Standing in Shadows

Despite my love of over-sized boyfriend tees and racer back tanks for the summer, I am always drawn back to my silky, feminine blouses. The tiny floral print and ruffly detail of this top never grow old and pair perfectly with a menswear blazer and oxfords. I simply love the juxtaposition of an overtly feminine top and pseudo-masculine kicks.

 H&M blazer, Urban Outfitters silk top, Geren Ford skirt via Urban, Steve Madden shoes, vintage necklace, Banana Republic ring, Forever 21 belt

xoxo

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All the Small Things

Sometimes it's really easy to let small frustrations pile up and overwhelm us. This past week has been wrought with little difficulties and insignificant battles, but instead of allowing them to define my week, I decided to focus on the small, wonderful things in my life.

1. My wedding ring - a constant reminder that no matter what, we're in it together.
2. The feeling you get when walking out of the theater after a really great movie.
3. The smell of new leather, especially in the form of a jacket.
4. Sitting on my couch, painting my nails.
5. Getting so lost in a great book that I don't realize it's well after 3 am.
6. Spending hours in a coffee house with my bestie, just talking and laughing.
7. The soundtrack to Crazy Heart. 
8. The slight fall breeze that crept up on me this morning as I went out to run.


Where are you finding happiness these days?
xoxo




image via we heart it
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Southern Traditions: Banana Pudding

Living in the south, summer and banana pudding go hand in hand. It's just not summer without it. With a hectic work schedule, a couple school rotations, and preparing for the fall, I have somehow made it through an entire summer without any homemade banana pudding, so I decided that this southern tradition was absolutely necessary this week.

I used this simple recipe and was certainly not disappointed.

Happy Weekend.
xoxox



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Band-Aid Chic

When I was young, I was always falling off my bike or getting bruises playing baseball. Often, my favorite part of the experience was the colorful band-aids that my mom kept on hand. While my use of band-aids today is typically limited to blisters from new shoes, I adore these artful ones from Cynnthia Rowley. I kind of wish I had a few scrapes to cover....

xoxo

images via Cynthia Rowley

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Hippie Hair Days

Between the thick southern heat and humidity and the pile of product I use in my hair, it's no wonder that my locks resemble an unruly lion's mane when left alone. So, I have made a decision...

I am ditching my shampoo bottles for good.

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After reading this article not too long ago, the decision was clear. Honestly,the chemist in me wasn't sure why I hadn't figured it out on my own. Traditional shampoos and cleansers contain sulfates and surfactants which are drying agents that leave hair frizzy and well, dry. While I love the idea of going completely green here, I can't just not cleanse my hair at all. (Between Crossfit workouts and long trail runs, I tend to work up a sweat.) Good thing I stumbled upon the DevaCurl system.

The products contain botanicals instead of lathering compounds which bring both moisture and cleansing to the hair. Salon founder Lorraine Massey says it perfectly: "There is no power in bubbles. Laundering curly hair, which is what most people are doing with ordinary detergent shampoos, just about guarantees a mass of dry, frizzy, shapeless locks." It's important to note, however, that the anti-poo camp isn't just for the curly-haired. There is an entire line of DevaCare products for all hair types.


I will keep you updated on the process. I have great expectations and can't wait to get my new hair products in the mail. In fact, if I were in the NYC area, I would just mosey on down to the SoHo salon and consult the experts in person.

xoxo

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Monday Inspiration: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of my all-time favorites in Hollywood. I love her devotion to indie films like Paris, je t'aime, Stranger than Fiction, and Crazy Heart, and I love her laid-back, artsy style. From belted fur to basic black, Maggie always looks stunning, yet carefree. Her style lends itself to a feeling of second thought. It doesn't feel planned or perfected, but it's by no means sloppy, highlighting unexpected accessories and elegant, simplistic pairings.

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Happy Monday.
xoxo


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OMG

That is all.

xoxo

trailer found here {thanks, Jinah!}
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A Little Bit of Lace

We can all agree that it is often the littlest things in life that make our days more meaningful. Be it a note from a friend, a roadside flower, or just a bit of indulgence on a less than stellar Monday. I like to incorporate small indulgences into what I wear, and lace is one of my favorite ways to do so. With its super feminine character, lace can instantly transform any outfit from workday dull to girls' night glam, even if no one else can see it.

clockwise from top left:

Lace-Hem Cami - Madewell
When the Night Falls Dress - Modcloth
Victorian Tights - Anthropologie
Chantilly Lace Skirt - Forever 21
Cut Out Lace Pillow - Urban Outfitters
Dainty and Demure Top - Modcloth
Lace Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft
Make the Moss-t of It Dress - Modcloth
Press Pass Tee - Modcloth
Lace Wrap Cuff - Urban Outfitters
Back to Lace-ics Onesie - Modcloth
Nadia Tap Shorts Set - Anthropologie


xoxo


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Summer Skin

With the oppressive southern heat still in full effect, it has become difficult for me to wear anything besides breezy, lightweight dresses like the one below. I did manage to thrown on a short-sleeved cardigan and some booties for a while this past weekend during an overcast morning, which was a welcome change. The only down side of the gray skies was that they served to solidify my desire to trade out summer for crisp autumn air and brightly colored tights.

Urban Outfitters dress & belt, Target cami, F21 earrings, Banana Republic ring,
Tommy Hilfiger booties, Lizard Thicket Boutique bag

xoxo


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A Weekend in Pictures

With this being my last official weekend of summer break {ever}, I wanted it to be uneventful and relaxing; the perfect end to a hectic summer. We spent our days running in the woods and lounging on the couch, made all of our meals with the freshest ingredients, and enjoyed spending some down time together.

Homemade breakfast burritos before a long trail run.

Fresh flowers {and fresh avocado}.

Enjoying the last of the sunflowers....

and the blueberries.

Sunday brunch beside the window.

Homemade banana pudding {more about that later}.


It's funny how a low key weekend can be just the fuel you need to hit the ground running on Monday morning.... Hope you had a weekend equally full of relaxation and small indulgences.
xoxo


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Monday Inspiration

1,3,4,5,6,8 via we heart it; 2 & 7 via the little bit

Hope you have a great Monday.


xoxo

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Fig & Prosciutto Flat-bread

I admitted once before that pizza is my favorite food, so it makes sense that things like flat-bread come in a close second. The crisp bread, melted mozzarella, and vast array of toppings easily draw me in every time. This past week, I decided to recreate one of my favorite flat-bread recipes with figs and prosciutto. The sweetness of the figs pairs wonderfully with the salty prosciutto, and blue cheese crumbles add a layer of creamy decadence that simply melts in your mouth.

Brush flat-breads with olive oil and spread with a bit of fig jam, if you have it. Then top with mozz, chopped prsciutto, chopped figs, blue cheese crumbles, and a bit of green onion. Bake on 350 for about 8-10 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bread is crispy. If you didn't use fig jam, drizzle the finished flat-bread with just a bit of honey.

Enjoy.


xoxo

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Back to School Basics

Although the summer heat is still in full effect, I can't help but begin thinking about dressing for fall. With school beginning and summer coming to a close, I am growing weary of sundresses and denim shorts and would much rather opt for one of these pieces. Whether you are going back to university or continuing on your workday, these pieces will take you into fall with flawless style.

Got the Blues Coat - Modcloth

Culminations Blouse - Anthropologie
High Planes Thrifter Top - Modcloth
The Kensingston Dress - Modcloth
Cord Atlee Skirt - J Crew
Patent Leather Planner - Coach
Felted Wool Mini - J Crew
Frye Alex Boot - Urban Outfitters
Cafe Racer Jacket - Anthropologie
Exhibitor Mega Tote - J Crew
Eyeglasses - Prada
Trouser Oxfords - Steve Madden


xoxo

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Moody Magenta

When I was in college I went through a phase where I refused to wear any bright colors. My wardrobe consisted only of neutrals and quite a bit of black. I'm not quite sure what prompted this self-imposed limitation, but I am glad to have gotten past it. While I am still drawn first to greys and blush tones, I have managed to overcome my aversion to color.

Urban Outfitters dress, Gryson bag, Seychelles booties, F21 earrings, Banana Republic gemstone ring

This magenta dress is the perfect combination of ladylike and playful with the silk ruffles and conservative neckline. The pattern adds a bit of texture to the ensemble and will pair well with black tights for the cooler weather.

Here's looking forward to fall.
xoxo


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