I practically live in sun dresses during the summer. I am always hot and I think they're cooler than shorts and a top--you get better airflow, especially in a fit and flare dress like this one! I bought this dress online and, I'll be honest, I contemplated returning it when it arrived. Not because it wasn't adorable, but because the deep V top makes it so you can't wear a bra with the dress (Sorry Pam, you can't borrow this one!). I thought about it a lot, but ultimately decided that it was too cute to return and who likes wearing a bra that much anyway?! The red embroidery details on the top are so pretty, and are a great contrast to the pale stripes on the rest of the dress. The dress is also completely lined! A crucial piece of information given that the dress is linen, and linen tends to be see-through on it's own. This dress was a very pleasant surprise, and will definitely be worn on many date nights this summer! … [Read more...]
The BEST Sunless Tanners
Summer is finally here, but if you are like me and stuck inside a cubicle job 5 days a week, it can be hard to catch that summer glow! I've been experimenting with sunless tanners for a while, and have found a few that I love and wanted to share them with all of you! St. Tropez was the very first sunless tanner I used. I found it in college and me and my roommate would lather ourselves up and watch chick flicks for 4-8 hours while it worked it's magic. This stuff is great. It goes on a little green, but that's only to counteract any orange color. You are definitely not green (or orange!) when you wash it off. The lotion does have a strong scent when you first put it on, but it disappears after you shower.The tan lasts about 5 days. Next, I tried Kate Somerville tanning wipes. I received a few free samples with an online order and was very pleasantly surprised. The towelettes are like giant baby wipes. They have a very faint smell (much less than St. Tropez), and you can … [Read more...]
Summer BBQ Ready
George and I have been so blessed to have the most amazing friends and family. When we announced we were moving to Texas in 3 short months they were beyond supportive and rallied behind us offering love, support and going away parties. Summer in Chicago is the best (and really only) time to barbecue so that's what everyone did. I opted for a more girly dress for the first. George's cousin smoked meat and made us a South of the Border themed dinner with some of our close friends. There were chicken and beef tacos, chips and dips and margaritas. All home made! They always go over the top cooking and it is always beyond delicious. If you are looking to go the fiesta route here are some of my favorite must haves. Next Katie threw us the perfect Texas Bound party. She was beyond detail oriented and by far my favorite was the cake. She and her friend Ashely spent the entire night before sculpting it to perfection. We went red, white and blue and everyone showed up in … [Read more...]
Tropical Maxi
My husband and I have been trying to plan a trip to Cuba, or "the motherland" as my husband calls it. We've been looking into doing a cruise, but so many are sold out until 2018! When I thought we could make the trip this summer, I started mentally packing, and realized I was definitely going to need a fun tropical dress to wear to the famous Cuban Tropicana night club!! This dress was PERFECT!!! It's very flow-y which will be perfect for dancing in the Cuban heat! I plan on pairing this with a fedora and strappy sandals for the trip, after all what is more Cuban that tropical print and a fedora?! … [Read more...]