Tropical State of Mind

 Swimsuit // Dress (as a skirt) // Tote // Sandals // Earrings // Scarf // Sunnies

The forecast this week is dreary and disgusting. (As I'm typing this the rain is pouring and there are loud cracks of thunder) I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be right now than on a bright, sunny beach or shopping at a local market in Mexico or Jamaica. Judging from everyone's tweets and instagram photos, you're all feeling the same way.

When it comes to a beach getaway, the simpler the outfits the better. I love the idea of pulling a skirt on over your one-piece, throwing on some jewelry and heading straight to dinner. It's fresh and easy - and isn't that what a vacation is all about?! I really hope wherever you are, it's bright and sunny!

(Today is the last day to enter my U. Breyn giveaway!)

Weekend Wishes

(Images: Ann Street Studio)

You all have to click over and browse the images that Jamie Beck shot recently at a luncheon hosted by the Women's Committee of Central Park Conservancy. Ladies in fancy dresses and big hats - it doesn't get much more glamorous than that!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be!

xo

Friday's Fancies: Celebratory Stripes

Crop top, TOPSHOP // Skirt, PAUL & JOE // Heels, ASOS // Clutch, BLAIR RITCHEY

Necklace, LOREN HOPE // Bracelet, LOREN HOPE // Earrings, BROOKS BROTHERS

Happy Friday, sweet friends! Notice anything different around here?! My friend Alison has been working behind the scenes for quite a while on this new look of mine. (If you're in google reader or bloglovin', click over!) I am so thrilled with how she brought my ideas to life and created the exact design that I wanted. Isn't it so chic and fancy?! Just a couple things to note - I have a pretty new about page and a shop page so you can see (and shop!) a curated collection of things I'm coveting! Also, I now have a popular posts list (over on the sidebar) so you can browse readers' favorite posts. I mean, Alison really outdid herself!

You can seek Alison's incredible talent by visiting her site, Polish Your Blog.

Classic White Tee

(Images: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5)

The classic white tee. It can be styled a hundred different ways. I don't embrace this closet staple enough, so when Amber from Real Girl Glam asked me to join her in hosting her latest Real Girl Style Challenge, I jumped right on board. And now I'm inviting you all to do the same! Amber will be hosting a link-up on her blog next Friday, May 24. All you have to do is style a white tee, snap some photos, post to your blog, and link up with us! We would love to have you!

(PS - Make sure you've entered the U. Breyn giveaway I'm hosting!)

My Style: New Sunnies

Growing up my mom would joke and say that I collected sunglasses (and purses). Some things never change, I suppose! Nowadays, I gravitate more toward classic styles and colors - except for these red ones that were too good to pass up. I like big frames and dark lenses. So, when Sunglasses Shop offered to send over a pair to feature on the blog I was quite excited and a little overwhelmed with all the options. They have so many designer sunglasses to choose from - literally. Celine, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, D&G - the gang really is all here! I opted for a tortoiseshell D&G pair and they haven't left my purse since they arrived!

**

Jumpsuit, from BELK (last summer) // Jacket, LIZ CLAIBORNE (old) // Heels, JESSICA SIMPSON

Bag, COACH // Necklace, J.CREW FACTORY // Earrings, J.CREW // Ring, KATE SPADE

D&G Sunglasses, c/o SUNGLASSES SHOP

You can shop all their options here!

(This post was sponsored by Sunglasses Shop. All opinions are my own.)

Currently Crushing: Leo as Gatsby

(Images)

I saw The Great Gatsby on Saturday and ever since I can't get Leo's character out of my head. Not just because of how incredibly handsome he is or how dreamy his suits are. This is the Gatsby that Fitzgerald wrote about (in my humble opinion) brought to life. This is the Gatsby that charmed Daisy and died for her. This is the Gatsby that hosted lavish parties simply to catch the attention of the love of his life. Now, I know there have been harsh reviews and criticisms of Luhrmann's Gatsby and I'm sure there are even some of you that were left disappointed. But for me, my love of Leo has been reignited and I'm kind of aching to hang a poster of him on my bedroom wall (circa middle school, 1998).

Behind the Scenes: Dresser Clutter

As hard as I try my dresser is a catch-all. I have specific drawers, bowls, baskets, etc. for everything in the photos above and somehow it all still ends up scattered across my dresser. Over the weekend, I decided not to fight it anymore and just snap some photos of the things that are currently cluttered atop my dresser. After going through the photos I realized there are messes that could be much less pleasing to the eye than the nail polishes, pretty ribbons, sequins, and boxes that I've been stressing over for the past week or so. I suppose I'm learning a lesson in living in the moment. Even a few months ago these pieces would've never stayed out more than a couple days. But lately I've been inspired and compelled to focus my attention on more valuable things (and people). Let your space be lived in and look lived in. I truly believe that makes for a happy home.