{colorful jeans}

What Heather's wearing:
Red jeans from Heartbreaker, sweater from thrift store in Nederland,
purse by Giani Bernini, moccasins from Minnetonka,
watch by La Mer from Urban Outfitter,
pink bracelets from Forever 21

What I'm wearing:
Lace vest from Argentina, v-neck by Frenchi from Nordstrom,
gray pants from American Eagle, necklace from Francescas,
oxford shoes from Steve Madden, & ring by W.A.R.

Colored jeans are such a great summer staple, whether they are red, mint green, purple, or gray! Heather & I both own a red pair and I recently got these gray ones from American Eagle. They have a great collection of colors for the summer :) You can be creative with your combinations. For example, Heather went for the all-out-Minnesota style with her heavy knitted sweater & I decided to wear a lighter weight lace vest! Be anticipating a lot of outfits with these pants, since I really like them!!

{backyard bridal shower}

The Bride-to-be, Lindsay

What Lindsay's wearing:
Dress from J.Crew &
engagement ring from Shane & Co.

The Bridal Shower

Adorable cocktails

Amazing food

What I'm wearing:
Shorts from Urban Outfitters, tank from Forever 21,
wedges from Marshalls, watch by Michael Kors,
necklace by Bramble (gift from Erika),
earrings (gift from Jan)

My friend Lindsay is getting married to the love of her life, Jake, in June! I couldn't be happier for them and I feel so blessed to know them both. Yesterday her bridesmaid, Kelsey, threw this charming little bridal shower complete with mason jar cocktails, delicious food, & so much laughter! 

{coordinating with the neighborhood cat}

Our new cat friend.

Reversible Ring

What I'm wearing:
Cardigan from Forever 21, tank (hand-me-down),
pants from American Eagle, flats by Charles David,
bangle (from mom), ring from W.A.R. Jewelry,
earrings (from Grandma R), necklace by Bramble

This is officially the second time we have made a neighborhood cat friend! I love that this cat actually matches my outfit perfectly. Haha! The local cats are very friendly and enjoy coming into our house and heading down to our basement. Those crazy cats!

As for my outfit, there are a lot of wonderful little details, but I specifically wanted to talk about my W.A.R. ring. This adorable reversible ring is simple & tasteful. Even more, the profits go to a wonderful cause. The organization W.A.R. International or Women At Risk unites and educates women to create circles of protection and hope around women at risk through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. Reading this organizations website, I fell in love with their mission statement and their approach in fighting a number risks that women face all over the world today. Here is the link if you want to take a look at W.A.R. International: http://www.warinternational.org/

{last day of school}

My "teaching bag"

What I'm wearing:
Jeans from American Eagle,
top from Forever 21, sandals from Jamaica,
watch by Michael Kors, earrings (from Grandma R.),
cardigan from Gap, & tote bag from Vera Bradley

What Shannon's wearing:
Dress from Target, carigan from Banana Republic,
& flats by Steve Madden

Shannon & I both had our last days of teaching today. It was sad, yet relieving finishing up such a big part of college. Our students are all so wonderful & we will miss them a lot! 

{interview étiquette}

What I'm wearing:
Magenta blouse & skirt from Target,
 blazer by Silence + Noise from Urban Outfitters,
heels by DKNY, watch by Michael Kors

Once you graduate, people always want to pour out their wisdom about job searching & for young professionals, they want to help you dress for the job. Today I had an interview for a Spanish position at a high school and this outfit was my final product, the sum of all of the advice I received. For me, I love putting my personality into my clothes, so dressing for the job is always tough for me. I think this outfit was a perfect balance between me & hyper-perfessional me.

Here are some of the tips I received from some pretty wise people:
1. Interviewers don't want to remember your clothes; They want to remember you.
2. Don't wear big earrings or bangle bracelet; They are distracting.
3. Look more formal/ conservative than you ever will at work; this is your A game, people!
4. Make sure your skirt is long enough; do the bend, squat, sit, & cross tests to double check :)
5. Heels are good... if you can walk in them (which I can!).
6. Insure that your necklace is appropriate.
7. Don't touch your hair during the interview (hence why I cut off 14 inches 5 months ago).
8. Pops of color are good, but don't go crazy!
9. Professional blazers always look classy.
10. And finally, smile! I have that one down!!

Hope this helps all of you fellow job-seekers.
-Abbey

{journaling}

What I'm wearing:
Top & tank from Forever21, necklace by Bramble,
jeans from American Eagle,
flats (gift from Jan), journal from Target

I've always been a journaler and love collecting cute, patterned journals. I added a little wax seal to this journal with my "R" seal this morning (adding a little me to it)!! There is nothing better than sitting on the porch, writing down your thoughts, & listening to a new summer playlist :)
Also, thanks for the wonderful teal flats Jan! Love you!