Loud Florals

Top: Marshall's (similar); Pants: thrifted (similar); Shoes: Buffalo Exchange (exactly, similar); 

clutch: purchased in the Bahamas

If I were to give one piece of advice to people who aren't comfortable being in networking settings, I'd say wear a distinctive piece of clothing or accessory that can serve as a conversation starter for everyone you interact with.  It works for me every time.  These pants would be a perfect example of what I'd wear for those times when I'm feeling shy.  

Happy Monday!  Let's make this a great week!

Links of the Week: July 26th

Happy Friday!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

Have trouble being assertive? Here are some tips.

I'm going to try this recipe the next time my sweet tooth strikes.

I'm not ready to think about fall clothing yet, but I couldn't ignore this fall collection from one of my favorite designers.

Three tips to get more focused (that don't involve coffee)

How to get out of a rut.

Loving these cute heels.

The first of the seven deadly sins of blogging: greed.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this blogger's new series.

Life hacks every girl should know about.

These photos make me want to take a trip to Terrain this weekend.

What not to do while thrifting.

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Accidental Color Blocking

Skirt: thrifted; T-shirt: Old Navy; Wedges; Buffalo Exchange; 

Skirt: purchased in the Bahamas; Necklace: H&M (old)

Some days call for thoughtful mix printing or sleek monochrome, but sometimes accidental color blocking (grabbing the first two pieces of clothing you put your hands on) is the way to choose your outfit of the day.  

Happy Hump Day!

Dots + Denim

Shirt: Charlotte Russe--old (similar); Shorts: thrifted (similar); Shoes: Marshalls 

I'm not usually a shorts-wearing girl, but multiple 90+ degree days makes me bring out one of the few pairs I own.  

Monday came around kind of fast this week.  Who else is wishing the weekend was a tad bit longer? 

 

Happy Monday!

Links of the Week: July 19th

 Happy Friday!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

How to be stylish on a budget.

I currently love these heels because they would go so much of my summer wardrobe.

I found it interesting to read about how these bloggers got their book deal.

Once the heat wave breaks and I can stand to turn on my oven, I'll try this recipe.

3 easy meditation for beginners.

What if (making) money was easy?

Startup culture's lack of diversity stifles innovation.  Also check out the cool organization mentioned in the article: Black Girls Code.

If you have the itch to teach your skills to others, check out these 6 steps for launching an e-course.

5 techniques to have a productive day everyday.

I may pack this snack for lunch next week.

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The short of it

Dress: Buffalo Exchange (similar: 1, 2, 3); Necklace: Beacon's Closet; Shoes: Nine West (old); 

Bag: Marshalls (similar); Earrings Sonia V Boutique

This dress is so much more wearable since I got it shortened (previously worn in this post). Now I'm inspired to search my closet to see if I have anything else in there I haven't been wearing that could use minor alterations.  Having clothing that is the proper length is key for shorties like me and for taller ladies. 

Do you get your clothing altered?

July Wish List

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 

7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 //

I haven't done a whole lot of online window shopping lately and I missed it, so here are a few items on my (ever-changing) wish list.

Summer Necessity

Jacket: Gap Kids; Dress: Target; Wedges: Nine West via Marshalls; 
Clutch: H&M; Necklace: Shoxie

Happy Monday! Denim jackets are so necessary despite the soaring temperatures because of arctic air conditioning. 

Stay cool!

Links of the Week: July 13th

Kudos for making it through the post 4th of July week!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

It never hurts to get an etiquette refresher

Living in Spike Lee's Crooklyn

Cohesive Pinterest boards

Six summer drinks for the workday (nonalcoholic of course)

This made me chuckle

This blog post makes me want to hop on a plane to Thailand

Traveling solo: A manifesto for the modern woman

Using Twitter lists for time effective networking

11 little known apps that entrepreneurs can't live without 

To my Philly folks: Local Shopping Options

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Whisper Blue

Top: Marshalls; Skirt: thrifted; Bag: thrifted; Belt: Target; 
Heels: Zappos (old); Necklace: gift

I'm usually drawn to bold, bright colors or prints in the summer, but I couldn't resist this pale blue bag when I saw it a couple weeks ago.  I decided to be "matchy" for work the other day and wear it with a skirt of a similar shade.  I think it's okay if the colors you wear sometimes whisper rather than shout.

Happy Wednesday!

Peach + Yellow

Top: thrifted; Skirt: thrifted; Shoes: thrifted: Clutch: Purchased in Bahamas; Sunnies: Old Navy

The Monday after a holiday weekend is always a jolt after having extra time off.  But hopefully this week will be a great one. Have an awesome day!

Links of the Week: July 6th

Happy Saturday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

I'm gonna pack this salad for lunch next week. 

For your next vacation: 12 must-pack summer toiletries and 4 technology items to pack while traveling.

The flat sandals I wear on a regular basis got beat up in all of the rain we got in Philly last month, these would be a nice update and would probably last if more rain is on the way (I hope not!).

You don't necessarily have to be a digital extrovert to have a career in social media.

Mini fish tacos would make a great, easy meal.

Here’s why you never follow-through (And how to fix it).

Five financial truths every 20-something should know.

Need some inspiration to motivate you to get sh*t done/be productive? Take a look at this blog column

You're probably not the exception to the rule.

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June Favorites

I hope you had a great July 4th!  Unbelievably, 2013 is half over.  It's been a good year so far and I have the feeling the second half will be even better.  Here were some of my favorites from June.

1. Snack: Chicken Quesadillas may not have been the healthiest snack, but they were a favorite this month.
2. Outfit: Red Accents was favorite outfit of the month.  I wore a variation of it for the 4th of July also.
3. Book: My favorite read of the month was Maya's Notebook.  Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors and though the story had a different tone than some of her previous work, I still enjoyed it.
4. Beauty Product: White nail polish has become a favorite this season, it goes with everything which is always a plus when choosing nail polish colors.
5. App: Since Google Reader is now extinct, Feedly has become my app of choice when keeping up on my blog reading.  I've heard good things about Bloglovin also.
6. Music: Two albums have been in heavy rotation this month for me: Born Sinner and The Gifted.

Did you have any favorites for the month of June?

Dressy Prints

Dress: H&M; Shoes: Nine West via Buffalo Exchange (exactly); Clutch: H&M

Hot, muggy weather + an easy printed dress = a happy shen! Why can't math be as easy as picking out dresses...Have a fabulous day!

Printed Black + White

Shirt: Marshalls; Shorts: UO (old); Wedges (similar) and Clutch (similar): H&M; Sunnies: Target

Farewell June, Hello July!  I can't quite believe that the year is half over already.  But summer is in full swing and though I'm loving the warm weather, I could use a break from all the muggy rain Philly has been getting lately...

Since summer is speeding by so fast, I better finish writing my summer bucket list this week to make the most of this season.  High up on my list are: a few visits to the beach, flea markets and music festivals. 

What's on your summer bucket list?

Here's to a positive and productive week!