Crushing

Skirt: Forever21 

T-shirt: Victoria's Secret PINK - find HERE

Jacket: Forever21

Wedges: Target

Necklace: Forever21 - find HERE

Rings: Gifted

Nails: Essie 'Skirting the Issue'

I've got a major crush on the color oxblood, but who doesn't?! This deep, rich color is so perfect for fall! I was excited that I could shop my own closet for this trend, pulling out my favorite sheer hi-lo skirt (also worn HERE this summer), that is just a hue more vibrant than the traditional oxblood seen on the runway. I was feeling very matchy matchy, as I painted my nails a similar color and stuck to gold jewelry.

The smoke still lingers, thick in the air, but this weekend we got a few hours each day were we could see blue sky. People are finally venturing outdoors, as the hazard level has been dropped from hazardous to moderate. I can't tell you how excited we get when we an see a patch of blue...fingers crossed we will be all blue skies by the end of this week!

Flower Power

Top: Old Navy - similar HERE and HERE

Shorts: LOVE - find HERE

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita 'Onya' Platforms - similar HERE

Bracelets: Target and Wild Thorn Bracelet via Jewelmint

Necklace: Gifted

Earrings: Target

Good news! We are no longer threatened by the fire, but the smoke is ridiculous. Looking out my window now, it looks like a thick fog has settled, and I can barely make out the hill behind my house. It has been like this for a week now, and it's getting old. I've remained indoors as much as possible as they are calling the air quality hazardous. This definitely makes me realize how much I take fresh air for granted!!!

Yesterday afternoon, the smoke seemed to have lifted a little, so I jumped outside to snap these photos. I am in LOVE with these shorts from In Love With Fashion. I adore the vibrant print and the comfortable fit and am already imagining pairing them with tights and booties for colder days in the coming months. Pairing them with a pretty chiffony blouse and platforms made me feel extra girly. I added my new favorite Jewelmint bracelet and a dainty necklace handed down from my great grandmother for the finishing touch.

Polkadot Craze

Top: Old Navy (Sold Out)

Shorts: American Eagle 

Shoes: Sperry Bahama's - find HERE, but how about THESE for fall??

Necklace: Forever21

Bracelet: Wild Thorn Bracelet via Jewelmint

Bag: Melie Bianco via Little Black Bag

Sunglasses: Target

Nail Polish: Essie 'Absolutely Shore'

This week has been quite the experience. On Saturday, my hometown experienced a major lightening storm. By Sunday morning, because the area is so dry, dozens of fires had started. Monday morning, I awoke to the police pounding at my door telling us we were at a Level 1 evacuation and to be prepared. I have been on evacuation warning at least 5 times in my lifetime and was not worried, but as Monday night rolled around, the fire had crested a hill by my house and I could see flames from my bedroom window. Tuesday morning, we were put on Level 3 evacuation and the panic set in. Have you ever wondered what you would pack in the unfortunate event of a fire? Well, actually packing for such an event is the most STRESSFUL thing ever (to be expected). I spent most of the morning pacing wondering what to take and settled on my computer, pictures and a few cozy clothing items (plus a few new things I hadn't got the chance to wear...). The rest of the day was a waiting game, as firetrucks and police officers roamed the street and helicopters flew right overhead with buckets of water. Typically an extremely windy area, we got lucky as the wind has hardly blown the past few days, making for more favorable conditions. As of this morning, I believe we are out of trouble, but a thick smoke has settled, creating a weird haze and hazardous air. NO FUN.

On a happier note: I took these pictures BEFORE all the crazy...
I have seen this sweater EVERYWHERE. It's no wonder why, as it's cozy, cute and was quite the bargain. I'm really wishing I would have snatched up the brown version before it sold out. This will definitely be one of my favorites through fall and winter!

Transitions and a Giveaway Winner!

Top/Dress: Nordstroms

Skirt: Forever 21

Bandeau: Target

Boots: Minnetonka 3 Layer Fringe Boots - find HERE

Earrings: Claire's (from forever ago)

Ring: Anthropologie

Bracelets: Gifted

 It may be September, but the weather has been acting as if it is early August and I'm not complaining! My sister had a few photo shoots this summer (I will have to share some pictures with you sometime...they turned out amazing!) at my grandparent's orchard, leading us to the discovery of this fantastic old shed. Needless to say, this place has become our favorite place for photo shoots. Located in the middle of lush fruit trees, this place definitely has a decades past vibe that I adore.

While I'm sad to see summer go (I know...I mention this in every post), I am craving some fall style, but wearing my favorite layering pieces is just a tad bit out of the question in this 90 degree heat. What's better? Wearing pieces that can easily transition into the cooler coming days. I paired this sheer, flowy tunic/dress over a grey bodycon skirt and a bandeau for an easy, cool outfit. I am already imagining layering this with tights and a chunky sweater in a few weeks time!

I am excited to announce that Sarah from Caring Cowls picked her winner!! 

Congrats to Angela from The Lovely Cup! I hope you enjoy your Caring Cowl this fall! 

Labor Day Blues

Dress: Nasty Gal - identical version HERE

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Gentry - get it HERE

Labor day weekend is always the unofficial end of summer for me. I spent my time hanging by the lake with my family, reading good books and relaxing in the sun. I was torn between enjoying my long weekend and already missing summer, but overall the weekend was a success. I definitely feel more relaxed and ready for fall (pumpkin spice lattes, boots, and pretty fall colors outside...yes, please) and have accepted that summer is coming to a close.

Accepting summer being over was way easier wearing this gauzy dress with lace detailing and my new chunky bubble bib from Gentry. Saying I'm obsessed with this necklace is an understatement. I want to wear it with everything! It's so pretty and adds the perfect pop of color to just about any outfit.

I purchased this dress for graduation but ended up wearing another one. I just pulled this beauty out of my closet, tags and all, and mentally kicked myself for forgetting it all summer. I probably would have never taken it off if I would have worn it sooner. It's the perfect LWD for summer and I'm already figuring out if there is any way I can make it work this fall. Wouldn't  you say YES to white after labor day for this dress??

As for my hair, it was pretty and bouncy all day, but by sunset and the time of taking these pictures, it was a hot mess. Rather than put it up into a top knot like I would usually do, I took a note out of Lana Del Rey's book, and threw it all over one shoulder. While my hair looks nothing like Lana's (smooth, beautiful perfection), I liked the messy, easy look, that was so reminiscent of summer. I will definitely be bringing this look back in the months to come!

Don't forget to enter the Caring Cowls giveaway! Giveaway ends September 8th! 

ENTER HERE!