{Mixing Prints} | Florals + Stripes

- outfit details -dress || Target
sweater || Target
scarf || gift from my sis-in-law :)
bag || Target
heels || DSW
watch || Target
sunglasses || Forever 21
belt || Forever 21
earrings & ring || Target

One of my favorite "mixing prints" combos is stripes + florals. I love how the simple, clean structure of stripes contrast with the unstructured, beautiful "chaos" of floral prints. This particular floral print scarf is a favorite of mine - it was a gift from my awesome sister-in-law last Christmas and gets a lot of wear (also seen in this post).

When picking a floral print scarf, I say the more colors the better because you'll be able to wear it with more outfits. There are various ways to style a scarf, but this is the first time I've tried securing one with a belt, which ended up contributing to a much more flattering shape than this outfit looked without one.

Side Note || For extra outfit inspiration, try experimenting with adding "edgy" twists to more feminine looks. For example, in this post's outfit, the faux leather bag and cage heels contrast with the dress and floral details.

Happy print mixing and thanks for stopping by! :)

Party on the Patio

Last week I shared the "mini lemonade bar" setup I put together as part of a birthday celebration for my parents a couple of weekends ago. The majority of our time together took place on our back patio, where we were blessed to have beautiful temperatures and a light breeze all evening while we enjoyed some delicious steaks my husband grilled for us. My mom is always the best about making family gatherings feel unique and thoughtful, and now that I'm married and have a home of my own to host family gatherings, I enjoy following in her footsteps (or at least attempting!) and creating special memories that she gets to enjoy!

If you've made any trips to Target recently, you've probably noticed the adorable "Oh Joy! for Target" fall collection. While I would have loved to have taken home literally every piece in the collection, I settled on the cute mini party hats! I don't know what made me think to put them on top of the mason jars, but I loved how that turned out! Scrounging up some craft supplies I already had at the house, I created some "present place cards" to compliment the party hats.  I liked the simplicity of this setup - a little really does go a long way, and it doesn't take much to add a few personal touches to your hosting efforts to make your guests feel special! 

DIY "Present Place Card"
1) Tear the edges of a piece of card stock to form a square.
2) Add a piece of washi tape down the left side.
3) Use sticker letters to label a gift tag.
4) Secure the gift tag with a bow. 

- details -
dishes || Fiesta (via Macy's)
mason jars || Target
mini party hats || Target
table runner & placemats || Target (clearance section - $5 total!)

I hope you were able to find some inspiration for your next family/friends gathering from this post! As always, thanks for stopping by!

Fall Fedora + Textures

- outfit details - 
jacket || H&M (old)
sweater || Target
leggings || H&M (old)
boots || Calvin Klein (gift)
bag || Target
hat || Target

Well, fall is officially here! With these cooler, fluctuating temperatures comes the opportunity to experiment with various layers, textures and accessories. I have a feeling this burgundy fall fedora and I are going to be spending a lot of time together this season. I love wearing hats because 1) they're a lifesaver on bad hair days (or for trying to go as long as possible in between hair washes lol), 2) they can take an outfit to the next level, and 3) the extra warmth is always nice for a cold-natured person like myself!

When picking out a hat for your fall wardrobe, you can't go wrong with neutrals (black, brown, gray, etc.), though color can be fun! I went with this burgundy color because I tend to wear a lot of neutrals in the fall, so this particular hat will provide a nice, muted pop of color, as seen in this outfit.

Also, layering different textures is a great technique to keep in mind when putting together fall outfits. In this outfit alone there are six different textures (leather, faux croc leather, canvas, knit, felt, nylon). This technique also helps differentiate several pieces of the same color in one outfit.

Have a Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by!