Statement Necklace

I recently purchased the absolutely lovely necklace in the photo above at JCrew and have not stopped receiving compliments on it.  There are so many pretty ones on their website; some with only crystals and others with colors and unique textures. These are PERFECT for the woman who loves quality costume jewelry but who is not quite reckless enough to purchase a Dannijo necklace. 

Also there is an additional 40% off on sale items currently, AND if you are a student you receive an extra 15% off (in stores)! I got mine for $25 which is SUCH a STEAL! 

Here are a few of my favorites that are on sale right NOW! 

1, 2, 3

Carolina Herrera

This summer while I was browsing around Neiman Marcus there was a Carolina Herrera trunk show.  The patterns and colors were absolutely stunning.  I loved seeing the blue floral dress that Lucy Liu wore to the golden globe awards.  Definitely did not buy one, but they are sure lovely to stare at! Above are my favorite two formal dresses from the spring/summer 2013 collection. 

Here I am wearing my new favorite jeans from a boutique in Los Gatos, my Alice and Olivia vest from Neiman, and my new Nine West shoes that I LOVE found here. 

Coral for Decor

Now that we have plunged into the depths of summertime I keep finding myself craving for a way to create a beachy California feel in my apartment since I will be moving back to Milwaukee soon.  I have found myself (on multiple occasions I might add!) staring into the windows of Pottery Barn and lusting over the decor.  What has caught my eye the most has to be the coral. I want coral on my desk, table, and in the bookshelves.  

You can find it here! Above is my absolute favorite called "fan coral".

My Run that Reminded Me...

So I realized that I have been avoiding running and so today I went...

It started out well, but soon into my jog I had to slow down and then after some time walk. The run I was so excited for turned into a walk and I was disappointed and discouraged. It is tough knowing that a mere 6 months ago I could run just about as far and fast as I felt like.  Running was a release, my time to process thoughts, and enjoy being alive. 

After heart failure I know that I can not expect to be in marathon shape and yet today when I was running alone I felt insanely discouraged...A short 5(ish) months ago I was laying in a hospital bed being told that I would probably not live and if I did that I would probably not be able to run again.  After my run today I was mad at myself for not going further and faster, but then I had to remember (with help from those who love me) that I am blessed to be alive and have my own heart. 

Sometimes we are humbled and have to remember to set realistic goals that we can strive for rather than setting ones so lofty that we cannot reach them and become too frustrated to continue trying.  

Thought for the day: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can."

Crop Top: Do or Don't

This season the crop top is everywhere...and no I do not mean wearing your normal low rise boyfriend jeans with a lacy bandeau (after all that sort of look is only appropriate at Cochella...or is it even ok there..?).  

I know that crop tops like the one below are having a moment and so much of me wants to get one to wear with a high waisted skirt (mini or maxi).  

My fear is that I will end up looking like 
a) that I am on my way to an indie festival 
-or- 
b) that I am trying to dress up like Dionne or Cher from "Clueless"...

Crop tops here! Get them while they're hot! 

Met Gala 2013

I am sure many of you followed the fashion at this year's Met Gala.  This years theme was punk, which I was sure I would not like, but as it turns out I LOVED it.  Everything from the studs to the plaid to the bright pink I want to integrate into my wardrobe.  Here are my favorite looks from that night, at the top of my list is the legendary SJP.  

Linen Pantalones

Linen pants are my favorite new version of sweats! I HIGHLY recommend that everyone go get a pair! They are perfect over a swimsuit with a comfy tee or with an oversized sweater for a cloudy day. The only downside is that they wrinkle...

Here are a few examples that I found online for you all! 1, 2, 3.

I am wearing a hat from a boutique in downtown Los Gatos, a black simple tee (Nordstrom), a brown sweater I stole from my sisters closet (Old Navy), and green linen pants from a boutique, Angel, in Montecito.