"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

{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!