We are Gladiators

Now I may have a small obsession with Olivia Pope (go OPA! Gladiators 4-eva!) and her wardrobe, and her attitude, and her overall ability to kick a little A when she wants to.  But I digress...gladiator sandals are super empowering and somehow make me feel like I, too, could kick a little A when I need to :)  Try a pair this summer with colored bermuda shorts (think cobalt blue or kelly green) and a classic white T in linen or cotton.  They also look spectacular with a straight black cotton skirt and a sleeveless blouse (maybe in olive green or cream).  Let the shoes speak for themselves!

I enjoy the studs on these beauties.

Arizona Cherry Gladiator $29.99

I like how these have buckles on the sides- rugged, yet fun.

Mossimo Pam Gladiator $22.99

The mother ship of all gladiator sandals, in my opinion. 

Caesar Gladiator $385

However you try to channel Olivia Pope and her team of gladiators,
I hope you feel empowered in doing so!

Closet Treasures

With just a couple short weeks until Memorial Day (and summer feels official), I'm excited about wearing clothing that's been locked up for a LONG winter.  As I pulled out all of those bins of dresses, skirts, tank tops and my endless pile of flip flops, I feel like I am rediscovering some of my favorite pieces!  Here's some of my oldies, but goodies- and wouldn't trade them for the world!

I have had this straw tote bag for years- and it is so perfect for a trip to the farmer's market or an afternoon picnic at the park.  Holds plenty and feels so summery!

Old Navy $22.94

Friends had sworn on the comfort and ease of slim Havaiana flip flops, but I wasn't sold right away.  Then I bought a pair, and well, the rest is history.  Mine are a shimmery pink :)

Slim $26.00 (in a million colors!)

When I need an easy, "go to" necklace, I pull out one of my favorite Chan Luu's.  That periwinkle/cobalt blue sequin works with everything and is the perfect pop of color.

Chan Luu $55.00

When in doubt, I turn to a dress or jersey knit skirt in the summer.  (I loathe shorts)  I have two different colors/versions of this foldover skirt from Gap.  It's easily one of my favorites- and the stripes are quintessential summer nautical wear! 

Gap $44.95

May you enjoy rediscovering your favorite treasures too!

Love Your Momma

Mother's Day is just around the corner (May 11th!).  I actually find my mom super easy to shop for- she has her favorites (all things nautical, purses and shoes, fun jewelry)- but when you're looking to say "You're the best" maybe you could use a few ideas?  Here's a random assortment that I'm a fan of:

The new Tory Burch perfume- I gave this to my sister recently,
and she adores the scent!  Try the rollerball in case she needs to try it out.

$25 @ Tory Burch & Department Stores

Such a "clutch" clutch! Patent & stripes- yes!

$34 Nordstrom

Nothing says love like Lafco, NY- AMAZING candles!

$60 Champagne (Penthouse) is one of my favs!

Summertime hoop earring- and who doesn't love Chan Luu?

$55 Royal Blue Mix Hoop

I hope you get to celebrate your mom with style this year!

So Beauty-Full

There so much to love about Sugarboo Designs.  I have been happily looking at this piece in my kitchen for months now (thanks Pine Straw!). It perks me up in the morning and settles me at the end of the day.  It's no secret these artistic treasures can be on the pricey side, but I've always said they are worth every penny for the quality and amazing distressed wooden frame. 

And then, as if the universe heard me, Sugarboo Designs partnered with my home away from home, Target!  Imagine my delight when I discovered this recently in my local store!!

I simply couldn't resist these two beauties to add to my collection:

Burlap frame $12.99

Typography print $14.99

So, if you too love Sugarboo for all its simplicity and inspirational wording, now's your chance!

Travelin' Bug

Back from my blogging hiatus!  I decided to cut back on shopping for Lent (it was a long 40 days!) and it didn't seem right to blog about shopping when I was supposed to be focused on other Divine matters :)  In any case, I'm back- and I have the travelin' bug!

As the academic year wraps up for me soon, I am ready to plan my summer vacations.  My mom and sister are headed to Beantown in May so we'll have a little jaunt here together, but I'm already dreaming of possible travels to the west....Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Park City...maybe I'll finally get to Yellowstone this year.  But before that, I realized I needed a new weekender bag.  I've had my floral-y Vera Bradley for far too long (no offense to the lovers out there) and it feels a bit too youthful to use.  So, I discovered this little beauty from Lo & Sons: the Catalina.

I am moderately obsessed with it (I got the thistle color, which is a very distressed, warm purple color).  I LOVE the bottom compartment to hold shoes.  That was the selling point for me, and it opens to hold a ridiculous amount...I can see a 4-5 day trip in here. 

 

In my mind, there is nothing better than a bag that FEELS like vacation- and while these pics perhaps bring you to a winter cottage in Vermont rather than a warm sandy Florida beach, I still can't wait to use it!  Here's to summer travels soon :)