It's Here! Milly x Banana Republic!

I definitely had a dream about shopping this collaboration last night (totally normal). In my dream, everything was neon yellow and orange (ew) and things like neon yellow boyfriend denim shorts and skintight stretchy dresses were available. Not that there's anything wrong with these items necessarily, but they're not my style and I was SO upset in my dream.

Thankfully, the real collaboration is SO much better! I've already given you a teensy sneak peek, but there's so much more good stuff. There's even things for guys, so you and your boyfriend/man friend could have coordinating outfits!

Check out a few favorites of mine...and see the whole collection here!

Feathers Printed Skirt: This could so easily be dressed up (heels, silk blouse, great jewelry) or down (flat sandals, a fitted tee, a ponytail). Love the pattern!

Market Tote: Uh, this silver is perfection. Simple and sleek but not boring, thanks to the neon handles. It also comes in cognac, which would be great for everyday.

Pleated Patio Dress: I've already featured this dress in the sneak peek, but I love it so much it's worth another mention. It also comes in petite and tall sizes!

Eden Rock Printed Dress: Absolutely perfect for a wedding or bridal shower or any other event this summer! The print is bold, unusual and not overpowering.

Fit and Flare Dress: A perfect blank canvas to dress up with girly accessories, colorful accessories, gold accessories, leather accessories...really the options are endless with this one!

Printed Halter Top: Made for white jeans or shorts and summer nights!

Piped Shirt: A navy buttondown piped with pink? What's not to love? Such a year-round piece!

Elephant Print Short: I love a good novelty short, and this is just so cute. Since the pattern is black and white, it's definitely more versatile than a color.

Soft-wash V Tee: From the men's collection, but I'm sucked in by the "soft wash" name. Who doesn't want an extra soft tee to sleep or lounge around in? I'd personally buy the XS and pair it with the elephant shorts above for an effortlessly slouchy look.

Happy shopping! Looks like I'll be popping into my nearest BR on the way home from work tonight to try things on in person!

Almost Friday...But Not Quite

flamingo feathers

HOW is it almost June already???? 2013 is flyingggg by us! I was thinking about September/October the other day, and it seems so far off, but it's really not. YIKES. I'm already dreading winter haha.

Anyway. I've been really overwhelmed this week with life (parents are out of town so I'm having to do all the "adult" things like remember what day is trash day, go grocery shopping, etc; working and adjusting to working; my computer's not working quite right (RIP touchpad/charging light), lotsss of short deadlines for random things) so I don't really have anything to say. I just wanted to pop in and say HI! Have a happy Thursday!! It's almost Friday and almost the weekend again!

Anthro Addiction

Did I tell y'all I got a job? I'm working part-time in an adorable little activewear store in a ritzy, fancy shopping center/part of downtown Houston. Anyway, there's a J. Crew, an Anthropologie, a Sprinkles and a PaperSource all within walking distance of my work. Basically it's D-A-N-G-E-R for my wallet and paychecks.

I needed sunglasses for my drive home after my shift yesterday, so I popped into Anthro because they have inexpensive, cute ones. Obviously I had to look around a bit, and there is some seriously adorable stuff available right now. I could have bought everything.

Embroidered Gaillardia Cover-Up: so cute and would be perfect for the blazing hot Houston summers!

Primary Cardigan: such pretty, intricate embroidery! Navy + coral is such a perfect combination

Embroidered Sathya Top: such a saturated shade of blue. Stunningly gorgeous and so affordable!

Stitched Ionia Tunic: obviously embroidery and I are having a major moment. The picture doesn't do this embroidery justice at all, it's so beautiful in person and the purple is so rich and saturated. Love.

Windward Dress: I may have actually gasped when I saw this dress because it is SO cute (which is embarrassing). I'm definitely not one for overly themey outfits, but I am so drawn to this dress. It's adorable and made of such thick, textured fabric.

AG + Liberty Emma Romper: in pictures, you can't tell, but there's a very light floral pattern on this romper. It's extremely subtle, which I like, but keeps the romper from being a plain chambray/denim romper. And it's so soft!

Synchronized Swim iPhone case: So summery!

I'm not even going to post all of the little accessories or home goods I loved, because this post would end up being overly long! If you're interested, I got these sunglasses, but these were a close second! I wish these came in sunglass form though, because they're perfect!

Keeping It Real

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I know the whole blog world has a rep for only showing the picture-perfect parts of day-to-day life, which is fine, but I prefer to be more realistic. My life is not all sunshine and macarons, I don't wake up with fabulous hair or dress in designer clothing every day, I rarely Instagram my meals (unless it's a dessert)...I'm a normal person who has problems, bad hair days, lazy outfit days, everything that you have. I don't want to focus on the "bad things" in life, but sometimes it's good to get a reality check from a blogger and remind yourself that they're just like you.

How I'm keeping it real:
-I sunburned my legs last weekend (or a few weeks ago, I really don't know), and now not only are they extremely dry but they're also peeling. So sexy.
-I ate graham crackers for lunch yesterday. Just graham crackers.
-I've been letting my hair air dry for a few months now, but I blow dried and straightened it the other day and I barely recognized myself. Add in the makeup I was wearing and it's like I was looking at a whole new face. Such a strange feeling.
-I stayed up until 4 am the other night watching this BBC miniseries called North & South because I couldn't go to sleep until I knew how it ended.
-I still cannot figure out how to do a sock bun. I've watched so many tutorials and looked at so many pictures and I just can't understand.

How are you keeping it real?

Friday Favorites!

 who knew oranges could be so dramatically beautiful?

Just a few random favorite things from around the web for your Friday afternoon pleasure...have a lovely long holiday weekend!!

-Loving this dress for every summer event (seersucker! bows! on sale!)

-These shorts have gotten me thinking about cute gameday outfits...because it's never too early and you should always have a ton of outfits ready to go (this is normal, right?)

-The Ferragamo L'Icona shoots for the Vara shoes are so stunningly gorgeous...who could have thought such a simple flat could be worn in so many different outfits? Plus the customizable Varas and Varinas are just so fun!

-This little kitty makes my life so much brighter every day. I'm kind of obsessed...it's taken real restraint to not post a billion Nala pictures...

-This dress is my Memorial Day weekend dream outfit...I wish I could just magic it into my closet!

Kendall Conrad

 Artemisa Cuff Ring I

Thin Bangle

As you probably know, I'm not much of a jewelry person. I like my jewelry to be simple, delicate and understated. I prefer clean lines, sleek shapes, interesting textures, and expensive-looking metals.

Thin Rounded Stacking Ring I

Tapered Bangle II

Which is exactly why I love Kendall Conrad's jewelry. Her pieces are perfectly imperfect and manage to be both delicate and hefty. Nothing is in-your-face ostentatious, but rather more understated while still making an impression. No logos either (logo jewelry is so tacky, in my opinion).

Chaquetilla de Matador Charm

Hair Hook

Thin Rounded Hoops

These are definitely not inexpensive pieces, but rather pieces you'll have forever instead of only a season or two. Plus, did I mention she also makes the most amazing, beautiful purses as well?

 

Filomena Tote

Marisol Tote

These are definitely aspirational totes! I love how simple they are, with no overdone hardware or logos or obnoxious flaps or pockets. Simple but not boring and made of thick, luxurious leather and suede. Swooning. I'm such a KC fan. Check out everything KC here!

Milly x Banana Republic: Sneak Peek!!!

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BIG news, y'all!!! The Milly x Banana Republic collaboration (and y'all know how much I love a good collab) officially launches on May 30, butttttttt you can buy 4 pieces right now on Refinery 29! Considering even finding a full lookbook for the collaboration has been super difficult, this is exciting. Milly is one of my favorite brands ever, so I've been excited for this partnership ever since it was first announced last year.

Roll-Sleeve Top: would be so cute with white jeans or shorts for casual occasions, or tucked into an aqua skirt for a dressier occasion.

Long Pleated Dress: do we even need to talk about how much I love this? Turquoise, navy, white, stripes, maxi-length...done, done, done. I need.

I know where I'll be on May 30!