there are so many lovely swim suits out there right now.  i've never been one to show so much skin, so i'm loving right now all the maillot one-piece suits and how very lady-like and sort of "conservative " they are.  they all kind of leave something to the imagination and embrace a woman's curves (curves, yes i have many of those).  but i'm so super undecided about what to get?  my number one pick is the Marc Jacobs one....but i love a bit of all of these.  plus, the price tag is really shocking me....(hence my constant on-line stalking daily for these suits to go on sale, please!)

what do you think is best?

sources:  Madewell, Marc Jacobs, Anthropologie, J.Crew


♥ happy tuesday.

growing up ( and still a bit now) i was a certified tomboy.  so to find any sort of floral pattern on me, would be scarce, but now i can't get enough floral patterns....especially the real girly-kind----think tea party.  i'm pretty excited that all things floral are popping up this season...even on here!

Sources:  Dollhouse oxford, Rodarte sunnies  for Opening Ceremony, Kate Spade floral creamer, 
Madewell Rosebloom Songbird dress, Ever Ours shoulder bag, real flower blooms, 
Kate Spade Sweet Zinnia ring, and Anthropologie floral sateen slims

hope you got your daily dose of this pretty trend!

getting a new issue of the Anthropologie catalogue in the mail is a great sit down read for me.  seriously.  i'll sit on the couch (when kiddos are napping) and look at each page, like a lil' kid.  and i love it.  i love the new November issue of Anthropologie.  so much texture, color, pattern....and they have adorable items for kids too!  these are just a 'few' of the things i'm swooning for....

images via Anthropologie.

hapi friday!

haven't posted this fave post in awhile, and sorry for the lack of posts this month....graduate school has been stealing my time. i thought i'd make this 10 hapi things a special edition of trends i'm loving this season in fashion and lifestyle. 

hapi thursday!




















1.  cutout flats.  these flats from F21 are great because they can transition into fall with a pair of tights. but right now are great with flowy culotte shorts.






















2.  stacked wrist accessories .  i'm so loving all the layering of watches, bracelets in all forms, wristbands and more.  this look is good when you want to make your accessories your main fashion piece.  first pic from Stylescrapbook and second pic from jak and jil. 


























3.  culottes.  Anthropologie is hearted again for their pretty shorts.  i remember wearing culottes in elementary school for our uniforms....these are better looking.























4.  friendship bracelets.  i love this trend!  it's a bit nostalgic (remember Saved by the Bell?!) hahah...well to make the ultimate bracelet more adult...the best way is to pair them with a more neutral watch or gold/silver bracelets.  check here for a great diy.

































































5.  DIY weddings.  that lovely picture is of Elsie Larson, from one of my fave blogs "A Beautiful Mess", and her husband on their wedding day.  isn't that backdrop amazing?! and....it was DIY-ed!
Photographed by Arrow & Apple. Photo via Style Me Pretty.

p.s. Elsie will be featuring all the other pretty details/DIY and moments of her wedding this week on her blog, check it out.















































6.  tribal influences.  this trend is great when you use minimal pieces with the prints and patterns...not all over : it would be overwhelming, keep it simple.  
Sources (Clockwise) : Mike Gonzalez's Summer 2011 Lookbook, Julie Rofman Galapagos Glass Bead Bracelet, Lucky Penny Beaded Geometry Bag via Anthropologie, and F21 Native Oxford Navy flats.























7.  bow ties.  Forage bow ties are timeless, because they're made from vintage fabric in limited quantities.  Also check the creators : Something's Hiding in Here.  Photo here.





















8.  summer braids.  Unconventional braids at that.  trends like these make me wish my tresses were still long...
braids found here and here.
























9.  vintage Coach.  i'm not one for an all over logo, especially on handbags (with some exceptions) so it's refreshing to see that vintage Coach is all the rage ( go searching in your mom's closet !)  Go and see at Refinery 29.
























10.  vintage bicycle with basket.  i've seen these around the Chicago area lately and they are so cute.  one day when the kiddos are grown up, i'm gonna get me one of these .