Travel Update + Scallops, Pink & Mint

Because I leave in less than a week for my new position (which you can read about here), I have been going out of my way to wear as many different gems from my closet that I won't be packing with me (i.e.; white shorts, button downs that need ironing, colorful and heavy jewelry, etc). 

I genuinely think I have been to Target at least three times JUST in the past week. There is always something I think of that I need to pack. The good news is, I am almost done with getting everything together and have fit it all into a back pack and a rolling suitcase!

I thought about doing a "how to pack" blog post, but frankly I don't necessarily feel like an expert on the subject (even though I have been in contact with a lot of really helpful colleagues who have all packed for this job before). I will probably do one in December when I am ready to embark on the next 6 months, and I have become an expert on packing light! 

The most difficult part of "packing light" is bringing things for mostly business functions, but also including formal and casual wear on top of contrasting climate conditions (Mexico in September vs. Switzerland in December).

I think I have done well about keeping my packing list light. Over time, I have even gotten rid of a few items that I realized would be unnecessary (like bringing two grey cardigans). After carful consideration, what I am bringing looks something like this:

• 1 winter coat (in a space bag), 1 rain coat, 1 every day coat
• 2 blazers
• 5 dresses (two which could be more formal)
• 2 skirts, one which is a two piece so it could also can be worn to look like a dress
• 2 pants
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 athletic shorts
• 1 legging
• 2 sweatpants (could be used for pajamas, lounging, or for volunteer work where we need long pants)
• 1 pajama pant
• 1 bathing suit
• 8 light weight blouses, 2 formal blouses
• 1 sweater
• 5 plain t-shirts, 2 athletic shirts, 4 camis/tanks
• 4 cardigans 
• 1 fleece
• 5 pairs of shoes (heels, flats, tennis shoes)
• 2 scarves
• 2 belts
• 5 necklaces

Is this packing light for 6 months? I will let you know in December.   

Probably my toughest decision was deciding not to bring any of my hair styling tools (straightener, blow dryer, curling iron). They just take up too much space, and would be relatively useless once I enter Europe because of the low voltage (I have bad memories of blowing out a circuit in a London hotel).

What I am wearing now is a pink and green striped button down from H&M, a mint jewel necklace from Francesca's Collections, these scalloped shorts which I am OBSESSED with and have worn a bunch but haven't blogged, from Loft. 

The mint accents the green within the shirt's stripes. 

I added some gold detail with my watch from Kate Spade. 

I continued the gold with my sandals from the Gap. 

And I matched my accessories with these pearl and gold bracelets. 

After this week my blog posts will happen when I am on the road. I will be busy, but I will try to post often!

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Button Downs, Bib Necklaces, and Polka Dots

So I officially leave for the first half of my year long adventure next Friday. I have been busy packing (which is very difficult to do as a person who loves clothes), and have been spending time with friends and loved ones. 

Recently, Mike and I went adventuring into the metroparks (and got some ice cream) before meeting some friends for dinner. 

It was chilly out so I layered a red Tommy Hilfiger button up underneath my green cargo jacket.

I also love the light blue detailing on the inside of the collar and the cuffs. 

This teal and green bib necklace from Francesca's Collection is pretty for summer, and contrasts nicely against the red shirt. 

I wore this Kate Spade cross-body purse which has been my go-to this summer. 

I purchased these light blue and white polk-a-dot Keds from Macy's on clearance for $20!

This casual outfit is colorful for summer but the layers make it practical for the cooler weather. 

When it gets hot outside I would love to wear this with some white scalloped shorts instead of jeans. 

I hope you have been enjoying the outdoors this month! We have some beautiful scenery in Ohio that I have been enjoying before I leave.

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South West Style: Fringe and Patterned Jacket

Happy Tuesday! 

It was a busy week leading into a busier weekend. I was at the Taylor Swift concert in Pittsburgh on Saturday and have been running errands since I have been home.

I wore this simple outfit the other day with a little south west inspiration.

I recently picked up this blue and white tribal patterned jacket from Old Navy (for only $11 on clearance!) I threw it on over a basic grey t-shirt from Target, and added some colorful accessories. 

This necklace is from Forever 21, and I love the fringe and western inspired elements. I wore this colorful leather belt that I thrifted to pick up the detail in the necklace. 

This oversized brown fedora is one of my favorite accessories, and goes well with this eclectic look.



You can never go wrong with a colorful bag, and this one is from Kate Spade.



I wore simple grey "Keds inspired" shoes from Target. 

My cuffed jean shorts are from Old Navy, and are comfortable for a casual outfit like this.

I love styling unique items and this jacket is a fun new layering piece for my wardrobe.

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June: Favorite Kate Spade New Arrivals

Kate Spade's June Collection has recently arrived with adorable pineapples, butterflies, and stamped polka-dots. I love the primary colors which are vibrant for the summer months. Here are some of my favorites from the collection:

Sedgewick Rain Boots

Pineapple Crossbody Bag

Coble Hill Bucket Bag

Cupcake Skirt Dress

Madison Ave. Chevron Aria Dress

Alex Fringe Sandals

On Purpose Plaid Scarf

Butterfly Fit and Flare Dress

Pull Out All The Stops Red Collar

Embellished Pineapple Resin iPhone Case (Comes in Both 5 & 6)

What are your favorites from the collection?

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Lilly Pulitzer for Target "Sea Urchin For You" Dress

I believe good things come to those who wait. This is exactly what happened with my luck and the Lilly for Target collection.

I am a fan of both Lilly and Target, so I was excited to hear about the collaboration (you can see my favorites from the preview here). However, I was not about to partake in the hunger games to get my hands on one of the items, nor was I going to pay ridiculous prices online to get one of the Target prints. 

If you are an avid Target shopper, you may have seen some Lilly for Target returns in store (I have seen a lot of the "Boom Boom" print jumpsuit on the racks), but at my local Target I spotted one "Sea Urchin For You" dress and I immediately tried it on. 

I loved the pattern and the flowy fit, plus the print was much more vibrant in the store than from pictures online. I also avoided buyers remorse because I paid the original ticket price of $30 and not some ridiculous mark-up on Ebay. 

This is a fun print for summer, and I have already worn it a few times. It is very comfortable and I even received compliments from strangers!

I wore this blue jewel necklace that happened the match perfectly with the blues in the dress pattern. This necklace also happens to be from Target.

I wore my robins egg blue cross-body from Francesca's, also picking up the blue in the dress print. 

I bought this cute gold and pave seahorse bracelet from a little boutique when I was in South Bend, Indiana last weekend, and my beaded bracelet is from Aid Through Trade. 

These simple gold strapped sandals are from Gap.

To top it off I wore a denim jacket from Gap. 

If you are still craving some Lilly for Target I would highly recommend keeping your eye out for returns. Considering fast turnover rate of inventory, the quality isn't spectacular and the sizing runs small. It isn't worth spending any more than the original price, and if you can't get your hand on one at Target splurge and buy original Lilly. 

I am really happy I got the opportunity to purchase this dress because it is easy to dress up or down and I can wear it for a variety of occasions. 

Have you had any luck finding Lilly at your Target? Let me know in the comments!

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