Mid-Summer Glow

With the summer half under wraps, it has finally clicked to me that the warm weather won’t be here for much longer. And that’s why I have decided to take advantage of every last minute of it, with trips to visit friends, spending time in the sun, and enjoying the great outdoors.  It’s as though my tan finally figured out that summer was speeding towards an end as well, and decided it was actually going to make an appearance this year.  WOOHOO! Even the my blonde becomes slightly too blonde, and finding a shade of foundation/concealer in my makeup arsenal to match my new skin tone is quite a challenge, nothing beats someone saying, “you look so tan.”  It really is a great feeling to know the time you’ve spent taking in all that vitamin D (responsibly of course) has paid off.  Nothing like those little moments to really make you happy!

Dress: Hello Miss (Purchased on Haute Look); Shoes: Alloy

Breezy & Cool…

When life hands you a day with 80 degree temps, and absolutely NO humidity, you take it and run with it.  A day that gives you perfectly volumized, non-frizzy hair and has a slight breeze could put a smile on even the grouchiest of faces.  After a week of record highs, we were due for a gorgeous day like this past Friday, which could only be described as picturesque.    Topped off with a boat ride on the river during sunset, it was a summer night for the books.  Now a girl can only hope that this weather continues for the rest of the season, so perfectly plumped hair and all my other breezy blouses can make an appearance before it’s time to pack them away and pull out the wool sweaters.  Fingers crossed!

Top, Jeans, & Shoes: Forever 21; Earrings: Anthropologie

Weekend Retreat…

Whenever I’m in need of a little getaway, it’s good to know I can just hop in my car and in a quick drive I could be grabbing some drinks near the beach with some good friends.  And this weekend it was a perfect chance to do just that.  Hot and balmy weather called for a few refreshing beverages and some dancing to be done.  Nothing worse though than going out looking great, and ending up on a cramped, hot dance floor and all that cuteness going out the window.  But at that point do we even care? All in all it was a great weekend, full of relaxation, good conversation and even the meeting of a few new friends. Hoping to keep the mood and momentum going this week.

 

Top: H&M; Skirt and Earrings: Francesca’s; Shoes: Michael Kors (purchased on Poshmark app)

Smokey Gray….

So once again I found myself running around my apartment trying to put together an outfit in a mere 15 mins so I wouldn’t be late for work.  But it’s becoming more of a routine since I’ve been hit the snooze button more and more.  All in all I think my 15min closet scavenger hunt was a success.  Sometimes you just need to go back to the basic black pencil skirt and build from there.  Even the nice guy in the other cubicle thought I hit the nail on the head.  This will definitely be a go to outfit next time I’m in a rush…

 

 

Top: H&M; Skirt: J.Crew; Heels: Michael Antonio; Necklace: Custom Olena R design (Find her on Facebook by searching Olena R Jewelry)

Hot & Humid…

Sometimes the summer just doesn’t cooperate with my plans, and the weather has an identity crisis and can’t decide what it wants to be or do.  Like yesterday, which started off fairly cool, them muggy, then there was some drizzle, then some sun… With all that said, getting dressed for a day of errands I’ve been pushing off, was rather difficult.  Going in and out of stores that are practically refrigerators then it being a humid 90+ degrees outside, it was hard to find something in my closet hat would keep me comfortable in ALL situations.  After some thought and a few swaps, this is what I came up with.  This peppy pink linen popover did just the trick.  I rolled down the sleeves when I started to freeze in the supper market and then unbuttoned and rolled them back up when I was walking around town grabbing my afternoon cup of joe.  What are you all wearing to beat the heat???

 

Top: J.Crew; Cutoffs: American Eagle; Flip Flops: Old Navy

Summer Getaways…

Happy Friday folks! I know everyone in the corporate world is jumping up and clicking their heels as they run out the door to the nearest happy hour.  But for those VERY lucky ones, instead of gathering at the local watering hole with the same people you’ve been stuck inside with all week, they are heading to an exciting weekend getaway to somewhere fabulous.

As I prep for my own mini-vacation next week, I thought of all those who also take advantage of the short summer season and get away, even if just for the night, for some rest and relaxation.  More importantly I thought of what they pack for those short trips.  I’m guilty of being an over-packer.  I always expect the unexpected, love to have a ton of options and oddly seem to buy something while on my trip to wear and usually come home with a suitcase of clean clothes, which don’t get me wrong isn’t all that bad. BUT, there are definitely a few things I never leave home without on one of these said weekend retreats.

1. White T-Shirt ….Can’t go wrong with the basics right?  Since most weekend getaways are road trips, throwing on a white t-shirt with basically anything whether it be leggings, jean cutoffs, a terry skirt, or whatever it may be, will have you feeling cool and comfortable for that long car ride to and from.  And if you are only going for a night, this can also double as your pjs, giving you space to pack a few other items in your luggage.

2. Maxi Dress….I’m sure some of you are rolling your eyes and going, “I’m too short to wear a maxi dress.” YOU ARE WRONG! Oddly enough, maxi dresses have a way of looking great on everyone, you just have to find what works for you!.  Whether it be a cotton/spandex tank maxi dress, like I’ve worn here, that can be used as a cover up or great for just wandering around town souvenir shopping.  Or one like this (Maxi Dress), that’s a bit fancier and a great option for a romantic sunset dinner with your love dove…

3. Bathing Suit….Again with the eye roll! But us curvy girls must swim too! I especially love J.Crew’s swim line because they offer so many mix and match options that everyone will surely find a suit that fits them.  The material on these suits are fantastic and if you take care of them, a suit can last you YEARS! I still have the suits I bought from them back in HIGH SCHOOL! Granted they don’t fit anymore, but I still have them…Can we say hoarders???

4. Sandals…The summer footwear staple.  Not the best when it comes to ankle support, but whether it’s a basic flip-flop to wear down on the sand, or a bejeweled strappy gladiator to compliment that maxi dress, sandals are great for weekend trips.  No need to pack the clunky wedges or sky-high heels for these quick trips.  Be comfy and stylish all at the same time.

5. And finally, the other item I HAVE TO HAVE on my weekend trips is a cozy knit sweater.  Nothing beats those cool nights sitting out under the stars, next to a bon-fire with great friends.  Some of the best memories I have of summer are doing just that, and after a long day in the hot sun, nothing feels better on your skin then a comfy sweater .

So go on, get to packing, because if you don’t hurry the weekend will be gone before you know it!

Coming Apart At the Seams…

You know what is just a knee slapping good time, wearing linen pants on the one day those meteorologist people were correct in predicting total downpours. Yup, day got off to a GREAT start.  Oh but it gets better.  Nothing says, “you are going to have a great day Alina,” like pulling off a pesky thread from said linen pants, to later find out it was the thread holding the seam on the perfectly pressed, light-colored trousers, together.  And THEN spending the majority of the day with your leg immobilized in hopes that the seam would not completely unravel in front of your corporate co-workers’ eyes.  One thing after the other had my patience and composure coming apart at the seams as well.  UGH, IS IT FRIDAY YET!?!!?!

 

 

Top, Pants, & Necklace: J.Crew; Shoes: Alloy

American Style….

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s birthday than by highlighting one of the greatest American designers  – Mr. Michael Kors.  First man I uttered the words, “I love you” to…  The simple yet sophisticated styles that are put out collection after collection have me coming back for more every time.  I can never enter one of his stores without buying something.  Whether it be shoes, dresses, tops or accessories, Michael has a great way of embodying the true American casual style.  And it can be affordable!! Bought this patterned dress for only 40 bucks at a Marshalls! Can’t beat that!  So while you are all out enjoying those burgers and fireworks, I’ll be lounging trying to piece together the perfect all American outfit with my boy Michael.  HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FELLOW FASHIONISTAS!! STAY SAFE AND STYLISH!

Gray Dress: Michael Kors (purchased in 2011); Shoes: Vince Camuto/ Patterned Dress: Michael Kors (purchased at Marshalls); Shoes: Forever21