Life's A Beach

Head to Toe: Top, Forever 21; Cords, J. Crew; Hat, American Eagle; Necklace, Forever 21; Watch, Fossil.

I think we all are guilty of taking where we live for granted at times. And since I've been born and raised in one small corner of Connecticut, I often forget that this place has a lot to offer - you can be laying out on the beach, hop in the car, and 15 minutes later you can be in the forest hiking. I love the shore, and am glad it is finally the season to enjoy it. Thursday I went for a long bike ride with friends through town, to the beaches and all around the water. We finished off by going to a secluded spot that overlooked the water and a lighthouse. Perfection!

The Days are Long but the Years are Short

Head to Toe: Blouse, Marshall's; Blazer, Strawberry; Jeans, Gap; Flats, American Eagle; Necklace, American Eagle.

Happy Hump Day! Tomorrow is actually Friday for me because I will be off of work to see Mackenzie graduate. I am a year ahead of him in school, plus I finished a semester early, so I remember it seeming like forever away that he would finish. Yet somehow, it is already here. One of my favorite quotes from the book The Happiness Project is, "the days are long but the years are short." It's too true. I am so proud of him and excited to start what is sure to be a new chapter in our lives.

Motherly Love

Head to Toe: Dress, Hollister; Chambray blouse, Marshall's; Scarf and Bracelets, American Eagle; Bag, Thrifted; Shades, Vendor; Sneakers, Converse.

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mamma's out there. I had a lovely time with my mom yesterday, going for a nice long walk and visiting a tiny art fair in town. While I appreciate all of the things she did growing up, my mom has also done so much for me into my adult life. Through huge life changes and transitions, she's really been there to support me and offer advice. She has always been my role model.

To show the moms in my life some love, I made cupcake bouquets, based on this blog post by 52 Kitchen Adventures (found via Pinterest, of course). I improvised a little, using a flat foam block instead of a ball and stacking them a bit. Overall, I think they came out great and the receiving mommies were pleased. Plus, they weren't too difficult for those of us who operate slightly below Martha's standards.

Water Colors

Head to Toe: Top, Anthropologie; Jeans, Delia's; Flats, Vince Camuto via Marshall's; Bracelet and earrings, Francesca's Collections; Clutch, invitation envelope.

Happy Friday! Nothing feels better than a Friday evening - so many possibilities for the next two days. We're finally getting some nice weather in New England...I've been dying to wear this top since I got it for Christmas, and it feels like a mark of summer to wear it (the sleeves aren't really sweater-conducive). I could easily see it with heels instead of flats and a black clutch for a chic dinner outfit.

On another note, I had my first test of my 6-week no shopping challenge yesterday. I have been avoiding stores entirely but needed a few mother's day things at Marshall's so I ventured in. Since I was on a mission, I wasn't (too) tempted to shop for myself. The bigger test came when I went into Sally's with my girlfriends. I really wanted to buy a matte polish top coat, but decided that was technically shopping and resisted. My friend Liz wanted it too so she grabbed it and vowed to schedule a nail date. That's a true bestie.

Tropical Crush

Head to Toe: Skinnies, Strawberry; Tunic, Hand-me-down; Boots, Hunter; Clutch, Rue 21; Necklace, Anthropologie; Watch, Fossil.

Who says a gray day calls for a neutral outfit? For me, nothing to get through a rainy hump-day like punchy, tropical brights. Almost Friday, people!

Polka Dots, Day and Evening

Head to Toe: Blouse, Hollister; Necklace, C/O e-Fox City; Jeans (white), Thrifted; Jeans (blue), Gap; Loafers, Steve Madden; Heels, Target; Bag, Olivia + Joy via Marshall's.

While I firmly believe that the whole "no white before Memorial Day" rule is a bunch of baloney, I think white jeans after dark will have to wait for warmer weather. So for dinner out with the hubby, I altered my sailor-esque look to something a little more evening appropriate with dark jeans and heels. And my beloved sock bun looks polished enough for both work and nightlife. To throw a nod to our friends across the pond, I'm also rocking a little British style with my e-Fox City (an online clothing store) flag necklace.

 

 

Find this necklace and more adorable statement pieces (along with men's clothing and t-shirts) at e-Fox City, a great resource to buy cheap clothing online.

In Full Bloom

Head to Toe: Blouse, Marshall's; Cardigan, Gap; Jeans, Delia's; Necklace, Forever 21; Watch, Fossil; Shoes, Tommy Hilfiger via Macy's.

Over the past few weeks, everything has finally bloomed. Every tree and garden in the neighborhood is in full flower, just in time for May. I celebrated the start of a new month by showing off a little toe in these spring-y wedges. Happy Friday!

Photos by the best mother/photog ;)