Mosaic

Mosaic

6.27.2016

Sleeveless, cotton swing dresses are kind of the best thing ever for summer. This is such an easy dress to throw on for brunch, for work or to run errands in (or in this case - to go get ice cream in). Effortless, light pieces are my favorite for summertime - especially on days when it's too hot to fuss over what you're going to be wearing. I decided to brighten up my blue dress with a few yellow accessories. I always go back and forth when it comes to my favorite color, but I think I've finally decided that it's sunshine yellow - what color could look any happier?LOFT DRESS, NECKLACE (Similar) AND SUNGLASSES | OLD NAVY SANDALS | MICHAEL KORS WATCH | NINE WEST PURSE (Old)

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I can't believe this is the last Monday of June, time has just been flying! I'm already looking forward to the long weekend ahead. I have a few fun things planned with Derek, my family and friends. 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays! Plus, I'm a sucker for a good red, white and blue combo. What are you looking forward to this week? 

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Summer 2016 Bucket List

Summer 2016 Bucket List

6.20.2016

Happy official First Day of Summer everybody! I absolutely love this time of year, there's nothing like some serious sunshine, beach days or hanging out at one of the many beer gardens around Philadelphia. I've put together a little summer bucket list for this year - keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to cross off most of these things!

1. Have at least one (preferably a few) beach day with a group of my friends. 
2. Buy a 4th of July outfit. 
3. Make another flag cake this year - yum!
4. Go camping out near Pittsburgh for a weekend. 
5. Take a 3-day vacation to Rhode Island at the end of the summer with Derek. (Any suggestions on which towns to visit!?) 
6. Go to the outdoor Philadelphia flea market and find a few thrifted goodies for my home. 
7. Buy a new coffee table and a rug to brighten up my home with. (And then invite my friends over and make cocktails.) 
8. Go to a Lavender Farm. 
9. Rent a boat and go kayaking or canoeing. 
10. Take part in Philadelphia's festivities - whether it's summer festivals, picnics in the park or chilling at beer gardens. 

What's on your summer bucket list? 

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Cake Decorating at Ella Vanilla

Cake Decorating at Ella Vanilla

6.17.2016

Located in the quaint neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, Ella Vanilla, a cake decorating supply store has set up shop at 7922 Germantown Avenue. You can find anything for your cake decorating needs (including glitter that you can put on your cupcakes!) and the best part? You can take cake decorating classes in the shop! A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity along with a few other Philly bloggers to take a class and it was such a fun night. The shop was painted yellow and there were so many bright colors and polka dots around - it was such a cheery, bright space. Noelle DeSantis, the owner and founder of Ella Vanilla, was so much fun to work with and she was so incredibly patient as we worked our way through decorating our little cakes. 

If you and your friends are looking for a unique way to spend an evening, I would definitely suggest setting up one of these parties. We got the chance to learn how to mold fondant into decorative flowers and how to properly pipe icing to decorate the cake. We also got to take home our little cakes at the end of the class. It's safe to say that Derek and I devoured mine as soon as I got home from the class. Check out the upcoming events at Ella Vanilla and be sure to sign up for one! You won't be disappointed! You can also order cake kits to make your own fun creations at home. Thanks Ella Vanilla for having us!

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Little White Dress

Little White Dress

6.09.2016

One of my go-to pieces for spring and summer is the little white dress. It's super versatile - easy to dress up or down and easy to pair neutral pieces or colorful accessories! On his particular day I was all about color! I paired my favorite yellow Nine West bag that I got a few years ago with these bright Ann Taylor sandals and a thrifted necklace. Summers in the city can get hot and humid but bars or restaurants sometimes have the AC blasting, so it's never a bad idea to bring an extra layer with you. My favorite layer to add over a sundress is a denim jacket - I swear, denim jackets look good with any casual summer dress!MODCLOTH DRESS (Similar) | OLD NAVY JACKET | LOFT SUNGLASSES | THRIFTED NECKLACE | LOFT BELT | MICHAEL KORS WATCH | ANN TAYLOR SANDALS | NINE WEST PURSE (Old)

Shop this look (and more white dresses!):
I think that these LOFT sunglasses are my favorite pair right now. I've worn them in two other recent blog posts including with this green maxi dress and this chambray jumpsuit. I still have yet to invest in an expensive pair of sunglasses, but with the way I go through sunglasses I think I would be a little too nervous for that! On another note - this week I have paired up once again with Philly-blogger Sarah from Shades of Sarah on how to wear a LWD. Check out her adorable look below, I love how she paired this green jacket with her dress for an extra layer! Also - I'm loving those sandals. Check out the last time we teamed up to share how we styled clogs.

Sarah from Shades of Sarah styling her go-to LWD. 

How would you style a LWD?

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Reworking Older Pieces

Reworking Older Pieces

6.06.2016

Every piece that I'm wearing is at least 6 months old, most of the pieces being a few years old! With fast fashion we can feel so tempted to continue to buy, buy, buy but sometimes it's nice to take a look at what you currently have in your closet and what you haven't worn in awhile. I love mixing older pieces with new pieces but this time I challenged myself to wear only my older pieces and I ended up loving this outfit. In fact, I've worn it a few times since snapping these photos! 

 LOU & GREY TOP | LOFT JEANS, SHOES, BELT AND SUNGLASSES | MICHAEL KORS WATCH | J. CREW NECKLACE | FRANCESCA'S BAG

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES:

When you're out shopping, it's important to pick quality over quantity. Having pieces you can continuously work into your wardrobe will save you not only time when getting dressed in the morning but also money! When I'm out shopping and am thinking about purchasing a piece I always try to think of 3 different ways I could remix the piece in my wardrobe, and if I can't do that then I will pass on the item. What are a few of your shopping rules? 

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Friday Favorites. 01.

Friday Favorites. 01.

6.03.2016

• I've always been in love with the style of Parisian's. They pull of a effortless minimalistic sense of style that I can only wish to pull off. James from Bleubird shares a few inspiring French style images. 
• One-ingredient banana ice cream!? A must-try for the weekend! 
• Having a down day? Or feel like you could be happier? Check out this post by Design Sponge: How to Be Happier. 
• One of the things that my apartment needs the most is plants! Check out these 10 dreamy planters for all of your favorite succulents. 
• I always have trouble keeping my tops tucked into skirts or pants! Bodysuits could be the  solution for this issue. 
• When is it a better time to start a 30-day abs challenge than the beginning of the month?
• I'm going to go ahead and add Lake Como to my bucket list. Excuse me while I look up flight tickets to Italy.....
• Melissa from Skinny Affair has convinced me that I need to add a pair of white hot summer heels to my wardrobe. 
• It's never too early to start thinking of gift-ideas. Check out these 21 presents for 21 types of dad. 
• Scotland is one of my absolute favorite countries! Start planning your own trip now with these Top 10 Experiences in Scotland. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

*Image above by Kerry Pieri from Harper Bazaar Lake Como article

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Turning 23

Turning 23

6.01.2016

Turning 23 has by far been the strangest year to turn. It's not as "fun" as 22 and it's obviously not nearly as exciting as the big-2-1 bit I'm happy with it. I have a group of incredible friends, I live in an apartment that feels like home with Derek, I have a job that I love and want to grow in, I've seen parts of the world that I could only dream of before and I feel more comfortable in my own body than I thought I could be. 23 might not sound as outwardly exciting as 18, 21 or 22 but I'm more excited about this next year than any other. Life is ever changing, nothing in my life is near perfect and nothing ever stays the same for long. But right now, in this very moment, I am so so happy with my perfectly imperfect life. 

BANANA REPUBLIC DRESS | LOFT SUNGLASSES | LOFT NECKLACE | LOFT BELT | OLD NAVY SANDALS

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I picked up this dress from Banana Republic to wear for my birthday. This is one of my favorite shades of green and I love how silky the material is. I'm also all about finding a chic maxi that isn't too beachy looking to walk around the city in. It was perfect for a birthday that included brunch at Sabrina's by the Italian Market, shopping and a pit-stop for a macaron-filled dessert. 

I disappeared a little bit from the blog the last two weeks. First, I was battling the flu and bronchitis and then last week I spent most of the week in San Francisco! I'm so excited to share my trip next week. I fell in love with the city, quickly and I'm already daydreaming about the next time that I can go back! When am I not daydreaming about future adventures? 

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