{world market}

What I'm wearing: Top by Gibson from Nordstrom Rack,
pants from Anthropologie,
flats by Missoni from Target,
necklace from World Market,
earrings by Lucky Brand

My rediscovery of the week: statement jewelry can really make an outfit. In the morning when I was getting ready, I wanted to wear this basic slouchy black Gibson shirt while still looking put together and unique. My chartreuse World Market necklace and Missoni flats helped me do just that! A pop of color around my neck and at my toes made a simple outfit more fun and more me. I love the mixed textures and colors on the necklace with the bright greenish yellow thread and the industrial silver beads.

{in the fields}

What I'm wearing:
Dress from Urban Outfitters,
boots by BDG from Urban Outfitters,
necklace from Gem,
watch by Michael Kors,
shades from boutique in New York

Just a few more days of my laid-back summer style before I dive into the school year. With teaching and coaching everyday until 6:30 or so, my blog will unfortunately be less frequent. Hopefully I'll have time to snap pictures of my favorite looks, like this one! This jersey dress layered with lace is a comfy summer option. With the rainy and steamy weather the other day, I wore short boots to keep my feet dry and a tank to keep me cool. Perfect for frolicking in the fields!

{tropical floral for a summer wedding}

During my last weekend in Chicago,

 I went to my friends' wedding that was basically a high school 

youth group reunion with all the friends I hold near to my heart. 

Terah and Brad planned a beautiful ceremony 

followed by a night of twisting and shouting!

As I was running out of the house, I snapped a

few pictures of my outfit. With its tropical floral print,

my dress was perfect for a summer wedding. To make it a little

more formal for an evening wedding, I wore a dramatic chunky pearl necklace

and nude pumps. I was originally planning on wearing wedges, but

since it was a night wedding, I thought pumps would be fancier!

What I'm wearing:
Dress by Jacks,
heels by Akira,
watch by Michael Kors,
necklace from Anthropologie

{they are back!}

What I'm wearing:
Tank top from Gap,
shorts by Levi's from Urban Outfitters,
flats by Ecoté from Urban Outfitters,
watch by Michael Kors (yes, it's a new one),
necklace from Grandma Wavering,
sunglasses from boutique in New York,
lipstick by Mirenesse from Birch Box

Absolutely no shame... I am thrilled that high-waisted shorts are back in style! A few summers ago with the help of my cousin, Olivia, I revamped a pair of 1985 Levi's from Goodwill. Despite our cutting, shredding, and their adorable fit, people still gave me a hard time. My sister commented that they were nasty mom shorts and other friends said they just don't get why anyone would wear them. Well, I'm glad I never gave up on my affinity for the 80's, because look what is popping up in Urban Outfitters stores this summer! High waisted shorts, tucked in shirts, and gold jewelry! 

With the basic elements of this outfit (a black tank & jean shorts), I tried to spice it up with a bright red lipstick and forest green shades. Often times, a bright lip stick can add too much to a look, but in this situation, I felt it was a quirky addition that helped an otherwise ordinary outfit. Finally, I am head over heels for my new Michael Kors watch that I received for my birthday. Since I have been wearing my all gold Michael Kors watch almost excessively, I really wanted to change things up a little. Aesthetically speaking, I love Michael Kors designs, so when choosing a new watch I already had an idea of the brand I wanted. After looking, I concluded that the gold face makes it easy to match with my current jewelry (I love gold ☺), yet the brown leather strap adds a classic and casual element.

{Chicagoland sweetheart}

What Heather's wearing:
Dress from Target,
sandals from DSW ,
sunglasses from Urban Outfitters,
necklace from Anthropologie,
purse from ,
bracelet from Pikes Place Market in Seattle

Even though this beauty doesn't live in Colorado anymore, we do share my hometown in common now! I love that when I come home to Chicago I get to see Heather in her new city life. She has adjusted so well into the trendy Chicago scene and looks adorable all the time. For our lunch date yesterday, she accented the white dots in her cute frock with a dramatic floral necklace from Anthro. All of the chunky necklaces from Anthropologie right now are wonderful accents for a number of styles: sweet and simple,  dramatic diva, and many other looks. Since her dress and necklace speak for themselves, Heather chose a basic sandal and a over-the-shoulder bag. Heather is the perfect example of a Chicagoland sweetheart now!

{look what i found}

What I'm wearing:
Blouse and jeans by Lucky Brand,
necklace gift from Italy,
flats by J.Crew

As I was scrolling down my list of blog posts, I found this little bugger hiding from a month back! Oops! Well I love this look, so I am posting it now. With a basic tube top like this, I love the way my fun Italian glass bead necklace adds a spark. The deep chocolate ruffles compliment the vibrant teal, orange, and sky blue. This outfit is relaxed and comfortable, something to wear out to coffee with a friend or running errands around town.

{stars & stripes}

After my annual hiatus in Michigan, 

I'm back and ready to blog. Pardon the wet hair in my pictures,

but that's the result of a day at the beach. 

I love spending the week with friends and family

celebrating my birthday and our great nation! #merica

Every year I search my closet for the perfect birthday outfit,

something patriotic and comfortable. I found both of my requirements

in this American Apparel maxi dress. To tie together the "whole flag" look,

I made a stars bow for my hair. With my wet locks, I pinned 

my bow underneath my bun for a different spin on a classic bow. 

Later on I threw a jean vest over the whole outfit, but didn't get any pictures of it.

Hopefully I'll be able to feature my cousin's pictures soon that have a

a few shots with my lovely sisters!

Hand sewn bow by me

What I'm wearing:
Striped dress from American Apparel,
belt and necklace borrowed from my mom,
flats from Urban Outfitters,
bow sewn by me (let me know if you are interested in
buying a bow ☺)