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!

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!

Thanks for reading!!

Neon Shorts & Gingham Top

Shirt: J.Crew Factory | Shorts: I 'Heart' Ronson ($18!) | Sandals: Mossimo | Belt: Banana Republic | Watch: Geneva, purchased at Juniper | Bracelet: purchased at JCP | Necklace: purchased at Juniper | Ring: gift from my mom | Sunglasses: Vogue (gift from my bf) | Wallet: Coach (gift from my bf) 

My roommate and I decided to take a break from packing up our apartment to get fro-yo and take a walk around campus.  I have a slight obsession with frozen yogurt (this may have been my third one in the past 3 days...) and a new fro-yo place opened up a couple days ago.  Since it is within walking distance from our apartment, my roommate and I decided to scout it out.  It was (by far) the best frozen yogurt I've eaten so far!

I chose to wear a comfy J.Crew button up and vibrant shorts for our little excursion.  The weather has been unusually beautiful for Indiana in May, so I decided to take advantage of my last few days on campus and show off my new shorts!

Thanks for reading!

Well Balanced

Sunglasses: Vogue (gift from my bf) | Shirt: J.Crew Factory | Shorts: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Nine West | Watch:  Fossil (gift from my bf)

My older sister and I took her 2 year old daughter to the park today.  I knew whatever I wore needed  to be comfortable yet stylish, so I opted for super comfortable chino shorts and a button up.  The feminine and preppy shorts paired with the fierce leopard print shirt created the perfectly balanced outfit for a beautiful spring day!

Thanks for reading!!

She's all smiles at the park!

Lace Shorts & Coral Blouse

Sunglasses: Vogue (gift from my bf) | Shirt: Banana Republic | Shorts: Nicole by Nicole Miller | Flats: F21 | Bracelet: JCP | Watch: Geneva, purchased at Juniper | Earrings: purchased at Juniper

A ring I purchased today at a local fair trade boutique, The Welcome Mat

Today was the perfect day.  

Now that I'm home from college for the summer, my family and I are able to spend more time together.  During the school year, my time spent with my family is always rushed.  On non-holiday break weekends, I would typically arrive home on Friday night and leave to go back to school on Sunday afternoon.  My home visits always had a purpose (birthdays, usually) so most of the weekends were spent preparing for whatever event was happening at that time.  Needless to say, I usually didn't have the chance to take a day to relax with my family.

So now that I'm home for the summer, my mom and I spent the day shopping.  We bought a bunch of clothes, and I can't wait to share my new outfits!  I am working at an advertising agency this summer, so I needed to get skirts and shirts I could mix and match to create several different looks.  The dress code at work is considered to be "business casual" (jeans and t-shirts are acceptable), but I'm more of a pencil skirt and heels type of girl.  Why wear jeans and flats when you can wear color-blocked skirts and trendy heels? :)

My mom during our shopping spree!
(follow her blog here!)

I thought I'd leave you with a photo of my niece - she brings light into my life everyday!