons, can't do any cool tricks, and will not win a dance off - but nevertheless, I love it. 

For me, there is something about loud music, signing along, and just straight up shaking what my momma gave me that I can't get enough of. Anytime I'm in a good mood, it usually results in some dancing. Which means yes, I still put on performances with a hairbrush as a microphone - just usually not when my husband's home ;).  

I'd love to know, what's one of the top 5 nights in your life?! 

 Image via

Wanderlust Wednesday // Washington D.C.

Washington Nationals Hat /Tweed Zip-Front Jacket / Hey Floral T-Shirt / Easy Reader Watch / Factory Straight & Narrow Jean / Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker / Phoebe Clutch / Floral Jacquard Dress / Yara Saddle (I lovveeee these!)

I've been to Washington D.C. once, in 8th grade for a class trip - great idea in theory, terrible in reality. Why you ask? My memories of this trip include being completely sleep deprived (thank you 8 hour bus trip), being annoyed with my roommates, and only caring about the dance on the last night. Needless to say, I left with a great appreciation for our nation's history. 

So, since in the last 12 years I've participated in some very important American tasks - you know, paying taxes and voting, I'd love to go back to Washington DC and tour all the museums, monuments, and learn a little more about the good ole' USA. I love the idea of pairing a classic tweed jacket with a fun graphic t-shirt (love this trend!) and androgynous accessories for site seeing, transitioning to a beautiful green jacquard dress for a night out in our nation's capital. 

Image via

Pattern Play // Moody Florals

Floral Print T-Shirt / Zero Gravity iPhone Case / Antiqued Floral Tee / Kelshall Playsuit / Floral Print Trousers / Floral Print Skirt / Warrior Triad Necklace / Leather Jacket

After seeing this image on Pinterest, I knew I had to get my hands on some good ole fall florals (already snagged this!). For chillier months, I love the idea of rich, moody floral prints - a refreshing take on a popular summer time pattern. To keep it interesting, why not pair with edgy pieces? - I'm thinking a black leather jacket and statement necklace will do just the trick!

Floral & Fringe

I stepped out of my comfort zone and channeled my inner hippie with this fringe top for a wine festival a few weeks back. It's a bit of a departure from my usual wardrobe repertoire, and  I debated for a good 20 minutes on whether or not I should keep it. Let me tell you, I am so glad I did! It was such a steal (it's on sale even more now!), and I've found it to be so versatile - by far the best option when the heat & humidity is unbearable. Ahh, it's so lovely when a little fashion risk pays off, isn't it?

J.Crew Jeans / Urban Outfitters Fringe Top / Old shoes from Aldo, love these and this option too / old Forever 21 bag, similar from ASOS / Essie Nailpoish in Chubby Cheeks

I Believe In // Quiet Mornings

True life, I am a morning person. I possess all the classic symptoms - obnoxiously talkative, high energy levels, enjoys waking up early - the things that make people around me want to perform acts of violence. 

While it's nice to be on my game first thing in the morning (I am terrible at night), the reasons I love the mornings are how quite and peaceful they are. For the past few years, I have gotten up 1/2 hour earlier then I needed to in the morning to spend some time reading, thinking, and praying. Everything in the morning seems more simple and clear - the e-mails haven't started flying, sleepiness makes me briefly forget my to-do list, and the day feels like a clean slate. Oh, and my big mug of tea is one of my favorite  indulgences, even if the tea kettle whistling at 5:30am is the worst. 

I'd love you hear - what's your favorite time of the day? Any special morning or night routines?

Image via

Wanderlust Wednesday // Nashville

Chambray Boyfriend Shirt / Scallop Shorts / Sunflower Collar Necklace / Eyelet Dress / Embossed Sadle Bag / Map Watch /    Beaded Disk Earrings / Eloy Bootie / Blue Lace Dress 

After spending July 4th in Florida with friends soaking up the sun, the same group decided to plan a trip to Nashville over Labor Day weekend. I'm so excited! I have heard nothing but great things about this city - everyone tells me it is full of live music, amazing food, and genuine people. Who knows, maybe I'll even run into my good pal, T. Swift! riggghhht.

I'm not a huge cowboy boots or hat fan, so I'll be reaching for breezy dresses, all things blue (for some reason it just seems southern?), and accessories that can easily take me from day to night. 

Any recommendations on where to see live music or experience the best of Nashville cuisine? I'm ready to make my must-do list!  

Image via

Pattern Play // Camo

Retro Cat Eye Sunglasses / Baseball Tee / Frayed Scarf / Fairends Baseball Cap /  Keegan Pant / Leather Tote / Crossbody Bag / Maharaja Fringe Strand / Wild Orchard Lipstick (my favorite!)

For reasons I can't explain, I have been channeling my inner hunter lately and can't get enough camo. I recently started my soon to be extensive collection with this shirt, but couldn't wait until it arrived so I borrowed my husband's for a night out with friends. 

I'm loving the idea of wearing camo as a neutral, mixing it with florals and stripes, and adding a punch of color or girly details. Anyone as obsessed as I seem to be?

Black, White & Printed All Over

 This print was so nice, I bought it twice. That's right, in my closet currently is it's peplum sister. Excessive? Perhaps, but I don't believe in splitting up clothing relatives, especially when they could live happily ever after together.

 After a week at work, I don't like thinking too much about what I'm going to wear out on Friday night -aka my brain is fried. Therefore, simple dresses that go with anything are usually my remedy.  I bought this dress over a year ago, but have found that I can wear it year round. In my book, it doesn't get much better then that. Plus this dress gave me an excuse to go crazy with the black and white print and wear my new favorite heels from Zara.

Old H&M dress, similar styles from Zara and Dorothy Perkins / Macy's vest (also love this option) / Old clutch from Target, similar option here /J.Crew and Madewell bracelets / Michael Kors watch / Zara heels 

I Believe In // Summer Indulgence

Doesn't this picture just scream summer?  I love it. 

Growing up, my mother always told me "it's the little things in life" - you won't be surprised that as I grew up I began to learn just how right she was (I know, predictable ending - moms are always right). I love this idea so much, that it is a big reason for this little blog. Letting the simple joys of life just pass you by seems like a crime, so instead why not celebrate? Hence comes the first post in what I'm guessing will be my favorite series - "I believe In"

I freakin' love summer - its hot hot hot, light out until 9pm, you have an excuse to waste away your weekend (thank you pools!), I could go on. However, hands down my favorite thing about summer is it is perfectly acceptable to ice cream every single day. I love ice cream, and it tastes exponentially better in the summer, after a long, hot day. My absolute favorites are Graeter's and Jenis, although I'm perfectly content with good 'ole DQ. 

Any summer indulgences that you just can't get enough of?