Thirty-Two

Today is my thirty-second birthday and I'm celebrating in the best possible way!  I've spent the weekend running my first 10k, eating delicious food and sampling countless types of wine, beer and cider in Traverse City, Michigan.  If that doesn't sound delightful enough, I get to do all of this with three of my favorite people-- my mom, dad and boyfriend!

This birthday is an interesting one as I'm wrapping-up my teaching career, something that I've worked hard at for the last ten years.  I don't yet know which path my career will take from here but I'm feeling faithful that the right job is on the horizon...and I'm excited to find-out what it is!

Despite my career uncertainty, I am in a really good life place right now!  As always, I have the best friends and family.  My boyfriend and I continue to build a home together (with our two cats).  I'm excited to be an official resident of Grand Rapids.  And I'm feeling happy and healthy!  Now that's something to celebrate!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Gal Meets Glam (exact)
Wedges: Macy's (exact)
Tote: Anthropologie (exact)

Pink on Pink on Pink

It's no secret that pink is my favorite color, but why did I wait so long to try an outfit full of different shades of my favorite hue?!

I'm linking-up with The Blended Blog today where we are sharing Graduation Looks.  Personally, I am smack dab in the middle of a graduation drought.  I received my Master's Degree in 2010 and have no plans of heading back to school anytime soon.  Further, I don't have children yet, let alone children that could be graduating!

Luckily, as a teacher, I've gotten to celebrate lots of students' graduations, parties and award ceremonies.  Given that these aren't personal events, I don't get as dressed-up as I would for my own graduation, plus I want to look slightly on the professional side (no strapless dresses for me)!  An easy-to-wear dress, some fun wedges and a jacket is my uniform for these end-of-the-year teacher events!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Jacket: La Redoute (exact) Size-up!
Wedges: Macy's (exact)

Don't forget to link-up with The Blended Blog below!

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Red, White and Blue

Happy Fourth of July, my dear blogging friends!  May your day be filled with friends, hot dogs, cold drinks, sparklers and a swell of pride for the 'ole U.S. of A!  And while you're at it, will you have an extra hot dog and cold drink for me?  Because I will be spending today driving across this great country of ours for about ten hours.  It's not exactly the way I would prefer to spend my holiday but I will make the most of it by taking in the landscape that our nation has to offer!

For the past two years, I have been invited to a wedding during Fourth of July weekend.  I love holidays and I love weddings so I think that this is a perfect way to celebrate the Fourth!  Add to the mix a self-imposed challenge to create a wedding-appropriate, not cheesy, red, white and blue outfit?!  I am in closet remixing heaven!

I purchased a beautiful, red maxi dress for the wedding last summer and decided that because I love it so much, I wanted to wear it again for this wedding!  I wanted to do red, white and blue again but in a different way than I did last year.  The dress and the shoes remain the same but I spiced up the accessories!

When Bri hosted an online Stella & Dot party a couple months ago, I found the perfect necklace and clutch to create the look I had been daydreaming about!  By purchasing these items, I won the spot of surprise hostess for the party and received some credit to purchase another couple of Stella & Dot pieces.  Thank you, Bri!

With that, have a lovely Fourth (and don't forget about that extra hot dog)!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Nashville Boutique (similar, similar)
Wedges: DSW (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)
Clutch: Stella & Dot (exact)

Second First Day

I've taken a back-to-school picture by my door every single year since I can remember!  Let's revisit one or two.

Let's flash back to Monday evening, shall we?  My back-to-school outfit is chosen and hanging in the front of my closet, my lesson plans have been written and re-written, my lunch is packed and ready to be eaten, and then I get a text that school has been cancelled.  To which I replied, "Wait, what??"

Yes, dear friends, my first day of school was cancelled!  We had some pretty intense thunderstorms on Monday and my building flooded!  While it may seem enticing to have one more day of vacation, I was actually pretty disappointed.  I had so much energy and excitement to start the school year and didn't want to wait one more day to meet my kiddos!

Luckily, I split my day between two schools and was able to teach my two morning classes at the high school before going to assess the damage of my flooded classroom at the junior high (luckily, no major catastrophes)!  However, what do I do about that perfect back-to-school outfit I had planned?  I save it for my first full day, my second first day, if you will!  So I am, in fact, wearing this outfit today!

Did you notice that the print on my Express Portofino shirt is little Eiffel Towers with tiny French flags at the top.  I'd say that makes for a perfect first day ensemble for a French teacher, what do you think?

And thanks, those of you who noticed my new hair color!  I had my stylist use the balayage technique and I'm loving the results.  And those soft waves, I'm working on perfecting them but you will still mostly see me and my curly mop around these parts!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Express (all Portofino styles)

Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)

Belt: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Wedges: DSW (exact) <-- I love these so much that I want them in all of the colors!

Where I'm linking-up!  Is this TARDIS blue enough for you, Maricel?

Create28: A New Summer Trend

What style trends have you noticed this summer?  A few that I have picked-up on have been lots of white-- whether it be dresses or denim,-- Birkenstocks, kimonos and swing dresses.  While I'm loving all of these looks, the trend that I am most excited about this summer is the romper!  Now, I know that the romper isn't exactly a new trend.  It's popped-up for a couple of summers now.  But I feel like this look really exploded this season with cuter-than-ever styles available.  I hesitantly dipped my toe into the pool of rompers with a simple black number.  As soon as a realized how comfy and easy it was to wear, I knew that I had to find another romper in a cute print for summer!

And then I found this beauty!  I adore every single thing about it: the print, the fit, the colors!

One thing to think about when purchasing a unique romper is it's remixability.  Unlike shorts that you can pair with different tops, a romper can only be remixed with various completer pieces, shoes and accessories, so make sure it works with what you have in your closet.  Pink and navy are colors that I wear frequently so I knew this one would work well in my wardrobe.

For this romper's first run around town, I wore it with a pink cardigan and my new favorite espadrille wedges.  Next time I might pair it with a denim jacket and a pair of cognac sandals.  I'm also thinking some navy tights and a pair of riding boots will make the romper work into the fall!

Today Carrie, Casey and I are all posting our own favorite summer trends so please pop-over to A Lovely Little Wardrobe and A Little Bit of Cheer to see what they are wearing!

Need a little extra inspiration?  Check-out our Pinterest board for favorite summer trends:

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Favorite Summer Trends on Pinterest.

And as usual, we want to see what you've got!  Show us your favorite trend on Instagram today (#create28summerlooks) and link-up with us on Monday!  And ladies, this concludes our Create28: Lovely Summer Looks Challenge!  Thank you so much for playing with and following along.  Come back tomorrow to see my recap of the challenge.

And don't forget!  You only have a few more days to enter the giveaway for a $75 gift card.  Enter below!

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What I'm Wearing:
Romper: LOFT (exact)
Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)
Wedges: DSW (exact)

Create28: Styling Summer Tanks

If you have been following along with Create28, you probably know by now that I am totally smitten with tanks in the summer. This year, I've completely fallen for light and flowing tanks. If they are racer-back, then even better. So when I was contacted by Showinbuy to feature an item from their website, I first looked through they summer tops. I was looking for sleeveless and something a little feminine. I really wanted something that encompassed that light and airy look. Well, guess what? I found it!
 

This top came in a few other colors but I really thought white would be a great piece to add to my wardrobe. I know it can be difficult when it comes to photography but I hope you can see the layers.

shorts/aeropostale {similar} top/showinbuy {one} belt/amazon {similar} shoes/dsw {similar}

I featured this top earlier in Create28 with a more dressier look. {Here} It seemed appropriate to feature a look with shorts that is casual yet chic. Casual, put-together and chic is what I try to accomplish for my everyday looks. Showinbuy.com is online site for women's clothing. They offer a variety of items from special occasion dresses to everyday pieces. This is a website where you can pick up a few of those trendy pieces at little cost. But at the same time, you can find a great little item like this one. A piece like this that has versatility within the summer months but has the potential to cross a season or two if remixed correctly. The question remains - Would I purchase from Showinbuy? I would certainly peruse their website for specific pieces to add throughout the seasons. Most likely it is a place I would shop for trendier pieces. I did think the quality of this top was very nice. I was really happy with it although I did not expect it to be as nice as it is. This item was definitely a win! Now the bad news. I received this top a few weeks ago and had planned to feature it in this post. Evidently, it is sold out because I would not find it on their site. This one is very similar though.

Since this type of tank isn't everyone's favorite, my Pinterest board might be a great place to get a little more inspiration.

Follow Carrie Carson's board Summer Tanks on Pinterest.

Don't forget to add your look on Instagram #Create28SummerLooks. We are loving what you have been posting this month! Keep it up, ladies!

Be sure to enter our giveaway too, which ends in a few day!

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    Where I'm linking up.

Create28: My Summer Date Night Look

Happy Friday, ladies!  Do you have any fun plans this evening to celebrate the start of the weekend?  Perhaps you have a date tonight with a special someone!  What are you going to wear??  It's a good thing that's what we're discussing on day 24 of Create28: Lovely Summer Looks...summer date night looks!

My favorite date night look will always consist of that perfect little dress.  You know, that one that fits in all the right places, feels a bit flirty and makes you feel like a million bucks!  Add some cute wedges and I am ready for a night on the town!

I wore this Milly for Kohl's dress for my birthday dinner in May and just knew that I had to pull it out again before the end of the summer.  Sometimes with such bold pieces, I struggle to think of remixing options.  But ladies, it's all about the accessories.  You may remember that I wore this dress before with pink pumps but navy espadrilles give it a different vibe.  I also added a bold Kendra Scott necklace for a bit more glamour.  And don't forget that cute little clutch!

What is your go-to date night look.  Perhaps some short shorts or a sexy romper?  Carrie, Casey and I want to see you all gussied-up on Instagram (#create28summerlooks) and for our link-up on Monday!

Looking for some more ideas...

Follow Whitney R.'s board Summer Date Night on Pinterest.

And don't forget to enter our giveaway!  At the end of the month we will mail the lucky winner a $75 gift card to her choice of Gap Brand Stores, LOFT, Nordstrom or Target!  Check-out how to enter below.

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Kohl's (similar, similar)
Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)
Clutch: South Moon Under (exact in black)
Wedges: DSW (exact)

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Create28: Summer Footwear

I can't believe we are already on Day 19 of Create28!  Today I'll be talking about my favorite shoes for summer!

Listen, I am a recovering flip-flops addict, so while I don't get super fancy with my summer shoes, I have found some fun, new shoes that are GREAT alternatives to flip flops.

First, here is why I was a flip flops addict for so many years:

~ They are comfy
~ They are easy to just slide on
~ They go with everything
~ They **can** be cute if you get the right pair!

I still LOVE my Havaianas flip flops, don't get me wrong. I will never abandon my first love :) But they don't exactly scream "style!" Here are some of my new faves that are comfy, easy and go with virtually everything!

Options 1 & 2 are just as easy to put on as flip flops, but gives an outfit WAY more style.

Option 1: Slide-On Sandals ~ These slides are probably the most worn shoes in my closet right now!! I never dreamed I'd wear them so much. They are just like flip flops in that they slide right on, but the embellishment and style make them so much more put-together-looking :)

Slide-On Sandal Options ~

Option 2: Slide-on Sneakers ~ You probably know my Converse love by now and I especially love these that don't tie. Yes, my Chucks have seen better days and I need a new pair, but just looking at them, you know I wear them...like, A LOT!!!!

Slide-On Sneaker Options ~

Options 3 & 4 are not slide ons and for this reason I thought I'd HATE them, but they're really not that much trouble at all! I'm glad I tried something new :)

Option 3: Low Wedge Sandals ~ Although I love tall wedges like THESE, I just don't wear tall wedges on a daily basis. These low wedges, though, I DO!! They are tall enough to elongate my short legs,but not too tall where I can't run around and chase my kids in them! I wear these with shorts, skirts, jeans, whatever!!!

Low Wedge Options ~

Option 4: Glitter or Embellished Sandals ~ Something about glitter or embellishment on shoes can really "make" a plain outfit feel special. I snagged these at Target for about $12 on sale and I love wearing them. They're flat and comfy and I just can't argue with glitter :) Click HERE for my exact sandals.

Glitter/Embellished Sandal Options ~

These four pairs of shoes (AND my flip flops!!) are what I live in...all the way until October! I'm really glad I finally have some "new" options besides just always reaching for my Havaianas just because I think they're easy....but they're just too good to abandon completely!

What are your "go to" shoes in the summer?? Don't forget to show us your faves by linking up tomorrow OR at #Create28SummerLooks! AND!!! Tomorrow the raffle opens for a $75 gift card to Gap Brands, Nordstrom, Loft or Tarjay....I think that's enough to make everyone happy!! :)

 I'll leave you with more Summer Footwear inspiration!

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Summer Footwear on Pinterest.

 See where I link up HERE.

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

I'm on Instagram now! Yippeee! Follow me HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE 

Create28: My Favorite Go-To Summer Look

Happy first day of July, you guys!  With the school year an ever distant memory and Independence Day right around the corner, I truly feel that we are in the throws of summer!  And it's time to start Create28: Lovely Summer Looks!  First up: My Favorite Go-To Summer Look!

Given the ever-soaring temperatures, I know that I have been sporting my go-to summer look bunches already.  What is my signature summer ensemble, you ask?  More often than not, you'll find me in a jersey maxi dress, a denim vest and a pair of wedges!

In my opinion, there isn't anything more comfortable than a stretchy, flowing maxi dress!  And comfort is key when it's so darn hot outside, amiright?  Sometimes it can be hard (at least for me) to find maxi dresses with the right proportions to be flattering, but for the last two summers I've found this style maxi at the Banana Republic Outlet.  I've already purchased it in three prints and I'm hoping to find more this summer.  When you find something that works, go all out, I say!

All the BR Outlet Maxis (original post, original post)

Another summer staple that I added to my closet last summer is my denim vest!  Sometimes you want a little extra interest to add to a dress and this piece works perfectly when it's too hot to add a jacket or a cardigan.  I can't even tell you how frequently I wear mine!

For more go-to summer look inspiration, head over to Carrie and Casey's blogs to see what they are wearing today!  We've also created a Pinterest board featuring even more ideas.

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Summer Go-To Looks on Pinterest.

And we want to see what you're wearing, too!  Post your looks on Instagram using #Create28SummerLooks.  We will also be hosting a link-up for your whole week's worth of outfits each Monday.  Come on, join in the fun!  Tomorrow's prompt: Graphic Tee Look!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)

Vest: Old Navy (exact)

Necklace: Kendra Scott c/o Rocks Box (exact)

Wedges: DSW (similar)