grateful

In the spirit of the holiday, I thought I'd put together a little list of things that make me happy and grateful on a regular basis. They may be simple, but they never fail to make me smile.

I love...

FRESH FLOWERS,

polka dots, high heels,

sushi,

topknots,

lowercase letters (they're just cuter!), and SUNSHINE.

{heels image via cupcakes and cashmere. all other images via pinterest.}

long

Well, it was bound to happen. I've got long-hair envy. As I mentioned in this post, I got my hair cut in a cute angled bob about a year and a half ago. I love the style; it's fun and fresh and different from most of my friends' hairstyles. But lately I've been getting super envious of long, wavy hair just like I used to have and so begins the long process of growing my hair back out. Ugh.

{lauren conrad}

{audrina patridge}

{leah felder jenner}

a few favorites

I've got my eye on a couple of fabulous pieces that I thought I'd share with you all. New fall arrivals are starting to trickle into stores, and that makes me just plain excited!

{topshop ratchet strappy block heels}

{camilyn beth get-away dress, featured here on dallas wardrobe}

{j.crew scallop-trim mini in cerise- look closely at the delicate trim along the waistband!}

up north

I spent the beginning of the week in Minneapolis (if it seems like I go there quite a lot, it's because I do). It's a bit of a drive for me, but the reward is a nice little getaway with good shopping, great food, new things to do, and friends that feel like family. I always feel inspired by fresh ideas when I'm there, and this time was no exception. Here are a few of the things I loved this time up north:

{super cool place setting idea at arhaus} 

{new perfume obsession: slightly woodsy and oh-so-addicting} 

{mushroom and pancetta pasta from here that i'd love to recreate at home}

neon moment

As you've probably noticed, neon is having a major moment right now. I'm more of a neutrals girl myself (as I mentioned here), but I think neon is super fun to bring into accessories and details. It's fresh, attention-grabbing and perfect for summer. I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds for the "less is more" gals like me.

{j.crew factory neon stone studs}

{see by chloe summer flat}

{mossimo pink border scarf}

style defined

Recently I've felt my wardrobe is in need of a major overhaul. I think it has to do with the fact that I am less than a year away from entering the working world, and I don't want to look the same way I did when I started school. I feel like this happens to me every few years where my style evolves and I just need a refresh; I have changed and grown and learned so much, and my style should reflect that. So lately I've been working on cleaning out my closet and pinpointing exactly what I want my style to become. Not to pigeonhole or limit myself, but I want to have a style mantra to keep in mind to make shopping a little easier and my wardrobe more cohesive. I have come up with a little refrain to guide me in the right direction and chosen my favorite inspiration photos to share, too.

CLASSIC, GIRLY NEUTRALS

WITH A BIT OF EDGE OR POP OR SPARKLE

BUT NOTHING TOO PRECIOUS

AND STANDOUTS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

{all images via pinterest}

viva america

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope y'all are enjoying the day. I spent the holiday last year cooped up studying for boards, so this year I'm off to a pool party/backyard BBQ that promises to be a good time. Happy birthday, America!

{'merica manicure :)}

kate crush

Kate Spade is killing it right now. I want so many of their fun accessory pieces! Here are my top picks:

{bungalow bouquet cluster drop earrings}

{'palm springs or bust' idiom bangle}

{coated confetti collar necklace}

{skyline bracelet watch}

{oaxaca floral iphone 5 case}

{viva colores ipad sleeve}

life lately

Where has June gone? Oh my goodness, it is passing me by so quickly! Here is just a little snapshot of what I've been up to these days (since clearly I haven't been on here):

{so many weddings mean ample opportunity to hone my gift-wrapping skills} 

{embracing the summery white-mani trend} 

{road trip last weekend through the prettiest rolling green hills}

sale sweet

Have you been on Net-A-Porter lately? The site is having a great sale, full of discounted designer pieces ripe for the picking. Unfortunately, my budget is a bit tight right now (thanks to many summer weddings and all the festivities that come along with them), so I'll have to settle for admiring from afar.

{miu miu bow-embellished swimsuit}

{alexander mcqueen satin-trimmed jumpsuit}

{kotur margo box clutch}

{milly lisette dress}

{miu miu embellished patent flats}

good heart

Just a sweet quote I've been loving lately to start the week off right.

bright spot

About a year ago, I picked up these fun beads at a local bead store with the intention to make a simple necklace charm. I finally got around to putting it together and am really pleased with how it came out. I made it a longer length, and I love how it looks on its own over a white blouse or layered with a sparkly shorter necklace like this one from J.Crew Factory.

little things

This past week has been all about appreciating the little things in my life right now: a school break coming up, new buds on the trees, a fancy box of chocolates to indulge in, and the moments below.

{my hair is finally long enough to fit in a topknot again- YAY!} 

 {a delish arugula and prosciutto salad at lunch last week}

{new summer sandals, ready for warm weather} 

{a sweet gift from neighbors celebrating springtime}

strawberry lemon bundt cake

I made this amazing strawberry, lemon, and yogurt bundt cake for my family for Easter (recipe here). This cake is perfect for a party because it looks beautiful and is so delicious. It was such a big hit, I can't wait to make it again. If you haven't made a bundt cake before, be sure to really butter and flour your pan before pouring the batter in. It makes a huge difference! I have ruined many a bundt cake by thinking I could get away with just buttering the pan.

woven

Shoes are my Achilles heel (as they probably are for most women out there). I am constantly falling in love with a perfect pair. I say "a" because my closet is already filled with many, many, other perfect pairs; I don't want to limit myself to having only ONE perfect pair. It's a shame that, as my dad likes to remind me, I can only wear one pair of shoes at a time. My latest obsession are these woven smoking slippers from Coach. They look effortless, and in these lovely golden and neutral tones, they would go with just about everything. Not-so-patiently waiting for a good sale...

{coach catrin woven slipper}

april freezing showers

April showers bring May flowers, but what about freezing showers? I'm pretty sure those kill May flowers. Lately we have been experiencing sleet, hail, and yes, even a little snow around these parts, and I'm beyond tired of it. Where are the sunny spring temperatures? I miss being able to be outside! The forecast shows no end in sight, so for right now, I'll appease myself with shopping for some chilly-spring-appropriate garb.

{tory burch's rattan tote feels like summer's just around the corner}

{marmot destination jacket says it's waterproof- crucial}

{jonathan adler retro floral umbrella is bright and fun and on sale!}