"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

Styling Overalls

- outfit details -
overalls || Target
tank || Target
blazer || Target
scarf || Ross
bag || Francesca's
booties || Ross

I probably haven't worn overalls since my elementary days (which would make sense as I grew up in the 90s!) and have truly enjoyed their recent comeback! Styling overalls can be a lot of fun because there's a lot of fresh inspiration floating around as you'll see on this special Pinterest board I've created in light of this post. Layering is a styling technique that can be applied just as easily to styling overalls as it can with any other outfit. Overalls by their very nature are a very casual piece of clothing but adding a blazer and a pair of heeled booties automatically raises the sophistication! Adding other accessories like scarves, headbands, clutches, etc. is another creative way to "dress up" this casual clothing piece (you might recognize that head scarf from this recent post - I love how versatile it is!).

If you haven't given overalls a chance this season, I encourage you to try! They're really comfy and can be used to create many more outfits than you might think!

If you have other ideas on how you've styled overalls, I would love to hear them! Or if you have questions on how to style overalls for YOU, I'd be happy to offer any help I can! Thanks for stopping by!

Back-To-School

- outfit details -
tank || Gap Outlet (recent clearance)
top || Target
pants || Macy's
sneakers || Nike (via Ross - recent)
glasses || Forever 21
watch || Target
necklace || Stella & Dot
lip color || MAC "Coral Bliss"

The question we always ask around this time of the year..."WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?!?" I know, technically we have one more month, but even though I'm an adult and out of college, I still associate the "back-to-school" season as the end of summer vacation. I was inspired to create my own "back-to-school" look today and started with a fun pair of kicks! I'm loving these Nike ones I scored for cheap at Ross over the weekend! Sneakers are a big trend for this fall (and we're not just talking at the gym!), so have fun dressing them up or down this upcoming season!

As always, I'm grateful for my awesome husband who takes such great photos for this blog and makes it fun! You can check out more of his photography here!

Thanks for dropping by! :)

   

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! :)