what we do when our boyfriends are at work

This is my friend Nicole; She's just as beautiful as she is photogenic, with style to boot. We were bored and decided to have a little afternoon romp with my camera. I would have included our series of jumping photos that we took; however, none of them were presentable enough to post and full of the most ridiculous facial expressions ever.

a festive 4th

My family and I had a great 4th of July celebration; great food, decorations and even better company. We enjoyed a classic summer dinner of steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob (thanks Dad) and the best homemade lemonade. The romantic backyard setup is courtesy of my Mom. She has the most festive spirit and an innate ability to put together such perfect and creative parties.

I don't know what I enjoyed most.. the berry truffle dessert, my baby nephew's patriotic faux-tattoo or those fabulously glittery J. Crew jelly sandals (which I got for $6!)..

geneva

Random shots from my favorite lake in the whole wide world.

summer night

skirt: forever 21

white button-down: forever 21

hat: h&m

leather belt: old navy

A chill midwest breeze and slight rain called for sleeves and a hat today (also to cover up my undone hair that I just didn't want to do). I feel all rastafarian in this printed skirt. Patterns are nice, and I need more of them to spice up my somewhat boring life at the moment. 

Now off to enjoy a casual night of a movie and some homemade sangria. Yum!

mk

My sister Bri and her beautiful new Michael Kors leather bag she got from the bf for her birthday. The chain strap allows for hands-free ease and can be removed to make a fabulous clutch. So versatile.. so perfect. Jealous? Me, too.

red white and blue jean

jean halter tank: abercrombie and fitch

shorts: zara

wedges: dolce vita for target
These wedges were cheap.. seven dollars and forty-eight cents cheap. They're very comfortable and nicely padded, letting out a tiny huff of air every time I step. The shorts are from about a year ago from Zara.. I kind of forgot about them. They have the highest waist ever; this picture not giving them the justice they deserve, so better post of them to come..

layers

black dress: american apparel

gray skirt: tj maxx

green petticoat: forever 21

hat: h&m

necklace: forever 21

My fabulous sister in a men's straw fedora I bought about a month ago for $1. Yes, $1! The two-tone makes it interesting and the black brim above the eyes more mysterious. I love the feeling of anonymity I get when wearing a hat, and also the convenience of it when there's no time to do my hair. 

There are four layers going on here, believe it or not. Underneath the black dress is a gray maxi skirt, and beneath that are two petticoats.

We wrapped the necklace around her neck twice to make it collar-like; more striking and dramatic that way.

70s throwback

one-piece: vintage

hat: tj maxx

espadrille wedges: old navy

I just got this 1970s, wide-legged-one-piece number from my favorite vintage shop on my college campus. The owner is fantastic in finding pieces from every era that are in mint condition. When I saw this, I was speechless and knew it needed to be in my closet.

 The color is even more fabulous and blinding in person. 

pipp-perfect

tank: express

maxi skirt: tj maxx

leather belt: old navy

I love the flare at the bottom of this skirt. It falls nicely and paints a dramatic silhouette; much more figure flattering than a shapeless maxi skirt.

Speaking of shape, this reminds me of Pippa's white Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton gown. It draped her frame so perfectly.

wedge

The most comfortable wedges here from Aldo. I like that they're just high enough; no ridiculously huge platform to risk breaking an ankle.

Very wearable.