Back to Basics.

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Memorial Day weekend has me dreaming of casual summer style and a classic button-down shirt is undoubtedly the most versatile staple you can have in your closet.  Knotted at the waist, worn as a swim suit cover up, over a dress, paired with white denim... the list goes on and on!  Just a few pictures of my favorite looks. 

How did you spend your long weekend?  I think the best part of a long weekend is the short week that follows. ; )  Have a great day!

Hello Summer.

I am oh-so-happy summer is officially here!
Enjoy the sunshine + water + please wear nautical stripes.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

[Photo via Sarah Tucker on Pinterest]

Thinking Green.

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While I would love to have vases of fresh flowers in every room as much as the next girl, I am on a budget and lack a green thumb.  After seeing these pictures, I'm making a point to add some greenery to my life.  How cute are the neon pots? An added bonus is that they last longer than flowers + are very apartment-friendly!  I think of these as durable flora.  Perfect for moi!

Mid-Week Mantra

via

Girl Crush + Other Tangents.

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I think Felicity Jones is so darn cute; a natural beauty.  I've been smitten with her pretty face + English accent since I first saw her in Like Crazy.  Have you seen it? 

Which leads me to my next point:  I've started watching True Blood (remember I'm usually tardy for the party on the trend of the moment?) and I am big. time. crushing on Andrew Skarsgård, also known as vampire Eric Northman.  I heard the rumor that Skarsgård is one of the choices for playing the Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey movie.  
 My vote is yes.

I say YES x fifty for these two as Ana + Christian.
What do you think?

My Favorite Gayle.

I thought Oprah's BFF was my favorite Gayle ... until J. Crew's Fashion Director.

Letters from Gayle are like rays of sunshine in my Gmail inbox.  Simply lovely + so inspiring.

Are you signed up for J. Crew's e-mails? If not, get on it. 

Happy Monday!

Back to Life, Back to Reality.

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It's Monday:  back 2 life, back 2 reality.  I had a relaxing weekend at home with my family +  a quick trip to Austin to see one of my best friends on Saturday night.  I thought I'd keep the party going + kick the week off with a new playlist inspired by the Live Music Capital of the world.  I may or may not have been dancing as I got ready this morning...

Did you have a good weekend? What songs do you have on repeat?

Mamagirl

[my mom + grandma]

Happy Mother's Day to the strongest, most genuine, unconditionally loving woman I know.  I love laughing with you and learning from you - all is right in my world when we are together (and knowing you're one phone call away, day or night, when we're not).  Cannot thank you enough for all that you do for us.  

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there!  

Hello Weekend

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Kick up your feet, the weekend is here!  I'm headed home to spend some quality girl time with my mother dearest.  Mani-pedis, shopping, and brunching are in order.  Here are a few things that are making me happy: 

I have my eye on these Jack Rogers sandals. Need the platinum snake in my life.

Loving Eric Hutchinson's new album. I love the entire album, but this song has been on repeat.  His music always puts me in a good mood.

The new series Girls on HBO.  The show's catchphrase is:  "Living the dream.  One mistake at a time."  It's the totally real, completely awkward twentysomething version of SATC.

And this post from Sequins & Stripes.  Just do you.

What have you got planned?  Sure hope you get to see and/or talk to your mom and tell her you love her.  Whatever is on the agenda, just remember that it's Friday and you should shake what your mama gave you.  Happy weekend!

Summer Hair.

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I have a.lot. of hair.  A lot of hair that likes to go lion's mane on me when the summer heat + humidity hits.  I've been perusing the internet looking for styles that are as easy as they are pretty.  I'm thinking lots of loose top knots, fishtail braids, floral headbands, and fancy ponytails will be happening for the next few months.  And if you're really feeling RAWR, completely forgo the blow dryer + embrace messy hair.  Which is your favorite style to escape the heat?

Shut the Front Door!

I almost fell out of my chair when I found my apartment on Mimosas in the Morning yesterday!  Even today, I cannot stop smiling.  My apartment (or my Bachelorette pad, as I like to call it) is definitely a work in progress, but it's the first place that is mine all mine and I love it.  I thought I'd add a little personal commentary to Allyson's fab photos.

[colorful pillows on my couch a la target + pier 1]

 [area rug + my interim ottoman-turned-coffee table.  some say ghetto, i say resourceful.]

[a diy (if you call writing on a chalkboard a diy) for my rarely used kitchen.  i'm hopeless when it comes to cooking and this quote is perfect for me.  that julia, a woman after my own heart.]

 [pottery barn bar stools indefinitely borrowed from my mom (thanks, ma!) + my cherished speedy, my first and only LV, purchased on the champs élysées in paris.  the best souvenir from last year's trip.]

 [slightly embarrassed for having sh*t my dad says on my bookshelf + redeeming myself with well-used maps of ireland, london, paris]

[a reminder as to why i need to buy curtains.  heyyy, neighbors!]

How does one not know her apartment is being photographed, you ask?  Well, remember when Allyson spent the weekend with me?  I had to work at way-too-early o'clock and left her a key so that her day didn't have to start when mine did.  That super sneaky, super cute little photographer! I had no idea.  Thank you, Allyson!  I'm over the moon and beyond flattered.

Muesday.

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[to die for chairs]

[swooning over the light pink monogrammed pillowcase]

Muesday:  A Tuesday that feels like a Monday.  

Though today was infinitesimally brightened with a new Glitter Guide Style at Home feature.

Once again, Glitter Guide does not disappoint.

Hope these pretty things brighten your Muesday!

Weekend Latergrams

Ayyyy yiiii!  This weekend was simply too much fun!  My college roommates {te amo 330!} and I spent the day patio hopping, sipping on margaritas, and dining on some fan.tas.tic tacos at El Gran Malo.  Perfect day.  How did you celebrate Cinco?

Sidenote:  If you are in Houston and need alterations on the fly, I highly recommend Marchello's.  Say you happen to find out that you are too grande for your authentic Mexican dress the morning of Cinco de Mayo?  Marchello's can turn my a dress into a shirt in less than two hours!

Happy Weekend!

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays (Fourth of July being the other favorite).  It's most definitely the no-fuss nature that attracts me.  A celebration which requires casual, yet festive, outfits, food (lots of it), and spending time with friends whether poolside or on the patio?  I'm there.  In fact, I'm kind of jealous of two of my friends whose birthdays are tomorrow. {HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMIGOS!}  Do you have anything special planned?  Have a fantastic Cinco de Mayo!

[Images via my Girls Got Style board on Pinterest.] 

Mid-Week Mantra

[source]

April Showers

J. Crew chambray // 7 For All Mankind jeans // Kate Spade Gramercy // Kate Spade handbag // Tibi flats

You know what they say:  "April showers bring May flowers." And I love flowers ... especially on muh jeans.  I know the floral trend is in full-swing, but I'm a little on the slow side when it comes to trends.  Welp, it's official:  On this day, the first of May, I am jumping on the floral bandwagon.  I think they are perfect for the last bit of spring before the summer heat really hits.  A brand new month {and new pair of jeans} is always exciting and I have an exceptionally good feeling about this one.  Happy Tuesday!