Stripes and Booties

We are down to the wire living in our first married home

California is approaching fast and we couldn't be more excited about the next journey ahead

However, moving equals packing

Packing equals zero clothes to wear

I hate this idea

Clothes are the ABSOLUTE last thing I pack anytime a move is happening

About a week ago, Nic went back to CA for a job interview

(he landed the job...EEkkk! He is the new Environmental Specialist for E&J Gallo Winery)

He convinced me that packing our large suitcases of our clothes would make life easier for the move

I have no idea how I fell for this

Now I am stuck here with a somewhat bare looking closet 

(trying to fight the temptation to shop so I can fill it up again)

After having a day of flinging everything over my shoulder cause "I have nothing to wear"

(girls, I know you know what I am talking about)

I landed on this ensemble

Comfy, casual, and effortless

After all, a girl can never go wrong with stripes and booties

Happy Sunday!

Tee: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Urban Outfitters ON SALE!!

Shoes: Aldo Similar

Jewels: St. Eve Jewelry

Friday Night Bliss

Since Nic and I got married we have always made it a point to have a weekly date night

This could be going out to dinner, taking a long walk, seeing a movie or (one of our all time favorite things) living room date night

(we go to Target, buy a $5 movie and set up the living with all our bedding)

 

(case and point)

Friday night is my favorite night of the week because of this

I still find myself so excited to come home and get ready for Nic to come and pick me up

It feels like we are still in high school

(except for the fact that we can afford a dinner out, high school that was not the case)

I still get butterflies, I still feel nervous, and I find myself cherishing every Friday night because I get to spend one on one time with Nic. 

We laugh, eat good food (something we are both very fond of), talk about our weeks, and reflect on the upcoming adventures in our life. 

I feel crazy blessed to have the opportunity to do life with this guy

If I could encourage every couple to do one thing, plan for a Friday night

(any night of the week) 

Make it mandatory for your relationship

Forget the stressors of life, and enjoy the bliss that can come from a couple hours alone 

(no interruptions)  

Here is a snippet of what I wore last Friday night

Happy Tuesday!

 

Dress by Gypsy Soul Collective

Hello Apparel

The weather in the Midwest is completely unpredictable

It is one of the most exciting, yet frustrating things I have ever encountered

Keeping something long sleeved near by is your best bet, considering you never know when the thunderstorm will hit

Today's look shows just that

I woke up this morning to weather that was in the 50's and felt completely unprepared

(most of our winter/cold weather clothes are back in CA; YIKES)

A simple pair of denim jeans, the right tank from Hello Apparel

(more about them below)

Birkenstocks and a button up is the perfect ensemble for weather that is temperamental

It's comfortable, casual, and can easily take you from day to night

Hope you love this look as much as I do!

Happy Hump Day!

Hello Apparel has been one of my favorite clothing designers for quite a while now

They make the most comfortable pieces for REALLY affordable prices

Not to mention, they have some really hilarious pieces for the entire family

Go check them out; you wont be disappointed!

Birkenstocks

Jeans // urbanoutfitters // similar

Hello Apparel Tee

Bracelets 

Micheal Kors Watch 

Dogeared Necklaces 

 

Summer Nights

Living right downtown, Nic and I tend to go out for a drink almost nightly

There is something about being able to walk to our favorite spot (Charles in tow), grab a drink, and watch the world fly by us

The humidity here (like I have said before) hates me; I must admit the feeling is mutual

Putting on a lavish outfit and getting gussied up is just not in the cards 

This look is simple and effortless; yet adds a leopard pop as your statement piece for something a little outside the box

(and it is comfortable, the most important part)

 Happy Sunday!

 

Shoes: Tobi // similar here 

Top: H&M

Shorts

Jewels

Summer Essentials

Summer is BY FAR my favorite season

(except for fall because it's my birthday season; yes I celebrate for a full season)

I've noticed that when summer comes, I completely change up my skincare and body routine

keeping my makeup and hair routine minimal

In the Midwest it is HUMID, beyond anything I can humanly handle on the day to day

my hair is instantly wet and my makeup instantly runs off

(sexy huh?)

Listed below are my MUST HAVES for summer to ensure you look and feel your best 

(humidity or not)

1. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray
 

This stuff SAVES me during the summer
I always take showers at night, sleep with my hair up in a top knot, if it's still a bit damp in the morning I will dry it a tad and then I spray this all over and scruntch
PERFECT BEACH WAVES
(it smells amazinggggggg too)

2. The perfect summer shorts
Every person needs that go to pair of shorts that they can wear with EVERYTHING
These are it for me

OneTeaspoon

3. Million Dollar Tan 
 

Working in the medical field I am hugely against tanning beds 
(to each his own, I don't hate on people that lightbulb it up)
I still want to be bronzed in summer and look like I have time to actually lay out
This stuff... I can't say enough good things about
Easy to apply, doesn't streak, and last for about 1-2 weeks
Winter or summer this is a must have!

4. Josie Maren Illuminizer 


I just recently snagged this stuff and will never stop using it
It gives you the perfect natural summertime glow, perfect for a date night or everyday wear
Use it on your cheek bones, under your eyes, or on your body for that "just got back from vacation" look
(Truth: the first day I used this, Nic asked if I had laid out all day. Josie for the WIN)

5. Ray Bans 

Need I say more?? 
These are a must for ANY season
They are so effortless and allow your outfit to just go to that next level
LOVE. Always.

5. Statement Necklaces
 
I have been SUPER into wearing basically all basics
That has the potentially to be pretty bland
With the perfect statement necklace you can take your outfit to the next level in seconds
Day or night 
I get the majority of mine from jCrew 

6. New Balance '420' Sneaker  
 
Nic and I love walking downtown and exploring Chicago
It's so hard to find a cute sneaker to go with your outfit without looking like a tourist
Well... I found them!!
These are the MOST comfortable shoes (possibly) ever
I can walk all day and they can go with a number of outfits
Thank you, New Balance 
(who would've thought?!!)

Hope everyone is enjoying every second of their summer!!!