Best Dress

Wearing // Asos dress

Vince Camuto metallic pumps, love these too

Kate Spade bag, similar

Michael Kors watch

Beauty // Lips - Lancome "Corail in Love"

Essie "Urban Jungle" nail polish

Jergens BB body lotion

These pictures are kind of a fail which really saddens me. Not only is the lighting super shadowy, but there was a giant windstorm Sunday afternoon and that's never good for an outfit. However, I absolutely love this dress so I hope you can overlook the bad lighting and hair swirls. I copied Laura once again and made my very first Asos purchase (see it on her here and here). I'm always hesitant to order online from a brand I've never had experience with before, but I figured with free returns that it would be worth a potential hassle. I ordered a size 6, my normal dress size, and it fits like a glove. The shape is so flattering because it skims the body, meaning it enhances the good parts and conceals the not so good. The weight of the fabric is substantial which it makes it feel much more expensive than it actually was. Hubby and I laughed that I could wear it to a wedding, a funeral, a job interview, and out to dinner. How's that for versatility! It feels grown-up, and not at all like most of the younger looking dresses in my closet. I love it so much that I'm going to order it in another color, probably white. And next time, I'll do it justice by getting better photos :)

Happy Wednesday!

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Emerald in Summer

Wearing // Loft petite maxi dress

J.Crew sandals

Banana Republic clutch

House of Harlow mini sunburst necklace, love it in blue too!

Lisa Taubes chain

Express bracelet

Beauty // 

Essie nails in "Urban Jungle" - must-have!

In my seemingly never-ending quest to find a petite friendly maxi dress, I scoured all of my favorite shops. Most were way too long, or they were a neutral color. I wanted something bright and fun, or maybe one with a print. I should have checked Loft sooner because they have such a great variety for petites, most of which can be found in-store rather than online. Well I found this gem during a sale and couldn't be happier with it! It met all of my criteria: the perfect length (no hemming required), a modest slit on the side to flirt it up a bit, and the most gorgeous shade of emerald that looks great now but can also transition easily into Fall. I think it's proof that shorter girls can still get in on the maxi trend without too much effort. I still prefer showing off my legs in a shorter dress, but a simple style like this one can also elongate the body quite nicely. 

Are you wearing maxi dresses this Summer?

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Fancy Floral

Wearing // Express portofino shirt

Loft skirt (pictured with the tee too)

J.Crew pumps, similar

Michael Kors bag

Stella & Dot earrings

Saint Laurent ring

Beauty // Essie "Cascade Cool" polish

Lips - Benefit Posie Balm

Hair - Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

I'm getting braver when it comes to picture locations. I've come a long way from the days of standing in front of a mirror. My husband often jokes with me about my fear of onlookers. I'm not a model and I don't pretend to be one, so I wonder what others are thinking while posing coyly in parks and public places around town. Maybe that's why I look so sheepish and am either always smiling like a fool from ear to ear or am touching my hair. Heck, I still worry when we take pictures outside of our condo! I mean, what will the neighbors think? I know it's silly to react like this, so I'm pushing myself more and more to go out in scary places. You know, where people go. I may look happy in these photos but I was telling Nate to hurry up because "people are looking". Now it makes me laugh a little.

I must say, I picked up this pretty floral skirt while popping into Loft for something entirely different and I am loving this impulse buy. I really try to avoid buying things on impulse because that has led to some poor judgement in the past. But this printed skirt was a must-have. I've been needing more prints in my wardrobe, and it seems to be very versatile. I dressed it up for Friday night, but I can easily see myself wearing it with sandals or flats and a simple white tee.

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Pleats and Picnics

Old Navy skirt (old) but love this one

Express crop top

Forever 21 cami (underneath top)

Zara kitten heels

J.Crew Factory clutch, must-have!

Stella & Dot bracelet

 Essie "Find me an oasis" nail polish

Benefit hydrating tinted lip balm in Posie 

This is my first time pulling out my hot pink skirt in months, and I'm ashamed I've left it literally hanging for so long. Chiffon pleats and the most gorgeous vibrant pink! It stands out, but I unfortunately failed to see it in my closet until I reorganized it a few weeks ago. It's funny how that happens. I have the biggest closet I've ever had in my life, and yet instead of everything having a place, I feel like pieces just get lost! Do you experience this? How do you girls like to organize things?

Anyway, we have been experiencing some seriously perfect weather, so naturally we've been spending most of it outdoors. We actually had a picnic on this particular Friday evening (and by picnic, I mean Greek salads from our favorite little spot. Nate forgot to grab a load of napkins and we made a huge mess. The birds loved us). It was such a nice way to begin the weekend that it might become a habit this month.

What were you up to this weekend?

I'm linking up with Gina and Carylee

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It's Always Date Night

Wearing: H&M pleated skirt, similar

Express top

Target heels, love these and these

Banana Republic clutch, obsessed with this one

Earrings: Baublebar x Anthropologie

Hey ladies, these are just a couple quick snaps that hubby took of me while we were heading out to dinner last Friday. We often joke that every night is date night because we don't have kids yet. Sometimes we'll hit up a familiar spot, and sometimes we will venture out of town to try something new (especially along the coast. Any excuse to be by the ocean). On this night, I paired leopard and stripes which is one of my favorite combinations. I also can't get over how beautiful and sparkly these Baublebar x Anthropologie earrings are! Easily my favorite piece of jewelry - at the moment. 

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