what i wore: secret garden- floral romper

Romper: Francesca's (old) similar here | Sweater: Asos (old) similar here | Shoes: Ann Taylor | Purse: Chanel | Sunnies: Prada | Jewelry: Hermes, Jcrew, Michael Kors, and Jcrew

Bonjour! 

Another Monday following a super fun weekend! We went out to dinner and to see "The Lion King" on Broadway Friday night.  Saturday we went to the Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale- excuse me while I have a nerdy teacher moment- it was so awesome!  All of these children's books were 50% off or more, which is great because, if you haven't heard, I am moving down from fourth grade to first grade beginning in August.  This means I am pretty much rebuilding my classroom library from scratch!  We also saw "The Great Gatsby" on Saturday night- which I personally thought was amazing.

I cannot believe this is officially my last week of school as a fourth grade teacher.  Definitely bittersweet.  I have only ever taught fourth grade, so I am a little nervous AND excited about my upcoming move. 

Also, we leave for Destin, FL as of this upcoming Saturday- so excited!  

Stay tuned for some sun and sand filled posts ;)

PS: Please excuse my uber-short hair.  

It was not a happy experience, but it is growing on me! 

Sincerley,

blogger spotlight: the sweetest thing

 

So excited about today's blogger spotlight feature, which is featuring the adorable Emily Gemma from The Sweetest Thing!  I stumbled upon Emily's blog back in December while home for Christmas break.  I had seen a pin on Pinterest and followed it to her blog- needless to say, I spent the next several hours perusing through all of her previous posts.  Not only does Emily have impeccable, classy taste, she also is amazing at doing hair and makeup.  

One of my favorite things about her blog is her complete honesty with her readers about stores, poducts, etc.  She has some really great tips for finding steals and the look for less.  Don't believe me? Head on over to her blog to check it out!  Or, check out Lauren Conrad's opinion of The Sweetest Thing, since she was hand picked as one LC's fabulous bloggers!

____________________________________________________________________________________

WUYW: Of all of your posts, which outfit or feature has been your absolute favorite thus far?

Of all of my posts, I’d have to say my favorite post/feature is this one. I wrote it right after Lauren Conrad featured me on her website!

WUYW:  Why would you consider this your best post to date?

I was in total shock with I was featured on LC.com. Personally, I was always on the fence about blogging, for some reason, people see blogging as “vain” so I just wasn’t comfortable with those type of judgments. When I was featured on LC’s site, it gave me the confidence to keep it up. Plus, I’d been praying about it and it seemed mighty coincidental that I was getting such great feedback. 

WUYW:  How/why/when did you decide to start a fashion blog?

I actually never intended to have a “fashion” blog. It was meant to be read by my close friends and family, not strangers! Somehow it just kept morphing into other things, beauty, hair, style, etc. 
I don’t hate it!

WUYW:  What was your biggest hesitation regarding starting a blog, and how did you overcome that hesitation?

As I said before, our society is so hard on bloggers. People saying “who does she think she is writing about herself and her life!” or “why does she take so many photos?” Those comments always got back to me – but the good outweighed the bad. When I would get e-mails from women telling me I inspired them, helped them, encouraged them, etc. I knew I was making a positive impact. 

WUYW:  What would be your biggest piece of advice for others who are just starting a blog?

If you are just starting a blog, I recommend doing MAJOR networking. Make friends. Leave comments. Learn. And most importantly – BE YOU. My mom has taught me that the original is always better than the replica so if you are you – it will be great! 

WUYW:  What do you do for a living? 

Funny you ask, lol! Right now I am managing a clothing boutique. As I was graduating with my MBA, I was also falling in love with my now husband. He’s a 3^rd year medical student so we are constantly moving. I just take jobs wherever I can get them to get us through this rough years. 

WUYW:  How would you describe your style?

I am not sure how you’d describe my style. I like simplicity but pops of funkiness. I love bright colors, prints, and lots of jewelry. If I am in a hurry one day, I am usually dressed in my go-to preppy style. 

WUYW:  If you could only save one item from your closet (heaven forbid), what item would it be?

Tough question. 
Let’s see… probably the $25 dollar wedges I recently found on Ebay!! Ha!!

WUYW:  Who or what is currently influencing your style the most?

I am inspired A. by my mom’s style (she’s got amazing taste!) and 
B. by Rachel from Pink Peonies. Not so much her current style but I love how she used to dress!
 

WUYW:  If you could trade closets with anyone, who would it be with?

Rachel from Pink Peonies!
  

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Like what you see?

Find more of The Sweetest Thing here:

Blog
Pinterest
Poshmark
Twitter
Instagram

A big thanks to the darling Emily 
for participating in today's blogger spotlight!

Sincerely,

 
  

what i wore: nod to nautical

 Shirt: J.Crew (no longer available) | Pants: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: J.Crew Factory | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Bag: Coach | Necklace: Birthday Gift from Mother in Law | David Yurman Bracelets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 | Watch: Citizen | Earrings: J.crew

This has to be one of my favorite outfits, lately.  It is so perfect for work and play- not to mention super comfortable.  I love the playful prints featured in classic colors.  I just happened to score these flats on major sale at the J.Crew Factory while in Destin, FL.  They are the perfect pair of flats with a nice pop of color! 

Oh, and my little skipper, Coco, decided it was about time to have her picture made.

Sincerely,

what i wore: parisian chic

Blouse: Forever 21 (similar here) | Skirt: Asos (similar here) | Shoes: Asos | Purse: Celine | Sunnies: Prada | Necklace: Birthday Gift from Mother in Law | Ring: David Yurman

Something about this outfit made me think of Paris!  I love the whimsy of this pale pink ribbon skirt, making it almost ballerina like.  The black and white polka dot blouse seemed like the perfect cherry on top to pair with this uber girlie ensemble.  

Sincerely,

happy mother's day!

I have always been lucky enough to have a wonderful mother who can literally do anything in the world!  I was even luckier to have a mom who has and always will be my best friend.  She has taught me everything I know.  We talk for hours each day.  She gets me, and I get her.  

God really knew what he was doing when he put us together.

Then, I found myself to be even luckier when I married Ryan and inherited an amazing "Mom 2," as she prefers to be called (mother-in-law gives her the heebie-jeebies)!  She is such a strong, hard working, inspirational woman who has the biggest heart of anyone I know. I swear this woman does not have a mean bone in her body and has graciously welcomed me into her family as if I really was her very own daughter.

God really knew what he was doing when he put us together.

 Although I am not a real mommy yet, I do have one little blessing that is the light of my life!  Coco, my fur baby, has been such a fun puppy to have as my very first dog that I have raised on my own.  She has such a playful, lively, and sweet (sometimes crazy) disposition and is the perfect fit to our family.  She will always be my first baby.

God really knew what he was doing when he put us together.

I am so blessed to have two wonderful women as a cornerstone in my life.  

 I only hope I can be half of the mother they have been to my future children.

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing Moms!!!

Sincerely,