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! 

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!

All Black in Spring

I've been trying to wear more color now that it's almost summer, but I still gravitate toward all black—for work and for the weekend when I want something chic, sleek and simple. Wearing one color head to toe can fall a little flat without the right mix of pattern and texture so I've been adding some edge with basics that go a step further: a structured, cropped tee that's elevated but not too special to wear on repeat, coated denim (with just a hit of sheen, it has the look of leather leggings and the wearability of blue jeans) and a fun pair of shoes. I love how the stripes and woven wedges are complementary in a low-key way.

It was just the thing to wear from work to The Wind and the Wave at 7th Street Entry last night. Chris got the tickets for my birthday; he first saw the Austin, TX group in 2014—what was then just Dwight and Patty has grown to a four-person band and they are so good! We were so pumped that we snagged two of the few stools in the small venue to watch the show (conveniently bumped up against a ledge to rest our beers). I had a (dorky) little moment walking back to the car afterward really appreciating the experience and fun date night that I wouldn't have had without my music-loving boyfriend. This and this are a couple of my favorite tracks if you're interested in listening. Oh—and I have to give a shoutout to Justin Young, one of the openers, who closed with a bomb Boyz II Men medley. I'll definitely be listening to some "End of the Road" today at work (ha).

Tonight we have our kickball league, then we're kicking off the long weekend with a bonfire at our friends' new house on Friday. Enjoy the rest of your week! xx

Sunglasses: Kate Spade (old) | Necklace: Anthropologie

Tee: Madewell | Jeans: Madewell | Shoes: J.Crew (only a few left)

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