New Gal Meets Glam Collection Drops Today

Gal Meets Glam Collection "Shelby Dress" // Bag: Vintage // Sandals

In honor of a new collection of Gal Meets Glam Collection dresses dropping today, I'm featuring my OG dress from the first collection. This dress right here is the Shelby and I was so into it from the moment I spotted because of its gorgeous floral, a covered sleeve which is great for work and the length thats not technically a maxi or a midi so it's ok if its a little too short on my tall self.  I kept this one on the back burner in my mind so you can imagine my excitement when it went on sale. Yep, its on sale so get it here! 

If you are not familiar with the Gal Meets Glam Collection it's a super ladylike monthly collection of dresses made by the stunning blogger and now dress designer Julia Engel. There is an e-commerce site as well as dresses available on Nordstrom's site and some dresses are exclusive to either site. As a huge dress fan myself, I find myself anticipating the new collections arrival because all the dresses are just so perfect for events and without fail, even some for everyday dress wearers who like to be a little overly dressed. I get so much wear out of dresses for teaching and summer events that I love adding new ones to my collection. I love that most of the styles are a "mom-friendly" length as well.

Although I could have bought many more,  I have limited myself to only two dresses so far, the Vanessa and the Shelby seen here on me. The linen Vanessa dress in buttercup, came with me to New York last month and will be up on the blog soon. Both dresses are just so classic and make me feel so feminine and pretty when I wear them, and isn't that really what every girl wants to feel when she gets dressed?

The new July Collection was released today! You can shop the Nordstrom selection here and the GMC Collection site here. My favorite is the Hallie! Go check them out for yourself and tell me which one is your favorite.

Spring Florals

Skirt: Boohoo (very similar here for $35) // Sweater: Joe Fresh (crew neck version) // Watch: Michael Kors (on sale for 25% off!) // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB via Shopbop (c/o) // Pumps: Sole Society (3 inch heel option in same shade!) // Jacket: Zara (similar for $83)

I had been dreaming of wearing this combination just as soon as the weather became more spring-like. So naturally on the first day I felt naked legs was acceptable, I threw this on. And just so you know, this look was absolutely ruined Immediately after this shoot on a hot yoga (where blowouts go to die) date with my boo Lauren. She even took an after picture to prove what disarray I was in. Blogging ain't always pretty everyone.

Pictures c/o Lauren Nolan of Lake Shore Lady

Blue Floral

Forever 21 Sweater (similar) // Boohoo midi skirt // Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote // Banana Republic silver heels // Loft Necklace (similar from Loft)

Oh boy, has life been crazy lately! Forgive me for the lack of posting but with all the home renovations and family stuff that has come up, I've been kinda MIA. Slap this cold weather on top of that and you have even more reason for not wanting to take pictures. I promise, I'll be back in full effect soon. Just one more work week of teaching till Christmas break! Hooray! 

Navy Floral Maxi

Forever 21 dress (similar) // J. Crew Necklace // Zara vest // Kate Spade Bag // Vince Camuto Vive Booties // Akira Hat // Lips // Michael Kors Bradshaw watch

Bull & Bear Brunch

Before this Chicago summer is gone, I need to tell you all about this adorable brunch experience I had with some of my very favorite fellow Chicago bloggers. Lauren of the Blog Lake Shore Lady invited Emily, Blair, Maya, Soraya, Jess and I  to Bull and Bear for a build your own Mimosa party. Naturally none of us could turn her down!

Each tray came out including an assortment of juices that were as flavorful as they were colorful, fun straws and of course a chilled bottle of bubbly! 

Anyone who knows me knows that breakfast food is my absolute favorite so I had no problem enjoying some scrambled eggs while sipping on one of these pretty mimosas! If you are in the downtown area, particularly right by Merchandise Mart, stop by Bull and Bear and try out the build-your-own-mimosa special yourself! 

Wearing: Forever 21 dress (last summer) currently loving this fit and flare Anthropologie dress, on sale too! // DSW Bag // Ann Taylor Earrings (on sale!) //  Zara Sandals (loving this tougher version by Freebird)

Outfit photos by Blair

ASOS Pretty Floral Maxi

I had been waiting for the perfect time to wear this dress because it's just so gosh-darn pretty. I wound up wearing it to a friend's bridal shower where I just knew a floral maxi (seriously considering buying this one too) would be appreciated and in its element around a bunch of lovely ladies. 

Much like last week's lace Ann Taylor skirt, this dress also got about a million compliments. It makes a statement when you walk into a room with its floaty fabric gliding behind you and also makes you feel super tall (then again, not feeling tall is a problem I don't ever really have). I added my J. Crew Seville Wedges which made me feel even taller. 

I highly recommend this dress (20% off till 7/8/14) if you have a girly event coming up. You will feel like a walking garden and also comfortable and covered up. So ladylike! Only thing to keep in mind is that the back is open so you will definitely need a bralette like mine with a back that is too pretty not to be seen.

Btw, if you are loving my new two-tone sunglasses I picked up in Brooklyn, here is a super easy DIY to make your own with any old pair of sunglasses! So cool!

Dress // Bracelet // Wedges // Lips // Sunglasses // Bralette Options