All-American

Wearing //

Old Navy dress

LOFT denim jacket

J.Crew Factory sandals

Kate Spade bag (love this practical cross-body)

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace

Druzy bracelet via Rocksbox (use code beachfirenkxoxo)

I used to dress very literally for the 4th of July. As a proud American, of course it's one of my favorite holidays. I usually do it up wearing red, white, and blue to show my patriotism, but this year I have decided to go the all-American route and choose an outfit that's more classic, and less costume. This outfit sort of reminds me of a Tommy Hilfiger ad I once saw when I was in high school, minus the model's sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. What's more American than a denim jacket and an easy little sundress? I've worn this exact combination three times now, and I love its simplicity. I never understood the whole "throw your jacket over your shoulders so it looks like you aren't trying too hard to be cool" thing, but I actually really like it (although I wouldn't say it's the most practical at times). This blue jean baby is definitely getting put to use!

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and happy 4th! We don't have any plans this weekend, but I'm hoping it involves a grilled burger and a cold beer. Since I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging, I'll see you all back here on Monday.

Continue the post

Vested

Wearing //

Express vest (on sale, check stores)

Express cami

LOFT jeans

Zara pumps, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

J.Crew Factory clutch, similar here & here

I had been seeing white vests on a lot of lovely ladies, and I liked the effortless layer over a simple tee or tank and jeans. I just had one little problem - I didn't own a vest, so I couldn't create the look for myself. During the Express sale last week, I decided to pop in and see if there was anything I needed. I was getting ready to leave the store empty-handed, until I saw a few of these white vests hanging by the dresses. It met my criteria - it was white. I love the length, the single button, the faux pockets on either side, and the tuxedo fabric. It's the perfect layering piece to dress up an otherwise simple (i.e. boring) look. Funny, because as I was flipping through a Spring magazine yesterday, I saw plenty of celebrities wearing vests. I guess I'm behind on more than just my reading material. I have to confess, I'm completely over fashion and women's magazines. With blogging and Instagram showcasing the latest trends, I don't feel it necessary to subscribe to them anymore. It's a pity really. My dream growing up was to work at a fashion magazine, but I'm cancelling my subscriptions. Is it a sign of the times?

What do you ladies think?

Continue the post

Beating the Heat

Wearing //

Express cami (my fifth one)

J.Crew skirt (old) but similar here

J.Crew Factory sandals

Halogen clutch, similar

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff via Rocksbox 

(use code beachfirenkxoxo for your first month free)

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry druzy ring and necklace

Or trying to beat the heat is more like it. Summer here can leave me feeling pretty irritable. Okay let's get real people - it leaves me feeling bitchy. Hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable is not my idea of a good time, which is why I tend to not put as much effort into getting dressed when it's over 100 degrees. What's the point? I'm just going to look disheveled an hour later. As hard as I try to maintain my style in the heat, I always end up gravitating towards easy, lightweight pieces. A tank, a skirt that has a good amount of stretch and an elastic waistband, and ditching the heels in favor of flat sandals. I also wear very little makeup. My Glo Minerals Moisturizing Tint with SPF, bronzed cheeks, and color on my lips. That's how I do Summer. Oh, and I like to layer my pretty gemstone jewelry to still keep my girly edge while not being bogged down by giant statement pieces.

Exhibit A (my best friend and I last weekend. Delicate jewelry but lots of it and flat sandals)

However...the above thought process may change at some points this Summer. I do like to dress up, so even if that means sweating my way into a blazer or wearing jeans when it's OMG less than 95 degrees, I will do that. Just for you guys ;)

How do you dress for Summer? Are you still as creative as you are in the cooler months, or do you dress more for comfort? Linking up with Tara.

Continue the post