Backyard Shenanigans

Blouse-JCrew, Sweater-Limited, Vest-JCrew, Jeans-JCrew, Shoes-Born, Scarf-Target, Necklace-EmersonMade, Earrings-F21, Bracelets-Gifts, Local, Watch-Coach

Yesterday I shared with you that we spent the weekend in the backyard and how much I loved it at night, so I thought I'd share a few photos from the evening. Ramesh cooked coconut curry shrimp (his specialty) and chicken and we had a few friends over. The champagne was flowing and the conversation was hilarious -note the promotion of organic tomatoes...don't ask. I love summer in MN. It's the best time of the year. It could have been a tad warmer, but I'm not complaining...after all it was too hot to handle earlier in the week.

Lilacs

Dress-Ralph Lauren, Tank-Target, Shoes-Born, Necklace-EmersonMade,
Earrings-F21, Bracelets-Local, Maui, gifts, Bag-EmersonMade, Flower pin-H&M

 
Last weekend we worked on the backyard, and I went to town digging up flower beds and planting pots. When all was said and done, I still felt like the backyard needed something.  That something turned out to be a dwarf lilac tree. I love the smell of lilacs in the spring, and now I'll be able to enjoy them in my own back yard.  We had friends over this weekend and it was just divine hanging out back there. I hung soft white bulbs along the fence for mood lighting and everything looked beautiful. This is going to be the summer of the backyard, I can just tell. On a side note- my hair is looks like this because it was 103 degrees out and I couldn't take blow drying it that am! Not to mention I'm in dire need of a color...off to go make that appointment now. While I'm at it, may need a trim too.

Spring-like

Blouse-Gap, Kimono-Winter Kate, Jeans-Paige, Belt-JCrew, Shoes-Born, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Earrings-Limited

This was one long week. I don't know if it was because last week was short or because the weather did 50 degree shifts this week, but man am I glad it's Friday. We went from record breaking 103 degrees on Tuesday to 50 degrees last night. How's that for culture shock. Just when I thought summer was here, mother nature slaps us in the face with what looks to be early spring-including rain. I can't complain too much, as I prefer dressing for cooler temperatures. I'm not a shorts gal, and when it gets hot I have a hard time finding stuff to wear.  Give me 65-70 and sunny any day. What about you? Are you a warm weather lover? (I don't think anyone here was after Tuesday, that's for sure!)

Anniversary Dinner

Dress-Gap, Belt-Target, Shoes-Born, Purse-Tori Richards, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-gift, local, Earrings-Limited

Saturday was our one year(!) wedding anniversary. I can't believe how fast this past year flew by. Ramesh took me to La Belle Vie and I can honestly say it was the best dining experience I've had to date. From the moment we walked, the service was impeccable. Our server was stellar. When he learned it was our anniversary and dinner was our only plan for the evening, he asked if he could space out the meal so we could really enjoy ourselves. Which we did, by each opting for the 5 course tasting menu with accompanying wine flight. I had the all seafood option, while Ramesh stuck with the traditional with both seafood and meat. Every course outdid the last. All in all, it was a 3 hour dinner that was never rushed and we got to enjoy every minute. We finished off the night in their lounge and ordered one more food (can you believe it?) - French Fries with curry sauce...delish! I may or may not have had a few champagne elderflower cocktails which my head did not thank me for on Sunday. Two close friends met us for a nightcap and the night couldn't have been more perfect.

Americana

Blouse-Equipment, Sweater-H&M, Blazer-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Born, Clutch-Tori Richards, Watch-Coach,
Bracelets-Gifts, Local, Ring-BCBG, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Earrings-Limited

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend! I spent quality time with some of my favorite people, finished sewing another skirt (more on that later this week) and enjoyed another splurge day with my husband that included our first stop at a Sonic! Classy, I know. But hey- sometimes you need a bit of that. What did you do? Hope you had better/consistent weather than we did.

In Bloom

Sweater-Limited, Skirt-Anthropologie, Belt-Target, Shoes-BCBG, Necklaces-Limited and Macy's,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-all from Maui

The weather has finally started to get nice here... about time, it's MID MAY! I dug this lovely skirt out of the archives of my closet and embraced the fine weather. Rooftop HH's and patio lunches have been part of my activities the last few days. I started my sewing project this past weekend. I've been inspired by Jessica of What I Wore. If you haven't checked out her blog, do so, it's fab. Her style is great and I love all the clothes she's been making lately. I haven't sewn since I was 10 and that was for my Barbies. So, I'm starting with something simple- a skirt. I've got the waistband and hem to do and then I'll debut it here on the blog, so stay tuned. 

Closet Overhaul

Tank-Target, Cardigan-JCrew, Vest-JCrew, Jeans-7for all mankind, Belt-Limited, Earrings-Target,
Necklaces-Target, Bracelets-Gift, F21, Ring-BCBG, Purse-Fendi, Shoes-BCBG

Saturday was spent with a new client. We went through her closet, cleaned out all her old stuff and put together about 20+ outfits with what was left. I took pictures for her to reference when pulling together outfits and then made her a list of the items she should be on the lookout for. I love going through other's closets and showing them the possibilities they have. It's like giving them a whole new wardrobe. Next up we'll be shopping for the items on the list and she's going to be looking amazing!

On my way home from her house, I stopped at an out of the way Target and found the two necklaces I'm wearing on clearance. They were a steal to begin with, but then layer in my discount and the additional 5% off for using a Target card and it was almost like they paid me to get them!! Looks like I need to venture outside the city limits once in a while to get my hands on the stuff that doesn't sell in suburbia.  

Tucker

Dress-Tucker for Target, Sweater-JCrew, Tights-Gap, Boots-Target, Belt-Target, Earrings-Limited, Necklace-Juicy Couture, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Local, Bangle-Forever21, Bangles-Gift from my sister-in-law

I'm loving my Tucker for Target (say that 10 times fast!) dress that I recently purchased and talked about here. The only drawback is I see it on EVERYONE at work. That's what happens when you work for a company that collaborates with cute designers. I haven't seen it mixed the way I've got it on today though, so that makes me feel better. I'm going to get a ton of wear out of this little number. Outfits are whizzing through my brain even as I type this. Would it be wrong if I just wore it everyday but remixed differently? No?  Well, maybe not such a great idea. My co-workers might think I'd gone off the deep end. But, here's an even better idea-what if Target took part in the 30 for 30 and gave me 30 items to remix for 30 days? Talk about marketing campaign for their clothes! How fun would that be? I might have to get on that!

Spring Sprung

It hit 50 degrees on Wednesday and it's looking good for the rest of the week. Bust out that swimsuit...It's a heat wave here in mpls. I'm jumping for joy at the thought of all our snow being gone by the end of the weekend.  Daylight savings time is pretty cool too. I love coming home and still having an hour or so of light left. It's been casual week all week at work, which means I've been living in jeans everyday. 

Shirt-Forever21, Sweater-Target, Jeans-JCrew, Boots-Target, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Local,
Necklaces-vintage from my aunt, Earrings-Limited

We've got a scotch night at our place on the docket this weekend - should be a good time. Who doesn't enjoy good drinks with great friends? What have you got planned? Will you be enjoying the weather? Have a great weekend!

Navy with a side of pale

Dress-BCBG, Belt-Target, Scarf-H&M, Boots-Aldo, Socks-Target, Watch-Michele, Bracelet-Nomination, Necklace as bracelet-Tiffany&Co, Earrings-Target, Ring-Silpada

I broke down and wore a dress last week without tights. Remind me not to do that again until after I get back from Maui in May. WOW! My legs are WHITE! The weather was turning nicer and I was psyching myself up for spring. I don't think I'd mind my pale skin so much if it was a porcelain pale. You know the type I'm talking about... flawless, creamy white, smooth skin. You know it when you see it because even thought it's pale, it's striking. Mine? Not so much, more a red undertone to it. I best be bustin' out the self tanner quickly. I'm itching to go bare legged, but at this rate I might blind a few people.

30 for 30 {Days 28 & 29- San Fran!}

I was in San Francisco Tues, Wed, Thurs this week (Oakland if you want to get specific, but we stayed in San Fran). It was a busy two days of wearing red and khaki and visiting stores. I did manage to wear two outfits from my 30 items though because we did squeeze in a bit of fun in while we were there.

Cami-Target, Blouse-Target, Sweater-Target, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture, Necklace and earrings-Limited

San Francisco is my favorite city! I'm not quite sure why I don't live there, but alas, I don't. I've been going there since I was young (we're talking like 10) with my parents, and then after college, my BFF moved there. What better excuse to visit the city then to see her. Sadly, she just moved to Reno in January. No more trips to visit her in the city, but I still have loads of friends that live there and another one moving there this summer. At some point, we will live there. Just don't think it will be anytime soon (insert sad face picture of me here). 


We didn't get to do anything in the city Tuesday night because we were at our new Oakland-Emeryville store opening and then opted to get dinner nearby. We couldn't stomach eating at 9pm (11pm our time) when we hadn't had a meal yet that day. We grabbed a bite to eat in Emeryville at Cocina Poblana. The fajitas were yummy.

Jacket-APART, Bag-Coach

Wednesday we got back into the city earlier and had a chance to run around a bit. Too bad the weather didn't want to cooperate with us - couldn't decide if it wanted to rain or just mist. Typical San Fran weather. I did get my coworker to snap a few shots of my outfit in Union Square to show you what I wore. After that, we met one of my girlfriends for all you can eat sushi at Nara sushi on Polk. It was delicious. 

Shirt-Target, Vest-Local, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-BCBG, Necklace and earrings-Limited, Watch-Coach, Bracelet-Juicy Couture

With a morning flight out of Oakland, I didn't have time to take pictures in the city, so you'll have to do with my attempted snaps from my hotel room. Not as easy as I would have liked, but it will do. One outfit left to go! WOO HOO!