the swimsuit: opinions wanted

So almost every year I get a new bathing suit.

It’s just sort of a thing I’ve done ever since I was little. Like new school supplies for the start of a new school year, I get a new suit for the start of a new summer.

Usually I just go with a j.crew suit because I know they fit me and I know they are usually pretty flattering. They’re pricey, but tried and true. The above suits are my faves from j.crew online this season.

Are you a one-piece or a two-piece wearer?

I have a fair amount of two-piece suits, but over the past several years I’ve been leaning towards the one-piece. It’s both comfortable and timeless. Can’t go wrong when those two factors are concerned!

Which one do you like best??

a bad case of stripes.

A Bad Case of Stripes

Being a teacher I get to read all sorts of stories to my class. Some are heartwarming, some are filled with interesting facts, and a lot are just plain silly. David Shannon’s, A Bad Case of Stripes, is a super fun children’s book and one I can completely relate do nowadays. While the main character Camilla is struggling with eating veggies and caring too much about what other people think, I’m struggling more in the literal sense.

Case in point:

A bad case of stripes is right.

They say stripes are like crack. I don’t doubt that for a second.

I’ll go so far as to say this: If stripes are wrong, then I don’t wanna do right.

weekend fancy.


Sweater: J.crew
Striped Shirt: LOFT
Jeans: Gap
Necklace: J.crew outlet
Bracelet: Madewell
Shoes: T.J.Maxx

You’ve been dying for me to do another outfit post, right?

I knew it.

Actually, I still feel ridiculously awkward doing these types of things, but:

1. I am obsessed with Kendi Everyday and secretly want to be her.

and

2. I really like the color of my parents garage. So I had Meg take photos of me in front of it while we were home way back when. It’s the prettiest shade of sea foam/teal/blue. My mom actually has a whole pinboard dedicated to this color hue, so it’s for serious. And, in case you didn’t know, my mom is a FOR SURIOUS pinner. She’s LOVES it. But honestly, people, don’t we all???! Yes, yes I believe we do. I believe we are all ADDICTED. No shame.

This is basically my go-to outfit every single weekend. On my week off, I wore this, or something similar, every single day. Monday thru Friday I basically wear this with corduroys or chinos and call it a work day. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I’ll pick up a trend here or there, but mostly I’m a plain Jane and I love it. Simple and classic makes it easy to shop and easy to keep my clothes working for me year after year!

I actually have been trying to declutter my wardrobe of things I don’t wear and love. Basic staples that never fail me: a good pair of jeans, different colored cardigans, and enough striped shirts for every day of the week.

Happy Monday, dear readers!

things i saw, things i love

FRIDAAAAAAY.

{Drumroll please…}

Presenting…

The latest and greatest pretty things gracing the internets…

(in my humble opinion)…

First up this week, is my best friend Maureen’s appearance on Style Me Pretty! I was so excited for her when she tweeted the link! All photography was done by the terrific Alice G. Patterson. You can check out her post about their wedding here. Yay, Mosie!

I kind of love these dresses from two. I saw these on Eat, Drink, Chic and couldn’t help but think how lovely these would be to wear in the heat of the summer. Sigh.

Speaking of summer (can you tell I’m yearning for it?), it’s just not complete without a few dives into the waters of a clear, clean lake. I loved this post by Butter and Brass. It just made me want summer just that much more. Did you know Minnesota has 10,000+ lakes? I didn’t! Lake prints by Nicole Meyer. Read about her project here.

Do you love this purse as much as I do? DREAM! Anyone know where I can get it?? Seen via One of a Kind.

Um, hello. This is the cutest idea EVER! I originally saw this on Making it Lovely, and was then led to Minifanfan. I want.

Do you think it comes in chevron/ikat?

A Cup of Jo’s Bedroom makeover? Did you see it? I was basically drooling all over my keyboard as I scrolled through the pictures.

LOVE the colors and all the tasteful patterns.  Love the headboard, love the Dwell Studio Sheets, love the wall of frames, LOVE IT ALL.

This bedroom is absolutely incredible.

Earlier this week both Molly and Elizabeth posted about their lovely friend Lady Lee’s new etsy shop. I am just smitten with all the prints she’s selling (words straight from the minds and hearts (and blogs) of these fantastic ladies). I love how she did that. Just love.

Plus, I am eyeing that cream necklace.

So pretty!

I think I might be addicted to patterns? Just a thought. At any rate, I LOVE this DIY from A Beautiful Mess.

Now all I need is one of these cameras.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Aaaaand I just realized I said “love” about 500 times in this post. But whatever, it’s the gosh honest truth.

And IT’S THE WEEKEND!

I’m heading to Maine tomorrow to spend time with Hannah and enjoy some of the snow they’ve gotten. I’m hoping for a beach walk (if possible) and a chance to take some more winter pics with my camera. I haven’t visited since summer, so I’m really looking forward to it… snow and all. Maine is one of my favorite places on earth.

Hannah + Maine = Happiness

What are you up to this weekend??