Trending: 8.15.16

Happy Monday! 

I have fall on the brain, not in any thanks to our amazingly steamy temps (I LOVE hot weather! Mike always laughs because 90 degrees is just fine for me!), but simply because I've been working more and more in my classroom and getting back into the swing of school. My top 10 trending pieces are a mix of "hold-on-to-summer-as-much-as-I-can" and "I need to get back into a routine, and I'm okay with this" haha. Ever feel that way? Here's what's #trending in my world this week.

[1.0] This gorgeous metallic and scalloped hem dress.
I happened upon this on accident while searching for some blue-hued dresses for my last post. But how gorgeous is this? I have my cousin's wedding in October, and this is certainly a contender! It's just so lovely! The ever-so-slightly-flared sleeves, key-hole back opening and scalloped hem are my favorite parts. I also think it would be perfect for a fall wedding!

[2.0] This embroidered dress by Greylin.
I can't get over the back opening on this beauty. The details of the embroidery are just marvelous! This, too, is a top contender for my cousin's wedding in October. I love everything about this one, especially the window-pane design and scalloped hem!

[3.0] This tulip-hem dress.
For under $60, this will be one of my new favorite wear-to-work dresses. How about that adorable tulip-hem bottom? I LOVE yellow, so this color scheme is beautiful. J. Crew Factory never fails me! I can't wait to take my annual fall trip to the outlets.

[4.0] This gorgeous mockneck lace top-- compliments of Krista!
Oh my gosh. This top! My girl Krista knows me so well. She just got this on sale-- 40% off, guys! She sent me the link because she knew I would need it, too! And she was right! I do an annual Loft trip for school clothes every fall, too, so I cannot wait to get my paws on this fabulous top. This will be a work-to-weekend top for me. Krista is SO stylish. I always adore all her clothes. She is actually one of the reasons I wanted to create a blog because of her blog, Fit for Fargo, that she wrote while living in North Dakota. She's just such an inspiration to me! Love you, girl! Author's note: obviously, we will be wearing a tank top under the lace top! HAHA!

[5.0] This sequined back-to-school bag.
Each year, I buy myself a special work bag to commemorate the start of a new school year. I have been doing it since I was a kid; back then, it was a fancy backpack.

First day of kindergarten outfit, 1992.

#kidontrend

 Nowadays, I love to buy a bag that encompasses my school colors and gets me pumped for going back. My school colors are gray and navy, but this bag is somewhat blue with the turquoise sequined stripes, so I think it could work! Right? I mean, how could you not love carrying this bag around and starting your day with a smile? Hello! It's fully sequined! #Iwillownthisbag #SummerJobMoneyUses #reasonswhyIambrokealways hahaha!

[6.0] This off-the-shoulder top for the weekends.
I am all about the "cold shoulder" tops! How cute will this black top look with a pair of skinny jeans and fierce black booties? I am obsessed with this style! All tops from Anthro are currently 20% off! Hurry!

[7.0] This bow neck jacket in pink.
I have been drooling over this zip-up for honestly 6 months. The red version is now on sale. It's just so amazing! I haven't pulled the trigger, as the price is hefty, but I full intend to watch it like a hawk until it drops under $100. The Beyond Yoga X Kate Spade line of workout gear is TO DIE FOR. The bows and polka dot details (check my post on some of the spring pieces!) make working out even more fun.

[8.0] This Kelly Green scalloped work shirt.
I am a sucker for scallops! This shirt comes in 4 colors, and I LOVE the scalloped detail. This would be perfect for work with skinny black pants and a pair of sensible heels :) How pretty is the green color? Remember the scalloped shirt I wrote about in the winter? Mike found it at BR, too! The biggest regret I have about it is that I didn't buy all the colors. Now is my time to right that wrong! LOL!

[9.0] This ruffle tiered top.
I am a sucker for anything navy or gray for my Friday dress-down attire. How cute is this ruffle top by Banana? You know BR has the most incredible sales-- remember my $11 birthday tank top? I can't wait to do a little back to work shopping at Banana! I am loving all their new additions! WAIT for the sales, though! Never pay full price. Mike and I get items sooooo inexpensively by just waiting it out.

[10.0] This midi skirt for work.
I can envision tucking any collared shirt into this adorable skirt and calling it a day. Add wedges into the mix, and you have a perfect work outfit. I love the appropriateness with the length, and I love that you could dress this up with a crisp collared shirt, or wear it with a graphic tee and flats on the weekend.



What pieces are you currently coveting?
xxoo
Mary

Blue Hues

I love pairing different hues of the same color in outfits. In this case, I went with blues: navy, turquoise, colbalt and powder blue! There's something so fun about re-creating a look in a single color family. I have recently done this with pinks, too. You can absolutely try it with any color! We headed out for a little patio date-night at Fiora's on Wednesday. Side note: Mike took me to Fiora's May 2, 2014 before proposing to me! So Fiora's certainly holds a special place in our hearts. We highly recommend it; everyone who works there is super sweet and accommodating! Mike and I are trying to soak up these final days of summer by going out to dinner and having weeknight dates. During the school year, it's definitely a rarity to go out midweek, so we are totally cherishing these waning days of summer. 

How cute is this painted bike outside The Paper Merchant? TPM has so many cute gifts! Also, it's perfect for cards/decorative banners/etc. 

Dress: old J. Crew Factory. Similar here, here, here and here. 

My Pride and Prejudice book clutch: here from Etsy. This was my wedding purse, to match our book-themed wedding. 

Other fabulous statement clutches: here and here (and below!).  

 

Love these scalloped shoes from Talbots.

Found some other adorable scalloped sandals here with a slightly higher heel. 

Dying over these Chloe-lookalikes for $40! Perfect for work! Loving the metallic version, too. 

Check out these sale blue-hued beauties from Talbots! 

My tortoise/turquoise earrings are old J. Crew Factory, but check out these similar ones. 

Also, these:

This tassel necklace from RueLala is so much fun. RueLala has different "boutiques" and sales each day. I love it! Let me know if you need an invitation. The items are endless-- kid's, men's, women's, household items-- you name it.  Oh! And the prices are amazing. My necklace was $25!

Similar tassel necklace:  here and here on sale. 

 

More blue-hued dresses: 

More polka-dot dresses: 

How are you spending your final days of summer vacation (if you're lucky enough to be off!)?

xxoo

Mary

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is a special day. My dad is turning 68! He's a devoted reader and supporter (hype man in Ohio for me) of the blog, so the least I could do was share some of my favorite pictures of us. Hi, dad! I'll also link the shirts my sister and I bought him (he has already opened the box-- haha not giving any surprises away!) from Lands End. We even got his sweater monogrammed! #DadOnTrend

 

Many thanks to Meagan Hudak of Blossom Lane Photography for the above photos from our wedding. Check her out; she is incredible! (Also, the wedding inquiries page on her website has a photograph of us on it! Makes me so happy!)

The above photograph was taken in Ohio at my wedding shower by the unbelievably talented Joe Fairley of Fairley Foto. Jamie and Joe (my bff and her husband) photograph all over PA and Ohio! They've traveled all over the country (and world!) for weddings, too. Look them up, as well!

My dress: Lilly Pulitzer, similar here and here. 

Anna's scalloped dress: Loft, similar here. 

A couple throw back pics of dad and his girls!

Dad with Finn. Grandpa! 

Dad wanting to make it on the blog. He has made it! But I told him to get invest in some lower socks bahaha and maybe lose the cargos lololol. ("But they're so practical! I can carry everything in them!")

Meeting his grandson for the first time. 

Love this moment.

Happy birthday to you, Dad! I wish I was in Ohio to take you out to dinner! I have a feeling this will be your best year yet. Thank you for instilling the love of education and all things reading/English related in me. I wish I had your sense of direction-- haha! Love you!

Here is the polo we bought him (monogrammable!) in cobalt. The price point is outstanding!

This is the sweater (also monogrammable!) in black. Lands' End has some fantastic sales. Signing up for their emails also gives you 30% off your purchase. I am a sucker for a monogrammed canvas tote bag, and my friend Jenny gave me the best one for Christmas. I absolutely love the way you can monogram any of your shirts and bags at LE!

xxoo

Mary

Backless Ruffle Dress

One of my fun "summer/party/occasion" dresses this season is this tie-back ruffle dress from Urban Outfitters. It's currently on sale for $29! OMG! This is the time to go backless. It's hot out, and it's festival season-- summertime in the city calls for open back and less coverage. I first wore this buffalo-plaid number at Megan's bachelorette party in Nashville. It was perfect for the steamy temps and dancing with the girls! 

Author's note: sorry all the pictures in this post will be from my grainy iPhone cam! 

My girl Lauren and me-- mirror selfies while getting ready!

Many thanks to my darling Amanda for the Lilly P. for Target travel cosmetics bag. I use it CONSTANTLY! 

Tory Burch cross body purse: similar here. Every year I tell Mike I am going to sell this purse on eBay (it's also from my ex BF, like the Burberry coat! Haha), but every year I keep it because it's SO darn practical! It can be a clutch, a larger cross-body bag (not folded over) or a fold-over as shown above. I usually try to put it on eBay right before Lollapalooza, but then Mike reminds me of how convenient it is, and I wimp out. Even though my ex-boyfriend bought it for me, it's REALLY awesome. I have had it for 4+ years; it's just amazing quality. 

Similar Lilly Pulitzer cosmetics bags: here and here. 

Similar Lilly Pulitzer phone case: here. 

How fun is the back of this dress?

You'll need this backless bra from VS. It's reusable up to 25 times. It's a sticky bra, perfect for any backless shirt or dress. Follow the directions for application, and it will stay put for hours!

My lovely bestie, the bride, Megan! 

Nashville was sooo much fun celebrating this bride-to-be.

A special shout out to Jackie for letting me borrow her fabulous cowboy boots! I fit in perfectly with the Nashville crowd! Thanks, girl! 

Just dancing with Megzo!

Besties since bowl cut age!

 

I wore this dress again for Lollapalooza (Sunday). Here's our group before Silversun Pickups-- who were INCREDIBLE!  

Scott, Matthew, myself and Mike!

Below are some more backless dress picks from Urban Outfitters. A lot are on sale, so the time to buy is now! You can tuck them away for next summer, too!

Which backless dresses are your favorite?
xxoo
Mary

Trending 8.1.16

I am so excited about this week's #trending report!  I have some good leads on "first day of school" outfits for all you teachers out there (trust me, as a teacher, it's as exciting to pick out your first day outfit as when you were a student!). J. Crew, Banana Republic and Loft are all kicking butt and taking names right now. Also, I found you some sunnies that you will want immediately for the remainder of summer! Check out what's trending in my world:

[1.0]  This pineapple dress and this oranges and lemons dress!
When browsing Asos, I found the coolest designer ever! I had never heard of it-- Horrockses. The style of the prints is very pop-art. I can't even get over that bow on the back of the pineapple dress-- it's soooo cute!  Total #wishlist items!

[2.0]  This blazer for back to school wearing in the fall.
And, it's on sale for under $65! It is hard to come by a quality blazer at such a reasonable price point. Remember, the Nordies Anniversary Sale ends August 8, so act fast! But that blazer is so great for work in any different line of work which you may be involved. 


[3.0] This mug, for all my peeps from home!
It is the cutest mug ever for all my Boardman/Youngstown friends. Home is where your mom is! So true. Ivory and Birch is so darling! I know it's not wearable, per se, but isn't it so flippin awesome? Y-towners: this might be something good to put away for Christmas or Mother's Day for mom! 

[4.0]  These Illesteva sunglasses.
Every blogger I follow is losing her mind over these sunnies. I have to admit, I didn't originally love them, but now I am obsessed. They totally grew on me! Plus, the sale price is making me smile. Here is a pair that is less expensive and equally adorbs. You have many months of sun ahead, why not pick up a new pair of sunglasses? 

[5.0] These Goddess Leggings by Alo. 
I am not kidding you or exaggerating when I say Alo leggings lift your ledge and flatten your tummy! They're incredible! I own a pair of Goddess Leggings with a pink pattern on top. I also just bought these black ones at Pure Barre Geneva after class the other morning (oops-- a reward for going to a 6 am class before 9 hours of work? Yes. I'll go with that). They're true to size-- I wear a small. If you're comparing by Lululemon sizes, I am typically a 4 in Wunder Under tights. I swear, getting out of bed this morning for 7:10 am Pure Barre was so much easier in my new tights-- haha! Placebo effect? Maybe. But, I'll take it!

[6.0] This Alo Bralette.
You're going to need this in yellow to match your new leggings, obvi! Real talk: this is the most comfortable and well-fitting sports bra, ever. It is longer, with a mesh layer underneath. It's so flattering and looks fantastic under all tanks. The back has a great design, too. Perfect for your open-back tanks! I own it in blush, and I would love to pick it up in ALL colors!

[7.0] This work-appropriate, show-stopper lace dress.

This dress has it all: it's bright, collared and lace. I can definitely foresee this as my first day of school dress! (Of course it will be longer on me than this beautifully leggy model). I just got a 50% in the mail for Banana, so I will tuck it away to spend on this beaut!  If you prefer a more subtle hue for your wardrobe, it also comes in navy-- score!

[8.0] This ruffled shirt for work.
The bright emerald color is really breathtakingly gorgeous. This can be paired with a high-waisted skirt, tucked in, or with khaki chinos and Sperrys. It's just such a fun spin on a classy top. The white version would be extremely practical, too! 

[9.0] This flare-sleeve tee.
It is 40% off $44 currently! I drooled over a striped version of this from J.Crew for months, but I never pulled the trigger, and thus lost my opportunity to own it. SO, now I can get my flare-sleeved fix! Also, that price! Loft just sent me a $10 off card. Can't wait to do some back-to-school shopping. Teachers and students-- don't forget that both Loft and J. Crew offer 20% off to teachers and students with a valid ID! 

[10.0] This floral skirt and this faux leather pleated skirt.
You need this two skirts for your fall/winter wardrobe. Last year I hemmed and hawed about purchasing this pleated faux leather skirt, and, of course missed my window of opportunity. BUT! Fear not! It's baaaaack! And with an additional color! The beauty of this faux leather skirt is you could tuck a crisp collared shirt into it or wear it with a cozy sweater. All you'll need for your floral skirt is a plain shirt (any of the colors in the skirt will do!). Actually, pair it with [8.0] and get an even bigger discount at J. Crew! 

And... a bonus! These shoes are quite possibly the most beautiful shoes I've laid eyes on. I know my girl Jules will love them, too! Out of my price range, but they are definitely a shoe I will watch like a hawk until they go on sale as low as my J. Crew sparkly wedding shoes did. I'm such a wimp about a heel, too, so this chunky, low heel really appeals to me. 

What's on your wish list right now? I hope you have a wonderful start to your month! Can you even believe it's August?! I can't! Where is the summer going! Sllooowwww downnnnnn, sweet summer! 
xxoo
Mary