Taking Time to Just Soak Up the Sun

Top: Cat & Jack // Shorts: Old Navy // Sandals: c/o Oka-B // Tote Bag: Barrington Gifts // Sunglasses: Target // Apple Watch

Hey Friends! I'm so sorry that I didn't have today's post live on Monday. This past weekend was wonderful (like so, so good!) but sleep definitely wasn't a priority so by Sunday night I was exhausted from going, going, going and I feel asleep so early! Sometimes you just need to check out of "life" and go have fun, you know?! 

Lately I've been feeling seriously overwhelmed & I need to take this time to enjoy the sunshine, good friends and memory-making. Between work (lots of early mornings and late nights), co-chairing the new member class of the Junior League, and keeping up with the blog, (not to mention my social life & travel!) there just haven't been enough hours in the day! I'm definitely not complaining, as I've mentioned I thrive on being busy, but even I can see that I've been busier than usual and it's starting to take a toll on my energy level. Can any of y'all feel me?? 

Any who... I didn't mean to dive so deep today, but sometimes I think it's nice for y'all to know that there's a very "real" person behind all these sunshine-filled pictures! I'm so thankful for this busy, wonderful life I live but it's certainly not perfect! If you have any great tips on balance (or getting more hours in your day) let me know :) ha.

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Let's Fiesta! The Perfect Party Dress for Cinco de Mayo!

Dress: Cat & Jack via Target (wearing a girls XL) || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne || Clutch: Similar || Apple Watch || Bangle: Kate Spade (on sale!) || Sunglasses: Target

Do you have a dress that just makes you want to shake your groove thing all night long? Spoiler Alert: That's this dress for me! You know how it goes, I'm running in to Target (#YetAgain)- tired, in a hurry, & on the move- when all of a sudden I spotted this dress and I'm full on shimmying in the aisle! The bright colors and ruffle details just make this so perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo today. How could I resist?! I've got some pretty fun plans tonight and tomorrow, & the FL weather should be picture perfect, so I can't wait to share it all with y'all over on Insta!

Also, I've been thinking about changing up my blog layout (it's kind of like getting the itch for a new outfit!) - I'm in the mood for something new! So if you have any shops/designers you love or anything you'd like to see, please let me know! I'm all ears (and eyes!) to see what's out there. 

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#TargetDoesItAgain : The Sweetest Summer Maxi!

Dress: Cat and Jack via Target (shop more of my favorites from the collection below!) || Sandals: Sam Edelman || Apple Watch || Bangles: Bourbon and Bowties || Necklace: Kendra Scott || Clutch: Sophie & Trey (similar) || Sunglasses: Target

I've let y'all in to my "secret shopping spot" at my go-to retailer before, but can you blame me when the dresses are THIS cute?! I mean, here I am running in to pick up face wash and a birthday card when this dress all but jumped off the rack and into my basket! The palm print is super on trend this season (in fact I have a new piece with it coming next week :) ) and the neon detailing around the bottom of it is just the perfect pop of color! As soon as I saw it my brain started shouting, "wear me to brunch!" - and that's what I'm doing this weekend ;) I mean... a girl's got to listen to her brain! ha

Speaking of the weekend, can we talk about how happy I am that it is here?! I feel like I say this all the time (#brokenrecord) but work has just been off-the-charts crazy! Every week I think, "oh this week is going to be pretty calm" and then everything just blows up! It definitely keeps me on my toes and oh-so-busy. Can't complain about that, but bring on the wine this weekend!

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The Perfect Easter Dress (for Under $30!)

Dress: Merona (under $30!) || Jacket: Loft || Sandals: Palm Beach Sandals || Necklace: Kendra Scott || Apple Watch

I can't believe that Easter is right around the corner (April 16th to be exact) and if your family is anything like mine, than it is not only a day to celebrate the hope we have because of our Savior, it's also a day to pull out your prettiest spring dress! I realized last week that I was a little behind on picking out my Easter finery, but luck was on my side! I was making a normal Target run when I spotted this beauty hanging right there- like it was meant for me! I'm obsessed with the pretty pastel flowers and the flattering fit-and-flare shape. I also love that you can dress this piece up with heels (these pink beauties are perfect!) or toss on a denim jacket and sandals like I did here for an Easter egg hunt. Speaking of egg hunts, this week I'm "egging" houses with the Junior League! We go out late at night and "egg" members houses with eggs full of treats and a sign that says "Some Bunny in the Junior League loves you!" The kids get SO excited to wake up to a fun surprise! I love seeing the sweet pictures flood my newsfeed, so it's always such a fun week! 

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My Favorite Dress (Take 2)

Dress: Cat and Jack (wearing a girl's XL) || Shoes: Converse (size down a half-size) || Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer (old, similar here) - also, how cute are these orange earrings?! || Apple Watch

Welcome to a new week y'all! Last week was a total blur to me- getting back from 8 days of travel and coming up to a hurricane at work (seriously) was no joke, so sorry that it got a little quite around here! But I'm back in action, settled home again, and ready to share some really fun new outfits and content with y'all!

So let's get to it shall we?! :) 

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The Under $15 Dress You NEED!

Dress: Cat and Jack (wearing a girl's XL) || Necklace: Baublebar (old, similar) || Clutch: Local Boutique (similar) || Wedges: Merona (love these!) || Apple Watch

Hi Friends! Long time, no chat! First off, thank y'all so much for your kind words, support, and encouragement you left on this post. I'm kind of a perfectionist, and I like to put 110% into everything I do, so admitting that I can't do it all and need to balance things better was really hard for me. But all your kind words assured me that I'm making the right choice- and it is so sweet to have your unwavering support!

If I hadn't come to the conclusion to scale back on my own, I think my body was going to let me know I was over-doing it... I came down with an awful cold on Wednesday night and it seriously knocked me out. On Thursday I barely made it through the day and ended up in bed by 8:30! I really missed y'all Friday, but my body desperately needed to recover since my gal Rachael got married on Saturday & I definitely didn't want to miss out on the fun!

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Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Dress: Target // Sandals: Target // Apple Watch 

Happy Cinco de Mayo y'all!! I always love this holiday because it's a little bit random, a whole lotta bright, & even more fun! Who doesn't love a day that involves celebrating by eating tacos and drinking tequila?! #PartyTime

For my celebratory outfit, I thought this striped off the shoulder dress was perfect! It's the lightest weight material and so fun! I saw it online back in February and it sold out instantly- leaving me nothing to do but stalk it for the next two months until it came back in stock ;) I'm so happy I snagged it and am already excited to wear it again! 

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Little Pink Romper

Romper: Lilly Pulitzer Karlie Wrap Romper // Shoes: Target // Clutch: Sophie and Trey (old, super similar) // Apple Watch (I have the 42mm in gold/navy & will be doing a full review soon!) // Ring: HSN (similar)

This romper may go down as my favorite item in my closet! With a wrap dress front and romper back- it's the mullet of clothing in the best way possible! ;) It's sassy, it's bright, it's cheerful, it's a straight up party & has been begging to run around town from the minute I got it! (I'm not going to lie, I actually got it with the thought of wearing it on a date... now if I can just get myself asked on one of those! ha!)

Although I think you could easily slip on a pair of Jacks with this piece for a more relaxed look, I decided I wanted to "go big or go home" by adding more umph with my favorite sassy heels #WinnerWinnerChickenDinner Toss on your favorite gold clutch and you are ready to be swept off your feet :) 

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Ruffles, a Romper, and Cowboy Boots

Remember that Target shopping spree I've been on? Yep, it's still going strong! I couldn't resist the adorable ruffles around the bottom of this romper (especially under $25!!) I decided to go "full southern" and add my beloved cowboy boots, but I've also rocked it with simple sandals and it's just as cute!

Speaking of "full southern," who all LOVED the Southern Charm premiere last night?? It just might be my favorite Bravo series and I'm so excited to have all my friends back :) I'm also pretty pumped that Bravo, Patricia, and Craig "re-tweeted" me last night- I was totes fan girling over that! ha! I'm still holding out hope that whenever Shep is ready to settle down he'll somehow find me #aGirlCanDream...

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Chambray Off the Shoulder

Do you ever have those pieces that just make you want to dance because you feel that fabulous in them? Yeah, that's this dress for me! I think it's easy to see from the smiles, giggles, and dance moves that I am completely in love with this simple & fun frock! It was one of those dresses I picked up in Target (you know how it goes, you go in for soap and come out with a rug, 2 dresses, a mirror, shoes, & no soap!). I feel like Target hasn't been as on the mark the past few seasons, but they are sure making up for it with their spring and summer collections! So fun!

I also wanted to point out my blue Bourbon and Bowties bangle. As I've mentioned on here, our Junior League is celebrating 85 years of service in the St Petersburg community. To celebrate our milestone anniversary, Carly (the B&B owner) created this one-of-a-kind, custom bangle for us! Not only did she source exclusive sapphire blue stones, but she added an "85" charm to commemorate the day! Can't say enough great things about this amazing brand!

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The Obsession Begins... Off the Shoulder

Dress: Xhilaration (under $25! Juniors sizing so I sized up) // Wedges: Banana Republic (favorite option) // Clutch: Old Navy 

Hi friends! I'm sorry my blogging has been a little inconsistent this week, with two back to back trips last week I haven't been able to quite catch up (but I'm working on it!) 

I have to tell y'all, off the shoulder is my absolute newest obsession! I love that it's subtly sexy and gives a hint of sass- without bearing it all! This dress was a great introduction to the trend (it's under $25!) and it's super easy to style. Throw it on with sandals, wedges, heels and you've got a ready-made outfit perfect for summer! Have you tried his trend?... Thoughts?!

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$200 Target Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

So excited to be teaming up with some blogger friends today to offer you a $200 Target Gift Card Giveaway! Who doesn't need a little extra moolah to hit up everyone's favorite store with? Thanks so much for reading- appreciate each and every one of you!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $200 Target Gift Card

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

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Workweek Chic: Polka Dot Skirt

I'm having so much fun sharing more of my work week wardrobe with y'all! I hope that some of these ideas are helping you spice up your look as well :) I know sometimes I can get stuck in a rut so it's always good to get inspiration from fellow bloggers- after all I'm in an office 5 days a week & my look can get repetitive sometimes!

Today's look involves a chambray button, which you are no stranger to seeing on me. It truly is the workhorse piece of my closet. Paired with this fun dotted midi skirt (i'm on a kick with this midi length) and my comfy leopard heels, this is a good twist on a classic look to help you beat those workweek blues!

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Workweek Chic: Black and Pink

I love spicing up my work week wardrobe with bold pops of color (see fuchsia skirt above) as well as prints and patterns (like these fierce leopard heels). This outfit makes getting dressed a little more fun- and don't we all need more of that in our work week? :)

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Romper + Boyfriend Cardigan

Y'all know my love for my rompers come spring/summer, so I was having some serious withdraws that it wasn't practical to wear them in the fall/winter months. Then the other weekend I got the (brilliant) idea to throw my fave boyfriend cardigan on top and BOOM, my new weekend uniform was born! I've worn this look so many times it's basically embarrassing at this point, but I also don't plan on stopping anytime soon :) How are you prepping for the change in seasons?

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Green Plaid Cardigan

Happy Monday y'all!! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas (I know I did!) I'm not quite done with the holiday festivities yet, so I still have a few more merry outfits to share with y'all before we hit 2016 - eek! Who else can't believe a new year is about to begin?! And, I don't know about you but getting back into the swing of work today is going to be brutal... bring on the caffeine please! :) 

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Black and White Mixed Stripes

If you've been hanging with me for a bit this summer, than you know that besides rompers, swing dresses have been my jam this season (as evidenced here and here). Well like the good friend that I am I have another fabulous one to share with you today (I can't keep all this goodness to myself)! Even better news is that this dress is under $20 with the code "SWEETDEAL" (see I told you I was a good friend :) ) !

In other super-exciting news… Scandal season 4 is now on Netflix! I started watching a few months ago & got super obsessed! Now I'm racing to catch up on season 4 so that I'm ready when it comes back September 24th. #byefreetime  Any other gladiators out there?!

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Boating Blues

So who watched "After Paradise" last night?! What do we all think about this random after show?? I'm guessing there is going to be a WHOLE new level of drama this season if we have to have a weekly talk show to digest it… and that's just fine with me ;) 

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Enjoy the Ride

You know, lately I've been thinking that it's all too easy to get caught up in the negative of the world. It can be easy to get dragged into the muck and let hard experiences get you down. Take this weekend for example, I had a great weekend home celebrating one of my best girls and my awesome dad, but on the way home I found out my debit card number had been stolen and my account was frozen while they investigated the fraud and are sending me a new card. And if this hasn't happened to you, let me just tell y'all it's a colossal pain in the booty!! I do all my banking and bill pays through my debit card online and I'm going to have to update everything- uuggghhh! It would be easy to go into a funk. It would be easy to be a crabby-pants about it. But instead I'm choosing to find the good! I'm relishing in 7-10 days (however long it takes to get my new card to me- ha!) in which I can't shop, so I'm embracing what I have. I'm taking Buddy on extra-long walks & taking myself on extra-long runs. I'm enjoying extra time with friends. And you know what? It feels good! Great even! 

I always like to keep in mind one of my favorite quotes, "Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance you have to keep moving forward." 

So embrace the forward motion y'all (and the crazy) and keep on trucking :) 

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Road Trip Time! {Charleston Day 1}

Hey y'all! I am so excited to be back with you today! I am so sorry for the radio silence yesterday, getting back into the swing of things took me a little more time than I anticipated (anyone else feel me on the pain of going back to "real life" after a fab vacation?) On the way to Orlando to meet my best friend Asha for our road trip to Charleston my car stopped being able to turn corners (super safe right?) and on the way home I found out that my power steering had been leaking fluid all over my engine and I was one spark away from going up in a ball of flames! Needless to say I am quite thankful for being safe and getting my car all fixed up (thanks to my family and friends who stepped up to help me- y'all are the best!) but it's cause some a lot of stress!

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