Aritzia Swing Dress and Ten Friday Favorites

One of the perks of living in Salt Lake City this winter was that the temperatures were so mild. This Masion Scotch sweater from a boutique down the street from my house was pretty much my jacket most of the winter. It was the perfect weight and length to keep me warm but not too bundled up.

Whenever I'm back in Chicago or New York, I always stop in one of my favorite stores, Aritzia. When I was home in Chicago for Christmas, I picked up this dress on sale there at Watertower. They always have the most comfortable quality pieces in the most luxurious fabrics. Everything I own from Aritzia has lasted forever!

Dress: Aritzia // OTK Boots (similar here) // Hat: Sole Society // Lips // Sweater: Masion Scotch

And since it's been awhile since I posted, Ive rounded up some of my Friday Favorites that I've come across including a perfume that has seriously become something that I spray on my sheets at night to help me sleep. And a foundation brush that looks super fun to use! 

Have a great weekend!!

Neutral Tones

Skirt: Loft // Jacket: Nordstrom Rack // Striped top: J. Crew // Scarf: J. Crew // Hat: Sole Society // Lips: Nars "Yu" // Heels: Nine West

Boho Dress

Don't you just love a good easy summer dress. I especially like having a few long sleeve options during the summer because you never know what you're going to get with our Chicago weather. 

I've been trying to branch out with silhouettes on dresses and tops in my wardrobe this summer. After looking at everything I wear daily and knowing what shapes I'm drawn too (hello pencil skirt addict), especially when teaching, I never really wear flowy dresses or tops. I guess I've always had it in my head that they make you look bigger, but I see girls wearing them all over the place and never think that they look big. So I have decided maybe I can be one of those floaty-clothes wearing girls too. 

My first attempt seen here was super painless because the shirt was gifted to me by Madison and Berkeley when I visited their showroom in NYC a few weeks back. I was surprised how something so loose could still be flattering and comfortable. I think I'm starting to see why so many ladies love these types of pieces.

I'm still working on embracing the "shapeless" trend, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. Anyone else stuck in that same mindset as me? And how do you make those shapeless pieces look so effortless and enviably glam?

Sandals: Sole Society (on sale for 70% off till Tuesday!!!) // Dress: Forever 21 (runs kind of big, mine is a small) // Purse: ASOS // Sunglasses: Loft // Watch: La Mer (thrifted!)

Gray Maxi Weekend Look

When we drive past an open field, I see the perfect canvas for pictures. Certainly not like the backdrops I am provided with in the city, so I jump at the chance. But minutes after I step out of the car, all that greenery ignites my allergies. Yep, it may be pretty, but city living with its lack of nature is best for me. 

This maxi dress was perfect for a long drive. It basically was like wearing a bed sheet. cozy, cool and comfy. It was a steal for just $12 at Forever 21. I tied up an old gauzy Target button-down and off we went to a family wedding in upper Wisconsin. Don't you worry, I changed dresses for the wedding, but more on that later.

Sandals: Sole Society // Dress: Forever 21 // Button down: Target // Bar Necklace, Pendant, and Cuff: Forever 21 // Watch: Custom La Mer // Nails: Essie "Bond With Whomever" // Bag: Akira

Here are some other affordable maxis to shop right now!

Compliment Getting Lace Ann Taylor Skirt

About a week before I left for New York I made a very exciting order to Ann Taylor. There was a flash sale where everything was on sale for 60% off sale prices and I was in love with so many pieces! I hoped that my package would arrive before I left for my trip, and I'm so happy that it did. I don't think I've ever received so many compliments from so many perfect strangers in one day on a skirt as I did with this navy lace one, that is still on sale right now I might add! I love that it gives the illusion of length making it feel more modest, but the short lining gives it a little sass and shows off the beautiful lace detail!

There are so many great sale pieces to love right now. I especially love this off white wrap dress because of its wide waist tie that really defines your waist. I also love this sophisticated and flirty floral dress for its cozy cotton fabric and grown-up pattern. Don't wait to shop the sale because it will sell out fast! And this weekend all items are 50% off using code BIG50.

This necklace was a random eBay find but I think I found it's twin here on Sole Society who is also having a 50% off necklaces and Bracelets sale for 2 days only. They also carry a dead ringer for these old Zara sunglasses you see me wearing here too! Gotta love Sole Society, right?

You can also grab my perfect summer pink lip color in its easy to apply pencil form here. Simply my favorite shade of hot pink!

Don't for get to check out my wish list page full of everything I love and have my eye on right now!

eBay Necklace // Skirt // Express Crop Top (on sale for just over $10!!) // Go Jane Sandals // Lips // Sunglasses // Bag (on sale for $34!)

Braid Hawk from Gold Plaited

I few weeks back I was invited to Gold Plaited for a braiding event. I gave this gal free reign to do her thang and this complex and super-cool braid hawk is what I came out with. Pretty badass for a school teacher, huh? I even wore it the next day on a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium earning me some mild street cred with my middle schoolers! NOT easy to do!

J. Crew Sweater // Target Skirt (old but similar here) // Tote Bag // La Mer Watch // Shoemint Booties // Forever 21 Sunglasses (similar and a great deal!)// Lancome Lipstick // Sole Society Necklace

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