Beach day...

Hi pretties! I am supremely jealous of people whose birthday falls in the middle of a white hot summer because what is more fun than a beach day birthday party? Well my birthday is in the Fall so I can tell you, it's not much. A girlfriend of mine always plans a beach day birthday party and it usually moves from day to night w/o much prep time in between. My advice for going from the beach to the bar seamlessly...

::H&M men's button down $17.95::

I love a men's button down for a cover up on the way to the beach, either borrow from your boyfriend or buy a one in a size large. If it's too fitted it'll look like your forgot your shorts.

::JCrew Ratti Regatta Shorts $98::

A cute pair of shorts (don't forget your unmentionables in case your suit is too wet to wear under your clothes) for later will pull your going out look together. 

Make sure to pack a great straw bag with all of your beach essentials & after the beach necessaries. Don't forget your beach towel & lots of SPF (you remember my sunglass tan line from last summer right?)

::Not Your Mother's Texturizing Sea Salt Spray $5.99::

This sea salt spray is my absolute favorite! It smells like coco nuts and gives your hair that perfect, "fresh from the beach" wave.

::JCrew Emery gladiator sandal $198::

Don't forget your sandals....duh


Since you have a fresh tan forget most of your make up, throw your mascara (travel size) and a statement neck or pair of ears to dress up your look later into your bag. And a wristlet to downsize.

::Baublebar Neon Aqua Bib $36::

Tie your button down over your shorts and put on your pretty necklace and enjoy yourself once the sun goes down!! 

xoxo

Sunday smiles {Monday Edition}...

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday off in remembrance of all the men and women who have served our country & and are still currently serving! My late grandfather was in the service and always taught us the importance of patriotism & honoring our troops!

We've had a pretty relaxing weekend with the exception of Saturday because we went to a friend's wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and such an honor to be there! It's so nice to have a friend that, even though you don't see each other as often as you would like, when you do it's like no time has passed! 

::Dress/Express, Shoes/Guess?::

xoxo

Farmers Market...

Milwaukee has a pretty stellar farmers market and fortunately for us it's open throughout the year due to being indoors (although it feels a little like cheating). The second you see the sign you know they took a lot of lead from the Pike Place Public Market in Seattle, WA but nothing compares to the joy that is Pike Place (first Starbucks store anyone?). Nonetheless it's imperative to be comfy-chic for a day roaming from vendor to vendor looking for treats & delights. Suggestions below

::Polo Jeans Company shirt dress $118::

::Kate Spade New York Bow Belt $68::

::TOMS Bimini boat shoe in yellow $59::

::Rachel Roy FEED India tote bag $78::

What shirt dress isn't complete without a brightly colored bow belt?! Matching TOMS making for easy walking and a canvas tote bag can house your purchases.

xoxo

Sunday Smiles...

This week has been pretty busy with the acquisition of some projects at work & a presentation to upper management, Mother's Day is a pretty big deal in the jewelry world! But the weather has been looking up and it's been so nice to wear bright colors and no jacket without feeling like a crazy person.

Some of my favorite pins this week...

::Absolute favorite color::

::Reminds me of the time we spent as kids at a cottage in Michigan during the summer::

{Pinned by Baublebar}

::I have no idea where this is but it's stunning::

{pinned by Baublebar}

::So dreamy & reminds me of Alice in Wonderland::

{Pinned by This is Glamourous}

::Inspiration, of course::

{Pinned by This is Glamourous}

If you are not following {this is glamourous} on pinterest, you better start. All of the boards are so beautiful and full of dreamy images that are bound to inspire you! 

xoxo

Met Gala 2013...

My favorites & fails from this year's Met Gala. I gave myself a good long while to really see if any other looks would grow on me but my initial favorites/fails won out in the end. And also it has been taking me forever to do anything on the internet at home, rude.

Favorites...

::Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere::

I absolutely love this dress despite the fact that it didn't follow the, "Punk Chaos" theme. I think if Blake had gone with something more punk it wouldn't have felt authentic. The bottom of the dress definitely gives it some edge and I love it. No surprise there I am pretty obsessed with Blake. 

Next Fav...

::Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier::

I am really loving Nina's style evolution, not to mention I watch The Vampire Diaries religiously every week (Team Stefan, of course). From her Donna Karan red dress moment at the Emmy's to her recent blue and black Versace dress at the CW Upfronts party. I love that she followed the theme and it worked for her. The pants with the tulle overlay is so sexy. Love it!

Fail...

::Kristen Stewart in Stella McCartney::

Ok so maybe I am being mildly unfair but I just do not like this look at all. I really tried to find one thing I thought was awesome but couldn't. Here we go again with the sheer garment, like we've seen Kristen wearing at most every event in the last year and half. I think it's time to change it up. Also, something about the seem on the pants is just not flattering. Ick...not loving it. 

Honorable Mention...

::Nicole Richie in Topshop::

I have to say that the reason why I am not totally put off by this look is that Nicole is rocking it, there is not one part of her attitude that seems unsure. I absolutely love that she took a risk and made it seem as if this is how she looks everyday. There is definitely something worth respecting about that. 

xoxo

What to wear to a music festival...

It's that time of the year, music festival season is upon us and while Coachella is over there is still plenty more music to be enjoyed. I find Coachella style while entertaining, a little over the top, so here are my suggestions for looking stylish yet casual this summer.

::Rebecca Taylor Aurora double-v tee $250::

::Miss Selfridge peach studded shorts $61::

::Sperry Topsider Carisle thong sandal $95::

::Zara quilted messenger bag w/pocket $80::

I love the cut-off & tank look for a music festival, it doesn't seem too put together but the details keep it from looking sloppy. The colors in this Rebecca Taylor tank are to die for. 

::River Island cream embroidered swing cami dress $54::

::Asos Navajo waterfall cardigan $75::

::Minnetonka Concho feather side zip boot $50::

::Asos backpack bag w/zips & punch out details $63::

Dress + cardigan + backpack = the quintessential music festival outfit. It's so easy and the details of this dress and cardigan are amazing! 

Now of course if you're going to a more specific type of music fest (i.e. country...folk etc) the details and accessories might change (cowboy boots for sandals or add a flower head crown) but the silhouettes still apply.

xoxo

Note: I don't like picking jewelry- jewelry to me is an extremely personal touch to any outfit. 

What to wear to the museum...

I love going to the museum and it's the perfect place to experiment with new trends or mixing prints. My favorite silhouette for this type of occasion (as it is with most occasions) are skinnies/leggings with a pretty flowy blouse.

::Mango cotton rocker jumper $60::

::Paige Kylie cropped bicycle print jean $189::

::Zara ethnic slipper $50::

::Haute Hippie hungry like the wolf sheer tshirt $153::

::7 For All Mankind skinny etched floral jean $158::

::Zara black & white combo heels $80::

Add a great clutch or chain-link crossbody bad and you're all set to take in the scenes.

xoxo 

Sunday (almost) Smiles...

Giving this idea a serious thought to get through the potential headaches of Monday morning. Two girls will be out of the office tomorrow and I have to cover some of their reports with the added pressure of my buyer, planner, and assistant buyers leaving for market in NYC on Tuesday. Pray I get through it...

:: Pinterest::

I really love this face for weekend days of running errands and grabbing lunch with friends! It's so easy but looks put together

::Pinterest::

xoxo