Outfit Post: Skirting the Issue

Like most women, I have a uniform that I stick with in my everyday life (read: life outside this blog). It's what I gravitate towards when quickly getting dressed. It's what I feel most comfortable in. It's what feels effortless. For me that uniform is a slight nod to menswear with skinnies and a button down.

But lately I've been all about skirts.

Ever since I bought my first midi skirt last season, I've had to question my tomboy tendencies with the super feminine silhouette. And once I started wearing midi skirts, the floodgates opened and no skirt was off limits. Maxis and minis, pleated and sequins, and now the slightly conservative pencil skirt.

Once reserved for power suits and corporate dressing, the classic pencil skirt has become a lot more interesting in lace and cut outs. And when paired with a basic tank and minimal accessories, it's better suited for a night on the town than a day at the office.

Power dressing at it's finest. 

 

top: similar here

skirt: nordstrom

heels: nordstrom rack (old, similar here)

clutch: similar here

sunglasses: ray ban

Outfit Post: Daytime Sequins

I'm a big fan of sparkle. Especially wearing it in unexpected ways, like paired with this daytime midi skirt.

Originally I had this outfit paired with a basic white tee, which would have been a totally acceptable outfit. But some days just call for sequins.

And when sequins call, you answer.

top: old navy (old, similar here)

skirt: nordstrom 

clutch: target

shoes: cynthia vincent for target (old, similar here)

sunglasses: aviators

Currently Coveting: Tory Burch for Fitbit

via

Ever since my ladies trip to Europe - where my sister introduced me to the Fitbit - my girlfriends and I have been totally hooked with the pedometer. Obsessed actually. What started as a great way to justify that wine at lunch or the extra croissant (or two) at breakfast has become a full blown competition between us, resulting in me pacing around my living room at 11:59pm to get to the 10,000 step goal of the day (and ultimately beat my friends).

And just when I thought I couldn't get any more obsessed with my Fitbit, Tory Burch goes and launches a collaboration with the brand. And now, all I can think about it is what I can sell to justify the $195 price tag of that gold bangle.

I mean, if you're going to wear something every single day (and it's encouraging you to be active and healthy!), it might as well be stylish. Right? Right??

At the end of the day, for someone on a limited budget like myself, is it worth the price tag? Probably not.

But that doesn't mean I'm any less obsessed.

See the full collection (or surprise someone you love with this wonderfully perfect gift) here. 

Also, just a reminder that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public (see my picks here). Also, Nordstrom Rack is now shoppable ONLINE. Boom.

Outfit Post: Floral and Studs

My style would not typically be called "girly." Frills and florals are not typically my jam. But when looking for a dress for a summer wedding, I stumbled upon this little number in the clearance section of the Neiman Marcus Last Call sale and - girly or not - I knew it was a winner.  Despite the extremely feminine floral print, the open back and short skirt make it a little less precious. And even though this dress would have looked great with a pair of heels, I decided to make the look a little more "me" with my favorite pair of studded and sequins flats. All the better to twirl in.

So even though I would typically choose something more sleek, any dress that encourages twirling is worth stepping outside the comfort zone for. So I'll take it.

Frills and all.

 

dress: alive and olivia (sold out)

shoes: zara (similar here)

clutch: stella and dot

ring: h&m (similar here)

necklace: bauble bar (similar here)

sunglasses: ray ban

Outfit Post: Tribal Maxi

Summer is all about ease and there is nothing easier than a maxi dress. Throw it on, add a few accessories, and head out the door.

Quick and easy.

Kind of like this post.

dress: south moon under (similar here)

sandals: forever21 (similar here)

sunglasses: ray ban

earrings: target (similar here)

clutch: vintage

ring: h&m

Outfit Post: Red, White, and Blues

It doesn’t get more American than denim cutoffs and Chuck Taylors. Throw in an American flag scarf from Free People, a locally brewed IPA (not pictured) and the most beautiful golden hour light and you’ve got the perfect July 4th setting.

I'm headed Up North for a quiet holiday weekend on the lake, complete with friends, dogs, bonfires, and boats.

Talk about good ol' fashion American fun.

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

top: h&m (similar here)

shorts: american eagle

shoes: converse

scarf: free people

tote bag: j.crew

hat: similar here

Red, White, and Blueberry Smoothie

Now that summer is here in full force, I'm constantly looking for ways to stay cool. And with Fourth of July just a couple of days away, I'm celebrating the holiday with a refreshingly cool (and patriotic) smoothie.

And if you're looking to impress your friends at an Independence Day cookout this weekend, this concoction will totally do it. Healthy, delicious, and totally impressible.

Win, win, win.

Get the recipe (makes two large servings):

Blue:
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 plain greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

White:
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
tablespoon coconut flakes
1/4 plain greek yogurt

Red:
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

Blend each section separately, filling one third of your glass with each flavor. Depending on the amount of fresh or frozen fruit you use, you make want to add some additional ice to get the desired consistency and thickness (the more ice, the better the separation between colors). Top with extra berries or coconut flakes. Add a fun straw and enjoy!