The Sun Don't Set On A...

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I don't know how I survived some of my first years driving without sunglasses. Not only do they highly improve safe driving {yes, I do tell myself that especially on days when the sun is just out of control and don't even get me started on the glare in the heart of the winter} but they are also one of my favorite accessories.

So, what's your preference? Black? Tortoise? Cateye? Round? 

I'm currently on a tortoise kick, and these just may be my number one pick. 

Shop Mosley Tribes Linda Farrow Shopbop Sunglasses 

'Keep the Change, You Filthy Animal'

Zara Blouse // Kenneth Jay Lane Lion Bracelet // Tory Burch Fox Head Hinge Bracelet // J.Crew Blue Elephant Pendant Necklace // Mulberry Tiger Sweater // Tory Burch Fox Stud Double Wrap Bracelet

But seriously, animals are popping up all over the place, and I'm not just talking about animal print, I'm talking about actual animals. And honestly, I kind of love it.

Stay tuned for an announcement on the blog tomorrow!

Weekend Wear

Newest favorite color combination: navy and yellow.  Oddly enough, those would be the two colors that I do not have much of in my closet {noted}. Not only do I love the color pairing, but I also love the contrast of the feminine top and the boyfriend jeans.  Throw on an oversized necklace, and you have a simple yet chic ensemble for a night out on the town. I'll take it all.

Happy Weekend, lovelies! I'll be in the dance studio getting ready for good 'ole Milwaukee Irish Fest.

GET THE LOOK

Pretty Little Things

Each and every one of these pieces would put an extra little pep in my step. I mean who doesn't want a little giraffe around their wrist to see every time they check their watch? I think I would name her Roxanne and that we would be the best of friends. 

Enameled Giraffe Bangle // Tory Burch Robinson Zip Coin Case {I own it in this color and am obsessed} 

Gap Loafers // Elizabeth and James Spring Glasses // Kate Spade Show Your Spots Stud Earrings 

 Kate Spade Cheers Necklace

What pretty little things are on your list these days?

Summer Essential: Maxi Dress

J. Crew Maxi {solid colors here and similar stripes here} // Tahari Wedge {save vs. splurge item last week} 

 Michael Kors Watch // Tory Burch Sunglasses {sold out since the F&F sale} // Kate Spade Earrings 

Well friends, I did it.  I found both my go-to maxi for the summer as well as a pair of cat eye sunnies that I never want to take off.  Might I add that the maxi has pockets? You can't get much more perfect that that. But seriously.  Usually, I 100% agree with RZ on the whole "more is more" thing when it comes to jewelry, but for this ensemble, these simple pieces and a pop of orange were just the extra little details the outfit needed to feel complete.   

I am working on making some jewelry, and this bracelet is one of the pieces I made over the weekend. The sideways cross necklace was last mentioned here, and you can email me or comment on this post for more information.   I am happy to put you in touch with J so you can get your own! She's now making them in gold as well.

Now back to my main concern, have you found your perfect maxi for the summer yet?

Swooning over Shopbop

I will neither confirm nor deny any purchases of the below items, but I will tell you that I love them all dearly.  I may have found the ultimate contenders for the perfect chambray shirt and the perfect wedge. I know, that is a very bold statement, but one I am willing to make at this time.

KORS Michael Kors Vivian Wedges Espadrilles | Rory Beca Dol Print Tie Front Blouse 

Penfield Boyfriend Chambray | Tory Burch Sunglasses

Liz lead me to these beautiful wedges.  Remember when I was talking about still searching for a better wedge only yesterday?  Perfect timing for the Shopbop sale.  It's like they know that I'm a sucker for a sale and can justify anything when my birthday is this weekend and graduation is in a month (that counts too, right?)  

Hypothetically speaking, what do you think, and did you grab anything from the sale?

Do you have any chambray and wedge contenders that I need to know about? Talk to me.

Tory Burch Flagship Store

I never thought I could possibly love Tory Burch more than I already do, but then I went to her flagship store on Madison Ave on Monday.  I think I "died" three times in the store.  Once on each floor.  I can't even begin to explain how gorgeous the store is in person: it was stunning and beyond swoon worthy. Let's just say, purple + gold may be my new favorite color pairing.

via

Oh, here's the best part.  I purchased a wallet as a birthday present for myself last year (you do that too right?!), but it got pretty scuffed up.  Do you know what they did? They gave me a brand new one.  I simply asked if they had advice to clean it and had no intention of asking for a new one.  Low and behold, they made my first day in NYC even better by offering me the brand new beauty.

Like I said on Twitter earlier this week, New York City is my new happy place.

Hope you are all having a great week!  I am officially back to reality today as I head back to home sweet home Wisconsin. 

I will fill you in on the trip more next week as I got to meet so many amazing ladies and truly had the time of my life! Hopefully I'll be seeing them and city again in the very near future.

Wishful Wednesday

Well, I survived the ridiculousness that was the past 10 days.  Lead teaching, conferences, and St. Patrick's Day weekend.  And somehow I only managed to be out sick one day this week. My apologies for being MIA, but sometimes life is just crazy.  I know we all have busy weeks/months/years and somehow we always make it through.  Cheers to that.   However, I don't think life will slow down all too much until graduation on May 19th [ummm that's less than 2 months away, WHAT?!].  But in reality, I would rather be busy than bored.  I truly can't remember the last time I was bored so I'll take that as a good sign. 

Growing up, my parents made a big deal about birthdays.  While I love my birthday, I really do love celebrating friends' and family's birthdays just as much as my own, if not more.  That being said, my birthday is just one month (and a day) away so why not get a little wishful the next few Wednesdays?

J.Crew Tillary Tote // Tory Burch "Miller" Sandals {cough size 8 cough}

As for my first Wishful Wednesday, I went for two classics.  These timeless pieces can be paired with any of the latest trends: floral, neon, pastel. That's why I love them even more.  Not only are they beautiful, they are versatile. Win, win.

Trust me, the next Wishful Wednesdays will be filled with much more color.

What are you wishing for these days?

Tangerine Flats

Of course I love tangerine anything so, naturally, I have been drooling over these Tory Burch Eddie Flats.  And then when I was at Gap this weekend I found these gems.  No purchases have been made at this time.

Gap Neon City Flat // Tory Burch Eddie Flat

Then I reminded myself of my bad experience with a pair of Eddie flats.  Now this is just from my experience, as I know others who love the shoes.  Maybe my problem was that I didn't get the patent leather kind, but after I wore them twice the top of the shoe had turned a greyish/greenish color.  Of course I was upset so I returned them because I was not pleased with the product, especially for that price.  But like I said, maybe the patent leather would make the difference? I also didn't think they were as comfortable as the Reva flats (I own two pair) because I could feel my heel digging into the ground every step I took. Again, these are all my personal experience with them.  Do you agree/disagree?

Then I found this Neon City Flat at Gap.  And no, the bottom does not look that weird when you try it on, and they were SO comfortable.  Have you seen them in the store?? They also come in neon pink (can you say fun?) and then several neutral pairs with no bow, which would be beyond perfect for teaching. They only run in in full sizes.  I am typically a 7 1/2, and the 8 fit perfectly.

I think it's a little obvious which way I'm leaning, but would you save or splurge on these tangerine flats?

Friday's Fancies::Color Crush

Today's Friday's Fancies is all about color.  One to be more exact, tangerine.  Not only do I love brights in general, but I especially love bright accessories because you can pair them with many outfits and get an entirely new look.

1. This Tory Burch wallet is my definition of the perfect accessory.  It's bright, fun, practical, and functional.  What's not to love? I think I would smile each time I pulled this out of my purse.

2.  Orange statement necklace.  Necklaces are my favorite way to dress up/switch up an outfit, besides scarves of course. This Amrita Singh necklace pairs gold + orange beautifully.

3. This blouse is included because, well, we all need that classic button down blouse.  Maybe yours won't be orange but Diane von Furstenberg does not disappoint with this Karin blouse.  Great color, great cut, and amazing detail on the sleeves. It also comes in a gorgeous green.  In fact it's pretty close to mint green, which I was crushing on hard last week.
4. Oh Hermes, you sure do know how to make your way into a girl's heart. I would pair this silk jacquard scarf in orange with a basic striped tee, preferably in navy because that's the color combo I am lovely lately.
5. Last but most certainly not least, how fun is this Asos belt?! And how much more fun is it when you see the price tag?! Add it to any outfit, whether you're wearing neutrals or brights. 

I am personally loving tangerine + navy.  What would you pair tangerine with?

See more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}

Weekend Snapshot

As I mentioned earlier, Boyfriend B and I made our way to Florida this Friday.  We couldn't have asked for better weather upon arrival.  Of course I had to do some prep-work before our departure though.

On Thursday, I got a much needed manicure and pedicure to prep for the days at the pool and beach.  OPI Mod About You is one of my favorite opaque pink polishes.  That and Essie Fiji of course, but I couldn't find it at the salon so Mod About You it was.  On Thursday, I had every intention of going to E Street in Mequon to get a birthday present for a friend, but I left with a new pair of rag & bone jeans.  Remember when I was obsessing over colored denim?! I finally found a pair to call my own.  Not only do I love the color, but they are now the most comfortable pair of jeans in my closet.  Did I mention that they were 20% off too? Ya, I love them even more thanks to that.  I paired them with my Tory Burch Reva flats that I got for Christmas.   On Friday, I traveled with my favorite up-do.  It kept my hair out of the way and was high enough that I could attempt to sleep on the flight. 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Since our travel day, we've enjoyed quality time with B's family.  I would be lying if I didn't say Florida was beautiful. See what I mean:

 

 

[photos from my iPhone via Instagram]

Hope you all had an incredible weekend! It sounds like the Midwest has been plenty warm considering it's almost the middle of January.  Has anyone else barely had to wear their long Northface this year?

I'll be linking up with a {little} dash of ash for her Instagram Link Party!