Unexpected Match

| GAP t-shirt / Forever 21 skirt (old) / J. Crew sandals / Francesca's necklace / Essie's 'Saturday Disco Fever' nail polish |

Even though the 4th of July was already almost a week ago (!), red, white, and blue feel like the perfect combination for throughout summer. I used to never really be a t-shirt + skirt type of gal, but when it comes to separates, there are so many ways to mix and match. It makes the possibilities of the combinations in your closet seem endless. I would have never thought of adding such a dark t-shirt to a bright and nearly nautical look, but in the end, I loved how the dark of the top added a contrast, allowing for the bright colors to be dulled down a little bit, but still hold their pizazz.

What are some of your favorite outfit pairings? I love a good grey t-shirt with bright skirts, too!

Fourth of July

| Forever 21 blouse / American Apparel shorts (old) / J.Crew heels (sample sale) / Kate Spade purse / David Yurman ring / Michael Kors watch / Essie's Saturday Disco Fever nail polish |

The idea of dressing in a color scheme almost instantly excites me.  Not that red, white, and blue don't look perfect together on any other day, but when it comes to The 4th of July, the crisp whites, lipstick reds, and classic blues bring full-on Americana during this days celebrations.

As a result of spending this holiday in South Carolina with my family, instead of traditional navy for the festivities, I swapped out the go-to blue of denim and went with a preppier alternative with the southern staple--seersucker. Bringing elements in for the holidays based on your locations always make the holiday that much more memorable. Outfits included.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July! 

Summer Styles

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Well, hey, everyone! It's been a while (again), but this time it was due to computer trouble (farewell old macbook), taking a quick jewelry class, and starting a new internship back in New York for another summer. As quick as that month went, it's about to become a new one with the welcoming of July in a few days. With that, comes one of my favorite holidays: July 4th, of course!

Now, the fourth of July is the epitome of summer celebrations. While the past two summers I've spent it watching fireworks off of The Hudson river in the city, this summer I'll be spending it in a different city, Hilton Head, South Carolina. When it comes to trips, I always get excited to pack and dress for that specific location. The four pieces above are ones I have been particularly drawn to as of late.

1. Pineapples, and fruit patterns alike, have been popping up everywhere this summer, and what better of a print to lounge on while at the beach. Not to mention, the bright green is festive, too!

2. I usually am terrible at packing, often somehow turning weekend getaways into weeklong ones with the amount I include in my suitcase. However, I recently purchased the duffle above at the incredible C. Wonder sale this past weekend. With it's black and white hawaiian print and my monogram in neon yellow that I added, it screams South Carolina and will hold up for all of those perfect little summer excursions and ones afterwards, as well.

3. I've been following the Marysia swimwear company for a while after seeing their sweetly scalloped suits on bloggers and Instagram feeds. There is something about their shape and style that seems so classic and stylish at the same time.

4. Finally, Kate Spade's month in Rio brought these toucan sandals. While I've never been to Rio, I have ventured into the Kate Spade store, I can vouch that these would look just as cute on the beaches of South Carolina as they would in Rio.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and here's looking forward to a short work week ahead!

- Good to be back -

Charleston

//Top Left: A southern staple, iced tea// Top Right: My dad and I on Kiawah Island// Bottom Left: Sunset at the Battery//  Bottom Right: King Street, Charleston's main strip for great shopping, snacks, and it's minutes away from The College//

If you know me at all, you know that I have a slight southern obsession. Don't get me wrong, the East Coast has a special place in my heart, as well, but there is something about the south that will always be home. I spent my spring break with my family in the epitome of the south, Charleston, South Carolina. The last time I visited Charleston was when I was looking at schools and checked out CofC (College of Charleston), and it was interesting to see what has changed and what has remained the same. We payed a repeat visit to Angel Oak, the 1,500 year old Oak Tree, and a new visit to the vast beauty that is Middleton Plantation. While we received an unexpected snow storm today, it was certainly a treat to have spent my trip where breezy dresses and sandals replaced tights and riding boots and where southern hospitality is served up family style.

-I hope you all had a great break-

Charleston, SC

{Rocking chairs on the porch-- A Southern specialty}

In Spring of last year, my family went to South Carolina to look at the College of Charleston. With the temperatures as beautiful as they are right now here in Syracuse, it reminded me of the amazing weather that seems to be all year long in Charleston. Being from Texas and now living in the East Coast, I definitely sometimes miss the special things that make the South...the South. These pictures, and this trip from last year, remind me of all of the reasons why I love being from the South. Even if it's not South Carolina. 

{Some of the acres of the Bigelow Tea Garden}

Charleston is home to the Bigelow Tea Garden, America's only tea plantation. Southerners certainly care about our tea.

{Me, my mom, and my sister in front of Angel's Oak}

Angel's Oak is a live oak tree that is approximately 1,500 years old. Not only is this tree beautiful to look at and be in the presence of, but the little sanctuary surrounding it is peaceful, beautiful, and inspiring as well. 

{Just to get an idea of actually how big Angel's Oak is}

{Me and my sister}

We also made an excursion one day to go and visit a few of the beautiful plantation homes that Southern states like South Carolina are known for. Their white patios and lovely gardens made it such an amazing place to spend a warm weathered afternoon with the family. 

So, if you have never been to Charleston, never thought of visiting, or just feel like gettin' your Southern Sass into your daily lives, you should definitely pay Charleston, South Carolina a greeting. Full of friendly people, beautiful scenery, and good eats, what's not to love?

{Yup really folks, it's that charming}