plain white and Dan

I've been feeling a little uninspired with my outfits lately. My work has been so busy that I don't feel like doing much else when I get home. Plus, having a dog has made me even lower maintenance than I was already. (I know, I'm taking a risk by wearing a white dress with a dog.)

I've been sticking to basics: a lot of black and white, simple jewelry, minimal make up, and topsiders. I meant to take some photos of my new topsiders before I broke them in, but they haven't left my feet for long. We definitely love our topsiders in my family. I've been wearing the same pair for the last ten or so years, which is still wearable, but I finally bought a new pair when I was in the King Street store in Charleston last month. 

After a long day, I decided to try out my grandfather's tripod and take some photos of myself. I didn't think I'd post them, but Dan made things interesting. He really does not leave me alone once I get home from work. And for the sake of being real, this is how I've been looking lately! #myrealselfie

HMD sweater from Granny // Lilly Pulitzer dress // Sperry Topsiders // Loren Hope Sophia studs

Easter outfit 2014

You know when you were little, you had to have a new Easter dress each year. Little white gloves and a hat, too. I've matured a bit past having to have a new Easter dress every year. But then, I have a new dress this year! 

If you are into getting new dresses every year, check out Lilly Pulitzer's spring collection. I loved Lilly in high school and college and then was kind of over it until this spring. They came out with a fabulous collection that reminds me of what they were doing ten years ago. In the best way. The shift dresses are so tempting. When Kelly gave me a gift card to Palm Avenue for my birthday, I tried on the shifts in store and settled on this Liz shift in Sweet Tart Yellow Crazy Cat House. 

I'm also wearing one of my favorite accessories from Waccamaw Pearls--this pearl headband! I'm a headband fan, but I usually take them off during the day because I start getting a headache. This strand of real pearls has a stretchy hairband attached so that it stays comfortable for hours. I'm crazy about this headband and think that it is the perfect compliment to any Easter dress. 

Aphrodite's Tears of Joy headband c/o Waccamaw Pearls // Loren Hope Sophia studs (color exclusive to Monkee's of Raleigh) // HMD sweater from Granny // Lilly Pulitzer Liz Shift in Sweet Tart Yellow Crazy Cat House // Moon and Lola Preston charm bracelet // Essie Bottle Service // HMD Givenchy bag from Granny // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

standin' in line

I don't have an Olympic sweater :( but hey, I have this. 

HMD Ralph Lauren sweater from Granny // Lilly Pulitzer top // Joe's Jeans // Frye pull on Billy boot

Lilly sale score

Did you hear the hype about the big Lilly sale a few weeks ago?  They do have a whole lot on sale for incredible deals each year, but I have not done well with the sale in the past.  Last year, I ordered a child's dress in a print I loved, but it turned out too short.  Fortunately, I could hand it down to my twelve-year-old friend ;)  I also bought a couple of knit tops in pretty prints, but the fit is weird.  This year, the website crashed and they sold out of my size in what I wanted immediately.  However, I kept looking, I went by the size chart and crossed my fingers, and I actually did well.  I bought two dresses that I love and that fit plus several other goodies, mostly from the sorority collection.  

I didn't realize this dress was going to be NEON in person, but I still like it.  It doesn't scream "summer 2013," and I feel like I'll still wear it for several years, if not decades.  

Anthropologie earrings (gift from B) // Lilly Pulitzer Delia dress // Kiel James Patrick bracelet (gift from B) // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Marc by Marc Jacobs bag // Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo

white button down and Lilly skirt: part two

Moon and Lola Compton earrings // hand me down Brooks Brothers shirt // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Nordstrom bracelet (old) // Lilly Pulitzer skirt // hand me down shoes

white button down and Lilly skirt: part one

I found this Brooks Brothers oxford in my brother's old closet.  I'm not sure whose it is, but it looks like it's never been worn.  I strategically chose a too-short-for-work skirt while enjoying my last few days off.  I usually wear this old (high school days!) reversible wrap skirt on the other side, but the larger floral print appealed to me this time.

earrings made by my mom // hand me down Brooks Brothers shirt // Lilly Pulitzer skirt // Michael Kors small Layton watch // Jenni K bracelet (similar) // hand me down bracelets // Kate Spade sandals

Check back on Monday for part two--the same button down, dressed up a little more.

tunic and white jeans

hand me down earrings from Mom // tunic Dress // Michael Kors small Layton watch // hand me down bracelet from Mom // Joe's Jeans // Target wedges

packing for summer trips

It's time for summer beach and lake trips as Memorial Day is approaching this weekend.  To get started, I would pack:

bathing suits!   I love bathing suits.  Time for Lilly suits and white suits if you're not too pale.
comfortable dresses to wear as cover ups or out and about.
tinted moisturizer with sunscreen.  No need for full make up, but sunscreen is important.  My favorite is this Mary Kay tinted moisturizer SPF 20.
a monogrammed beach towel.  No one can steal your towel if it has your name on it.
running shorts, tank tops, etc. for working out. Running on the flat land at the beach is a nice break from the hills around my house!
books.  This is how I relax.
my Bible and notebook.  Vacation means more time to pray and study the Bible.  Get away from the stress and meditate on God's word.

What are your summer trip essentials?

On another note, I got together with Lauren Winstead this week to shoot some outfits.  They will be coming to the blog soon!

repeating a favorite

I posted nearly this same outfit last year on my old blog, and it's still one of my favorites.

earrings - Moon and Lola Compton

sweater - hand me down from Granny

shirt - Ralph Lauren

pants - Lilly Pulitzer

belt - Target

sandals - Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo