Friday's Fancies: Beach Chic

This week's theme for FF was "Beach Chic" and to be honest, all I really need are a few key essentials and I'm good to go. I haven't found any swimsuits this season that I'm absolutely in love with- but since J.Crew has free shipping & returns I'm tempted to try one out. I love the idea of mixing patterns/colors. I may not be that daring with my outfits every day but with a swimsuit there's really no pressure. Throw in a chic cover up (I'm loving all things crochet) and a fun towel/beach bag & you're off to the beach. 

ASOS Sandal (similar) / J.Crew top / J.Crew bottom / Tote / Tunic / Sunglasses / Towel

This weekend I have very little planned which is probably a good thing since last weekend was insanely busy. I'm hoping to dine al fresco tonight with the boyfriend and my best friend & make it to the St. Pat's festival downtown tomorrow during the day. What are your plans? 

Should I?

Yes, I know. I've been sucking at life, posting, etc. But I have a serious question: Should I buy this wallet? I wanted the orange one but I waited too long and it sold out. It's a part of the "Sale on Sale" at Kate Spade. Do I settle for yellow? I'm in desperate need of a new wallet and it's only $66.

Tudor City 'Stacy'

The Weekend

This weekend was far from relaxing (in all the best ways possible). Friday I spent the day on a "barcrawl" with work friends and then Saturday I went up to Lake Geneva for the rest of the weekend. I celebrated a friend's graduation and then spent Sunday with my dad. It was so great to see friends from college however I  am in definite need of a detox all week (and a whole lot of sleep!). How was your weekend? 

{A new patterned skirt & a spicy strawberry margarita @Zed451}

{A new clutch & an IPA at Rock Bottom}

{Reunited with some old roomies}

{Boating to the bar}

{On Wisconsin!}

{Sunday spent with this cute face}

Friday's Fancies: Block Party

I know I say this every week- but I'm so glad it's Friday. I am off at 12 and then going on a rooftop bar crawl with my co-workers at 2. I am so excited to try out a few new places in Chicago and enjoy the beautiful weather. Yay for summer! Anyways, this weeks Friday's Fancies are all about colorblocking. I really love a colorblock top or dress but I think it's fun to put together your own colorblocking sometimes. The best thing about these two outfits? I can switch the tops, shoes, and jewelry and it looks just as great. Any fun plans this weekend?

As always, stop by Long Distance Loving for more colorblock inspiration!

Craving Watermelon

First of all, I apologize for my radio silence these past few days. I do my very best to post consistently but things have been a bit hectic. Also, to be honest I've been feeling less than inspired and did not want to half-ass a post. Since today is the summer solstice, I figured it would be appropriate to focus on something I've been seeing all over the internet and which always reminds me of summer- watermelons. I don't know if I have the guts to rock that ASOS shirt but that swimsuit I could definitely manage- too cute. If watermelon isn't exactly your thing- the pairing of bright green shorts and a watermelon pink accessory is a fun way to incorporate the trend. What do you think? Love it or leave it? 

However, I prefer my watermelon in the form of a mojito.

Sandal Trend

I saw a pair of bright pink Kate Spade sandals on Laura's blog yesterday and I fell in love. Once I started perusing the internet I came across a ton of sandals (flats, wedges, heels) that all had one thing in common: a bow. I think it's a fun and feminine touch to the basic flat sandal that can be easily dressed up or down. I think those Zara ones (at only $29) need to be mine. Do you like the trend? 

 Zara Sandal w/ Bow / Lanvin Satin Bow Flat / Charlotte Olympia Alexa Sandal / Tory Burch Kailey Sandal / Red Valentino  

Need, Want, Must Have

This week I'm loving orange and pinks. Maybe it's the warm weather that we've been having- but it's definitely feeling like summer in Chicago. My personal favorites? That adorable Kate Spade pouch, a lacy Topshop skirt, and that Madewell dot tank. What are you loving this week? 

F21 Lacquer Wing Bracelet / Kate Spade Latrice Pump / Madewell Tank / Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings / Butter London Nailpolish / Topshop Skinny Bow Belt / Topshop Blazer

Friday's Fancies: Short + Sweet

Yay! It's finally Friday. And I am done with work at 12 today, woo! (Sorry to rub it in) This week Friday's outfit is all about shorts. I love this pair by Splendid because they are casual enough to throw on with a t-shirt or you can dress them up with a silky tank & a blazer. I also really like the clashing patterns. I think the best rule of thumb for mixing patterns is to pair one subtle pattern with a louder one. It's important to keep the colors pretty simple too. 

What are your plans for the weekend? Graduation Party Season has officially begun for me and I will be attending (3!) on Saturday. I can assure you my crazy Saturday will be followed up by a relaxing Sunday on the boat in Lake Geneva.

Happy Weekend! xx

Because I like you.

Today, I'll be brief. Because it's almost the weekend and well, I'm just not in a chatty mood today. I thought I'd share something I recently stumbled upon: EBATES. It is honestly the best thing that's ever come of my online shopping habit. It's free to sign up and all you do is visit your favorite stores via the website, buy something, and you receive cash back. I've already gotten $25 back and I've been on it for a week (don't judge me). 

Also, if you knew about this wonderful website and didn't tell me sooner- we're in a fight. Do any of you use it already? Or are there better sites out there? I'd really love to know. 

*This is in no way, shape, or form a sponsored post. I just wanted to be a nice person and save you money and encourage your online shopping problem.

Need, Want, Must Have

I start summer hours this week at work. Which means I can take half days on Friday's or work one full Friday and take a full Friday off. I can barely contain my excitement which is in return making this week feel like the longest of my life. I'm loving a lot of different things this week from a detailed LBD to bright orange shorts. I have to say my favorite thing on here is the Revlon lipstain- it has really become an essential in my makeup bag. It's perfect for a night out or a day at the beach. What are you loving this week?

1. Topshop Neon Shorts 2. ASOS Clutch 3. ALDO Vivolo  4. Essie Lovie Dovie & Essie Mojito Madness 5. Topshop Panel Sleeve Tee 6. Jennifer Zeuner Sea Horse Necklace 7. Revlon Just Bitten 8. J.Crew Braided Belt9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Muriel Dress

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Let me start this post off with telling you that I am in no way, shape, or form "domestic". I like the idea of cooking but grocery shopping and then cooking for an hour just does not sound appealing when I get home at night. I do however, love to bake. The fact that I can eat dessert for every meal may be a big part of it. I've been trying to eat better which is a struggle with such a big sweet tooth. I've found many sites I love that do low-cal versions of my favorite treats and they honestly taste delicious. Here is one of my newest favorites adapted from this receipe. These didn't last in my house for more than a day (and it makes 12!). 

Hello, June!

The first weekend in June was a great one and it really has me excited for all the things to come this month. 

What are you looking forward to this month/summer?

swimsuit & tote can be found here & here

images via here, here, here, here

Friday's Fancies: Rock the White

Can you believe it's already June?! I feel like the first half of the year flew by. I'm excited to finally be back with a new Friday's Fancies. This week it's all about white. And I have to say my favorite white piece of clothing are my white jeans. They are just as versatile as a traditional blue denim pair and are perfect for summer. I put together two looks- one for the day and one for a night out. In the summer I'm fairly casual when I go out so the night outfit may work for some people during the day as well. I really love pairing white jeans with some sort of blouse (sleeveless, patterned, etc.). I also included one of my favorite color combinations lately- turquoise, orange, and tan. As always, be sure to stop by Long Distance Loving for more outfit inspiration!

Rich & Skinny White Jeans  Day:  L'Agence Tan Silk Blouse / Dooney & Burke Bag /Bauble Bar Elliptical Bib / Ray Ban Classic Aviator / Nine West Sandal  Night: Malene Birger Floral Blouse / Sam Edelman Wedge / Tinley Road Studs ($22!) / Turquoise Clutch

After an eventful weekend in Nashville, I plan to spend this weekend laying low with the boyfriend. The weather in Chicago is supposed to be back up in the 80's by Sunday and I'm going to head up to Lake Geneva to hang out with my dad on the boat. What are your weekend plans?