6.14.2013

Jet settin' and summer essentials.

So I think I might have failed to tell you all that I'm going on vacation. Amidst all the excitement of taking a WHOLE WEEK off of work (yes, so very excited) and booking the trip, I think I forgot to share it on the blog. Where am I going you ask?? Well I can't really say yet. I planned and booked the vacation and the whole thing will be a surprise to D. He won't know where we're going until we board the plane at the airport. Surprise vacation -- how fun is that? We're leaving this Sunday and will be back on Friday (I know, don't miss me too much!). Anyway here are some vacation essentials you'll be finding in my suitcase...

Vacation.
Where to get these summery goodies:

More about my vacation essentials that I think are necessary to have on all summery vacations:

1. Linen dresses and cover-ups. This is a must. Not only are they light and airy in that hot summer sun, but they double as both cute sundresses to wear day or night, and of course, cover-ups at the pool or beach. I love the white linen one seen above (I actually just bought this one and excited to break it in) and also love this one and this Tory Burch one if you don't mind spending a little more. 
2. Cute bathing suits. It doesn't matter if they are itsy bitsy bikinis, tankinis, or classic one-pieces -- all that matters is that you feel cute in your bathing suit. Because if you feel cute, you'll have more fun. Bright colors and patterns are always great summer choices, but you can never go wrong with basic solids too. I also love this bikini and the same print in this one piece. 
3. Sunglasses and hats. These are obvious choices for lounging by the pool or any activity in the sun. I also love these House of Harlow sunglasses or these fun cat eyes sunnies which remind me of She-Ra glasses I used to wear when I was little.
4. Shorts. Cute shorts are a must. Especially if you want to be a little more casual and need a break from sundresses. I love the summer plaid ones above and also love these anchor print shorts and classic denim too.
5. Frizz-free summer hair. My hair can be a freak of nature in the summer. Between the pool chlorine, salt water, and humidity, I can look like the Lion King or similar to that look Monica from Friends was rocking. My favorites are Fekkai After Sun Mask that leaves my hair so soft and the Brilliant Glossing Shine Mist to give my locks extra shine when I wear it both curly or straight.
6. Bright mani and pedi. I love the Mermaid collection seen above, but actually really love both bright white polish (because it highlights that golden tan skin) and hot pinks and neons.
7. Sneakers. Let's be honest. As fabulous as you might want to be, you won't really want to spend your whole vacation in heels. You just won't. Even flip flops and sandals can be tricky, especially if you want to do a lot of walking and sight seeing, so I always suggest cute sneakers for walking. I love the fresh white kicks known as converse but also love Tom's and Tory Burch espadrilles. 

+++

So that's pretty much what you can find in my suitcase. I'm excited to finally get away from everything, so the blog might be kind of quiet this week. But have no worries, I'll be back with all the vacation photos to prove it. Aaaand if you're really curious where we're going and can't wait 'til we get back, follow me on facebook -- I'll be posting pics throughout the trip. If not, see you next week : )

xo Steph

6.13.2013

{the double whammy}

This week is a little bit of a double whammy for my dad -- his birthday and father's day are only a few short days apart. I'm sure most people would feel like they are getting cheated out of two different celebrations (kind of like the birthday near Christmas kinda thing) but not my dad. He is a simple man who could care less about presents. He just wants to be with his family and kids. And that's just one of the many reasons why we love him! I saw a quote the other day that read:

Life doesn't come with an instruction book - that's why we have fathers.

And this couldn't be more true. So I just wanted to take this time and say Happy Birthday Dad! {and happy early father's day}. To the man who taught me how to ride a bike, drive a car, and everything in between -- I am so grateful and blessed to have such a strong and loving role model in my life. 
So cheers to you dad, and we'll be celebrating this weekend : )

xo Steph

6.12.2013

purple floral majesty

This is one of my favorite tops, one because I love the floral print in purple, and two because it's been so versatile for me. Check out all the other was I styled it here, here and here.
 Outfit Details
Sweater: Loft (similar) // Floral top: Loft (cute option) // Black Pants: Madewell (same) 
Leopard flats: Payless (nice option) // Cross necklace: gift from D (similar) // Watch: Michael Kors (same)
 That's all I've got for you today -- happy wednesday everyone! : )

xo Steph

also linking up with  Because Shanna Said So and The Pleated Poppy


6.11.2013

{Dad's day gifts}

Anyone else find Father's day one of the most difficult of all the holidays for gift giving? When it comes to buying gifts for mothers (my mom or any mom) I find it so much easier, probably because there is endless amounts of things you can find. Cute things off of Etsy, candles, makeup, clothes.....really anything. Fathers -- that's a whole different territory. My goal for shopping for dad's is going with a theme or hobby they have. Whether that be golfing, sports, music, craft beers, get them something they can use. Here are a few examples of cool gifts ideas for all sorts of dads out there.
Dads day gifts.


It's not to late  -- pick up some of these awesome father's day gifts here:


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...