Blogging Besties: Wedges

 The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015 the series expanded to include Maricel @ My Closet Catelogue and me, Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

Last week, Maricel looked positively stunning in her darling vintage dress!

One of the prompts she gave me was wedges, which happen to be my footwear of choice when I need to look a little nicer for work! I simply refuse to go a whole day in pumps--maybe I'll do it for a night event, but there's no need to spend the whole day in pain. Wedges, on the other hand, are much more comfortable, and I feel they fit my aesthetic better anyway! 

Here, I styled my trusty grey suede wedges with a matching blazer, a maroon tank, and a mint necklace in keeping with my longstanding love for the maroon/mint color combo! 

Tank: Old Navy (similar, similar, similar)

Necklace: Target (similar, similar, similar)

Blazer: Talbots via Clothes Mentor (similar, similar, similar)

Jeans: LOFT (similar, similar, similar)

Wedges: Target (similar, similar, similar)

Next week, Whitney can choose from a statement necklace, a crochet detail, or suede! 

Christmas in July with The Blended Blog

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year!  I love singing along to Christmas carols in my car, enjoying holiday treats and relaxing under the lights of the Christmas tree.  But my favorite part of the season is that feeling of love, joy and peace shared between friends and family.  Some people might think gift exchanges represent a too-commercialized side of the holiday but I see it as an extra way to show love to my favorite people.

So why not celebrate Christmas in July with my fabulous friends from The Blended Blog?!  These ladies are some of the most radiant and giving women I know.  Plus, since we share the similar hobby of blogging, we just seem to get each other, making a gift exchange even more fun!

I was so excited when I received a package in the mail from Sarah of Foxy's Domestic Side!  Sarah is a Californian ray of sunshine with the biggest smile and sweetest heart around.  Her positive energy is infectious and you can't help but smile when you're around her.  Not only does she have a great spirit, she is so fashionable (as evidenced by the great tulle skirt below) and she does the most fantastic hair tutorials.  Ugh, can teleportation just be a thing so that I can hang-out with Sara all of the time?!  California and Michigan aren't close enough!  Alright, alright, you're probably ready to see what she gave me, huh?

As soon as I realized that Sarah was my Secret Santa, I was hoping there would be candy in my gift box.  You see, Sara and I had a great afternoon walking the streets of Toronto while sharing a bag of candy.  We both have quite the sweet tooth.  Sarah did not disappoint, she treated me to gummy bears and Swedish Fish!

And being the hair expert that Sara is, she also gave me some really awesome hair products.  Check-out this vat of bobby pins!  Y'all, I go through bobby pins like no other so I'm psyched about the sheer number of pins as well as the fact that they are Sarah (the hair goddess)-approved.  She also gifted me with a bottle of Amika's dry shampoo.  I actually received a sample size of this stuff in one of my Birchboxes and flew through it.  She somehow read my mind and now I have my very own, full-sized bottle!

Sarah, thank you so very very much for the thoughtful gift!  I love each and every part almost as much as I love being your friend!

Okay, ready for more presents?  I had a blast picking-out some goodies for the fabulous Nicole of Nick and Nicole + 4.  Head on over for some more unwrapping.  And oh yeah, Merry Christmas (in July)!

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Summertime Fun: Work-Out Faves

Hey, friends!  Sorry my posting has been a bit sporadic lately.  I've truly been relaxing and enjoying every little bit of my summer vacation!

One activity that I've dedicated a lot of time to this summer has been exercising!  I've mentioned before that I've tried to get into running on several occasions but it never became a regular part of my life...until now!  My boyfriend is an awesome runner so he has been helping to coach me.  His expertise and enthusiasm has me more motivated than ever to run farther and faster.  We've run two 5k's this month and I've beat my best time at each race!  I'm excited to keep pushing myself to see what I can do next!

Considering fitness has been a huge part of my summer, I'm excited to be participating in The Blended Blog's Summertime Fun Hop today because it's all about working-out!  If you are stopping by from Sarah's blog, welcome!

What we're most excited to share with you today is our favorite work-out video series by The Fitness Marshall!  Have you heard of him?  He creates these amazing hip hop dance routines to today's most popular songs.  You can find them for free on his Youtube channel.  After a few videos, you will definitely be working-up a sweat but you'll be having so much fun, you don't even realize it!  Need a little more convincing?  A few of the TBBers (myself included) made a video to show you just how much fun we have dancing with The Fitness Marshall.  Being recorded while doing a hip hop dance work-out was definitely embarrassing (what's with my facial expression?!?) but Deena did an amazing job compiling our little video.  I hope you enjoy it!

Fave Fitness Video from Dee on Vimeo.

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Blogging Besties :: Novelty Print

 

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015, the series expanded to include yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

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Last week, Selah stayed fresh and cool in a perfect summer ensemble:

This week is brought to you by: “shorts, glitter, novelty print, or cuff bracelet”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a novelty print.

 

I was smitten by this dress because of the print, but I stayed in love with it because of the sleeves, the quality of the cotton (oh, so soft!), and POCKETS! Sadly, when I received it in the mail and tried it on, I was disappointed to realize that it didn't quite work for my body. I sashayed and swanned about in front of the mirror, trying to figure out how to alter it to make it work. Was it too long? Was it too tight? Was the waistline too low/high? Then it hit me: shoulder pads and chest pockets. Although the print and cut is reminiscent of the 40s (thus why I bought it in the first place), it's really an 80s dress. So it had severe shoulder pads that emphasized my linebacker shoulders even more. Not a look I was going for. On top of that, It had two chest pockets that highlighted my ample bosoms, another look I am loathe to sport. So out came the seam ripper and a glass of wine, et voila! Perfection!

 

Deleting excess and streamlining the silhouette was a piece of cake. And there's nothing more satisfying than altering a garment with minimal skill necessary; I didn't even have to bust out the sewing machine. I always told my husband I was best at demolition. And now I can wear this beauty with confidence and sass.

    For

Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: white, wedges, or a poufy skirt. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Wedges – Dexflex @ Payless

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: The Sound by The 1975

Grandpa Jim

To the man who taught me...

...that life is best lived on your feet,
...that peanut butter and pickle sandwiches are actually delicious,
...that there is always a song to be sung,
...and that you always have room for dessert,

...may you rest in peace and know how much you are loved and missed.

Blogging Besties: Distressed Jean Shorts

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015 the series expanded to include Maricel @ My Closet Catelogue and me, Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

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Last week, Whitney looked adorable:

The prompts she gave me were "gingham, distressed jeans, cognac shoes or a hair do".

Since I live in NC, where it is 10-15 degrees hotter than MI, jeans in summer are a no go. I live in shorts from Memorial Day to Labor Day (often longer). So, I give you distressed jean shorts.

I paired my shorts with a pineapple print tee, glittery gold flip-flops, and a gold cuff bracelet.

 

Maricel can choose from shorts, glitter, novelty print, or cuff bracelet.

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

À la plage

You know that outfit you seem to find each season that just feels special?!  Well this is mine for the summer!

The moment I happened upon this dress from Lilly Pulitzer, I was smitten.  The light fabric and swing cut make this such a comfortable choice for the warm weather and the print, where do I even begin?!  The sailboats are a quintessential sign of the summer and the bright colors are so much fun!  Have a mentioned already how much I love this dress?

I am wearing my typical size medium and it fits perfectly.  It's loose enough to be comfy yet form-fitting enough to be flattering.

My boyfriend and I had a special weekend getaway planned to my hometown, St. Joseph, Michigan, and I was so excited to debut this dress at the beach!  The weather and the Lake Michigan view did not disappoint.  And thank you to my handsome guy for capturing these spectacular photos!

The dress, a simple pair of Jack Roger sandals and a Kendra Scott necklace were the perfect combination for walking the beach and enjoying family time.  But I'm totally picturing the dress with a pair of wedges and a denim jacket for when school starts again!  What do you think?

And since it's Wednesday, please link-up with me and The Blended Blog for your favorite fashion post lately!

Blogging Besties: Favorite Outfit Formula

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week Alex looked ultra-professional making me almost miss getting dressed for work in the morning, almost.

From her outfit, Alex presented me with the following prompts: maroon, a statement necklace, a blazer or a favorite outfit formula.  I decided to go with my current summer outfit formula!

My favorite way to keep an outfit interesting during the hot summer months is by wearing a top with a fun print (in this case, gingham), bottoms, flat sandals and a big 'ole messy bun on the top of my head.  That way I'm cool, comfy and somewhat put together!

Selah's prompts for next week are gingham, distressed jeans, cognac shoes or a hair do!

Currently: July

documenting: a weekend getaway to St. Joseph, Michigan (my hometown) with my boyfriend!  We spent a lovely weekend on the coast of Lake Michigan visiting family and friends, eating delicious food, and soaking up the sun at the beach!

accomplishing: my running goals.  Approximately every three years I decide to try running again...and I can actually feel myself improving this time!  I ran my first 5k yesterday and am already looking forward to beating my time at the next one.

enjoying: French-style lunches.  When I lived in France, I would frequently make meals out of a delicious hunk of cheese, fresh fruit, and other little tidbits.  I wondered recently why I don't enjoy simple meals like this now.  So for the past week I've enjoyed camembert, apricots, hummus and fresh veggies for lunch!

reading: The Man in the High Castle by Philip Dick.  I haven't yet seen the series and am looking forward to watching it when my boyfriend and I finish the book!

spending: more money at My Sister's Closet.  I mentioned in this post my fondness for this online boutique (as well as my love for a floral dress).  I recently purchased a few more items from them and am anxiously awaiting their delivery!

Linking-up with Anne and Stephanie!

The Blended Blog Asks...

I've got something a bit different happening here at the blog today!  Instead of a style post, I'm participating in a fun little interview with a few of my Blended Blog favorites.  If you are stopping by from Sheila's blog, welcome!  And make sure to hop on over to visit Katie when you're done!


1.  Favorite animal: cat (particularly my cat, Izzo).
2.  Wine or beer: red wine, please!
3.  Socks on/off while sleeping: off anytime unless I'm wearing tennis shoes.  I'm not a sock fan.
4.  One piece or two piece swimsuit: two, although I'm not opposed to a cute one piece.
5.  Cooking at home or eating out: I enjoy both but I guess my favorite would be eating out.

could he BE any cuter?!

6.  Pepsi or Coke: nothing beats a fountain Coke!
7.  Regular or electric toothbrush: I actually just purchased a disposable electric toothbrush.  So both?
8.  Candy or chocolate: candy!  Old school Dots are my fave.
9.  Coffee or tea: coffee, coffee, coffee! #butfirstcoffee
10.  Music or talk radio: as much as I try to get into talk radio, I prefer music.

fountain Coke, the way to my heart

11.  Chick flick, action movie or documentary: chick flicks!  Although I prefer watching TV series.
12.  Regular or mechanical pencil: mechanical pencil.
13.  Swimming or laying out: laying out!  Does anyone actually swim at the pool or beach??
14.  Dog or cat: I'm totally a crazy cat lady!
15.  What do you drive?  An SUV, van or sedan: none of the above...a coupe!  A cute Honda Civic!

I only get in the water to cool off

16.  Early bird catches the worm or night owl: umm, neither?!  I'm best during the afternoon, haha!
17.  If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be: strawberry pie.
18.  While you're sleeping- phone in your room or out: on my nightstand (I use it as an alarm).
19.  Singing in the shower: nope, not really. But in the car, most definitely!
20.  Orea cookies: whole, apart or dunked in milk: I do a combination of all three!

strawberry pie > birthday cake

Now that you know some fun, random facts about me, I want to learn a little about you!  Write a post answering these questions and link-up below!

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