puzzle pieces

Gap tee, Free People military pants, Target flats, Marc Ecko bag, vintage belt + watch

Can't believe we're already at the last weekend of June! Sunday marks the start of the second half of 2012. Time is flying as it always does, and I am loving it.

I picked up this tee on consignment for $2.50, and it quickly became a favorite because of how crazy soft it is! The print reminds me a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. I love the loose draping contrasted with the boyish cargo pants, with just enough sparkle from the double-wrap gold belt. I really am getting tired of jeans lately, so it was fun to throw on something different!

knot it up

Vintage blouse, Levi's jeans, Target flats

I'm always looking for something new to do with my hair (it always seems too long to do anything with). Sometimes it's even a challenge to pull it into a low bun because there's so much to work with. This day, I ended up kind of pinning/piecing together a side ponytail...it's not something I do every day, which was enough of a change for me.

Things have already been crazy and it's only Wednesday. An easy, middle-of-the-week look for me was as simple as a silk blouse, ankle jeans, and patent flats. I love having pieces in my closet that I don't have to think about when putting together an outfit in the morning.

to a tee

One of my favorite styles to pull off is a mix of dressy and casual. I don't really own t-shirts, but this comfy sweatshirt piece by J.Crew has definitely made its way onto my wishlist.

J.Crew sweatshirt tee, Great Plains skirt, Diane von Furstenberg sandals, Mulberry handbag, Isabel Marant necklace, Nina earrings, Lorac lip color

When you pair jeans with a blazer, a dress with a denim shirt, a tee with a skirt...it basically prepares your look for any situation. And let's be honest. Any t-shirts I'd potentially own would probably come from J.Crew. The quality is unmatched, and the styling inspiration is endless.

J.Crew

P.S. Did you guys forget about my photo blog like I did? Took the SLR out to play a bit this week, and uploaded some new snapshots here.

city market

 Madewell jeans, vintage blouse + watch, SAS Handbags tote, Target flats, Ray-Ban wayfarers

Every Thursday, the Minneapolis Farmers Market invades Nicollet Mall with vendors selling flowers, produce, and specialty foods. My sister and I coordinated our lunch breaks (for the fifth consecutive day) to stroll through and browse the selection. Cheese samples and cinnamon-sugar almonds pretty much took care of my afternoon meal...

For my first week of work, I've been sticking to solid colors and classic materials while familiarizing myself with my new environment and new responsibilities. My new job is going well so far, I couldn't ask for more! I can't wait to update my wardrobe with a few new items for the office once my first paycheck comes in.

beach essentials

Summer officially begins tomorrow, and I already know my favorite weekend activity will be laying on the beach at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. My beach essentials are always changing, but a few staples usually make their way in my bag each time.

1. Swimwear. I love mixing and matching coordinating colors and prints.

2. I'm on the hunt for the perfect floppy hat -- crucial for protecting head and shoulders!

3. Because sunscreen is much more fun to spray.

4. The honeydew flavor of EOS' little egg-shaped lip balm is perfect for summer.

5. I always stick a hair texturizing spray in my bag to enhance the beach hair look in case I end up going out somewhere after the beach.

6. The 2012 beach towel is animal print, naturally.

7. Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes, but be wary of tan lines!

And it's Wednesday already! The weekend and the beach will be here before we know it.

my usual

My style has evolved from bohemian, layered-up wannabe rockstar (last summer) to clean and classic with just-enough edge. I love pieces in unexpected colors or combining an innocent sweater with edgy spiked jewels or pointed flats.

Exhibit A.

Rochas sweater, Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans, Vanessa Mooney cuff, Vita Fede ring, Fendi Peekaboo bag, Loeffler Randall flats

With over a year of blogging under my patent leather belt, it's been fun to discover my personal style and figure out exactly what to say when someone asks me what my style is; it's nice to finally know. Just like when it comes to my morning coffee.

via Pinterest

Soy vanilla latte for me! Have a great Monday.

keeping it simple

On me: F21 tank, H&M shorts, Target oxfords, necklace via Buffalo Exchange, Fossil watch, Bauble Bar bracelet

On Katie: Urban Outfitters tank, Maurices shorts, Target bag + shoes

In warm summer months, you can't get more basic than a tank and shorts. I love that Katie and I both put our own twist on this super simple combination when we headed to uptown Minneapolis for iced coffee and gelato last weekend!

As for this weekend...I will be in bed with lemon tea recuperating from a sudden summer cold. The night before my first day of work, my immune system decided to crash and leave me with a fever + sore throat (great timing), so relaxing over the next two days sounds perfect.

Speaking of my new job, I couldn't ask for more; just an elevator ride away from Starbucks and my favorite French macaron bakery, Cocoa & Fig. My sweet tooth couldn't be happier!

celebration

Yesterday, many treats were had. After two weeks of a relaxing summer break, I got a job! I usually tend to celebrate by buying myself treats, so although many were had yesterday, I managed to document two.

I'm so happy to be working full-time in downtown Minneapolis, and although I'm excited to start (tomorrow!) the days ahead may be crazy for the blog until I figure out my schedule.

With that said, today's business casual moodboard is in honor of Corporate America. Because every working woman needs a Marc Jacobs, right?

French Connection top, Steve Madden flats, Hugo skirt, Tory Burch earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Bauble Bar wrap bracelet

recipe for summer

Ankle boots are one of my favorite styles of footwear, and they were crazy popular during fall and winter last year. I love seeing them in lighter colors with unique accents for warmer seasons this year.

Rag & Bone, Minnetonka, Rag & Bone

Right now, I'm definitely feeling the thrown-together, just-got-back-from-the-beach daytime look. It makes me want to head right back to California and spend some time in the surf and sand.

Topshop playsuit, Zimmermann suit, Theory hat, Vanessa Mooney ring, Volcom handbag, Dries Van Noten x Linda Farrow sunnies, Joie sandals

Another ingredient for the perfect summer? Ice cream. I got to meet a good friend of mine, Josie of With a Wink and a Smile, at the Grand Ole Creamery a couple weekends ago for waffle cones. I was so glad to see her before she heads off to New York City!

Hope you all are having a great Monday!

longer days

Top c/o Three Dots, Levis cutoffs via Urban Renewal, vintage belt + clutch, TOMS shoes

I have been living in high-waisted shorts and tanks this entire hot + humid week. As much as I love running around in ballet flats, my TOMS are much more sensible for the endless biking I've been doing around my new area! All week, I've been at Starbucks for hours with iced coffee, reading outside until sunset. A picture of peace, I tell you.

Between books, long coffee dates with good friends, and spending hours browsing old and new blogs, I am definitely feeling the inspiration. Summer plans + new ideas for the blog are slowly coming together--loving these longer days.

sandals for days

This summer, I'm determined to expand my sandal collection. I talk a lot of talk, and then I don't go out and buy any. And really...there are way too many great nail colors this season to be going around in closed-toe shoes for the next three months.

Black: Steve Madden, Steve Madden, Bank

Brights: Sam Edelman, Carven, K Jacques St Tropez

Metallic: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Frye, DV by Dolce Vita

Those printed Carven sandals speak volumes. I have been loving my discoveries by this French fashion house the past month!

Carven

I adore the color palette and classic yet original approach to simple pieces. These colors will definitely be inspiring my look today!

days of summer

I've been thinking a lot about summer goals lately. As lame as being unemployed is, it has been giving me lots of time to think and work stuff out in my head. The most important goal I've made? My friend and I decided we want to be Zooey Deschanel this summer.

My interpretation of that? A girly print, a few bright solids, and simple + fun jewelry.

Alex Monroe earrings, Bauble Bar bangle and cuff, Dorothy Perkins dress, Chloe crossbody, Essie Mojito Madness, Madewell skimmers

I could come up with all sorts of combinations that say "Jess Day," Zooey's character on that one show. Flirty mini-skirts with classic button-ups, mod shift dresses in unique colors, unexpected print mixing--nothing seems too far out for the stylist on this show.

This summer goal shouldn't be hard to accomplish. I already have a zillion skirts bookmarked specifically to achieve this look.

Glamorous, American Vintage, Oasis

And apparently all in the same color palette, too...

P.S. For those asking, my loafers in Friday's post are from Gap.

spring is (still) in the air

A Crewed Interest from Essie's spring collection

 Prepping clothes for the next morning's job interview

Finally figuring out some sort of earring display

The perfect spring loafers

The first day of June is here, and with nineteen more days left of spring, I'm still holding on to my favorite things. Pastel pink nails and dove grey loafers with metallic detail have to be two of the best things in my closet for spring.

The other thing about spring? It is still time for new beginnings--finding a new job, continuing to get my new place in order, and generally preparing for summer. So ready for the weekend! Have a good one.