Pinstripes + Green

Top: J. Crew; Skirt: Express; Belt: Unknown; Shoes: Dolce Vita;

Bangles: Ocean Leather, Nordstrom, F21; Sunnies: Karen Walker

This is still probably one of my favorite outfit combos. Despite my love for the No. 2 J. Crew pencil skirts that I've had on consistent rotation, this Express skirt is a bit softer and stretchier in material than the aforementioned. I'm trying out a new Food Network obsession tonight with G called Lunchbox Laboratory and figured this outfit was both professional enough for the office and playful enough for burgers and shakes :) I'll let you know how it is! 

Quick side note: interested in the Ocean Leather bangles that I've been sporting since Costa Rica? Check out Instagram for the deets here!

 

Ocean Leather, Costa Rica

If Audrey Lived Now

Top: Forever 21; Minnie Pant: J. Crew; Flats: Coach;

Necklace: J. Crew; Bangles: Ocean Leather, Nordstrom, F21; Bag: LV;

Sunnies: Karen Walker

If the Miss Audrey Hepburn were alive today, I imagine she'd wear something resembling the above for lounging around her NYC apartment or jet-setting off to yet another movie set. Her love of chic flats and skinny cropped pants was never-ending and she was a firm believer in always "dressing," rather than showing up somewhere looking frumpy and less-than-put-together. With today's modern trend incorporating bright colors and a nautical theme that has taken over the blog-o-sphere, I firmly believe AH would embrace the movement; quite possibly with a striped top, bright pants, and tiny bow flats just for fun :)

Costa Rican Recap

As promised, here are a few delectable snapshots from my trip to Costa Rica. Happy Friday!

Fell in love with this little guy. We stopped at an independent animal refuge right outside Liberia upon arrival.

 Inside White Hawk Villa, our "home," while staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge

 The first of many games of Liars Dice

 Ziplining at Sky Trek near Arenal Volcano

Unwinding at Baldi Hot Springs

 Can you spot the howler monkey?

 Lounging in the infinity pool at Vista Azul, our "home" for the week, in Playa Hermosa (and yes, that is the Pacific Ocean in the distance)

 I think Costa Rican sunsets are my favorite

 Walking on the black sand beach at Playa Ocotal after beachfront dining at Father Rooster

 Preparing to paddle board for the first time in Playa Hermosa

 And we're off!

 Cocktails and cards during the sunset

 No filter. These colors are ridiculous.

 Playing on the catamaran where we saw mating sea turtles and a pod of dolphins!

 Candid shot of the parentals on the catamaran sunset cruise

 My family at Vista Azul.

So blessed to have such gracious and loving parents who spoil their children rotten!

Casual Glam

Tank: J. Crew; Skirt: J. Crew; Sweater: Francesca's; Boat Shoes: Sperry;

Bangles: Ocean Leather, Nordstrom, F21; Sunnies: Karen Walker

I have been wanting to pair my boat shoes with a pencil skirt for some time (don't ask me why, I just had a feeling that it would work . . . most specifically with this sequined anchor top). Today was the day and I am thrilled that I actually pulled it off! I am obsessed with this outfit. Like, nautically in love- I'll try not to put it on repeat too often ;) I'm so glad this week has moved by swiftly! I'm totally ready to lounge by the pool and do NOTHING this weekend. Happy Thursday!

Tickled Pink + The Liebster Blog Award

Top: Sunny Leigh; Skirt: Forever 21; Shoes: Zara; Headband: J. Crew;

Sunnies: Versace; Clutch: Hobo; Bangles: Nordstrom, F21, Ocean Leather

I'm not just tickled pink because I'm wearing the color today . . . I'm TOTALLY tickled pink over the fact that Ms. Jill over at Classy With A Kick has nominated me for the Liebster Award! After reading about what this award represents, I am very honored to receive it and hope to continue doing it justice well into my blogging future. Thanks to Jill for the nomination!

 "... The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: 'Liebster' is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. "

 

 Without further ado, I will answer the questions from Jill as a result of the Liebster . . .

1. Why did you start your blog? If I'm being completely honest, I started this blog more as a diary of sorts after having been inspired by my friend G, who had the most hilarious blog ever. Sadly, G has since removed her blog because she is now a teacher . . . and you can't really have stories of you on the web about the time you were drunk and eating other people's pizza while barefoot in San Fran when you're teaching 5 year olds). If you want more details on my story, you can read them here.
2. What are your favorite type of posts? Having recently transitioned this blog into a more fashion-focused one, my favorite posts are the outfit ones. If I have the opportunity to relay an awesome story along with a fab outfit then those posts are always an A+ in my book!
3. Why do you choose to follow a blog? I follow a blog if I connect with that individual's style and personality. I find that it's pretty easy to tell what a person is like based on writing style and clothing choice. My favorite types of blogs are those that incorporate fashion with personalization. If I'm looking at your outfits everyday, I want the opportunity to know who you are as a person. Adding tidbits about your life is a great way to spruce up any type of blog post.
4. What does "fashion" mean to you? Fashion means taking risks. My family will tell you that I am the most fashion and clothing obsessed in our family (with a dangerous shopping addiction), which means that a lot of the time I put outfits together with no guidance from others. Since my roommate joined the Peace Corps 2 years ago, and my family is all in CA, I now live alone (which I love, but it's not super helpful when you need advice on an outfit). Unfortunately, my cat doesn't always respond when I ask him what his take is on an outfit (I guess catnip is more exciting?). As a result, I take a lot of risks sometimes in putting outfits together, but I enjoy the challenge and seeing my personal style evolve through the process.
5. What is the #1 way you gain followers? Instagram
6. Can you name 3 clothing items you could not live without? No.2 J. Crew pencil skirts, cable knit tights from Banana Republic, and 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Denims in white.
7. Which blogger do you consider your biggest inspiration? Blair from Atlantic Pacific
8. If you could only shop in one store for the rest of your life, what would it be? J. Crew
9. Heels or flats? The answer will ALWAYS be heels!
10. What is your biggest blogging challenge? Coming up with fresh outfit ideas for posts that are both fun and functional and that will also inspire my readers.
11. What is your favorite social media channel and why? Instagram. I have always loved photography and one of my favorite things has become sharing my photos on Instagram to swap and share ideas with my followers!

Army Green

Jacket: Rubbish; Tank: Colette; Skirt: J. Crew; Flats: Via Spiga;

Sunnies: Karen Walker; Bangles: Ocean Leather; Earrings: J. Crew;

Necklaces: Stella&Dot, and Florence, Italy; Bag: LV

I pulled this outfit together this morning after being inspired by the current military-jacket-ish trend that has occurred recently with some of my daily reads (read: Miss Blair and Miss Crystalin). Anyway, I quite enjoy this color scheme and think it will be a great outfit transition to fall when paired with some knit tights, tan boots, and a chunky scarf. Don't get me wrong though- I am soaking up all the summer I can and will wait for fall to come at its scheduled time ;) I haven't even shopped the Nordstrom Sale yet . . . which is saying something!

Three Bs

Blouse: Bellatrix; Pants: Vince Camuto; Flats: Me Too; Bangle: Ocean Leather;

Bag: Michael Kors

Today's "Three Bs" equate to: Bellatrix, Blue, and Bows . . . and I didn't even plan it :) Aside from the fact that I had to tackle 200+ work emails this morning and rocked out at a Snoop Dogg concert last night (yes, you read that correctly), I am actually feeling pretty good. Although I am anticipating needing to crash by like, Thursday. It was sad not waking up to 90 degree weather and an infinity pool this morning . . . but waking up to my man instead wasn't too shabby ;) I get to pick up little Jujubie tonight and I am SO excited! I haven't seen him for two weeks, which in cat lady world is like, forever. So I'm back to the daily grind and blogging- stay tuned for Costa Rica recaps and follow along on Instagram for photos from the trip! XO

Mini Costa Rican Recap

Though the quality of these photos is not stellar (see: macbook pro camera, facebook photo-stealing, etc.)- I thought I'd give you a little insight as to what I've been doing for the past week and a half. Today is our last full day here and it'll be hard not waking up to our gorgeous view every morning, however I am pretty stoked to head back to Seattle tomorrow and see my two main men (see: Nick and Jubie). I'll have more Costa Rican updates next week! Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine :)

 We are staying in a home that overlooks Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica.

This infinity pool is located in our backyard and looks right out at the ocean.

SWOON!

Just one snapshot of the many gorgeous sunsets we witnessed during our cocktail hour

at "home"

Me and Bum paddle boarding for the first time in Coco Beach, Costa Rica

Taking a break while paddle boarding in the middle of the Pacific Ocean

Summer Essentials Series: What I Can't Live Without by L

Hi kids! I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lacie (aka: L) of Leather and Lace as my second guest blogger for the 'Summer Essentials Series.' L and I went to college together and have been following one another's blogs ever since. L is probably the most hilarious blogger you'll find on the blog-o-sphere. She is seriously hilarious and honest which makes for the best kind of blogging. I'd be lying if I said that L didn't serve as an inspiration for me to start my own blog. Here's what L can't live without this summer . . . . 

black. maxi. skirt. omg. the most wonderful effing item of clothing ever invented in life. i'm 100% obsessed with mine. it may not be the most "summery" item, but Seattle weather can be so annoyingly unpredictable, and this skirt is perfectly versatile. it's long enough to cover your legs on a cold rainy day, but light and breezy when the sun decides to come out. not to mention it's so stupidly comfortable--like wearing pajamas! it also has a stretchy waistband. and i just had a baby. stretchy waistbands don't require wrestling into spanx as a prerequisite, which is entirely amazing. if you don't have a black maxi skirt, get your ass to Target and buy one (purchase here). that's where i got mine! here's just four of the infinite ways to style it . . .

striped tee: Gap; bow headband: Nordstrom

grey tank: Target; white tank sweater: Old Navy; necklace: Anthropologie; sandals: Steve Madden

blouse: Nordstrom; wedges: Old Navy

grey tank: Abercrombie; sweater/sunglasses: Target; sandals: BCBG

I hope you enjoyed this post! Special thanks again to L for sharing her favorite summer essential. Be sure to follow L on Leather and Lace! XO 

Five Favorites: Summer Essentials Series

Stella & Dot 'On The Mark Necklace' At $59

- I just purchased this last week and am anxiously

awaiting its arrival! A little birdie told me that it is

going to be discontinued soon so buy yours here today! -

J. Crew 3" Chino Short At $45

(some are on sale for $29.99!)

- I practically live in these shorts in the summer. I have them

in the color above, as well as neon pink and mint. Just can't get

enough! They are perfect paired with striped boatneck tees or

flowy white camisoles. Throw on a pair of Sperrys and you're good

to go! Get yours here and now - 

Fireworks Gallery 'Mare Tote' At $85

- I really really really want this. It is the perfect nautical summer

bag! Setting sail or heading to the beach? Buy yours here -

 Target 'Xhilaration Bird Print Bikini Top' At $14.99

- The perfect bikini for that tropical vacation this summer! I bought

this for my Costa Rica trip along with the matching bottoms. The striped,

ruffled detail on the edges is just adorable. Fly away with yours here -

 Benefit Cosmetics 'Ultra Shine Lip Gloss' in Dancing Queen At $18

- I am addicted to this shine! It is the perfect pop of pink to add 

to any ensemble. Buy yours here before summer disappears! -