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Hyde Park's New Gem

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, Gingham, hats, Kendra Scott, outfit, pink, style

hat // sunnies // c/o earrings // jacket // dress (homemade, similar here) // purse // bangle // bracelet // ring // shoes


As I have mentioned before, my favorite area in town, Hyde Park Village, is going through something of a rebirth. In addition to Bar Taco and Sprinkles, the Village is now home to a gorgeous new Kendra Scott store. Last Friday Kelly and I were invited to their soft opening. We both immediately fell in love with the store; it is absolutely stunning. But, the only thing prettier than the store are the bright baubles it holds.

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I loved everything in the store! Plus, since almost all of the pieces are gold, rose-gold, or silver plated, I can wear everything without discomfort (I have an allergy). I was instantly smitten with the Elle Earrings in ivory pearl and gold. Kendra Scott uses only gorgeous and bright natural stones. I also loved the Erica Bangle, Jana Bracelet, and Arielle ring. The hardest part was picking what color gemstones I wanted (#roughlife)!

I paired my new baubles with this pink gingham dress I made. Real talk for a second, this sewing project did not turn out great. The top was a bit big and the pleats in the back sit funny. But these mistakes are important lessons and, fortunately, I was able to cover them with this jacket lol. Since I don't have time to fix the dress or make a new one, I am hoping my amazingly-talented friend Jen in Florence can come to my rescue with one of her pink gingham creations.

If you live in or near Tampa you will definitely want to visit the new Kendra Scott store, you will not be disappointed!

Green with Envy

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, hats, outfit, Spring, style

Neighborhood kitty who's (obviously) a fantastic model

I got bangs! Well, off the internet. About three years ago I had Zooey Deschanel-esque bangs that I loved (seen here). The only problem was they were a lot of work and were not exactly great for traveling (bangs require constant trims and styling). I have wanted to recut them for a while now, but my better judgement has kept me from taking the plunge. Just when I had given up hope of reviving my bangs, I came across these great clip-in bangs. It is the best of both worlds, all of the great style, none of the commitment! I would suggest, however, that you have your stylist trim and blend the bangs for a more natural look.

As much as I love the bangs, this dress is my favorite part of this look. It is just a little but retro while still looking fresh and modern. Not to mention it is very comfortable. I topped it with my latest hat obsession, this Lack of Color straw hat, and this adorable little raffia fringe clutch (which can also be worn as a cross-body).

Happy Monday!

Boho Chic

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 boho, featured, hats, outfit, style

Tampa has really started stepping up her wall game. First Kelly and I found this perfectly pink wall, and now this gorgeous graphic black and white striped wall. It's the little things.

Boho is not typically a look that I gravitate towards. Not because I don't like it, but because shapeless billowy chiffons don't typically flatter short, busty girls. Nevertheless, I fell in love with this dress while scrolling through Nordstrom's new arrivals online one morning. But, I dismissed it because it wasn't structured and I assumed it would make me look about ten pounds heavier.

A couple days later, I happened to notice it on the rack while shopping at my local Nordys. It was, surprisingly, even cuter in person thanks to it's voluminous bell-sleeves trimmed in lace. When I saw that it was only $68, I figured, I am here, why not try it on? I could not believe that it was actually flattering on. Because it is a junior's brand, I did size up to a medium.

This dress will definitely be a staple in my summer travel wardrobe. Flattering, comfortable, and easy-to-wear dresses are my summer travel uniform. And they are like unicorns, when you find one, you have to scoop it up! While this black version is now limited in sizes (I'm not the only one loving it), there is a white version as well (I also love this one).

La Dolce Vita

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 blooms, featured, hats, outfit, pattern play, Spring, style

A couple weeks ago I fell down the Etsy rabbit hole. There are so many amazing things on Etsy these days and after some arbitrary clicking and searching I stumbled upon Hats By Olivia. Olivia makes the cutest beach/summer hats I have ever seen. I immediately wanted one, but I was struggling on decided between "yes way rosé" or "rosé all day." I messaged Olivia with some questions and after chatting a bit she mentioned that she had made a "la dolce vita" hat before. Done! It was meant to be. I mean, I have to have a "la dolce vita" hat for my summer in Italy... right?

I couldn't believe how quickly I received my custom hat. I am not sure if you can tell, but the saying on the hat is done with hand-stitched sequins. I also love the pom-pom detail, which comes in several color options if you are so inclined. I have always loved hats, especially when I am traveling, but lately I am turning into quite the hat lady. And I am ok with that.

As soon as my hat arrived, Kelly and I headed out to snap a picture on our favorite pink wall. I wasn't planning on a full outfit shoot, just snapping some pics of the hat and my new gingham bucket bag. But one thing led to another and before I knew it we were staging a full on shoot (who doesn't put fresh blooms in their bucket bag?). If only I had done my makeup and coordinated my shoes better, but c'est la vie.

The final product was worth it and Kelly and ended up having a blast on a random week-day afternoon.

Be sure to check out Olivia's whimsical designs! And don't forget you can customize.