Off the Shoulder

Outside of black and white, was there ever a style combination better suited for each other than black and leopard print? This off the shoulder top and distressed jeans are pretty basic on their own but with a fun printed heel, it totally changes the game. When shopping, I have started to hunt for simple pieces that can be worn over and over by swapping out statement accessories. 

I liked this off the shoulder top because it's plain but the ties at the wrist and peeks of skin keep it interesting. I am getting way to use to being able to customize my clothes...I was able to adjust the length of the sleeves and choose where I wanted it to hit on my hips. Not to mention, I've already thought of multiple other ways I would style it including denim short overalls and white jeans with a colorful neck scarf. No matter which style you prefer, this top has date night written all over it :)

P.S. You may or may not notice I am wearing two difference necklaces in this post...I started with a gold and turquoise medallion but minutes after shooting a few of these, my Park Lane necklace arrived and I was too excited not to try it out...every girl needs a little costume change now & then, don't you think? :)

We were super excited to be included in their Fall 2016 catalog...you can check it out here!

Wearing: 

Top: eShakti - Under $50! (Love this similar one too)

Jeans: Articles of Society c/o E Street Denim

Heels: DSW - Purchased years ago, but still classic

Bag: c/o Sole Society

Sunnies: Zero UV (similar)

Necklace: c/o Park Lane 

Lip color: GloMinerals - Sorbet

Palm (Print) Sunday

Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite moments because not only is it the unofficial kickoff to Summer but we always spend it at the lake and it typically includes many seasonal firsts: First boat ride, first visit to our regular ice cream shop, first s'more making in the backyard and so on. This year's visit did not disappoint, as we filled every moment with things we've been waiting for all Winter. It almost felt like Summer was going to run out in a few days so we were on a mission to accomplish so many goals in a short amount of time. I think a lot of us in the Midwest can empathize with this because we ARE on a time clock, racing against the sunshine and its short lived visit so we try to make the most of every day. 

Speaking of fun, I wore this dress to a lovely al fresco dinner with the family complete with twinkling white lights, outdoor fires & a nightcap in the form of coconut ice cream. Eating outside is just one of my Summer requirements...and I mean EVERY MEAL possible (which drives my husband nuts -- "Soo, we can't eat indoors for the next 3 months?" -- Must I even have to answer this question?!) That said, it's hard to be mad about dining in nature up north because there are so many beautiful spots, especially if you're lucky enough to snag a spot on the water. 

Are you thinking of visiting Lake Geneva soon?

Here are of my favorite places to wine & dine during the Summer months!

1. Pier 290: This place is what alfresco dining dreams are made of - As a farm to table restaurant, the food here is unique and always fresh but the scenery is what truly makes it special. Both outdoors and in are adorned with  re-purposed antique nautical pieces, various doors and fixtures recovered from all over the area. The outdoor area is half table seating and half Caribbean-like sand with beach chairs, offering front row access to the lake. All you need is a drink in hand! 
2. Cafe Calamari - A Williams Bay staple with an Italian menu that's sure to please Family members straight off the boat. Their famous table side tossed salad is amazing, I can't get enough of the dressing. Luckily you can purchase a bottle before you leave and trust me, you'll be dying to! 
3. Carvetti's - Located in downtown LG, this rustic-inspired spot doesn't stand out from the street but impresses upon outdoor arrival with a huge patio and great drink specials. Walk to the pack and you stumble upon a SECOND outdoor patio with tiki huts and colorful lights...planning a party? This is your place
4. Gordy's - We have been dining here reguarly since acquiring the house 19 years ago (P.S. that makes me feel old!) and you can always count on a good time in this nautical setting right next to the lake in Fontana. Casual fare and dress (come in your suit!) make this the perfect lunch/happy hour spot...their build your own bloody mary bar is a favorite of ours. 
5. Mars - This place is TRUE Wisconsin - It's been around since the 1920's but has the feel of a 1950's super club with dark decor and a piano bar complete with singalongs. At first it seems dated but it's filled with charm, fun and an outdoor deck overlooking Lake Como (not to far from LG). 

P.S. Big thanks to my (self-proclaimed Instagram husband) who graciously took these photos...

and mocked my poses along the way ;)

P.S. If you're looking for some fun ways to explore Lake Geneva, stay tuned for my piece on Parasailing in the next issue of Lake & Country Magazine! 

Wearing:

Dress: eShakti

Sandals: c/o Sole Society

Purse: c/o Sole Society

Sunnies: Zero UV (sold out but very similar here)

Necklace: E Street Denim (almost identical)

Lipstick: Glominerals "Crush"

On the Lake, Off the Shoulder

The off the shoulder trend arrived earlier this year and I can officially say, I'm a fan. This is my kind of way to show a little skin...I don't love everything hanging out there for all to see...instead, I prefer subtle hints of skin. I like this top because not only is it off the shoulder but includes peek-a-boo cutouts which is just enough to keep 'em guessing without being too over the top (and totally gives off some Kelly Kapowski vibes!). There is a way to keep it fun AND classy...my 21 year old college self might disagree but if we spent time dwelling on ALL of our early style mistakes, we could be here all day ;)

I wore this over Memorial Day weekend at the lake house and it was perfect for the unofficial start to Summer. By the time we made it down to the pier for our evening hangout, storms had started to roll in which made for some dark outfit photos (whoops, sorry friends) but some really cool weather shots! 

Here's few I captured with my phone:

So naturally, as I'm geeking out over being a temporary storm chaser, my Family is starting to freak out about the impending lightning and mass of black clouds coming straight at us. Understandable, I suppose. Nevertheless, they were good sports and managed to capture a few more shots of my casual weekend look before sprinting to the car in an effort to shoe the pups outside before the downpour. Thanks guys...#bloggersgottablog!

Wearing: 
Top: c/o Tobi - P.S. your first Tobi order is 50% off! Shorts: Lisa's, old - similar here Sandals: c/o Sole Society Bag: c/o Sole Society Sunnies: Zero UV - sold out but similar here

The Ultimate Summer Jumpsuit

If this isn't the outfit of a woman who's ready for a vacation, I don't know what is. This is me like, "bags are packed and I'm halfway to the beach with a drink order on deck." This is another look from my Trunk Club experience so if you needed further proof that their stylists are right on the money, this is it because I am in love. This jumpsuit is one of those rare items that feels like it was made for me. Minus the unavoidable "jumpsuit ass" that's inevitable with one piece styles (sorry guys, no can fix), it fits like a glove and works for so many situations. Dress down with sandals, up with heels... Not to mention, I'm obsessed with the bow accent and cropped length. WINNER.

Shop this look:

This outfit just screams Summer which I am so looking forward to. Plans include a lot of time at the lake house, a girls weekend/bachelorette party, a fun wedding with friends and attacking our home to-do list with my hubs. Oh, and maybe packing a vintage suitcase while waiting to be picked up in a classic car going anywhere but here...or that's just the backstory I imagine for these photos ;)

Wearing:
Jumper: Madewell Jacket: Kut from the Kloth Hat: BCBG Max Azria Necklace: Forever 21, old (similar) Shoes: Sole Society (old but similar here) Bag: Sole Society Sunnies: Zero UV (sold out but similar) Lipstick: Glominerals "Crush"

Chambray PJ's? Two different views.

Actual conversation with my husband:

Me: So, what do you think of this? You said I looked cute today but what do you think of the style?

Husband: Yeah, what is that called?

Me: A romper 

Husband: Isn't that the same thing as a onesie? You're essentially wearing pajama's...outside 

Me: EXACTLY....

This is one of those conversations that perfectly highlights the difference in the way males and females think – We both see the same thing when we look at it: A comfortable outfit that resembles something similar to pajamas. Taking that a step further though, I think it’s chic and stylish whereas he remains confused and unsure of how this became acceptable to wear in public.

I still keep him in the back of my mind when I’m getting dressed because of course, I always want him to think I look pretty but as he explained to me, he really believes people are judged far too much based on what they’re wearing. Why do we place so much importance on it, he asks. To him, clothing is a necessity…to me, it is an indulgence. 

I’ve always loved fashion (hence why I’m here and not writing about bird watching) but sometimes, he does a good job of bringing me back down to earth. I will always believe your apparel is an essential part of your personality but to his point, a person is much more than their clothes and it’s important that we remember that, especially in the world of blogging for style.

With all that said, I still want to be clear about one thing; I'm obsessed with rompers and jumpers.

Jumper: Old Navy (swap w/ Lisa) | Kimono: Target (swap w/ Lisa) | Sandals: Old Navy | Bag: Forever 21 (old) 

Sunnies: ZeroUV | Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar) | Watch: JORD | Necklace: Rocksbox (swap w/ Lisa)

Ring: Pree Brulee (swap w/ Lisa) 

Do you ever have similar conversations with your spouse? 

How do their opinions enter into your fashion choices?