Countryside Expeditions

Countryside Expeditions

The river we floated down


top: Target similar here (on sale for less than $30) // shorts: Banana Republic // hat (less than $15!!): SheIn (just a heads up, this took a few weeks to come in) // swim: Target // nail polish: Essie 'Take it Outside' // shoes: Jack Rogers // donut float: Target

This weekend I had a friend from school visit me and another friend that also lives in the area, so we packed as much as we could into the time we had!  There's a little fruit farm about an hour away that we started of with (after Starbucks of course!).  They had little red wagons to put your berries in (that song by Miranda Lambert was stuck in my head the entire day) that made for perfect photo props ;).  It was a lot of fun to feel like we were out on the real countryside for a day.  Another highlight was a river float we went on.  I had never been but heard from so many people how cool it was so I was so excited to go on one.  To get there, we had to take so many little dirt backroads until we popped out on the river!  We parked at the bottom of the river and a shuttle took us to the top where we floated down for an hour and a half.  Its been so hot here lately that this was the perfect escape from the heat! 

In addition to this weekend, I've recently loved exploring little towns around my area.   They seem to have the best little cafes and the most beautiful areas to walk around.  Just today I met some friends for lunch in a little town on the Occoquan river!  

On another note, this white tank was great for the hot days spent outside.  The loose fit was perfect for when it got humid and sticky.  And the thin straps reduced the amount of tan lines I got in the sun :)

I've been looking for fun and different adventures this summer so let me know if you have any good ideas!

Xoxo, Al

Black on Black

Black on Black

top: J.Crew // shorts: Old Navy similar here // bracelets: Charming Charlie // shoes: BCBG similar here // nail polish: Essie 'Take it Outside'

Wearing black on black when its 90 out usually isn't my go-to, but these airy pieces work even on a hot day.  I bought these cute high-waisted tie shorts from Old Navy last summer and tucked a silky top into them for a romper look.  They were the same shade of black and similar material so it worked! The pieces are both so flowy that it kept me cool throughout the day.  Plus, the monochromatic colors make it super easy to accessorize!  I chose to style them with gold and animal print accents.  Its the perfect outfit to bring out those bold accessories you have a hard time coordinating with your outfit!!

Well I'm off to see Luke Bryan with my best friends tonight!  What does everyone have going on this weekend?

Xoxo, Al

Take Me to the Hamptons

Take Me to the Hamptons







dress: Lilly Pulitzer // shoes: Jack Rogers in 'platinum' // earrings (less than $10!): Target 


The Lana Del Ray song "National Anthem" came to mind the entire time I had this dress on, maybe  because this piece embodies the elegance of the Hamptons, but probably because I just saw an episode of the Kardashians where they go to the Hamptons :)

Anyways... I love the classic, natural fit of the Lilly dresses and how they are made with such high quality.   The stunning details in the dress require minimal accessorizing- just throw it on and go!

Thank you so much to my good friend Madison who was my photographer last week for all the Lilly looks!  Love her!

Xoxo, Al

The Pageant Wave

The Pageant Wave

Hi friends!

I had a pretty busy weekend and some catching up to do Monday and Tuesday (If you count binge watching Revenge "catching up" :)).  Although these last few days were busy, they were so fun!  Remember the bachelorette weekend two weeks ago?  This weekend I got to hang with all of the same fabulous ladies for her Bridal Shower, plus my roommate (who is also a bridesmaid) who just got home from Spain!




 One of my sorority sisters (who also happens to be my little!) came into town for the shower and stayed with me for the weekend.  At school its so easy to meet up with people but being all over the state and country for summer, its extra special to get to see them.  After the shower we headed over to my neighbors grad party an partied with their friends and fam the rest of the night.

And who watched the Miss USA pageant on Sunday?! 

 I follow about half of the girls on insta and have been keeping up with the Miss USA snapchat for the week of the prelims so I was pretty excited to see the final rounds!  Going into the night, my mom and I made lists of our favorites before the top 15 were reveled.  I really liked Alabama and Florida going into the show, they seemed like they had such fun personalities from the videos they posted!  Oh and of course VA :)

I also loved the clip about teaching the dads the pageant wave:   

~shoulder, shoulder, wrist, wrist, touch your pearls, kiss-kiss~

I am so happy though for our new Miss USA, DeShauna Barber, and how she really embodies the modern day woman.  It is truly amazing that she can work for the Army as well as work it on stage in the pageant.  Also can we just talk about her interview question answer?   The dramatic pause and Beyonce look sold it.  I'm so excited to see how she performs as Miss USA and how well she places in the Miss Universe competition!  

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm and sunny days this week so far!  I have some fun outfits coming up this week so be sure to stop back by!  

Xoxo, Al

The Lilly Skort

The Lilly Skort 

top: Target // skirt: Lilly Pulitzer // shoes: Target // bracelets: Target // necklace: similar here

Happy Friday! (PTL)!!

Anyone who's been in a Lilly Pulitzer store knows how bright and colorful everything is from the second you step foot in.  While looking through the print-coordinated displays, this skirt stood out to me-- and that's saying a lot in a store like this!  Although it doesn't have a signature Lilly print, the style and fit of the skirt embodies the classic style Lilly is known for.  The material is so soft and comfortable and this piece actually has shorts underneath the first layer.  

Now when I think of skorts, I think of the first grade version of me who had to wear one as insurance to make sure I didn't flash everyone on the playground.  But because of the classic elegance this skirt has, I like to think of this as my "big girl skort"!  Pair it with a casual tank and lots of gold jewelry to complement it and keep it the center of attention.  Whether I wear for lunch at the country club or out to dinner with girlfriends, it never disappoints! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Xoxo, Al

Seafoam Scallops

Seafoam Scallops

 

shorts: Lilly Pulitzer // top: Victorias Secret (similar here) // earrings (less than $10!): Target // watch: Charming Charlie // shoes: Charming Charlie (similar here) // bag: Michael Kors // monogram necklace (chain length-18"): Etsy 

When I think of Summer fashion, I think of bright colors and bold patterns to compliment the season, and Lilly Pulitzer captures this to a tee!  Every piece has life to it that brings a little Palm Beach to your everyday routine.  These shorts are the most gorgeous shade of seafoam and the scallops provide boldness to just an everyday pair of shorts.  Pairing with a 3/4 sleeve sweater is nice for the mornings before it gets warm.. by the beach of course :)

I went shopping this weekend at Lilly and found the most gorgeous pieces for this summer (look out for more Lilly posts hehe)  All of this resort wear is making me wish for the beach-- counting down the days!  We're going for the week of Fourth of July so about a month!  What are everyone's plans for the summer?  I always look forward to the beach but I'd love to hear what your summer expeditions are!

Xoxo, Al

Classic Palazzo

Classic Palazzo

palazzo pants (mine are from Target (similar here) 

Thank goodness for palazzo pants coming back in trend!  Its feels like you're wearing PJ pants that are socially acceptable to wear in public!  I just love the bell bottoms and how they flow when you walk.  Over the summer I find myself throwing a pair of these on with a tank to run errands or to hit the mall.  They make a great statement piece in your closet and are so easy to wear.  If you don't already have a pair (or 3), definitely pick some up!  (Target has some great selections for some of the lowest prices just fyi!!)

Xoxo, Al