Pink + Pom Poms

Embellished pieces seem to be all the rage this summer. From tassels to pom poms and embroidery to ruffles it seems like summer pieces are thriving on the details and I am all about it! As July is on the horizon it's been a bit brutal to leave the house in anything other than loose and flowy clothing but I don't always want to sacrifice looking cute. Today's outfit is perfect because it's super breathable without sacrificing style.

 

 

 

tank // ruffle shorts (similar) // nude sandals // tassel purse // tassel bracelets // david yurman bracelets ( 1 & 2) // necklace

These shorts have been such a staple in my closet since finding them at the beginning of this summer. Unfortunately, they were a piece I hunted down from last year and I am desperately wishing someone would come out with something super similar this year as well (I've included some similar ones I've found at the bottom of this post). The vibrant pink color is bold enough on it's own to be able to pair with a few cute accessories to create a perfectly well put together look. I paired the shorts with this spaghetti strap pom pom tank ( similar tassel version here) that is a wonderful basic to help beat the heat. I don't think this top would have caught my eyes had it not been for the pom pom detail on the hem however I find myself pairing it with everything so I'm not sure how I went without it for so long. 

As for shoes I went with my favorite neutral gladiator sandals. I purchased these last summer before heading to Paris and London and needing something that would go with just about anything I packed. They are a bit edgier than I'm used to (with small studs on them) but they've gotten more wear than any other sandals I own over the past two seasons and they were brought back in this color and tons of others this year which is exciting.

For accessories I went with other pieces that included a pop of color starting with my tassel purse. This purse was a  DIY I did on the blog this spring when I couldn't justify purchasing the Rebecca Minkoff version for over $200. The DIY cost less than $30 and I always receive compliments on this bag when out and about. Paired with  two turquoise tassel bracelets this look screams summer to me and will be worn the rest of this summer. 

Here are some shorts that look as though they would be equally as comfortable as the pink ruffle ones featured in this post!

My friend Nell shot these (and nearly all of my outfit) photos for me. See this funny video we did our sophomore year and follow her on Pinterest here

A Summer Day In My Life

I'm always shocked (and also flattered I suppose) about how interested y'all are in my schedule. The past "day in my life" posts have always been so well received and I love that it leaves y'all with the opportunity to share what you're up to with me as well. With a busy couple of weeks on the horizon that aren't exactly sticking to a schedule I figured now would be a good time to share what a regularly scheduled summer day looks like for me before I get too out of the routine. 

After talking about what I take in my work tote in Monday's post I knew that now would be a great time to share my general schedule. For those of you who don't know, I am nannying for the same family that I nannied for last year. They have three kids ages 10, 8, and 6 and have been a blast to hang out with this summer as well. One of the many perks of being an elementary education major is that nannying is great job experience as it gives you a nice taste of what it's like to be with the same kids on a daily basis. 

My schedule is pretty flexible nannying and varies day to day which is nice but one of the best parts may be that I get Fridays off. I have used this time to work on the following weeks blog posts, take photos for posts, create videos, and respond to emails all of which are more time consuming than one may imagine. Hopefully y'all have been able to notice the additional time I've had to work on the blog and have been enjoying the frequent posts!

Since no two days nannying are identical and I don't know whether we will be hitting the pool, going to the library, having a picnic, or playing at their house I thought it made the most sense to just block off that span of time in this schedule. So now that I've kept you distracted by rambling, here is what a typical summer weekday in my life looks like.

*these precious illustrations included in this schedule are from my favorite artist, Evelyn Henson, who is also a Furman girl

So that is a nice overview of my schedule but since it is summer I obviously don't always follow it. Depending on what I am working on blog wise this can look incredibly different but I tried to think about what I do most consistently to include it!

Speaking of schedules…. with the fourth this weekend (well Monday so I'll claim it as an extension of the weekend) and then leaving on a fun trip to D.C. to visit my brother on the sixth I've been doing a lot of planning of posts and content (including lots of videos, y'alls favorite) for the coming month. We will be at the beach for the fourth of July with family and I am making it my goal to be "out of the office" during that time but leaving two days later for D.C. means that I've had a lot to do in the meantime to prepare to enjoy both excursions. Even with that being the case I still love to hear y'alls input about what kind of posts you want to see. I've loved having the opportunity to add more fashion posts to the blog this summer but I strive to make sure that I am posting about plenty of other topics including lifestyle, tips, organization, etc and always value what y'all are most interested in seeing once arriving to my site so never hesitate to send me some suggestions!

Also, I'd love to know what your schedule for the summer is like! I know I definitely do a lot better with a routine and love having this laid back schedule to follow to make the most of this summer. 

Ruffled, White, and Blue

I've expressed my love of easy throw on dresses for the summer before and I've definitely gushed about how much I adore all things off the shoulder so it should come as no surprise how ecstatic I am about this dress and I haven't even reminded y'all of my blue and white obsession (until now of course). When I first saw this dress on  Tuckernuck's site I knew I had to add it to my closet. It's light weight, on trend, and has pockets need I say more? Sadly, it's no longer available on  Tuckernuck however, I did find it  in all sizes here and in  additional colors here.

These shoes were also a summer find and are the perfect way to dress up a casual outfit. Platformed espadrilles have been really popular this sumer and this specific pair really stuck out to me. I love tan leather in the summer and the buckle across the ankle makes them easily adjustable! I know that I'll be wearing these loads at the beginning of the school year and will sadly put them away when summer ends because of how versatile they are. 

This outfit will definitely be coming with me on a trip I have coming up (more on that tomorrow) and would also be perfect for any fancier fourth of july plans you may have. Throw on a  cute pair of red earrings or a  bracelet and you'd be set to go! 

  

 

 

dress // sandals // purse (similar) // necklace // wrap bracelet // david yurman bracelets ( 1 & 2 )

I hope your week is off to a great start! 

What's In My Work Tote

It's Monday so you know what that means (aside from the Bachelorette coming on)… it's the start of another work week but not just any work week. It's the last work week of June and the last one before a fun holiday weekend! I'm fortunate enough to have the same summer job this year that I had last year nannying for a family of three which allows me plenty of time to blog as well. No matter what job you may have I think it's equally as important to pack for the part as it is to dress properly. I keep a pool bag packed in my car because I never know when the kids will be itching for a pool day but also keep another packed bag on hand for more day to day activities.

At the beginning of the summer I bit the bullet and purchased this great leather tote and I know it will be something I use for years to come. It's perfect for the summer as my work tote, for travel as a carry on, and for student teaching as my teacher bag. The tote stands no chance against me using it non-stop! I thought it could be fun to share with y'all what exactly I pack in my tote for my summer job so I've spilled the contents below.

tote // keys // water bottle // laptop case // lip balm // pencil case // pens // granola // agenda // phone case  // journal

I've found that this tote is super spacious to fit just about anything I could use on a given day. I start by sticking my laptop in its case and placing it at the bottom.While I don't often use it unless the kids are absolutely pooped and I cave and let them watch a movie it's nice to know I have it on hand. Next my planner and notebook go in the bag! I like having my schedule on hand to confirm dates and times when it comes to my nannying schedule and I have found myself brainstorming in this notebook at various times throughout the day so it's nice to keep it with me as well. With a notebook and planner I figure it's easiest to throw my pencil bag in the tote instead of having pens floating around at the bottom of my bag. I also like to keep a water bottle on hand because summers here are hotter than you'd imagine and it's crucial to stay hydrated especially since I tend to workout after lunch. My keys and phone are obvious necessities and usually remain at the top of the bag or in the pocket while some chapstick and a couple snacks are also tossed in the bag to have on hand! I usually have a book somewhere in the bag as well and am currently re-reading Harry Potter.

I also did this post in video form here in case you want to watch me go through the contents of my tote as well! I would love to know what y'all pack in your work tote for the summer especially if you have any nannying essentials (I'm always looking for new ideas of things to do with the kids).

Festive For The Fourth

Fourth of July is about a week away and that makes it feel like summer is just flying by. Fourth of July is always one of my favorite holidays since it is usually the first weekend of the summer that we head to my grandparent's beach house and we follow suit each of the following weekends. Think boating, eating, swimming, and a plethora of family time and it's like you're there with us. When it comes to the fourth however, packing is a little bit different as you'll probably want to incorporate a little red, white, and blue to your bag. Whether you choose to be subtle or go all out I've found so many patriotic pieces that you're sure to find something to wear for the occasion. 

tassel top // striped soludous // ruffle romper // tassel necklace // gingham shorts // stars and stripes top // white off the shoulder top // tassel clutch // striped watch // blue and white off the shoulder dress // converse // navy top // striped duffle // USA key fob // blue fringe top // chambray shorts // red, white, and blue romper // single tassel bracelet // beaded tassel bracelet // navy tassel earrings // blue and white romper // checked top // canvas clutch // tassel necklace 

My indecision has me in a tizzy considering all of these pieces are so fun and I would gladly sport them for the occasion and even well after. I'd love to hear which pieces are your favorites and what you have planned for the long holiday weekend? 

Wedding Wear with CROSBY by Mollie Burch

Wedding season is certainly in full swing. I feel like every time that I check my instagram someone is posting fun photos from a wedding and the only reason I don't assume that it's the same wedding is thanks to the clever hashtags people have come up with to commemorate their day. With a few weddings on the horizon that I'll be attending I got to thinking about just how difficult it can sometimes be to find the right attire for the occasion. In addition to the perfect dress I'll be showing you a couple of other items that are perfect to have on hand to match whatever frock you may find yourself wearing. In the south the heat is something to keep in mind as you're picking out an outfit (especially in the summer) meaning a dress that is lightweight and flowy is typically ideal. 

The Ellie Dress from  CROSBY by Mollie Burch completely fits those essentials on my wedding guest attire checklist. Y'all know my love of color and this dress in  Georgia Peach/Rose Quartz is the perfect spring and summer color combination. I've always thought that pinks and orange pair well together but the hues of this dress definitely confirm that. As a brand based in Atlanta, Georgia,  CROSBY by Mollie Burch understands how to combine fresh, modern designs with comfort and materials that are perfect even on hot summer days. The fun and flirty silhouette of this swing dress combined with its strappy back will surely make a subtle statement at any wedding you're in attendance at. 

And as if it could get any better than this dresses style, colors, and modern flair, all of the clothing offered by  CROSBY are machine washable which is any college student's favorite words. I always joke that my dresses go to more functions than I do seeing as whenever my friends need an outfit for a certain event my closet is typically their first stop but I hate that they always feel the need to get the dress dry cleaned before giving it back. Don't get me wrong I love getting clothes back clean but I know how much of a hassle getting things dry cleaned can be especially when you're a busy college student. I already have friends claiming this dress for future functions and now they don't even have to take it anywhere other than the laundry room in order to clean it! Another great component of this dress is that it is strapless bra friendly! The last thing you want to worry about at wedding festivities is adjusting your undergarments and with this piece that's not a problem. 

 

   

Nude heels are an essential when it comes to your closet and I always find myself reaching for this pair for a plethora of formal events I've attended with weddings being no different. The thin straps help to elongate your legs while also ensuring that your heels stay in place all night long. The last essential you'll need before heading to the chapel? Some sort of purse! Cross body bags have always been my favorite and this white one is perfect for summer with enough room to store your phone, some money, ids, keys, and even some lipstick and a hairbrush to help you stay polished even after hours of dancing!  

 

The back of this dress may just be my favorite part. With three straps flowing into the stripes from the snap at the neck it adds an unexpected component that is youthful and flirty while still being completely wedding appropriate thanks to the addition of heels and some bracelets. I think the strap detailing on the back also makes it so that you could pair this dress with sandals for the perfect beach outfit as well. 

dress ℅ // bag // shoes // necklace // bracelets (1 & 2) 

For reference I am wearing an XS and it fits perfectly! I usually wear a small or size 2 or 4 depending on the piece and an XS worked great in this piece! 

If y'all haven't checked out the entire spring and summer collection from CROSBY by Mollie Burch you definitely should as I know you would fall in love with their modern designs in fun prints and color combinations in the same way that I have. They also have some wonderful solid pieces that would serve as perfect basics in your closet that I know you'd find yourself reaching for frequently! In addition to creating beautiful clothing CROSBY gives back to help two different non-profits that help give exploited girls and women the support they need to move forward. 

Everyday Summer Makeup Routine

Oftentimes applying makeup in the summer is the last thing I want to do. With the sweltering summer heat it sometimes feels like it will sweat right off making it seem like a complete waste of time. Because of this, sometimes I won't put anything on (especially if I'm spending the day at the beach) but for those days I need to look more polished before leaving the house I have come up with a makeup routine that lasts all day long even on days when the temperature is in the upper nineties. 

Another thing to note is that I am definitely not a pro nor do I attempt to pretend to be. I like my makeup to look pretty natural and just freshen up my face and being able to apply everything quickly is another major plus to me. The routine below shows the products I use on a semi daily basis however, if my skin is pretty clear sometimes I'll just use concealer or powder and won't have to worry about any foundation. This is also the routine I use when preparing for blog photos so if you're interested in seeing how it looks all put together those photos are a good way to judge as well as the video I've included at the end of this post. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

1.  Moisturize. Instead of using a primer I like to use this  Cetaphil moisturizer to help prep my skin for makeup. It is great for sensitive skin and can be used all over so it's an all around great product to have on hand in your bathroom.

2.  Eyeliner. I don't tend to want my eyeliner to look too harsh but I do appreciate how it can make your eyes pop. This navy eyeliner from Stila does just that and looks great when applied to your upper waterline before applying mascara. 

3.  Mascara 1 &  Mascara 2. I like to use a combination of two mascaras when it comes to making my eyelashes look longer. I start with  Bobbi Brown's Eye Opening mascara to make my lashes look thicker and finish with  L'Oreal's Voluminous Million Lashes to add a bit of length and separate the strands.

4.  Foundation. Next up it's time to even out my skin time. I recently discovered this  Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation and it is by far the best drugstore foundation I've tried. It blends in really well and provides an even amount of coverage. 

5.  Coverup. For any blemishes or dark circles I like to take  Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer stick and apply it to any area that may need a little extra attention. I blend the concealer out with my fingers and find that it is liquid-y enough to be fine even on dryer patches of skin.

6.  Powder. I have used Bare Minerals powder ever since I started wearing makeup. It is great to use all over your face on it's own or to set the rest of your makeup. It's lightweight enough to make sure that your face doesn't look cakey as well.

7.  Bronze. In the summer especially everyone is looking for a bit of a summer glow. This bronzer by Pixi is great because the light brown color doesn't make your face look muddy but provides a bit of color to help you look a little tanner.

8.  Blush. A little color on your cheeks always helps to make you look more polished. My favorite is  Bobbi Brown's blush in Desert Pink. I apply it directly to the apples of my cheeks and a little excess to my nose in order to freshen up my face.

9.  Highlight. Using a highlighter is a great way to get that summer glow and this  Laura Mercier highlighter is the best way to achieve that. Applying it at the top of your cheek bones gives you a naturally glowing look.

10.  Lip Salve. I hate when my lips are dry but don't feel the need to apply some sort of lip color each day. That is where  Smith's Rose Lip Salve comes in  to save the day. It does a great job of moisturizing without feeling the least bit sticky. 

Here is a look at exactly how I apply this makeup look for you to reference in case you're wanting to see any of these products in action. 

I'd love to know which makeup products are your favorite for the summer! 

Easily Embroidered: Go To Dresses For Easy Summer Days

In the summer it is hard to beat throwing your hair up into a ponytail and tossing on a simple sundress and calling it a day when it comes to picking out your outfit. While shorts and a casual tee are also great they often require more effort than a dress would since with a dress you're only choosing one piece yet it gives the allusion of looking incredibly put together. Over the years I have come to realize just how valuable quick and easy dresses are to have as a staple in your closet (I blame that on student teaching) and embroidered ones are my absolute favorite. 

I have been gravitating towards embroidered pieces when shopping this summer and have found so many pieces worth sharing (and so many are less expensive than you'd think)! This blue and white embroidered number was under $30 from Forever 21 of all places and reminded me of one I had previously seen on  Shopbop's site. Paired with some  tan sandals and a  tan tote this makes for the easiest outfit that will be on repeat all summer long. 

  

 

 

dress // shoes // tote // sunglasses // necklace // wrap bracelet // david yurman bracelets (1 & 2)

Unfortunately, I think this exact dress has sold out since I purchased it a few weeks ago (if you're near a F21 you may want to check in stores) but I took that as a mission to find similar embroidered frocks for y'all to shop. I have linked the page where this dress was found incase it is re-stocked soon but in the meantime enjoy some of these pieces!

Happy Summer!

Happy (official) first day of summer y'all! The heat we've been having in Alabama would definitely make you think that summer has been here for months and I know the humidity doesn't help with that.  While the season is just beginning I can't help but think my summer vacation is flying by, I definitely need to start checking some things off my summer to-do list while still managing to spend plenty of time in the sun. 

With the summer solstice also comes another *important* holiday. Today is National Wear Your Lilly Day so I hope that you all reached for some sort of colorful printed piece this morning to properly celebrate! 

 

I had forgotten about this skort after purchasing it last summer so it was a fun and festive find to celebrate the occasion in. I also forgot just how wonderful skorts are and loved the neon colors and scalloped border that this one offered. With a light weight blouse and some neutral sandals I happily let the skort do the talking and we all know Lilly pieces are good at that. 

 

skort (similar from this season) // top // sandals // necklace // bracelets (1 & 2) 

After sharing the hype over Lilly re-releasing their  You Gotta Regatta print I realized that I completely forgot to share some of my other favorite Lilly pieces that have  been released. It doesn't hurt that everything is that much more enticing when their are  free gifts with purchase being offered like Lilly has decided to do this week in order to celebrate their holiday. But I couldn't help but include some other whimsical summer-y pieces that would pair perfectly with Lilly or on their own. 

What summer plans are you most excited about?

Front Porch Sitting In Stripes

Blue and white as a color combination is slowly taking over my life. My apartment bedroom was blue and white, I am currently re-doing my bedroom at home to be blue and white, and it seems like all of the cute new summer pieces I've purchased are also blue and white. Fortunately it's a classic color combination that I don't see going out of style anytime soon and I plan to fully embrace that! Another trend I plan to embrace? All things off the shoulder. This top brings those two details together perfectly with the addition of stripes and bows at the sleeves that has quickly made it a favorite in my summer rotation. 

I've worn it with white shorts and more recently with white jeans and both looks are equally as cute. Speaking of white jeans  these are my absolute favorite and under $60. I purchased them last year around the time of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and are a stylish skinny style while still having plenty of stretch. I used to *hate* jeans and have since outgrown that thanks to  pairs of jeans like this. This fall when I need to purchase a new pair I'll be hunting for this exact pair in a nice dark denim. 

As I was packing for a trip to visit my best friend to celebrate her 21st birthday this weekend (I couldn't be more excited) I knew instantly that this outfit would be joining me on my excursion as it would work perfectly during the day  (that is if it isn't sweltering, if it is I'll trade the jeans for some shorts) or at night for a festive dinner to celebrate the occasion. 

 

 

 

top // jeans // shoes // similar cross body bag // necklace // wrap bracelet // david yurman bracelets (1 & 2)

You can shop this outfit using the links above or by scrolling through and clicking the pictures in the images below!

Also I think Nell just promoted herself to Creative Director from Photographer with how great these pictures turned out. Believe me, I wasn't the easiest model complaining about how hot it was outside and how much I was sweating yet she still managed to get some great shots. See this funny video we did our sophomore year and follow her on Pinterest here!

I'd love to know what y'all will be up to this weekend! Happy happy Friday!

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