Pink Loves Chambray

 skirt (Forever 21 ONLY $15!, love this MIDI, too), shirt (Current/Elliot, Omar + Elsie , also available online HERE), sneaks (Chucks), belt (J.Crew, see affordable option HERE), tote (Barrington c/o), cuff (Similar, love THIS CUFF, too), watch (Timex, J.Crew, how fun is this CAMO VERSION), rings (anna beck, lagos), shades (Gucci)

How about the fact that this Lace Lovely is only $15?  One would think the quality would be horrendous, but I have to say, I've had this for over a year now (see HERE), and it's still in tip top shape (also own the NAVY VERSION, too).  And a classic CHAMBRAY?  Definitely an item every gal should have in their arsenal--maybe even two washes if you're so inclined.  Alright gang, cheers to a wonderful holiday weekend with your family and friends...we've got some bbq's, pool time, and fireworks with pals on the agenda.  But first, before I dip, can we discuss some of the phenomenal sales that I will no doubt be taking advantage of this weekend (with a certain level of restraint..hopefully)?  Take a gander below:

ANTHROPOLOGIE extra 20% off sale with code BUZZ20
Ruffle Tee//Dotted Top//Raffia Dress

BANANA REPUBLIC 40% off with code BRJULY
Dotted Chambray//Shirtdress//Oxfords

DOLCE VITA Extra 30% off sale with code FIREWORKS14
Sandals//Romper

C.WONDER Big Wonder Sale with Free Shipping on orders over $125
Monogrammed Jewelry Box//Rugby Tote//Driving Moc//Nautical Tote

ELAINE TURNER Sale up to 50% Off
Cheetah Haircalf //Hunter Croc//Cork Clutch

J.CREW 40% off final sale with code SHOPMORE
Graphic Heels//Leopard Slingbacks//Neon Shift//Floral Dress

PIPERLIME Up to 50% Off Summer Styles PLUS 25% off with SHOPFAST
Floral Maxi//Lounge Romper//Stripe Drop Waist//Spotted Wedge//Summer Sandal//Spotted Clare Vivier Bag 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

A Tale of Two Bikes

pants (Kate Spade, AJ's Casuals), blouse (Library by Lauren Lail c/o, also love THIS CREAM TOP & THIS CREAM PEPLUM), shoes (Isola ON SALE c/o), bag (Vintage, Street Scene, Lexington), shades ( Gucci ), cuff (Similar), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

While this look as zero to do with bicycles, Kristin and I kinda loved them for the backdrop of these Kate Spade Pants (not to mention they were parked right outside of our fave lunch joint, Doodles, where we shortly thereafter devoured sammies and such).  Based on this POST, there's no denying my current love of the palm frond---it simply screams summer and is such a fresh print--I have no doubts I'll own several palm pieces by the season's end.  
Got a boatload to get to today so I must cut the post a tad short--feel free to shop the look below (tossed in a few extras of this print)!  Y'all have a great weekend & def make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Hair Raising

We're gonna talk hair today,gang.  But before we dive into that--may I apologize for the radio silence.  If you follow s + s on INSTAGRAM, then you know I took a little bday getaway to Ojai, California this weekend..which can I just say, is absolutely breathtaking, charming, quaint, lovely, perfect, and somewhere I will definitely be visiting again.  Now if you don't follow along IG, then you prob think I'm a slack as*, lazy bones blogger and I can't say I blame you---meant to give y'all a heads up on my mini departure but alas, got caught up in the kiddies, job, packing, etc...promise to have outfit posts coming back 'atcha this week right after I wrap up a work meeting in Columbus.  

Ok, onto the 'do.  I got my hair done last week at my usual joint, Voce on Clay, with my go-to gal, Shawnee.  The night before, I started sifting through some previous posts trying to figure out which cut suits me best....kinda couldn't decide as they are all quite similar and yet they've each got a bit of a different vibe.  Ultimately I chose one of the above pics for inspo (can ya guess which one), and I have to say, Shawnee knocked it outta the park, per usual.  And while the cut is obviously an integral part of your hairstyle, the product you use is quite important, too.  I get asked three questions pretty frequently regarding the 'do so figured I'd do a quick roundup of my hair routine:

"How do you style your hair?"

Blow dry using my fingers to rake it forward.  Top 'er off with a flat iron.

"What is the texture of your hair?"

Pretty thick thanks to my mom...gets wavier as I get older.

"What product do you use?"

Aveeno shampoo , Marco Pelusi Anti Freeze Leave In Conditioner, Marco Pelusi Color Smoothing Gloss, Drugstore Pomade to give it the piecy look

I have used Marco's Leave In Conditioner and Color Smoothing Gloss (applying a dime size while hair is still wet prior to drying) since having short hair and I swear by it.  Since I both blow dry and straighten my hair almost daily, it can get a smidge dried out and these two suckers keep the locks smooth and flyaway free.  I had the pleasure of meeting  Marco on my last trip to LA and I have to say--he is equally sweet as he is talented.  

Alright gang, cheers to a great week and cheers to the UK Wildcats for an amazing ride--you boys done good this season--us Lexingtonians are awfully proud of you!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Pink on Pink

 entire rig (oldie but goodie, J.Crew--love the idea of pairing THESE with THIS POPOVER for a good print mix), watch (Cartier), cuff (unknown), ring (Lagos), bag (Furla, SPLURGE vs  STEAL), shades (Ray Ban)

This preppy & polished rig is the result of a successful attempt at utilizing what is already in my closet! I have had all of these pieces in my arsenal for a few years now but they definitely felt refreshed when doing a little monochrome print mix (hard to tell, but blouse has a slight pink pinstripe).  Because the all over pink could get a little pop tart, I wanted to make sure the look stayed classic by doing a crisp tucked in blouse, belt, flat sandals and a gold cuff to finish her off.  Just another lesson for us all (especially myself) to creatively work with what we already have....if only I could consistently practice what I preach!

Switching topics, I get asked quite a bit about my hair.  Who cuts it (Shawnee at Voce on Clay--LOVE ), what color do I use, how do I style it, etc.  With that in mind, I wanted to share a product I've been using here as of late that I'm just loving!  The Marco Anti-Frizz Leave in Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard has been my hair savior.  As my hair is getting longer, the months warmer, and my color blonder--my mop top can start to get a little dried out.  This goodness has been protecting the hell outta it and doing my locks just right.  Not to mention Marco himself is such a doll and a majorly talented color connoisseur (trying to justify in my mind taking a trip to LA to have him get a hold of my locks).  I know we're always looking for an easy solution whether it be for dried hair or skin, and this stuff is a goodin'. Alright guys, make it a good one & enjoy your weekend!

Marco Anti Frizz Leave in Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem