Wanderlust Wednesday // Washington DC

This past weekend, a friend from college got married in our nation's capital, so we decided to fly in a day early and make a weekend out of it. The last (and only) time I was in Washington DC was in eighth grade for a school field trip (anyone else do this?) and it probably won't surprise you to know that I was far more concerned about the dance that was set for the end of the trip then embracing America's history.

We spent all of Friday exploring and while we didn't get to see everything, here a a few highlights:

• WWII Memorial - We visited a lot of the monuments and memorials, and this was by far my favorite. It's beautiful and filled with detail that pays a wonderful tribute to those who fought and lost their lives during this war. 
• Washington Nationals - It was raining and we had cheap seats, but honestly what is better then experiencing America's pastime in America's capital?
• W Washington DC - Visit this centrally located hotel's rooftop bar - it was the most amazing views of the city - it's right next to the White House! Cocktails are a bit pricey, but justified by the scenery. 
• Founding Farmers - This is a must for brunch. Caution: get there early or make a reservation - we arrived a half hour before the restaurant opened and there were already a few people in line. Crazy? Perhaps, but once you taste the food you will totally understand. Food recommendations - beignets and chicken & waffles. 
• Oyamel Cocina Mexicana - We happened to stumble across this restaurant while looking for lunch, and it turned out the be the major find of the trip. The margarita I had so nothing short of perfection, and the tapas-style menu allows for easy trial of all the goodness the kitchen has to offer. 

There's so much more we wanted to explore and weren't able to and we're already mentally planning our next trip. What are some of your favorite spots in DC?

pictures starting from top left: metro station with architectural detail, budding tulips by the Washington Monument, looking up at the WWII Memorial, Lincoln's view of the Washington Monument, the husband & I all gussied up for wedding festivities, the bottom of the Capital Building 

Loving Lately // Minty Fresh

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I was in the middle of assembling another post for today when I was stopped in my tracks by the image above. I love a good all-black look just as much as the next gal but nothing says a fresh-spring look like being dressed head-to-toe in a color that also happens to be one of the best ice cream flavors. With this in mind, I put the original plans for today's post on hold and rounded up pieces to achieve a mint look, whether it is head-to-toe or just an accessory to an everyday outfit. 

I'd love to know, would you rock an all-mint outfit?

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Sunday Browsing Vol. 9

Happy Sunday Friends! I'm currently sitting in the airport Starbucks killing time before a flight home from a weekend in Washington DC (more on that later this week!). To accompany your Sunday morning coffee, here are a few links I enjoyed this week. Enjoy! (side note - how fun would it have been to be at this celebration?!)

• to eat: I'm pretty much a sucker for anything banana and all breakfast foods, so I'm beyond excited to try out these vegan banana nut scones. #yum.
• to read: I was only slightly embarrassing this week when a friend stopped by and caught me hauling 4 packages up to my apartment. I say slightly because after reading this article, I feel justified in my online shopping. Hey, you can't beat free shipping & free returns!
• to shop: speaking of which, Zara is killing it lately in the handbag department! Evidence can be found here, here, & here. (They're all under $100!)
• to inspire: Two looks I couldn't get enough of in past weeks - Julia's red short suit & Emily's downtown cutouts. Mmm, mmm good. 

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Loving Lately // White Shoes

While browsing street style and magazines lately I have noticed an unexpected color popping up on the feet of those whose style I admire - white. While we are all familiar with the timeless pair of white converse, white seems to be making a resurgance in the more untraditional forms of heels, sandals and flats.  

The last time I wore white shoes, I was still being dressed by my mother and my white heels were undoubtedly worn with little white "dress" socks -anyone else rock that look? Lucky for us, I can safely say the white shoe look has evolved, with amazing options at every price. I've included a few of my favorite picks below, as well as a few different ways to style 'em up! My personal favorite? All white everything - see above. 

$50 & under

$100 & under

$150 & under

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Pattern Play // Watercolor

pillow / iphone case / skirt / mother's day card / plate / canvas / top / dress / panty / journal

The spring directly following my senior year of college, the first of my seven roommates got married. I remember how new & exciting everything seemed to be - my first close friend to plan a wedding, have bridal & bachelorette parties thrown in her name and walk down the aisle (I cried like a child). 

To me, every little detail was thrilling - I wanted to know all that she had planned, and even though it didn't matter in the least, I wanted to find the perfect dress to celebrate the occasion. For her wedding, I ended up finding a dress that reminded me of a watercolor painting - and fell in love immediately. Ever since, I have been a fan of any pattern that resembles the painting technique. I think it's something about the soft lines & the beautiful mixture of color that sucks me right in. 

The World's Best Invention

 This weekend, I found myself indulging in the most relaxing Saturday I can remember - it consisted of waking up sans alarm clock, hitting the gym & grocery, enjoying a late lunch with family on the patio (holla!), and…..taking a nap! Holy cow I forgot how amazing these things called naps were! And why the heck do I not take one more often?! Remember the days when a daily nap was routine? #college. Seriously though, best invention ever. 

I feel asleep for about an hour with the sun shinning and a breeze blowing through our apartment - I almost convinced myself I was on the beach it was that good. I'll show some restraint now & stop myself from continuing to rant for fear of sounding like the crazy lady. Anyways, after waking up and realizing that perhaps eating dinner would be a good thing, I threw on this outfit comprised of a few of my favorite staples and headed out the door. 

rachel zoe baseball jacket / j.crew tee/  anthropology necklace / timex watch / old jeans/  sole society heels / old clutch

Everyday Wedding Wear

metallic / tiered / flapper / floral detail

Earlier this week, I was reading The Cut and came across an article about summer wedding gowns. As I was clicking through the slideshow, I was enamored with the dresses that are a departure from what one may consider a traditional. For my own wedding day, I purposely chose a dress I considered to be timeless but often day dream about what choice I would make if I made the decision to wear something more of-the-moment. 

Since that day-dream will remain a dream, I thought it would be fun find dresses for everyday inspired by a few of the looks that were featured. If you were wearing a fashion-forward wedding dress, what would yours look like?

Got it from my Momma

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Consider me late to the party, but I didn't buy a pair of high waisted jeans until last month. I was skeptical to try the trend that seemed to be inspired by the "mom look" that most try to avoid, but instead was pleasently surprised. Since the rest of my jeans are a traditional low-rise cut, I found the tops I wore with my new "mom" jeans took on a completely different look. With this success, I am eager to try the high waisted style in other formats this spring and summer. I've included a few options above and below I have my eye on! Have you tried high waisted jeans - reviews?!

For the Love of Food

love and lemons / pinch of yum / cookie and kate / two peas and their pod

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekends? Apologies for the radio silence these last few days, I was a bit off schedule last week & took some time to enjoy the amazing weather while it lasts - it's supposed to snow Tuesday here, sweet. 

Before I got married, I had the cooking skills of an infant. In fact my college roommates still joke about how the kitchen would turn into a war zone whenever I attempted to whip up a dish. While I am still no chef, I have taught myself how to navigate through the kitchen and recipes in the last year and a half (read: I learned how to follow directions) and now exactly enjoy cooking. I can even confidently say that no one has fallen ill after eating a meal I have cooked, yet. 

Since I don't own many cookbooks, I rely on my trusty friend pinterest (who never disappoints), and have found some amazing, easy to execute food blogs. My favorite go-to food blogs are above - all have delicious recipes that are almost always healthy = double win! 

I'd love to know some of your favorite food blogs, I'm always searching for new dishes to try!

Diamonds: Not a Girl's Best Friend

I've found womankind's best friend, and it isn't diamonds or dogs. Reasons? Diamonds are expensive and difficult to come by and dogs are a lot of work (albeit cute & cuddly). So the real best friend you ask? Hats. 

Before you write me off as a crazy lady (which you may have done a long time ago), hear me out. Hats are the perfect solution for a healthy hair routine (read: when you're too lazy to wash it) - example a, b, & c - and can instantly transform an outfit. Added bonus - they keep you warm in the winter, soothe the "I spent 30 minutes on my hair and now its pouring rain" tragedy, and shield your precious face from those harm uv-rays. Need two more reasons? They won't break the bank (all options below are under $50!) and you won't have to take them outside in -10 degree weather for a 20 minute walk. 

Who's with me? Hats for all! :)

images: beanie / turban headband / floppy / baseball / fedora

beanie:

turban headband:

floppy:

baseball:

fedora:

Purple People Eater

I've had my eye on these pants since they appeared on j.crew's website a few months ago, and was delighted to find them on sale when out shopping a couple of weeks back. Even more exciting? They are so freakin' comfortable - let me tell you, this whole "fashion is comfortable" thing thats happening (i.e - sweatshirts) is a-ok with me. 

On a completely unrelated note - I wore this outfit to work last week, where I found myself caught in a 10 minute discussion on the true color of these pants, blue or purple?-  I vote a firm "purple" since the song Purple People Eater gets stuck in my head every time I wear them. 

h&m blazer (similar) / old tank, last seen here & here / j.crew pants / steve madden heels (target has a great version too) 

Sunday Browsing Vol. 8

First off, how dreamy is this picture? And how do I step into it? Ahh if only teleportation was a real thing. A girl can dream. 

Second, and more importantly, how was your weekend? Mine was filled with literally nothing and it was fabulous. Friday night I cam home with Chinese takeout and proceeded to watch 4 episodes of Scandal, followed by a Saturday night with homemade wings & basketball. It was the perfect remedy to a busy work week. What were you loving this week? - a few links that caught my eye below!

• To craft: As soon as Amanda posted a teaser of her diy marble tray on instagram I was sold. It's has such a luxe look and I think I could actually pull it off, double win!
• To blog: my friend Cara recently started a blog, Season + Sift and I can't get enough. It's so asteically pleasing and is filled with gluten-free recipes I can't wait to try. 
• To shop: how fun are these mugs from Urban Outfitters? Also just ordered this insect ring that was too fun to pass up. 
• To eat: I have a very serious love affair with tacos, so I'm pretty excited to try this roasted cauliflower & chickpea version. 
• To read: Enjoyed this article on the evolution & influence of social media as it relates to models and the fashion industry. These times are a changin'. 

In other news, my sweet friend Kelly tagged me in her blog to answer a few questions as part of the Sunshine award, thanks Kel! Questions & answers below!

Q: If you had to get another, or your first tattoo, what would it be and why? 

A: I already have one tattoo, the word agape in white ink on my wrist. If I got another, which is a serious consideration, I would likely get a verse that has meaning to both my husband and I on my forearm. 

Q:What has been the favorite place you have visited & why?

A: This is a toss-up between New York City & Riviera Maya. Both are places that I got to visit with my husband and I have such sweet memories of spending time with him in both cities.

Q: Wine or Beer?

A: Definitely wine. I get 0 cool points for liking beer.

Q: If you could invent a holiday, what would it be?

A: A lot of times I get the feeling that holidays are robbed of their true meaning by obligations that feel enslaving. Therefore, my invented holiday would celebrate spending time with people, whether family or friends, that you love - without obligation. 

Q: What do you do to recharge?

A: For me, a quiet morning or dance party do wonders for my soul. 

Q: What did you learn from your mother?

A: For the sake of me not crying while writing this, I'll keep it simple - just about everything that is important. Two thoughts of wisdom from the woman I affectionally call Mother Rose - "there is always going to be someone in this world that is better at something then you" & "everything seems worse in the night"

Q: What do you love most about the city you live in?

A: I've lived in the same city my entire life, and am lucky enough to live in close proximity to my family and the friends that are dear to me. Being able to spend time with people I love is a gift. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: Honestly, I don't know. I have a million ideas swirling in my head as I type this, but I've learned that it's best to stop planning and see how life unfolds. Easier said then done, I know. 

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Summer Festival

sandals / water bottle / turban / shorts / top / bangle set / dress / crossbody / sunglasses / watch / fedora

With Coachella just eight days away, I can't help but be reminded of my 30 before 30 list, where attending a music festival sits at #29. I don't have any current plans to attend one this year, but of course that didn't stop me from mentally compiling a list of what I would pack. 

For me, my ideal festival attire would be simple & light, accessorized with key pieces - I can image a crossbody (hands-free, holla!), hat, sunglasses & a water bottle are essential. Does anyone have plans to attend a music festival this year? If so, what's going in your suitcase? Any tips & tricks for the rest of us?