{my favorite yellow dress in chicago}

 Oh look... it's my favorite yellow dress (again)!

Yellow Dress (currently 40% off) // Kendra Scott Necklace // Leather Sandals // Straw Tote // Ray-Ban Sunglasses // Kendra Scott Ring // DY Bracelet // NARS Lipstick in "Heat Wave"

I think I've dubbed this dress "my dress of the summer." I know I've instagrammed it a million times! I love the fit and the color and the fabric and everrrryyyything. It's such a unique cut with the ruffle dipping down in the back and the straight front. It doesn't hurt my ego that I'm a size XS in the dress either haha ;) The dress is sold out in yellow but it's still available in black and navy. I'm seriously considering getting the black. It will be so perfect in the winter with tights for a party or even at work with a sweater.

My sister and I ventured to this infamous flamingo wall in Chicago last month - I was instantly smitten when I saw this wall and had to seek it out! She was such a champ taking photos for me while I was there! Fun fact - this wall is actually really small, there were cars parked on the street that she was standing in between to get the shot. It was also insanely hot... the things bloggers do for photographs ;)

Love Always,

{a stroll along the Chicago riverfront}

Blue Maxi Dress (similar linked below) // Straw Tote // Purse Charm // Leather Sandals // White Tassel Earrings // J Necklace // Kendra Scott Pearl Ring c/o // NARS Lipstick in "Heat Wave" //
Ray-Ban Sunglasses

I've loved this dress since I wore it for the Fourth of July. The way it fits, the color, the details, everything. I'm still carrying this straw tote - even into the fall. I've been switching it up by adding pom pom tassels on the handle or adding a silk scarf. It's an easy way to change things up and personalize it! I wore this look in Chicago for a day of fun with my sister! We ate at The Hampton Social, went on the Wendell Architecture boat tour, and then walked around the city exploring! Nothing better than some girl time with your little sister :) Chicago has so many places to eat, drink, and explore - spending a week wasn't even enough! I love how Chicago has so many different bits of the city to explore between the water scene like Navy Pier and the downtown area where Eataly is.

I'll be doing a Travel Guide for Chicago soon along with a recap of The Blog Societies Conference - leave me any questions you have below and I'll be sure to include them in my roundups!

Love Always,

{red dress + saving and investing as an adult}

Red Dress // Nude Heels // Woven Clutch // Baublebar Earrings // J Necklace

I love buying new clothes... I mean what girl doesn't? Sometimes I find wearing a new dress to a special event acts as a confidence booster. I'm not exactly sure why - maybe it's because I know exactly what to wear if I buy it and the adrenaline rush of shopping is euphoric (don't deny it). However, shopping for new clothes for every single event doesn't make sense. I would have no money if I shopped all day or weekend. So when you find a $15 dress that you can wear multiple times (wedding, date night, casual Saturday night, etc.) I consider that a win for your wardrobe and your wallet.

Saving as an adult is no joke, it's hard. I'm hoping that's not just me... I constantly feel like I'm having to decide between going out with friends or saving a little more money every month. Between paying rent, student loans, utilities, groceries, and even paying to do my laundry, it's difficult to start creating a savings account.  I've had to save for a couple of investment purchases - the ultimate #adulting task. I was thinking about how long I saved up for my sofa the other day and I began to compile a list of things that everyone should invest in or simply have once they graduate college and begin living on their own. Besides starting a savings account, beginning a line of credit, and knowing how to do laundry these are things that everyone should invest in:

1. Luggage - I splurged on my luggage and am so grateful that I did every time I take a trip. Having 360 wheels and a hard shell keeps my belongings safe and I know my luggage will be able to withstand the beating of an airport. I'm a firm believer in traveling in style as well and this luggage makes me feel pretty fancy.

2. Work Purse - I believe this one is self explanatory. Dress for the job you want and act the part! I constantly notice new graduates coming in to interview at my office with a worn out bag or canvas tote. While I love my canvas totes, they're reserved for carrying my change of shoes and my lunch.

3. Mattress - I'm adding this to the list because it's sadly something I haven't invested in. I bought a cheap mattress when I moved to DC because I needed one right away and it's definitely seen better days. I have a couple of friends that have a Casper mattress and they swear by it! I'm going to save up for this next!

4. Pots and Pans - No more meal plans on campus so it's time to grow up and learn to cook. You can't make a simple pasta dish if your noodles are sticking to the pan :) I got all of mine from Home Goods. When your friends and family come over they'll be impressed because your kitchen will match and you'll look more grown up.

5. Tool Kit - My brother bought me a simple Ikea tool kit when I went off to college and I've had it since that first day at VT. Every girl needs to learn how to hang a photo and fix something herself! I was given a power drill from a contractor three years ago and that's also come in handy - hanging curtains and shelves requires a bit more power.

6. Steamer - This goes along with dressing for the job you want. It's very unprofessional showing up to work in a wrinkled dress that looks like you pulled it from the back of your closet.

7. Sofa - I already mentioned this but this was my first save and invest piece! It is the center piece of my entire living room and where all of my friends congregate when they come over. It's a sturdy piece that will last me for years and I love how comfortable it is. I shopped and saved for over three months before I finally made the big purchase!

Do y'all have anything you would add to the save and invest list? Adulting is hard but with the right tools at your hand you can accomplish anything - especially in a $15 dress ;)

Love Always,

{white after LDW | rules were meant to be broken}

White after Labor Day? I know - call me a rebel!

Photography by Ryan Hicks

White Dress // Straw Tote // Pom Pom Purse Charm (similar) // Asos Sunglasses // Leather Wedges // Kendra Scott Ring, old // Baublebar Bracelet // Bite Lipstick

I can't believe Labor Day weekend is already over! The start of a new month and the end of summer... but I refuse to say that summer is over. It's still hot and humid here so that means my sandals and sundresses are staying put :) You know what else is staying put? All of my white. It's easily my favorite color to wear and just because somebody made up a silly rule that "you can't wear white after Labor Day" doesn't mean I'm gonna follow it. I say rules were MEANT to be broken! Who's with me?!

I saw my sweet friend, Alex, wearing this dress and knew I had to purchase it as well. I was so pleasantly surprised when it came in because the material is a dream. It has subtle stripes in the fabric and doesn't wrinkle. No honestly, I wore it all Saturday in the car and then at a winery with Kyle and it looked like I had just taken it off the hanger by the end of the night. The straps can easily be tucked in if you want to wear it strapless but I love the little bow detailing on the shoulders. It's double lined so it's not see through as well - plus, the back is open so it stays cool in the hot sun.

Did everyone have a good LDW? I went to a bachelorette party in Savannah, Georgia for one of my blogger besties, Emily (I'm going to be a bridesmaid in her wedding this October)! We had sooo much fun - maybe a little too much? Lots of laughs, boomerangs, photos, and story telling! I can't wait to go back again and explore more. It felt great to take some time off and sit on the beach with some hilarious girls. This summer has easily been the best one yet!

Love Always,