Statement Earrings + Tees 3 Ways

What day is it? Does anyone even know? The holiday falling in the middle of this week is totally throwing me off. After hanging on the North Shore last weekend (and bringing home a zillion mosquito bites), we spent Monday through Wednesday in Big Lake for the Fourth. Thursday was a chance to hit the gym, eat some veggies and relax before we head to a friend's cabin this afternoon. In addition to all the snacks and all the bug spray, here's what I'm packing!

It feels like overkill to wear anything dressier than shorts and tees at the lake, but throwing on a pair of statement earrings is a quick way to give a casual outfit some flair if you go out for dinner or just want to turn it up a bit after spending all day in a swimsuit. Until recently I wore delicate gold jewelry pretty much exclusively, but I've really been getting back into oversized danglers and hoops, especially when paired with easy tees like these—the contrast is really fun and feels effortlessly glam. I'll be pulling out this little trick for weekends at the cabin and hot days in the city all summer long.

Parrot Earrings | Salut Tee | Jean Shorts | Flame Slides

Embellished Hoop Earrings | Les Copines Tee | Tie Waist Shorts | Cork Wedges

Double Hoop Earrings | Jeans Tee | Gingham Shorts | Metallic Slides

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

Summer White

I've kind of become known around the office as the Ann Taylor girl—and this perfect summer sweater is one of many reasons why. It's the classic, easy pullover you can wear for dressy dinners AND weekend boating in that true white shade that defines the season. It has a comforting heft and the weight we still need on evenings and cooler days, but the wider knit is still totally breathable and light. Subtle lantern sleeves are that special detail that make this simple and timeless silhouette feel elevated, which I LOVE. And these raw hem cropped jeans are stretchy and light (the way to go if you're unsure about white denim)—the perfect post-Memorial Day pairing.

Hope your long weekend was a good one! We frolicked around downtown Minneapolis all day on Saturday, starting with brunch at Smack Shack and the Twins game for my dad's birthday, and eventually ending back at Smack Shack for a couple cocktails. We headed up to the lake on Sunday (I made my new favorite salad—I sub chicken for tuna) and got caught up on life on Monday. Back to reality today!

Sweater: Ann Taylor (40% OFF!) | Jeans: Ann Taylor 

Sandals: J.Crew (under $100!) | Jewelry: Ann Taylor (similar necklace, earrings)

p.s. Bauble Bar stocks tassel earrings in 28 colors!

Flamingo Tee

It's been raining pretty consistently in Minneapolis, so when I woke to sun on Monday morning, I was all about a fun, summery graphic (cue the tropical cocktail emoji). I picked up this watercolor flamingo tee over the weekend that I wasn't sure was really "me," but today proved its place in my wardrobe. A tailored jacket (love this one's fringe and shrunken fit!) and heels totally dress it up for my casual office—and wearing something fun and colorful to work makes every urgent email and off-topic meeting feel a little less stressful. I can't wait to wear it with this colorblock sweater skirt or this floral pencil skirt next time! Because I can also toss it over my swimsuit for lunch at the lake when I'm not doing the 9-5, it's a no-brainer.

P.S. I started a new job (again!) two months ago, and big life changes always have a way of putting my blog on the back burner. But I can't stay away forever—looking forward to posting a bit more regularly now that I've found my footing in my new role and it's warm and green again in Minneapolis! Thanks for following along!

Sunglasses: Kate Spade (old) | Jacket: Ann Taylor (on sale!)

Tee: J.Crew Factory | Jeans: Madewell

Heels: J.Crew | Jewelry: Anthropologie