Easter 2014

This year's Easter celebration was {obviously} my favorite yet. We honored our tradition of attending church on the town square, then headed to spend the day with family. We had lunch with my parents and helped my niece and nephews hunt for eggs while my siblings and their spouses doted on little E. He even got an Easter egg from his Mimi with a little start up cash for his piggy bank. ;)

After lunch with my side of the family, we headed over to K's sister's house {which is conveniently right down the street from my parents} for more egg-hunting with nephews. Again, E got lots of sweet attention, and we spent some time outdoors enjoying the glorious sunshine and cool spring breeze. 

And as much as I love Easter because it is a day of family, the true reason for the holiday is so much more important. Praise the Lord that Jesus, the Son of God, was obedient to His Father and suffered torture and death in order that all of us may live in heaven one day. For that I am truly thankful.

xoxo

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Make Believe // Spring Wardrobe

If money were no object... and I weren't currently pregnant... and wouldn't be trying to get my pre-pregnancy Crossfit self back*...
this is what I would be wearing this spring:

Pilot Jumpsuit - Emerson Fry

Organic Moto Jacket - Shop Bloom

Beach Side Twist Tee - Free People

Veranda Sandals - Anthropologie

Marni Dress in Pink - Sonnet James 

Here's to warmer weather, bare shoulders, and pink dresses. 

Happy Spring! 

xoxo

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*I cannot wait to do pull-ups again. I tried to keep doing them as long as possible during pregnancy, but it was too hard on my lower abdomen. Seriously looking forward to that first grueling workout!

{What I'm Wearing} Easy Like Sunday Morning

Lately I've been all about simple pieces, especially a white tee... paired with a long skirt, distressed denim, grey skinnies, neon shorts and a chambray. The list for me is endless.

Details: (old) Abercrombie denim jacket (new version,  similar), Loft tee, F21 skirt (similar), vintage belt & bangles, Gap aviators, Clarks wedges, Michael Kors bag (similar)

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Also, a note about these posts....

My style isn't fashion forward or groundbreaking, and I'm okay with that. I enjoy dressing up and often ogle over runway shows or fashion magazines, but in reality, cocktail dresses, gowns and even the most amazing, detailed peplum just don't fit into my daily life. I'm a simple gal, leading a simple life. I like pretty clothes, big jewels, and heels, and I like to share them with you.

xoxo

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(p)inspirations

A few of my favorite inspiraitonal pins from the last few weeks. 

Anticipating... springtime colors, summertime warmth, afternoon sunshine, camping trips, household projects

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

all can be found here

xoxo

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Encouraging Spring

Loft blazer, peplum & trousers {ha!}, Nine West heels {old}, Ily Couture neckalce via Etsy, vintage bracelets

It's about this time every year that I truly start to long for springtime. January has passed with it's cold days and fireplace nights, and as February is winding down, so is my desire for winter. Spring colors start to creep back into my vision, and I long for the days of open toe sandals and trail runs in shorts. 

This February is no exception. The instant I eyed these pink pants in my closet this morning, I knew they needed to see the sun. So, I wore them. And although the sun and blue sky made me believe it was warm outside, today's high of 40 had me back inside in a fleece not too long after church. 

Guess you can't win 'em all.

xoxo

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Spring Inspirations: Pink + Yellow

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Happy Friday. I'm so glad it's finally here.
xoxo

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Watercolor

J. Crew tee, Ann Taylor skirt (similar here), Etsy necklace, Target wedges, vintage and Loft bracelets 

I have no words for this post. That's what happens when you're in the  throes of studying for pharmacy boards. You brain just stops working. Hopefully my cognitive abilities will somehow revive and make it through the next three weeks. Here's hoping.

{P.S. You can read the story behind this necklace here}
xoxo

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Spring Inspiration

I think it's easy this time of year to get trapped in tunnel vision. It's still too cold for bare legs with skirts, stores are brimming with bright colors and tanks, and all you can think about is vacation plans, springtime outings, and warmer weather. This year is especially hard for me as April 20th marks my last day of school. Ever. It's been a long road... four year of undergrad, a year as a lab assistant, two years working full time, and four years of pharmacy school. Part of me will miss the academic setting, but the much larger part of me is ready and willing to embrace the promise of change. That being said, my day to day is often difficult to digest. But I don't want to become so focused on the future that I forget to live in the present. Call it materialistic or trivial, but one way I combat the tunnel-vision blues is through surrounding myself daily with things I adore and, more importantly, taking the time to enjoy them. Everything from my sweet husband to fresh flowers and colorful ensembles adds a taste of happiness to the daily mundane. And when I need a just bit of inspiration, these things {and this, always this} have been my current source.

xoxo

images here

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Saving Grace

It's officially spring here in the south, and while I am absolutely thrilled by the sunshine and gorgeous flowers, my allergies are rendering me somewhat useless. Hence the sporadic posts and lack of outfits. Between sinus congestion and itchy eyes, I've been forced to view this lovely spring from behind a window... no long trail runs or studying outside for me lately. It's simply torture.

Since every commercially available anti-histamine makes me sleepy and since I refuse to take a decongestant daily, I've been surviving the pollen with these few creature comforts...

Tazo rose tea + local raw honey
A netti-pot
Bubblegum pink nail polish
Coconut ice cream
Vased flowers

What do you do to combat allergies?
Happy spring.
xoxo


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Color Craze

Lately I feel like my fashion inspiration is going in polar opposite directions. Part of me loves the idea of color blocking and incorporating bright solids into my very patterned wardrobe, while the other part leans heavily towards summer neutrals.

Enter in the fact that I don't really love some of the things in my closet, and you begin to realize why I haven't posted an outfit in a while. So, in order to appease the small battle going on inside my head, here are some of my colorful choices. Now maybe I can actually get dressed in the morning....

Key pieces:
1. Multi-tone sandals - Zara
2. A bright mini - Zara
3. A little bit of orange - Topshop
4. Pink layers - J. Crew
5. Bright pumps - UO
6. A colorful clutch - Zara
7. Red trousers - Topshop

Part two of my inspiration coming soon... summer neutrals.
xoxo


images 1, 2, 3
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Always Kate

If there is one designer who always seems to capture my attention, it's Kate Spade. While I never tire of the classics, I am always drawn to the overt femininity and colorful hues that Kate Spade has to offer. It's simply not possible for me to walk into the store and not leave with a smile. Here are some of my current favorites.

1. iPad Cover

2. Seersucker Vionette

3. Shimmer Triple Chain Necklace

4. Date Night Ring

5. Melania Wedges

6. Double Bow Studs

7. Essex Small Scout

8. Grace Ave Champagne Flutes

Live Colorfully.

xoxo

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Yellow Belle

For the past few spring seasons, I have shied away from the color yellow. Perhaps it's because of my pale complexion, a need for pink {which honestly never fades}, or simply my love of patterns, I rarely buy yellow. In fact, I own exactly one yellow top. (Seen here.) That being said, I think it's about time to increase the amount of yellow in my wardrobe. From soft, buttery hues to vibrant sunshine colors, here are some of my favorites.

1 - Creased Swirls Corset - Anthropologie
2 - Colorblock scarf - Forever 21
3 - Bonsai Print Tie Front Shirt - Topshop
4 - Trapeze if You Please Tank - Modcloth
5 - Pastelling Secrets Dress - Modcloth
6 - Key Lime Bralette - Anthropologie
7 - Stone-washed Twill Classics - TOMS
8 - Burnout Stripe Oversize Tee - Topshop
9 - Quicken Wedge Sandal - Nine West
10 - El Dorado Eyeliner - Urban Decay


xoxo

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Spring Colors

Every year I look forward to spring and the plethora of colorful garments that slowly begin creeping into my favorite stores. As much as I love navy and have come to love it as a neutral in my wardrobe, this year I am all about the yellow, turquoise and sweet, sugary pink.

1. Twist Hem Blouse - Topshop
2. Cupcake iPhone case - Modcloth
3. Floral Suitcase - Liberty
4. Cotton Floral Print Dress - Marc Jacobs
5. Silk Chiffon Blouse - Chloe
6. Teal Sunglasses - Forever 21
7. Silk Printed Tank - Thakoon
8. Color-soaked Skinnies - APART
9. Enameled Ring - Topshop
10. Leather Flower Cutout Belt - Topshop
11. Good Morning Sunshine Wedges - Modcloth
12. A Little Bit of Indie Rock Dress - Modcloth
13. Silk crepe de Chine top - Marc Jacobs
14. Springtime Oxfords - Forever 21


What colors are you looking to for spring?
xoxo

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Spring Dreaming

With snow piled up on my windows and ice covering the streets outside, my natural tendency is to look forward to the warmth and sunshine of spring. I did my fair share of enjoying the winter weather, but in all honesty, I am also longing for the sherbety colors and pale neutrals of the J. Crew spring collection. They fit in quite well with my recent inspiration board, non?

 via

Here's looking forward to spring.

xoxo

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wisteria lane

giveaway extended!

because this week is a bit crazy and because i got very little done this weekend,

but mostly because i love spring and essie nail polish,

the essie giveaway will be open until this friday, april 16th.

so comment away!

happy monday lovely people.

xoxo

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if the shoe fits

when i got married, i vowed not to be one of those gals who ditches her wedding dress into the back of the closet never to be worn again. {since mine was a short, strapless from anthropologie, i will have a much easier time of this than most ladies i know.} so, next month i will be wearing my dress for our dear friends' wedding. 

the only problem? i don't want to wear my wedding shoes. i love them, but with the dress they look too much like something a bride would wear. and so begins my search for a pair of colorful peep toes.

moschino via piperlime, luiza barcelos via amazon, joan & david via piperlime, modcloth

charles david, pour la victoire, steve madden


i can't decide between teal or pink, but i am leaning more towards the teal. i do like the pale pink steve maddens, though. i definitely don't want to look like i am getting married, and an oatmeal colored dress and nude heels may do just that. i think the pop of color with teal peep-toes would be just perfect, especially if they are a bit quirky like the modcloth or moschino ones.


{and no i will not be getting either of those... they're a bit outside of the pharmacy student price range}

 

what are your thoughts?
xoxo




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pale complexion

one of my favorite things about the spring is the return of pale neutrals, especially light pink and nude. i find that these shades work best with my skin color, but flesh tones bring an air of elegance and class to an outfit, regardless of your complexion.

dress & heels, h&m; belt, vintage; earrings, f21; essie, lilacism polish


if you're worried about being too washed-out when wearing flesh tones, make sure to add a little blush and lip gloss in a rosy color.

how do you feel about neutrals? would you/do you wear skin tones?
xoxo

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essie spring giveaway!

note: this giveaway is now closed, and entries are no longer being accepted. keep checking back for the next giveaway!


one of my small indulgences is painting my fingernails and toenails. it's an inexpensive way to add a bit of color to an outfit, pull together a polished look, or just feel completely girly and fun. i have been a fan of essie polish for quite a long time. i can always find exactly the shade i am looking for, and i don't have to settle for something with tons of shimmer. sparkle and iridescence has its place {sometimes on my toes}, but i am really more of a matte polish girl. i tend toward colors without shimmer, and i can always find something on point with essie.

so in honor of warm spring weather & unabashed girliness, i am very excited to announce the first ever hiking in stilettos giveaway!
i am giving away three of my favorite essie polishes from the new spring colors:

van d'go {a pale nude/pink}, lilacism {a fun pastel purple}, and watermelon {a punchy pink, not a new color, but a favorite of mine!}


here are the rules:
{i know, i hate rules too}

1. you must be a follower of hiking in stilettos
2. leave a comment below stating that you are a follower & tell me about your favorite spring/summer pastime!
3. for additional entries, tweet or blog about the giveaway and leave a separate comment.


the giveaway will be open until sunday, april 11th friday, april 16th, and i will announce the winner the following saturday. happy spring, my lovelies!

xoxo

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happy weekend

we have a friend coming in town today

i will spend tomorrow stuyding this

i will also continue revamping our office {pictures soon!}

and i will probably bake some of these

the little bit, loveology, tim walker photography, la joie de vivre

what does your weekend include?

xoxo

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