Outfit // Red, White, & Blue

Happy belated 4th of July to my fellow American friends out there! It isn't too late to say that, is it? And it definitely isn't too late for a little patriotic outfit post, right? :) Of course, it was my goal to actually post this on the 4th of July, but you know... Things happen and holidays are busy! We had a great weekend, from start to finish. We went to the movies, I spent the day at the pool with my gal pals, we went out for drinks with friends, went to two different BBQs, watched fireworks, and watched the women's World Cup! It was quite the wonderful, busy weekend and I am sad that it is over. The last few weeks have been pretty great and have been filled with lots of summer fun! Hopefully I'll eventually get around to talking about it a bit more, but for now here's an outfit post featuring my cute pup as a special guest :)
With any holiday or event, I always love to plan out the most perfect outfit to go along with it. When I saw this beautiful blue gingham dress on eShakti, I knew I had to have it for the 4th of July. It is such a great dress to add a little American spirit and will be great for pretty much any occasion outside of that as well! Aside from the print, what I love about this dress is the fact that I got it for only $20, with shipping! I have discovered that there are many eShakti coupon codes out there that will help you get great quality dresses at a steal. I even ordered two more dresses at the same price. Oops! Can't pass up a deal like that though! ;)

I like how this dress ties in the front to create a cute little bow detail. It can also be tied in the back for some variation, but I prefer it tied in the front for myself.
I absolutely love the way this dress fits me and the nice shape that it gives me. I'm not gonna lie, I feel pretty great about myself in this particular dress and that never hurts! Gingham has recently become one of my favorite patterns and blue has always been one of the best colors on me since it brings out my eyes.
I don't know if Marly has ever been featured in an outfit post, but I think he has been enjoying being in the spotlight a bit more on the blog :) He is definitely a cute sidekick! I just wish that I had something patriotic for him to wear as well!
This week is going to be another busy, but good one! I have work, school, and will be heading down to San Diego to spend a week with my family. I am really looking forward to relaxing and hopefully going to the beach! I will also be heading up to LA for a day while I'm there for a fundraiser, so I will have to pick out the perfect outfit for that ;)

How was your holiday weekend? Do you have any fun summer plans?

Dress // eShakti

Sandals // Target

Outfit // Spring Tease

Well, friends, here we are: I am officially on spring break! It has been a good day, I'd say. Classes were easy and I think generally things have "worked out" for me today. Do you ever have days like that? I feel like I do every week or every couple weeks, and I really try to notice and appreciate those small things for what they are. Isn't that what life is about?

I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow, when I will have my usual Friday morning to myself, and I want to use it to make a game-plan for the rest of my break. I really want to make good use of this time, doing going things for myself and giving myself some well deserved rest. I am definitely going to need all the energy I can get in April, and I think some down time over my school break will be wonderful for my soul. After my spring break, there are only two school/work weeks and then Dai and I are off to Japan! Crazy!
Can't. Get. Enough. Of. These. Sandals. Go to Target, now. I promise you won't regret buying the comfiest sandals ever.

In the meantime, I am really hoping it starts to warm up soon. Last week, and especially last weekend when these photos were taken, was such a tease. It has been gloomy and rainy all week, with just the sun peeking out every once in a while. Hoping all of that will clear up so that the weather can be wonderful for my time off and for my family's visit.
I think I am ready for dress season to be upon us again! Dresses are by far my favorite (jeggings are definitely a close second) and I am thinking that I may need to treat myself with a few new ones for this spring season and for my trip. I really love the bright blues of this particular dress and it saw my through a great summer last year! I am hoping to get into skirts as well, but I just always find them kind of difficult to style on my body. They either hit at a strange spot or the top that is paired with them needs to be tight around the midsection to look good, and that's not something I am really comfortable with.

Any suggestions for what to pair with my maxi skirts this season (& skirts in general)?

I'm just a happy girl on this fine Thursday and can't help myself from rambling on and on. Although, maybe that's what I do here every day ;)

Dress // Marshalls

Cardigan // H&M

Sandals // Target

Belt // Macy's

Bag // Madewell