Summer Heat

Shirt: J.Crew Factory | Shorts: Banana Republic Factory | Flats: Kenneth Cole | Purse & Scarf: Coach | Watch: XOXO | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Necklace: Rue 21 | Lips: Sephora Rogue 

It was about 95 degrees in Chicago, so I opted for shorts and a lightweight top.  I'd say summer has officially arrived! I wish I would've taken a better picture of my shorts to show the detail.  My pictures will be more crisp when I get a new camera, so I'll be sure to take more close-ups when the time comes!

I fell in love with these shorts at Banana Republic and knew they were coming home with me!  I can't wait to wear them again!

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Feminine & Edgy

Blouse: J.Crew Factory | Pants: Banana Republic Factory {similar style here} | Shoes: Nine West | Bag: Nila Anthony | Necklace: Rue 21 {similar styles here} | Ring: purchased here | Bracelet: JCP | Watch: XOXO {similar here} | Sunnies: 5 Below {$4!}

I haven't decided whether or not to wear a necklace with this blouse.  It has nice detailing around the collar, which means I could get away without a necklace, but not wearing a necklace with such a plain blouse would drive me crazy!  I have been wanting something on the edgy side (I don't see myself as an edgy person, so I might as well incorporate small doses of it in my wardrobe) and picked up this necklace yesterday afternoon.  I love that it adds just the right amount of edge to such a feminine outfit, and I don't think it totally clashes with the details on the blouse.

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Red Skinnies & Fierce Heels

Blouse: Banana Republic | Skinnies: Love Sick | Shoes: G by Guess {similar style here} | Clutch: Call it Spring | Ring: Lia Sophia | Necklace: JCP | Bracelet: Handmade | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Belt: F21

These heels barely leave my closet, so I have been trying to find different ways to wear them.  As I was on my morning run today, this outfit came to mind. (I often plan my outfits while I'm exercising...it makes running more enjoyable!)  I think this outfit is great for going out with the girls or going on a date with my boyfriend.  I've worn the shoes with a dress before, but I also think I could wear them with skinny jeans and a basic t-shirt for a more casual look.

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Denim & Leopard

Blouse: H&M {similar here} | Skirt: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Kenneth Cole | Purse: Coach {gift from my boyfriend} | Necklace: F21 | Bangles: JCP and F21 | Lips: Revlon Really Red {matte finish}

I love taking casual pieces and dressing them up with fun jewelry and a cute skirt.  I usually pair this shirt with colored skinnies, but I love how it looks with my leopard pencil skirt!

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Order Up!

Vanilla Funfetti Cupcakes topped with Vanilla Funfetti Buttercream Frosting

Double Chocolate Cupcake topped with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and a Chocolate Disc

Salted Caramel Cupcake topped with Caramel Buttercream Frosting and Sugar Crystals

As promised, here are the recipes for the cupcakes I made for my mom's work.  I have set a chocolate cupcake aside to devour tonight, and I am pretty excited about it!

Here are the links to the cupcake recipes.  I've also included some notes about each cupcake that might be useful if you decide to make these too!

Funfetti Cupcakes: These little cakes turned out to be denser than I had hoped. They're nothing like the boxed recipe (that's a good thing, right?) and are not too sweet.  But when paired with the frosting, the sweetness of the frosting is a good balance with the cupcakes.

Double Chocolate Cupcakes: Don't forget to add the water!  I made these not too long ago for Mother's Day without any problems, but as I was filling the cupcake cups with extra thick batter, I realized I had forgotten to add the cup of boiling water.  I won't be making that mistake again!  I love this recipe - the cakes always turn out moist, fluffy, and really chocolaty.  Definitely use the recommended frosting recipe if you are planning on making these cupcakes - it is the best chocolate buttercream I have tasted yet!  The light corn syrup in the frosting creates a smooth and creamy texture that can't be found in non-corn syrup buttercream frosting.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes: I made these cupcakes about a year ago when I actually had time to make the sugar swirl garnishes.  They're really easy to make, so don't be afraid! :)  I also didn't have time to make the caramel filling (I skipped it last time too - the cake and the frosting are really sweet, so an extra layer of caramel might be too overpowering). 

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Back to Basics

Shirt: MNG by Mango | Skirt: Loft {similar here} | Shoes: Nine West | Bag: Aldo | Sunnies: Five Below ($4!) | Bracelet:  H&M | Necklace: purchased at Juniper | Lips: Clinique Peach Pop

Some days I feel like dressing up but also feel like being casual, and today was one of those days.  I paired a denim skirt with a plain white t-shirt and dressed it up with heels and a funky necklace.  I work at a small clothing boutique during the school year, and I was able to snag this necklace before it went on the sales floor (after my discount it was under $10!).  It's not uncommon for me to break the rules of fashion and wear it two days in a row.  

A note about the mural in the pictures:

This mural is located in the downtown district where I live.  The three girls in the first two pictures are my sisters and me!  How cool is it that we are truly part of our city?!  

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Cupcake Collage

Top left: Vanilla cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream and gumdrop flowers
Top right: Banana chocolate chip cupcake topped with chocolate buttercream
Bottom left: Hot cocoa cupcake topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting
Bottom right: Honey cupcake topped with honey buttercream

My mom has asked me to make her 4-6 dozen cupcakes to take to work on Thursday, so I thought I'd give you a taste of what I've made before.  The plan is to make chocolate, funfetti, and salted caramel cupcakes - I'll post pictures on Friday!

Thanks for reading!! 

Think Pink

Blouse: Banana Republic | Jeans: Gap {similar here} | Shoes: Kenneth Cole | Belt: Banana Republic | Bracelets: JCP | Ring: F21 | Bag: Nila Anthony | Lips: Sephora Rouge

I had a number of errands to run today, so skinny jeans seemed to be the most practical option.  I really wanted to wear shorts today, but the temperature has dropped about 20 degrees since Sunday.  (Sorry pale legs, you'll have to wait yet another day to see some sun).  

On a different note, these shoes are (by far) my favorite new addition to my shoe collection!  Not only are they really comfortable, but they instantly dress up a casual outfit.  I picked up my new bag at Marshall's yesterday, and I didn't realize how well it matches my shoes until I got home.  I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these shoes and the bag in upcoming posts!

Thanks for reading!! 

(By the way - the dark blotch on my shirt in the first two pictures is a shadow, not a stain!)

Neutral | Neon

White skinnies are a staple in every fashionista's wardrobe.  One of the great things about white skinnies is that you can style them in endless ways to create completely different looks.  Here are two ways I'd wear my skinnies - neutral and casual for going to class or the weekend, and bright and colorful for a night out.

Thanks for reading!!