The Crop Top Dilemma + Olive Parachute Pants

The crop top trend has forced me to address the question of whether I, as a 28 year old woman, should be showing my belly button. Clearly, you see what side of the argument I'm leaning towards. 

Growing up, I had the debilitating combo of self awareness and insecurity that many teenage girls do. I was the kid that sported turtle necks and made sure my shorts were appropriate by straightening my arms to my side and measuring. The idea of showing my abs made me sweat. You better believe when all of my 8th grade friends were running to Claire's to get belly button piercings, I was NOT participating in that movement. 

In adulthood, I've learned a lot about self love and being comfortable in my own skin. I no longer measure the appropriateness of my shorts (or the size of my waist). Although, I do still love me a good turtleneck (come on, those chunky knits are damn sexy). And as silly as it may seem, wearing a crop top, and being photographed in one, feels like a small personal win that symbolizes good and positive things.

*Oh, and let's just gawk for a moment over my parents' adorable newfie Lulu in the background of my first shot. That little nose = love.

Crop Top: AMERICAN APPAREL, Pants: AMERICAN EAGLE, Blazer: H&M, Sandals: STEVE MADDEN, Necklace + Earrings: H&M, Purse: COLE HAAN (a few seasons ago)

So what do you think? Do you sport the crop top belly button? Flashy or trashy?

Camel Blazer + Geometric Beaded Clutch

There's the slightest bit of chill in the air and I'm getting anxious about summer ending. Come on Mother Nature, give me a few more months! Instead of living in complete denial, I'm trying to get psyched thinking about my favorite autumn things- pumpkins, foliage and the fall wardrobe. Oh man, do I LOVE fall clothing. Blazers, tights, and boots are my jam. So in comes this camel blazer. Cognac brown (which I cannot get enough of) is all over the place this season. This particular little number is light and airy enough to pair with denim shorts or a leather skirt with tights when the air chills. And let's talk about the purse. I want to display it as art somewhere in my house, it's that cool.

SHOP THIS OUTFIT: Blazer: H&M, Clutch: ANTHROPOLOGIE, Tank Top: PLEIONE, Denim Shorts: H&M, Sandals: COLE HAAN

FAVORITE SPACES: MID-ATLANTIC MERCANTILE

I finally made it to Mid-Atlantic Mercantile in Lawrenceville this week and boy, was I impressed. Emily, the owner and creative visionary behind the shop, is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. She has curated the most inspiring retail space with a thoughtful and carefully crafted aesthetic that matches the high-quality  characteristics found in the items she carries. I could have spent hours perusing the racks, noticing beautiful small details (let's talk about those tote bags!!) and chatting away with Emily. I walked away with a gorgeous dress that I can't wait to feature here on the blog and would have purchased more if I hadn't been so smitten with the scenery.

If you're in, or near, the Pittsburgh area this weekend, you should clear your calendar and make your way to Butler Street. The Lawrenceville summer sidewalk sale is going on from now through Sunday and there are so many treasures to be found!

Check out more of the shop and my finds after the jump!

Check out Mid-Atlantic Mercantile's facebook page for more details!

DIY WHITE TRIANGLE NAILS

There is something about having my nails painted that makes me feel totally put together. I'll go au naturale for long bouts, out of ease and a lack of time, but when I get back into the nail painting habit I realize how much I missed it.

As for the whole nail art trend, it hasn't been my jam. I see the nail stickers and pens in the makeup aisle, but it's too over-the-top for me. All that changed when I started seeing geometric and minimal nail art designs popping up. I especially love this inverted triangle design that resembles a flipped french manicure. Now that's a trend I can get on board with.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Nail Polish: ESSIE in Marshmallow, Top Coat, SECHE VITE, Tape: SCOTCH, Scissors

To see the DIY and tutorial, read on!

High Waisted Denim Shorts + Vegan Leather Satchel

High-waisted jean shorts are everywhere this summer. Seemingly overnight, gals have ditched their low-rise cut-off's for this look and I personally couldn't be happier about it. I appreciate finally having something to pair with the crop tops taking over my wardrobe. Peace out, midriff. And you guys, I am just so into this vegan leather bag. Black, camel, and wood accents look so wonderful together, and this purse gets a lot of compliments.

I'm really excited about carrying this look into autumn and pairing distressed shorts with some black tights and booties. But let's not think about the fall just yet, long live the summer.

Shorts: H&M LOGG, Blouse: H&M, Shoes: Kenneth Cole (last season), Purse: AVIGNON, Sunglasses: H&M

SUMMER BLUES

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There is something so whimsical and romantic about Anthropologie's current line of dresses. I had a seriously hard time picking just one to call mine. The color blue doesn't normally make it into my closet, but I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone color-wise, and this pattern sealed the deal. And their jewelry line right now, especially the gold pieces, are just to DIE for. But when aren't they?

Shop this outfit: Dress: Anthropologie, Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors, Earrings: Anthropologie

Weekend Wear: Mid-Summer Outfit

Happy Friday! I hope you're looking ahead to a relaxing weekend. I'm excited for some downtime with my husband and pup following a hectic couple of weeks. Here's a round-up of my ideal weekend wear.

1. Who doesn't love butterfly chairs? And an outdoor one is even better.
2. The perfect cotton chambray shirt in the best hue of blue.
3. Bucket leather bags are my latest obsession.
4. When you need a little color, this fringed scarf does the trick.
5.White denim shorts that can be dressed up or down.
6. Ankle-band sandals that are both cute and incredibly comfy.
7. Warby Parker's just-released polished gold aviators sunnies.
8. Rosebud Salve is a cult obsession for a reason- it's the BEST.
9.This geometric B&W circle towel is the best towel design I've seen.

 What are some of your go-to weekend outfits?

The Perfect White Denim Jeans

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope your post-holiday-weekend lull is wearing off and the fact that's it's still summer and we have warmth left in the season makes you happy. It certainly does for me. I've been really digging white denim this season and can't get enough of these cigarette jeans from AG. Pair white pants with a cognac leather handbag and your outfit is golden. Now all I need to figure out is how I can keep white pants clean.

SHOP THIS LOOK: jeans: AG CIGARETTE JEANS top: FOREVER 21 (color since sold out) handbag: COACH shoes: KENNETH COLE bracelet: VINTAGE