What I Wore vol. 7: all white

I hope everyone had an awesome Memorial Day weekend! Are 3 day weekends not the best? I had such a great weekend at home. The wedding I went to was an absolute blast and it was the best hanging with family and friends by the pool for the rest of it. Now only 3.5 days to go till the weekend again! I could get used to this....

Now that Memorial Day has passed, it's OFFICIALLY acceptable to wear all white outfits. I have mentioned this before, but I don't exactly follow that rule. I think when done correctly, all white outfits are appropriate for any season. I love this top from Ann Taylor - the cut is great and it's so flowy and breezy, so it's perfect for hot summer days. It's also on sale right now with an extra 40% off and comes in 4 different solid colors. How about that for a deal?!

top (same, solid color)  |  jeans  |  bracelet (old, similar, similar) |  necklace

Is this pink house not the cutest little backdrop? I was so excited when I stumbled across it! 

Have a great Tuesday, everyone! 

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We've made it, y'all! It's FRIDAY! 

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I'm headed back to Champaign (feels like deja vu!) for a dear friend's wedding on Sunday, and I'm so excited to see family and friends and spend time by the pool. I just love long weekends, don't y'all?! And honestly, I prefer Mondays off over Fridays. Then the work week feels like a snap, instead of anticipating the Friday off all week. 

Hopefully you all have fun plans and it will be sunny wherever you are! 

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shopping  |   Loft is 40% off everything in store. I love this jumpsuit - it's way cuter in person than on the model, and could easily be dressed down with sandals or up with wedges and hoop earrings. Tuckernuck is 20% off sitewide - you can get the earrings from this post for under $100! Banana Republic & Gap are 40% off as well. I haven't been loving Banana's stuff as much this year, but I do love how their jeans fit and may need this pair. Club Monaco is offering an extra 30% off sale styles - I love this off-the-shoulder dress, this wear with everything crop top, and this eyelet top.

reading  |   I picked up Everything I Never Told You and The Light Between Oceans from the library. Everything I Never Told You is an easy, quick read, and The Light Between Oceans is coming out as a movie this fall - I'm really excited for this one. 

listening   |    Matt Wertz released his new album this week. I'll always love Twenty Three Places the most, but this one is pretty good. I'm also loving the Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. It generates new songs each week based on your top song history!

eating   |   After seeing Ashley's post on Chrissy Teigen's chicken lettuce wraps, I've decided I really need to start cooking from my cookbooks more often. I have so many great ones - Cravings, Smitten Kitchen, Martha Stewart Cakes (!!!), Thug Kitchen (hysterical read). 

the best bags for weekend trips

I remember when I got my first Vera Bradley overnight duffel bag. It was for Christmas, and I was SO excited to no longer have to use a Nike athletic bag for overnight trips. I loved the print - a blue and brown floral print - and I even have a cosmetic bag to match. The little things, right? Well, I'm still using that same duffel probably 10 years later and I can say it has seen quite the trips over the years. Props to Vera Bradley too, because that thing has held up very well. After 10 years, though, I think it's time to upgrade to something new, don't you think?!

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend and all the summer travels ahead, I've rounded up some great weekender bags. With whatever I choose, I want it to last as long as my Vera Bradley did. Rather than a bold print, I think I'll go with something neutral and classic. 

Mark & Graham Weekender Bag

Kate Spade Weekender Bag

Lo and Sons Catalina Weekender

what to wear: wedding attire in your late 20's

The past weekend officially kicked off this year's summer weddings. I don't know about you all, but I'm at the point in life where I have LOTS of weddings. Like, 9 this year, with one this weekend!!! With weddings comes shopping for dresses, and I personally have a tough time finding age appropriate dresses. It's the Britney Spears conundrum - I'm not a girl, not yet a woman! Although I guess I am technically a woman, just a young woman. When I'm shopping for dresses now, I want a balance of pretty but chic, appropriate but a little sexy. I don't want something too sweet, and trendy, but rather beautiful and timeless - something I can feel confident wearing year after year. Is this a challenge for anyone else, or just me?!

A few good brands I've found that accomplish that strange, mid-to-late 20's to early 30's gap: Elizabeth & James, Club Monaco, Milly, Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, etc. etc. I've pulled together a few of my favorite options below, and I actually ordered this Club Monaco dress for a wedding in June.

Club Monaco Nimah Dress 

(comes in white, too! and is on sale for under $130!)

Elizabeth & James Phoenix Dress 

(comes in multiple colors, on sale for under $170!)

Milly Modern Camo Dress 

(not as simple, but I think it's fun and could be worn year after year)

Tibi Strapless Dress 

(I think this is GORGEOUS. Also comes in red and is on sale for under $225)

Tibi Amara Dress 

(I think there's something really pretty about this. Comes in black too, would love with gold jewelry!)

What are your go-to places for dresses? I'd love to hear where you all shop!

What I Wore vol. 6: Fringe

Hi everyone! Back to the work week, but who's excited this weekend is a long one?! Only 5 days people. 5 days. We can do it!

So this is one of my favorite settings yet for an outfit shoot. My sweet friend Ali shot these photos near downtown Lexington near the Transylvania campus (it's not a school for vampires, I swear!) It's one of the most picturesque places in Lexington, in my opinion. 

Now to the outfit - I bought this fringe sweater from Ann Taylor about a month ago. I've been loving what they're doing this season, and this top is no exception. I've worn it so much - with white jeans, a white skirt, dark wash jeans, and now this army green skirt! It's so comfortable and the fringe detail is just perfect. It also comes in navy, and it's currently an extra 40% off. Can't get much better.

sweater (on sale with an extra 40% off!)  |   skirt (old, similar, similar)  |   shoes (old, but I like these and these)

Have a great Monday!

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I don't know about y'all, but I felt like this week was the LONGEST. Anyone else?! It didn't help that I woke up Tuesday morning very out of it, like thinking it was Sunday... just a litttttle off.  I'm headed to Illinois this weekend for my cousin's wedding - the first wedding of the summer for me! I'm excited to see my family. It's so rare that we all get to be together now! 

I don't know about you all, but I'm loving so many of the summer arrivals. I think there's an ongoing list of 20+ things in my head I'd like to buy right now! This week, in the world of things I'm loving...

CLOTHING  |  Ann Taylor has, in my opinion, just been killing it this season. I love this palm leaf skirt and actually the entire outfit. Speaking of killing it, the old J.Crew looks like it's returning. These ikat pants look so comfortable! And - even better - J.Crew is offering 25% off all items, and Ann Taylor has 40% off skirts, tops, and shorts. I want this top, skirt, dress, and this sweater tank. 

SHOES  |   At work we can only wear sandals that have backs (good thing I didn't buy new Jack Rogers). I love these studded sandals - a perfect heel height!

ACCESSORIES  |   I don't know where I've been, but I recently rediscovered Tuckernuck and I am obsessed with so much of it. How awesome are those red earrings?! I would pair them with a crisp white top and white jeans and feel oh so chic. And the pom pom clutch is just too cute, and under $50! 

HOME  |   The pineapple cheese board is just calling my name. It would be a great wedding shower gift, or honestly just a gift for yourself! And I've been burning the Aloha Orchid candle nonstop - it has such a fresh smell and I love it. 

Have a great weekend! I'll see you back Monday with another outfit post! 

life update: moving

A lot can happen in seven months, can't it?

Here's what's been going on in my world:

1. Got a new job in a city that's not Nashville

2. Moved to city that's not Nashville

3. Currently living in city that's not Nashville

If you've been following me on Snapchat or Instagram and have read my latest blog posts, you've probably picked up that I moved from Nashville to Lexington, KY. It's been a transition in more ways than one, for sure. My boyfriend lives in Lexington, and I'd been planning on making the move at some point in 2016, but I figured that it would happen at the beginning of the summer, when my Nashville apartment lease ended. That way, I could have plenty of time to soak in Nashville, eat at my favorite restaurants, and hang as much as possible with my friends. But God's timing was so different than my timing. Instead I was offered a job in November at a very large company in Lexington that I just couldn't pass up. I found an apartment, made a 3 week long Nashville bucket list that included stuffing myself with as much food as humanly possible, and by January 1st, I was living in Lexington. Eeeek!

It's been a whirlwind and a journey. I went from a long distance relationship to a very close distance relationship (we live less than 5 minutes away). I'm living on my own for the first time, which is something I actually quite enjoy, most of the time (but I do miss my Nashville roomie!) And I've had to make new friends, which in my opinion is one of the hardest parts of the 20-something life.

While I do miss Nashville almost every day, every day gets a little bit easier. There is a lot to love about Lexington (Keeneland, for example), and I love being in the same city as my significant other - so worth it! Part of the reason I began blogging again is to get more connected with Lexington, and I really think it's going to help. Already I've found some gems! After a slight breakdown last week, I focused on the positive things and realized just how lucky I am in so many ways. I may not be in Music City, but I am in Horse Country, and that's cool in it's own, unique way. 

What I Wore Vol. 5: Striped Dress

Monday again! It seems like the weekends just fly by, doesn't it?! I had a fun weekend here in Lexington. Some girlfriends and I went to Middle Fork Kitchen & Bar Friday night, had a few drinks and eventually sang karaoke at a college bar... yes. Yesterday was so productive with church-going, grocery shopping, blog prepping, and lunch making! I just love when I have a productive Sunday.

dress (similar, similar, similar), shoes (old, similar), ring, purse, earrings

So I love this dress. I picked it up at the Gap about a month ago and if Gap's site would actually work, I'd link to it. It's so comfortable and when I'm feeling a little more fancy, I add a brown leather braided belt with it, ground breaking, I know! But I went to church and ran errands yesterday, so no belt it was. Comfort was key. 

And y'all, these booties. I bought them at Target like 2 years ago and I'm still kicking myself for not buying like 10 pairs. I wear them constantly and I'll probably wear them until they fall apart.

I should never be a hand model, they're all wrinkly and I'm blaming it on a lack of sunscreen application on my hands while living in Hilton Head. But let's focus on the ring. Isn't it just the prettiest?! I love Julie Vos' pieces - so unique and timeless. 

This is just fun. See y'all tomorrow! 

harvest chicken salad

Im know I've said this before, but I love a quick, easy recipe that leaves me full and satisfied. And man, does this chicken salad do that.

I adapted the recipe from the blog Real Food, Whole Life. Once you've cooked the chicken, it's just assembling ingredients. You can serve it over your choice of greens (I like arugula) or eat it straight like I have this week.

Harvest Chicken Salad 

adapted from Real Food, Whole Life

2 lb chicken breast

2 cloves minced garlic

kosher salt

black pepper

chopped rosemary

1 tbsp olive oil

2/3 cup chopped celery

2/3 cup walnuts

1-2 diced apples

1/3 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

Whisk together:

1 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp honey

1 tbsp whole grain mustard

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Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken breast in a roasting dish and rub 1 tbsp of olive onto the chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary onto the chicken, coating both sides. Cook for 30-40 minutes depending on thickness of chicken, until done. When cooked, allow to cool and then shred or cut into pieces. Add to a mixing bowl, and add the chopped celery, walnuts, cranberries, and apple, and mix together. Pour dressing over, mix, and serve. Makes about 4 servings.

what i wore vol. 4: stripe top + white jeans

I realized I never posted these pictures way back in September when I took my blog hiatus. With it being the "official beginning" of white jeans month (although I think any time of the year is appropriate when done correctly), I thought I'd share. Even being almost a year ago, this is still such a go-to look for me. Jeans and a tank with some sort of wedge/heel sandal. I'll wear this from work to happy hour and be as happy as a clam. 

While almost all of these items are no longer available, I've found similar things and linked below. 

striped tank  |  white jeans  |  gold cuff  |  aviators  |  purse  |   knot earrings

weekly wrap up

Happy Friday, everyone! We made it!!! Notice that this bloggy got a little facelift?! I'm still working out the kinks, but I'm excited about some of the new features, like labeling & grouping my posts and incorporating my Instagram feed into the blog. And I really just think it's pretty. :)

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listening  |  while I was sleeping, I got like 5 notifications that my love, Justin Timberlake released a new song. And I listened. And it's amazing. It's like Justin knew we all needed a great song to get us through Friday and into the weekend. If you haven't listened, do yourself a favor and stop everything now and enjoy the wonderfulness. Needtobreathe also released another single off their upcoming album. I just love them.  

watching  |  The Kentucky Derby this weekend! If you want to get in the spirit, make yourself a mint julep, invite some friends over, and bet on the horsies. The official post time is 6:30 EST. To get up on all your Derby knowledge, this little infographic from Evite is quite helpful!

reading  |   Nothing. I need a good book to read. Any suggestions?! I think the last book I read was Girl on the Train, and I've already blown through The Good Girl, The Luckiest Girl Alive, and The Nightingale. 

watching  |   Season 2 of Grace & Frankie because it released TODAY on Netflix! Have you all seen this show? I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but then there I am laying in my bed, starting my 7th episode in a row. It's an easy watch, if anything, and gives some good laughs. 

black bean & salsa soup

Happy Cinco de Mayo! If your weather is at all like it is here in Kentucky, it's going to be a little bit of a chilly Cinco celebration. Good thing I've got a perfect soup for the weather and occasion - and the best part is that it literally takes 10 minutes to whip together. My favorite thing about this soup is that it's quick, filling, and you can really tailor it to your preference.

Black Bean & Salsa Soup

2 cans black beans

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/3 cup salsa (I used salsa verde from Trader Joe's)

avocado & tomato

Drain black beans. Add 1 can of beans to a food processor, blender, or Magic Bullet (what I used) with 1/2 cup vegetable broth and blend until relatively smooth. You can use as much or as little vegetable broth as you want, depending on desired soup thickness. Pour that mixture into a saucepan and heat on low-medium heat. Add second can of black beans to blender and pulse, leaving the black bean mixture a little thick. Add to saucepan with 1/3 cup salsa and mix together until warm. Like the vegetable broth, add as much salsa as you see fit! Garnish with avocado and tomato. You can also add sour cream, chips, lime juice, etc. The world is your oyster when it comes to this soup! 

look for less: marysia swim

If you follow any 3 bloggers, it's more than likely you've seen the Marysia scalloped bikinis. I personally think the suits are adorable, but I cannot justify the price tag. If you can - more power to you! I'm sure the Marysia quality has to be better, but this girl here is on a budget! Luckily there have been plenty of replicas this year, like the B.P. one from Nordstrom I shared a couple weeks ago, or this Old Navy one. Target even did a version (of course they did, they're Target) that my friend wore on her bachelorette party. So if you want to jump on the trend, there's really no reason why you can't. Even better - Old Navy has 30% off through Thursday, so you can get the look for even LESS! Now how about that for some money saving?!