Swimsuits

In a few weeks, we head down to the coast for a quick weekend trip! I love going down to the Gulf and am thoroughly looking forward to some wind and sea time!  I keep thinking about getting a new swimsuit and after a lot of looking, I think these are my favorites.  Now, I don't generally wear two pieces, or bikini's because I don't particularly relish the idea of wearing about the same coverage as a bra and underwear in a public place, so I have tried to pick some fun suits that I would feel comfortable in at the beach!  Some are expensive, some are not, but all would be perfect for stroll up the beach or lounging by the pool on a sunny day!  Happy Swimming!

Left to Right Top: Garnett Hill// Loft// Garnett Hill

Left to Right Middle: J Crew// Anthropologie// Loft

Left to Right Bottom: Target// Loft// Boden

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Purple and Red

shirt: kohl's// pants: jc penney// shoes: target (similar)// earrings: gift// hat: g.h.bass and co (similar)

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Creamsicle Ice Cream

 This summer we started a new tradition that is oh-so-originally called "Ice Cream Sundays".  Best idea ever. Peaceful Sunday afternoons with tasty homemade ice cream.  Such a good idea!  So far we have made a salted caramel ice cream (not as good as the Haagen Daaz Gelato, but not bad), a raspberry greek frozen yogurt (that was divine!) and then this, which was probably my favorite of the three.  Orange Ice Cream, which tastes like a creamsicle.  

I can't take credit for making this one, because Adam made it, but it did come from our kitchen.  

 Orange Ice Cream:

(recipe from Martha Stewart)

- 8 large egg yolks - 

- 1 cup sugar - 

 - 1/4 tsp coarse salt -   

- 2 cups skim milk - 

- 6 pieces of orange zest - 

- 2 cups heavy whipping cream - 

Directions: 

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar and salt.Gradually whisk in milk

2.  Cook over medium low, stirring constantly until the egg mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 10 minutes) 

3.  Remove from heat and stir orange zest (we used long strips of the orange peel cut off) into custard. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes.

4.  Pour custard through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.  Stir in the cream and refrigerate for 2 hours.  Churn in an ice cream maker until thick and cream, and freeze for about 2 hours or until you are ready to serve it.  

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Raiding My Sister's Closet: Pinterest Inspired Outfit

 Pinterest is most people's go-to for outfit ideas, I think.  I love wandering around looking at gorgeous people in gorgeous clothes and getting great ideas for outfits from them.  I love this photoshoot location and this vibrant outfit.  Such a pretty color combo, and so summery looking!  I think peach is the perfect summer color.

(I am sorry to tell you the link from the person who pinned this before me doesn't work... So sorry! I tried to go back and look for it, but couldn't find the original link... Hopefully you are still inspired by how beautiful it is!)

My variation includes a recent acquisition from Kohl's tee shirt department, a pair of coral boot cut jeans and some rockin' pale pink stilettos.  Summer almost always includes a tee shirt for me. 

 shirt: kohl's// pants: j.crew outlet (similar)// shoes: dsw(similar)// necklaces: h&m (black) and amazon (pearls)

Janssen and Merrick are awesome at this, so you should probably check 

out their outfits that were inspired by a pin:

       

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One Vest: 3 ways

Perhaps you saw my vest tutorial yesterday. If you did, and you decide to try it yourself, here are three ways to wear it: 

Look 1:  Patternmixing:  Floral pants, striped shirt and grey vest with neutral shoes.  

 shirt: gap(similar)// vest: made by me// pants: forever 21// loafers: cotton on// earrings: aeropostale 

Look 2: Jeans, striped blouse, vest, scarf and wedges

 shirt: Anthropologie// vest: made by me// jeans: kohl's// shoes: target// scarf: gap// earrings: aeropostale

 Look 3:  lace shirt, grey vest, striped pencil skirt with booties (or wedges for summer)

 shirt: forever 21 (similar)// vest: made by me// skirt: forever 21 (similar)// booties: DSW// earrings: Aeropostale// 

bracelet: gift from mom 

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The Grey Vest: A Tutorial

A few months ago, I posted these photos, and have been thinking a lot about doing a tutorial.  Tutorials are always a little scary, because I worry that no one will understand the directions or I will have forgotten to put in a key direction. This tutorial is based on the assumption that you already have some basic sewing skills.  I based my pattern off of a loose fitting coat that I have that was a similar shape. Using this method of copying an existing article of clothing, you can more easily create a piece that will be a good fit for you!  Good luck and please let me know if you have any questions!

Finished product: 

shirt: gift from Merrick// vest: made by me// pants: kohl's// shoes: DSW// earrings: claire's

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Raiding My Sister's Closet:

This round of Raiding My Sister's Closet, we thought it would be fun to each style the same dress a different way.  Joules very kindly send us this darling dress to style, and it was so fun to pick out different layering combos to try out with this beauty.   A few other ways I tried styling it was with a sweater and wedges, and a jacket and stilettos.  Each was very cute and quite individual looking.  I love the idea of being able to layer a patterned dress like this.  You can make it a jumper type (like mine) or you can make it look like a skirt with a shirt and belt or jacket over it.  This type of dress is just so versatile.   Also, this dress is so comfortable!   I ended up going to the grocery store right after this photo shoot and I felt so pretty and sophisticated and completely comfortable being out and about in this!    It is perfect for your garden party and your trip to Target. 

dress: joules// shirt: h&m(similar)// earrings: kendra scott// shoes: payless// purse: kate spade(similar)

Check out how Janssen and Merrick styled their Joules Dress: 

       

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