in a land far, far away

cardigan, Kohl's; shirt, thrifted; jeans, Levis; bag and moccasins, Payless samples

I have one more exam left.  One stinkin' exam, which kept me inside the majority of Saturday studying.  However, while my body might have been hunched over a computer, my mind kept me wandering through one warm summer adventure after another, in a land far, far away.  To make matters worse, it was quite chilly outside this weekend (high: 57 degrees) which meant sandals and summery dresses were out of the equation.  So, instead of a warm land far, far away; I had to settle for a somehwat cool, small spot of land I call my backyard. 

destiny

Blogs and Coffee by Made By Girl $25.00

It truly is destiny that I ran across this image on Etsy earlier this morning.  You must check out the Made By Girl website and Etsy shop.  It is really too cute!  Sorry, that this post is so brief today, but I must go buy this print to hang in my office :)

Payless + Toledo = pure genius!

image courtesy Style.com

Okay ladies (and gents... I don't discriminate!), now that the word is officialy out I can gush about how excited I am for our newest guest designer to join Payless! Did you hear that Isabel Toledo is going to be designing a line of shoes for Payless in the not to distant future?  Even though I am completely biased toward my company, I must say that I feel that we've up'd our game in the last several years.  I mean... Alice + Olivia, Christian Siriano, and now the designer of the iconic Inaugural ensemble... it's fierce! So, in honor of such a momentus occassion, and since I'm not allowed nor privy to show any of Toledo's work... here's some styles already on the shelves.  Go got 'em while they are still there!

Alice + Olivia Jazz Oxford, $29.99

Alice + Olivia Hampton Studded Clog, $39.99

Alice + Olivia Paige Platform Gladiator Sandal, $39.99

Alice + Olivia Eric Sequin Flat, sale: $19.99; originally $29.99

Christian Siriano Michelle Printed Peep-Toe Flat, $29.99

Predictions Harmony Elastic Sandal, $22.99

 

Airwalk Smitton Flat Studded Sandal, $22.99

Oldies But Goodies

necklaces, Forever 21; dress, Target; blazer, Banana Republic; pumps, Steve Madden

Some days I just want to be in clothes that I love.  Not that I don't love all of my clothes, but some days I resort back to the items in my wardrobe that I don't have to think too hard about when I'm getting dressed.  These are pieces that seem to go with anything and everything, they always fit just right, and more than anything I just feel good when I wear them.  Everything about this outfit is like that.  From the jewelry to the pumps... I could wear any of these anytime.

PS - A very Happy Birthday shout-out to the most wonderful woman I know... my Mom :) I love you, and thank you for putting up with all of my antics over the years.  Not to mention all of the early years which were undoubtedly filled with less than desireable shopping trips!  You're the best!

PSS - Happy Mothers Day, too! And, to all of the Mothers out there, I hope you have a beautiful, wonderful weekend surrounded by the ones that love you most - your kids.

just playin' around

casually chic by gleighb featuring Prada bags

I would totally wear this outfit for a day of playin' around.  Lunch and Starbucks with my BFF.  check.  Going for a drive in the convertible with the hubbie.  check.  Shopping all day with... well, I could do that with or without anyone else.

It's Worth It

American Summer Classic by gleighb featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

Lately, Polyvore has served as a creative outlet for me to enjoy styling clothes without going out and buying them (this can be an expensive habit!).  However, I do think that I need to recreate an actual version of this outfit before the 4th of July.  I have to believe that at least the romper would be worth the investment - it's classic, all American and I saw one at Target last weekend and didn't buy it and have been thinking about it ever since.  Usually when I lust over clothes, it's a sign... okay, I'm not kidding anyone.  I lust over clothes all the time.  But, at least I know I won't have buyers remorse! 

summer lovin'

shades, Jessica Simpson; cardigan, Old Navy; dress, Target;

belt, Payless sample, watch, Fossil; cuffed sandals, Dolce Vita

I am thankful everyday when I get up to get dressed for work that I work in a business casual environment.  Most coporate jobs would not be as tolerant of summery outfits such as the one I wore to work yesterday.  That's the beauty of working in merchandising for a retailer.  However, I almost didn't wear this outfit because it seemed too summery.  I feared that I might be dressing too ahead of the season.  But with 80 degree highs, I wore it and did not feel bad for one minute about my decision.

so ready!

image via Flickr

...for our next cruise! A couple of weeks back we booked our room for a cruise next February with our parents and a few family members and we couldn't be more excited!  Except for the fact that it is the better part of a year away.  I guess for now I'll drool over these adorable huts sitting in the water.  How amazing would it be to spend a week in one of these?

Happy Monday!