Boho Gypsy Vibes

I may have found the perfect twirly summer dress...for $7 in H&M's clearance section!  It's times like this where I know it's just meant to be when a dress you've had your eye on for months suddenly appears when you're just just sifting through the clearance racks.

I cannot stress enough: the clearance section is your friend-- your BFF even.  If you can manage the patience to go through the clearance racks, you're pretty much guaranteed an amazing find for practically nothing.  Plus, it's always such a better story when you can surprise people with how much you managed to save on such a great outfit!

Dress: H&M (similar) || Sandals: MIA, via Marshalls || 

Belt: Forever 21 || Necklace: Forever 21 || Sunnies: aerie (similar)

Watch: c/o Fossil || Bag: Marshalls (similar + this round one is also great!) 

Not gonna lie, I feel like a boho Disney princess in this dress-- like Belle meets Coachella-- and I love it!  The bright red-orange color, tassels, and the off the shoulder; it's perfect!  And the added silver western-inspired belt and necklace adds to the festival vibes without getting too crazy, or having to overload on accessories!

I've rounded up some of my favorite off the shoulder dresses for this summer here for y'all (all $100 and under!!!):

Have you jumped on the OTS dress bandwagon yet?  :)

Shop my look here:

Layers on Layers

Even though it's still summer it doesn't mean that you can't layer (I layered clothes and accessories today)!  Which also means, it's back to basics.  If you layer your accessories, I would say to keep your clothing layers more on the simple side, otherwise your outfit could become a circus (I love me some basics!).

Layering necklaces adds a lot of interest to an outfit; especially if you're keeping it simple like I did today.  A plain white tank is like a blank canvas, and adding a couple of special necklaces takes the outfit from plain and blah, to ooh-la-la sparkly.

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm obsessed with these cat eye sunnies (from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, which I talked about here)!

P.S. My Princess Leia buns are a throwback to my 90s childhood (although one of the older librarians at work told me I look like a little Dutch girl, haha), a.k.a my Spice Girls phase (which I pretty sure any 90s girl went through and rocked this hairstyle at least once!).

I'm seriously in love with these druzy dainties (mentioned in this post last week) sent to me by the lovely Angel, of August Jewelry Chicago.  She was so lovely to work with, and I can't say enough good things about my new necklaces.  Plus, they go perfectly with my long J. Crew tassel necklaces (they were obviously made for each other!)!

Check out Angel's Insta, @augustjewelrychicago, and make sure to snag your own druzy necklaces before they're all gone!  (You can order through: augustjewelrychicago@gmail.com).

Layering tanks and sweaters is perfect for where I work; I do a lot of running around so sometimes I get really hot, and then other times if I'm in one spot for a while, I cool down in the AC and start to freeze.  A cute and simple tank under a simple sweater is the solution to the constant temperature change.

And, bonus!, throwing on a sweater gives you a whole other look!  It's basically two outfits in one (#score!).

And don't forget your Sperry's!  These white canvas ones make any outfit more summery (especially since my entire wardrobe consists of winter colors, lol).

Shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

How do you guys feel about summer layers?  :)

Rolled Up Joggers

Oh, rainy days; they're such a bummer when you have to go out and actually be a real person and go to work.  But, they're also my favorite kind of days when I have nowhere to be and can stay all snuggled up in bed and binge watch Netflix (lol).  When I do have to be a real person though, I like to be as comfy-cozy as possible in yucky weather, like today's been.

So, my solution?  Joggers!  Paired with a cute tee and structured jacket, you can still be comfortable while being work appropriate at the same time.

Other than boyfriend jeans, joggers are my favorite pants to wear, hands down. They allow maximum comfort while still looking put together--such a wonderful luxury, especially for work!

My joggers got a little shrunk out of the wash. Nothing major, just a little awkwardly short.  But I'm so in love with the pattern that it was killing me not to wear them because they shrunk a bit. Then, today when I was getting dressed for work, I spotted them in my closet and had an idea!  Why don't I just roll up the bottoms once or twice, just like my favorite boyfriend jeans?!

Ta-da!!!  Such an easy fix!

Rainy days call for some fun braids (or at least an attempt at one--it's the thought that counts, lol).  It keeps everything in place, and on humid days like today, it also manages the frizz (first year Hermione is not a cute look at this age).

How do you guys take on rainy days?  :)

Swan Crop Top on Repeat + WIWW

Remember this swan crop top (worn a few WIWW Link Ups ago, here)?  Last time I styled it, I had worn a high waisted skirt, so it was appropriate for work; but, pants is a different story, because, number one, I don't own any high waisted pants that work with this top.  Sooooo, in order to make this work appropriate and still wear pants, there was only one solution: layer it with another top!  Layering crop tops is the perfect way to stretch that summer wardrobe into fall and winter (I'm all about making wardrobe pieces go the distance)!  I love the way this swan print crop top looks layered with a long white button up layered underneath.  Completely work appropriate, but still fun and interesting.

I work at a library here in my town and its a lot of running around, so I have to be careful about how I plan out my outfits.  It may be hot and humid outside, but inside the AC is blasting.  But then running around I heat up pretty quickly--there's a lot to take into account temperature-wise at my job, lol.  So layering these two lightweight shirts is perfect for work because it's enough to keep me from freezing all day, but not thick and heavy enough that I'm sweating to death (because that's the worst pretty much anytime).

And you guys already know about my awesome black cat eye sunnies that I'm pretty much obsessed with this summer (from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, which I talked about here)!  The vintage shape makes them so much more interesting that regular boring plain black frames.  And it's especially important when you're wearing a predominately black outfit (which happens to be a huge chunk of my closet...lol); they're able to stand out, despite being the same color as the rest of my outfit because of their uniqueness.

Druzy Stone necklaces c/o August Jewelry Chicago

I recently teamed up with Angel, at August Jewelry Chicago, to share some of her favorite summer pieces with you guys, and I'm in love!  To me they just scream: summer!  And summer ain't over just yet!  Her pieces are fun and playful, and all around great to wear.  I got so many compliments when I wore them to a party over the weekend.  My favorite thing about Angel's jewelry is that it's so versatile; you can wear each piece alone, or layer them up to make a real statement!

These druzy stones are the main event, and they add a bright pop of color to my outfit; and the delicate gold detailing (the thin gold chain and the gold encircling the druzy stones) kicks it up a notch, making them extra special, and keeps the necklaces looking light and pretty.  Plus, they layer perfectly with the necklace that Richie got for my birthday (which I  wear all the time, and it has our initials, with a little heart in the middle)!

Initials necklace: Bip and Bop

One of my favorite ways to accessorize during the summer is to layer dainty necklaces, just like these ones!  They're super lightweight, but can add a lot of sparkle and impact to any outfit.  I feel like being able to layer multiple pieces together just looks cool; it's effortlessly laid back and boho--perfect for summertime.  You can bet that these bad boys will be making several appearances in future outfits.  :D

Head over  to instagram to check out her pieces at @augustjewelrychicago, and make sure to snag your own druzy necklaces before they're all gone!  (You can order through: augustjewelrychicago@gmail.com).

It's Wednesday, so don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts:

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Easy Peasy Retro Scarf Hair Style

If you're like me, styling your hair all by yourself is a challenge.  Anything I've accomplished hair styling-wise is the result of lots and lots of practice (for example, it took me the longest time to learn how to curl my own hair, I used this youtube video, by my friend, and awesome hair stylist, Sam!  Seriously, if you're not so hair savvy, this video will be a major help; I can now proudly boast beautiful 10-minute curls!).

Now retro hair styles are a whole 'nother ball game.  I've tried quite a few times to recreate those glamorous victory rolls that my favorite pin-up IG'ers rock, and let me tell you, they must be using magic, because I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it done.

But fear not!  I've found a super simple way to add some retro flair to your 'do without wanting to pull out your hair.  The easy peasy solution?  A vintage scarf.  You can find one of these at any vintage/thrift store for under $10.  You can even use a bandana!  And those you can find at a craft store for about $1.

This look is perfect for summer.  It keeps the hair out of your face, and looks like you put a lot of thought into your hair (when we both know, it only took a minute or two!).

Here's what to do:
1.  From top to bottom (aka, one point to another), fold your scarf.

2.  Fold the point at the top to the edge of the bottom.

3.  Repeat step #2 at least once or twice more (or even three times!), depending on how thick or skinny you want the band to be.

4. Tie the scarf around your head, with the knot and scarf tails (ends?  What do you even call them? haha) at the nape of your neck (but I usually push mine to one side and let the "tails" hang over one shoulder). 

5.  Use bobby pins to keep the scarf in place (especially if you're using a silky scarf; they get a little slippery and slide off if they're not held into place). I usually do two bobby pins on the top sides of my head and two on the back side. 

6. Voila!  A super easy way to add a little vintage touch to your outfit! :)

So breathe easy friends!  It doesn't get any easier (or cuter!) than this!  :)

P.S.  These cat eye sunnies, from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, (which I talked about here), add an extra touch of retro glam!

Tough Girl, Pretty Girl + WIWW

Today was just an overall good day. I felt super productive AND both my hair and OOTD were on point; can a girl ask for more?  I didn't really have much to do (really I just had to get my eyes checked out and re-take my passport picture), but even when I cross off the few things on a short to-do list, I still feel kinda accomplished.  I think it was mostly because I felt so good about how I looked today, that I just came up with errands to do so I could show off my outfit, lol.

I totally felt pretty, and, a little badass today; AKA, the perfect combination for getting sh*t done!  I feel like looking good and feeling good makes me more productive; I got it all done and ordered some new frames (...in red; which I'm super excited to share with you guys!)!  I feel like I totally rocked today.

Jeans are usually hit or miss for me, but GAP  has some killer jeans, that fit in all the right places, and don't make me look frumpy.  And their boyfriend jeans are my absolute fave.  These ripped pair are totally bad girl chic, and they're insanely comfy!

As always, I'm rocking my power bag, the Michael Kors Selma bag (in navy blue, because #navyornothing!), that Richie got me last year.  

Last year my sister and I discovered, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, a local vintage store on Long Island (if you can't make it out to the Island, definitely give their Etsy shop a look!).  They have the best accessories to add a little vintage glam to your outfits.

While I was out at the eye doctor, one of the women working there actually made my day and told me that I inspired her outfit for a concert she was going to tonight!  Hearing things like that are total confidence boosters, and it made me love my outfit even more!

Clearly it's no secret I now love posing with my sister's (who also happens to be my photographer!) bright red car.  While I love my 2015 Chevy Equinox (AKA, Viv; named by my sister), Rachel's car just provided a more retro and edgier backdrop.  Plus, the bright red is the best pop of color for pretty much any photoshoot.

I recently collaborated with Sakeenah over at BroBandz to share these earrings with you guys.  And just like their name, these are most certainly, "Not Your Grandma's Pearl Earrings"!  These earrings are the definition of tough girl, pretty girl chic!  Pearls in the front= classy, pretty girl; spikes in the back= edgy, tough girl.

I love the feeling of classic pearls (and I loooove me some pearls), and then BAM! silver spikes in the back add some tough girl flair.  Definitely the perfect pair of studs for taking on the day and crossing things off your to-do list!

And one of the best parts?  10% of the profits go towards Meals on Wheels and More chapter in Austin, TX.  I'm all about fashion for a cause, so for sure, check out BroBandz and help Sakeenah support Meals on Wheels and More!  <3

P.S.  This Turquoise Beaded necklace is too cute; and perfect for layering!

Don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts:

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Grown Up Barbie Dress + WIWW Link Up

Guys, I'm gushing over my new dress from eShakti.  I've done a few collaborations with them in the past (check 'em out here & here).  The cut, the colors, the shape!  I'm loving it all!  It's the perfect dress for summer.  Depending on the occasion and the accessories you can dress this up or down.

Colorblock Stripe poplin dress

My sister calls this dress the "Barbie dress" (I think it reminds her of retro Barbie, and I'm totally fine with that!) and I think it's gonna stick. But it's not typical Barbie, it's grown up, sophisticated but still super fun Barbie.

I feel great in this dress; it's easy to wear and it's super flattering on my figure!

I love the big, bold stripe pattern for summer (and it looks great with my early summer tan!).

I'm beyond in love with these retro sunnies I recently picked up at one of my favorite local vintage shops, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique (if you're ever on Long Island and love all things vintage and retro, definitely, check them out!  If you can't make it out to the Island, check out their Etsy page, here).

I love layering my Bip and Bop initials necklace that Richie got me for my birthday a few months ago. It's delicate and the perfect shade of gold (and rose gold!) to layer with pretty much anything (which is great because I never take this necklace off).

Does anyone else love mixing their lipsticks to make new shades?  This MAC 'Fusion Pink' with this NYX 'Shocking Pink' layered on top makes the perfect shade of Barbie pink without being too over-the-top or babyish. 

One of my favorite things about this dress?  It has pockets!  I repeat, it has pockets!!!  eShakti knows how important pockets in a dress are to a girl (seriously, how do people wear dresses without pockets?!).

You can shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

P.S.: Blogger Bloopers!!!

I always love looking through all the pics my sister takes for my blog posts and seeing the blooper shots. Pretty much all of them are me mid-conversation, looking super confused, lol.

Don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts!

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Summer Bucket List

I have a little bucket list for this summer that I'm determined to conquer!  I think bucket lists are are great way to get you out of your comfort zone and experience more in the world (plus, there's something about completing each thing on your list that makes you feel so accomplished!).

Pic from Pinterest

Try lobster.
Like whole lobster, smothered in butter, bib around my neck, kind of an experience.  I might even try a lobster roll first, to get my feet wet (I hear they're uh-mazing!).

Pic from Pinterest

Whistle with my fingers.
I've been trying to figure this out for years!!!  Ever since I was a kid.

 

Pic from Pinterest 

Pic from Pinterest 

Day trip it to Coney Island. 
Growing up my parents used to tell my sister and I all about their trips to Coney Island when they were both kids living in Brooklyn.

I'm all about fair foods, boardwalks, carnival rides and games!  I especially want to try one of those famous Coney Island chili dogs (YUM)!

Pic from Pinterest 

Shoot a 50s inspired blog post.
I'm convinced I was born in the wrong era.  As both a history major and fashion blogger I'm obsessed with the history of fashion, and there's definitely a lot of looks we should bring back.  I especially love the fashion of the 40s, 50s, and early 60s.

I just got this, Brooklyn dress (on sale right meow!), c/o eShakti and I can't wait to style it (stay tuned for the collaboration!)!  When I ordered it, it definitely inspired me to go vintage for a photo shoot!

What do you guys trying to cross off your bucket lists this summer?