Laces Out

Guys.

I leave for Chicago tomorrow! These next two days better fly by at work. I have so much packing to do tonight because of course I waited to the last minute before I decide to put everything together. The weekend in Chicago they're having a huge 'Market Days' street festival so I'll be spending plenty of time outside, checking out the vendors and listening to the bands so I'll have to pack some "street festival fashion"... any suggestions on what I should be sure to bring? Make sure you leave your suggestions in the comments!

The outfit I'm wearing today is typical weekend wear for me. These white shorts that I picked up from the Gap at the beginning of summer have become a summer essential for me. They're super comfortable, flattering and they show off my tan, haha. I've already gotten a lot of use out of this lace up tee shirt as well. Last week, I wore it to work tucked into a cream pencil skirt. The laces on the side adds an extra fun detail to an otherwise classic tee shirt. 

Lace Up Tee // Shorts // Sunglasses

Sandals Vince Camuto, old (similar style here)

Bow Bangle // Clutch Kate Spade, old // Ring

Necklace, Macys (old)

xoxo

My Favorite Side Dish Recipes

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

Unfortunately for you guys, I don't have a new recipe to share with you today. Even though I've been in the kitchen a lot lately, I haven't really been experimenting with any new recipes this week, instead I've been sticking to some of my classic dishes including my jambalaya. So instead, I'm going to go back into the archives and find some of my favorite summer side dishes.

• Antipasto Pasta Salad (pictured above) is super easy to make, plus it's customizable depending on the chef so you can add whatever cheeses, deli meats and vegetables you want to make a tasty dish.
• Grilled Garlic Potatoes I'm not a big griller, I normally leave that to my dad or uncle but I don't mind preparing dishes for them to throw on the grill. These ingredients to these potatoes are all common household spices, and takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
• Fresh Spinach Salad - If you're looking for a healthier option be sure to try this fresh spinach salad, which is as tasty as it is colorful.
• Tuna Macaroni Salad - I'm a huge tuna fish fan, I could have tuna sandwiches every day and not get sick of them so it's no surprise I love to add a can of tuna to macaroni salad as well. This goes great with hot dogs or hamburgers on the grill.
• Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork - Nobody wants to turn the oven on in the summer time so while you're grilling, make up a side of pulled pork for guests in the crock pot.

What is your favorite side dishes for summer?

xoxo

In Bloom

Happy Monday!

I am quite anxious for these next few days to end because on Thursday afternoon I am flying into Chicago for a few days to see my cousin and some friends. I've been looking forward to this trip for so long and now that it's right around the corner I'm getting more and more antsy. Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit and I always make a trip every summer. So lets just assume I will staring at the work clock a lot this week, I hope I'm busy so the days fly by.

Okay, back to the outfit. If you remember a few weeks ago I wore this neon green skirt. Well, when I originally saw the skirt, I really wanted to buy it in pastel pink but it was sold out so I settled on the lime. Well, the stars aligned and a few weeks ago I noticed that the skirt was back in stock and on super clearance ($23!), so I immediately ordered it. They call it a mini skirt online, but I wouldn't call it that. It's definitely above the knee but it's definitely much longer than a mini skirt style. The soft pink color is so simple and feminine and I'm so glad I now own this flattering skirt in multiple colors, it's a good find.

Skirt // Cropped Shell // Sandals

Elephant Necklace, J Crew Factory (other critter options here)

Sunglasses American Eagle, old (love these $5 ones)

Bow Necklace, LOFT (similar option here) // Bracelet, Kate Spade, old

xoxo

Sunday Thoughts

Happy Sunday!

Hope it was filled with rest, relaxation and plenty of fun so you feel ready to start the week.

xoxo

Weekend Reads

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I hope you're all staying cool during this heatwave that is moving across the US. Temperatures reached the high 90's in my area this week so Misa and I spent a lot of time in front of the AC. If the rest of you are doing the same, here are a few fun reads and weekend links for your enjoyment.

• Buzzfeed really had me laughing at some of the articles they posted this week including this list of 23 People Who Saw An Opportunity and Took It
• Did anyone else get the chance to shop Baublebars Christmas in July Sale? I was able to pick up my favorite bold beaded strand necklace in baby pink.
• Just because I like my job doesn't mean I wouldn't rather be home doing something fun. This article on 'If The Thoughts You Had At Work Were Motivational Posters' totally nails my thought process throughout the day.
• How pretty is Laura from Bright and Beautiful in this striped top?! I found two similar tops here and here.
• You may not think of Amy Schumer as a role model off the bat, but check out this interview in Glamour Magazine and you will see how awesome she really is. 
• I've really been enjoying this season of Big Brother, it's my summer guilty pleasure. Each day after the episode I always listen to the episode recap at Rob Has A Podcast where he brings in old houseguests to talk game.

What are you up to this weekend?

xoxo

Catching Some Zzz's

I've been pretty vocal about my love of Aerie's swimwear line. Not only does it promote a great message of loving your real self, but they had so many cute styles this summer at a very affordable price. But today I'm here to talk about their equally fun sleep line. 

I'm sure I'm not alone in the fact that I tend to choose comfort over quality when it comes to my sleep options. I still have so many ratty old tee shirts that I grab when I'm ready for bed. But, Aerie's line brings the comfort while still having some personality. There are a variety of items for under $20 including a ton of printed boxer sleep shorts, the macaron print ones are my personal favorite. They also have cotton nighties that button up and can double as a light bathrobe to throw on in the morning. Aerie's new line has finally motivated me to throw out those old pajamas and invest in some new options that won't break that bank.

Macaron Boxers // Pink Seersucker Shorts // Seersucker Nightie

Joggers // But First Coffee Tee // Bootie Socks // Bralette

xoxo

Terrible Twos

Guys, this little blog is two years old!

I may have completely forgotten the July 9th anniversary date, but better late than never right?

It's hard to believe that what started out as a small hobby to keep my mind active while I was unemployed has turned into something I am still writing on two years later. When I first decided I wanted to start a blog, I had just graduated with my Masters and was having very little luck when it came to finding jobs. The job market was awful and I was getting so sick of spending my days online looking for generic jobs that I wasn't passionate about because I was desperate to get some income. I always imagined that finding a job wouldn't be that difficult once I finished with my degree, but boy was I wrong. 

I was definitely in a funk and looking for something to reignite my passions and cure my boredom. Enter this little blog. It was something small and needed a lot of work but suddenly I had a little project to fill my hours with in between applying for different jobs. I suddenly had something I was excited about and it definitely gave me the motivation I needed to finally score a job that could lead to something great.

Fast forward two years later and so much has happened in my life. I've landed a job that inspires and stimulates me on a daily bases, a job that really isn't a job but a career that I can continue to build on and make a life from. I've been able to travel to so many wonderful places with new friends and old, making lasting memories. Finally, I've got to really set a theme for this little blog where I've been able to channel my love of fashion and style and share with you all that makes me happy.

So, this is a special thanks to all of you that have stuck around since the beginning and all the newcomers along the way. It's been a wild ride and I look forward to the next new adventure.

Shorts (currently only $17!) // Bow Top

Flip Flops

xoxo