the air is sweet

H&M blazer, American Apparel dress, Steve Madden ankle boots, Target hat

So. Wearing dresses or skirts this short always reminds me of the movie Raising Helen, when the guys are drooling over Kate Hudson in a minidress and Joan Cusack states that it isn't that they haven't "seen a dress, they just haven't seen...half of a dress."

I guess just because I'm used to living in jeans up here under the clouds! We can't help ourselves in the Pacific Northwest when the sun comes out. Maxis become minis and sweaters become sleeveless. The fact that it isn't raining is practically a miracle in itself.

And all the talk of autumn in the fashion world is driving me crazy. I'm just barely getting my summer started!

rachel pally

For the past few days I've noticed so much talent in a few designers who all share the first name Rachel. This is the first post in a mini-series to show you guys all three of these talented ladies, the first of which is Rachel Pally!

All Rachel Pally

I first fell in love with this label after spotting this skirt at Shopbop, and after doing some research I love the elegant, simple and comfortable pieces in her line. She is definitely the queen of simple jersey glamour!

Rachel Pally dress, Isabel Marant earrings, Chan Luu wrap bracelet, Melie Bianco bag, Paloma Barceló sandals

Click for details

I love the drape-y sleeves on this dress; plus, the color is perfect to mix with navy, the green of the feather earrings, and the shimmery gold straps of perfect summer flats. I can tttooottalllyy see myself out for a day of shopping in this!

More of her iinncreddiblleee pieces can be found at RachelPally.com.

denim days

I'm always been on the hunt for perfect denim. Nothing makes me happier than putting on my favorite jeans in the morning--it feels like a guarantee that I'm going to have a great day. And I am lloooovviinnggg the summer selection at AG Adriano Goldschmied.

The Stilt roll-up, The 50's slim, The Ex-Boyfriend crop

The cuff detail on each is such a sweet, vintage look which makes denim pants in summer more accessible to me. Pairing jeans with fun statement sandals is a must in warm weather! I find myself reaching for my brightest pair of shoes on denim days.

Dolce Vita, Black Rooster, Kate Spade New York, Seychelles

AG Adriano Goldschmied is offering free shipping for all of July, so you still have six days to run over and grab yourself a pair of these must-have jeans! What could be stopping you?*

*For me, it is the desperately tight budget I'm on right now...such is life.

in the wild

Banana Republic skirt, Free People sweater, Melie Bianco bag

Went for a different tone for these shots, they look nothing like I have posted before! I had so much fun editing these images. Kind of dark and moody with this great 'lightleak' effect. I never edit photos much, so I love this change and how they turned out!

This outfit was inspired by Dylana's grey sweater and black maxi skirt, although I took more of a classic route with a fancy schmancy bag rather than fun tribal print accessories. I love putting my own twist on looks that inspire me!

Regarding our wild cat discovery...not so much. It was just Crackers, my kitty, who was evidently not in the mood to play. :)

P.S. So many are asking about my photographer...it is this amazing girl right here!

P.S.S. Just in case you want to shop my closet...you can browse a few items at this link.

the golden touch

I can't help but notice my affinity for all things gold and shiny. Every time I look around my room I'm struck by this simple elegant touch that seems dressed up all on its own.

Shiny new cosmetic bag

Vintage ring from my dad

Little coffee table planters to be filled with succulents

Must-have mascara

Sparkly 1950's pouch

I love all precious metal tones. I tend to mix up gold and silver whether it's bangles on my arm or coins in my purse...just can't seem to get enough!

It has taken me awhile to get back into blogger mode since camp, so heeeere is my public Declaration of Appreciation for my awesome readers! Somehow this blog has grown into more than I ever thought it would, all thanks to you. I am so grateful for every award, every blog feature, every comment, and all 800 of you who have followed me through Google Friend Connect. You guys warm my heart.

work of an artist

Today I am sharing some incredible designs by an amazing artist, Amber Vittoria! Amber and I have emailed back and forth a few times, and I was so excited when she told me that her illustrations were appearing as patterns on Keds shoes!

"The Day She Lost Power" and "The Day She Roamed the Forest," both by Amber Vittoria

The printed tennis shoes turned out adorable, as you can see below. They are available for purchase through Zazzle as she designed them, but I had fun playing around with the laces and stitching colors!

These shoes have a perfect Teen Vogue-vibe using effortless bright tones that make up a perfect summer outfit.

Topshop blouse and pants, Forever 21 bangles, Fendi crossbody, Emilio Pucci silk head scarf, Amber Vittoria illustration on Keds shoes

I love mixing prints and colors, and the similarities between the shoes, scarf, and bangles are  noticeable but not coherent. I love how this look turned out! I would tie this silk scarf around a loosely tousled ponytail as a fun look for a day out.

Check out Amber's tumblr and website to learn more about this awesome young lady!

P.S. Yesterday's silly band...

the blues

Indigo top, Levi's denim leggings, shoes c/o Blowfish

I don't typically wear blue shirts with jeans, but since I wear these jeans every day, I had to make an exception for my new favorite plaid. It is the perfect lightweight material and dusty blue tone for summer.

Speaking of unusual colors, I am in love with the tone of these beautiful Casita wedges from Blowfish! The fabric is such a comfy canvas and I love the tinge of olive green in khaki. I can't wait to mix them up with some bright nail colors!

And yes, you all know my secret now. I have Silly Bandz, and I occasionally wear them in public. Any guesses as to the shape of this red one?

self-proclaimed

Shopaholic. My favorite recent purchases are...

 The very last bottle of Absolutely Shore at my store

Travel journals that I must be patient to fill up

Travel-sized scents from Bath & Body Works

 Antique crochet-trimmed crop top

Prints from the week of my sister's wedding

My paycheck just can't seem to keep up with me. I've always wanted to be one of those types of people who writes everything down and has a consistent budget, but I was born an impulsive spender person who constantly craves new things.

Which type are you?

summer in Paris

I can practically taste the breakfast I'd order at a corner cafe on a summer morning in Paris. Living off of pastries and café au laits already sounds like paradise! While touring France is a far-off dream I have, I can always plan my outfits ahead of time...

Click here for details

I love this look fired up with a shimmery bright lip, only rivaled by the rainbow shades of macarons. Who can say no to dessert in Paris?

Where's your dream destination?

colorado dreaming

Free People hat, thrifted tank, Vintage skirt, F21 + Nordstrom + vintage jewelry, Target sandals

Here is the glimpse of the paradise that I called home over the week. I'm leaving Saturday morning at eight and couldn't be more sad, I could easily live in the Rocky Mountains with all of these great people! Everywhere you look, a huge mountain towers above you.

I couldn't have asked for a better nail color to accompany me over the week: Essie's Absolutely Shore! I applied this last Saturday and it has barely chipped at all. Although, my favorite part of this outfit is this vintage skirt! It was half-price day where I purchased it from, for only $1.50.

One thing I miss about Seattle is the coffee. Camp coffee: beyond awful.

chasing daylight

Thrifted chambray top, H&M shorts, vintage Ferragamo flats

Craaazzaayyyy hair!

Do you ever have an outfit in your mind for days? I finally got around to wearing this one (pre-camp) after imagining it for weeks, and happily it turned out just as lovely as I was expecting. I felt perfect chasing the last of the daylight in these bright coral shorts. There is no better combination than a denim shirt with bright pants! For now, anyway. Tomorrow it will most likely be something different.  Oh, fashion. You are so temperamental.

I am having the best time at camp! Can't wait to show you all some of the easy breezy outfits I have been wearing. Hope you are having a great week!

as of late

This is what has been inspiring me.

Bohemian earrings borrowed from my sister

 Vintage clutches

Tribal accessories

Current blush in rotation, from June's Birchbox

My version of the Emily manicure

Happy birthday, America! I am off to the airport. Follow my adventures here! Also, Let me know what you think of this Five Things-style post; I always have fun trying something new.

P.S. If any company is interested in hiring me as a hand model, email me.

P.S.S. ...kidding.

this and that

OPI You Don't Know Jacques; wearing brown in summer, I don't know what's wrong with me

Vintage blouse, Levi's shorts, Seychelles sandals, F21 and vintage jewelry

Me doing a bit of everything around the neighborhood. Leaning, jumping, prancing, posing, generally acting silly; typical Chelsea activities.

This outfit was a whole mix of all kinds of styles. The silk top has a tone-on-tone Damask pattern with a bit of a sheen, if you can notice in the detail shot. Add a pair of ripped up shorts, a tribal armband and chic metallic sandals, and you get...

...I can't think of a word for that. Hodgepodge? Conglomeration? Or maybe that thing you cook for dinner on Friday nights using all the leftovers from the week, whatever it's called. Something along those lines.

I think it's called goulash. Outfit goulash?