Where The Green Grass Grows

Not only did J and I purchase a house two years ago that needed a complete gut job and remodel on the inside, but it also needed a total overhaul of the outside as well. And after countless projects and a lot of hard work (we have done the majority of it ourselves), we are literally one project away from completion-both inside and out. And since one of my favorite things about warmer weather is fresh-cut grass (both the smell and the color), I can’t tell you how excited I am to spend countless evenings on the back deck enjoying ours this summer. And I am guessing this also might just be the explanation as to why I am so enamored with my grass-green tote right now…

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Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Jean Jacket: Else Denim (old), similar | Striped Dress: Forever21, (loving this one) | Belt: American Eagle (old) |  Necklace: GroopDealz (similar) |  Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: Gap | Bag: Kate Spade, similar

I am on the road again this week for work-which marks two weeks in a row.  And while I love my job, I can’t even begin to describe how much I am looking forward to getting home tomorrow night, and spending a nice relaxing weekend lounging in our finished backyard.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week.  Thank you for stopping by!

xx

Date Night

I love a good date night outfit. And while I normally use date night as an excuse to wear a cute dress or skirt, sometimes you just can’t beat a good pair of jeans and a sparkly top. Especially when you add some fun accessories…

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Sequin Tee: JCrew (old), loving this version, similar, similar | Jeans: Else by Joe’s Jeans | Cuff: H&M (old), similar, similar | Watch: Michael Kors | Clutch: Coach Legacy | Sunnies: House of Harlow Chelsea | Wedges: Worthington (on sale!!!)

And of course in addition to a great outfit, who doesn’t love a cute pair of shoes?  And even better?  A cute, comfy, and, affordable pair of shoes!  And these wedges fit the bill.  In fact, I have them in another color (which you can see here) and I’m pretty sure both pairs will be important staples in my wardrobe this summer.  Plus, right now they are on sale for under $30.  Get them before they’re gone!!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Under My Umbrella

There is only one thing that makes me happy when it rains, and that is the fact that I get to wear my favorite hot pink Hunter rain boots. Not only are they practical and comfy, but they are the perfect splash of color to brighten up even the dreariest of days…

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Chambray Shirt: Forever21 (old), similar | Lace Skirt: American Eagle (old), similar | Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Tiffany | Umbrella: H&M (old), similar | Hunter Rain Boots

I hope that it’s not nearly as dreary where you are as it is here in the SLC this week.  Fingers crossed things warm up and dry out in time for the weekend.  But in the meantime, you can most likely find me splashing around in puddles making good use of my favorite rainy day accessory.

xx

Half Tucked

I love the half tuck. It’s an easy way shake things up a bit and the perfect balance between looking casual and polished. And while I usually prefer to wear this look with a belt, this time I went without.  And in this instance, I think it lends itself particularly well back to distressed denim…20130527-223614.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Striped Buttondown: JCrew, similar, similar, similar| Distressed Denim: American Eagle | Necklace: TJMaxx (old), similar | Sunnies: Nordstrom | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Pumps: Mix No. 9

I have to admit that  my mom and I had a good laugh about the half tuck while my family was in town for the holiday weekend. You see, the half tuck is a casual look that my dad has been rocking for as long as I can remember.  And while we have always teased him about it (also for as long I can remember), it’s a great example of how cyclical fashion can be.  Hold onto something long enough and it’s bound to come back around…

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

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My Vest Accessory

When I originally put this outfit together, it was sans vest. But one thing I have learned about blogging is that sometimes, the more layers and jewelry you pile one, the better the photos turn out. Apparently there are some instances where more is more! But I have to say that I think the vest really made this outfit complete, and not just for the sake of blog photos. And so, it should come as no surprise, that I am absolutely loving the vest trend again this summer. So if you haven’t already, denim or surplus, it’s time to add one to your closet!

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Popover: JCrew | Vest: H&M, similar, similar, similar, similar | Skirt: Kensie, similar | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Stella & Dot | Belt: American Eagle (old) | Sunnies: Gap | Watch: Michael Kors | Pumps: Aldo

Hope you are all having a wonderful week.  Mine has been beyond crazy and I am so looking forward to the long holiday weekend and having family in town.

Thanks for stopping by!

xx

Archive Brights

Ok, ok so even though it’s been really cold and rainy here, don’t mind the background of these photos, because we don’t actually have any snow on the ground here in the SLC (well at least in the valley!). But rather, I was going through my outfit archives and realized that I never shared this little gem of an outfit with you all! And something about the combo of neon purple and rich, cobalt blue made me want to blog about it. I absolutely love mixing two bold colors together-especially these two colors.  They are the perfect pairing to brighten those sometimes dreary spring days…20130520-231232.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Walden

Boyfriend Shirt: Gap (old), same shirt in new colors | Skinnies: American Eagle | Necklaces: JCrew, Francesca’s, similar | Bracelets: JCrew, Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Leopard Belt: Express, similar | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Bag: Kate Spade, similar | Pumps: Nine West

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning thinking about the lives lost and all of those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.  Life is so fleeting and so incredibly precious.  And tragedies like these are a good reminder to treasure your loved ones and appreciate each and every day to the fullest, because really, we never know what tomorrow might bring.  Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to the Midwest.

xx

Knots Landing

I am so happy that maxi dresses are back on the docket for spring this year. And perhaps what makes me even happier, is the new trend of tying the bottom of your maxi in a knot. It is the perfect (and oh-so-simple) way to change-up an old favorite, making it feel fresh and new for the season!

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Instagram Filter: Mayfair

Maxi: Old Navy (old), similar, similar | Denim Jacket: Macy’s | Necklace: Groop Dealz, similar | Bracelet Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Aldo | Sunnies: Nordstrom, similar | Clutch: Coach | Wedges: Dolce Vita , new version

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Ours was filled with lots of projects and yard work, but it felt great to be extra productive and get things done around the house.  And of course (despite the copious amount of manual labor), it went by way too fast, as weekends tend to do.  Good thing there is a nice, long holiday weekend ahead of us!

Happy Monday!

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Sunrise, Sunset

I can hardly believe that another year has passed and I celebrated my 32nd birthday last week. And not only is it hard to fathom that I am 32 years old, but my birthday also marked the 10 year anniversary of my graduation from Vanderbilt. Wowza. Truth be told, I’m not sure which of the two is harder to wrap my head around! But fortunately for me, I had a wonderful celebration to help soften the blow. Due to the perfect timing of our Macy’s Vendor Summit, I was able to spend my big day in my favorite city and be whisked away on a surprise celebration by my sweet hubby. For the first part of the evening, I was instructed to dress warm (more on that later this week), and for the second, I was told to pack a fancy dress. Of course I jumped at the opportunity-it’s not nearly often enough in life that one has the chance to get really dressed up…

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Dress: BCBGMaxazria (amazing Nordstrom Rack find!), similar, similar | Bow Belt: Macy’s, similar | Earrings: Sappari (local boutique in Whitefish, MT), similar | Clutch: Coach Legacy | Pumps: Aldo Dixil

I am absolutely head over heels for this dress and have to say that I felt like an absolute princess all night.  And there are so many things I love about it that it’s hard to even know where to start.  But one thing I can say for sure is how important  it is that every girl have a dress her in closet that she absolutely adores and that makes her feel like a million bucks every single time she puts it on.  The way I see it, fashion shouldn’t just be about looking good-but more importantly feeling good!

Thank you so very much to all of you for the birthday wishes last week!  Truly, they made my day.

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Back At It

Well hello there, my lovely readers! After a brief little blogging hiatus, I am back! And can I just say that last week was an absolutely crazy (and wonderful) one for me? Between a work trip to San Francisco for our Vendor Summit, a birthday celebration, and a nice long weekend spent in my favorite city by the bay (packed full of my favorite activities), I think my head is still spinning!! So since I’m slowly, but surely, getting back into the swing of things, I thought today was the perfect opportunity to keep it short and sweet and share with you one of my favorite color combinations ever-pink and navy.

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress:  BCBG (old), similar, similar, similar | Blazer: H&M (old), similar | Bracelets: Kate Spade, Francesca’s, JCrew, Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Belt: Cotton On (old) similar | Sunnies: House of Harlow Chelsea | Wedges: Worthington

Can you believe that I stumbled upon these darling wedges at JCP of all places?  I had actually seen them in a magazine and wanted to check them out in person since I was a little unsure about buying a pair of shoes from Penny’s.  And while I have to say that I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by just how cute they are in person, the quality, and the amazing price (under $40!!).  They are definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe this summer.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

xx

The It Factor

There is always an “it” piece for me every season. Okay, well maybe a few different, “it” pieces. But whether it’s a pair of shoes, a new handbag, or a some sort of fabulous accessory, there are always bound to be a couple of key things that will top my wish list and be on constant rotation in my closet. And I have to say that this season, it’s safe to say that my pretty rosette necklace is going to be one of those pieces…

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Instagram Filter: Nashville

Plaid Button Down: JCrew (old) similar, similar | Skinnies: American Eagle | Rosette Necklace: T+J Designs (via Haute Look), similar | Sunnies: Hilfiger | Watch: Michael Kors | Bag: Kate Spade (on sale!!!!) | Pumps: Aldo

I initially fell in love with this necklace when I spotted it in JCrew at the beginning of the season.  But as enamored as I was, I just couldn’t bring myself to pay the hefty retail price tag for it.  And boy am I glad that I waited.  Not only did I get an amazing deal on the T+J version (which is excellent quality, by the way), but I was also able to pick it up in another color. I am going to have so much fun styling this necklace over the next couple of months-I can’t wait!

xx