starfish jewels

Nordstrom headband (loving this one) | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Paige denim shorts (similar) | custom sandals | Longchamp bag

I made sure to pack plenty of summer staples for a weekend on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. All weekend I was in my swimsuit, dresses, shorts, and sandals. I know back home Labor Day has already happened, but summer weather is still going strong here, and I will for sure milk it as long as I can! Being by the beach, I wore my starfish jeweled headband and a new pair of custom made starfish sandals from Capri. I'll post photos from the weekend of all the gorgeous beaches, houses, and flowers as soon as I can.

Can it just be summer forever?

xo-ally

friday's fancies - around town

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is around town. Since I tend to get busy, sometimes I'll do my errands around town in whatever I wore that day. When I have a whole day of nothing to do but errands, however, I feel free to get as comfy and casual as I want! Here's an outfit that I actually wore when I was babysitting yesterday.

jacket, shorts, flip flops, handbag

I just LOVE this Lululemon jacket. It's perfect for bundling up before the gym, running outside, or throwing on over a tank with shorts, leggings, or even jeans for a casual day. It's super comfortable and the deep plum color will work year-round.

xo-ally

farmer's market

Harding Lane hat | J. Crew t-shirt (similar) | Rock & Republic shorts | Sperry boat shoes | Michael Kors watch | Swank bracelets | Nordstrom earrings

I went to the Farmer's Market with my dad yesterday and picked up this lovely bouquet of flowers for only $5! We also got some local veggies and chocolate, so it was a win all around. This casual ensemble was a great, comfortable outfit to wear walking around outside. My happy shark hat - that's what I call it :) - also shaded my eyes so I didn't even need sunglasses.

I also saw We're The Millers, did some work for my new job, and a lot of relaxing these past two days. What did you do this weekend?

xo-ally

friday's fancies - easy weekend wear

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is easy weekend wear. This is pretty much my "summer uniform" on a relaxing day - denim shorts and a shirt, with Sperrys (I am LOVING that new pair!!)

shirt, shorts, shoes, rings, bag, bracelet

xo-ally

studying for my "final" final...

My view the other day studying on the grass

I've had a pretty easy week so far in terms of finals, which I didn't expect considering I took 18 credits (the max amount) this semester. On Sunday I had a speech final, but we just went out to a restaurant and gave short speeches. It was so much more fun than a test! 

Since I took some finals early, I just have one more test left tomorrow morning (8am....so early for me....) and I'm about to go to the library. My "study outfit" often consists of leggings or Nike shorts with a t-shirt, but since I was out and about running errands today, I wanted to wear regular clothes instead of gym clothes. (But really - sometimes I feel out of place wearing gym clothes off campus. One time I wore Nike shorts and shoes to the doctor's office and he asked me if I was on the cross country team....#awk have any other college girls experienced this? Haha) anyways, this is what I wore this afternoon and will wear to study. The whole outfit is SO comfortable, especially the denim shorts. 

I also finally found a graduation dress! I had been looking and looking, to the point where even buying online wouldn't work because it wouldn't ship soon enough. Finally I just went to a little boutique and found this mint and pink dress! Perfect for spring and just the right amount of daytime formal for graduation. And it was only $42 - you can't beat that steal.

Haha you can see my purple pillow pet in the photo :P

Have a wonderful Wednesday, lovelies!

xo-ally

straw hat and orange flats

Sweater, colorful bracelets: Nordstrom sweater  bracelets Shorts: Rock & Republic (old) similar Flats: Target Hat: H&M (old) similar Watch: Michael Kors Ring: Kate Spade (old) similar Sunglasses: Chanel 

Belt: American Eagle Black bracelets: Forever 21 Nail polish: O.P.I. "DS Glow"

Still warm. Still wearing shorts. :) Going to go lay out in the sun in a bit to read and relax - should probably do some homework, too... short post today!

xo-ally

camano island, washington

Cardigan: Madewell Headband: Lacoste Tank: Forever 21 Shorts: Rock & Republic (old) similar pair Flip flops: Havianas Sunglasses: Chanel

Dance Team retreat at Camano Island

We turned off our phones for the whole weekend

Already loving this year's team

Haha haha haha

My Dance Team initiation sashes throughout the years (and my bday one!)

xo-ally

turquoise on turquoise on turquoise

Shirt: Free People (similar) Shorts: Paige Denim (similar)Sandals: Dolce Vita (similar) Sunglasses: Chanel Earrings: New Look (London) Watch: Michael Kors (newer version) Bracelets: Forever 21

Turquoise high-low shirt. Turquoise Sandals. Turquoise toenails.

It's been a turquoise kind of day.

Fall seems to be heading our way sooner. It's really chilly in the shade but hot in the sun. I've seen quite the mix of outfits these past couple of days - some people are still wearing shorts and sandals (like me) and others are in tights, boots, scarves, and jackets.

When it's 75 degrees and sunny, it's a little cooler than summer...but I know frigid winter temps will be here sooner than I know it. So I'm easing into the fall transition with my long sleeves and sandals.

xo-ally

stripes and white

I finally, somewhat figured out how to take photos on the manual setting on my camera. I've had my Nikon D3100 for a while now, but have stayed in the Auto setting area...I had tried shooting in manual many times but my photos always came out dark. After reading THESE blog posts about photography essentials, everything became so much clearer! Shooting in manual is a lot easier than you think. I'm still getting used to it, but check out the photo below! No edits :) I am so proud that you can see everything and that it isn't just one giant dark shadow....

See that dial pointed to M?! Boom. Manual setting. I feel so amateur to finally be using it!

Then I had some fun in Photoshop:

Here are some other practice photos from the day:

The "Awk Walk"

It's definitely a learning process, so I'm glad to get some tips along the way. I'm taking a photography class this fall, so I'm excited to keep improving my photos.

Outfit Details:

Hat: Harding-Lane, Tuckernuck Striped top: Forever 21 (old) similar Shorts: H&M Watch: Michael Kors Sandals: Tory Burch (old) similar

xo-ally

jack rogers wedges & paige denim shorts

I have been looking for a netural-colored, not-super-tall pair of wedges for months now. After searching quite a few places, I think I have finally found a perfect match:

Jack Roger's Barcelona Capri

The height is only 3 inches which makes this pair very versatile! It's a nice way to add a little height with shorts and skirts without being too over the top. And the shade of brown would go with everything. I am super bummed that I missed Jack Rogers sale on Rue La La last night, though!!! I could've gotten a pair! I woke up this morning a half-hour after the sale ended. Sigh.

These 7 For All Mankind wedges are close contenders, but they're more expensive and I think the 4.5 inch heel would be too tall for most pairs of shorts. I think they'd go well with dresses and jeans, though.

Speaking of shorts, I am also in the market for new denim shorts, and these Paige Denim boyfriend shorts would be perfect! I think the slightly baggy fit would balance out a girly top. The dark wash is also classic and will stay in style for years - would be a good investment!

On another note, I spotted this fantastic, powder blue nail polish from M.A.C. at Nordstrom.com. I've been looking for this unique shade of blue. My next trip to Nordstrom WILL include this polish!

Especially with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coming up this Friday, I think a summer shopping spree might be in order soon. :)

xo-ally

brandy melville - free shipping over $50!

So I was on Facebook, and of course Brandy Melville popped up in my news feed - they are offering free shipping in the US for orders over $50! I am both glad and mad that I saw this. It's a good deal, but at the same time I don't necessarily need to be spending money...here are a few things I am considering getting (juuuust in case I take advantage of this offer):

I cannot imagine wearing this right now (it is in the high 90s all week), but it looks super comfy! I like the color, the gold zipper, and how it's  a little bit longer than the average hoodie.

"Julia Hoodie" - $33

Another warm-weather item? What? I feel like I am betraying my own love for summer right now. But I really like this...

"Betsey Flag Sweater" - $52

What a cute sundress!

"Cambria Dress" - $42

Classic Brandy Melville denim shorts. Well I am in the market for another pair of denim shorts...hmm, these might actually be purchased tonight!

"Melville Denim Shorts" - $44

An LBD under $30? Um, yes please.

"Katie Dress" - $29

Too cool for school.

"Cream and Black Leather Flap Backpack" - $55

Dainty, simple rings that still make a statement. And they're very inexpensive!

"Crown Ring" - $5

"Bow Ring" - $4

For more information on Brandy Melville - aka one of my favorite brands - check out this post on its history and how I discovered it in the first place!

xo-ally