memorial. day. outfits.

The moment that we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The “unofficial” start of summer has arrived. As you enjoy the extended three-day weekend soaking up rays at the beach, attending a backyard barbecue (or two) or just taking it easy like me, I’ve put together four outfits that you can wear for MDW — and all summer long, for that matter! 

Nothing says Memorial Day like some all-American stripes, a pair of denim shorts and classic tortoiseshell sunnies. For a look that takes you from day to night, toss on a pair of timeless ballerinas (these taupe ones with an accent bow are so dreamy) and a statement-making RWB clutch. Can you say perfect weekend #OOTD?
 
1. Madewell Lisbon Striped Hemp and Cotton-Blend Top (Net-a-Porter)
2. Denim Shorts Low Waist (H&M)
3. Illesteva Boca Sunglass (Club Monaco)
4. Flat Clutch (Clare Vivier)
5. Anniel Ballet Flat (Club Monaco)

Prepsters, eat your heart out! You don't have to be vacationing in the Hamptons to channel a nautical vibe this Memorial Day weekend. Just how perfect would this lightweight, sailor-esque sweatshirt be for evenings spent around the beach bonfire? Throw in some blue and white striped shorts, pave anchor studs and a festive pair of star ankle-wrap star sandals for the ultimate summertime look. For the finishing touch, top off your pony tail with this chambray scrunchie featuring an oversized bow. Obsessed would be an understatement. 

1. Le Capitaine Garment-Dyed Sweatshirt (J.Crew)
2. Farrow Echo Striped Shorts (Need Supply Co.)
3. Anchors Away Pave Anchor Studs (Kate Spade)
4. Scrunchie (Club Monaco)
5. Starla Ankle Wrap Sandal (Loeffler Randall)

Now, here's an outfit that will take you from Memorial Day weekend to festival season to an exotic getaway. It's that foolproof. Kick off summer with this tribal-inspired slip dress (those tassels!) that can be styled with zero effort. Seriously, just toss it on alongside a wooden beaded necklace and an effortless fedora — and BAM! For formal affairs (think: summer weddings or Sunday brunch), you could easily take your look up a notch just by adding a chic miniature bag (just enough to hold the essentials) and striped lace-up espadrilles.
 
1. Embroidered Gaia Slip (Free People)
2. Packable Straw Hat (Madewell) 
3. Orchard Street Small Penelope (Kate Spade)
4. Soludos Striped Espadrille Sandals (Shopbop)

If you ask me, Memorial Day weekend is all about embracing a more laid-back 'tude. If you haven't already pulled out your summer whites, do so STAT. These white skinny jeans from Madewell will always do you right. I especially love the way they look paired with this colorful madras print linen top (wait, until you check out the open back!) and trusty copper Birkenstocks. If you're going to put your toesies on display, then you know a pedi is obligatory. Hence the perfect long-lasting mint nail polish from JINsoon for endless beach days. Finally, I'm currently eyeing this cognac bucket bag that's equal parts minimalist and functional. AKA, it'll look good no matter how you style it.

1. Wilfred Mistral Blouse (Aritzia)
2. Cuero&Mør Bucket Bag in Cognac (Need Supply Co.) 
3. Madewell High Riser Skinny Jeans (Net-a-Porter)
4. Birkenstock Arizona in Copper Leather (Need Supply Co.)
5. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Keppel (Net-a-Porter) 

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Which outfit above would you wear? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

1

vienna. | five. years.

Five years later, and here were are. If you’ve been reading my blog since the beginning, then you know that I always dedicate a post to a certain study abroad trip that changed me for the better. Part of me cannot believe that it’s been five years since I got on a plane and spent five unforgettable weeks in Vienna, Austria. (Part of me also thought that I’d be making the return trip back this year. Trust me, if I could, then I would in a heartbeat!) I won’t ramble on too much about how much I miss Vienna (oh, Zanoni & Zanoni!) or what Vienna means to me today (you can check out this post and this post if you want to read about all that), but I will say that I’m still very much in a Vienna state of mind.

Rain or shine, every day that you’re being graced by Vienna’s positive vibes and energy is a good day. 

As I’ve said in years past, the thing that I most miss about my time in Vienna is waking up with a purpose. Simply put: Rain or shine, every day that you’re being graced by Vienna’s positive vibes and energy is a good day. When you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture around every corner, it’s hard not to constantly feel inspired. (There’s a reason that Vienna is named the top city for quality of life year after year.) In true Viennese fashion, I've made it a point to always look up when I'm out and about. Despite living in a small city with not-so-tall buildings or inspiring architecture for that matter, I’m always on the lookout for interesting corners and vantage points. I’m especially intrigued by the interaction between light and shadow — and how seeing a building from a different angle can completely change my perspective. It’s amazing how an experience so small can greatly impact your mood for the day. They’re flashes of delight, if you will.

Had I not studied abroad in Vienna, there’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be anywhere near as appreciative of good design and aesthetics. While I’m not a designer myself, I can certainly appreciate “the good” when I see it. AKA, minimalist and streamlined design always makes my heart skip a beat. During my time in Vienna, I was also fortunate enough to meet and hear so many inspiring architects, designers, artists, industrial designers, etc. speak about their metier and process (sketching, making models, photographing, documenting from start to finish). I think this serves as a constant reminder to do all things in life with passion and to avoid shortcuts when the going gets tough. These are all important lessons that I hope to carry with me as I continue to seek a career that leaves me feeling just as inspired and fulfilled.

I really do hope that I make it out to Vienna sooner than later. (And actually, according to my latest travel horoscope and this fortune cookie, I should be booking a trip to Vienna anytime now.) While these photos may not convey how much I miss my morning strolls through Burggarten, riding the u-bahn or how inspired I was on a daily basis, they’re memories and experiences that I wouldn’t trade for the world. As cliché as that may sound.
 
Do you have plans to study abroad? If you already have, what are your greatest life lessons and takeaways? Share your favorite memories in the comments below!

xo,
A

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#ootd. | elbow. patches.

A very Duo outfit. My cardigan, star print cami and elephant pendant necklace are all from my favorite clothing boutique!

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — my favorite outfits are daytime casual at their best. Whether I’m wearing a simple LBD, a mini skirt or my favorite skinny jeans, I like to keep things on the DL. This particular outfit that I wore on a recent outing was not only ridiculously comfortable, but laid-back chic enough for a day spent at the coffee shop. (I’m no longer in school, but I think this would be the perfect #OOTD for class. Who needs leggings when your jeans have this much stretch?!) As someone who often flocks to skirts and dresses, wearing plain ol’ jeans isn’t always easy for me. Not to say that I don’t love denim (because I do!) — I just never seem to have the right t-shirt or top to pull off whatever look I’m going for. That is until this effortless outfit came about. 

For starters, I can’t say enough good things about this striped draped cardigan. It’s incredibly soft, lightweight and perfect for the unseasonably chilly spring days that we’ve been having. The best part? The elbow patches! You know that feeling you get when a dress just so happens to have pockets? Well, I get just as excited when a sweater or cardigan unexpectedly has elbow patches. Instead of pairing it with a white t-shirt, I dressed it up a bit with this silk star print cami (and a matching navy bralette from Aerie for double the comfort) and my all-time favorite elephant pendant necklace. No joke, I’m pretty sure that I’ve worn it 100 times now! Lastly, I finished off the look with my go-to Industry Standard jeans and streamlined d’Orsay flats. I would totally wear this outfit again for running errands, a weekend shopping outing — you name it!

In the Stars Cami (Duo)
Lace Cutout Bralette in Navy (Aerie)
Ivy League Cardigan (Duo)
Elephant Pendant Necklace (Duo)
Simone Midrise in Ink Blue (Industry Standard)
J.Crew Suede d'Orsay Flats (similar)

Are you a fan of elbow patches? What are your favorite #lazygirl chic wardrobe staples? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

PS: I just created a Facebook page for bitte. und. danke. Feel free to "like" it to see all my latest posts :)

4

may. the. list.

Whoa. May has arrived, which means that the unofficial start of summer isn’t too far behind. To gear up for Memorial Day weekend, I’ve made sure to include plenty of stripes, sunnies and nautical blue in my latest roundup. Choosing the items for this month’s “the list” was a cinch, because there’s literally so many fun summery things (tassel necklaces galore!) to love right now. Check out what I’m currently coveting below!

1. Le Specs Flashy Flat Lens Mirrored Sunglasses (Shopbop) // Just how rad are these tortoiseshell cat-eye sunnies with mirrored lenses? Between a trip into the city and poolside lounging, these stylish shades won’t go unnoticed — especially when you pair them with a LBD or stripes. 
2. Madewell x Peanuts Joe Cool Tee (Madewell) // You guys, Madewell teamed up with Snoopy for a capsule collection and it’s seriously #goals. Between this shrunken Joe Cool t-shirt and this casual gray crewneck sweatshirt, it’s safe to safe that I need them both.   
3. Paloma Short (Sleepy Jones) // It’s officially time to start investing in summer jammies. These laid-back chic floral shorts from Sleepy Jones (my favorite sleepwear brand!) are practically made for lazy Sundays, mornings on the veranda — you name it.
4. Oversized Drop-Sleeve Striped T-Shirt (J.Crew) // Can you say perfect stripes for Memorial Day weekend (or better yet a yachting party)? Everything from the oversized fit to the cobalt blue has got me swooning hard.
5. Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Happy Days (Deborah Lippmann) // With endless fun in the sun days on the horizon, a long-lasting chip-resistant polish is exactly what the doctor ordered. Personally, I’m not into gel manicures, but I am curious to see how long this coral hue from Deborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro collection holds up. No UV lamps are required!
6. Homeward-Bound Adventure-Bound Ring (Jet Set Candy) // I’m this close to splurging on this super cute adventure-bound airplane ring by Jet Set Candy. It’s perfect for both serious jetsetters and full-time wanderlusters alike. Not only is it 14K gold, but it’s etched with both “Adventure bound” and “Homeward bound” depending on where your upcoming travels take you.
7. Hokkaido Pendant-Navy/Hot Pink (BaubleBar) // Next to pom-pom embellished sandals, my biggest summer accessory obsession is tassels. I just can’t get enough of them! This navy and hot pink (!) ombré tassel necklace can be dressed up or down with a blouse, a plain ol’ tee or a denim shirt dress. The price point is just right, too.  
8. Farrow Echo Striped Shorts (Need Supply Co.) // Pale blue and white striped shorts, where have you been all of my life? When denim cutoffs read too casual, you need a pair of shorts this sophisticated and ladylike on standby. Pssst: If you’re into the whole off-the-shoulder trend, there’s even a matching crop top so that you can make it a set.
9. Collection Snakeskin Multistrap Sandals (J.Crew) // When it comes to summer, there’s nothing that I love more than a pair of flat strappy sandals (sorry, espadrilles!) that I can wear on the daily. These polka dot sandals are unfortunately online only, but boy are they cute. And they’re made in Italy, which is always a bonus!
 
What are you currently loving this month? Leave a comment below!
 
xo,
A

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april. outfits.

Springtime is... stumbling upon hidden gardens tucked away in the most unlikely of places.

Time is flying by and I’m not one bit happy about it. But really, how is it already May?! I don’t know about you, but this time of year always makes me feel especially nostalgic and ready for new beginnings. Blame it on all the graduation pics flooding my social media feeds, I guess! Even as a post-graduate, I still feel all the FEELS. Anyway, back to this post. Today I’m sharing a roundup of my favorite outfits from April. Enjoy!

ALL the heart eyes. This was my favorite outfit from April — despite it being a dreary day, my striped scarf and leopard print flats were a total game-changer.

Pink is my power color.

Winter returns with a vengeance (and I legit had to pull out my heaviest winter scarf).

'Cause rainy days are just an excuse to dress up...

As far as I'm concerned, summer starts NOW. Also, this may or may not be my unofficial weekend uniform. There's something about a gingham shirt and an effortless cardigan that just gets me every time.

Out comes the sun (and polka dot shorts!)...

Business as usual featuring my favorite Madewell buffalo plaid skirt, a slim fit button-down from J.Crew's men's section (got it on major sale!) and my go-to Old Navy lace-up flats.

What have you been wearing non-stop this spring? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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