White eyelet

Last week I mentioned having taken advantage of Loft's half off sale, and one of the items I purchased was this eyelet button down. I absolutely love how it's a little risqué, with it's unlined eyelet panels. Since my regular size wasn't available, I decided to order a petite medium, which fits well, aside from it's inherent boxiness (which some reviewers mentioned). I was amazed at how the hemline of the shirt does not fall well past my hips, and how the cuffs of the sleeves don't hit my knuckles.

Even though I'm 5'2", I rarely shop petites. For most places the availability and variety isn't there, plus I am only petite in stature, which usually means I have to size up from what I would normally wear, but not always. Things become more complicated when petite sizes are only online, leading to me avoiding them all together. However, in this instance, it was nice to have the option, so thanks Loft.

The Rundown
White Eyelet Stripe Shirt Loft
Boyfriend Shorts Old Navy similar
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx identical
Straw Clutch Rodo Italy via Goodwill similar
Gold Knot Necklace Thrifted similar
Cuff Bracelet c/o Belcho
Sunglasses c/o Dressbarn
Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie
Dog Chloe
Pearl Leash Fabuleash

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

The Tiny Heart's Look What I Got

Dressing up shorts

Shorts were meant to be a casual summer apparel alternative, yet lately I am all about dressing them up. I love the subtle ruffle and envelope back of this chiffon blouse, and my now go-to white sandals combined with the sleek black short - is dressy masquerading as casual, or vice-versa?

Also, I could not be more pleased with how my top knot came out. It's one of those things where it either comes out perfect on the first try, or I do it ten times to no avail.

The Rundown
Blue and White Floral Top c/o OASAP
Black Satin Shorts Made by Me similar
White Sandals Ferragamo via Coco's
Willis Bag Vintage Coach thrifted
Earrings Market in Italy similar
Hexagon Cuff Bracelet Line and Label similar
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny" Essie

Island view

The little island off in the distance is called Charles Island. During low tides a sandbar, or tombolo is revealed to allow access by foot from Silver Sands beach in Milford. I have yet to venture there myself, but it is a nature preserve for birds, and open to the public. Also rumored to have been cursed by the pirate Captain Kidd, in addition to being the sight of buried treasure, though nothing was ever uncovered.

I always find it interesting to learn little bits of Connecticut's history and urban legends. 

The Rundown
Plaid Shirt J.Crew similar
White Shorts Old Navy similar
Sandals "Keira" Trask via in.d giveaway
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Red Tassels Etsy via RinartsAtelier

Bling Earrings JoJo Loves You

Star Necklace by Boe c/o Lucky Fabb
Navy Bamboo Bracelet J.Crew similar

Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie

Sunflowers

Sometimes I'm one of 'those' bloggers, toting fresh flowers around in my bag, trying to pretend that I did not orchestrate their purchase solely around my outfit photos. Which isn't to say I wasn't planning on buying them, just that I deliberately chose to carry a tote and did not leave the grocery store with any frozen food so that outfit photos could occur upon my departure.

Staging is a funny thing. First and foremost, I always try to be authentic here. What you see is what I wore, and while somedays the heels may have only been on for a brief period, I did wear them. Hats on the other hand I've been known to throw on simply for the sake of photos, however that is not the case here. This hat was worn all day to hide the fact that I was lazy and hadn't washed my hair.

You should also know that I have never once fed the ducks here, which seems to be the main draw of this location for everyone else who visits it. I've come here dozens of times to take my photos, but only once lingered on a park bench and watched the water fowl scrabble for crumbs. It may not be authentic, but it makes for a better photo than the parking lot of Trader Joe's. I suppose the lines between the reality on the blog and that of life will always be a little blurry.

The Rundown
Striped Maxi Dress H&M similar
Sandals MRKT via DSW similar
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Panama Hat Gap similar
Bling Earrings JoJo Loves You
Evil Eye Necklace c/o Belcho
Sunburst Pendant House of Harlow
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova via Lucky Fabb
Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Summer
and
Monday Mingle

Motivation

I am a far cry from being the poster child for regimented exercise. Don't be deceived; I thought it would be ascetically appealing to take photos on the beach, but I do not run on the beach. I walk to the beach - briskly.

Up until Marika sent me these Magic slimming capris, I was just borrowing workout clothes from my Sister.

The pants are a cotton and spandex blend, the material is thick and substantial. They run true to size and I got them in a small (typically with size charts I order down a size from where my actual measurements are, this time I did not). I truly feel they succeeded in making me appear far more athletic than I am.

Marika offers a wide range of yoga and fitness apparel, and if you are anything like me, and the idea of new workout clothes is the right motivation to actually workout, then you will be happy to know they are offering 30% off your purchase with code MM30 through August 31st.

Another important motivator is a great playlist, so I thought I would share mine below!

The Rundown

Gold Pineapple Tee J.Crew similar

Magic Slimming Capri Pants c/o Marika

Sneakers Nike similar

iPhone Case Rifle Paper Co.
Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie

Marika Capris were provided by Lipton Publicity.
My views and opinions are my own.

It's a wrap

Bamboo and leaf prints have become this summer's standout print, and I was anxious to add it to my closet, so when I came upon this wrap dress for $4.50, I had to try it on.

I'm guessing it's from the 90's, and while polyester isn't my favorite fabric for the summer (or ever), it fit well, and for the price, I decided to get it anyway.

Wrap dresses are always a great find, by the nature of their design they work well on just about every body type. They accentuate the waist nicely, and let just a bit of leg peek out when you walk.

The Rundown

Bamboo Print Wrap Dress NY&Co. thrifted similar

Sandals "Keira" Trask via in.d giveaway
Straw Tote TJMaxx similar
Bling Earrings JoJo Loves You
Double Pearl Bracelet Thrifted similar
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Chevron Ring 'borrowed' from my Sister similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Harper" c/o Hobie
Nail Color "Aruba Blue" Essie

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

The Tiny Heart's Look What I Got