head's up

Those sticky-hot summer days are far from over here in NC, so this chambray romper was perfect for galavanting around at the beach. I used to wear headscarves religiously in high school - such a great trick to avoid looking greasy on a steamy day!

similar chambray romper here and here // scarf: vintage // vintage Louis Vuitton bucket drawstring bag // wedges: Bakers {old, similar} // sunnies:  House of Harlow 'Chelsea' // necklace: courtesy of A Beautiful Heart // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier "Love", Derng Chain, H&M Neon links // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

a sequin story

Not only is this outfit atypical because I don't usually dress like a ballerina rockstar, but it's also got some unique and original pieces. I thrifted this sequin blouse from a shop along the Carolina coast (the bottom hemline is scallops, I die). The shoes I found in a bizarrely adorable shop in Wicker Park, Chicago this summer (Miu-Miu-esque, if you ask me). And the Carrie-Bradshaw-skirt-on-a-much-smaller-scale is from budding designer, Alyssa Nicole. I discovered my adorable gothic tutu on UsTrendy, a website that helps independent fashion designers sell their products, obtain funding, and gain other assistance to launch and grow their clothing lines (I got rave reviews on a dress I got from UsTrendy, here). Entrepreneurship is one of my passions alongside being an independent fashion blogger, so shopping from up-and-comers on an e-commerce marketplace (full of amazing items that every other girl isn't wearing) is right up my alley.

blouse: thrifted // skirt: courtesy of UsTrendy // similar booties // clutch: Akira Chicago // earrings: TOPSHOP Chicago {newer} // sunnies: House of Harlow 'Chelsea' // similar bangle // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier

nautical meets military

blouse: sparkle + fade {similar}// skirt: Forever21 {similar} // scarf: vintage // belt: H&M // loafers: Salvatore Ferragamo {similar}  // purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs // aviators: RayBan // necklace: courtesy of A Beautiful Heart // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, Derng, Handpicked // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

to the max

As someone who is under 5'5" (and 5'4", and 5'3"...) participating in the ever-popular maxi dress trend is frustrating. All the normal-height girls are wearing them, but each one that I hold up to my body drags the ground a good 4 inches. Those who suffer in this peril will understand how pleased I was to find this simple coral ruffled number - and my toes even peek out the bottom.

dress: Nordstrom // bag: Louis Vuitton 'Artsy' // hat // sunnies: Karen Walker // shoes: Kors by Michael Kors {old, similar on sale} // ombre necklace: Francesca's {similar} // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier, Derng, Handpicked // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty'

bienvenue de retour

I'm back... back to blogging, and back from my summer in Chicago. It feels like all I ever do is travel, which has made me grateful for home, family, friends, and Momma's kitchen. This week I will continue "bouncing", as I like to call it, from place to place - had a wonderful weekend on the NC coast, and will be in stunning Norfolk, VA for a few days. This duffle is staying packed with my favorite summer go-tos!

embellished tank: Trina Turk {last year, here's my favorite from 2012} // chevron shorts: Nordstrom // 

wedges: Bakers {old, similar} // duffle: Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Keepall 50 // earrings: Ralph Lauren // gathered chain necklace: H&M {similar} // watch: Michael Kors // bracelets: David Yurman (blue topaz, amethyst & gold buckle), Cartier "Love", & Derng Chain // rings: David Yurman (blue topaz, stack & pave), Cartier & YSL 'Arty' // lipstick: Revlon "Coral-berry"