SOCIAL MEDIA

5.30.2016

Embroidered Chambray

Top: Loft--Old (similar here), Skirt: J. Crew, Belt: J. Crew (old, similar here), Shoes: Vince Camuto, Bag: Free People (old, similar here)
Happy Monday and Memorial Day loves! Hope you all are enjoying your long weekends if you have Memorial Day off. Linking up with Biana from B Loved BostonStyle Elixir, and #HowISpring for today's post! It's so nice to be doing this post from my bed! We have had such a great weekend so far. It's nice when Steven and I have extra time together because we're both usually so busy during the week! We have been doing fun dates all weekend and also looking at furniture for the new place. With all the big sales, this was a great time to look! Today after I do this post, I'm meeting my MOH for lunch and shopping!

I got this chambray top from Loft last year and somehow it fell in the back of my closet. When I rediscovered it during a closet clean-out, I was so excited! It's so adorable with this skirt and also over white denim. I love that it's sleeveless because it's just perfect for this hot weather we've been having!

Do you guys have any fun plans for today?!
5.27.2016

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Picks! [+ Engagement Sneak Peak]

Hat, Sandals, Sunnies, Lipstick, Handbag, Wristlet, Earrings, Dress (under $25!!)
Happy Friday loves! Linking up with Amanda from Meet @ The Barre for today's post! I don't know about you but I am SO glad this week is over. Coming back from a super busy weekend and a ton of time in the car, I just need a few days to totally decompress because I feel like I'm running on fumes! This is the first time we'll be around for Memorial Day. We usually go to St. Michael's on the eastern shore of MD (close to where our wedding will be) but this year since we were out of town last week we skipped our annual trip! I have plans with some friends this weekend and also we'll probably be doing some grilling out with family if the weather holds up. Do you guys have any fun plans for the weekend?!

On another note--the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale has begun and goes through June 5th. I am already building up my cart and have a TON of items on my list. I need to slim it down though because Lord knows I don't need anything! I have had my eye on this Rebecca Minkoff bag for a while and now that it's on sale it's hard to resist. I absolutely love the lavender color--I think it would be so fun for summer. Also--how cute is this floral sundress?! It's so adorable and under $25 which is awesome. It comes in a few other prints and colors as well. Nordstrom summer sales always get me!

PS--our photographer sent us a little sneak peak engagement photo and I had to share! I am so in LOVE!! She is just amazing! I'll share more in a few weeks when the rest come back;)
www.kirstensmithphotography.com
Hope y'all have a wonderful holiday weekend!
5.25.2016

Pop of Lime

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (on sale!), Tank: Topshop, Jeans: Joe's, Sandals: Dolce Vita (old. similar here), Necklace: Kendra Scott
Happy Wednesday lovelies! Hope your weeks are going well so far. I'm still sort of getting caught up from being off on Friday and Monday but it was totally worth it to have time with family! Since I was on the road Monday I didn't get to tell y'all about our engagement photo session. We had the session on Thursday evening before I went out of town. It was SUCH a blast! We had absolutely perfect weather which is what I was stressing about and our photographer was the sweetest. Once I get the photos back I'll definitely be sharing some along with a few tips on "What to Wear for Engagement Photos!"

This sweater from Urban is SO adorable and perfect to throw over any outfit this time of year. Call me boring, but the only thing I wasn't a fan of was the bright lime stitching on the side. When I saw it on the site I thought I would love it but in-person it sort of bothered me. I ended up taking the lime stitching out and just leaving the neutral cream-colored stitching--now I'm obsessed and have been wearing it a ton! I left the lime stitching in there for the photos because it is super fun and makes the sweater unique but I'm just a neutrals kinda gal when it comes to my sweaters #basic!
5.23.2016

70's Vibes

Dress: Free People (on sale!), Shoes: Sam Edelman, Choker: J. Crew (sold out, LOVE this one), Sunnies: Karen Walker
Happy Monday loves! Sorry in advance for the brevity of this post--we're on the road back from NY so I'm trying to do everything from my phone which is proving sort of difficult. Linking up with Style Elixir for today's post! We had a blast at my cousin's bridal shower and it was SO nice to spend time with my family. I don't know if I've mentioned this before but almost my entire family lives in upstate NY so we don't get to see them too often! Her wedding is in July and I absolutely cannot wait.
                             
This is the dress that I wore to the bridal shower and I am just in love! I had my eye on it for a while then when it went on sale on Shopbop's site I knew I had to have it. It was incredibly windy when we were taking these pictures so I feel like it makes the dress look a little more "puffy" than it actually is in person. It's REALLY flattering and it's the perfect length. I love the 70's feel especially with those big flared sleeves!
5.18.2016

Boho Navy Top

Top: LuLu's (sold out, similar here, here, and how adorable is this?!), Jeans: Articles of Society, Wedges: Michael Kors (from last season, almost identical here), Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Happy Hump Day loves! Today is sort of like my Friday because tomorrow I'm only working a half day before heading off to our engagement photo session (I will be doing a post all about what to wear for engagement photos soon), then Friday morning bright and early I'm leaving with my parents for my cousin's bridal shower in NY. I will probably be skipping my Friday post just because we will be on the road almost all day but I'll be back to my regular schedule on Monday!

I was SO surprised to see that this top sold out so quickly. I just received it last week and it's no longer on the website! I love LuLu's but their stuff can sell out pretty fast--the nice thing is if the item is still on the site you can usually request that they email you when it's back in stock and they do restock pretty often. I linked to a couple tops that are similar and this one is almost identical but in a GORGEOUS poppy color! It's definitely next on my wish list. Also, I got a TON of use out of these wedges when I purchased them last summer. I can't find this style online anymore but again, linked to a pair super adorable and similar. I LOVE a good pair of wedges because they're so versatile and usually pretty comfortable!

Since I won't be doing my post on Friday I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week and a super relaxing weekend!
5.16.2016

Shorts Season

Shorts: Paige Denim, Tee: Halogen, Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace: Panacea (similar here), Sunnies: Ray-Ban
Happy Monday loves! Hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston and Style Elixir for today's post! Our weekend was definitely not the most relaxing. We spent all day Saturday looking at houses--we found one that we loved so we will see what happens with that. I've learned from this whole experience not to put all our eggs in one basket or to get my hopes up so I'm just praying that something will work out the way it's supposed to! Sunday we just ran errands and did quite a few outfit shoots for the blog since I'll be out of town this upcoming weekend for my cousin's bridal shower in NY.

I think I'm jumping the gun on the title of this post a bit because it was SO cold and windy while we were shootings these pictures. I'm sure it is shorts season for some of you lucky gals! I found these Paige Denim shorts at Nordstrom Rack and I'm absolutely in love. They fit so well and aren't too too short. They're SUPER comfortable as are all Paige Denim jeans! Also, how cute is this tee? I love that it's super simple but has the little wrap detail which gives it a little something extra. I feel like this outfit will be pretty much be my summer uniform!
5.12.2016

Tropical Travel Essentials

Delsey Luggage, Essie Polish in "Status Symbol." Ray-Ban Sunnies, SUNDRESS Cover-Up, Kate Spade Passport Holder, Panama Hat, Eliza Gran Tote, Tory Burch Cosmetic Case
Happy Friday darlings! Hope your week was wonderful and not as dreary as ours here in VA. This week flew by actually which is always exciting. Maybe just because it was so darn busy! This afternoon I'm volunteering with a couple folks from work at a food shelter which I'm really looking forward to then tomorrow will probably be pretty dedicated to the continued search for a townhouse. Never gets old!

Because the weather has been so horrible here, I am just craving a tropical vacation! We have the trip to Santa Barbara planned in late July for a friend's wedding but aside from that no major vacations are on the books. We are beginning to look at destinations for the honeymoon so if you guys have any suggestions I would love to hear! There are so many options I don't even know where to start. We're primarily looking in the Caribbean or Mexico. I definitely want to invest in this Delsey suitcase for my trips this summer and for the honeymoon. I've heard such great things and it's SO adorable! Also, how cute is this pompom swimsuit cover-up? They have so many different colors and it's just the sweetest!

[PS-I FINALLY updated my "Favorites" page so if you want to see what I'm currently loving it's all under the "Favorites" tab at the top!]

Do y'all have any fun weekend plans?!
5.11.2016

Kimchi Summer Dress

Dress: Kimchi, Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff, Belt: J. Crew (old, similar here), Hat: Old (obsessed with this one)
Happy Wednesday lovebugs! Hope your week is going well so far. The nonstop rain here in VA has me feeling so exhausted but there's so much going on this week so I need to buck up! I think I mentioned before that I was studying for the PMP but I decided to put that off for a while and instead focus on studying for the GRE. I have been waiting on looking into grad school until Steven was done with his Ph.D program so now that we're finally getting a little closer to that, it's time to start looking! This week I have been doing some major research--I go back and forth all the time about what I want to get my Master's in. It's such a big decision and time commitment!

Anyway---this dress is just a dream! I hadn't shopped at Urban Outfitters in a while but when I went on their site I was blown away with how much I LOVED everything. They have such an amazing collection right now--especially cute boho pieces like this dress! I love the off-the-shoulder detail and the flirty slits in the skirt. It's so lightweight and comfortable--perfect for when the weather gets a little warmer. Also, these Rebecca Minkoff sandals are SO freakin' comfortable. I honestly don't think I've ever owned a pair of sandals that are this comfortable--they don't slide around and the "sole" (I think that's what you would call it?) is really soft. It almost feels like you're wearing slippers! Needless to say, I'm very happy with that purchase.
5.09.2016

Perfect Peasant Blouse

Blouse: Wayf, Jeans: Paige Denim, Bag: Tory Burch, Shoes: Vince Camuto (old, similar here), Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Happy Monday loves! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and hope your Mother's Day was full of fun and relaxation. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston and Style Elixir for today's post! Saturday morning we just got a ton done around our place and Saturday night, my cousin and uncle from Boston unexpectedly stopped through the area so we went over to my parents to catch up with them over wine and dinner! Sunday was just full of errands and we saw a townhouse we really like. FINGERS CROSSED!

This Wayf blouse is so adorable and goes with almost any outfit. It would look so cute paired with shorts and sandals or even with a pair of cute flares! It's so lightweight and I love the cream color. I think I would classify a good peasant blouse in the "basics" or wardrobe "essentials" category because it really is so versatile!
5.06.2016

Sweating for the Wedding--Arms & Abs



Happy Friday lovelies! So glad the week is finally over. It was a long and dreary week here in DC--it rained pretty much every day but I think this weekend is supposed to be beautiful! This weekend we're just going to be doing more house hunting and then spending the day with family on Mother's Day. Just a super laidback weekend!

I'm back with another post from my "Sweating for the Wedding" series and today I'm talking about my favorite "Upper Body" exercises. In my mind, abs count as upper body too although I'm not sure if that's how it's typically classified! My goal with my upper body is really to sculpt my arms with more muscle definition. Think Jennifer Anniston in the early days of Friends! Whenever I watch Friends re-runs I'm always dying over her arms and how fit she was/still is. My core is actually already pretty toned and strong so I'm really just trying to maintain and add a little bit more definition. Here are my favorite exercises:

Arms: 3 sets of 15 bicep curls (per arm), 3 sets of 15 overhead tricep extensions, 3 sets of 15 one arm dumbbell rows and 3 sets of 15 dumbbell kickbacks (I usually alternate between rows and kickballs),  3 sets of 15 hammer curls (per arm), 3 sets of shoulder press', [all of the previous exercises are usually done with 10 or 15 Ib dumbbells), 4 sets of 15 lat pull downs (usually 40 Ibs), 4 sets of 15 seated cable rows (usually also 40 Ibs)

Abs: 50 good old fashioned Crunches, 3 sets, 60 seconds of Russian Twists (with 5 Ib weight), 3 sets, 60 seconds of Flutter Kicks, 3 sets, 60 seconds of Side Planks (per side), 3 sets, 60 seconds of normal Plank, 3 sets of 35 Bicycle Crunches, 3 sets, 60 seconds of Mountain Climbers

Hope y'all enjoyed this post and have a wonderful Mother's day weekend!
5.04.2016

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts!

Mug, Beach Bag, Rollerball Set, Candle, Book, Bracelet, Zip-Up, Earrings
Happy Wednesday! The week is already halfway done and I'm SO ready for some nicer weather. It has been pouring here all week--in fact, we had to reschedule our engagement photos because it's supposed to storm all day tomorrow. We're pushing our photos to the 19th. It sucks to have to put them off but oh well! I hope the weather is perfect on that day.

I wanted to get another outfit post up for y'all this week but since it was raining most of the weekend we just couldn't get in another shoot. Since I'm skipping an outfit post today, I thought it would be great timing to talk about some Mother's Day gift ideas! My mom is sort of hard to shop for but I LOVE all of these ideas. I especially adore the fringe beach tote--I think it's so fun and always good to have for pool days or tropical vacations! My mom is also super active and goes to the gym a lot so this zip-up from Zella is perfection. She LOVES turquoise and it's definitely her color. Last but not least, Alyson Haley from Sequins & Things talked about this morning devotional on her blog and I have been looking for a new one. I just got it last week and I'm already loving it--I can't help but read more than one a day!

Also--make sure to check out the Shopbop Surprise Sale! Up to 40% off select styles now through 5/5/2016.

Do you have any fun plans for Mother's Day?!
5.02.2016

Boho Patterns

Dress: Wayf, Booties: J. Crew (old, similar here), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Happy Monday loves! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston & Style Elixir for today's post! This weekend was SO nice. We spent Saturday morning at our wedding venue checking out the renovations to our ballroom and also had brunch at the Inn there. They had the best french toast! The ballroom looks even more gorgeous than it did before so it makes me that much more excited. Saturday evening we actually went to a new church and I absolutely LOVED it! I just felt right at home there and I'm so thrilled. It's definitely something we've been missing since moving here! Sunday was super rainy so we spent most of the day curled up inside watching Netflix. Always nice to have one of those lazy days!

As y'all know, Wayf is one of my absolute favorite brands so when I saw this dress I needed it. It's so boho and it's the perfect length/fit. It's super flattering too on my figure too! I'm definitely going to wear this to my cousin's bridal shower that we have coming up--I think it will be just perfect.