Back to School

Skirt and Sweater-JCrew, Blouse-Equipment, Boots-Aldo, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, gift, maui, Earrings-Limited

When I awoke this morning, there was a chill in the air. It reminded me of the first day of school. The time of year when the nights are cooler, but warm during the day. It's the time of year that makes me want to break out all my fall clothes, but I know it's still August and I should be savoring summer. With that said, I went for it and wore some of my new fall finds. It seemed like the perfect day to dress a bit warmer. Even our puppy didn't want to get out of bed this am. She was snuggled up tight in her bed.  I know it won't last, it will get hotter again and then we'll hit the tundra freeze. But I'll know I had today and if felt just like it did years ago, on that first day of school. I wish Fall was a longer season, it really is my favorite time of year.

Polished

Dress-Gap, Blazer-JCrew, Shoes-BCBG, Belt-Target, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Target, Maui, Gifts, Earrings-Limited

I love this dress. I bought it on a whim just before heading to Maui earlier this spring. Best impulse purchase yet. It's been a key go to piece all summer long (as seen here and here). Today, I decided to make it work for work.  The blazer dresses it up just enough so it doesn't look like I'm wearing a sundress to work (not that I haven't seen that at work *pet peeve*)

A little bit country

Blouse-Equipment, Skirt-Anthropologie, Belt-Linea Pelle, Shoes-BCBG,
Necklaces-Juicy, EmersonMade, Bracelets-Maui, gift, Target, Watch-Coach, Earrings-Limited

This is a skirt I've fallen in love with over the years. I found it on clearance at Anthropologie for mere pennies! When I first brought it home, I had no idea what to wear with it. I spent many weeks trying to find a top that would match. I was trying to find the exact same orange! Can you imagine? That would have been so matchy-matchy. I cringe just thinking about it now. Then, it finally dawned on me to try a complimentary color.  I've worn something similar before, but there is something about this dotted blouse that makes this combo one of my all time faves. It feels a bit country...maybe I should have paired my cowboy boots with it! HA.  I think that would have been a bit to costumey-even for me!

The Good Life

Dress-Gap, Shirt-JCrew, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Sunnies-Target

Our last day in San Luis Obispo was heavenly. We didn't have anything on our agenda except Family Dinner at K's parent's house(aka "vacation home"). We slept in, got coffee from the Coffee Bean(my fave place to get coffee), hit the shopping outlets (I scored HUGE at Coach and Nine West), and then had lunch at the Madonna Inn.  The Madonna Inn is where we got our wedding cakes from and that was the whole reason we went-to get a slice of cake. This time we had the toffee crunch (which was also one of the cakes we served at our wedding). It's crazy how yummy these cakes are. If you're ever in the area, you've got to stop here. It's a bit cheesy from the outside, but the food is good and the dessert-delish! Later that afternoon, we made our way to the "vacation home" for dinner. I love going there, it's always a wonderful time. K's dad concocted a new martini(one of his specialties) and it was to die for-peach jalapeno.  That small hit of heat really makes this drink.  Yum!  We spent the evening with her fam and then concluded the night out on the deck, sipping wine, watching the sunset. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip. We'll be back soon, I guarantee it!

Yummy Peach-Jalapeno martinis

The ladies!

Not bad for a picture taken by a 4 year old :)

Hearst Castle

Jumpsuit-F21, Tshirt & Cardi-Target, Scarf-Gap,Shoes-Vince Camuto, Purse-Elliot Luca,
Necklaces-EmersonMade, Sunnies-Target

I've been to the Central Coast plenty of times, but never have I had time to visit Hearst Castle. I'm so glad we were able to fit it in this time. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. It's hard to imagine that William Randolph Hearst actually lived here. After taking the bus ride up the winding mountain road, you are dropped off at the front stairs and feel like you have been transported back in time. Everything is set up as it was when he lived there. I was in awe the whole time I was there. We toured the house and then had some time to walk around the ground. They are unbelieveable. I've posted  a few (I think I took almost 100 pictures!) pictures below, but they don't do it justice. You must see it in person.

My Besties

Don't you love how we coordinate? Didn't even plan that!

I'm a Wave

Tee-Stylemint, Shirt and Vest-JCrew, Jeans-Citzens of Humanity, Scarf-Target, Shoes-Gap, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Maui and Target

Yep, I'm a wave. World's worst college mascot. I went to Pepperdine University and they are the Waves. So wrong. But, I loved going there and a silly mascot didn't get me down. When we were in California last week, I brought Ramesh up to Malibu to see my alma mater. He's heard me talk so much about it, it was great for him to finally experience it. It's a beautiful campus and when I was in school, I never took it for granted. I can honestly say I appreciated everyday I was there. Malibu has changed A LOT since I went to school there. They didn't have all the fantastic shopping they have now. Thank god! A college girl's budget wouldn't have gotten me very far and the temptation would have been unbearable. I did stop into the Malibu Country Mart to get myself an Iced Blended from the Coffee Bean(my favorite drink, and no a frappacino is not the same!). I used to sit there and study for hours...aww memories.

Too hot to travel

T-Stylemint, Vest-JCrew, Jeans-Paige, Scarf-Gap, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Bracelets-Maui, Watch-Coach

This was my planned travel outfit last week, but it was to flipping hot to wear jeans. While trying to get these pictures, I had to run into the house numerous times and stand in front of the fan. Can you see the sweat on me? Look closely, it's there. I heard someone say Satan went back to hell because it was cooler than here- can't blame him! HA! After many repeated attempts, I decided it wasn't worth the effort and switched to this little number. It was much cooler and still comfortable for the flight. Check back Monday for an update from my trip to California. It was so much fun, but I think I need a vacation from my vacation!

Stripes and Spots

Tee-Stylemint, Skirt-H&M, Belt-Limited, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Maui

Have you checked out Stylemint yet? It's a monthly tshirt line created by Mary Kate and Ashely Olsen.  Each tee is 29.99 and they release a new set each month. I just love the way this one hangs. It's comfy and soft yet looks stylish. I wore this numerous times while I was in California last week and see it becoming a go-to piece.

Wings

Blouse-Gap, Cardi-Winter Kate, Jeans-Paige, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Necklaces-EmersonMade,
Watch-Coach,Bracelts-Gift, Target

I was lucky to snap these shots between rain storms on Friday and the onset of what turned out to be a very hot and humid weekend. It was "You walk outside and instantly need to go back in and shower" humid.  Notice the progression of my hair in these pictures. It started out straight, and in a matter of 10 minutes, the ends started to wing up. Note, my hair was blown out by my hairstylist AND flat ironed just shortly beforehand... still didn't hold up to this humidity. Ugh. You should have seen it later that night. Picture Monica in the Friends episode when they went to Bermuda and her hair continued to grow throughout the trip!  I don't know what I'm going to do this week. It's going to be like this all week long. Any suggestions? I wish I could wear a head scarf to work, or better yet a hat! Oh, and I don't have air conditioning so spending hours drying and flattening it just don't work. I end up a puddle of sweat before I even get out the door.

Thank you Mother Nature

Tank and Sweater-Limited, Jeans-Vintage, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Necklace-EmersonMade,
Earrings-F21, Sunnies-Marc Jacobs,Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Juicy, Target, Maui

Hope you all had a great 4th of July! The weather here was AMAZING! I feel like I'm always talking about the weather. It's a MN thing. We talk about it when it's too cold, too hot, too windy, too humid, you get the idea. I don't think we're ever happy. But, this weekend... I was happy with the weather.  After sweating it out in near 100 degree weather (with what felt like 100% humidity) for two days, the weekend came and poof- perfect 80 degree days. I was outside as much as possible. When you live in a state like MN, you don't take summer for granted. It's colder than heck 6 months out of the year. You learn to appreciate nice, warm days. We grilled out all, took the dog for a walk, hung with friends and just lounged around. All in all, a perfect 4th of July. How was your weekend? What did you do?

I Heart MPLS

Blouse-Equipment, Jeans-JCrew, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Hat-Macy's, Bag-EmersonMade, Flower Pin-H&M,
Necklaces-Target, EmersonMade, Bracelets-Target, Maui,Gift, Watch-Coach, Earrings-F21, Sunnies-Chloe

On Friday last week, I took pictures of my friend Jessica. She wanted to have some classic skyline shots done of her in Minneapolis before she moves to NYC. One last goodbye if you will. Since I had the day off and the weather decided to cooperate, we ventured to the Stone Arch bridge to snap some pictures. I'm no professional by any means, but I still think they turned out cool. Imagine what I'll be capable of once I actually take some classes to learn how to use my camera.