We May'd it. Not only is it finally beginning to feel more and more like spring (err, summer), but it's also a bit of a whirlwind weekend with graduation (not for me, but it's that time!), the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo all overlapping.
It took long enough, but I've finally abandoned the sheer nude tights for my bare legs. And with that, I celebrate the arrival of wrap dress + juice box season. Seeing as to how it's been 4ever since I've done an #OOTD post, I'm doing a quick rundown of one of my most recent lewks. The good news: The wrap dress in this post is still available (albeit, there's a limited size run) and it's on major sale. #WinWin
Ze dress: Upon stumbling across this long-sleeved ruffle wrap dress at Urban Outfitters, I knew I had to at least try it on. Despite the somewhat mixed reviews online, I actually loved it at first try-on — with a few exceptions. As many have noted, the fabric is a bit on the flimsy side and will need to be re-ironed with each wear. I'll have to check, but I believe I purchased this dress in a size small, so it appears to run TTS (most customers said that it runs large though, so be sure to keep that in mind). With it being a wrap dress, it does take a bit of adjusting to keep everything in place, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. To avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions, I knotted the wrap front skirt and added a set of Dress Downs (aka, reusable garment weights), should it be extra windy outside. What else? While the daisy motif is super cute, beware that it's only printed on one side which cheapens the dress a bit, IMO. I didn't find the dress clingy — if anything, I found it extremely comfortable and perfect for the balmy temps. Oh! My fave part just may be the subtle ruffled bell sleeves. Cue the heart eyes.
The lewk: On this particular outing, I kept it simple by styling my navy UO wrap dress with metallic gold oxford flats and a seafoam green crossbody bag. In case you were wondering: Trader Joe's has a v good lemonade juice box (I'm also partial to their apple juice.)
The verdict: Whether you're looking for a carefree summer dress or want to test-drive the wrap dress trend on a budget, I would 10/10 recommend this UO ruffled stunner that's currently available in three different colorways. For just under $20, this dress would be great for an outdoor sporting event, especially if you only plan on getting one wear out of it. Pro tip: Be sure to DL the Urban Outfitters app for additional savings (maybe) or at the very least to rack up points with their somewhat new-ish loyalty program.
Should you want to splurge on a wrap dress (cough, Ganni, cough), I've rounded up a few of my favorites below:
1. Tilden Tulip Mesh Wrap Dress in Vanilla Ice (Ganni) // Dem orange tulips.
2. The Alexandra in Navy Star (Réalisation Par) // Style influencer-approved, summer-ready.
3. Lucky Dress (Reformation) // "Never met a wrap dress I didn't like." 'Nuff said.
What's your favorite way to style a wrap dress for summer? Comment below! :)
xo,
A
Fact: I'm a sucker for an extra sparkly accent nail and am guilty of piling on the glitter more often than I'd like to admit. This manicure that I did last week (inspired by a pin on Pinterest) not only delivers on the pizazz factor, but it's a game-changer. The best part is that this is a mani that everyone can pull off — it's simple to create and the result is kind of ah-mazing. I mean... look at those SPARKLES!
"Give a girl the right sparkly accent nail and she will conquer the world..."
Maybe it's just me, but finding a good white, opaque polish has proved to be nearly impossible. (Any recommendations?!) The white lacquer that I used by Kate Spade Saturday is as close as I have come. Granted, it takes about three coats to achieve full coverage... And, it wasn't until I finished off with my tried-and-true "Good to Go" topcoat by Essie that I was truly pleased.
Urban Outfitters ("Spicy") | Kate Spade Saturday ("White") | Zoya ("Mira")
From one nail polish addict to another — what's your go-to mani? Leave a comment below!
xo,
A
Every month, I’m always so intrigued by all the random national holidays that seem to pop up. Seriously though, have you ever done a quick Google search on the “bizarre and unique holidays” in June (or any month for that matter)? Well, I did just that, and I’m so glad that I did because otherwise I would never had known that today was National Donut Day! Actually, I take that back. I’m sure that I would have eventually found out that it was donut day – but by then, it would have been too late. Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk DONUTS.
The fact that I’m dedicating an entire post to donuts probably leads you to believe that I’m a #donutfreak. In a way, that’s partially true. If I’m going to be completely honest though, I actually enjoy looking at donuts more than I like consuming them. Don’t get me wrong, donuts are okay. My favorite kind to eat is a simple cinnamon sugar twist – since I’m not fond of icing, those oh-so-Instagram-worthy cute pink donuts covered with rainbow jimmies (or sprinkles) are off limits for me. Sad, but true.
Whether you like how they taste or not, you can’t hate on donuts. Even if you consider yourself more of a Ladurée macaron-kind-of-girl, there’s still something to be said about a mini-sized donut. Finding donut-inspired items was much harder than I thought – where is Kate Spade’s donut printed sweatshirt, donut-inspired bangle and coin purse when you need them?
1. Donut Worry (SS Print Shop)- This is the absolute best inspiration you could ask for: when all in the world seems bad, just remember, “donut worry…”
2. Coffee and Donuts Mug (Indigo)- A humorous “just because” gift for your BFF/partner in crime.
3. Donuts Pen (Nordstrom)- The pen that you write with says a lot about your personality. If you’re dough-dough for donuts, then this just seems fitting.
4. Donuts: The Ultimate Recipe Guide (Barnes & Noble)- While I would never attempt to make my own donut (#disasterwaitingtohappen), perhaps you’ll have more luck?
5. New York Doughnut Map by All You Can Eat Press (Urban Outfitters)- If you’re interning in the Big Apple this summer or have a trip coming up, you’ll want to get your hands on this NY Doughnut Map. Just as the description reads, life is too short for bad doughnuts. #truth
6. Dylan's Candy Bar Donut Pendant Necklace (Dylan’s Candy Bar)- This donut pendant necklace from Dylan’s Candy Bar is surprisingly stylish and on-trend. It’s so quirky that it works.
7. Ceramic Donut Coin Bank (Forever 21)- Trying to revamp your work station? How about investing in this ceramic donut coin bank – watch the change add up and then treat yourself to the most scrumptious donuts you can get your hands on.
8. Donuts Journal (Nordstrom)- The next time inspiration strikes, of course, you’ll want to reach for your donut journal first.
9. Mmmm, Donut Pool Float (ModCloth)- Hit the pool in style by drifting away in this ginormous donut float. Rest assured that all eyes will be on you.
...and a few more items that are quite donut-y in their own right:
How will you be celebrating National Donut Day?!
xo,
A
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