nordstrom half-yearly sale

Happy SATURDAY! It's barely cracking 60º today, but the sun's out and it's my first chance since moving in to take advantage of the lounge chairs on my apartment's rooftop. The view is amazing—you almost feel on top of Lake Calhoun—and having to huddle under a hoodie is a small sacrifice.

If you're kicking back like me today, pull out your iPad and peruse my picks from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale—it ends tomorrow! I rely on the sale to pick up pricier items that I just can't justify paying full retail for, like a leather jacket. This draped lapel style is effortless and only $178, while the notice-me two-tone one is unique, which appeals to me. And the Truth & Pride 'RPM' Moto is really classic and a good midpoint in price. Which would you get?

Because it's such a huge sale, it's hard not to treat myself to a few wear-now, seasonal pieces. A sporty one-piece swimsuit is super trendy this year and the Seafolly's front-zip is sexy! I've been drawn to hats lately, and this straw cowboy style would be great for long mornings in the sun like today! Finally, this cheerful tasseled clutch was made for casual nights at Salsa (or wherever you sprint to for summertime chips & margs!).

SHOP THE SALE PICKS 

—fun summer stuff—

Seafolly Swimsuit | Tassel Clutch | Straw Cowboy Hat 

—investments not to miss—

 Tory Burch Flats

Draped Lapel Leather Jacket

Two-Tone Leather Jacket

Moto Leather Jacket

summer shorts edit

HELLOOOOO! I haven't posted in a while and it's killinggggg me (is it killing YOU?)! I'm totally using my April move/life transition as an excuse, which I think is valid. But I have been itching to get going on the blog again and am pretty settled into my new routine, so some fun new posts are coming! Hang in there with me!

We've had a good streak of gray days in Minneapolis, but Wednesday and Thursday of this week were beauts! HOT, sunny—and humid. The aggressive humidity reminded me that I need some new shorts to beat the heat (currently in my drawer: three measly pairs!). I freely admit I used to be a short-shorts kind of girl. Daisy Dukes were more comfortable to me than longer styles that bunched up—and in college you can get away with a "scandalous" inseam—but too-tiny, ragged cut-offs really aren't gonna fly anymore. With the right accessories and styling, shorts that hit at mid-thigh can be super street chic and playful at the same—and summer is all about fun, isn't it?

High-waisted styles with texture and pattern offer a polished spin on the more casual look of shorts, and good old-fashioned denim and J.Crew's cult classic Chinos are perennial favorites. Relaxed pull-on pairs are popular this year (elastic waist = more room for food truck tacos!), and I like the retro look of these (25% OFF!). I pulled together a few pairs I'm thinking about buying as alternatives to jeans for walks around the lake, movies in the park, and dinners on patios in the next few weeks. These especially would have been perfect for Hola Arepa last night (loved the yuca fries)!

SHOP THE SHORTS!

1 | Zigzag Ikat Short 2 | Bouclé High-Waisted Shorts

3 | Plumeria Jacquard Short (25% OFF) 4 | Monochrome Aztec Shorts (LOVE!)

5 | White Denim Short 6 | 4" Chino Short (tons of colors)

7 | Moto Bleach Ripped Hayden Shorts 8 | Cotton Faille Pull-on Short (25% OFF) 

9 | Origami Wrap Tie Skort (perfect for a night out) 10 | Pretty Embroidered Shorts

11 | Frill Hem Shorts 12 | Black & White Stripe Shorts   

mother's day gift guide

Mother's Day shopping has gotten easier as I've gotten older and my own tastes start to mirror Mom's—buying for her is almost the same as buying for myself. Luxe candles, workout wear and fragrances are foolproof. Where we differ is beauty (so personal) and decorating. I'm not at the point where I trade out topiaries each season, but my mom has certain centerpieces and décor she'll rotate as the months pass. She'll appreciate a new vase (filled with fresh buds!) to give the kitchen or foyer a fresh look for summer—I'm loving this sunny yellow. And my size-XS mom's not a big snacker, but Somersaults Sea Salt has the BEST nutty crunch and deliciously salty taste—and, as the bag boasts, all the protein of almonds but half the fat. I keep it stocked at all times (perfect for cubicle cravings) and it'd make a really cute addition to a gift basket filled with spreads, chocolate and cheese (picnic, anyone?!). My sister and I are road-tripping south to Rochester for the holiday with a few of these goodies in tow. Enjoy the weekend with your mama!

SHOP THE GIFT GUIDE

1 | Somersaults snacks 2 | knotted rope bracelet

3 | rectangular tray 4 | Jo Malone™ Cologne 5 | vase

6 | Evian Mineral Water Spray 7 | Spiralfix Spiral Slicer

8 | Aveda Stress-fix™ soaking salts 9 | Nutri Ninja® blender

10 | Running Wild Half-zip 11 | Ted Baker iPhone6 case

feature image via littlepinkmonster