Long Weekend and Memorial Day Sales

It finally feels as though summer has arrived and I'm looking forward to a long weekend. We are staying around here because we have plans to travel next week. One last trip before baby comes. This weekend we are going to get out and plant our garden (FINALLY) and we also have a barbecue planned with some friends. What are you up to this weekend?

Because it's memorial day weekend there are some great sales happening including 40% off these summer dresses and everything else at J.Crew Factory.

And a few other sales worth mentioning...

20% off everything at ASOs with the code TAKE20

Nordstrom is currently having their half-yearly sale for women and kids

20% off tees, tanks, and shorts at Madewell

15% off your purchase online at Old Navy with code ONSUMMER

35% off your purchase at Banana Republic with code BRDIVEIN

20% off select items at Ruche

20% off sale items at Need Supply Co.
 

How to wear black in the summer

both tees above from Urban Outfitters

Many of us cling to black in the winter and have a hard time letting it go once summer rolls around, and I've found being pregnant I may cling to it a little more than usual. However, there are many ways you can still wear black in the summer. Here are some of my favorite ways...

1. scarf / 2. top (another great option) / 3. heels / 4. skirt (or the pant version)

1. Pair black with pastels. Wearing pastel colors with black will instantly update your look for spring and summer. Plus, black looks great with a minty green or a peachy orange color. Pairing black with darker shades and even deeper jewel tones is usually best to save for fall and winter.

2. Try black with a floral. Florals are big this summer and finding one that has even a hint of black can easily be worn with black pieces you already own.

3. Pick pieces appropriate for summer. Black wool pants would not be a good idea for a hot summer day, but an airy cotton skirt would. Try picking fabrics like cotton, eyelet lace, or a chiffon or even work in a few black accessories like some black strappy sandals.

4. Wear black with white. Black and white is another big trend this season and there are so many great black and white patterns right now. Even pairing white pants with a black top and some brown sandals will instantly say you're ready for summer.

How do you wear black in the summer?
 

Our Trip to North Carolina

Last week we headed out to Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina for my husband's graduation from Duke. Lots of Brandon's family was able to attend as well as my parents so it was really fun and Will loved having so much attention. Here are a few photos from our trip after the jump...

Do or Don't: Wide Leg Pants

left // right

We just got back from our trip to North Carolina and I'm trying to play catch up on a bunch of design projects. It was kind of nice having a little break from blogging as well. Later, I'll share some pictures from our trip.

It seems we've been wearing skinny pants and jeans for so long I kind of forgot how much I like wide leg pants. I love how easy and comfortable these ones look, don't you think? They would be perfect to pack for a vacation or worn for a dinner date this summer.

What do you think, would you wear?

    

Perfect Summer Tee

I'm always on the hunt for good t-shirts especially for summer. Sometimes it's hard to find one that's just the right fit. I recently got this one from Gap and love it. It's a looser fit and longer length and would look great with skinny pants or with one of those popular tube skirts this summer.
 

Pineapple Salsa

In preparation for Cinco de Mayo this weekend I thought I would share one of my favorite salsa recipes. There are two things I can't get enough of: salsa and pineapple. This recipe is super easy to make and the colors alone make it a perfect snack to share or to take to a party. It would even be great to add in a little mango.

    

Pineapple Salsa

About 5 or 6 Roma tomatoes

Pineapple (I used half of one)

Handful of Cilantro

1/3 of a Red Onion

Juice of 1/2 a lime

Dash of Sea Salt

Dash of Garlic Salt 

None of the measurements are exact because it depends on how much you like of each, but really there's no way to really mess it up. I like mine to have a little less onion and cilantro and if you want a little kick consider adding a jalapeno. 

       

Shop: Wind and Willow Home

I recently came across this shop on Etsy and fell for these wooden bowls, planters, and spoons dipped in a bright colors. Plus, wouldn't these be great as a mother's day gift or for a summer party? (and they're made here in Minneapolis:)

Wooden Heel Sandals

image

It's officially sandal season! Over the last few years I have been spotting a lot of girls wearing wooden heel sandals (especially the Swedish Hasbeens). I bought some wooden heel sandals a few years ago and have been wearing them each summer. I have to admit it was a bit weird at first walking on a wooden sole, but they are surprisingly really comfy and pair perfect with shorts, cropped pants, or even dresses for summer.

left / right

What do you think, would you wear them?
 

Weekend

Spring has finally arrived. I thought I would never be able to say that. It's supposed to hit 70 this weekend which means lots of time outside. What are you up to this weekend? We're heading to a birthday party tomorrow and tonight a bunch of my girlfriends are going to a yoga class and getting some thai food. Hope you have a good one.

Here are some links I'm liking...

Solution if you're in a jeans and t-shirt rut

Planning to make some of this

Love this simple DIY

A dreamy housewarming party

What type of pinner are you?

Great color for spring

Love this black and white top

A good reminder

This book makes me hungry
   

Style Files: basket weave trend

image from Kate Spade

Shared a little bit about the basket weave trend yesterday on Studio 5. You can see it here if you'd like.

    

Basics to have in your closet: silk blouse

I'm going to start a new series where I'll be sharing some of the basic pieces I think every woman should have in their closets. First up is the silk blouse. It's great with a pair of jeans, tucked into a skirt, or layered with a sweater. It's a piece you can really wear year-round. I love these ones from Everlane because they come in the best colors and I like that you can get them in two different collar options.
 

6 easy ways to update your look

sweater / jeans / flats / bag / earrings / nail color in under where

Because my wardrobe now mostly consists of jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, and flats, I still try to make it not enter into sloppy and lazy mode. Sometimes just a few small changes and details can make a big difference. Since it's spring and a good time for fresh start I thought I would share a few small changes you can make when it comes to your overall look.