Currently craving... fall

This post really doesn't belong on my blog until at least late August, but I can't help myself. Stores are beginning to display their fall 2012 arrivals, which has me constantly wiping drool from my chin. Fall is my favorite season and each time I look at the weather forecast I long for the days filled with sweaters, scarves and boots.

sweater, boots, bag, watch, scarf

Home away from home

I spent last summer living with my aunt, uncle and three adorable cousins in Chicago and (needless to say) I miss it. I love going back whenever I can and would dive into any opportunity to live here-- it is one of my absolute favorite cities. 

Here are a few snapshots from my trip...

 

 Freshly manicured nails and the new Lucky issue-- and let me just say, it's a must read.

 

 "My platform"

 

 An entirely gluten-free bakery. Need I say more?

 

Curls. Curls. Curls.

Oh. and a smile that make you melt on the spot.

Making my way home tomorrow, full of motivation and well rested.

Beach essentials

 

bag, wallet, hair ties, lip blam, sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen, cosmetic pouch, Essie- Mod Squad

Following through with resolutions

 

Improving my blog is one of my summer resolutions. I'm hoping to update more consistently and add personal pieces here and there. To help fulfill the ladder, I recruited my sister to take some photos of my outfit. I'm not going to lie, taking these felt a smidge narcissistic and uncomfortable, but I'm hoping in time that those feelings fade and I'm left with some great photos to share with my friends, family and readers.  

 

This is how I felt about putting my face in the photos. I was not having a very photogenic morning.

  

vest- Old Navy, shirt- J. Crew, shorts (borrowed from sister)- American Eagle, Hunter wellies, bag (borrowed from sister)- Francesca's, necklace- J. Crew, flower- H&M

 

The Twin Cities has been the recipient of many thunderstorms and I love using them as an excuse to wear Hunters in the summertime. 

Twin Cities Tuesday

When you're living in an urban area there are so many things to do and places to see--which is completely different than my upbringing. While in college my friends and I would go to as many little coffee shops, dive restaurants and areas as we could to really get to know the city. It was such a great experience and I'm lucky to have a found a group of girls that enjoyed it as much as I did.

Now I'm living with my sister and she has become my new partner in crime. She is just as adventurous and always on the lookout for something new. Last week we stopped by JJ's Coffee + Wine Bistro. I had myself a blended mango bubble tea and have held myself back every day since from returning for another (currently salivating a little). It's the perfect place to come and have tea (or coffee!) with a friend or even lug your laptop over to study for the afternoon.

I appreciate knowing a restaurant's "dress code" and I think the outfit below best represents a killer daytime outfit. However, if you decide to go during the evening for wine, I would definitely dress it up a bit more. The atmosphere is cozy, yet sophisticated, and the menu items so delicious that this is a place you've go to add to your summer bucket list.

top
shorts- J. Crew (sold out)
sandals  
earrings
clutch

Your Friday purchase

Confession: I'm a little bit of a homebody.

Don't get me wrong, I love going out for dinner with my girl friends, but the bar scene has never been my thing. However, I have a love affair with going out accessories; amazing clutches, bright lipsticks and impractical, but oh so fabulous heels. That being said, I wanted to share with you my latest find...this clutch is only $17.95! I spotted it at H&M and had a hard time not rationalizing the purchase-- I still want it. The price is unbeatable and it hardly looks inexpensive. Someone please go purchase one of these and give it the night out it deserves.

classic

The simplicity of a blazer paired with flats will never cease to amaze me. The classic pairing is by fair the easiest way to create a polished, effortless and chic look.  I've already got a basic, black blazer hanging in my closet, but I think it's just as important to have one with a slightly modern twist; such as polka dots, draped, flowing or asymmetric.


blazer- 1/2/3/4
flats- 1/2/3/4

{Quote of the Week}

 

“The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.” - Diane Von Furstenberg