SUMMER JACKET EDIT

We made it! Happy Friday! I hope you have some fun plans ahead for the Fourth! It's actually my favorite holiday—with how busy summer can be (it is shocking that tomorrow is July), it's nice to have a dedicated day to slow down, hang at the lake and watch some fireworks.

Before you totally tune out in favor of stars, stripes and sparklers, I had to post a PSA about jackets. I'm not sure how I missed the memo on these cute outfit completers, but I really hadn't thought much about jackets as a fashion piece (or thought I needed a selection) until this spring. I was at a wedding in Chicago in April (read: chilly and rainy). My Rent the Runway dress didn't fit (awesome) and my sister assured me that my destructed denim jacket was highly inappropriate for the The University of Chicago chapel. I felt so unprepared and uncomfortable throughout the ceremony and reception, and really couldn't believe that I didn't have a lightweight, tailored jacket to toss over an easy shift for that kind of occasion.

Never again. I'm course-correcting with this adorable persimmon swing jacket. It's the chic way to stay warm after the sun sets at summer weddings and elevates your jeans, shorts and skirts for work and nights out. I wore it to dinner at St. G's on Saturday and felt SO put together. Click through below to see more jackets I'm adding to my collection (first up: floral, camo, classic chambray) and have an amazing Fourth of July!! xo

My jacket is 50% OFF with code SPARKLER! 

Swing Jacket | Graphic Tee | Denim Skirt

Snakeskin Sandals (old, J.Crew. similar here and here)

Le Specs Sunglasses | Earrings | Clutch 

June Wish List

Happy Tuesday! I'm already halfway out the door for the long weekend, anyone else?! It's been pretty quiet at the office with the upcoming holiday, and some fun evening plans on the calendar are making it hard to get in (and stay in) work mode.

Last night I had dinner with a college friend who was in town for business. It was a beautiful night to catch up on the 6Smith rooftop overlooking Lake Minnetonka. The plans are similar tonight—it's our last golf lesson so we're celebrating our new pro status (note the sarcasm) with drinks at Maynard's, another fun waterfront spot. I like living near the city, but I have to admit there's a lot to love about the western suburbs.

Eyelet Ruffle Top | Tie Front Cami | Sleeveless Woven Top | So Long Lover Ruffled Top

Embroidered Shorts | Pavé Ring | Denim Jumpsuit (40% off)
Stripe Jumpsuit (30% off) | Pom Pom Sandals | Sunglasses | Stripe Espadrilles | Clutch

I'm sharing my latest wish list today which coincidentally includes red, white and blue if you're still looking for a fun outfit for the Fourth! I cannot stop buying feminine tops with ruffles and bows. Cannot. Stop. These are all perfect for date night, and I love the drama of this one for an engagement party (it looks more expensive than $118, don't you think?). 

I'm also really into jumpsuits right now as an alternative to dresses—especially Rebecca Taylor's white denim overalls after seeing Mickey wear a similar pair in an episode of LOVE I streamed this week. 

If you're grilling every chance you get, these embroidered cutoffs would be super cute with all the graphic tees I've been stocking up on. LOVE this pretty blue one from Club Petanque™. (A simple pavé ring adds a touch of glam to a barefoot-in-the-backyard-sipping-Bud-Light situation. Cheers!)

Shoes are a quick way to summer-ize any look, and I've been eyeing these happy pom pom gladiators and striped espadrilles to put some (seasonal) pep in my step. I also like to lighten up this time of year with a no-fuss clutch, and this one's camel and pink combo would look great through the fall.

The lens popped out of my cheapo Target wayfarers during the Tour de Lucé, so I'm desperate for new sunglasses before we head up north! I love the Madewell x Surfrider's spruce frames, and your purchase helps protect oceans and beaches. Picking them up over my lunch break today—they'll make my Patagonia pullover feel a lot less granola while hiking and hangin' around Grand Marais. 3 more days! 

3 Must-Have One-Piece Swimsuits

I've been considering adding a one-piece swimsuit to my lake day lineup since last summer, but hadn't found a style persuasive enough to make me go there until this week. Leave it to J.Crew to nail the look and convince me that the one-piece is very much happening. All three of these styles have an irresistibly sweet and playful quality, and I love how they make swimwear more of a look, encouraging me to accessorize and "outfit" them the same way I would style clothes. Going to the lake just got more fun! 

Today feels like it should be Friday, doesn't it? We have a busy weekend ahead, starting with our end-of-season kickball tournament, an overnight visit from my mom and a belated Father's Day BBQ for Chris's dad. I can't believe our trip to the North Shore is already next week! Chris already has our itinerary plotted out in Excel (classic), but I'd love to hear your recs for what not to miss. Have a great weekend! 

Panama Hat | Classic Stripe One-Piece | Floral Slides

Bandana | FRIDAY One-Piece | Adidas Slides

Baseball Cap | Seersucker One-Piece | Crisscross Slides 

Shop all ONE-PIECE SWIM at J.CREW.
Shop all SWIM at J.CREW. 

Summer Pace

What's your morning routine? Chris wakes up early and drinks a strawberry smoothie while watching SportsCenter. Never snoozes. Mornings are harder for me (snooze city), but with the earlier summer sunrises I've started going for a quick 30-45 minute walk after rolling out of bed. I make coffee before I leave, it's ready when I get back, refreshed, and I let myself enjoy a cup and watch GMA before jumping in the shower. Because it's something I would do on the weekends, it makes week days feel a bit more "mine" before I head to the office—actually, a bit like vacation—and that first alarm is starting to sting a little less. It also leaves evenings free for rosé. All about balance over here. 

This wasn't a rosé night, but hot dogs and Coronas are right up there. The biggest downfall of our apartment is not having a balcony, so after work on Monday Chris and I headed to the lake to get our grill fix (Chris diligently chopped pickles and onions for relish and adorably packed the cooler and for some reason I can't get over it) and we ended up catching this gorge sunset—such a great change of pace for a Monday. It's not Porto, but it's pretty freaking good. Hope you're having a great week! 

Tortoise Link Necklace | Blank NYC Denim Jacket | Graphic Tee
Seamed Maxi Skirt | Metallic Leather Slides | Gold Cuff 

P.S. This maxi skirt is so great (and on sale for $40). It's kind of the equivalent of joggers—dresses up or down and is all about comfort. Also, stretchy and light. Thinking about wearing it with this embroidered peplum top and these slides for dinner on Saturday night. 

Embroidered Blouse

Like eyelet and linen, embroidery makes me feel super light and summery. I wanted to add one great embroidered blouse to my wardrobe this season and I didn't hesitate when I saw this one—it has a modern crop (but not so short that it shows skin), gently ruffled sleeves, and a perfectly happy palette of sky blue, coral, peach, yellow and green. A few swipes of geranium lipstick and lace-up heels give the boho vibes a modern edge for everyday life in Minneapolis (I wore it to work earlier this week). But it would be great with cutoffs (and a colada) on vacation, and I'd even wear it with a fitted black maxi and black wedges for something different and unexpected. Try a clutch (I like this, this and this) for just a touch of the embroidery trend.

Hope you have an uber relaxing, total zone-out kind of weekend full of sunshine, fish tacos and pretty embroidered blouses (I could use one!). It's supposed to be a little gloomy here, so I hope to get caught up on laundry and workouts and maybe get my summer Sea Salt fix or finally try Milkjam for a fancy scoop! See ya next week!

Madewell Blouse | Ann Taylor Jeans 

Denim Heels: Sam Edelman (similar here & here)

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Tell Laura

Tee Time

Do you golf? I've always wanted to learn—like riding a bike, it seems like one of those life skills I should have a grasp on. I don't have any grand aspirations (though it would be a pleasant surprise if I'm good!). I just want to be able to function through 9 holes. I've read golf is a fading pastime for my generation, so maybe twenty years from now couples and groups of girlfriends my age won't be hitting a round before going out to dinner, but I'd still like to be prepared for that scenario (ha). 

A couple of months ago, I ran into a former co-worker at a wine tasting who said she was signing up for a beginners' class at Glen Lake in Minnetonka, and I thought it would be fun to join her to learn the fundamentals. So today is our first of five lessons, and I picked up a few things to fit in and feel (however falsely) capable.

I think 7 years in a Catholic school uniform maxed me out on polos for the rest of my life—and that traditional golf look feels a little too cheesy/Baby Boomer for me. Instead I filled my cart with loose tanks and simple skorts that I can also wear to brunch, the grocery store or drinks after our lessons. New shoes were also a necessity—my current ones are so worn-down (and dusty from last week's kickball game)—and I love the slip-on, laid-back vibe of these. Looking ahead, I'll probably add a long-sleeve, jacket and vest into the mix, but this is a solid start for summer. Have a great Tuesday! 

Nike Dress | Zella Knot Tank | Adidas Climalite® Tank 

Dodgers Hat | Nike Shoes | Adidas Shoes

Nike Tournament Knit Skort | Nike Fringe Flip Skort

Fourth of July Style

We just booked a few days on the North Shore for the Fourth of July! It's my goal to take more quick trips close to home this summer—it's tempting to hop a plane whenever we want to get away, but there are so many cool places within driving distance that I don't want to miss! I've never been to the Grand Marais area and have always wanted to see that part of Minnesota, so I can't wait! We're staying at a little place overlooking Lake Superior and plan to do some casual hiking and exploring for a couple days. If you have any must-dos for eating, drinking and adventuring, send 'em over!

Besides planning our itinerary, I've of course been planning what to wear. Punching up cutoffs with a fun red, white or blue top is the easiest, chill-est way to do the Fourth. I love this striped off-shoulder blouse because of the smocking (so hot now, btw). It's so annoying when off-shoulder tops don't stay where they're supposed to, and this one does! Wrap a silk scarf around your wrist for a little extra flair. If you want to slip into something nicer after a long day on the water (is there anything better?), I love a wide-leg linen jumpsuit or sweet ruffled dress. Whatever you wear, make tassel-star earrings the finishing touch. Oh. Em. Gee. These are the cutest!!! I love them with a washed red top for a tonal look, but they would be darling with white or blue, too. Talk about starry-eyed...

Jumpsuit | Earrings (on sale) 

Scarf (on sale) | Tie-Waist Shorts 

Tassel Top | Dress | Stripe Off-Shoulder Top

Red Eyelet Crop Top | Blue Ruffled Top

What are you doing for the Fourth?

Click through to shop more perfectly patriotic looks!
(Have you been wearing Cupcakes & Cashmere? I for sure need the white camisole.)

Tuxedo Bow Shell

I bought this blouse to wear to date nights and happy hours—and I'll definitely wear it for those occasions with skinny jeans and a fun heel. But I'm all about keeping a dressier top in the mix even when you're kicking it low-key. The contrast of this girly top's tuxedo vibes with destructed cutoffs and casual sneaks is pleasantly unexpected. It works, right?! Bows and ruffles and other feminine details are everywhere right now, and since this guy has two, I had to have it! I can't wait to fancy it up now that I've done the weekend version. No reason not to max out something this sweet.

Blouse: Ann Taylor (and a peplum version from J.Crew)

I like mine because it's machine washable!

Shorts: American Eagle—stretchy and comfy! 

Sneakers: Nordstrom—wearing these everywhere! 

(Oh, they're Kate Middleton's fave, too.)

The Elusive Day Dress

Hi, guys! I'm writing this while snacking on my fifth or sixth bowl of Angie's popcorn (sweet & salty all the way), so if you have any secrets for slowing the addiction, send 'em over! Anyway, happy Friday!! We kicked off holiday at Evereve yesterday which is typical for retail, but also kinda crazy (and starting my weekend off on an anxious note because I only have a few days to pop out three campaign concepts). Sitting at my desk, I can hear a lawn mower and see people passing by on bikes, so getting myself to think faux fur and gift guides is challenging. Hopefully I'll have some lightbulb moments over the weekend while, ironically, basking in all things summer.

When you can't turn work off (like me), an effortless dress takes at least a little of the stress away. Slip one on and you're out the door—instant outfit, zero brain cells required. The best thing about the Ann Taylor Ruffle Shift is that it pulls double duty. Clean and classic, it's easily dressed up or down with different shoes—I can wear it to work with flat mules, to a brewery with Supergas, or to a bridal shower with espadrilles. There's a bit of structure in the elevated-feeling fabric, the ruffle sleeves have just the right amount of flare and there's a cute keyhole detail in the back. It's going to be 90 degrees today and tomorrow so I'll definitely be wanting an outfit with some airflow. Have a good weekend! 

Dress: Ann Taylor (also in stripe) | Bracelets: Bauble Bar 

Earrings: Anthropologie | Ear Cuff: Shopbop

P.S. The ANN TAYLOR DRESS EVENT is happening now—
perfect time to pick up a few summery dresses for yourself on sale!
($50 off with code RSVP through Monday, June 5)

Also loving all of Gap's effortless t-shirt dresses!