what a stud

This studded tank top is one of my favorites! I love that it's somewhat toned down in color, cream & gold, but the studs give it that fun edge. It can easily be worn with a lot of different bottoms, and it's really comfortable.

I wore this look out to dinner with my boyfriend and it was perfect for an outside meal and drinks.

Kohls jean jacket

Macy's tank top

Charlotte Russe skinnies and wedges

Forever 21 jewelry

TJ Maxx sunglasses

color combo

I'm loving this royal blue and peach combination! When I pick out an outfit, especially in the summer, I focus mainly on the shirt and pants... not so much the jacket or sweater. Only after I have the basic foundation on, do I figure out what to go over it, in case it's cold in the office (which it usually is). This outfit is no different. I knew I wanted to wear this bright tank and jeans, but wasn't sure what I would wear over it. I was running late to work (like usual), so I just grabbed this blazer, hoping it would look okay... I was very happy with how it turned out! 

I've been trying very hard lately to pair multiple colors together in an outfit. Which is really fun for Spring and Summer. For some reason, I grew up thinking I could only wear one color, and then needed to pair it with neutrals. This is obviously not true. Although, here the peach blazer almost works as a neutral... it's a step in the right direction though. Stay tuned for more color mixing in future posts.

Forever 21 tank, jeans & necklace

Cathy Jean ballet flats

Stella & Dot bracelet

the perfect summer dress

I was in much need of some casual summer dresses that I could wear to work or on the weekends. For some reason, most of the dresses I own are a bit too dressy. I headed over to Kohls thinking maybe I'd find something. I actually found 2 dresses! The neon striped number above and the dress seen here. I love this fun striped dress because it's a bit oversized, it's a longer length and the color and stripes make it great for summer. On top of all of that, it's COMFORTABLE!

Kohls dress (belt included) & jean jacket

Ross sandals

Heidi Klum jewelry

sun glare

So I'm sure you noticed that some of these photos have little sun glares. I actually really love this affect! I think its beautiful, as long as the glare isn't right on your face, hehe. All of the sun glares above are natural and weren't added affects. Although there are simple filters you can add to your photos that add some fun sun spots/glares.

I'm curious to hear what others think of these affects? Anyone use a filter before that they love?

Gap blazer

Forever 21 tank

Papaya shorts

Payless heels

Stella & Dot bracelet

Claires earrings

Rue 21 necklace

call me maybe

New purple & gold droplet necklace! I got it for about $8 at Forever 21. I think Forever 21 is one of the best places to buy jewelry. My reasons why, it's affordable & stylish! If you're looking for current jewelry trends, Forever 21 is perfect. However, if you're looking for more of a timeless, everyday piece, like diamond earrings, or a classic ring, I wouldn't recommend shopping here. Because their jewelry is on the cheaper side, you risk it falling apart, turning your skin green, etc. Jewelry is fun though and in most situations, you're not going to wear it everyday. You should have many jewelry options, and you shouldn't have to spend a lot of many on them. Especially if they are just going to go out of style next season.


Below, almost all the jewelry I'm wearing is from Forever 21!

On the other hand, I have bought a few items from Stella & Dot. They were a lot more expensive then I would normally spend on jewelry, but so far I love them! I mainly got bracelets and I wear just about one of them everyday. I'm even wearing one of them in the post (gold spiked renegade cluster bracelet). Read this post for more Stella & Dot.

I'm curious to hear what others think about this? What are your favorite places to buy jewelry?

Forever 21 jewelry, sweater, & shorts

Trend Shoes ballet flats

Ross purse

pretty in pink... and navy

You can never wrong with a barbie pink tank top, right? This top is fun because it's super bright and it's got that high-low style, or as I like to call it, a mullet! I really liked how it looked with navy blue, so I did everything else in that hue and let the pink really stand out. I wouldn't normally wear this outfit with keds. Instead, I would probably wear it with sandals. But again, that closed-toe shoe rule at work had to cramp my style. Whatever... I think the keds make the outfit more casual and would be nice for a day when I know I'm going to have to walk a lot. Comfort is key!

Forever 21 blazer and necklace

H&M tank top

Pac Sun shorts

Target keds

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Forever 21jeans

Ross vest and purse

Macys tank

Kohls sandals

Stella & Dot jewelry

lime sherbet

All these bright greens and yellows remind me of lime sherbet... YUM! I'm loving all the bright neon colors that are popular this summer. They are so fun! We all need a little color in our lives, right? This scarf was a perfect addition to my casual summer look. We headed up to my parents mountain cabin, where it can get a bit chilly in the evening. The scarf kept me warm, while adding a bright pop of color.

What are your favorite colors this summer?

Oh, and I am very proud of this striped green tank... guess how much it cost me? It was on clearance at Old Navy for $2.50!!! What a score!

Forever 21 scarf and jeans

Old Navy striped tank

Target white under tank

Ross sandals

Claires earrings

finally summer!

I live in Portland, OR. I state known for it's rain! Although I appreciate the lush year-round greenery, I need some sun it my life. June was a dreary, cold month for us... but we finally are getting some summer weather. Actually, the forecast for the rest of the week is in the mid to upper 80s! I foresee a lake outing in my future.

This outfit is simple, but exciting because I can finally start wearing all those shorts I bought for summer. I'm loving these bright coral shorts from target. They have some fun colors right now. And bright shorts are one of my favorite styles for this summer!

What are some of your favorite summer fashion trends?

Target tank and shorts

Charlotte Russe sandals

Forever 21 necklace

Leather bracelets from my trip to Cozumel, Mexico

back to basics

I recently had a friend ask me what basics/staples I have in my wardrobe. This is a bit of tough question, because basics can be defined in so many ways. So for this post I'm going to focus on the items that I currently wear over and over again and can't seem to get enough of. This doesn't mean that these items will forever be in style.. unfortunately, I can't predict the future (although that would be pretty awesome). These items aren't really statement pieces either, but more items that I can easily layer, wear all year long and feel super comfortable wearing. These are also items that work best for my body. They may not necessarily be the best options for your body... consider this post as more of a loose guide. 

My essential tops include basic v-neck tees, plain under tanks in neutral colors, and striped tees and tanks. I also wear a ton of button-up shirts including chambray and animal print. Flowy tops are one of my favs because they are flattering on anyone. A cardigan, jean jacket or blazer are great finishing touches.

My basic bottoms are pretty simple... skinny jeans in denim and black. I love jeans I can roll up that have a distressed look. Bright shorts, pencil/mini-skirts and leggings are all favorites! 

My shoes include black or brown boots, tan/nude wedges and black heels. I'm all for comfort, so I also love flats. Fun sparkly ballet flats are great! Also, bright colored sandals and keds are a few of my favorites.

Accessories are an easy way to dress up your wardrobe. A silver and gold chain necklace are essentials! I love stud earrings. Add some fun bangles, a skinny belt or a scarf and you've got a great outfit!

 Remember, basics don't have to be expensive, although they are, essentially, items you're going to wear over and over again, so make sure they are quality pieces that aren't going to fall apart after one use. Some people also think basics have to be neutral colors... not true! If pink is your favorite color and is flattering on you, then why not make it one of your basics? I love animal print, sparkles, stripes and yellow. So I make sure I have a few of these things included in my basics.

What items are staples in your wardrobe?

happy fifth of july

 I hope everyone had a fabulous Fourth Of July! I know I did! We went to a friends for a BBQ, enjoyed great food, a keg, fireworks and of course got to hang out with a lot of awesome people. Do you like my Fourth of July outfit? I tried my best to create a red, white and blue ensemble without going overboard. I think just the pop of red in my shoes, nails & lipstick worked perfectly.

On another note, isn't it weird how we call it "The Fourth of July" even though it's really Independence Day? I think that's kind of weird...

Pacific Sunwear tank and shorts

Fred Meyers necklace

Forever 21 earrings

Ross wedges

salmon chevrons

I went shopping this last weekend and got a ton of cute stuff, including this salmon chevron top, these jeans and the bright pink ballet flats. SUCCESS! 

You know what I've learned? You really do have to be in the mood for shopping in order to find good deals. I went to the mall on Saturday with my boyfriend (he needed new jeans). Of course I had to look around at the women's clothing at Forever 21 and H&M. I was disappointed that I didn't really find anything... but I was tired and not really into looking that hard. I literally went to the same mall the next day with my friend Whitney who was in town from California. We went to the exact same stores and some how I ended up with a bunch of clothes and accessories. I guess I was more in the mood that day? We went earlier in the morning, so I had lots of rest. It was a nice sunny day. I love seeing/hanging out with friends who I haven't seen in a while. And I had more time to look around. All these factors led to a great shopping trip.

What puts you in the mood for shopping?

Forever 21 top, undertank, jeans, necklace and earrings

Gifted sweater

Trend Shoes ballet flats

H&M bracelets