Shop The Look: Summer Style

If you are like us, you are always looking on Pinterest for style inspiration. There are so many beautiful street style photos out there, how can you not be inspired?

This summer is all about effortless looks that are easy and breezy. Here are a two looks that we are definitely going to recreate:

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What do you think of these looks? What is you idea of the perfect summer outfit?

Blog of the Month: Ring My Bell

We were first introduced to Ashley via the ABC show Revenge, but we quickly grew to love her outside of her dishonorable character through her fashion blog. Ashley has a great sense of style but what we love the most, is how it's always changing. 

She will wear vintage Levi's and combat boots one day and leather sweatpants with Saint Laurent sandals another and this is why we're always intrigued to come back for more. When you're not attached to one trend or style, there is so much more room to have fun with your clothes.

Here are a few of Ashley's OOTD's that we love:

Which one is your favorite look?

Who are your go-to style bloggers?

Rocked it & Swapped it

We love a dress that you can wear multiple time throughout the year and make it look different each time and this Shop Frankie's piece is a perfect example. 

By adding a leather jacket, high heel and teased pony, Lisa turned a simple summer dress into the ultimate look for a summer rock show. She also wore it for a casual date night on the beach in Mexico and to a whiskey tasting this winter -- by adding a printed scarf, she gave the dress a totally different look, making it like a whole new outfit. 

When I found the dress in my #swap bag, I didn't waste any time and put it on that day. By adding a gold belt and jean jacket, I was ready for lunch by the lake or a visit to the beach…you never know where the day will take you ;) 

Which one is your favorite look?

Who Doesn't Love a Great Print?

I don't know about you, but I love me a great print dress!
This one is unique because the print changes half way down making it look a bit like separates. I have worn this dress three times now and each time I just add some jewelry and I'm good to go. I always say, oh next time I'll layer over it or next time I'll switch the belt, but I always end up keeping it as is. If it's not broken, don't fix it, right?

I paired the easy summer look with gold accessories and a great nude wedge to elongate my legs.

Dress: Golden Tote // Shoes: c/o Just Fab // Watch: Fossil // Druzy Ring: EG Jewelry // Hashtag Ring: T+J Designs // Buckle Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Earrings: House of Gemmes // Arrow Necklace: c/o Sarah Aghili 

The look was perfect for a family outdoor party over the weekend. I was able to eat lots and have space in my dress (which is key) and play with the kids comfortably too!

Do you love a great print dress? How would you style this one?

Puppy Love: Top 5 Tips!

If you follow us on Instagram, it's impossible not to know that my husband and I recently adopted a rescue puppy (11 weeks old and he is already the most photographed dog ever). Fitzgerald (Fitz, for short) is a boxer lab mix that we rescued from Wagging Hearts, a 100% foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization serving Chicago and Wisconsin. 

From the second he got in the car to come home with us, we loved him more than words could say. He is a wonderful addition to our lives and we have learned so much in a few short weeks. 

Here is our puppy top 5:

1. BABIES: Puppies are pretty much just furry versions of babies: They eat, poop, play and sleep (A LOT. See #4) Not to mention selective hearing and trying to put everything they shouldn't in their mouths. I realize some parents are probably laughing at me for comparing the two, but my husband and I are now responsible for another life so I think it's fair to say that it's good practice for the next step...

2. TIMING: We got him at the end of May and for the first 3 or 4 days we had him, we spent all day outside since it was so nice out. We praised him constantly when he went to the bathroom so he picked up on the rules pretty quickly and he's only had 3 accidents in the house, all of which were in the first week...Either he’s a genus pup or he realized that summertime in the backyard is where all the magic happens ;)

We also hung a string of bells on the door that leads to the deck and started touching his paw to them every time we took him out – a few days later, he was doing it himself, letting us know when it’s time. Looks like Pavlov knew what he was talking about!

3. SOCIAL: Socialize him with people and other dogs from the get go. It is important for dogs to interact with people and pooches outside of your home so they welcome your house guests with open arms in the future. We started with a few outdoor family parties and our town’s summer festival and I must say, he was in heaven with all the sights and sounds (but mostly his first taste of ribs…spoiled already).

4. SLEEP: Puppies need sleep, almost as much as they long for tug of war…the two go hand in hand, really. We have come to realize how important it is to exercise him multiple times a day because he is much happier when he gets exercise (but aren’t we all?) As they say, a tired dog is a happy dog and I love taking walks in our neighborhood, so this has become a routine all 3 of us benefit from. 

Fitz can fall asleep just about anywhere…much like his Dad ;)

In loving arms

On the car ride home

At Grandma's

On Dad's shoes

And the best one of all, with a best friend

5. LOVE: Your dog is a very important member of your family but unlike other humans who have family and friend circles of their own, you are his everything and he counts on you every minute (just read the dog's POV and try not to cry!)

 My best advice? Give him unlimited kisses and snuggles, even if you said you would never let him on the couch ;)

Do you have a furry friend at home? 

What is your best dog tip?

Get Pinspired: Monochromatic

What's not to love about a great monochromatic look? With the 4th of July coming up we are loving the idea of wearing all red and adding chic accessories of course!

Check out our pinspired look:

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All items are currently selling on Because I Shop Too Much. Why not shop the look for less while you are at it, makes sense to us! 

Do you wear monochromatic outfits? Have you ever worn all red or pink?

Maxi Dress Obsession

How amazing is this dress? I can not believe that I found it at Forever 21 for under $25!
It was love at first sight and made a great addition to my ever growing maxi dress collection. The double slit makes it a bit sexier then some of my other dresses, but the material is so lightweight and breezy it felt like I was wearing pajamas.

I decided to keep the styling simple by adding perfect kitten heels, minimal jewelry, and mirrored sunglasses.

Dress: Forever 21 // Bag: Just Fab // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Watch: Fossil // Initial Necklace: House of Gemmes // Buckle Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing 

Do you ever see a maxi dress and know even before you try on that it will be one of your favorites? Do you have a ever growing maxi dress collection like I do?

Rocked it & Swapped it

I found this blazer at Target back in early 2013 and it was love at first site. Because it is a statement blazer, I have only worn it a handful of times, but I love how it can be worn with a casual or dressy outfit. 

The first time I wore it, I used the blazer to dress up a graphic tee and cutoffs for a play date. When Kaitlyn styled it, she dressed it up by pairing it with a denim on denim look for a brunch we attended. 

Here is how we both styled the blazer: 

What do you think of how we have paired the blazer? How would you style it?

Shop the look:

4th of July Recipes with CK Mondavi Wine!

Kaitlyn: When it comes to wine, I have made a transition over the past few years from nothing but Riesling to being a huge red wine snob (Pinot Noir and Malbec are my go-to's). When I first started enjoying wine, I couldn't process the thought of red wine because it was served warm... but now, the thought of Riesling makes my teeth hurt because it's too sweet -- it's funny how your palette changes over the years, but one thing that doesn't change is my excitement to try different brands.

Lisa and I recently enjoyed two different wines from CK Mondavi that were perfect compliments to some of my favorite summer recipes. CK Mondavi is produced in Napa Valley by the iconic C. Mondavi and family which resonates with me as I work for a family-owned business and understand all the hard work that entails.

CK Mondavi perfect for 4th of July...Not only is it the only wine in this price point to be 100% American made & grown, but a percentage of sales goes to supporting veterans. CK Mondavi donates to Intrepid FallenHeroes Fund (IFHF), an organization that supports the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

The "Blonde Five" was just the right compliment to the ultimate American summer salad I made. So what makes this wine delicious, you ask?

Here is my favorite (and SIMPLE) 4th of July Salad Recipe: 

2 cups mixed salad greens

1/4 cup feta cheese

2 tablespoons candied or toasted walnuts

4 strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup blueberries

raspberry vinaigrette dressing (this one is my favorite)

1) Lay greens on the plate

2) Pile the feta and walnuts in the middle of the greens

3) Scatter the strawberries and blueberries on top

4) Serve with dressing on the side and a glass of Blonde Five

Lisa: I am currently trying to get into wines more myself. I used to always order Prosecco or Riesling or even sometimes champagne. I love a little sparkle and sweet to my drinks. Or at least I thought I did before I started trying more and more red wines. Depending on the type of  red wine you are drinking, you can still get your sweet and it's way better for you. A glass a day, right? 

I recently tried CK Mondavi's Cabernet Sauvignon and I was very pleased with the taste! There were rich fruit flavors which gave me the sweet I crave but not overwhelmingly sweet. I too never thought I'd enjoy room temperature wine, but the more I try, the more I find I do. 

Here is a some more information on their Cabernet Sauvignon:

This wine would be perfect for all your 4th of July parties. It pairs great with dinner or can be enjoyed while relaxing outside with your family. I find a glass at the end of the day is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Especially now that the weather is nicer, hello summer! 

What's your favorite type of wine? What foods do you like to pair them with?

We were selected for this opportunity as members of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all our own.

Casual Weekend Wear

Nothing says causal weekend wear like cutoffs, flats, and a white top (don't forget the hat).
It's cozy enough to wear all day and cute enough to be seen out in public in.

I wore this combo during my last trip to the lake house and it was perfect for everything from riding around in the golf cart to heading to the local antique/restoration store. Comfort is key, but it's a double score when the look is cute as well!

Top: JC Penny // Shorts: Gap // Shoes: Target // Hat: Forever 21 // Bag: Just Fab // Watch: Fossil // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Initial Necklace: House of Gemmes 

This outfit is the epitome of effortless. My hair was not clean so I tossed on a hat! What takes less effort then that?

What do you wear on the weekends? What do you think of this outfit?