GET HER LOOK: WHITE DRESS, DENIM VEST

two. Gap cotton dress (35% off with GAP35!)

I did a post last week on all my favorite whites, and my love for the fresh hue continues. This look screams summer to me. It's also a good reminder that brown shoes with a black bag is no longer a major fashion faux pas. I think it works because the shoes are a lighter, camel color instead of a so-dark-it's-almost-black shade. This girl knows how to pull of a denim vest, that is for sure. Oh how I wish I still had my Abercrombie & Fitch one...don't lie, I know you had one too! :) 

Image credit: Hedvig Sagfjord Opshaug of The Northern Light.

CAMERA INSPIRATION

My guy is exceptionally good at discovering the coolest bits and bobs around the Internet (he frequents man-friendly sites like Uncrate). Recently he sent me a link to these mini cameras by Pentax. I know he deemed them worthy of sharing because of their vintage look, but I passed them on to you because of their amazing color combinations! You can customize both the body and the grip to suit your aesthetic needs. And the colors are more than just your usual black, silver, red, blue. They have options like lilac, mint, sky, lavender, navy, etc. I spent a good 20 minutes just coming up with different color combinations, and ended up finding a few favorites that could easily cross into outfit inspiration. :)

Monday has arrived again, and I can't believe we are over half-way through June. Summer is in full swing here in Dallas - triple digits are officially in the forecast just about every day now. Hence my decision to stay indoors for most of the weekend. After moving home and back into my childhood bedroom, I decided that the crazy hot pink and orange striped walls had to go (still love hot pink and orange, still love stripes, not on walls). So we've been dealing with painters for the last week and they are finally finished! My room, office, closet, and bathroom are now a subtle shade of white that matches the rest of the house. It really made my room feel cleaner, brighter, bigger...and easier to get work done in. I rangled my dad in for some help on Saturday with hanging frames and moving furniture back in. After a few decor adjustments, my room does feel more suited for 21-year-old me and less for 14-year-old me. Of course, I gave Dad the day off on Sunday and treated him to a pancake breakfast and this shirt as a gift. Sure am thankful for that man!

How was your weekend?

KATE SPADE LACEY WALLETS


I was just noticing the other day that my bright red Kate Spade wallet has held up remarkably well for 4+ years. All of my previous wallets fell to pieces about a year later - a light pink leather one I had got so dirty it was pretty much black. But I've been so pleased with the Kate Spade! No dirt, no unraveling threads, and the zippers still work perfectly. Mine is made out of a slick coated leather, so even when I do get a stain on it, I can wipe it right off. When this one does wear out, I'll definitely be investing in another Lacey...maybe even in a fun print!

How long do your wallets usually last?

HOME OF MATTHEW GRENBY + IRENE CHEN

Matchbook Magazine always has the most wonderful home interior stories, and their June issue totally delivered. Allow me to introduce you to the home of Matthew Grenby and Irene Chen, founders of iomoi. Their online store is filled with the most unique gifts and home decor - a lot of which can be personalized! I love these pink and gold chevron pens, their lacquer trays, and ice buckets. iomoi meets my monogramming needs but throws in an unexpected Eastern flair to their designs. And as far as their San Francisco home goes...when can I move in? The bright color combinations (navy! hot pink!) and touches of gold are calling my name. 

What's your favorite destination for unique gifts?

Image credits: Cooper Carras for Matchbook Magazine.

BEAUTY SECRETS: UNDER EYE CIRCLES


Dark under eye circles are a beauty dilemma that I have been dealing with forever. Most beauty experts say that the best way to get those rings to lighten up is with the right amount of sleep. Others blame it on allergies. Mine, unfortunately, are just plain genetic. I do have seasonal allergies, but my little purple friends stick around even during the winter and summer months. I'm also really fair, which makes them even more pronounced. Needless to say, I feel like I can't go anywhere without at least concealer. Most of the concealers I used either melted off or faded away by the end of the day. I was totally unhappy with those darn under eye circles until I had my makeup done at the Dior counter in Neiman Marcus about eight months ago. I lamented to the makeup artist about my purple woes, and she was quick to whip out two products that I now can't live without: Diorskin Nude skin perfecting hydrating concealer and Skinflash radiance booster pen. I apply the concealer first (with this brush) before putting on my foundation. Then I add some light under there with the Skinflash pen, which is basically a brightener. This duo completely hides my dark circles and stays put all day. They are small, but actually last a really long time. I just recently had to restock after buying them way back in October. But yes - they are a very expensive combo. The rest of my beauty routine is fairly low-maintenance...and the satisfaction of having bright, happy eyes is worth it to me.

What is your biggest beauty dilemma?

SUMMER WHITES

nine. MiH jeans

It's that time of year again: the temps are skyrocketing and I'm constantly reaching for all of the white items in my closet. Wearing white signifies the official start of summer, and nothing looks more fresh on a hot summer day. And believe me, we have plenty of those hot days in Dallas! Keep cool in airy dresses, easy sandals, and crisp white denim.

How do you wear white in the summer?

PS...today is my dear old dad's birthday. So, a happy happy birthday goes to the guy who gave me a sense of humor and loads of creativity! Love you, Daddy.

WANDERLUST

I've completely caught the travel bug. Since I just graduated from college, almost all of my friends are spending their summer traveling the world. My Facebook feed is full of photos from Spain, Thailand, Croatia, London, Dublin, and so many more. One of my closest friends just got back from South Africa, where she swam with sharks and rode an elephant like you would a horse! Hearing about everyone's travels has definitely given me some wanderlust...I probably won't get out of the country this summer, but I am hoping to visit two cities that have been on my travel list for a while: Marfa, Texas, and Nashville. Hopefully I can squeeze in a weekend trip here or there before September rolls around.

If you could go anywhere in the world this summer, where would it be?

Image credits: Greece, South Africa n/a, Italy, Croatia.