What She Wears: Thunder Style

Do you all watch basketball? I wouldn't say I necessarily watch basketball, but I DO watch/support/love the Oklahoma City Thunder. After last night's game, we need a rally people. Clearly for a rally, I will also be needing a new outfit;)

top//yellow jeans//multistrand necklace//leopard flats//sunglasses//nailpolish

Rainbow Connection: Orchid Purple+ Real Pink

Pink and purple were pretty much my go to favorite colors my entire childhood (although I did give yellow a fair chance for a few years). What can I say, I'm the ultimate girl. Hooray for hearts and bows and pink and purple!

Sign//Disneyland ticket//Alice//Drive//Pencils

Happy Memorial Day!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day! I'll see you tomorrow with a really great, bright Rainbow Connection post. 

playing in water

Memorial Day Menu: Salads

Inspired by the Grilled Peach Salad that has been floating around pinterest, I feel like making a ton of salad for Memorial Day. Wouldn't it be so nice and refreshing for everyone to bring their favorite salad  (and cocktails, of course) to a Memorial Day party? Even if its just me, that peach salad is gonna happen!

Quinoa Salad with Pears and Chickpeas (Maple Vinaigrette)// Fatoush Salad//Grilled Peach Salad with Mozzarella and Arugula//Balsamic Grilled Vegetables with Basil Quinoa

Memorial Day Menu: Cocktails

So, Memorial Day. Do you guys have any big plans? As usual, I think I'm just going to chill out with some friends and family (by the pool, fingers crossed!) but I'm definitely going to keep these recipes around for fun. If anything, a pretty cocktail in hand is never a bad idea:)

Melon Rumballa//Blackberry Sage Cooler//Pink Salty Dog//Coconut Margarita

What She Wears: Kelsey Cronkhite

Well, hello new friends! I'm Kelsey from Pinegate Road, and I'm a graphic designer and MFA student living in good ol' Savannah Georgia. Day-to-day I'm running between work, class, meetings, and everything in-between. With this crazy schedule I have, it definitely calls for a versatile wardrobe that can be comfortable enough for me to run around in, mess around with projects in class, yet still be classy enough to go to work in. Here is one of my go-to outfits for those days when I flutter between all of the above. I love playing with the red and green spring trend right now, as well as throwing in that coral lip…I'm quite obsessed! 

COMFY STRIPED SHIRT, similar // KELLY GREEN KHAKIS // RED SUEDE WEDGES (MINE /SIMILAR) // CORAL LIP, similar // FUN BUN TUTORIAL // VINTAGE NECKLACE, similar // FULL BROWS

Big thank you's to Emily for having me today, it was such a treat!

xoxo


Kelsey


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A big thank you to Kelsey today! The fun bun tutorial is the best, I'm always trying to get it just right. Kelsey has some beautiful work over at Pinegate Road, and just did an amazing redesign that you are going to love.  Head over there when you get the chance!
Thanks so much Kelsey! 

Rainbow Connection: Indigo

Indigo reminds me of jeans, vacations, and jazz. It's such a loyal, well worn color with a hint of melancholy. Although I tend to pick out the loudest and boldest shades usually, I think I could use a bit more Indigo in my life-- it's calming, don't you think?

Chair//Jazz//Dress//Envelope

Rainy Days and Mondays

Is it raining where you are? Now that I'm done with grad school (and well, a bit unemployed!) I finally have time to enjoy rainy days in the best way: by being completely lazy. 

I think I'll go ahead and do so in my pajamas, with a blanket, comfort food, and old movies. Have a wonderful Monday!

Wool Blanket// Tomato Basil Soup//Lounge Pants

Willamsburg and Mom time

My mom is here in the city with me this week, so naturally we've been having all kinds of adventures (mostly of the shopping and eating kind:)). Yesterday, we spent the day wandering around Williamsburg with absolutely no purpose or time frame in mind. It was an exceptionally beautiful day and absolutely fantastic to meander in and out of boutiques, grab a snack here and there, and just enjoy the sunshine and company. 

Our first stop was at Fornino Pizza, for a margherita pizza and caesar salad. I haven't ever been to Fornino, but it was delicious! After that, we headed to Catbird to spend a gift certificate a dear friend of mine had given me (pictures of that purchase to come!). More wanderings lead us to Brooklyn Charm where we each made a necklace of our favorite things, mine above: New York City, Oklahoma, and a geode. 

After our evening in Williamsburg we headed back to the Upper West Side for dinner at Cafe Frida, Urban Outfitters sale rack scavenging, a Barnes and Noble Trip, and a reallyawfulmovie. 

Today we are headed to see the Newsies (have you guys seen it?). I'm super pumped!

Moms are the best, and NYC is so much more fabulous when they are here. Thanks Mom for a great week!

Window Boxes

One of my very favorite things about Europe is the abundance of window boxes.  Last time I was there, I think at least a third of my pictures were of random apartment buildings with flowers. I'm wondering if I could bring that back to say, an NYC apartment in Harlem? Either way, here are a roundup of a few that are just too pretty. 

Red Flowers// Green Door// Geraniums// Wild Flowers// Hydrangeas

What She Wears: Kimberlee Kogane

Hello all! I'm Kimberlee, and I'm a jewelry designer and blogger over at Fresh Tangerine.

I can't begin tell you how excited I am to be a part of the "What She Wears" series! When I'm putting together a look, I typically like to pick out one piece that is going to be my statement item. Right now, I'm obsessed with this lace top from Madewell. It's dressy enough to wear in the evening, but not so flashy that you feel weird wearing it during the day. I've already worn it to a morning coffee meeting, a graduation party, and out running errands.  

lace top // blazer // jeans // shoes // earrings // ring 

Do you have a piece of clothing that is your go-to statement piece? 

Thank you again to Emily for having me! 

-Kimberlee

***

Thanks Kimberlee! I'm also obsessed with that top- it's adorable! I love having go to outfits that you know look just perfect. You all need to see the incredible jewelry Kimberlee makes too, her pieces are stunning! My favorite is the Mini Cluster Necklace for it's elegance. 

Thanks again to Kimberlee and make sure to stop by Fresh Tangerine to keep up with Kimberlee!

Rainbow Connection: Mint+Yellow

While you read this, I am probably en route back to NYC from OKC (Go Thunder!) just in time for my graduation. It's funny, I've been done with my MSW for almost two weeks now but nothing will feel completely official without a celebration and a new dress. 

Today's Rainbow Connection, Mint and Yellows. As it turns out, mint is the perfect compliment to so many different colors (see mint and pink) including yellows. The duo is an unlikely pair, but I love how the crispness of the mint and the brightness of the yellow color palette just fit.  I especially love the idea of these colors together for a spring dinner party or wedding reception.

On a completely random note, I'm getting sick of the fonts I have. They are so... bleh. Do you all have any favorites that I should try out? I'd love to hear!

Leaves//Magazine Cover//Balloons// Magazine Cover 2// Room// Be Positive

As always, check out the rest of the color collective posts at Chartreuse and a Twist.

Pictures+ A Quick Tutorial

I'm happy to finally be able to share some pictures (as well as some outtakes) with you of a photo shoot I had last week with my beautiful Hallie. Remember these pictures, well this is the same baby- now a full fledged toddler. For Mother's Day my aunt asked me to come take some pictures as a surprise gift for my cousin and I was of course thrilled. 

 It's crazy the difference between taking pictures of a newborn and a 1 year old. Before, we just had to stick Hallie on a blanket with some props and we could shoot peacefully for hours while she napped. This time, I was afraid I wouldn't even get one decent picture! Every time we would finally get her posed and sitting on the blanket, Hallie would act like she was about to smile then take off running towards the camera dragging whatever prop we set up with her (see picture 3). At one point I think we were debating having someone hold her down and editing their hand out later:) It was quite the afternoon, but I did manage to snap a few pictures in between the corralling. 

As a quick side note- do you all edit in raw when using Photoshop? I love the effect you can give pictures  just by messing around a bit. For something a bit different I usually up the contrast and take away a bit of the clarity. To edit in raw (if you don't already know how) open Photoshop bridge (the tiny BR button next to the big PS). Select your picture, and press command+R to open raw. For these pictures, I did +33 contrast and -7 clarity, and added a little bit of exposure. Super easy- way easier than getting your subject to sit still:)

Friends

Thought you should all know, my friends are true gems. 

photo via here, original unknown. 

Smile

I've had this hauntingly beautiful song in my mind all day. I hope you have a lovely Friday. 

xo. 

Emily

Summer Braids

If you see me in the summertime, you know I wear my hair up basically every single day. In fact, I think the last summer I spent in Oklahoma I went on a record of wearing my hair up everyday from June-August (no joke). In order to spare myself from 100 days of loose topnots, I have found braids to be the perfect solution. They are easy, your hair is still up, and people think you put a little effort into them. Everyone wins.

I found a few new ones to try out this summer, and I'm really excited!

1. Side Twist Fishtail// 2. Mermaid Tail Braid//3. Braided Updo  4. Loose Side Braids

What She Wears: Brady Crews

Hi everyone!

My name is Brady and I am a fashion blogger for my own personal blog, b.girl and I also write a column called Linked to Fashion for The Carbon Magazine.

I love fashion and I was delighted to be a part of Emily's “What She Wears” series.

As the weather has been getting warmer and warmer, the summer wardrobe is coming out a little earlier 

this year. I like my wardrobe to be comfortable, fun and stylish!

My essentials for summer are:

1. A good pair of jean shorts that you can dress up or dress down

2. Neural flowy tops

3. Scarves for added color and style

4. Statement accessories like watches, necklaces, earrings, and always a great pair of sunglasses!

5. A good pair of stylish sandal flats for the everyday wear as well as a comfortable wedge for the more upscale days!

I hope everyone enjoyed my summer time essentials. If you want to see more of the fashions I'm interested in visit my personal blog or my Linked to Fashion column!

Thanks Emily!!

***

Thanks so much Brady! I've known Brady my ENTIRE life (seriously) and she has always had an innate, easy sense of personal style. Her taste is spot on all the time- you most definitely need to head over to b.girl and Linked to Fashion to get a dose of inspiration! 

xo.

Emily

Rainbow Connection: Orange and Pink

I woke up with a sore throat and feeling crummy this morning, ugh, ugh, ugh.

But on another note, doesn't orange and pink just make you smile? These two colors were a staple throughout my elementary school years (with lime green thrown in) and I'm pretty sure I owned matching Limited Too shorts and tanks in various shades. Anyone else shop at Limited Too as a child? Whatever happened to those days?

Anyway, all that to say I'm so happy to see that Orange and Pink are here to stay!

Make sure you check out the other Color Collective posts at Chartreuse and a Twist!

Man and Woman//Bug//Elephant// Girl// Painting

Shel

Something reminded me of this Shel Silverstein poem I absolutely love and wanted to share. Isn't he the greatest? Were you a fan as a child (or now)? What are you favorites of his? Others I like are Eight Balloons  and Whatifs.

What She Wears: Sheri Ann Laza-Schmitz

Hello Running in Heels Readers! I'm Sheri Ann from Sprinkles and Style and I'm excited to be a part of Emily's "What She Wears" series!

I have been searching for the perfect pair of work pants ever since I graduated from college and I think I've found it - the J. Crew Minnie Pant. These pants aren't new by any means, but if you haven't tried these, I suggest you pop over to your nearest J. Crew and purchase yourself a pair. You will not regret it. Trust me.

These pants remind me of Audrey Hepburn and her effortless style. The flattering slim fit comes from the stretch fabric, making it as comfortable as leggings but with more polish. Throw on a pair of heels for a sleek and sexy look or go for sweet and comfy with flats. Oh-so-chic and quite versatile, a smart purchase if you ask me.

Here's a look at how I plan on styling mine...

Look One: {J. Crew Minnie Pant, J. Crew Featherweight Cotton Sweater, BaubleBar Turq Cluster Bib Necklace, Steve Madden 'Kadiee' Flat}

Look Two: {J. Crew Minnie Pant, J. Crew Perfect Shirt, BaubleBar White Out Chain Necklace, Steve Madden 'Kyraa' Pumps}

Thanks again for having me Emily!

***

Thanks Sheri Ann! I'm always needing tips on how to style working clothes, I really never know what to wear to feel professional without looking like a high school principal:) You must all go give Sprinkles and Style a visit this morning! Sheri Ann's blog is fabulous, her "Eat This, Wear That" series is too much fun!

Thanks again to Sheri! 

xo.

Emily
P.S. I'm over at Occupy the Wardrobe today posting about Spring Trends, check it out if you get a chance!

Rainbow Connection: Black+White

Happy first day of May! April showers are still hanging on around here, so the black and white theme fits perfectly for this dreary weather.  I'm kind of sleepy today though, so I'm not complaining:)

As always, head to Chartreuse and a Twist and check out the rest of the black and white posts to get some color inspiration!

Shadows//Man//Quote//Bra//Belgium//Girl//Bowtie