New Buffalo Anniversary Trip, Night One

I cannot say enough about how wonderful our anniversary weekend was. (Check out my first ever Belle On Trend post about our wedding!)  We had SUCH a good experience where we stayed, ate and dined/explored! Mike planned this whole weekend himself for us, which was the kindest gift to me ever.  Our first anniversary trip was absolutely fantastic, and I want to recommend the places we went to you. Whether you have an anniversary or birthday approaching, this is a spot for you and your significant other.

This is the deck outside our door at the Lake Country Inn. It is a small hotel, with about 10 rooms, but each is a color. We were in the "red room", not to be confused with REDRUM, haha. It was SO CLEAN and spacious and gorgeous. Everyone we met who worked at the hotel (the owner, his wife, another employee) were just so lovely. They were kind and happy we were there. The other people we ran into who were also staying there were all so friendly. It was awesome.

I LOVE Adirondack chairs. I don't know why, but I have such an affinity for them, particularly colorful ones. When I saw these on the deck, I was sold! 

The Lake Country Inn is walking distance to anything you'd want to do/see in New Buffalo. Staying on the water or marina is much more expensive, but honestly, this was the greatest experience that even if we had more money to spend, I wouldn't choose another location. 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer. Mike bought me this one down in Florida in March, but linked are the updated patterns.

Earrings: old Stella and Dot, similar here. 

Lips: Stila in Amalfi. 

This is my favorite Lilly Pulitzer dress I've ever worn (and not just because my hubs bought it for me!). It is fit and flare, which is most flattering on my body. It has a half zip back that is stretchy. I needed a size 4 for this, so I sized down from the shift dresses (I am typically a 6 in those). 

Purse: old Banana Republic, similar here.

Wedges: old Lilly Pulitzer (4 years old to be exact! I will always know because I purchased them for my mom and step dad's wedding in July 2012). Updated styles here and here. 

The outdoor/backyard area of the Inn was so peaceful and shady. We loved sitting on the deck to eat our breakfast (which was complimentary, I might add!). 

Bangles: left, old Kate Spade, similar here. Right, bow bracelets (and here) by Kate Spade.

Watch: Michael Kors. Pro-tip about MK watches: both my silver and gold MK watches were purchased during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in years past. I have had my watches since 2009/2010-- they last forever! I've only replaced one battery on my silver watch. But, definitely wait to get the Michael Kors watches on the #Nsale. Starting very soon (credit card holders had access on July 14), you'll be in Nordies Heaven!

Mrs. neckace: Kate Spade.

Another huge bonus to this dress: POCKETS!!!!!! 

Had to turn the camera on my amazing hubs.

One of the many reasons I am so madly in love with him is his style. He's effortlessly cool, and I love that about him. He bought these gingham pants, and I DIED! STYLISH! 

Sunglasses: Kate Spade.

We walked over to the marina for a spectacular dinner at Bentwood Tavern. I highly, highly, highly recommend their crab salad, guacamole and shrimp (the trio!) as an appetizer! YUM! 

Gorgeous view from dinner. 

Outside the Bentwood Tavern with my love.

The wind kicked up my skirt a little-- haha!

I will say, this dress is shorter than my typical Lilly dresses. However, I usually wear a size 6, so that might have something to do with it. Also, the heels might add to it. 

I was so shocked at how late the sun went down in Michigan! I couldn't believe it was this light out at 9 pm! Mike grew up in Michigan, and he was used to this.  I was really surprised and jealous, haha. I would have loved to play outside as a kid until 9:30 pm!

Gorgeous sunset by the marina. 

Even better view with my MAN! 

Have you ever been to New Buffalo? I had only driven through on a few trips from South Bend to Chicago, stopping at Redamaks (!!!). Thanks to Julie for exposing me to those amazing burgs! It is another must-do-- Velveeta cheese burgers at Redamaks on your way home! More on that in the next installment... ;-)

xxoo

Mary

Ivory and Birch multi-colored dress!

I was so excited to visit Ivory and Birch in Boardman, Ohio, when I was home for my bestie Megan's wedding showers in June. My other bff, Amanda, had gotten me the most adorable mug from Ivory and Birch last year when I was going through some really rough times, and every time I look at it, I am reminded to be strong and courageous. It was the most thoughtful gift, and I love drinking my coffee from it! 

I went in to Ivory and Birch to pick out a dress for Mike's cousin's wedding. I knew it would be an outdoor ceremony and a rustic reception, so I was thinking of something a little more casual. I found THE PERFECT dress. 

The detailing of the cross-front was just a small accent, but it really made the dress unique. 

The colors were amazing, too! 

We absolutely love to take pictures in front of this side of a building in Geneva. I think it's a dog grooming place?! That sells fancy cookies for dogs?! Either way, that teal is a lovely color!

My earrings are old Stella and Dot, but here and here are similar pairs. 

I paired the dress with my best Lilly Pulitzer gold wedges. They're 4 years old (from mom and Gary's wedding in 2012!), but they're still in great shape.

Here and here are the updated LP gold wedges. Extremely comfortable and long-lasting! 

My gold clutch was one I got for Anna's wedding in 2013. It was when Target had a line in conjunction with some designers around Christmas time, 2012. This was Marc Jacobs. I adore this bag!

Similar gold clutches: here, here and here/here-- glittery! 

Michael Kors watch: old, but similar here.

Kate Spade sunnies: here. Other adorable options here or here. 

This tunic dress was the epitome of comfortable. I ate (all) the amazing food at Andrew and Stephanie's wedding without worrying about my food baby protruding. It was flowy but not too oversized! I went with a size small for reference.

Bangles: left top- old Kate Spade- similar here, left bottom- old Charming Charlie's- similar here, right top- old J. Crew Factory- similar here, right bottom- Lat & Lo.

Mike's bowtie was a dream! I had to turn the camera on him to capture it. 

Flamingo bowtie: the Tie Bar. 

Cheer Darling change purse: Kate Spade.  

Maria bought me this change purse, and I use it every time I go out for an occasion. It's perfect for my ID, debit card, cash and credit card. It fits nicely in my small clutches. Also, it's so much easier than bringing my big wallet out and trying to stuff it in an evening clutch. Here's another adorable option!

My forever wedding date! 

He's in gingam pants! MELT! He is so fashionable. One of the thousands of things I love about him.

How beautiful is that sunset? Shout out to our SIL, Lidija, for capturing this one outside the reception venue!

Another highlight of the wedding: Sarah (on the left) is a fellow belle! She graduated with me in 2009 from SMC! We had no idea that her cousin was the bride and Mike's cousin was the groom! Such a small world. And her sister, Kate, is on the right-- another SMICK chick! So happy to see them!

My sisters in law! 

Lidija and Molly :)

Molly and her daughters, my adorable nieces! 

Loved celebrating with them!

Additional bright printed dresses: here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Do you like to wear bright patterns? 

xxoo

Mary

Fun Graphic Tees!

I love wearing witty or fun graphic tees and tanks. Sometimes I wear them to Pure Barre classes, other times I wear them around town for errands, etc. But I also adore them dressed up with a high-waisted skirt and a statement necklace! Here are some of my all-time faves and the info. on where to find them :)

I LOVED this Feyonce shirt, and I wore it on the first day of my bachelorette weekend and the day before my wedding for nails/lunch and picking up my dress from The Crystal Bride. It is a perfect gift for a bride to be. I have actually since passed it along to my bff, Megan! 

Find it here or here.

The day before our wedding, out to lunch after nails with my sister (left) and cousin (right). 

 (Side note: I miss that long hair! Time to start growing it out again-- haha!). Anna has on another graphic tee that I love-- more on that below!

This was the first day of my bachelorette party, before we left for Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 

Love this pic of my girls!

Kelly, Mandy, Jamie, myself, Megan and Caitlin.

This is a new shirt (above) that I absolutely love. I bought it back home at Ivory and Birch in Boardman, Ohio. Ivory and Birch is THE CUTEST boutique! They have everything from fun greeting cards to glam Trina Turk dresses. This latitude and longitude tee has the coordinates of Youngstown, Ohio, my hometown. It is one of the softest tees I've ever owned!

Bonus pics- LOL! I stopped in Indianapolis on my way to Newport, Kentucky last weekend. I got to see my bestie, Fran, and meet her new son, Henry! HE. WAS. AMAZING!  Check out those adorable thighs! I couldn't stop hugging him. I'm in love! 

This tank is one of my faves, too! Thanks to my girl, Taryn, I am now the proud owner of a Treat Yo'self tank!  We wore them to Pure Barre last week to earn our "twinning" bingo space for PB Bingo! She found these for us at Target. Olivia kicked our BUTTS in class, but I was seriously so happy to be wearing these tanks that class flew by!

We earned another sticker that day for a before and after pic! Haha! You might not be able to tell because Taryn looks so pretty, but that was one of the hardest classes I've ever taken at Pure Barre Geneva! Olivia rocks!

This shirt is what you saw my sister, Anna, wearing above. She bought it for us both, actually! So sweet of her. It's from my all-time favorite coffee shop, Graham's 318. If you have the chance to hit up Grahams 318 in Geneva, you won't be disappointed! Be sure to try the "chai-cofskee" because it's the most amazing drink I've ever had-- shout out to Mandy for telling me about it! OMG!

This last one is from Everfitte, which is the cutest online retailer for printed tanks (a lot of them are workout-inspired, too!). My friend, Rachel, found this one for me, and I had to have it! Barre Belle!

Here are some additional fun ones from Express and Nordies. Author's note: some of these are alcohol-related, so my under 21 gals would have to pass on those-- haha! Sorry!

Some of my other favorite graphic tees come from Mindy Mae's Market, T and J Designs and The Trendy Sparrow:

1. This casual Friday tee would look adorable with the pictured blush blazer.

2. I have this "Bloggers Gonna Blog" tee (and a matching mug from my bestie, Megan!). 

3. Loving this tee, as I'm always overdressed for every occasion. Haha!

4. I have had my eye on this for months! My sis would LOVE this one! I love it tucked in with the high-waisted sequined shirt and paired with a fabulous statement necklace. 

5. And this because every day should be a taco Tuesday!

What's your fave graphic tee?

xxoo

Mary

Navy Dress with Flowers + Caitlin's Wedding Shower!

I was lucky enough to visit Newport, KY and Cincinnati (author's note: that's a hard city to spell! haha!), OH last weekend for my cousin-to-be's wedding shower. Fun fact: I was in 4 states in just a few hours on my trip to see the fam. IL to IN (stopped in Indy to meet adorable baby Henry and see my bff, Fran!), to OH and across the bridge to KY! We had so much fun together! I LOVED being with my cousins, Caitlin and her awesome friends! It was great to have a mini-reunion with my parents, aunt and uncle, too. It can be hard living 7 hours away from home! :) I always cherish the time together, since it's not as frequent. 

The beautiful bride to be!

Kara (my cousin) bought that adorable monogrammed clutch for Caitlin.

Find it: here on sale for $14.99. 

Caitlin's necklace: similar here and here. 

My strapless Lilly Pulitzer dress is over 3 years old, unfortunately, but it's timeless! Floral with navy looks great on everyone. I love that about navy: it's a color that anyone can wear effortlessly.

Other great navy dresses with flowers: here- perfect for a wedding, here- under $60 and loving those nautical stripes in addition to the flowers, here- very retro, here- obsessed with the maxi length and back, here- totally motivated by my former dancer, Olivia, for this one!, here- ideal for work and here- biggest splurge of the dresses, but also my all-time fave! 

Jack Rogers sandals: here on sale!

Stella and Dot earrings: old, but similar here. 

My mom, me and my dad's girlfriend, Patty at the shower. 

One of Caitlin's bridesmaids got her this apron! It says, "Mrs. Hancock" on it. SO cute. 

Similar apron: here.

Such a cute idea for any brides-to-be!

I just loved the bridal emoji bingo!

Outside by the river on the Cinci side at sunset. 

So happy to meet Caitlin's sis, Natalie, too!

The beautiful bride wearing this lace dress (which is currently on sale!). 

White lace dresses like Caitlin's: here, here and here. 

Striped dress options like Kara's: here (the ruffle!), here and here (more ruffle!). 

Do you wear the color navy often?
xxoo
Mary