white tee & jeans

Typical summer outfit- sometimes you just gotta simplify. These jean shorts are the best. I've worn and washed them so many times that they're that perfect worn in softness. I am going to be devastated when they go. And this tee, I love it. The cotton is so soft (are you seeing a pattern?) but the sheer panel in the back makes it something special. A little modern twist.

What's my age again? That's what I really wanted to call this post. I've gotten much more in to makeup recently (as in this month recently)- mostly because of the wedding but also because I'm a little tired of people assuming they know what age I am when their assumptions are wrong 99.99% of the time. I know I'm not going to get much pity from some of you but that's ok because I'm really not looking for any. Because yeah yeah I know- I will be thankful for looking youthful in 10 years or maybe even 5.

But right now, I'm 21. And I love it! The fact that people often think I'm in high school is ok, it's just when I encounter a lack of respect or courtesy because of that fallacious age guessing. I'm a college graduate not a teeny bopper. So anyway, go ahead and card me so long as that doesn't affect the way you treat me. Oh and maybe work on some subtlety as well. When you find out I'm not 16, you don't need to confess your shock to me. If I thought you were 55 and then find out that you're 40, I'm not going to say HOLY HELL! I thought you were way older than that. Are you feeling me on this one?

Ok, off my soapbox & happy Monday to you!

xo,
A.

tee: StyleMint
shorts: Delia's (old)
socks: Gap
boots: DV by Dolce Vita

went to the chapel

So my dad and Colleen finally tied the knot! Sorry I have been fairly MIA, but now you know why. If you have been reading my blog for a few years, you know that my mom passed away my freshman year of college. It was devastating and unexpected. And it took a very long time for the wounds to heal.

Almost four years later- we have grown and changed, we have renewed our love for each other, and we have been reminded over and over again how precious and tenuous life can be. Colleen has been an amazing blessing to not only my dad but to me and my brother as well. She is a ball of energy who loves fountain sodas, country music, pinot grigio with ice cubes, French history and our dogs Wizzy & Lila. Colleen, we love you so much and welcome to the family!

xo,
A.

my dress: BB Dakota, also worn here/ (same)
Colleen's dress: Aidan Mattox (similar)
Colleen's hair comb: Boutique Corner (same)
*all photos by Larry French

moonrise kingdom

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There's already been some blogger buzz about Moonrise Kingdom, so I'll just add to it! I loved this film, it was my first Wes Anderson flick so I really had no idea what to expect. I didn't know anything about the movie before going in. Do you all do that often? I feel like that rarely ever happens to me because I have usually already seen a trailer or read a plot summary, most likely both. It's sort of thrilling though to go in blind.

This quirky love story is charming and despite its darker humor, manages to leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Apart from the plot and the characters, I was really most fascinated by the cinematography. Everything is painstakingly chosen- no detail forgotten, the color palette of the wardrobe and the set, the symmetry of the camera shots and pans. Put together a little polyvore with some Moonrise Kingdom-inspired, fall-geared things. I already can't wait for my favorite season to start!



xo,
A.

play pretend

Sometimes pretending is fun like pretending that I have power or that it's not 90 degrees in this house. In real life I'm sitting here writing this in the basement in a sports bra because it's too hot to wear anything else. When I get A/C back, I am going to be the happiest girl in the world and the most grateful.

But there are some little things that are making life better like skipping the line at Chipotle because I ordered online :) cold hose water, the generator running the fridge (in other words, ICE), belting all the words to this oldie but goodie with my girl Agnes (in an AIR CONDITIONED car) & forcing myself to get dressed like a real person for this post.

Stay cool you guys! This feels like a direct quote from my middle school yearbook. 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten. Please tell me someone remembers this.

xo,
A.

maxi: urban outfitters
cardigan: for sale for sale!
heels: modcloth
belt: mom's

life lately

A few scenes from around the house these past couple weeks. These dogs keep me constantly entertained. It's funny to see how their personalities interact (and sometimes clash). They are so idiosyncratic. Lila tries to be as close to people as she can- that first picture is from when we were doing something upstairs so she laid across one stair and rested her head on the stair above it. She doesn't ever want to miss anything. Wizzy runs the length of the pool back and forth tracking the movement of anyone in the pool. He's like our built in lifeguard. Constant vigilance! Gold star for whoever can identify that quote.

Pretty soon life is going to start picking up for me. Which is good because I never know what to do with too much free time. I have orientation at The Limited today and then I'm not sure when I will actually start working. But I'm excited! I'll be all, Can I help you find something ma'am? Are you finding everything alright? Would you like me to start a dressing room for you? 


All of my friends tell me I'm crazy for being excited about retail which they say is a living hell. But I say bring it on difficult customers! In anticipation of some not so awesome experiences, I've been sure to be extra nice to anyone I encounter in sales or  customer service. They really are hard jobs- I mean people can be cray.


Be back soon!

*Oh and check this out, I was featured on the Neighborhoodies blog

xo,
A.