Summer Must-Haves

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I’d love to add these key pieces to my summer wardrobe. Doubt I’d ever take the earrings off, and this necklace would dress up a plain tee in a heartbeat. I love the size of the bag, perfect for tossing in extra things on the go. The tee and Vans are just asking for a pair of jean shorts! A sweet dress that’s light and airy would be just right paired with these sandals for date night or drinks on the patio. And a suit is of course a must!

Lucy Folk Watermelon Pip Earrings from Steven Alan // Marnay Pleated Sateen Dress from Acne // Turquoise, Red & Black Bead Necklace from Z Desings // Besace Bag from Clare Vivier // Feed an Artist Tee from The Lost at E Minor Store // Nice Sandals from Joie // Brushed Twill Authentic Vans // Polka Dot Swimsuit from Merona

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24 Summer Sippers

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Blackberry Rum Shrub – Saveur // Blood Orange and Thyme Paloma – Aida Mollenkamp // Grapefruit Moon – Fake Food Free // Lavender Collins – YumSugar // Whiskey Lemonade with Honey – A Beautiful Mess // Muddled Blackberry Mint Julep – Turntable Kitchen

 

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Pimm’s Cup with Ginger Ale – Martha Stewart // Rainier Cherry Muddler – Sprouted Kitchen // Rhubarb Sour – The Boys Club // Strawberry Fizzy – Mighty Girl // The Spring Fling – The View From Great Island // Spring Thyme – The Boys Club

 

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Watermelon Margaritas – Martha Stewart // Blackberry Moscow Mule – Pixelated Crumb // Fresh Strawberry & Lime Tom Collins – Cookin’ Canuck // Lemon, Thyme & Gin Spritzer – Sweetsonian // Orange basil Mojitos – Dine and Dish // Honeydew and Pear Sangria – Bakers Royale

 

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Pineapple Mint Prosecco Cocktail – Food Fashion and Fun // Rhubarb Vanilla Fizz – Limn & Lovely // Spiked Cherry Lemonade – Sweet Paul // Tequila Mint Limeade – New South Food Co. // Vanilla Pomegranate Mojito – Noshing with the Nolands // Strawberry Grapefruit Smash – Sprouted Kitchen

All photos copyright of their respective sites.

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Ten Spring Salads

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Click on the image to be taken to each recipe’s source.
All photos copyright of their respective sites.

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Bathing Beauties

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Snake Print Swimsuit by Ted Baker // Boyleg Swimsuit by Boden // Medicine Wheel Printed Bandeau Bikini

The perfect summer suit isn’t something most women I know look forward to finding. There’s the trying on, the sucking in, and the additional shaving. Then there’s all of the styles to choose from: bikini, tankini, bandeau, one piece, cutouts (and my favorite trend this year – reversible). But when you finally land on that just right one, now that’s a good feeling.

 

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Cannonball Twist Bandeau + Reversible Hi-Waist Pant by Lauren Moffatt // The Garance Swimsuit by Laura Marie Fernandez // Tie-Front Tanksuit in Safari Sketch by Madewell

 

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Penelope Floral Belted Bandeau Swimsuit by ASOS // Take Shape Bikini Top + Pant by Seafolly // Panama Reversible Swimsuit by Isabel Marant

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Not Your Grandma’s Florals

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Floral Rhapsody Collared Blouse from ThreadSence // White Floral Print Shirt Dress from Wallis // Locket Floral-Print Molded Bikini by Nicky Zimmerman

These aren’t you grandma’s florals, that’s for sure. (Unless your grandma is prone to wearing a floral bikini, in which case I would like to make her acquaintance.) Sweet, bold, and everything in between – there’s no wrong way to wear this patterned trend!

 

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Kimono Floral Seductress One Piece by Nanette Lepore // Bella Tropical Floral Body-Conscious Dress by Whistles // Floral-Jacquard Dress by Marni

 

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Swing Dress in Floral Print by Oh My Love // White Lapel Long Sleeve Floral Chiffon Blouse by Sheinside // Jumpsuit in Floral Butterfly Print by Eleven Paris

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Pants: Loose + Patterned

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Sun Tile Mix Print Palazzo Pants by Ella Moss // Gwen Neon Lights Pants by Elizabeth and James // Garden Daydream Pants by Talulah

This is one of my favorite spring fashion trends – loose patterned pants that can be paired with a simple tee, strappy sandals, and a smile. Some are looser than others, but all look perfectly suited to wear for a good-to-the-last-bite brunch or cookout. Do you think you’ll be grabbing onto this style or have you already?

 

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Marais Pant by Wilfred // Silk Trousers by Sea // Brushstroke Gessler Pants by Elizabeth and James

 

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Culottes in Scarf Print by ASOS // Zig Zag Wide Leg Trousers by Topshop // Minos Culottes by Mother of Pearl

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Tips&Tricks: Gardening + Landscaping

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I can be described as having a brown thumb at best. I have an odd talent for growing African violets that thrive, and not much else. Succulents hate me and I even once killed a cactus. I’m That Girl. So with all of that out in the open – whew! – you can see why I’m always on the look out for tips & tricks that might help me out a bit.

 

Square Foot Gardening: How to Get Started for $50. (Infographic)

Propogating succulents from leaves.

Build a $10 cedar raised garden bed.

Get your kids’ involved in gardening.

Paint rocks like strawberries to protect the real thing.

Growing citrus indoors.

How to plan your vegetable and herb garden.

DIY Glowing outdoor orbs for your patio.

Nine ways to bring nature indoors for brown thumbs.

Make an easy shoe and foot washing station.

How to fix dents in wooden floors and furniture.

Build your own pergola.

Take advantage of this printable garden planner.

Learn how to garden in gutters.

Gardening in raised beds.

Ten secrets for extending the life of cut flowers.

Homesteading: How Much Land Do You Need to Go Off the Grid.

Use vinegar to kill weeds.

Ten indoor plants you can’t kill.

Ten spring window gardening tips.

Make a planter’s yardstick.

Fifteen must-haves for the herb gardener.

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Colorblocked

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UZI Color Block Dress by Totokaelo // Super Skinny Pieced Colorblock Jeans by J Brand // Armelle dress by Maje

Colorblocking. It’s the fashion trend that showed up in our lives just about a year ago and shows no sign of being played out any time soon. I’ve loved seeing this look evolve from brights and neons to more subdued palettes, and tracking the different ways designers make it their own – in fashion and beyond. So what about you, love it or tired of it?

 

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Colorblocked Linen Dress by Tsumore Chisato //  Colorblock Dress be BB Dakota // Hot Pink + Mustard Silk Organza Full Skirt by Roksanda Ilincic

 

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Mirage Dress by Samantha Pleet // Anissa Dress by Toast // Diem Two-Tone Silk Top by Equipment

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