"The Reese"

- outfit details - 
top || Lucca (clearance find!)
jeans || Target
heels || Michael Kors (Dillard's clearance find!)
bag || "Reese" by Michael Kors (gift from my amazing husband!)
watch || Michael Kors
sunglasses || Forever 21

So I've never really had what I've always considered to be a "big girl" purse, partly because I could personally never justify spending my money on one (graduating college debt free was a way bigger priority!) and partly because I've never felt like I've reached that "grown-up" / "big girl" stage of life that warrants a purse of the same title. While I still can't totally justify spending money on a "big girl" purse (though I will admit I've noticed the extreme difference in quality!) and still don't quite feel like a grown-up (there are days when 16 seems like yesterday!), my amazing husband wanted to bless me with a gift for my birthday last week that he knew I've daydreamed about as my 25-year mark finally arrived. Reed is the best at making me feel special, valued and appreciated, especially when I don't feel worthy or the least bit deserving, so his heart behind this gift means ten times more to me than the actual bag (though let's be clear, I do LOVE the bag! ;) ).

I truly had a remarkable birthday week last week thanks to all the beautiful, thoughtful, loving people in my life! Every text, gift, tweet, post, hug, smile and birthday wish seriously meant the world, so THANK YOU to everyone who took that time! I love and appreciate you all so much! 

I wouldn't change a single thing about the first 25 years of my life. They by no means have been easy, and I'm not entering this new season of life free of problems and pain, but the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father makes it impossible for me to be discontent. The day I realized I had a choice to be thankful set my life on a course filled with unexplainable joy and peace. Paul says it best… 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." 

Philippians 4:12-13

Summer Blazer

- outfit details -
blazer || Target
top || Forever 21
jeans || Target
sandals || Target
bag || Target
sunglasses || Forever 21
nail color || Essie - "mint candy apple"
rings || Forever 21
watch || Michael Kors

Blazers are one of my favorite items of clothing, and thankfully, because of their classic, timeless nature, they're easy to style year-round. For spring and summer, I often stick with sleeveless tops in a sheer or lightweight fabric - this obviously helps to keep you cool in warmer temperatures but also brings a feminine softness to the masculine structure of blazers. Boyfriend jeans also pair well with blazers, especially for spring and summer. Add some sandals, a bright bag, and a fresh lip color and you have an effortless, polished, chic look. 

style tip || When wearing a button-down top, button the top button for some added polish. 

beauty tip || Match your lip color to one of your outfit accessories (bag, shoes, jewelry, etc.) - this pulls your whole look together and makes the color "pop".

The color palette of this outfit reminds me of the 4th of July, which I can't believe isn't that far away! Happy first day of summer and thanks for stopping by! 

Striped T-Shirt Dress

- outfit details - 
dress || Target
vest || Target
sandals || Target
bag || Target
watch || Target
sunglasses || Target (similar)
necklace || Charlotte Russe (old)
nail color || Essie - "mint candy apple"

A striped t-shirt dress is a great addition to your spring/summer wardrobe. This particular one from Target is very comfortable, versatile (I've styled it more dressy with heels before, but mostly I stick with flats like pictured above), and chic (black & white and stripes are timeless!). 

STYLE TIP || For my body type, I've found that when wearing t-shirt style dresses or any dress that isn't fitted around the waste, adding a vest, blazer, denim jacket, belt, etc. helps to give a more flattering shape than the "boxy" look. 

COLOR PALETTE || black + white + light-wash denim + coral + mint 

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Sleek Chic

- outfit details - 
blazer || Target
top || H&M
jeans || Target (old)
heels || Charlotte Russe
earrings || Target
cuff || Target
bag || Phillip Lim for Target
sunglasses || Target

This outfit is one of my favorites from recent posts. There's honestly nothing too exciting about each piece individually, but pulled together with a sleek ponytail, coordinating lip/nail/shoe color, plus a few key accessories, and the overall look comes off polished, sleek and chic. 

Yesterday was my 24th birthday, and I'm still overwhelmed by all of the love from my husband, family and friends! Every birthday feels like the birth of a new season, but this particular birthday has brought that feeling stronger than ever. I'm still processing all of the goals and dreams God is stirring in my heart for this year but hopefully I'll be able to share more in the coming weeks! 

As always, thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your Monday! 

Chevron Chic

- outfit details - 
top || Francesca's Collections (similar)
jeans || Old Navy
heels || Charlotte Russe
clutch || Francesca's Collections (older)
statement necklace || Charlotte Russe (older)
watch || Michael Kors 

My mom recently surprised me with an early birthday present - the cute chevron top pictured above! I'm grateful that even though I'm about to turn 24, my mom still buys clothes for me and thinks of me when she's out shopping :). I'm not the only one in my family with a September birthday though - my mom, dad, and brother all have birthdays this month too! My husband and I threw my parents a joint-birthday party over this past weekend to celebrate both of them turning 50 this year - such a fun evening! I'll be sharing a post with all the party decorations and details later this week, so stay tuned!

style tip || Look for great "necklace and heels" combos - you can pair them with a variety of tops and bottoms and always have a pulled together look!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Nautical Inspiration

- outfit details -
top || J. Crew
shorts || Old Navy
sandals || Old Navy
clutch || J. Crew
necklace || Charlotte Russe
watch || Michael Kors
ring || H&M
nail color || "Clambake" by Essie

I'm amazed by how fast the month of August has flown by...why must summer always feel like the quickest season? While I am looking forward to stylish scarves, cozy sweaters, & boots of all styles for the fall season, I'll miss summer fashion's "little things" like white denim shorts, ankle-strap sandals, & nautical inspiration!

I'm still finding my way in establishing a new "life routine" post-wedding, & I still have a strong desire to see this blog be very much apart of that routine. A mission trip to Haiti, preparation for a best friend's wedding, & recording an album with my band are just a few of the things that consumed my summer, not to mention adjusting to (and LOVING) married life. {Reed & I are approaching 4 months in a few days!} My life feels like it's moving so fast, yet it feels so full. Having this blog to halfway keep track of it all will be something I know I'll look back on in the future with gratitude.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a beautiful weekend!