It's Official: Shorty Spice.

Shorts are an obvious summer staple and one I fully intend to take advantage of. I know I can't be alone on this but with so many choices out there, it hardly seems fair. Where do we even begin? Prints? Solids? Slouchy? Lacey? Then again, the plus side to having all these options does mean we can worry worry about ironically matching a frenemy (I'm talking to you Ann)!!

Top: Bungalow Stripe Shorts & Printed Cotton-Twill Shorts

Middle: 5" White Khaki Shorts & White Cuffed Shorts

Botton: Salmon Love Ady Cuff & J.Crew 3" Chinos

Where is your favorite place to buy shorts?

It's Official: I'm on the edge.

I love my jean jacket a lot. I mean, a lot. I also wear it a lot. But, as the humidity continues to skyrocket, my opportunities to wear it keep getting slimmer. Until! I took notice of J. Crew's jean vest (here) and was instantly curious. I didn't spontaneously buy it because I'm not sure I can pull it off. Is it too edgy? Is it worth the price if I can somehow manage to make it less... tough?

Old Navy Vest ($30) Old Navy Dress ($39)

Topshop Vest ($76) Jack Wills Dress ($128)

Ash Lips Sandals ($152) Girl Crush (inspiration)

Do you have a denim vest?

If not, would you wear one?

It's Official: Eiffel for you.

Almost every one of my friends has officially left for a summer study abroad session. It's awesome because I love hearing their stories and receiving the pictures they send me. But it leaves wondering how anyone could manage to pack for a summer abroad... in one suitcase? I just don't believe it. Either way, I'll be remaining in the states (running around town/living vicariously through my friends) and stuffing my Bamboula Ltd. tote up with all my summer accessories. You can get it from Madewell, here!

Isn't is dashing?

Taken via Instagram

My other summer essentials: sunglasses, a swimsuit,

 bangles and tanning oil... nothing more, nothing less.

What are yours?!

It's Official: New arrivals.

I almost find J.Crew overwhelming right now because I like so many things. The bright colors speak to me. Plus, they keep adding more and more items with anchors which makes me very happy. I mean, really, how does one go about only choosing a couple items? Of the new arrivals, here are some of my top picks:

Ikat T-Shirt Dress: So perfect for heading down to the pool or the beach. 

Not to mention a fantastic print - very different for J. Crew. I approve.

Ring-around Eyelet Top:  Being just slightly different from a plain white tee this top 

makes going out or going to the Farmer's Market that much more fun. So adorable.

As a huge scarf hoarder, the new accessories were of the first to catch my eye.

I adore all the prints! Especially this soft yellow paisley (also in a 3" short) for summer!

Taken via Instagram

Here's are the two items I got: a Chambray shirt (finally!) and the Neon Drawstring Mini!

If you could have anything from the new arrivals 
at J.Crew, what would you choose?

It's Official: White compliments a tan.

Unfortunately for us the weather isn't looking for the the 3-day weekend and we've had so far has been pretty unfavorable. Nonetheless, for everyone who is basking in the sun and grilling out this weekend, I hope you are developing nice, healthy, tans to welcome in the now approval wearing of white. Lately I've discovered Ann Taylor LOFT as a great source for cute closet staples. They also have a ton of great sales going on right now!

Short Sleeve Sweater

Lace Skirt

Straw Pouch

Cotton Shirt

Eyelet Skirt

Which Ann Taylor LOFT

 pieces are you loving?

It's Official: Memorial Day whites.

I love Memorial Day because it brings out all the American traditions we all know and love. Lawn flags and patio drinking increases  as the same rate of water park openings - the happiness just seem contagious. I saw this bag at the mall yesterday and completely lost it. It looks oddly shiny and of poor quality in the picture but it's truly quite lovely. Lacoste also sells some less flashy ones (not on their website for some reason) but simply feature color blocking of red, grey and blue.

Flag Bag

I'm still deciding on what to wear this weekend.

Do you follow the 'only white after Memorial Day' rule?

It's Official: I'm sold.

Being from Minnesota does have its perks. Yes, the winters are brutal but the summers are fabulous and... we have the Mall Of America. It's always a huge topic of discussion when we get a new store (excitement at its finest) and deciding whether or not we approve. Topshop and Zara are in process right now and I cannot wait!!! The newest addition is Typo - a sanctuary filled with pretty school/desk supplies and wall art. It is heaven.

Big Ideas Notebook

Mail Box

Pink Notebook

Notes & Whatever

Laptop Sleeve

It's Official: Short, sweet and to the point.

Isn't this James Perse striped sundress just amazzzzing?! I almost feel like I don't need to say anything about it because it speaks for itself. Not to mention anything I could say about it just won't do justice. I think the dress would look flawless with small wedges and a bright cardigan or a cropped jacket/blazer!

Can we all agree?

How would you wear it?

It's Official: Here's something to smile about.

I recently got a new car and am in this weird transitional period where I'm not used to carrying a bundle of keys, my wallet, my phone, etc. I'm really horrible about it and am trying to figure out a way to keep a lighter load - especially in the summer. I'm thinking a coin purse might be the best bet. Small enough for just a couple dollars and my ID. Plus, I cannot resist the Rebecca Minkoff ones! Too cute and funny!!

Diet Starts Tomorrow

Summer of Love

Beach Babe

And! The Benjamin's Pouch... !!!

There are so many more! Including, "School's Out!" and "401K" to 

"Bahama Mama" and "This is mine, not yours!"

Which is your favorite?

It's Official: Penny-Pinching Prep.

I wanted to do a second round of Penny-Pinching Prep because I'm constantly getting questions on my Tumblr on how I afford my clothing as a college student. The answer is actually so quite simple I think everyone thinks I'm lying: I shop around. When it comes down to it, I'm actually quite frugal. Even buying from J.Crew factory instead of regular J.Crew can save you bundles (plus using your student I.D!). Or, Ebay, Amazon and T.J. Maxx always manage to produce hidden gems. It's all about just learning to work with what you have.

T-Shirst: Calypso St. Barth vs. J.Crew

Flats: Dolce & Gabbana vs. Steve Madden

Bags: Marc Jacobs vs. Zara

I created an Ebay site to sell some of my clothes 

(everything except jeans under $20!!)

CLICK HERE to see what is up for sale!!

It's Official: Blazers aren't just for work.

I fully believe you can never have too many blazers. Not to mention the advantages of investing in a good one (never goes out of style, matches everything, quickly dresses you up, always appropriate, etc...) are numerous. There are a ton of new spring blazers on the market right now that I'm worshipping. Most recently I wore an Ann Taylor Loft vanilla and navy striped blazer!

J. Crew Striped Blazer

Zara Fantasy Blazer

Juicy Couture Bright Nights Blazer

J. Crew Eyelet Blazer

Where do you shop for blazers?

It's Official: Sometimes you have to take the easy route.

Making dinner at my parents house its always great because they have everything - all ingredients are at my disposal. I love it. But, it doesn't mean I can stay from a simple favorite, chicken. I simply added this divine herb rub from Williams-Sonoma and put the chicken over iceberg lettuce. Great college meal - simple, quick, tasty and cheap!

You can find the Herbs of Provence rub here?

Would you try this easy go-to meal?

This is well on it's way to being my weirdest post ever but, I just have to share. I bought this lotion about a month ago and cannot get enough. Like, honestly, I'm shocked the bottle isn't empty yet. I absolutely do not consider myself a beauty girl - in fact I rarely wear makeup and have no idea how to style hair. That said, lotion is my best friend and finding one I love has been a godsend. It smells fabulous, leaves a faint sparkle, goes on super light while still hydrating my just tanned skin.

I highly recommend Organix Coconut Milk Hibiscus Lotion!

The shampoos are lovely, too! Have you ever tried the brand?

It's Official: Tommy Bahama won me over.

My parents left for Florida this morning so my mom recruited me to help with last minute shopping, looking and packing. In particular we ogled over the racks at Tommy Bahama. Most of it was...motherly... but I did really like a lot of their accessories!! I just couldn't resist a stack of salmon bracelets we saw on one of the front mannequins. 

Straw Fedora

Pineapple Tote

Open Weave Textured Scarf

Peach Bracelet Set

Here it is already engrained in my bracelet stack! (Taken Via Instagram)

Do you have a Tommy Bahama near you?

Isn't the smell of the store just divine?

It's Official: One big salmon dream.

First week of summer and I already look like my favorite color, salmon. But, the freckles are out and in full force so I can't complain. Also, three days in and I'll be starting my third book tomorrow--this just might turn out to be the best summer ever. 

{heart tee, wedges, floppy hat, cuff, lip gloss, striped tee, straw tote}

Are you on summer vacation yet?

How is it shaping up?

It's Official: You can't beat Anthropologie.

Anthro is probably one of the few companies that can send me (spam) e-mails every morning and not get under my skin. I love seeing how they pair their clothing and they always take pictures in the most exotic looking places. Their dresses just kill me - if only I could figure out a way to afford them.... Suggestions?!

 Tied Campanula Dress

 LOVE the Garden Party Shift

Ikat Frequencies Shirtdress

 Katydid Silk Blouse

Who else loves Anthropologie? 

It's Official: Anchor me down.

Best combination ever? Summer and anchors!! Say hello to Sloane Ranger and all it's glory. I can't imagine a more tote more perfect for the pool/lake/beach. Plenty of room for all my tanning oils, a towel, snacks, books, etc., and no worry about getting it dirty (gotta love the color navy!) or ruining it. How can you not agree?!

Wrap Bracelet

Tablet Case

Tote

Also love the Prep School Stripe!

So cute! Perfect for summer and the beach!

Love. Love. Love. Love x 1000000000.

It's Official: I'm the favorite child.

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day celebration yesterday. My mom loves strawberries so I made her a strawberry spongecake (adapted from this Foodgawker recipe). Instead of making two separate cakes I just made one large bundt cake and cut it in half -  probably why doesn't look nearly as pristine as their picture! Either way, it was filled with love and I think everyone enjoyed it!!

Make sure the cake has completely cooled before spreading on the whipped cream!

First Layer...

Yum Yum!

I love you Mom!!