So, you remember over a month ago when we celebrated Independence Day on the 4th of July? Yeah, this is what I wore that day so I’m playing catch up! We spent the afternoon/evening with our friends and their family, grilling out burgers, brats, and wings and drinking yummy cocktails and wine and playing fun games. I made a delicious watermelon and jalapeño salad that was a hit with everyone; I might post the recipe later. Then, after the sun went down and it was nice and dark, we set off a few fireworks in the driveway and took silly pictures. It was a really fun holiday.

There are a lot of blue stripes in this outfit, but they’re all in my accessories, so they aren’t overwhelming; I simply accessorized with stripes! It was super hot out so I don’t know why I wore pants and a scarf, but it just felt right. Probably because I was inspired by Kendi’s summer scarf outfit. We stayed inside most of the afternoon so I didn’t melt. I looked pretty good, too.

And here’s the fun blooper, which really isn’t *that* bad!

Hat: Banana Republic | Shirt & Scarf: Gap | Pants: kensie via Stitch Fix | Wedges: Target (old) | Short Necklace: Old Navy | Long Necklace: Wal-Mart

Linking up with:

Spotlight Weekly Link Up wtih Living in Color Style & Stylin’ In St. Louis

Charming Friday with A Pocketful of Polka Dots and Charming Lucy

Da ba dee Da Ba Die. I couldn’t resist and you’re welcome for getting that song stuck in your head; I know it’s definitely stuck in mine!

When you find a color that you like and works for you, you stick to it. I’m went a little monochrome with this outfit and I like it. I wore it to the movies to see Inside Out with Nick. I was surprised that I was able to talk him into seeing an animated movie with me, since that isn’t usually his thing, but he actually wanted to go and we both really enjoyed it. I’m not even going to try to hide the fact that I cried like a baby at the end (and during the animated short they played before the movie) but the good thing is there weren’t many dry eyes in the place as we left so I wasn’t the only one!  Also, I wore longer sleeves and jeans to the movie because I usually get cold in the theater. Does this happen to anyone else?

Top: Patagonia via Vert & Vogue | Jeans: kensie via Stitch Fix | Shoes & Bracelet: Old Navy | Handbag & Sunglasses: Target | Necklace: Wal-Mart

Linking up with Summer Style via Mix & Match Fashion | Sincerely Jenna Marie

Real talk: I probably wouldn’t have purchased these shoes if the saleswoman hadn’t told me they were made by a designer in Mallorca, Spain in small batches. Of course I thought they were gorgeous but even on sale, they were a bit pricey. But when I heard “Spain” I turned to Nick and said, “Mira. Estos son muy bonitas y de España. I have to have them!” I actually said a little more than that in Spanish, but he doesn’t really speak it. Anyway, these are my sweet Spanish shoes and I love them! They’re velvety, adorable, and fit perfectly.

This was the first and only time I’ve worn them, though, because I’m afraid I’ll mess them up!  I was so excited because I had a phone interview that morning and a girl-date night with my BFF that evening for dinner and a movie. It started to rain while we were at the restaurant and all I could think of was my shoes! We decided to ditch the movie and stay at the restaurant to drink wine and eat sushi (two of my favorite things) so I had a great time in my Spanish shoes.

More real talk: I had a hard time choosing flattering photos of me in this outfit because I didn’t realize that the top made me look very top heavy. Have you ever experienced this phenomenon where the way an outfit looks on you in the mirror is different (maybe better) than the way it looks on you in photos? If the pics are the truer version of what I looked like in real life, I might not wear this one out anymore.

Blouse: C.Luce via Stitch Fix | Cardigan & Pixie Pants: Old Navy | Shoes: Vert & Vogue | Necklace: Hawthorne Collection

What do you think of my sweet Spanish shoes?

Linking up with  Tucker Up |The Pleated Poppy | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Why I Do DeClaire

I can’t get enough of this polka dot top! It’s perfect for an office setting, it’s great for a night out with friends, or it can be dressed down with some shorts or jeans. I wore this particular outfit to the office where I volunteer, giving me an opportunity to get dressed in something other than jeans or shorts and a t-shirt, which is what I wear when I’m babysitting.

Here is some of the thought process that went into putting this outfit together:

–I like wearing gray and navy together.
–The polka dots provide some interest to an all-neutral ensamble.
–A simple necklace will not overwhelm the outfit, since there are jewels/studs on my shoes.
–It’s too hot for real pants, let me wear crops instead… as if that really made much of a difference.
–I really need to figure out which exercises will slim down my thighs.
–Just kidding, I love my thighs! But seriously, I need to get to the gym and work on my fitness. Because being healthy is important!

How many of those did I get right? 🙂

I thought about wearing some dark navy blue pumps but sometimes you just need a good pair of flats to wear to the office, and I love that these provide some sparkle in the light. Also, these shoes were named after me: Nicole!

Polka Dot Top: Target | Trousers: Karen Kane via Stitch Fix | Shoes: Nicole via Ross | Necklace: Old Navy

Linking up with More Pieces of Me & Sincerely Jenna Maria | Walking in Memphis in High Heels | Tucker Up | The Pleated Poppy

I spent a little bit of time putting together a few outfits that I can wear this week, or sometime in the future. This first outfit will be best for wearing in the evening after the sun has gone down and it’s not quite as hot, since the top has long sleeves. Shorts will always be welcomed in the summer, though, especially in the North Carolina heat!  Other ways I’ve worn this top here and these shorts here.

Shirt: Tresic via ModCloth | Shorts: Gap | Sandals: Target | Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Clutch: Coach (gift)

You can’t see it in the photo but this blouse is also 3/4-length sleeve so it might be best worn when indoors (in the air conditioning) or after the sun goes down. Other ways  I’ve worn this abstract chevron blouse here.

Blouse:  41 Hawthorn via Stitch Fix | Shorts: Gap | Sandals: Target 

Purple is one of my favorite colors but I don’t have a lot of it so I couldn’t resist purchasing the dress and matchy cardigan. I can’t wait to wear this cute little outfit, hopefully this week.

Dress & Cardigan: Old Navy | Necklace: Claire’s (old) | Sandals: Target

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

Linking up with More Pieces of Me & Sincerely Jenna Maria