Boho White Top with Denim and Booties

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

I think I could live in white shirts. In fact, I predominately do. There's just something so clean and classic about a white top. (Well, until you drip coffee on it. #reallife) My daily go-to is a white v-neck tee (ordered in a size up and tall length so it hangs how I like it), but my other favorite white tops in warmer months are airy, flowy tunics that feel feminine and comfortable.

This is one of those outfits that I feel like I could wear on repeat day after day. Vary up the pants to include some fun denim (like these rustic skinnies), change up the shoes with sandals or wedges (like these bright espadrilles), and grab another white blouse with unique details (like this one-shouldered cutie or this asymmetrical boho look). It's a simple, clean combo that works equally well for running errands with the little one as it does for meeting up with friends, going to church, and cooking-out with the fam. (Or in this case, grabbing some coffee with M at one of our favorite local shops. Holla, Craftwork!)

I also love how easy this top is for nursing. It look me a bit to figure out that it's much easier to pull down the neckline to discreetly feed Ash, versus pulling my whole shirt up. I will sometimes throw a light scarf in the diaper bag to wear when we're feeding out-and-about so that neither of us have to sweat to death under a big blanket.

And can I just take a quick minute to give a big ol' e-hug to shoe makers who embrace the chunky heel? These TOMS are so easy to wear, even when I'm standing and carrying Ash for hours at a time. (We've yet to sit during a whole church service, but I ain't even mad about it.) Plus, tassels. I'm eyeing these beauties for my next shoe splurge.

And here's some free advice: when you find a perfect piece that you know you'll wear to death (like this top)...buy two. (I am wearing the medium but will likely order another in small for a slimmer fit, too.)

Top: Tobi (On Sale!) c/o // Denim: Ann Taylor // Booties: TOMS // Necklace: Kendra Scott // Pochette: Louis Vuitton

Tips for Shopping Online

Confession: I hate going shopping for clothes. Clammy dressing rooms, racks upon racks of clothes, overly perky sales people, mannequins...the whole thing wears me out. I am by no means a fashionista, but online shopping, I can do. Since I have grown quite adept at procuring items from the comfort of my couch, I wanted to share some tips for shopping online for clothes that have come in handy for me over the years.

Consider Proportion

This is such a massive aspect of how things fit, to which I don't think enough people pay attention. The style or item may be all the rage, but if the lines are not right for YOU, then it will not be flattering. I've fallen victim of this too many times myself. For example, I used to clamor for midi-length dresses and skirts because they mostly covered my pale legs yet were cooler than a maxi. However, that style cut my legs at an odd spot, and since I'm 5'4" and not prone to wear fabulously tall nude heels with said midi length, it made me look frumpy. And if you've got an hourglass shape, honey, work that middle with a cute belt! Don't hide under boxy layers just because tunics and skinnies work on Pinterest babes.

Dress Your Age

Tough love time, ladies. If you're shopping exclusively at online boutiques that are geared toward college-ages gals, but in real life you're a 30-something executive with a mortgage and kids, it may be time to expand your shopping game. I have no qualms myself about finding some pieces from fast fashion sites like this, such as maxi dresses to wear to the lake house, or trendy tops for running errands. But anything that I plan to hang onto for more than a season (which is most things these days), I expand my search and plan to pay a little more for something that will last and continue to wear well. I'd just look way too dumb in festival-worthy gear while loading up on laundry detergent at Target.

Size Charts are Your Friend

Grab a measuring tape -- buy one if you don't have one -- and consult the size chart. It's right there with the item, a quick view before clicking "Order," and will save you a lot of grief in returns or feeling like a buffalo because you bought your normal size and it's an epic fail. Sizing is all over the place lately ("vanity sizing," you're fooling no one), so especially if this is your first order from a site or brand, don't skip this step.

Strike a Pose

Look at the model who is wearing the clothes. (If you're perusing a site that doesn't show the clothes on a person, shop elsewhere. You're gambling.) If it looks iffy on the she-giraffe with impeccable style, it's going to be a hot mess on anyone else. Wide leg pants are this way for me. They always look just kind-of-OK on the model, which translates to potato sack race-ready for gals who don't have legs for days.

Similarly, if an item is available in multiple colors, click on the images of the other colors, even if you're not into that hue. This can sometimes help you see more detail or how the fabric lays that you would have missed if you were only looking at the initial image. I find this is true a lot with items I'm considering in white or black. Once I click on some of the color options, I realize that perhaps the material isn't as nice as hoped, or I pick up on a detail or something about the cut that I would have missed.

Undergarments and Care

Some items require a one-of-a-kind bra that you have to do some swift yoga moves to get into. Or, more daring: no bra at all. If you're a strapless-bras-are-as-high-maintenance-as-I-get kinda gal, don't order that top. Or let's say that a billowy dress you love appears to be potentially see-through, consider how airy you'll feel when you have to layer underneath a slip and full-coverage panties to avoid sharing your underbits with everyone at the grocery store. Just know what works for you, and it you can't figure out the undergarment situation to make an outfit work while it's in your cart, you'll more than likely never end up wearing it. 

Also, if the idea of taking clothes to the dry cleaners makes you cringe, check the care instructions and don't buy dry clean only. This is an obvious point, but it's an easy thing to overlook and fall in love with an item that just isn't practical.

Wardrobe Harmony

If adding a new piece necessitates buying a half dozen other new pieces before it really has some semblance of outfit-potential, or if you can't envision a whole outfit around that piece using items you own (since people tend to frown upon going out in a blouse sans bottoms), you should probably pass. Chances are, that item will end up at the back of your closet with the tag still on years later. However, if you've been eyeballing a certain piece for a while that you want to incorporate into your look, think about how you will style it in a way that doesn't feel like dress-up and will elevate your overall wardrobe. (If, for instance, this purchase would be the final push to get rid of those five other sad tops that you just don't wear but can't seem to get rid of, then go for it! Less is more, and you'll inevitably get a better cost-per-wear when you have fewer but well-loved items.)

Speaking of cost-per-wear, do the math. A fabulous strapless dress that maxes out your monthly clothing budget is something you'd wear twice a year (or maybe twice ever), so consider how you might better invest in your wardrobe. If you're due for a new pair of jeans, that money might be better spent on something you know you'll wear several times a week. Example: A $200 dress is great for the cocktail party you may attend next month, but it's $200 per wear until the other party offers come rolling in. Meanwhile, if you spent that $200 on an awesome pair of jeans, you can get those down $5 per wear after just one season (assuming they're in rotation three days a week). A splurge is not a bad thing here and there, but lock down solid staples in your closet first so that you feel great in your clothes every single day, not just a few times a year.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for shopping online for clothes?

Stay-at-Home Style: Romper and a Sweater

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

I am silly fortunate to be able to work from home on a part-time basis, which allows me plenty of time to still be near my little man. On days when I'm largely going to be playing on the floor with Ash, you can catch me in leggings and a white t-shirt, hair thrown up and out of the way of tiny, pinching fingers. But when I know I have errands to run or we're going to meet up with folks at some point, I like to try to look slightly less busted.  

One of my favorite outfits for stay-at-home days is a cute romper with a sweater. The beauty of a romper is that it's one simple piece, and moving into summer, they're effortlessly cool. This one from Tobi.com is super airy, and I love the gray and white combo. I'll grab one of my trusty cardigans to throw on top so that I'm comfortable whether we're grocery shopping or enjoying a shaded walk around the Fort Worth Zoo. (We got an annual pass and it has more than paid for itself with regular quick trips for our family walks!)

Accessory wise, I add some simple studs (because, again, pinchy fingers...I seriously don't know how moms wear fabulous dangly earrings with an infant) and my Goobie Baby teething necklace (which I've talked about here before). I love that it doesn't look like "baby jewelry," yet I don't have to worry if Asher starts gnawing on it (which he always does).

Another effortless aspect of this look: you can throw on a pair of cute sandals or booties to meet up with friends or enjoy a date with Baby Daddy, and you're good to go! When I'm home, however, I'm all about my well-worn fuzzy slippers, or my favorite flip flops if we're spending time outside. (Ash could probably spend all day outside and be one happy camper. I, on the other hand, can frequently be seen spastically swatting away at any variety of winged things. #graceful)

Romper: Tobi c/o // Cardigan: Target  // Necklace: Goobie Baby (On sale!) // Slippers: Target (similar) // Mug: Anthropologie

My Maternity Stitch Fix

For those of you who don't already know, I'm a huge fan of Stitch Fix. I have received five regular "Fixes" in the past, and I usually end of keeping every piece. I learned early that strong communication (via your Style Profile, and notes to the Stylist when scheduling your Fix) and having an updated Pinterest style board goes a long way to getting pieces that you actually want and like. And don't forget to mention those little preferences too, such as "no Dry Clean Only pieces," "I need something for X occasion," or "I hate showing my pasty pale legs." They're usually great about considering all those details, and it saves having to hit up boutique after boutique to find fun, unique pieces. (I should probably explain for those of y'all who don't know, but I hate to clothes shop. Like, hates it. So a box of curated clothes and accessories delivered to my front door--free shipping both ways, Halleluyer--is a dream come true.)

My baby bump is getting to the size where my normal clothes are just not as comfortable, and bigger, non-maternity pieces make me feel like a potato. (I think everyone hits this wall at different points in their pregnancy, but apparently my magic number is 19.5 weeks. Potato.) While there are plenty of local stores that carry maternity clothes (Target, Gap, etc.), remember: I hate shopping. Shopping while potato? So bad, I can't even. Enter: Stitch Fix.

Note: You will not see me model this Fix. Perhaps next time, when I'm wearing makeup and feel less 'tater-like.

So here's the haul...

Prettiest package of my week...and I get a lot of packages via mail these days. (Online shopping, FTW!)

#1 - Loveappella Hartley Maternity Dress ($68) 

I really wanted to like this dress (because I asked for a maternity dress that I could dress up or down for upcoming Summer events), but I had a feeling it would be a tough fit. I did a bit of online stalking to see some other maternity Fits, and it seems this dress is a popular one for stylists to send. But no one ever seems to keep it, so I didn't have high hopes. I totally get why my stylist sent it, though, because I have a ton of striped dresses pinned to my style board. But the stripes and light fabric just weren't flattering, so it's going back.

{Verdict: RETURN}




#2 - Nine West Orlagh D'Orsay Flats ($89)
These are just fabulous, and I love me some good flats. But I have no need for shoes at the moment (especially when my feet are likely to swell in the coming months), save for some good sneakers to better support my back. I will say, however, that I'm super excited that SF carries shoes. This is relatively recent, so I have no doubt I will request some sassy kicks in the future.

{Verdict: RETURN}

#3 - Loveappella Lauretta Maternity Skirt ($54)

This skirt was really cute in theory, and I loved the print. But the fit wasn't working (perhaps the size was just off, but I am easily confused by maternity sizing, so hard to know for sure), and I'm much more apt to wear maxi skirts (remember: pale legs), so I'd rather save the budget for a piece I'm likely to wear on a regular basis.

{Verdict: RETURN}

#4 - Full Moon Isha Tie Neck Maternity Top ($54)

This top is exactly why I Stitch Fix. LOVES IT. I would probably never think to pick this up in a store, yet I've wanted a top like this for ages. It's a beautiful grayish olive color, and even though it has longer sleeves, the fabric is so light that I will likely be rocking this all throughout the year. (Friends IRL, I'm sorry in advance for wearing this top on the regular. One day, I will wear other things. One day.) It's a flowy A-line shape without making me look like a potato in a tent (you know what I'm talking about), and looks adorbs with my favorite capri jeans (which I just so happened to have scored from a past Fix)...although, my BeBand is working really hard these days, so it may be time for some panel pants. (Hawt.)

{Verdict: KEEP!}

#5 - Market & Spruce Sollas Maternity Top ($38)

This item totally fit the bill of a great everyday piece. The material is so soft (like all of the Market & Spruce tops that I've kept, which is at least 3 at this point), and I really like the color. It's a little big on me, but I like that I can still wear it now and grow into it. 

{Verdict: KEEP}

To recap, I kept 2 out of the 5 pieces, and all but one item in the shipment were great selections given my asks. (And I seriously don't fault them for sending those fabulous flats. Just not the right time.) Something I've learned with my Fixes, though, is that you have to do the math. I wasn't sure I would keep the Market & Spruce top, as much as I liked it, because I knew that I could find similar for a lower price point. However, once I calculated in a referral credit on my account, as well as the Styling Fee Credit (which is the $20 fee for each Fix, all of which gets applied to anything you keep, so you only "lose it" if you send everything back), which I technically received as a promo on this order thanks to a postcard in the mail (waiting a bit between orders apparently pays off), I got to keep the teal shirt for free! So don't forget to run the numbers. And because you get 25% off if you keep all 5 items, it's not uncommon that the discount amounts to a free item (or two) within the Fix. 

All in all, I'm pleased with my first Maternity Fix, and I can't wait to do another down the road in this pregnancy. I left detailed feedback when I checked out (you can chime in on every item, in detail), so I know the next one will be even better. And thanks to Stitch Fix, this potato didn't have to step foot in a dressing room!

If you're ready to sign up for a Fix, head on over the create your Style Profile! This is not a sponsored post, but I do receive a referral credit when you sign up and order a Fix using the link provided in this post. Ain't no shame in my game.

Favorite Fall Boots

As soon as the temp gauge drops below, oh, eighty-five degrees, I'm ready to bust out my trusty boots and layer it up! I've definitely learned over the years that good boots are worth the investment, having seen some of my favorites stick with me for at least half a decade, while others fizzle out after a single season (booooo).

 

I'm also realizing that, like any other element of a well-rounded wardrobe, variety and versatility is key in curating a decent collection of kicks. For years, I thought that all outfits would look fine with either brown shoes or black shoes...the end. But I have had so much more fun thinking outside the box and assembling looks inspired by the whole picture, head-to-toe, versus treating shoes as an afterthought.

 

Here are some of my favorite styles to mix it up this fall, featuring some staples and some sassies...

 

The Wedge Bootie

I adore these cuties paired with skinny jeans or boyfriends and some quirky socks (like brightly colored argyle), or laced atop opaque tights with a swingy skirt and cozy sweater. Heel height is always more tolerable when it's a wedge, and suede is especially yummy for this look.

{Loving: Clarks Vogue Aurora}

 

The Rain Boot

Every time I traipse outside to check on our garden or try to coax Scrappy off the roof (he forgets how to climb back down the tree that got him up there every.single.time), I wish I had a cutie pair of rain boots. Not only are they (obviously) well suited for rainy conditions, but they're perfect for yard work and gardening, especially if your yard is also perpetually brimming with fire ants.

{Loving: Chooka Classic Dot}

The Stylish Heel

Boots with a "look" are the coolest, and the details are the tipping point between simply covering your feet and getting noticed. Unexpected styling, like hardware, toe shape, or shaft design, can transform an otherwise low key outfit into a pulled-together ensemble.These also provide ample opportunity to mix styles and keep things interesting (think: t-shirt, pleated midi, messy full ponytail, and biker boots). 

{Loving: Cobb Hill Alexandra}

The Equestrian Boot

One of my favorite looks that has stuck around for several autumns now is dresses/skirts with tights and riding boots. The juxtaposition is still fresh and keeps the look from being too fussy. (The hobbling around on sky-high heels look was never a good one. God bless you gals who can rock those inches with finesse!) I wear my riding boots pretty much all weekend and evenings after work. They replace my beloved Rainbows as soon as the weather cools.

{Loving: Frye Melissa Harness Inside Zip}

 

The Ankle Boot

Booties can be very hit or miss for me, largely due to short legs and retired-ballerina calves. But the ankle boot is a great way to flirt with the trend without looking like I'm sporting hooves. (You know what I mean.) A chunky heel can provide some height without sacrificing mobility, and the shaft length is a stylish compliment to all those skinnies running around out there these days.

{Loving: Paul Green Sullivan Bootie}

 

This season, I am going to invest in a good (i.e. real leather) pair of flat black boots. This is long overdue, and I've got my eye on these Franco Sarto lovelies while they're on sale.

 

What is your go-to boot for fall? Any new additions on your radar?

 

Thank you to OnlineShoes.com for sponsoring this post! The opinions reflected here are my own and I stand by my selections...even the kicky galoshes.

Friday Night Lights...Patio Style

Yes, yes, I know that Friday Night Lights is a reference to football. But this gal, not a huge fan of watching sports (unless you consider "Chopped" sports), so this Friday night, we are enjoying another kind of lights.

M and I finally got the tools we needed (i.e. a wicked tall ladder) to hang some string lights in our backyard, a project that we've been wanting to tackle since we moved into our bungalow. There is a small patio out back, perfect for our petite fire pit and a close group of friends, and it was practically begging for some enchanting lighting to set the mood. We strung clear orb lights from the roof to the top of our side fence, creating a lit awning over the patio as you exit the door from the kitchen to the backyard.They cast the perfect amount of light to play games and see companys' faces as we visit in our adirondack chairs, and we can't wait to also add some torches and lanterns to welcome many fall and winter evenings spent outdoors!

Owl Warm and Cozy mug // Hermes Avalon blanket // Zyga Lace Sweater

Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans // Terrain Starlight citronella candle // Lola Rose ring

OPI Pamplona Purple // TOMS Harper Cordones Oxford

 

Cozy nights call for comfy duds, great coffee (or a cocktail), the most gorgeous blanket ever, and just a touch of citronella to keep the pests away. (Texas insects don't respect the correlation between Pumpkin Spice Latte's arrival and the need for all things summer to scram.)

 

Where will you cozy up this Friday night?

 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway I'm hosting through Sunday!

 



{Friday's Fancies} Summer to Fall Transition

OK, it's not like the leaves are turning and the brisk days of autumn have descended upon Texas just yet. (Hi, it's 99 degrees. Nor do either of those things really happen during the next few months around here.) But! It has fallen below triple digits, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes have returned, so let's not split hairs about it. I heart fall, and though it'd be less-than-advisable to bust out the scarves and tights just yet, the time is right for starting to think about transitioning my wardrobe. (Which, for me, is a literal transition, since I keep seasonal clothes in plastic bins under the bed to keep my closet neat. Nerd alert!)

Kate Spade studs // studded belt // Michael Kors Selma satchel // Mango print dress

Cashmere cardigan // Olivia Burton watch // Steve Madden Cinch booties

 

Warm florals, like this cutie Mango dress, are perfect for layering with muted, neutral tones in great textures and a soft pop of color to make the move from sweating to sweaters. Ankle booties are a fantastic way to get your boot on without donning anything too heavy before the temps really head south. And all of these pieces will be equally as appropriate several months from now, with the simple addition of some subtly textured tights and a lightweight scarf.

 

And can we just take a moment for that bag? Michael Kors, you do lovely work.

 Check out all the Fancies over at {Long Distance Loving}

Fall Wishlist: Skirts

Prior to being with M, I didn't often wear skirts or dresses. I thought them fussy, likely because the rare occasion on which I would pull out one of my archived numbers was a bit fussy in and of itself, and I wouldn't be escaping the event without sore feet (a la high heels) and those awkward lines that remain on your abdomen after you've worn a strapless bra for several hours. (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)

Chalk it up to love or slowly coming into my own, but I am now a skirt/dress-wearing fool! While the right shoes and undergarments definitely help overcome the annoyance of dressing up, so too does the atmospheric change that seems to come when dressing like a lady. People open doors, you mind your posture, and I can't help but feel giddy when I notice hubs checking out my legs. (He still has love goggles going strong, so these pasty, bruise-laden gams actually do something for him. God bless 'em.)

Summer is a natural season for embracing the ease of skirts, but I absolutely cannot wait to keep this trend going into the fall. Here is a roundup of some of my favorite shapes and textures for fall.

{Clockwise from top left: Tressi tulle skirt, H&M leather skirt, Mango printed skirt, Jo No Fui lace pencil skirt, Valentino R.E.D. printed satin skirt}

What is your favorite way to style a skirt? Do you prefer pants or skirts during the autumn months? 

{Fridays Fancies} Long Weekend

Long weekends may be few and far between, but when they roll around, I can't help by happy dance and throw a little parade. Work can be so stressful, and I unfortunately let it get me down more than I should. But having extra days off to spend with my honey, nest a bit, sip coffee and catch up on R&R, it really is so revitalizing.

And yes, I realize I included a cardi despite the fact that it is still in the triple digits in Texas, but I don't plan on being outside except for some early morning gardening, so bring on the cuddly sweaters and the (mostly functioning) air conditioning. To those of you in breezy climates, soak it up for me, will ya!

Studs // Tank // Rag and Bone boyfriends // Chucks

Cardigan // Ring // OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark

 

Check out my Fancies from last Labor Day {here}! (How has that been a year?!) Funny to see that not much has changed; I can still chatter endlessly about coffee, cardigans, and kitties.

{Friday's Fancies} Treat Time

One of my favorite snacks during the Texas summers is peaches. Good ol' southern peaches make me very, very happy, be they white, yellow, whatever! Summer also tends to get me on a sangria kick. It's like a Pavlovian thing: as soon as the temp gets over 95 and there's even the slightest breeze in the trees, I start salivating for a patio and a cool glass of fruit-infused wine. Now, put these two lovelies together...Ya-hum. Today's fancy was inspired by the vibrant loveliness that is peach sangria. 

{Peach Sangria via Everyday Occasions - gorg blog!}

Witchery Sunnies // Kate Spade Necklace // Alice + Olivia Dress
Asos Studs // Celine Tote // Tory Burch Sandals

What treats make your little heart pitter-patter during the warm summer days?

Check out all the fabulous Fancies over at {long distance loving}!

Wardrobe Staples

"But Natty," you say, "those are accessories you got there. That's hardly a 'wardrobe.'"

Well, see now, that's where I'd have to disagree with you, dear fake-reader-posing-a-fake-response. In my little world, these pieces go a long way in pulling together a polished, stylish, signature look.

I am not a shopper. In fact, I detest it. (I know, there goes my future as a legit fashion blogger, which was really quite bright and full of promise, seeing as I post my outfits never.) It stresses me out, I get hot, and my hair always triples in size in the trying-on process. Plus, I'm cheap as all get out. Enter: accessories.

Ever since I was a babe traipsing around the house in a hot pink onesie, I poured on oodles of baubles and carried at least three handbags at any given time. (Toddlers have a lot of stuff in need for schleaping, y'all.) And while these days I still consider myself fairly minimalist, I've bounced back from the totally bland phases of black-shoes-go-with-everything and why-paint-my-nails-when-I-can-just-bite-them-off-completely. (Bleeding cuticles? Not hot.)

With a well-balanced collection of shoes, belts, jewelery and nail color, you can throw together even the most mundane items and look like you put in some effort. And isn't that the goal? To focus more on life than on what you're wearing, but to still feel great in your own (comfy) shoes. The key is maintaining a balance of neutrals (practical and versatile) and pops of color (lively and inspired) that align with your go-to palette, and incorporate plenty of texture (snakeskin, metallic, linen) and some classic prints (leopard, stripes, polka dots. For example, I wear a lot of gray and browns, so I tend to lean toward warm beiges, coral, and gold to compliment the earth tones, and seek out rich shades of aqua and violet to perk up the darker neutrals. And when in doubt, a clean white blouse is the perfect canvas for mixing and matching the contents of your accessory closet.

Accessories are also a great way to experiment with trends, but if something just feels too silly and "not you," pass. If your style is evolving and you're not quite sure what colors and looks you lean toward (the awareness of which ensures you'll get the most use out of your collection, because cost-per-wear is really the value of an item), use resources like Pinterest and fashion blogs (some of my faves are Signe Roo, Kendi Everyday, Selective Potential, M Loves M, and Pink Peonies) to explore what you like, what you don't, and how you can refine some of the items or style you already have going for you.

 

{Friday's Fancies} Serious Sunnies

A style prompt to take inspiration from great shades? Count me in! Thinking of iconic sunnies, I can't help but immediately picture Ms. Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Dressed to the nines, coffee and donut in hand, and sweet sunnies...gal's got taste, y'all.

I opted for a modern Audrey get-up: classic, stylish, and charming. I am a sucker for Ray Bans any day of the week, and these torties are just fabulous.

Sunnies // Dress // Flats // Bag
Ring (heart) // Ring (cross) // Studs // Watch

What shades will you be sporting this weekend?



Check out all the fabulous Fancies over at {long distance loving}!

{Friday's Fancies} Memorial Day 2013

The long weekend is mere hours away, y'all!

We will be spending part of MDW at the lake house (where we were married) with family and friends, and the other part will likely be spent around the house, working in the yard and catching up on movies when we need a break from the heat.

My ideal summer outfit is lightweight and free from fuss, yet still makes me feel put together (since humidity turns me into a ragamuffin within). Topped with a high pony and sweatproof makeup, this look calls for a cold brew and some fresh fruit by the water.

Top // Belt // Shorts // Sandals
Sunnies // Tote // Earrings // Watch

...And sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen. (Pale girl buzz kill.)

Hope y'all are safe and have a wonderful holiday weekend! 

What are you up to this weekend?

Just for fun, check out my Fancies post from last Memorial Weekend.

{Wedding Wednesday} Bridal Details

Some brides dream of their wedding dress for ages. I honestly didn't think too much about it until I was engaged, but I pretty quickly honed in on what I wanted: simple silhouette, sweetheart neckline, modern lace, and comfortable. I didn't want anything too fussy that would require extensive undergarments. 

M's mom and two sisters came with me to shop, and it was so helpful to have them with me. Lucky for me, I fell for the second dress I tried on. I tried on one more, just to say I tried a Wang, but I was sold already. And once the dress was locked in, everything else fell right into place...

The dress came with an attached soft white ribbon belt, but I was not a fan. I looked at several sashes, balking at the price of what was essentially ribbon with some sparklies on it. (I swear, anything with "wedding" in the title costs at least twice what you'd expect.) My Anthropologie catalog arrived shortly thereafter, and after flipping a few pages, I knew I had found my belt. It was gray, elegant, and priced well. Done and done.

We starting planning our outdoor, fall wedding and wanted the event to feel like an intimate dinner party (for, you know, 180 people). We were graciously offered our venue of choice (a beautiful private lake house where we had spent several peaceful weekends as guests of the family). I knew that my aisle would be a path of stone stairs leading down the backyard descending toward the lake, so flats were an easy decision for me. I opted for TOMS ballet flats in gray linen.

I tend to favor simple, modest accessories, and didn't want to deviate from my usual style for the Big Day. (I like the philosophy of looking like the best version of yourself on your wedding day.) Both my engagement ring and wedding band are gold, so I opted for dainty gold pieces that would compliment the dress and gray pieces. I found both my earrings and bracelet on Etsy, and could hardly wait to sport my new monogram!

In the same vein of sticking with my signature style, I opted to do my own makeup and had my sister-in-law do my hair. Getting ready in my room, listening to The Civil Wars, and visiting with friends as they circulated throughout the day was such a precious way to spend those hours before finally getting to lay my eyes on my groom. The final detail: a spritz of my favorite scent.

There is so much to be said for trusting your gut and making decisions that allow you to feel beautiful and comfortable on your wedding day. Don't feel like you have to keep up with the high-end weddings that pepper Pinterest and bridal magazines. It's unnecessary stress. It's about you and your handsome groom, celebrating your love and pledging to honor one another for life. 

You'll be glowing, I assure you.  

Photos: {1-5} Kim Hayes Photography, {6} Ron Gonzalez (my brother-in-law!)

Dress: Galina

Shoes: TOMS

Belt: Anthropologie

Earrings: Le Petit Ruban {Etsy}

Bracelet: Marinette Jewelry {Etsy}

{More of our wedding details}

The Flowers

The Food

The Reception