Patriotic

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Shorts: Banana Republic Factory {similar here} | Shoes: G by Guess | Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Purse: Vera Pelle {purchased in Italy} | Watch: XOXO | Bracelet: purchased in Germany {gift from my friend Helen} | Necklace: Montana Silversmiths

Today is probably the only day I can get away with wearing the patriotic ensemble of red, white, and blue from head to toe. It was sinfully hot (it's been horribly humid and warm all week) so I opted for minimal jewelry, shorts, and a sleeveless blouse.

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing 4th of July! Thanks for reading!

Mint & Cobalt

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Pants: Banana Republic Factory {similar here} | Purse: Aldo {gift from Jake. Similar here & here} | Shoes: Kenneth Cole {similar here} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Necklace: Vintage | Watch: XOXO | Bracelets: H&M

This summer has been anything but slow paced. The majority of my time during the week is spent at work (the days fly by!) so my weekends are dedicated to everything I didn't have a chance to do earlier in the week.

My weekends are also dedicated to spending time with my family and boyfriend. Last night Jake and I saw Ted with friends, and tonight we went out for frozen yogurt. (I'm a huge cupcake fan and was really excited to eat pink cupcake flavored yogurt. So delicious!) 

Anyway, I was also really excited when I picked up this mint blouse last weekend. (My weekends are also spent shopping with my mom!) Since it's such a popular color this season, I thought it was about time I added it into my wardrobe.  I love how the mint really pops against the cobalt pants. 

Thanks for reading!!

Blush Blazer

Blouse: Worthington | Skirt: LOFT Outlet | Blazer: F21 | Shoes: Kenneth Cole | Purse: Nila Anthony | Sunnies: 5 Below |Watch: XOXO

I bought this blazer a couple days ago at Forever 21, and I'm really pleased with the style and fit. It can easily dress up an outfit but can also be worn as a casual accessory with jeans. I wore this on Thursday when temperatures reached 100 degrees in Chicago, so this blazer was only worn inside the office!

Thanks for reading!!

Pop of Color

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Skirt: Banana Republic Factory | Sandals: Mossimo | Bag: Nila Anthony | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Necklace: Rue 21 | Bracelets: JCP & Target | Watch: XOXO

I love how color can cheer up even the most plain striped shirts! I wore this outfit yesterday to work, and my friend was kind enough to snap a quick photo of me before we headed downtown to go shopping later in the evening.

Thanks for reading!!

Vanilla Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Frosting

I made these tasty little cakes last Sunday for Father's Day.  Since my dad is more of a vanilla guy, I decided to make a batch of my family's favorite vanilla cupcakes.

My dad recently bought me a new cupcake recipe book (I think it's his way of asking me to make more cupcakes!) with a bunch of recipes I have never made before.  The first recipe I decided to try from my new book was a honey lavender frosting.  It was absolutely delicious, and I will definitely make it again!

Thanks for reading!!

Vanilla Cupcakes (found here)

• 1 3/4 C cake flour, not self-rising
• 1 1/4 C unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 C sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 1 C whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp vanilla lavender sugar (purchased here)
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• 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
• 
  
• 2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. 
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• 3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
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• 4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, frost with honey lavender frosting.

 

Honey Frosting (found here)

1/2 C (1 stick) butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened (1 package)

1/2 C honey

5-7 C powdered sugar

Fresh lavender

Vanilla lavender sugar (purchased here)

1. Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with a mixer until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at a low speed until blended. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Makes 3 cups.

Lavender Brittle (found here)

Cooking spray

1/2 C sugar

1/4 C water

1 tsp lavender

1. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil; coat with cooking spray.

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves. Cook 4 minutes or until golden. (Do not stir). Remove from heat; carefully stir in lavender. Rapidly spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely; break into pieces. Makes 1/2 C.

Black, White & Coral

Blouse: The Limited {old} | Skirt: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Merona | Clutch: Club Monaco {thrifted - $5!} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Watch: Fossil {gift from Jake} | Earrings: purchased at Juniper | Bangles: F21

It's been a while! My weekdays have been really busy with work, so I'm just now getting around to posting pictures.

Today was the perfect day - it was sunny and 80 degrees, I rode my horse, saw a movie with my parents, and hung out with my family. Since the weather was so nice, I chose to wear my new(ish) J.Crew mini skirt and a sleeveless blouse I bought from The Limited a couple years ago. I love this outfit because I've jazzed up a black and white shirt with fun colors and prints - yellow shoes, coral skirt, green earrings, and a snakeskin clutch.

Thanks for reading!!

Leopard Shift Dress

Dress: thrifted {$12!) | Shoes: Nine West | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Necklace: F21 | Bracelets: F21 | Cuff: H&M

My friend and I went to a thrift store in Lincoln Park on Thursday.  We didn't have much time to shop, but I luckily stumbled upon this shift dress.  It's so comfortable and versatile - I can't wait to figure out other ways to style it!

Thanks for reading!!

Yellow & Stripes

Sweater: The Limited | Shirt: LOFT Outlet | Skirt: LOFT Outlet | Shoes: Bandolino | Bag: Nila Anthony | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Watch: XOXO | Necklace: Rue 21

I had a couple minutes to take some pictures before I left for work yesterday morning.  I think my cheery yellow sweater was the perfect match for a beautiful sunny day!

Thanks for reading!!

Sunday Wish List

Here's to a start of a great week! My mom, boyfriend, aunt and I are headed off to an art fair in Old Town (Chicago), so I wanted to leave you with a few pieces from my wish list. Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Thanks for reading!!

Skirt: Sunblaze Lace Skirt, Anthropologie {$148.00}

Dress: Stripe Weekend Dress, Banana Republic {$69.50}

Purse: H&M {$17.95}

Bracelet: Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot {$59.00}

Pants: Oasis Floral Print Trouser, Asos {$74.57}

Polyvore Inspiration

Dress: Mossimo | Jacket: Gap {thrifted - $20!} | Sandals: a.n.a | Wallet: Coach {gift from my boyfriend} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Watch: purchased at Juniper | Bracelet: JCP | Necklace: Martin Binder's {gift from my aunt}

My latest Polyvore creation inspired this outfit.  My favorite piece is the denim jacket.  I was so excited when I spotted it at a thrift store in Chicago - I knew it had to come home with me!

Thanks for reading!!

Sherbet & a Pop of Blue

Blouse: Banana Republic | Pants: Mossimo | Shoes: Mossimo | Necklace: Rue 21 | Bracelets: Target {old} | Watch: XOXO

I felt like rainbow sherbet (minus the green!) in this outfit.  The colors of my blouse and pants go together so easily, so I added an unexpected pop of blue to spice it up.

Thanks for reading!!

Leopard & Lace

Shirt: Hollister | Skirt: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Mossimo | Belt: Banana Republic | Tote: Cynthia Rowley {$89 at TJ Maxx!} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Necklace: Banana Republic {gift from my parents} | Bracelet: F21 | Ring: F21

There's something I love about this skirt.  You've already seen it here, but I wanted to give it a different look.  I like the soft lace paired with the edgy leopard print, and I think the wedges keep this outfit on the casual side.

My niece didn't necessarily want to be in the photos, but she couldn't resist handing me a flower!

Thanks for reading!!

Maxi Dress & Denim Jacket

I have been dying to wear my black maxi dress with my new denim jacket.  I  put this outfit together as inspiration!

Thanks for reading!!

Striped Blazer & Orange Pants

Blazer: H&M {similar here} | Shirt: J.Crew Factory {on sale now!} | Pants: J.Crew Factory | Sunnies: Banana Republic | Belt: Banana Republic | Shoes: H&M | Watch: Fossil {gift from my boyfriend}

This blazer came home with me in January and I haven't worn it more than 3 times.  I was so happy when I bought this outfit last week - I think the blazer adds the perfect touch for a day at the office!

Thanks for reading!!