Celebrate Good Times

I wore this to my birthday and family celebration dinner last night. Today is actually my real birthday, but since it's the last day of school and we have pool party plans, we decided to hang out together a day early. We had plenty of reasons to celebrate; award ceremonies at school, Logan passing the dreaded STARR Test (Texas mandated for public schools) and nailing her round-off-back-hand-spring, Landry rocking a one-handed cartwheel, the last day of school, summer break, my birthday, a Spurs basketball win and glorious weather. All were perfect excuses to put on a pair of  heels, festive skirt and toast to a blessed week.

Chicwish Skirt c/o (same style different print here and here) // Target Top (option here and here) // Go Jane Ankle Strap Heels (option here and here) // ASOS Satchel (on sale!) // Hey Gorgeous Knuckle Rings c/o // Lilac Bijoux Bangles (here and option here) // XO Necklace (option here and  here) 

Speaking of skirts, how fun is the print on this one from Chicwish? I don't own many animal print patterns, but leopard and birds win me over every single time. It is low in stock, but I linked to a few other options above. I love it's high waist because it gave me another chance to wear a cropped shirt. The top I am wearing is actually a regular button down that I knotted to accentuate my waistline. I think this is important when wearing any bottoms that sit higher. It also makes your legs look longer. I am admitting that this might need to be the last full length midi-skirt that gets added to my closet. I realized tonight that I own one too many. It's one trend that I haven't gotten enough of and has been a lot fun to style. The versatility goes further than you would think; weddings, showers, work, church, brunch, dinner out or quite honestly any occasion.

Okay, enough rambling. I hope you ladies have a wonderful weekend. I am off to continue our celebrations and have some fun in the sun.

An Added Detail

Loose fitting smock dresses are another go-to for my summer wardrobe. They are lightweight, airy, feminine and forgiving on days I want in indulge in a few extra calories. I saw this dress from Fancy Free and yes, the smock style got my attention, but the embroidered pattern sold me. I have always been drawn to boho inspired embroidery on any piece of clothing. It's playful and provides an added detail to your summer style.

Fancy Free Embroidered Dress c/o // Old Navy Espadrilles (option here and here) // Chicwish Mint Bag c/o // Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings // Kendra Scott Cuff c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Gorjana Griffin Ring c/o // Wrenn Jewelry Ring c/o

SHOP MORE EMBROIDERED SMOCK DRESS

Rainy Days

The past two days have been a down pour in several parts of Texas. I cannot and will not complain. We desperately needed the rain. Hopefully the lake levels have increased, our watering restrictions will be lifted and that the grass is happy again. 

 French Connection Dress c/o SOLD OUT (exact in pear and pink option here) // Banana Republic Rain Boots (option here and here) // Kate Spade Roses Umbrella c/o // DKNY Cross Body c/o (option here and here) // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Wrenn Jewelry Bangles c/o // T+J Designs Leopard Pony Hair Bangle c/o 

Recovering from a long weekend coupled with dark, drizzly skies, rolling out of bed yesterday morning and getting dressed was tough stuff. I had to muster up all my energy to brave the weather for an appointment. If I had to join the gray and dreary day, I was going to wear nothing less than bright and cheerful attire. Hopefully, my well watered roses growing in the backyard will be as bountiful as my umbrella. I greedily admit, the past two days have been enough. I am ready for clear, sunny skies again.

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 

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Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Glamping 202

It was another Memorial Day weekend glamping trip for the books with 20+ families. I posted about our stay at Jellystone last year and this was just as epic as 2013. I didn't think we would be able to come close to the laughs we had or the memories we made from last year, but we did. I lost my voice, am completely exhausted, a little sunburned and still doing laundry, but the smile on my face hasn't left. I said it last year and I will say it again, if you live in Texas, book a summer trip to Jellystone and do it with lots of friends and family. It is hands down one of the best times ever and will become a household tradition. We are all so sad it's over, but it gives us something to look forward to for next year.

Weekend essentials, on our way, arriving to our home away from home and crazy excited....this year we opted for a cabin instead of staying in a RV. It made life a little easier for us and was hassle free.

The pool was where we spent every morning, starting at 10 AM and ending around dinner time. They added on to the water park and the lazy river area was where it was at.

 

The boys had the perfect spot for all day games of washers. While the dads played and the kids swam, the moms were racing and taking bets on water slide races. I think our group literally took over the entire portion of the park.

Our evenings consisted of grilling, the best of the best iTunes, golf cart rides around the park, more washers and a friendly game of adult kickball (I use the term "friendly" loosely) and of course glow sticks.You cannot leave for a glamping trip without packing hundreds of glowing bracelets and necklaces.

 

We ended the weekend with the best 80's themed 40th birthday for one of our friends. Can you say margarita machine, neon colors, Dirty Dancing lifts under the pavilion, obnoxious hair and make up, more washers and men in wigs? Yes, all of it happened. Next year, I vote to hire a videographer. I do not have the words, focus or iPhone pictures to even begin to capture the last few days. You just have to book a spot to experience it for yourself. Until next year, glampers.

Go Bold

I had to go bold the day before we head out for our Memorial Day glamping adventure. The next several days will only include swimsuits, cut off shorts, flip flops, water slides, messy hair, grilling, washer games, loud music, friends, family and lots of sunscreen. 

I couldn't wait to get "dressed" and wear this new pattern short set I scooped up during the J.Crew Factory sale (going on through the weekend). I am bummed that the blazer is sold out online, but the floral chino shorts are still available for less than $30. If you live close to a factory store, they may still have the blazer in stock and on CLEARANCE! I scored it for $40! Both items fit true to size and are fun spring/summer pieces easy for mixing and matching.

J.Crew Factory Blazer sold out online // J.Crew Factory Floral Chinos (on sale) // Xhilaration Top (option here and here) // Forever 21 Bootie Heels  // Quilted Bag via Marshall's (option here and here) // Kendra Scott Cuff c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Gorjana Griffin Ring c/o // Wrenn Jewelry Ring c/o // Thrifted Chain Necklace (option here) // Forever 21 Mirrored Glasses (option here)

If you plan to take advantage of the Memorial Day weekend sales, here is a quick reference to a few of my favorite shops and retailers. These type sales typically only happen twice a year...now and during the holidays. Get you favorite summer staples for a steal and before they are long gone. 

Nordstrom: Half-Yearly sale for Women's & Kids (Spring markdowns on women's & kids apparel, shoes, accessories and more) // Ends June 1 

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything for men & women // 40% off kid styles 

Neiman Marcus: Save up to 40% off the latest styles in Sport Shop, Contemporary/CUSP, and Dress Collections // Ends May 26 

Express: 40% off every single item // Ends May 26

ASOS: 20% off everything // Restrictions apply // Use code:WEBEGRILLIN // Ends May 28

Forever 21: Extra 30% off all sale items // Use code: MEMDAY30 

Gap: Take 40% off regular price styles! Use code EVENT. Restrictions apply. // Ends 5/26

Sole Society: Up to 50% off all sale items // Ends 5/26

The Limited: 40% off all sale styles // Use code SWEET40

Loft: 50% off all sale items

Urban Outfitters: Women can take an additional 25% off all dresses (this includes sale and full priced dresses). Men can take 25% off all shorts and tank tops (again includes sale and full prices). 

I wish everyone a safe and fun holiday weekend. I will see you back on Tuesday. In case you want to keep up with our family glamping trip, be sure to follow along on Instagram! Chat soon and happy shopping! xoxo

Sale into the Season

The Memorial Day sales have already started. I shared the J.Crew Factory 50% off everything yesterday and also posted on Facebook about the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale. The deals this time of year are almost as spectacular as the ones during the winter holidays, but sizes go quickly and items sell out. 

Take for instance this culotte jumpsuit. I purchased it from Nordstrom a few weeks ago and it's already gone. My point being, if you see something you love online or in stores this weekend and it's on super sale, I would grab it. You will kick yourself when you go back and it's long gone. Believe me, it's happened to me one too many times.

ASTR Jumpsuit via Nordstrom sold out (shorts option here and culotte version) // Old Navy Wedges old (option here and here) // Forever 21 Clutch (option here and here)// Kendra Scott Earrings // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Nordstrom Leather Wrap Bracelet // Gorjana Griffin Ring c/o

Speaking of the Nordstrom, "I can't help myself", Half Yearly Sale (ending today), I found a few items that I need to make quick decisions on. So many choices and not enough willpower to only pick one item, but I WILL just pick one...I can do this.

50% Off Everything at J.Crew Factory

I know I already posted once today (make sure to scroll down for the Random Wednesday link up in today's first post), but I got an email from J.Crew Factory this morning about their 50% off EVERYTHING for men and women sale (kids are 40% off). This only comes around a few times a year. What a better way to celebrate Memorial Day a little early by saving a ton of money on some of the cutest summer styles. I rounded up a few favorites that would be perfect for this weekend's celebrations. These prices won't last long and I have a feeling sizes will go fast too. Happy shopping!

Embroidered Top // Cork Clutch // Tunic Cover Up // Anchor Shorts // Espadrille Wedges // Stripe Shorts // Distressed Denim // Anchor Swim Suit Top & Bottom // Pleated Maxi Skirt // Anchor Clutch // Graphic Tee