take a walk on the wild side

One of my favorite accessories of all time is sunglasses; living in a place where the sun is beating down on you 9 months out of the year, you just can't have too many pairs.  I'm always looking out for new styles to play around with, and the new printed trend does not disappoint.  They're all so fun, and would look perfect with a plain white tank and some cut offs in the Summer - so effortless, but you'll definitely make a statement.

1. Marni Python Printed Sunglasses (Available at Saks Fifth Avenue) 

2. Juicy Couture Glimmer Sunglasses

3. Asos Polka Dot Cat Eye Sunglasses

4. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Sunglasses

5. Suno x Warby Parker Printed Aviators (available August)

6.  Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer in Twirl Azure

xx

A

pink clouds

[B.P. Canvas Bag.  Lily White Top.  F21 Shorts.  Boutique 9 Sandals.  Vintage/Assorted Bangle Bracelets.  Nordstrom Ring.  Urban Outfitters Necklace.]

Ever since I laid eyes on the pink, lace-up shorts from Isabel Marant's SS11 collection, I knew I had to try to replicate the look.  Luckily, it wasn't very hard to find a more affordable pair of cute, pink cut-offs (I had already splurged on my True Religion Bobby Shorts, so I had to restrain myself!).  They're a fun take on the classic American look, and I'll certainly be rocking them all summer.

xx

A

p.s. I'm so sorry for the sporadic posting.  My boyfriend Dan and I are in the process of moving to Sanford, Florida, so house hunting, packing, job searching, paperwork, scheduling utilities to be turned on, reserving moving trucks and all the other joys that come with moving to a new city are currently taking all up my spare time.  My head is spinning just thinking about my To Do List.  Hopefully once we settle in I'll have a slew of new posts coming your way, though!

::destination unknown::

Summer is officially here, and, for most, that means traveling and chasing the surf and sun.  If you're one of the lucky ones who will be jetting off to some exotic, tropical hideaway this year, then unique prints and textures are perfect to have in your suitcase; especially when you can take a few items and mix and match them to create several different outfits.  Also, don't forget to lather on the sunscreen, apply a natural-looking faux tan, and pick a fun color for your toes! Here are some of my picks:

ALLSAINTS Bleach Breton Uma Dress

Juicy Couture Green & Crown Thread Duo Necklace

Philosophy 'Shelter' SPF 30 Sunblock

Michael Stars Origami Fedora

OPI Mexico Collection, OPI My Chihauhua Bites!

Ray-Ban Classic Aviators

Ecote Baja Backpack

Vix Eriko Bandeau Bikini

Mossimo Palila Beaded Flat Sandals

Low Luv By Erin Wasson Metal Triple Crystal

Women's Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel

Roxy Sand And Sea Beach Towel

xx

A

old school style: diy friendship bracelets

When I was a little girl, I would spend hours upon hours making multicolored friendship bracelets for myself, my friends, and anyone else who wanted them.  I would layer them all over my wrists and ankles, and thought they were pretty much the coolest thing ever.  When they popped up again wrapped around the wrists of prominent fashionistas, I was immediately reminded of my childhood, and set out to make some right away.  

Now that I'm older, and obviously have a better sense of what hues look good together, searching for new color combinations is so fun; I'm especially into neon brights paired with cool neutrals and Missoni inspired palettes right now.   They're also super easy to make, and absolutely perfect for Summer.  As an added bonus, if you're like me and love to rock a few accessories with your swim wear, you certainly don't have to worry about these guys getting wet or loosing them in the ocean.  Now, I'm off to the store to get some supplies.. Happy crafting!

xx

A

Photos via Oracle Fox and Honestly WTF.  DIY instructions via Honestly WTF.

:::teeny bikini:::

Living in Florida, it's safe to assume that when it's summer time, you're going to be rockin a bikini constantly.  Most mornings, I roll out of bed and throw one on under a little dress due to the fact that, at some point, someone's going to want to head to the beach, pool, or go boating.  So many bikinis have caught my eye this season, but here are some of my absolute favorites that are sure to keep you looking great while enjoying the sun.

1. Clube Bossa LUX Black coral Bandeau

2. MISSONI Bahia String Bikini

3. Zara Colorful Bikini (& bottom)

4. L*Space Dolly Fringe Bandeau Bikini (& bottom)

5. Topshop Off White Broderie Anglaise Triangle Bikini

xx

A

Quote by William Carlos Williams.

savory and sweet crostinis

For some reason, appetizers always seem to be my favorite part of dinner - probably because they pack a lot of flavor onto one little bite sized piece.  Crostinis are just that: delicious little slices of toast covered in what ever goodies your heart desires.  I made a variety for a dinner party the other day, and they were definite crowd pleasers.  I can't wait to try out different, seasonal ingredients!

Start off with some good, crusty bread.  I used a kalamata loaf and rosemary garlic.

I then chose a variety of ingredients - this is where the fun part starts.  While you're busy chopping your toppings, go ahead and place your bread in the oven at 425°, and bake until toasted.  I then used a base of goat cheese on each different crostini.

Goat cheese, avocado (mixed with some salt and fresh lime juice), and pepidews.

Goat cheese, roasted garlic spread, prosciutto, and fresh basil.

Goat cheese, salami, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. 

Goat cheese, a drizzle of balsamic, fresh strawberries, and crumbled pecan pralines.

The final product.  I'm proud to say not one crostini was spared.  Hope you enjoy these fresh, Summer treats, and let me know if you have a favorite crostini recipe, too!

xx

A

endless summer

The high temperature for the past two days reached 97°, which means it's fair to say it's officially summer for those of us who live near the equator.  Other than the sometimes unbearable heat, I absolutely love this time of year.  Some of my favorite memories have occurred while worshiping the sun on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, and I hope many more good times are in store for us this summer.  Have a beautiful weekend, loves.

xx

A

p.s. Here's a little tune that's definitely going to be on my weekend playlist.  Love me some Devendra Banhart.

photos via we heart it, fashion toast, vogue weekend, we live young, tobacco & leather

spring beauty essentials

A few of my favorite products for warm, sunny days..

Row 1

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray: For sexy, just-left-the-beach hair. Just spray in, & let hair dry in a bun for 20-30 minutes

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15: Makes your skin the perfect canvas for foundation by reducing pores & lines

DDF Glycolic Exfoliating Oil Control Gel: Removes dead skin to keep skin healthy & soft;  A must before using self-tanner on your face

Jergens Natural Glow:  Gives you a gradual tan that looks very natural

Row 2

Lancome Flash Bronzer: The best self-tanner I've found yet

NARS Blush in Orgasm: A gorgeous, shimmery, peach color that compliments any skin tone

Tarte LipSurgence: Long lasting lip stain with a yummy, minty flavor 

MAC Lustre Eye Shadow in "Tempting": Such a sultry, bronze hue that goes perfectly with a tan

Row 3

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara: Amazing results, super cheap, & you can find it everywhere

Buxom Waterproof Smoky Eye Stick: I love a good smoky eye for nighttime

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel: My go-to moisturizing bronzer that comes in the most perfect shades.  You can wear it over foundation, or alone - it makes your skin look flawless

Sand Tropez Nail Polish by Essie: A gorgeous, neutral color that would look great with any pair of sandals

xx

A