Never say goodbye to summer.

Wrapping up August and moving back up to school always feels like something is dying inside of me.  I know that sounds dramatic, and it's probably my senioritis looming, but I have so much on my plate already for my senior year and classes haven't even started.  At my University, I write for the sports section of our newspaper, I have a full-time internship with our D1 hockey team, I am the director of public relations for my sorority, and I am a rep at large for our student government.  In my spare time, I take class.

I am also an awful packer, so I let my mother handle all that with the laundry and the duffel bags.  The one thing I have to look forward to with starting school is the changing of seasons. I love fall.  Fall is my second favorite season (to winter) and I can't wait to wear long jeans, cable-knit sweaters, warm boots and drink a pumpkin spice latte.  I've started my transition into fall - breaking out my gingham button-ups along with a little wishful thinking.  Also, I'm excited to get back to school with my regular schedule and a little more structure.

I can't tell you why I'm making the most ridiculous face in that photo - It was probably some embarrassment from my mother insisting we take it in front of 30 people at Target.

The bottom shot there is just a mess of our dining table as I wrapped up one of my best friend's birthday presents.  I crafted her a set of her initials to hang on her wall!  Gratuitous photo below.

Does anyone else have anxiety about school starting?  

It is essential to brunch.

Nothing says 'welcome home' like going out to brunch with the parents.  My Dad, Stepmom and I headed to a quaint little Italian restaurant in South Minneapolis this morning for brunch.  I also got to break out my new chambray button up(!!) paired with dark jeans, a bright pink necklace, my watch, leopard print flats, and a big statement ring from Topshop.  The best part of brunch?  Endless mimosas - yes please!

Putting together my outfit and getting dressed this morning was an adventure.  I'm not always crazy about tucking in shirts because I have hips for days, but I ended up being really pleased with the results!  Also, after brunch, my parents and I headed to Mall of America so I could get some new running shoes!  I picked out a pair in a great, bright, fruit-punch color.  While at the mall, I actually got compliments on my outfit in DSW and Macy's.  It's always nice to get a little positive affirmation!

Running to the mall to get shoes reminded me a lot of going back to school shopping throughout grade school (and made me miss it terribly!).  However, navigating the mall was less than fun with so many people getting ready for school as well.

What are some pieces you'd like to pick up before classes start?

Home sweet home - for now.

I am pooped.  Five days in Pennsylvania and two in Manhattan - I couldn't be happier to be home in my own room, and in my own bed!  Walking around Manhattan was fun, it was my friend's first time & her mother's first time in 30+ years - and since I've been going every summer for 7 years, I let them set the agenda.  We hit all the obvious tourist spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Saks Fifth Ave, and Rockefeller Plaza.  Here's a shot of us at the observation deck of the Empire State Building - 86 floors up (it was very hot outside)!

Also, here's a shot of us at Rockefeller Plaza, also very early in the morning - hence the big coffee!

I'll be home in Minneapolis for four days to help my other friend celebrate her birthday before moving back up to school!  I'm excited to get on a more routine schedule and of course, back to school outfits!

Thanks for sticking with me during my summer of adventure!

What are some fun trips you've taken this summer?

Pretty in Lilly.

As you know, I'm vacationing near Philadelphia and today we got the chance the spend the day at King of Prussia Mall which had so many stores that aren't available in Minnesota!  My first stop the moment we walked in was straight to the Lilly Pulitzer store.  We do not have a Lilly in Minnesota and I was planning on ordering a planner online, but got to buy one in person instead!  The store itself was so lovely!  The girls that worked there were either 1. older and so pleasant, or 2. younger and less than thrilled to help anyone.  Either way, I had a great time and got the planner I wanted!

 

I also was able to snag a cute new top & necklace from H&M!  Definitely expect an OOTD post with them!  Here's a shot of my new planner and necklace:

Sometimes you just gotta do it.

We all have those times when we find something we'd like to have, add it to our cart, then close the browser.  Either you can't see yourself really needing it, or you have better things to spend your money on - but you find yourself visiting it once and a while and imagining how much better your life would be if you had it (dramatic? yes.).  As many of you know from my other post, I've been craving a bubble necklace, but had previously been on the fence about it.  Well since I'm on vacation and in a spending mood, I decided to finally pick one up from The Poke A Dot Shop in the color wine red.  I picked this because it was: 1.  Cheap, only $20 bucks (so if I don't love it, I'm not out $150 via J. Crew) and 2.  A versatile color that wasn't too bright and as one of my sorority's colors, I can wear it to formal events paired with an ivory or black dress.

Also new to me that I've just received after a bit of debating is J. Crew's Perfect Shirt in polka-dot chambray.  It's something that Carly aka The College Prepster has been recommending for so long - so I finally just ordered one!  I've already gotten it in the mail, but I didn't take it on vacation with me, so I'm excited to get home and piece together a few new looks!

On a whim while perusing Target's nail polish aisle in West Chester, PA., I noticed that their Essie nail polishes are about $1.50 cheaper than in Minnesota!  So I finally picked up Essie's A Crewed Interest!  Super cute, fun fall color that will be a nice transition from August into September!

What are some items you're debating about or have finally ordered?  I'd love to hear!

The countryside.

Earlier in the week my good friend and I arrived in Pennsylvania after a 22-hour drive through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania (and unfortunately even Maryland).  Her mother recently moved here and we decided to come out to visit for a week and spend a few days in Manhattan.

After spending a few hours in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I've decided that I love it here.  Little towns like Downingtown that are very historic and charming have absolutely been my favorite.  We drove by this little library the day we arrived, but I insisted we go back so I could take a few photos.

We ended up going inside to check it out and learned that it was actually once a boarding school for girls as well as an important stop on the Underground Railroad.  We also spent some time exploring Valley Forge, shopping in West Chester and checking out boutiques in Paoli.  Today we are venturing into downtown Philly where I'd like to check out the row houses and Independence Hall.  Lots and lots of history here!

And I even had time to peruse the Lilly Endless Summer Sale after showering this morning.  I'd say that means it's going to be a good day!

The brother is home(!).

My older brother Alex is home for 4 days this summer!  This is very exciting!  I know four days sounds like absolutely nothing, but we haven't seen him since Christmas, so we're all pretty excited.  He's a professional dancer with a company based out of Montreal, Quebec where he lives 6 months out of the year, and the other 6 months his company travels throughout Canada, the US, Europe, Central America & South America.

The best part of him coming home is all the international presents & the celebrations (going out to eat, bonfires, patio parties, going to the lake house, etc.)

This is the two of us before going to our Grandpa's restaurant this evening for dinner with our big family.

He's adorable.  He's probably the most "fashion" or trend conscious out of all of us & very, very picky about what he wears.  I love exchanging new brands or tips with him when he's home.  I didn't have a lot of time to get ready, but was overall pleased with my outfit!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

The summer uniform.

Everyone has their go-to outfit that they can slip into on any given day and feel completely comfortable for anything.  Whether it be running errands or meeting a friend for Starbucks, this is my summer uniform.

1.  Jean jackets are a must.  I can't tell you how much I live in mine - especially in Minnesota when the weather can go from pleasant to too cool or raining in the blink of an eye.  I may wear this jacket too much, but you can pick up a great one here, here, or here!

2.  I may own an American Apparel v-neck in every color they offer.  These shirts are a little more than people generally want to spend on a v-neck that they could get at Target for less than $5, but their quality cannot be beat.  I still wear some of these that I bought my sophomore year of high school that look just as good as some I bought last month.  These can also be dressed up or down with the right accessories!

3.  My Marc by Marc Jacobs Blade Chrono Watch in rose gold.  My watch is my security blanket.  I never leave the house without it!  Rose gold is so trendy right now and I love the way it looks!

4.  White Ray Ban Wayfarers are always good for protecting your eyes in style!

5.  My pearl earrings were a gift from my brother for Christmas.  I wear them every day unless I'm in the mood for something else.  These are also special because the pearl is one of my sorority's stones!

6.  Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish Boat-Shoe.  These are my running-out-of-the-house, grab something quick and leave(!) shoe.  I love the pattern on them, from a far, they almost look like a Lilly print!

What are your essentials for your every day?

Bubbles or bust.

As we all know, bubble necklaces are taking over summer fashion - but my question is - are these necklaces appropriately loud or just overdone?

Ranging in price from $19.99 to $150.00, these baubles are everywhere!

In my opinion, these necklaces can be tastefully done with perhaps a chambray button up (this is mine!) or a nice white oxford shirt.  If you choose to wear this piece with a patterned blouse, steer towards muted patterns or solid colors.  Too much of a backdrop may cause squinting!

What do you think of bubble necklaces?  Is this trend in for the long haul?

These are a few of my favorite things.

I know August is halfway over, but I'm still loving all the things that make my summer fabulous!  Some things are new, and others old classics.  Here are my favorite picks for the last beautiful weeks!

1.  Monogrammed Clutch by Marley Lilly - This is new!  My mother purchased this for me in emerald green (easy transition into fall) and it's my new go-to bag!  I tucked my chain into the bag because it's just a tad too short and carry it as a full clutch.  See a picture of mine here!

2.  Aruba Blue by Essie - It seems this summer I've been hoarding nail polish.  This bright blue is playful and makes me wish I was laying oceanside!

3.  Hipster in Summer Cottage by Vera Bradley - This was actually new for my mother, but she decided she didn't love it like she thought she would - so voila!  New hipster for me!  This is a great summer pattern rather than my fall/winter hipster in Baroque.

4.  White Wayfarer by Ray Ban - A classic piece is timeless.  My favorite sunglasses by far, but I will definitely be investing in an all-black pair soon!

5.  Poeske Flat Sandal by Mossimo - Usually I am not the type of girl to buy shoes at Target unless they really catch my eye.  I thought these sandals were cute and they were on sale for only $9, score!  They aren't my go-to shoes, but for running to Starbucks or out to lunch with a friend, these are handy and they always show off my pedicure!

6.  Sun-Kissed Radiant Skin by Nivea - This lotion has been an absolute lifesaver for me.  It keeps me from glowing white between trips to the beach and leaves no orange-y marks behind.  It's easy to build and works quickly!  (Plus it smells amazing!)

6.  Striped Flats by Big Buddha  - This was another ah-ha! purchase at DSW.  While I bought these last summer, I didn't get the chance to wear them much throughout the year.  These shoes are super comfortable and can dress up an outfit as simple as fitted capris and a nice v-neck!

(I've linked Zappos instead of the BB website because they have a larger selection of BB shoes.  Unfortunately, this particular model is no longer for sale.)

What are your favorite products as we close out summer?