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!