Summer is in the air! Even though it doesn’t officially start for a few more weeks, it’s already hot as a dickens outside and I find myself reaching for my shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats. I’ve put away sweaters, scarves, and boots and I’m ready to sit poolside in my swimming suit, sipping mojitos. In the meantime, I’ll have to settle for running errands, grabbing lunch, and going for walks in these cute green shorts.

*I’m devoting this week to dresses in an attempt to motivate myself to actually wear the dresses I have in my closet.*

I swear I didn’t mean to wear an olive dress twice this week, but that’s just how it happened. I wasn’t sure how I felt about wearing the utility vest with the dress since they’re so similar in color but it actually looks really nice together. In an attempt to break up some of the green, I added a black short-sleeved cardigan. Who says you can’t layer in the summertime? I wore this dress to lunch with Nick and then again to visit my parents and meet my new baby nephew.

Here’s the fun blooper: If I  look hardcore, it’s because I am! haha

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet | Vest: Conversation Pieces | Cardigan & Sandals: Target | Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Bracelets: Old Navy | Sunglasses: Target

By the way, today is my little Chico’s 9th birthday! I can’t believe he’s getting so old but he’s still playful and full of energy. So here’s to my sweet baby dog, the little life I would do anything for. He went from this tiny little baby puppy:

To this grown, grumpy little man:

I mean, come on, LOOK AT THAT FACE!

Happy Birthday, Chico Antonio! I love you with all of my heart! <3

*I’m devoting this week to dresses in an attempt to motivate myself to actually wear the dresses I have in my closet.*

I’m not sure why but I have a closet full of dresses that I never wear. I love them all, which is why I have them, but dresses often feel too formal to me; I used to only wear them for special occasions. I keep finding really cute dresses with the intention of wearing them casually, but after wearing a dress once (usually for a special occasion) it starts to feel too formal. So I’m going to devote this entire week to wearing the dresses in my closet!

I picked up this dress on a whim while shopping with my friend. And when I say “on a whim” I mean I was literally walking up to the register when it caught my eye and I grabbed it. I didn’t try it on, I just grabbed my size and continued on my way to the register. I never do that! I figured I’d end up taking it back but when I got it home and tried it on, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I wore it for the first time to have coffee on a lazy Sunday morning with my BFF and then later to do our weekly grocery shopping. I’m feeling a little self-conscious about my tummy these days, so I added this pretty scarf to take attention away from my midsection. The colors in the scarf – pinks, grays and olive – were a perfect match for this dress. I can’t wait to wear these same pieces in the fall with tights, booties, and a jacket!

This cute little shoulder detail keeps the dress from feeling boring.

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet | Scarf: Loft Outlet | Necklace: Old Navy | Sandals: Target

Linking up with the Hello Monday linkup with More Pieces of Me and Sincerely Jenna Maria | Still Being Molly | A Lovely Little Wardrobe

It’s the middle of summer and I probably don’t have to tell you how hot it is. But, friends, it. is. hot. I wore this to an outing for a friend’s birthday where we had dinner and drinks at an outside bar/grill and I felt like I was melting, literally. I like wearing light colors in the summer; it’s about the only way to survive the heat. My favorite way to wear white bottoms must be with an orange/coral/peachy colored top because I’ve done it a lot lately. But that’s just peachy with me!

This is one of the purchases I made with my babysitting money (that I mentioned in my last life lately post), making me sound like I’m 15 again (half my age). I am happy to report, however, that I’ve been getting some interviews with a few organziations so I’m hoping one of them will lead to a full-time position. Fingers crossed!

By the way, look at the cool way I rolled my pants! I wanted to add some interested so I folded them up once to about the middle of my calf and then rolled the bottom of that roll up to the seam. Sometimes I’m so cleaver I can’t even! It works because they’re pretty long. Being short makes it really difficult to find really cute cropped pants because they’re either still too long or they cut me off in an area that makes me look even shorter. Fashion is so hard!

Oh, and I also wore this outfit to our weekly trivia night this past week. We did not win and it was sad (because winners get money) but better luck next time.

Here’s the blooper: I was adjusting the strap on my purse.

Top: Banana Republic Outlet | Denim: Old Navy | Shoes: Rack Room Shoes | Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Sunglasses and Handbag: Target

Linking up with Charming Friday | Tucker Up | Mix & Match Fashion | The Tiny Heart

I spent some time this weekend putting some outfits together for the coming week, and probably just to have on hand for those days when I don’t really feel like getting dressed. This first one is a great one to wear to the office, but I don’t have one of those yet! That’s why it’s photographed as a flat lay instead of as an outfit that I’m wearing. But it’s super cute and I can’t wait to wear it, whether it’s to an office or some other event. I also paired two different shoes with it. I love having options so that I don’t feel limited, but then having too many options can make me feel overwhelmed. I think I would probably wear the brown sandal with this outfit instead of the snake skin heels.

Blouse: Banana Republic | Skirt: Loft Outlet | Necklace: Banana Republic | Shoes: Banana Republic | Clutch: Coach (gift from MIL)

I did some unexpected shopping at a cute little boutique in Durham and purchased a few things without meaning to. Nick encouraged it so he can’t even get mad at me for spending money! These pieces are by patagonia, which is really cool because patagonia is typically outdoorsy and sporty. But these chambray shorts and 3/4-length sleeve top are perfect for running errands or hanging out.

Shirt & Shorts: Patagonia via Vert & Vogue boutique  | Shoes: X-Appeal 

Because it’s still extremely hot, I’m sticking to shorts. I love these black shorts because they’re the perfect length and fit so comfortably. So I’m going to pair them with this sleeveless top and sandals, which is another outfit that is perfect for hanging out, drinking beer or lemonade or even running errands.

Blouse: Banana Republic Outlet | Shorts: Gap | Shoes: X-Appeal | Necklace: Target | Bracelets: Old Navy

What do you think of these outfits? Maybe you’ll see them again on the blog soon.

Linking up with Molly | More Pieces of Me | Michelle’s Pa(i)ge | Fizz and Frosting