Tropical Staycation

dress: Lilly Pulitzer via marshalls / shoes: Guess via marshalls / clutch: j. crew factory outlet store / bracelets: forever 21, random acquisitions / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

I have never been anywhere tropical, but this dress makes me feel like even Leominster, MA is paradise. While the pattern and color palette are right up my alley, this shape is very different for me. I gravitate towards fitted silhouettes, but this floaty cut has a great resort vibe. I plan to wear it all summer long with gold flat sandals, a floppy hat, and gobs of sunscreen.

Kate

Floral Frenzy

First column: H&M dess, peplum top / Second column: shoes, sleeveless blouse / Third column: floral blazer, earrings, clutch / Fourth column: pants, floral nail polish

I can't get enough of floral prints, abstract or literal, and the brighter the better! I have had a few of these items "pinned" for a while (follow me on Pinterest), and while other pieces here are recent finds, I love them all (especially that clutch, which is out of stock, and I can't seem to locate it anywhere else). Keep your eyes peeled for an appearance by one or more of these pieces in upcoming outfit posts!

Kate

Love Love Love

Rebecca Minkoff Snake-Stamped Metallic Leather Laptop Case

I found this case at a local T. J. Maxx today for only $70. It's still a lot for a laptop case, but it is a mere fraction of the original price, and I am smitten. So what do you think, should I bite the bullet?

Kate

Neon Glow

Left to Right: Spoiled Nail Color in I Only East Salads, Jail Bait, Plastic Flamingo, Did I Dye It Too Blonde? 

I am always skeptical of trends, and this season's neon is no exception. I am shocked that so many people have bought into it! Although admittedly fun, highlighter yellow/pink/green/anything can be incredibly unflattering, and I know I'm not the only one who looks washed out in such an unforgiving color palette. If we must partake, I recommend indulging in something small and away from the face, like a belt, shoe, or bag. (Accessories are also easier to swap out from season to season so you aren't investing too much into a fleeting trend.)

Another super easy and affordable way to try neon is through nail polish. Yellow and green look best against tan or darker skin tones, while pink and orange are warm enough to flatter a wider range. I usually stick to Essie polishes for the high quality, but I did some math recently and realized that, at $8 a bottle, I've already spent a small fortune just on paint for my nails. On a whim (and a budget), I picked up a $1.99 wonder from CVS. I tried a turquiose color by Spoiled, and without a topcoat, my pedicure lasted for 3 chip-free weeks. SOLD. I purchased a neon pink called Plastic Flamingo last weekend for my toes, and I am so pleased with the results, that I am considering a manicure in the same shade. Cheap and durable? Now that's a glowing endorsement.

Kate

No More Pencils, No More Books

First Column: Madewell bralette (similar here) / Birkenstock "Madrid" sandals (blue and purple) / Dannijo turquoise necklace / Second Column: silk top / boyfriend jeans (sold out, try these) / Third Column: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara / iPhone case / Superga sneakers / Essie nailpolish in clambake / Soft Joie striped tank

In honor of my last week as a teacher, I have compiled (in picture form) a few of the reasons that I'm looking forward to summer! In honor of my having been a teacher, I will be looking for budget-friendly alternatives to some of these pieces. 
What's on your wish list this summer?
Kate

Tangerine and Dots

skirt: t. j. maxx / top: j. crew factory outlet / shoes: t. j. maxx /belt: banana republic outlet / bag: t. j. maxx / necklaces, bracelets: assorted gifts / watch: michael kors / sunglasses: t. j. maxx

Just a quick backyard shoot. I've worn this skirt here and this top here, but I went for a little orange-on-orange action for this outfit. Tucking in the shirt hides the peplum and gives it a whole new look. The long necklace in the second picture was borrowed from my nine-year-old cousin, who was hanging out while my dad snapped these pictures; it was a souvenir from his field trip to Sturbridge Village earlier in the week.

In case you were wondering, I went with the increasingly popular "wet look" for my hair in these photos. I just added tons of gel to my wet hair post-shower and tied it up in a bun. Not only is it all the rage, as they say, but it's super easy when you're looking to shave a few minutes off of your morning routine.

Have a great weekend!

Kate

Orange Kool-Aid

top: forever 21 / pants: anthropology / shoes: marshalls / bag: t. j. maxx / watch: michael kors / necklace: betsey johnson / sunglasses: ray-ban

CONFESSIONS: 1) I wore this outfit to work with my flat, brown sandals. I like heels for pictures, but even a wedge is too treacherous for all the stairs I climb between classes. 2) I bought this top as a beach cover-up, and I have been wearing it primarily as a real top. It's a long tunic style, so I have to tuck it in, but how's that for mileage? 3) Until very recently, I HATED the color orange. You'd never know it now. I, too, drank the orange kool-aid this season.

Kate

Motorcycle Tweed

dress: old navy / blazer: zara / shoes: nine west / wallet: coach / necklace: t. j. maxx / watch: seiko / sunglasses: ray-ban

I am smitten with this blazer. The white tweed is classic, but the edgy motorcycle cut is super modern. It's perfect for summer days at work when the A.C. is cranked up. I paired it with a floral sundress and studded peep-toe heels to keep the sassy-sweet combo going in a seasonal way.

Kate

Behind the Scenes

Just a fun, quick look at blogging from behind the scenes! One Brian snapped pictures of my outfit while the other Brian documented the whole scene. It's rare that I have two "photographers" with me, so this was a real treat. Thanks again, Brians, for taking pictures Tony Hawkster!

Kate

Home Sweet Home - Nashville, TN

dress: old navy (last year, but similar here) / chambray shirt: j. crew factory outlet / shoes: aldo / belt: j. crew / bag: t. j. maxx / watch: michael kors / bracelets: assorted gifts / necklace: betsey johnson / sunglasses: ray-ban

I spent this past weekend visiting some of my very best friends in Nashville, TN, where I lived for a few years during grad school. Nashville feels more like home to me than anywhere else I've lived, and this quick getaway was exactly what I needed for that extra boost to finish out my year of teaching in Massachusetts. We ate, caught up, sat by the pool, saw The Avengers for the third time, and ate some more. Seriously, I am still full from the weekend. Brian and Brian, my former Nashville roommates, snapped these photos of me at the Parthenon in Centennial Park. It was a beautiful day with good friends at a Classics-themed location. What more could a girl want?

More on the outfit: the eyelet dress is light and airy for a hot Tennessee day, but the chambray shirt keeps the sun off my skin and keeps the white dress from being too sweet. A practical hands-free bag did the trick when we stopped for popsicles. I kept the jewelry light because, again, it was hot.

Kate