Date Night Kimono

What do you do for date night? We usually keep it low-key (I'm trying to become regulars at nearby Park Tavern or Texa-Tonka—#class), but sometimes you gotta get in a dress and go out for truffle fries and fancy wine. A kimono is kind of stretch for me (or, more boho than I'd typically go), but it's one of my current favorite ways to give an LBD a fresh look when I do dress up a little. I'm obsessed with the luxurious drape and goddess-like feel—and I love it just as much with a simple black cami and high-rise denim. I packed this when I went to Door County last month and wore it with cutoff shorts and a t-shirt while we sat around eating cheese, so it definitely dresses down! 

This week is going pretty fast so far, although it's been busy! Monday night, Chris and I met his sister for a play at the Swandive Theatre. She had to see it for a class and invited us to go along. Chris and I agreed we're not really "theatre people" (the passion and earnestness in the actors' voices just annoys me and I start getting RLS by act two), but it was fun to stop through Seven Corners, a charming part of Minneapolis I don't go to often. Tuesday, I woke up early to get going on some work deadlines. It's so much easier for me to be productive from home—with my coffee pot mere inches away—when I'm feeling the pressure. Then I had a meeting at Barrio for a volunteer committee after work while Chris watched the Twins/Yankees wild card game with friends—I'm excited to have him to myself tomorrow! Maybe we'll go to Texa-Tonka. ;)

OUTFIT DETAILS

Kimono | Dress | Heels (old, Sam Edelman) Similar

Clutch (old, Target)—love this velvet one! | Necklace | Sunglasses (old, Kate Spade)

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

anthropologie giveaway

Feeling like Monday totally sneaked up on us after spending all of yesterday brunching and baseball-game watching. But it's a short week with the Labor Day holiday ahead so I can handle it!

I finally picked up a new Capri Blue candle at Anthropologie last week after going six months or so without one (the horror). It's the best scent, and as fall looms and cozy nights in become more common, a necessary fixture on my coffee table. I stopped in to the store around 3PM on my way home from an appointment and was surprised by how many people were browsing the racks and sifting through table displays at such a random time on a Thursday. But for good reason—it's the time of year to get your home and wardrobe prepped for colder weather and Anthro's holding all the right cards. Shop clothing, shoes & accessories and house & home new arrivals, or my own wish list below!

And because the assortment is so awesome but sometimes a little pricey, I wanted to give you the chance to win a gift card to soften the blow. I understand how important it is to have that Capri Blue candle at all times! 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $200 Anthropologie Gift Card

Co-hosts: Put A Little Umbrella In It ♥ Mae Amor ♥Jenn's Blah Blah Blog ♥ Erika is Little ♥ Mommy on the Money ♥ Ashley Brooke ♥ Stripes N Vibes ♥ Style Tab ♥ Sweet Haute ♥ The Mommyhood Mentor ♥ Prescribed To Fashion ♥ The Closet by Christie ♥ Jo's Glam Fashion Book

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/11 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

found. billy ella matralia booties

The shoes at Boden and Anthro really speak to me (and the writer in me loves Boden even more for its copy-heavy catalog!). With clothes, I like simple black sweaters and skinny cigarette pants, but am all about a bit of boho flair, eccentric color and playful details in footwear. These painted floral booties with a side zip and 3" wrapped heel are a PRIME example of that preference. How great would they be with body-hugging jeans, a loose white tee & chunky gold jewelry?? Perfect for the urban cowgirl.

While on the topic, here's a peek at more Boden & Anthro beauties I'm saving for: Halsey Booties | Leopard Joni Boots | Rose Gold T-bar Flats | Embellished Slippers | Velvet Verlan Heels—you better not get them before I do!! ;)

Yesterday the Marketing department at my day job served up (a pretty fancy!) lunch, drinks & general merriment at Lake Minnetonka. It was finally sunny after a streak of rainy days, and playing volleyball to the tune of Ja Rule, Party in the USA, Kenny Chesney and Return of the Mack was a hoot and a half. Afterwards I headed to a neighborhood hang for some live music which was a nice way to wind down after all the shenanigans. This weekend, one of my high school BFFs is going to be in town, and we're planning to spend Saturday at the Loring Park festival—local beer samples and Walk the Moon (fo free!) is my idea of summertime happiness. Have a great weekend!