scarf crazy

Remember when I was the bag lady? I'm now the scarf lady.

Lately, my outfits have felt incomplete without piling on a big summer scarf! Since I seem to be reaching for one day after day, I've realized how much my scarf collection is lacking. Piperlime has such a lovely selection right now!

Michael Stars, Lucky Brand, Michael Stars

I've been having a few happy accidents with print-mixing paisley and tie-dye, stripes and florals and more when it comes to scarves, but my favorite way to style an outfit around a bright statement scarf is with a couple of basics, and a coordinating accessory.

Isabel Marant trousers, Topshop tank, Lucky Brand sandals, Chan Luu bracelet, Chanel bag

The pink wrap bracelet would be perfect with a red, orange, or fuschia printed scarf. On my personal scarf wish list is basic black, the green Michael Stars, and maybe something leopard print? I know Kathleen would approve of anything animalistic ;)

I know I keep talking about my sister's wedding, but we are in the home stretch running errands like crazy today getting bouquets together, baking wedding cakes and picking up the groom from the airport. Aaaaand...go!

something old, something new

Nails OPI "You Don't Know Jacques!" and Essie "Tart Deco"

Free People sweater, vintage clutch, Levis jeans, vintage Ferragamo flats

I can't believe this is the first time I've worn these flats for the blog! I found them for $16 at an antique store in St. Paul, and it was love at first sight when I wrapped the Roman Holiday-esque straps around my ankles and my foot fit perfectly inside. 

From a photographer's point of view, I love the soft light that an overcast sky brings. Thankfully there was a covered spot to stay out of the rain (I'm always worried about my camera more than myself...haha!) but also to protect my fresh salon hair. I just got the ends snipped and my bangs trimmed up so now they actually are bangs rather than long layers. Feels so healthy!

MY SISTER IS FLYING IN TODAY! I am so excited to see her and finish up the wedding details before the big day. I can already tell this is going to be a fun weekend!

sun essentials

Yesterday, I blogged for my friend Sarah and wanted to expand on my favorite things to pack for summer vacations. For part one, check out my post on And She Loved!

Sunglasses don't have to be expensive like these ones (splurged! I stock up at Forever 21 for my travels, in case any get lost or broken), and they protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them from sun damage. Sun protection is neverrrr overrated!

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Hydration is key for your skin, so don't forget your favorite body lotion! As for the planner...it's just so much easier to jot down everything you want to do or thoughts that cross your mind.

Another must-have? Swimwear! Whether you're a one-piece or a two-piece, there's something out there for everyone in any color you could wish for.

Fisico, Lanvin, Laura Urbinati

Since I love handbags so much, obviously they are one of my favorite accessories! Pack the first bag that catches your eye. Summer is all about combining color and texture, and nothing is more fun than a bright, fringed, beaded bag!

Lucky Brand

Share your summer travel essentials in the comments, I can never get enough advice or ideas!

hot and cold

I'm a handbag girl. I buy more purses than shoes or clothes, just because I get bored with them so easily! Most of my bags are neutral blacks and browns (probably explains the boredom) but suddenly I've been drawn to all of these unexpected colors!

Alexander McQueen, Foley + Corinna

Marc Jacobs

Rebecca Minkoff, BCBG Generation

Like I said, unexpected! I wouldn't normally go for the steely blue Marc Jacobs, pearlized amethyst BCBG, and dainty seafoam mint Alexander McQueen. The muted tones would add the perfect understated touch to any summer outfit, while the bright metallic and sunny coral reflect summer's happy-go-lucky feel.

I lloooovvee this grey-blue bag with warm, light neutrals and cool-toned silver jewelry.

F21 pendant, Ports 1961 dress, Aurélie Bidermann ring, Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, Enzo Angiolini wedges

This week is full of preparations for my sister's wedding next week! Can't believe it is already here!

sunny daze

Vintage tank, Levi's jeans, Free People cross-body bag

Sunny skies and seventy degrees made for the perfect backdrop for a day out shopping, spending too much money at Sephora and too many hours in Nordstrom. I've been trying to remind myself that I'm a fashion blogger, not a beauty blogger! I've been so excited to pull together a make-up collection that works for me that I've barely bought myself any summer trend pieces.

If you've noticed, I've got a new widget on my sidebar from Betterfly.com, a network for fashion stylists and other categories of interest that helps people find industry experts wherever they are located! I'll be sharing more about this as I become more acquainted with this awesome site!

Now, I'm getting ready to go to my hair appointment on this gorgeous day! No worries, just getting a trim...or am I? Hehehehhe...have a great weekend!

stories

As travel plans are being made (!!!), I keep realizing how close summer is! This is the outfit on my mind: a simple graphic print dress with light neutral sandals and a bright bag, with just a couple of gold rings for an accent.

Diane von Furstenberg dress, Topshop sandals, Lauren Ralph Lauren bag, Alex Monroe leaf ring, Indulgems mixed-metal rings

Doesn't this just make you want to stroll through the farmer's market and buy a bouquet of peonies? They are my all-time favorite flowers.

While I was waiting patiently for the sun to arrive on the west coast (it's HERE today!) I cozied up in my favorite flannel and dark accents.

Random flannel, BDG jeans (on their last leg), Steve Madden ankle boots

I love hearing stories of what goes on when bloggers are taking outfit photos, so here's what happened this day: my sister and I ran to the fields to snap some shots until a family began setting up to barbecue. And they brought a blanket for their dog so it could rest on the picnic table bench. Elyse and I cut it short and ran home in the drizzly rain. The end.

Hope your Wednesday is as sunny as mine!

FASHION WEEK recap!

H&M blazer, Free People sweater, vintage skirt

Seattle. Fashion. Week.

It was an incredible two days crammed with shows. Another volunteer (LIBBIE!) and I started talking and pretty soon no one saw one of us without the other person haha. I have to say Men's Night was so much fun, being around all the insanely handsome models and giggling like giddy teenagers made for high energy and lots of fun. My favorite designer that night was Jordan Klein, whose futuristic/grungy super-wearable line blew me away.

The finale night, which showcased all women's designs, was a lot more intense! We set up chairs, stuffed swag bags, and were sent out on odd jobs until we finally got a coffee break before showtime! I also had to be a bit of a bouncer and block press + media from entering backstage...me being a firm security guard was definitely an adventure.

The models were so amazing to work with and I couldn't have asked for a better management team for Seattle Fashion Week! I was right off stage leading models down a dark, narrow stairway while they balanced in their six-inch stilettos, but I got to watch most of the shows and was completely thrilled to be a part of it. I even made it home with a leftover swag bag, which I had stuffed myself. ;-)

Anyway, thank you to the sponsors of Seattle Fashion Week, but I honestly never want to eat another Luna bar or drink another Fuze juice again. Free Jamba Juice and sweet potato chips are welcome though! I loved every minute of it and already want to do it all over again.

I'm exhausted and sore, but it was worth it.

mid-spring favorites

Spring has always been about the sweet, pretty neutrals, but this year it has been about the flow for me. I find myself choosing anything with a long hem that flutters in the breeze, feeling floaty and light in whatever blouse I'm wearing.

Halston, Topshop, H&M

My other spring addiction is turquoise jewelry. Chelsea Lauren shares my love for this gorgeous look, and I keep wearing the same rings over and over just because any other stone doesn't quite have the same effect.

Etsy (click here for details)

I just love the antiqued, Southwestern feel of this amazing stone. There are so many talented craftspeople on Etsy!

Finally, I wanted to share with you guys a few of my favorite beauty products that have made their way into my daily routine this spring.

1. Bath and Body Works "Secret Wonderland" body spray...I love this sweet scent, perfect for sunny days!

2. OPI "Sweetheart" nail polish...the perfect neutral pedicure.

3. Benefit "10" highlighter/bronzer...it is so easy to get a natural glow with this!

4. Herbal Essences Long-Term Relationship "Split End Protector" treatment...not sure if this protects against split ends, but they are 100% visibly reduced!

What have you been reaching for in spring 2011?

weekend blogger meet-up!

Thrifted chambray shirt, BDG jeans, Steve Madden boots, Cut 'n Paste bag

Over the weekend, I got to meet up with a lovely Seattle blogger; Julie of Mint and Mellow! We had emailed back and fourth a few times, and I was so excited when we decided to meet up at Yogurtland. As you can see, it was so delicious and so much fun! Julie is super sweet and I am sure we will be seeing more of each other in the future.

I scored this shirt for practically pennies because the hem is defective/uneven, and I was like so what! Julie's shirt also has a fun story behind the purchase (haha) so make sure to check it out. We walked around one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle, Capitol Hill. We were so excited to find this amazing wall to take outfit photos in front of! The colors perfectly set off our outfits.

Seattle Fashion Week begins on Thursday, and I am so excited to be working backstage at the shows. I know it will be an awesome experience, and I can't wait to get started and tell you guys aaaaallll about it!

sandal weather

F21 blouse, Nordstrom tank, BDG jeans, favorite sandals 

This is my weekend blouse and my tribal sandals at the waterfront. The sunshine, exposed brick, and weathered wood made me happy. And I got to thinking, all of you probably don't know much about me. So I compiled a list of the most important things.

I got glasses in fourth grade and contacts in ninth

I have two brothers and two sisters

I have had five teeth pulled in addition to four wisdom teeth

I love having coffee in the morning

I don't eat meat

Two movies I could watch forever are The Princess Diaries and Ever After

I will always love Seth Meyers

My hair used to be cut to my chin

I have been writing since first grade

I try to be nice to everyone

I modeled in a photoshoot two weeks ago, and you can see the first image by clicking HERE!

discoveries

Many of you know that I visited my sister in Minneapolis a few weeks ago! For my trip, the very kind people at Travalo sent me a handy little device that was an angel to travel with.

The Travalo is a compact, travel-sized perfume spritzer that you can fill with any perfume you already own!

It's super easy to figure out and use...here is a little photo sesh of me filling mine!

Once the nozzle of your perfume is off, you just pump it up and down and in goes the perfume into the container.  I never go anywhere without it anymore! Couldn't wait to share it with you guys.

As bloggers, we all spend tons of time on the Internet/computer, and one of my favorite things that comes from those hours in front of the screen is discovering new products + stores! I was justttt introduced to Henri Bendel and have already been picking out favorites to add to my cart.

There are just too many things that I know I need to have! They have so many good prints and details on the accessories. Everything is just so perfectly cute.

P.S. The photos from the shoot I participated in are still being edited, but this morning in an email from Shopbop I found an almost sneak peek for you guys! The ADAM S/S 2011 show is direct inspiration for hair and make-up on the shoot.

Yes, we kept the face natural. Yes, I rocked a skygrazing ballerina bun. You guys will get to see it soon, pprroomiisee. Until then, have a great Wednesday and look for an outfit post on Friday!

dotted

I love seeing trends develop in the blog world and noticing similar posts here and there. This weekend the constant I noticed was POLKA DOTS!

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See by Chloe blouse, Volcom crossbody, ASOS bow ring, Current/Elliot jeans, Rag & Bone hat, House of Harlow bangle, Marc by Marc Jacobs sandals

I put in my two cents with a little accent on a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs sandals and stud detailing on a lovely little Volcom handbag. There is one thing to be said for pretty printed dots, but sometimes an understated look can have just as strong of an effect.

A designer I "discovered" this weekend (discovered meaning I've heard her name but have never done much research!) is SONIA RYKIEL. She was born in one of my favorite cities, Paris, and was quickly recognized as a super-talented knitwear designer. However, it was her beautiful skirts that caught my eye...

Sonia Rykiel

A tad over budget at around $300 each, I may have to tap my favorite blogger seamstresses (Sarah and Kenzie, I'm looking at you!) to replicate these and send them my way. Until then, I will continue to shop for things I can't afford, for that is the way of the fashion blogger.