Red, White and Chambray

It's that time of year again.. obviously I'm referring to Christmas in July, or as most of you know it, the 4th. It's my second favorite holiday -- the epitome of Summer, where everything wonderful about the season comes together: Sunshine, bbq's, good company and time by the lake. 

This will be my 18th year of watching fireworks on the pier. That also means 18 years of eating my Mom's famous pasta salad for lunch but enjoying it even more when it dig in for round two at night. 18 years of walking down to the lake for a mid-day swim (7 of which have included red solo cups full of something spiked to enjoy on the way down). 18 years of my brother purchasing fireworks at a roadside tent and insisting we set them off, despite my Mom's continuous warnings that the neighbors will hate us for it. 18 years of bacci ball competitions and more recently, bags tournaments to kick off the festivities. And probably one of my fondest memories, 18 years of watching "What About Bob" in the basement theater with cousins and friends...some of us falling asleep mid-way through, some of us quoting every line ("A vacation from my problems!").

Sometimes I can't believe we've been doing these things for so long...but mostly, I just feel lucky to have experiences like these that continue to make me so excited year after year. 

Read more about our favorite 4th traditions here!

I have a few different outfit ideas for our party...Looks like it's going to be a patriotic theme allll weekend long ;)

P.S. Still deciding what to cook this weekend? Try this easy sandwich idea which is great for a crowd & stay tuned for a festive drink post this Friday.

Wearing:

Dress: Old Navy (very similar from ON)

Shoes: Converse

Scarf: Target (and it's under $6!)

Bag: Sole Society (very similar)

Sunnies: Target (love this cat eye version too!)

Lipstick: "Jetset" by GloMinerals

The Perfect Summer Swim Style

As you guys know, one piece swimsuits are having a major moment. It had been years since I wore one, probably since my diving meets during  freshman year of high school (reverse tucks, you are NOT missed). Though I spent so many Summers in a bikini, I will tell you, I never found one that was a perfect match -- too revealing, not enough support, too MUCH support (aka underwire isn't cool in your teens...or ever) so with that said, I was pretty excited to try one on again and honestly, it felt fantastic. 

No longer am I worried about jumping in the water and losing my top or constantly adjusting my straps. Plus, a lot of the current styles are super flattering and fun with different patterns and prints...Seriously, why have I waited so long to make the switch? If this isn't a great time to blast "when 2 become 1" by the Spice Girls, there simply isn't one.

When it comes to beach accessories, I partnered with J. Jill to complete my lakeside look. Ladies, this is no longer just your Mom's favorite store...take it from someone who has been wearing these pieces non-stop. I've always had a weird obsession with white coverups, probably because they look so sleek when combined with a golden tan and a colorful suit and this poncho is so versatile as it can be worn multiple different ways (1 shoulder, off the shoulder, longer on one side, etc.). I added rose gold sandals & a nautical bracelet stack for the ultimate Summer ensemble. Only thing missing is a giant swan float...#sobasic.

One last thing though, this swimsuit is my JAM. I literally want to live in it...from the strappy back to the cut outs on the hips and a vibrant Summer print. By adding a pair of shorts or poncho, this beach style suddenly becomes appropriate enough to grab coffee from your favorite morning spot (speaking from experience, if I may).

Have you found a great one piece?  What's on your Summer style list?
Wearing: Swimsuit: Target (under $30!) Cover up: c/o J. Jill Sandals: c/o J. Jill Headband: Headbands of Hope Bracelet stack: c/o J. Jill Shorts: LOFT (old but similar here under $35) Necklace: E Street Denim (similar) Sunnies: Jason Wu via DITTO - Try this pair FREE with code "sistersmarie"

Little White Dress

My collection of dresses continues to grow each year, as Summer is my favorite season and I really look forward to those days of “throwing on & going.” During the Winter months, so much time is spent on coordinating multiple pieces of an outfit: Your base layer, sweater/knit, socks, second pair of socks, jeans, scarf, boots, first jacket, puffer jacket, and so on. This is time consuming and tiring...No, seriously, how inconvenient is that process? I LOVE being able to pick out a beautiful dress, only worrying about which sandals and sunnies will go best ;)

Over time, I have become more careful with my dress purchases, taking the time to consider staple pieces vs. current trends and what will last me into next year and beyond. This dress from LOFT is special because I wore it to my wedding rehearsal dinner (almost 3 years ago...OMG guys! When did that happen? I’m now as you kids say, married AF.) My Mom and I had gone shopping together for some Wedding-related items and both of our eyes lit up when we saw this little white dress. I loved the elegant collar, jeweled detail and cinched waist…it’s flattering, chic and in my mind, timeless. 

I hadn't worn it much since and figured it was a perfect choice for the Sole Society happy hour – a kickoff to Summer and 3 more months of wearing as many white dresses as possible! Is anyone else currently obsessed?

Have you picked up a LWD yet this season?

Wearing:

Dress: LOFT (old but love this style with a similar neckline)

Jacket: J. Crew

Shoes: Just Fab (old but similar here)

Sunnies: DITTO - Get your first month free using code "SISTERSMARIE"

Bag: c/o Sole Society

Lip color: GloMinerals - Sorbet

Pretty in Parasols

Lately, I've been loving quirky prints when it comes to Summer dresses. I think this flamingo style was the start of a long relationship with fun patterns and feminine shapes. From a distance, this dress looks like it's adorned with tiny triangles but they are actually colorful parasols...umm, YES PLEASE, this is all sorts of precious. I wore this to a baby shower for one of my best friends and it was a super dreary day outside so I figured it was the perfect choice. Shower...rain...umbrellas, get it?

The print is even more likable when you can customize the style yourself. Before I ordered it, I decided to change the length, as it originally fell below my knees so I made it a bit shorter and switched out the neckline as well. I should mention, this post is not sponsored - When eShakti first reached out to us a few years ago, I had never heard of the brand, and now, it's one of the first places I look for clothes because not only are they unique in style but by adding my own spin, I can guarantee nobody else will have the same piece. I have become a real fan of the brand and truly recommend it when you're looking for something different. Everything from the customer service down to the alterations is personal and tailored to you.

I also ordered this off the shoulder top and customized the length -- Coming to the blog soon!

Wearing:

Dress: eShakti

Jacket: J. Crew (similar)

Heels: c/o Sole Society

Bag: c/o Sole Society

Bracelet: LOFT (similar)

Sunnies: DITTO: Use code "SISTERSMARIE" at checkout for your first month free!

A Denim & Crochet Kind-Of Day

Some days, you get dressed and spend the whole day wishing you had worn something else. Whether you woke up late or just felt off when selecting your outfit, you just can’t wait to get home in sweatpants. This was NOT one of those days. I look forward to these rare opportunities which allow me to get a little fancy, such as our Family outing for Mother’s Day. I’m still of the mindset that Sunday brunch calls for the best of the best, be it lace or a full skirt, or in this case…both. 

I had been lusting after this dress long after Lisa wore it and it felt just as magical on, as it did in photos. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought so – Between our (SUPER delicious) meal at Prasino and our walk through town, I received so many kind compliments on the dress. To the elderly gentleman who did a double take and let me know I was beautiful, you made my day. I certainly felt that way…if only everything we wore gave us that kind of boost, right?!

What items in your closet make you feel great?

Wearing:

Dress: Choies (save | splurge)

Shoes: Just Fab (similar)

Jacket: J.Crew

Purse: c/o Sole Society

Blooms: Mariano's

Sunnies: c/o Ditto - Use "SISTERSMARIE" at checkout for your first month free!

Tone it Up for Summer

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day." I know this to be true because it has become my mantra as of late. I have always been a fitness fanatic with running as my constant and yoga as a new but permanent addition. In between both of these work outs, I have fallen in love with walking wherever and whenever I can. Every year once the warmer weather returns, my co-workers and I utilize our lunch breaks for walks near the office, not only to break up the monotonous act of sitting for hours but to get in our steps. To up our game, my girlfriend and I are partaking in the Tone it Up challenge to walk 150 miles by Summer. The challenge is a part of the TIU "Bikini Series", aka 8 weeks of meal plans, workouts and motivation to prep for Summer. K&K are adorable so not only do you want to join them for their workouts but become best friends ;)

Want to join me on the walking challenge? You can print your own chart here - it's a great way to stay motivated and keep track of your progress.

As you guys know, the Geneva Lake path is my favorite place to accumulate steps - Not only is it a great workout because the path constantly changes but it's the ultimate stress reliever. With unbeatable scenery (both the lake and luxury homes lining the path), it makes for an intimate interaction with the outdoors that I can't get enough of. If I lived here full time, I would be out there every morning with my pup...I just can't imagine a better way to start my day.

How are you toning up for Summer? Hope you'll join me in the walking challenge!

Wearing:

Top: E Street Denim (similar here)

Pants: c/o MPG Sport

Long sleeve top: c/o MPG Sport

Sunnies: Prada via DITTO - Get your first month free with code "SISTERSMARIE"

Hat: Pier 290 (always representing!)

Shoes: Nike (similar here, love these!)

Fitz's harness: Ruffwear - I am including this link because we love it! We have tried other brands but this is super comfortable on him yet gives us the security we need when walking.