{Friday's Fancies} Nautical :: Work + Play

I'm wrapping up this 4th of July week with a nautical-inspired Friday's Fancies

I love this trend and I especially love it for this time of year. 

But I was unsure how it would translate from the office to the weekend. 

Here's my take:

work :: blouse {affordable similar} // DVF skirt // gold glitter heels

play :: Splendid tank // shorts {affordable similar} // anchor flats 

What do you think of these work + play outfits?

I tried to keep it more professional/ less costumey for the workplace. 

But for play, it was all fun! And lots of stripes!

here's to a wonderful weekend wherever you are,

xx

{lookbook} American Chevron

Confession: I've been wearing red, white and blue all week.  I love the 4th of July!  I was so excited when I found this chevron print dress but then my mom bursted my patriotic bubble by informing me that it's a little more like orange.  Well either way, I still love it!  The dress is from a little boutique in our little town, but the necklace is from my boutique.   It's called Chloe

Hope you all are having a fabulous day celebrating America!  Today is my dad's birthday and my parents' anniversary so as you're reading this I'm in a boat, on the lake, surrounded by my favorites!

See you soon!

xx

{ps}:

In honor of the 4th, all Mary Kay orders over $50 placed today only will receive 

either a *mini lash love set* or a *mini even complexion set* as a free gift

You can browse and order here!

{fashion files} red // white // blue

It's July!

And Independence Day is on Wednesday!

This is one of my favorite holidays...partly because of the fireworks and the lake 

but mostly because it's my dad's birthday and my parents' anniversary!

So just in case you haven't gotten into the spirit yet and you need some outfit inspiration

Here are some ideas for whatever festivities you have planned on Wednesday, 

whether it's going to the office or laying on a boat...

And for my dear friends Yale and Ty and any other guys who may possibly be reading this...

Almost all of these outfits involve stripes in some way, shape or form

I'd say its an essential for the 4th and summertime in general

What are your plans for the 4th?

What will you be wearing?

Happy July!

xx

{ps}:

I totally missed this but last month was my 1 year blogiversary!

thank you from the bottom of a very grateful heart

xx

Linked: Monday Mingle

{Friday's Fancies} Memorial Day Weekend

{day} bikini top // bikini bottom // striped tank top // straw tote // panama hat similar // aviators // sunscreen

{night} polka dot dress //  mascara // red wedges //  earrings //

We're celebrating Memorial Day Weekend on Friday's Fancies this week!

This is my favorite time of year!  Even though I don't love the heat, I do love the lake!

I grew up with summers on the water...playing around on boats and jet skis, camping out, telling stories 
and spending time with my nearest and dearest.

For day, I kept the look simple: jean shorts & a striped tank over a fun bikini

Please, please don't forget sunscreen!

To transition into night, I picked patriotic colors, statement earrings and lots of bold mascara!

I'll be at my best friend's wedding this weekend so even though I won't be splashing around, I will be surrounded by 
my favorite people and celebrating love!

How will you be spending the long weekend?

No matter what you're up to, I hope it's fun & relaxing!

xx

there's no place like home

I'm clicking my ruby red slippers and going home! 

The past two and half years have been absolutely incredible living here in the Middle East.  The people I've met, the experiences I've had...amazing.  And I've been blessed to do work that I feel is a true service to humanity.  I've learned, laughed and developed in more ways than I ever thought possible.

Even so, I am beyond happy to be moving back to the US!  So. Happy. 

I fly out tomorrow and if all goes well I'll be in my queen size bed on the other side of the ocean on 1 January 2012.  What a wonderful way to start the New Year! 

Thank you again to all of you for your support this year!
I'm so thrilled for all the exciting new opportunities that are coming my way in 2012.
{that includes the blog too...stay tuned!}

Whether your New Year's Eve is sparkly & glamorous or comfy & casual,

I hope you're safe and enjoy the celebrations!

Happy New Year!

wishing you & yours all the very best in 2012!

see y'all on the flip side

a new continent and a new year!

xx


{ps}:
As I get settled in, my favorite girls are covering for me for a few days!
Lots of fun in store next week!

{Ruby Red Slippers via Mr. Louboutin}

{guest post} Vail Chic

Hello dears!  I'm excited to introduce my very first guest blogger, Marion from Marionberry Style.  This time of year always makes me wish I was in the mountains, curled up by the fireplace.  Can't think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving weekend!  So I'm thrilled that Marion is here today sharing about her home state of Colorado and some gorgeous Vail couture. 

Welcome Marion!
****

Hi everyone!  

My name is Marion and I publish a very new blog called Marionberry Style.  Mae is one of my favorite style bloggers, thus I was super excited when she asked me to produce an article for her blog!

  

I live in Colorado.  Denver to be exact.  About an hour away is an incredible, magical place called Vail.  And to be honest...I am obsessed with this place.  I love the fact that you walk the cobblestone streets and within 2 minutes you've heard 10 different languages.  I love seeing beautiful women (usually with their much much older husbands!) sport the latest in boots, fur, bags, you name it.  

Oh sure...you could get away with the ski boots, wool hat and the North Face coat since it is first and foremost a ski town.  But when the lifts close and you and your girlfriends are stepping out for an evening in the village, you'll need to wear something a little more appropriate.  Something beautiful + eye catching + warm + and most of all trendy.  

Here is the outfit I pulled together for a magical evening out in Vail Village: 

A few notes:

• In most ski towns, it is quite cold at night so this Vivienne Westwood coat would surely keep you cozy.  The color is the focus of the outfit.  A thin, fitted sweater is all you would need underneath (stay away from cowl necks or bulky sweaters).
• Vail Village calls for something more than your average calf-high boot.  Thigh high boots are very trendy and make a statement.  Your older husband loves them.
• Just like Mae, I'm loving Tory Burch accessories right now :-)

Thank you so much for reading and thank you Mae for inviting me! 

XO - Marion

****
Thanks Marion!  

I've got a major case of wanderlust now! 

How gorgeous is that view? And that jacket!


I couldn't help but share a few images of Vail that popped up in my Pinterest feed:

Have you ever been to Vail?
What's your dream destination for Thanksgiving weekend?

Until tomorrow lovies,

xx

Vail on Dwellable

a menagerie of love, thanks & happiness

Happy Monday dears & welcome to today's big love fest.  It's Thanksgiving week...just the thought puts a smile on my face.   Today, I'm taking the chance to share all the things I'm thankful for, most important of which is my family.  I hope you get to spend this weekend surrounded by your loved ones and lots of laughter.  


It's nice to stop and appreciate all the blessings in my life, especially this week but always really.  Such a wonderful reminder that even though things are a bit stressful at the moment (preparing to move across the world!)  there's still so much fun and happiness to be had all around me.  Sometimes, it's just the little things...

And finally, a quick update:  As I mentioned, I'm returning to America!  There are no words to describe how excited I am, but that also means a lot of work ahead.  Luckily, I have an amazing group of guest bloggers who will be popping in over the next month or so.  I'm so grateful to these lovely ladies for sharing their creativity here.   I know you'll love them as much as I do.  So, be on the look-out for a few guest posts here & there.  They start this week!

What's making you happy lately?
What are you grateful for this year?

Happy Thanksgiving week!

xx


{ps}:
Come visit me over at  Urban Bedou Girl 
where I'm guest posting today while the gorgeous Amanne 
is on my side of the world in Dubai for the holidays! 
Lucky girl.  
Here's a peek at what's going on over there:

{the rich textures, the bold colors...the Middle East is so inspiring!}

I heart Chicago

{Print available on Etsy}

Happy Friday my dears!  As you read this, I'm jetsetting on over to Paris!  And while I am so excited & grateful to spend a weekend away in the City of Lights, really the only place I want to travel to is  home.  You all know by now that I'm moving back to the US at the end of this year, and I am beyond thrilled. 

After {an extended} holiday, the plan is to return to Chicago!  I miss that city everyday...it's the perfect combination of big city glamour, calming beaches, and sweet Midwestern people.  I lived in the South Loop for 6 years before moving here to the Middle East and I can't wait to live there again! 

{jetsetting} cowboy couture

Remember my {currently coveting} post a few weeks ago about the trend of using deer heads in decorating?  Well look what I found!  (Can you tell I'm not in Capri anymore?  I landed in Oklahoma a few days ago.)  I saw this in a restaurant today...the deer is wearing pearls.  Talk about cowboy couture!  Only in the South!  I must say, while I like the idea of using a fake plastic deer head as a decorating piece, I do not advocate hunting live animals and hanging their stuffed heads on the wall.  Reese Witherspoon said it best in Sweet Home Alabama:  'people need a passport to come down here!'

I still love this place, the South will always be my home...pearl-wearing, stuffed deer heads and all!

{cowboy couture at a restaurant in Oklahoma}

where the heart is

Almost 2 years ago, I moved to a little city in the Middle East to do my small part to serve humanity and help build a better world.  It's been incredible...by far, the best decision I ever made.  Even so, I miss America.  Every day really, but today especially.  In honor of the 4th, we had a super fun BBQ on the beaches of the Mediterranean this weekend.  It was heavenly.  But my heart was with ya'll back in the land of Sonic, TJ Maxx, customer service, baseball, and family!  Hope everyone enjoyed the fireworks & the lake...and I hope someone drinks a Route 44 Diet Cherry Limeade from Sonic for me today!

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