Radiant Orchid

Wearing // Express portofino shirt

Loft lace shorts (last year) but similar here

Zara flats, similar

Target tote, extremely similar by Target too!

Kris Nations state necklace

Michael Kors watch, similar

Stella & Dot renegade bracelet

Oia Jules "N" bracelet

Starfish ring from Maui, super cute option

Beauty // Nails Essie "bazooka", similar

Lips in Mac Cosmetics "Hot Gossip" mixed with Maybelline color elixir in "Petal Plush"

I hope everyone is having a great week! My "staycation" has hit the spot and feels like the exact break I've been needing. I mean, this outfit was taken on Tuesday and I'm wearing shorts! I could never wear something like this for work. I bought these last Summer when I became obsessed with Loft's Summer collection. I do admit that they fit a bit better last year. Since my wedding, I've managed to gain about eight pounds so I'm working on losing them through eating healthier and exercising more. It's a constant struggle, but I know most of you ladies understand what I'm talking about so I won't go into any details (they aren't that interesting anyway. I was seeing a personal trainer for six months and stopped going due to cost so I'm on my own. Hubby and I are trying to get a good work-out routine going again). Anyway, I still love these orchid lace shorts and refuse to keep them tucked away because of a few lb's. How foolish that would be in this crazy heat! Paired with sparkle, sparkle, and more sparkle, they still made me feel fabulously Summery nonetheless.

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Peplum & Lace

Wearing // Anthropologie top, similar. Love this too

Loft skirt

Vince Camuto pumps, love this and this

Kate Spade bag, similar look & gorgeous color

Express studs

Kris nations california necklace

Lisa Taubes link necklace

Banana Republic crystal necklace, check stores

I hope you enjoyed a happy 4th! I still feel like it's the weekend because I have the next few days off from work. No reason, just because! I think those are the best vacations sometimes because you can still get a lot accomplished at home.
This outfit is from yesterday. I haven't worn my peplum top in quite some time so I decided to pull it out for a simple, light look. Peplum can be tricky for a lot of women, including myself. The structure of this top is great paired against a softer and more fitted skirt so that's how I chose to wear it. Otherwise, it can be super unflattering.

Linking up with Gina and Carylee today

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Recent Buys & Current Cravings

I hope everyone is enjoying their week! I'm in full fledged vacation mode, since I'm taking a few days off from work to enjoy some R&R. We all deserve it in the Summertime right?! Today is busy busy but I'm really looking forward to celebrating the 4th tomorrow.

I don't know why, but it's usually this time of year when I really feel like shopping! You'd think that with the heat, clothing would be the last thing on my mind but instead I focus on acquiring a few pieces to pump up my wardrobe. I find that dressing in the Summer can feel a bit monotonous because layering isn't really a possibility. I like to shop for basics that I can dress up or down depending on what shoes, handbag, or jewelry I choose. It's effortless to come up with new combinations.

Here are some recent buys that I've added to my Summer wardrobe:

Old Navy D'Orsay Flats

I have them in sand and now black as well. I couldn't resist! They are cute and comfortable. I'm buying things in doubles lately! 

Asos skater dress

I have it in black and just purchased another one in white. Also available in mint!

Oia Jules personalized initial bracelet

Delicate and perfect for layering

Speaking of jewelry, these two pretties are also on their way to me (link, link). I'm loving dainty pieces. It feels so right for Summer.

Here are some current cravings. 

Tory Burch

Eliza J maxi dress

Olivine love + salt mist

I've heard great things about this!

I could keep going but...

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe 4th of July! 

See you next week!

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Pastel Twirl

Wearing // H&M dress, old

Topshop midi skirt (in black), pretty in white!

Vince Camuto metallic pumps, similar

Kate Spade bag, similar

Beauty // Essie nail polish in "Bazooka"

YSL lips in "Le Orange"

I'm getting more creative these days ladies. "Really" you may ask? Yes, really. I'm wearing a dress as a top. I know, it's groundbreaking. Well in my defense, I've been trying to figure out a way to wear this dress again. I last wore it on our honeymoon in Maui. The time before that, I wore it to my bridal shower. I even have a post to prove it (because I feel like if I don't blog it, the outfit doesn't exist). I love this dress, mostly due to sentimental value, but it's so darn short! I don't feel comfortable wearing it with anything other than sandals. The faux-wrap quality also can be tricky because it likes to play peek-a-boo when the wind hits it. It's very thin and slinky, which can be a pain. But its these same qualities that also make it perfect for layering, so that's where my idea of wearing it underneath my midi skirt came from. I love the pastel palette for Spring and Summer. I actually did do a twirl in this, but it wasn't captured on camera for the blog. So it didn't actually happen ;)

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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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