Altar Boy Chic

It was my husband's birthday on Friday, and I decided to break out this dress that I ordered during Nordstrom's half yearly sale a few months ago. When I first tried it on, I thought to myself how there was no way I was keeping it as I seemed to resemble an altar boy - something about the all-white and flouncy sleeve. 

However, after trying it on a few days later when I hadn't just returned from the gym, I decided it was a keeper. I haven't regretted my decision to keep this little number since, but I can't put it on without claiming I'm sporting the newest trend: altar boy chic ;).

 rachel zoe jacket (similar) / topshop dress, sold out (here & here) / essie nail polish / almost identical clutch / kelsi dagger shoes (similar)

shop the post: 

Sunday Browsing vol. 16

Happiest of Sundays to you! I had full intentions of posting this little round-up prior to Noon but then got caught up in what turned out to be a mini food-crawl. Can you blame me? Not to worry though, there is still plenty of time left to causally browse through the wonderful world on the interwebs, some of my favorite links from this week are below!

• to know:  Erin shared  tips & tricks on how to keep hydrangeas from wilting - I picked up a a few stems at Trader Joe's yesterday and I'm following her lead!
• to DIY: have an old pair of jeans that you're not in love with anymore? Why not turn them into a new pair of summer shorts, following Hallie's lead. 
• to wear:  this tropical top paired with a midi is swoon-worthy. Ahh, street style is my fav. 
• to eat: make sure this recipe for spicy kale & coconut stir fry is on the menu this week. Don't let any initial impressions full you - it's amazing (& healthy too!). 
• to shop: if you didn't know already, Nordstrom is having their anniversary sale where you can shop fir your fall wardrobe at a discount before prices go back up on August 4th. A few of my faves? - this amazing sequin maxi, a subtle embellished tank with back detail, and a studded bracelet.

Magic

There are many days during the week where I wake up, stare at my closet for far too long frustrated that I have "nothing to wear",  major #firstworldproblem. Then, every once in awhile, there are days when  a beacon of hope in the form of a tried and true clothing article peaks out and an outfit is instantly born. Magic.

That my friends, is what happened with this top. When I picked it up months ago during an end-of-the-year sale, I didn't realize just how versatile it would become. I think I've worn it with just about every pair of jeans, shorts, and skirt in my closet but realized I've never shared it on the blog. Don't you love when deciding what to wear is stress-free?

 BP fedora (similar) / madewell top / gap jeans / enzo angiolini sandals / old navy bag / timex watch

Wedding Trends & Dressing your Date

matching separates: top & skirt / men's shirt & tie / (image)

jumpsuit:  jumpsuit / men's shirt & tie / (image)

midi dress: dress / men's shirt & tie / (image)

This Saturday, my husband and I will attend our 5th wedding of the summer. Don't get me wrong, this is not a complaint. An excuse to play dress-up, catch-up with friends and dance the night away is pretty much an ideal night for me, so I'm happy to partake and shed a few tears while watching friends & family stroll down the aisle. 

For the amount of weddings I've been to this summer, my attire has pretty much remained consistent for all of them - relying heavily on above-the-knee dresses with a bold print. There isn't anything wrong with this but I love the idea of adapting current trends to wedding-wear. 

Today I'm teaming up with Paul Fredrick to share my tips on trying new trends & dressing your date! Here they go!

• Embrace the trend: there are so many amazing trends right now that can easily translate to a wedding wear. When trying something out of the norm for a wedding, tred lightly. Try matching separates in a solid color and if wearing a crop top, choose a boxier option that shows just a peek of skin, or fake the look with a dress like this. If rocking a jumpsuit, I would choose a black version and add a bright accessory or two. 

• This isn't prom: remember when you went tux shopping with your prom date to ensure his vest  and tie coordinated with the dress you spent months shopping for? Well, throw that ideology out the window. You're both adults with individual style, so don't worry about being matchy-matchy. That being said..

• Use your date to compliment: while I don't recommend prescribing exactly what your man should wear, you don't want any pictures that may be captured of you two to resemble a crazy quilt your great Aunt Sue knit for you. Wearing a solid colored dress? Suggest a patterned tie or dress shirt in a complimenting color. Trying out one of the trends above? A classic suit would be the perfect pair. 

•  Suit up: This may be met with some opposition, but unless the wedding is held on the beach or on a farm, I am a strong believer in men wearing a suit as opposed to just a shirt and tie. 

• A tailor is your BFF: Not enough can be said about a well tailored suit. It's 100% worth the money and makes your man look real good. 

shop a few more of my favorite picks here!

Crop It Like It's Hot

This past weekend, our friends were kind enough to drive in from out of town to spend the weekend just hanging out and enjoying the summer. I am reminded after weekends like these just how blessed we are to have such amazing relationships in our lives. Nothing better then laughing all weekend with people you've known for what seems like forever. 

Saturday night I sneakily imposed by desire to visit my new favorite restaurant in town, the sycamore, on our group and I think it's safe to say there were favorable reviews by all! I pulled out this top I snagged in Zara's sale (which is still happening!) for my first baby step into the world of crop tops. I will admit, it's not the boldest step when paired with high-waisted jeans, but I'm excited to do a little more experimenting. 

wary parker sunglasses /  zara top (similar styles here & here) / gap jeans / h&m rings / old navy bucket bag (similar under $50!) / guess booties

Sunday Browsing vol. 15

Happy Sunday friends! I'm so glad to be back typing on this little corner of the interwebs! Speaking of which, so sorry for being compelely MIA this past week - after spending a long weekend in Naples celebrating the 4th with friends and a few unexpected things popping up at work, it was best to take last week off. But have no fear, I'm excited to be back in action this week! I have a few fun things planned in the days to come, but until then, here are a few links I'm loving to accompany your Sunday. 

• to craft: in case you missed it, Emily shared this beautiful DIY this week that might just be easy enough for me to complete!
• to shop: I loved this purse that I spotted in Ashley's post so much that I picked up one for myself! (PS- visit her site for an additional 50% off promo code!)
• to dress: Julia of Gal Meets Glam is one of my favorite bloggers to watch, so it's no surprise I adored this look that she shared - I mean come on, that jacket. 
• to swoon: if you're looking for a little interior decor inspiration/ envy, check out this home tour. 

image

Whiteout

I first expressed my love for this sincerely jules tee a month ago, but have even surprised myself with how versatile I've found it to be. I'm pretty sure I've worn it just about every week, most recently pairing it with these pants for what I like to call the "glorified pajamas" look. 

It only seemed appropriate that the next match-up for my current closet MVP would be an all-white look, which proved to keep me nice and cool while exploring on Sunday.

FE sunglasses /  sincerely jules tee, last seen here / timex watch / gap skirt, similar here & here / jeffery campbell flats