I Believe In // Family Dinners

Growing up, my memory of enjoying regular family dinners fades around middle school - probably because both my brother and I were involved in numerous sports/activities, and my mom was just trying to keep her head above water. But for some strange reason, I knew that when my husband and I got married last November, I wanted to reinstate the tradition. 

While we have successfully been able to enjoy dinner together most evenings, at times it can feel rushed due to trying to squeeze in workouts, and chores to get ready for the next day. I was reminded just how sweet a long, slow and relaxing dinner was Thursday evening when we were fortunate enough to have my dad stay with us, and cook us dinner! (best thing ever - I'm totally hiring a personal chef if I ever win the lottery). We enjoyed great food and were able to sit around the table, talk and catch up for a few hours. It was wonderful and a great reminder to slow down every once in awhile. 

Tell me, how do you relax everyday with your family? 

Image via. 

Interweb Round Up

As a follower of blogs for a few years now, some of the posts I enjoy reading the most are those that introduce new (to me) gems that exist on the great world wide web. With this is mind, here's a few of my favorites around the interwebs right now! 

Let me know, what are you loving online? Let's share!

1. One of my weaknesses is sunglasses, so I was delighted to find this great website with a ton of fresh shapes and designs thanks to corals + cognacs.

2. My new favorite song to dance to - wake me up, you're welcome all who ride in the car next to me for the stellar performance.

3. An article on the expectation vs. reality of working full time - especially love the 2nd and 6th expectation bust, and about died laughing at the last - it's true!

4. Do not delay, sign up for Hukkster immediately, it alerts you when your must-have items go on sale -
genus!

5. After this post yesterday, I was reminded of one of my favorite articles about the woman of the hour.

Channeling Lyons

 It's confession time - I am a huge J.Crew fan. So much so, that at times I refer to their CEO Mickey Drexler, and Creative Director Jenna Lyons as if I know them. Both pathetic and true. So I was delighted to find that when I put this outfit on for the first time, it felt like I was channeling my main woman, Jenna. (we have the same name, so naturally we'd be friends). 

I know what you're thinking - that's quite the stretch, yeah yeah I know. By no means is this outfit revolutionary, but sometimes perception is reality and I'll take the reality perception that I may every so slightly resemble Ms. Lyons' style with this look. 

Who are your style icons? I'm also digging Taylor Tomasi Hill as of late. 

J.Crew vintage cotton tee / old brown belt, fun option here /  old colorblock skirt, similar look from ASOS / old leopard from J.Crew, great option from Forever 21 / Kelsi Dagger Sandal from DSW

Pattern Play // Plaid

Clockwise from top left: Mini Mary Satchel / Plaid Peplum Shirt / Round Collar Checked Shirt / Drawstring Backpack / Checked Trousers / Farm from Home Sweater / Checked Skirt / Swatch & Listen Dress / Pattern via

While out in Nashville this past weekend, I saw a girl (she was probably in her mid-20s, but doesn't woman just sound too old?) who looked she was pulled right from the 90's - crop top, denim shorts, combat boots, and a plaid shirt tied around her waist. At first glance, this may have appeared off but I couldn't help but think she was on to something. 

Until recently, I thought plaid was only to be worn as a Christmas pajama pant but now I can't help but think of the versatility - pairing with delicate lace items, sequins and sparkles (especially for the holidays!), and dressing it up with a black blazer and pants. 

I'd love to know, what are your thoughts on plaid? Oh and PS - happy fashion week!

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!