Celebrating America!

In anticipation of this weekend, today's post is dedicated to July 4th inspiration. I have a half day at work tomorrow and then it's time for a 3 day weekend {which I will happily take advantage of} I'll be heading home to Richmond and then on to Virginia Beach for a few days with one of my good friends! She is moving into a house about a block away from the beach - yes, please. I can't wait to spend this weekend drinking cocktails, having cookouts, watching fireworks, and celebrating America!

Look at these pretties - they just get me even more excited for this weekend!

{Credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

I hope y'all have fun plans to enjoy this lovely weekend too! xo, lovelies

Tuesday Treat

How amazing does this icy pop look? Although it looks delish, it almost looks too pretty to eat! The colors are so bright and fresh, they remind me of a summer cookout or pool party on a Sunday afternoon. Think fresh fruits and light flavors like pink lemonade, raspberry, apricots and strawberries. {Yummy!}

{Butterfly Foodie via Martha Stewart}

The fashion inspiration below was drawn purely from those bright pinks and oranges that are so in for  summer nights out. How perfect is this color combination? I'm a little in love with the pink ruffly top and Kate Spade straw bag - staples for a chic party look in the summer!

{Shop Clockwise: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6}

What do you think? Would you pair these colors together? 

Life Lately

In case you haven't noticeddd....life for me lately has been quite busy and I have had to abandon my little blogging world for a bit. Britt is back! I've had something going on almost every minute of everyday, most of it has been fun stuff, but I've also been working 10 hour workdays which have left me drained and exhausted. Here are some of the fun things that have been occupying my time these days:

My best friend Britt's wedding weekend...best friend wedding #1 of the season...I'll spare y'all the pictures from later that night ;)

Bisthon, Tima, Tida, & Me {aka Bubby}

A weekend trip to NYC spent with some of my best girlfriends since middle school. I realize that it's rare to hold onto friends that long, so I truly feel lucky to have such great friendships that have been there for years and years. We used to call ourselves "Art Table" because we all sat in together in art class {clever and creative name we came up with right? haha} I love these girls. We had big dreams of all living in NYC together, one of us made it so far, but who knows what the future holds!

Wedding weekend #2 for another one of my best girlfriends. 

Thinking back to these past few weekends, I can't help but think about how fast life is moving and changing. It seems like just yesterday I was in middle school with "Art Table" talking about our dreams of moving to NYC together. Or I think about high school and traveling to Europe, graduating, heading off to beach week, and then starting college. Now, I have two best friends that are married and starting their own families, one best friend in NYC, others in Grad School, working in the "Corporate World." It's exciting, and scary at the same time, to think about how my life feels like it's in fast forward mode. I'm excited for what the future holds for myself, and my friends; however I tend to get overexcited about the future, and forget to enjoy my life in the moment.

In the next few weeks I'm going to try to slow down, try not to get anxious about what the future may hold, and enjoy my life at this moment. I encourage y'all to do the same! It is summer after all - take advantage of the longer days and the constant sunshine :)

Fun Summer Accessories I'm Loving...

Chunky bead necklaces and wedges - Ah. I'm in love. Take a look at these beauties below...aren't they perfect to spice up a classic, casual look? As I get older, I'm realizing that my style is morphing into one that consists of classic clothing pieces that I know will last, that I can dress up/down, and that are versatile. Along with that realization, I find I that I am willing to spend more money on fun accessories such as bold jewelry, funky handbags, and shoes galore.

{Photo Credits: 1 + 2 Anthropologie 3 + 4 Elva Fields}

Check out these espadrilles. These are great if you want to dress up your look up instead of wearing flip flops with a sundress to a neighborhood barbeque or cookout. So fun!

{Photo Credits: 1 Jessica Simpson 2 Michael Kors 3 Kate Spade}

These don't have to break the bank either. I got this great, neutral pair of shoes below from Old Navy for $30! I can wear them with anything. Yes, please.

{Photo Credit: Old Navy}

Lets Have a Picnic

Happy Monday my loves! It's been so nice out lately, right!? It's been a struggle for me to sit in my office everyday without the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather. I cherish my weekends so much more in the summertime, don't y'all? I think we have a few more weeks to enjoy outdoor picnics before it's time for our lovely Virginia scorchers with humidity that makes you feel dewey all over the second you step outside. I would love to be curled up on a blanket under a big oak tree with a great book right now.



               {Photo Credits: 1 Christian Cruz via Hello, Friend 2 Room For Dessert 3 Charlotta Ward 4 Bri Lehman
5 Little Girl, Big City}



I'll Wear That Dress If You Wear That Tie

This past weekend I spent 4 days with old friends to celebrate my best friend's wedding. I am in a major   slight depression this week being back to work thinking about how this time last week, I was headed home to just begin the wedding festivities. Thursday I got to have lunch with Matt and Britt, and then later that evening was spent in the church with her family decorating. Friday, we had nail appointments and lunch before heading back to the church for rehearsal. After rehearsing for the big day, we all ventured to Hanover Tavern for a delicious dinner! 

As a surprise for Britt and Matt, I put together a slideshow of both of them growing up, with friends, and showing their relationship from the beginning. Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch {and thanks to my non-technology knowledge} I was missing a piece that I needed to hook my computer up the projector...party foul. It still worked out, and we passed my computer around to each table for people to enjoy. 

Saturday morning I got up bright and early to start getting ready! I met the girls at church where we all had our hair did...holla! {Britt had a huge bridal party, so our hair appointments spanned from 10:30am to 3:00pm haha}. I decided to hang around all day and sip mimosas. Britt arrived around noon after her makeup appointment, and funny story, got pulled over by a cop on the way to the church!...Yep...on her wedding day. Did she get a ticket? Nope. Lucky lady! Britt was very calm all day so everything the rest of the afternoon went very smoothly. 

The wedding went off without a hitch, and Britt and Matt are now happily married! Their reception was at a beautiful bank in downtown Richmond on the 24th floor reception hall. We had views of the entire city of Richmond that lit up when it got dark. It was perfect. 

We all danced the night away and made memories that will last forever. I spent all weekend with my best friends in the world and it made me realize how lucky I truly am. I have grown up with the best girls I know and as we grow older, we are still each other's biggest fans and best support system. {Not to mention, we have a blast together!} I love you girls!!