michigan

I am taking a week off to vacation in Michigan with my family. We will be spending time on Walloon Lake, tubing, water skiing (if I can make it up!), working on the summer golden glow, and visiting local shops & restaurants. 

Check out more paintings by the local artist, Mary Hramiec Hoffman HERE. 

This is the perfect time for you to catch-up on any posts that you have missed and explore the inspirations throughout this summer! Also, be sure to check out my tumblr because I have been collecting a lot of great images and quotes that should keep you busy until I return. 

Don't miss me too much, toodles!

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house of balloons

I have always adored the movie UP. Throughout the summers I workout at a community rec center near my house. In addition to providing fitness facilities, the center also holds summer camps. All day long there are kids running around the entire place jumping in the pool, throwing balls in the gym, and working on arts and crafts in the hallways. One of their latest projects was a model of the house from UP. They drew the house and different characters from the film like Kevin the flamboyantly fabulous bird and Russell the adorable tiger scout. On top of the house they taped dozens and dozens of beautiful colored balloons. It was such an inspiring work of art to see as I groggily made my way up the stairs to the treadmill on an early Monday morning.  

Be prepared for lift-off! 

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orange dress

I don't have a tangerine dress, but these dresses below looks fabulous! 

I think the color is perfect for the summer and there are so many variations to wear the bright color, what is your favorite?

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skating the way

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Zebra

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European Adventure

This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Euro Trip. I designed a chic and effortless look combining some of my favorite styles, keeping comfort and practicality in mind. Anytime I am traveling, I make sure to always dress nice. That doesn't mean that you have to pack tons and tons...you just have to have the right pieces and learn to mix and match. For this look, I have a variety a pieces that are great for traveling, but also have a "euro chic" vibe. 

I think these cigarette pants are absolutely darling and you can pair them with a collection of tops...I am a fan of the navy sweater though (navy is always a good color to pack because it can be worn with anything).I love wearing flats and would completely recommend them for traveling, these red pointed toe ones are darling and the pop of color looks perfect with the pants. It is always good to carry the necessary accessories. A good tote bag that is not too heavy can carry all of your maps, itineraries, and traveling needs; this Madewell tote has been my favorite for awhile. You don't want to go overboard on jewelry, keep it simple by sticking with a pair of pearl earrings, sunglasses, and a watch (so you always stay on time!)

Are you jet setting anywhere exotic soon??

Shop the look:

Paisley Print Cigarette Trousers

J.Crew Tippi Sweater

Steven Eternnal Pointed Toe Flats

Juliet & Company Oversized Pearl Earrings

Cole Haan Sunglasses

Timex Weekender Casual

Madewell The Leather Transport Tote

Friday's Favorites:

i love absolutely everything with this photograph.

i am currently reading this memoir and i am thoroughly captivated.

i sported my pink maxi skirt for the first time this past week. i wore it with a black tank, turquoise necklace, and black jack rogers. 

such a fascinating video to watch. superb dancing, colors, and outfits.


Thank you for all of your kind comments & support this week, I am truly grateful. 

Have a wonderful weekend, Toodles!

peplum please

One of the biggest trends right now is peplum! I have seen it sprinkling across the blog-o-sphere and fashion scene since this spring and I know it will be a big hit this fall as well. Are you a fan?

 my close friend and the queen of style sported peplum this spring

and if the style hasn't sold you yet...perhaps this will!

dive in!

How are you staying cool this summer? Are you sea-side or pool-side?

And when you need to jump in the water, what's your splash of choice...cannon ball or swan dive?

Hope you have a wonderful day, Toodles!!

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perfectly polished in shorts

In my opinion, you can't ask for a more classic summer look than these ladies have mastered below. 

Pull out a button down and your favorite shorts. Match with your Jack Rogers or espadrilles for a perfectly simple and absolutely timeless outfit.

Edna Mary's Favorite Things

My Grandma passed away late last night after a long battle with COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. She was able to spend her final hours home in her bedroom surrounded by loving family members who shared prayers,  memories, and much appreciation for all her care and kindness throughout the years. 

Today I am going to share some of my Grandma's favorite things in hopes that we can celebrate her life every time we dig into a pint of Graeter's ice cream or sit down to play a game of solitaire. 

She loved to play card games and solitaire was her favorite. She taught me how to play cards and we would spend hours and hours shuffling our card decks.

For several years my Grandma worked at a flower shop in Hyde Park Square. She always loved being surrounded by the beautiful colors and stunning arrangements. 

My Grandparent's freezer was always stocked with plenty of Cincinnati's famous Graeter's ice cream cartons. 

When I was a little girl, my Grandparents had a dalmatian named Abigail that my Grandma loved.

Our family has traveled to Michigan for years and one of my Grandma's favorite things was to look out at the clear blue water watching the sail boats effortlessly glide through the waves.

My Grandma loved eating yogurt. She would grab a spoon and scoop out of the big carton.

My Grandma loved to chat. My Grandparent's live across the street from us so I would frequently stop by after school or over summer and winter vacations from college and spend hours talking to my Grandma. She loved to know about our lives. She would ask questions about my school, my friends, my work,  and  as we gossiped back and forth, she would always make me laugh. I often felt like we were two giggling school girls as we chatted in on the couch. 

When Stacy's pita chips came out...my Grandma was hooked! They were the perfect tasty snack.

My Grandma was the QUEEN of being driven. It didn't matter if you were the worst driver in the world, she'd plop right into the passenger seat, turn up the AC and off you'd go. We would take loops around Cincinnati, going through different parks, neighborhoods, and squares. 

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.