Sunday Browsing vol. 12

Happy Sunday Friends! I hope everyone is experiencing the same beautiful weather that we have in good ole Ohio today, it's amazing. I plan to post this bad boy and head straight to the pool! While you're lounging today, here are some links to enjoy!

• to eat: on today's agenda are these olive oil & sea salt brownie cookies - it will be the first time I've tried the recipe, and they look nothing short of fabulous.
• to enjoy: I have no shame in admitting I'm a big fan of Mr. Kanye West, so I clearly enjoyed this article by the blog world's resident fashionable funny-woman.
• to really enjoy: Any other Glee fans out there? While I'm not up to date on recent seasons, this show was my main jam in college ("main jam" makes me sound old, doesn't it?). If you've watching the show you can appreciate the 24 Glee covers that are better then the originals - I'm highly supportive of #6, 15, 17, and 22. 
• to shop: I may have gone a little crazy with the memorial day sales and picked up these shorts, a new tee, and a summer dress. 
• to know: 8 affordable art sources courtesy of Amber Interiors. Maybe now I'll actually fill the empty frames in our apartment.

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Summer Staycation

panama hat / t-shirt dress / neon necklace / sunglasses / beach tote / sandals / water bottle / bikini embroidered cover-up

On Memorial day, the husband and I walked to the pool by our apartment and enjoyed a few hours in the sun. I was basically like a kid on Christmas morning. Since it had been a good 9 months since my last poolside afternoon, I had forgotten just how relaxing and rejuvenating time in the warm sun could be. In between our weekends filled with weddings and quick getaways, I plan to squeeze in as much time lounging by the pool as humanly possible. 

Above are a few of my essentials for a staycation weekend at home, including an easy t-shirt dress, a fun bikini (that I just recently picked up!), and bright accessories.

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Mix It Up

Happy Tuesday Friends! Will anyone else live in a state of confusion this week thinking it's the wrong day? No, just me? 3 day weekends always mess with my internal calendar.

I picked up this floral number from j.crew factory during the winter in the hopes that the weather would one day warm up enough to wear it and lucky for me, in recent weeks my wish has been granted! The great thing about florals is that many times they have just as much versatility as a basic color. I originally wore this dress to a wedding a few weeks back and decided to throw on my favorite vest (last seen here) to mix it up a bit last week for work. Next on the agenda - a chambray shirt tied on top making the dress into a skirt for chiller months. How do you mix up your favorite pieces?

 ray-ban aviators / j.crew factory dress (love this option) / bar III vest (similar) / j.crew factory necklace (similar) / steve madden heel (still love target's version) 

Sunday Browsing vol.11 & Memorial Weekend Sales

Happy Memorial Day weekend friends! How is everyone celebrating this precious 3-day weekend? It's going to be 80 here today & I can't even contain my excitement! I plan to be poolside for the remainder of the weekend, but first, here are a few links to enjoy -

• to drool: a very talented friend of a friend recently launched a new website (blush arrow cakes!) to accompany her amazing cakes, cookie, and cupcake business. They can be ordered and shipped to anywhere and are nothing short of amazing.

• to blog: I stumbled across Ashley's blog, Sugar & Cloth after stalking her home tour on The Everygirl. Swing by her blog and you'll be bombarded with inspiration for days and amazing DIYs.

• to listen: do yourself a favor and listen to Sam Smith's stay with me, it's oh so good.

• to eat: I tried this recipe earlier this week, highly recommend!

• to shop: it's memorial day weekend so the only natural thing to accompany the sunshine, barbecue & warm weather is shopping - here are a few sales!
• Nordstrom started their women's half yearly sale earlier this week (rejoice!) - I picked up these bad boys  on day one and am eyeing this blush dress and this floral top.

• Gap is offering 40% off full priced items. This dress would be perfect with pink accents for an afternoon wedding, and I'm really loving this effortless romper.

• Nasty Gal is kicking off summer with an extra 50% off markdowns. How cute is this lilac skirt?

• Swing by J.Crew and enjoy an additional 30% off already reduced items & 30% off select full-priced items. J.Crew is my favorite for classic items (like this tee seen here) and bright pieces (highly recommend their fluted crepe skirt, worn here)

• Need Supply Co. is offering an additional 20% off already reduced items -  these lace trimmed shorts are prefect for an easy summer look.

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Weekend at the Lake

With Memorial Day marking the official start to summer this weekend, I can't help but get overly excited for the long, warm days filled with bathing suits and a carefree attitude that lay ahead. In my mind, nothing embodies a true summer weekend more then one spent lakeside. After a winter that overstayed it's welcome, the idea of shedding the layers and packing simple pieces that don't require much thought is refreshing.

j.crew factory shorts / converse sneaks / zara sweater / baggu weekender / zara headband / asos sunglasses / topshop bikini / timex watch / j.crew tunic (on sale!)

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Loving Lately // Lavender Locks

Historically I have never been a fan of un-natural hair colors and am pretty apprehensive when it comes to dying my own hair. However, I remember surprising myself when I loved Kelly Osbourne's new purple tresses when they first debuted a year or so ago. 

I hadn't thought much of it until a few weeks ago when I started seeing more and more photos of women rocking lavender locks appear. After clicking through a few pictures, I realized what I love about this look is that the color doesn't define the women, but instead compliments and accentuates their features and style. I can't say I'd go as far as making the switch myself, but I can promise to continue to enjoy those that do. 

What's your thought on the purple hair trend?

images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Fresh Perspective

Happy Monday Friends! How were everyone's weekends? Mine was spent in Augusta celebrating my sister-in-law's wedding which was nothing short of amazing. But I must admit that if you would have asked me in the middle of last week about the long weekend away ahead, I was feeling overwhelmed. With an unexpected crazy week at work that resulted in late nights and early mornings, the idea of being gone for a few days felt daunting. 

However, after arriving to Augusta, meeting up with family and diving face-force into all the weekend's activities (I wore this outfit to the rehearsal dinner - more wedding attire advice here), the thoughts that consumed the beginning of my week immediately melted away. I was reminded of an important lesson - how important family is, and how there really is nothing to cherish more then watching a loved one walk down the aisle alongside of those you care for most. I might be starting Monday morning with sleepy eyes, but feel rejuvenated and focused on what really matters. 

old H&M dress, similar here (cute bow detail!) and here / old BCBG leopard heels, love these / old clutch / revlon lipstick in wild orchid