5.31.2017

#60YearsofArja

made a banner that didn't do great in photos. Good thing the ladies in my fam do! 
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some sweet ladies that are very dear to our family (and were a big part of my childhood!)
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My dad's toast (encouraging my brothers to find a woman like my mom) which concluded in a HANDSHAKE
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Tuppy's toast included the phrase "And I'm still here!!"
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Tuppy and Coren played and sang In The Blood
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Me getting choked up during my toast, nothing to see here! 
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Mom FaceTiming Sundar in Japan for a minute!
IMG_1427 I couldn't help but share some of the photos from my mom's 60th birthday party the other weekend! Stephanie came to hang and take photos and captured it all SO well. My mom loves photos and always has (sorting through 60 years for that slideshow was a real project!) and I knew having great photos from the celebration would be another gift to her altogether.

And the party went really well and was kinda perfect for my sweet Mom; multi-colored tulips, her closest friends (dating back to when they moved to California in the 80's), tiny Finnish flags in the dessert, and of course her seven favorite kids :) with my family, it's always a family affair!

Oh, I wrote more about the party/weekend here and shared what I wore here.


Ok, now I'm really signing off to head to Chicago for the weekend. Follow along in the meantime on Instagram or Twitter, if you like! 
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MAY / parade

LIFE: I'm not gonna say it...here we are at the end of May, and I can't believe it! It's Summer!!
+  I've been quietly making "small goals" all year, but not sharing them because they've been a) too personal b) too boring or c) too unaccomplished (which, I realize is not exactly how the system works.) But I have to say, I crushed some goals this month & I'm pretty proud. Here's a peek at what I accomplished in May!
+ Rebrand blog | DONE! This was quite a project, but I've been so pleased with the result. Rebrand post here.
+ Finish the Bikini Body Guide | This wasn't necessarily a goal for this month, but as of yesterday, I'm DONE!
+ Renew car registration | See? Boring, but totally important (and, the law, as I was reminded) Check!
+ Renew license | Because it expired this month, as everyone reminded me. Did it last month & got it this month!
+ Co-host my Mom's 60th | DONE & it was so great! Recap here, what I wore here, more pics to come.
+ Bike to work once/week | I'm on the Giving Back Team at work, and this was one of our initiatives for Bike to Work Month! I'm giving myself this one (I'm just a one way trip short. Long story.) This wasn't easy and took a bit of planning, but I really enjoyed starting and ending my work day this way! Hoping to keep biking this Summer.
+ Ok, I'll share one goal I haven't quite nailed- swapping out Winter clothes for Summer clothes, cleaning out my closet, and listing a whole bunch of stuff on Poshmark. See, I'm human.

ON THE BLOG:
+ I kicked things off around here last month with a new mantra for me, and shared two Weekend Updates: from when Carina came to town, and I went home for a long weekend for my Mom’s birthday and Katie’s wedding.
+ On the personal style side of things, I wore all my bright colors together because I can’t help it, and debuted a few new favorites in my closet: this Madewell denim dress my girlfriend jeans, and this navy linen romper.

ON THE NIGHTSTAND:
+ I absolutely loved Insecure on HBO and was so excited to read the genius, hilarious Issa Rae’s book Awkward Black Girl. It was a super funny, insightful, light read that I started to balance out finishing East of Eden and finished up this month! Definitely recommend as a pool or beach read!
+ I finished the Bikini Body Guide for the second time, & this time I drank the Kool Aid and ordered Kayla Itsines' 28 Day Lifestyle Guide. More than anything I wanted some healthy recipes to try (it includes a meal plan!) but it's also just a gorgeous coffee table book. Hopefully I can actually make something and share it here. Stay tuned! 
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BEAUTY: So, I got a haul this month. I'm just going to highlight (make-up pun) some new favorites for now.
Benefit Cheek Party | I absolutely love anything by Benefit, not only for the branding, but the products themselves! I finally caved & bought this in their "vending machine" at the airport. It includes: Hoola Lite bronzer (cult fave!), Dandelion (soft blush/shimmer), Rockateur (bright blush/shimmer), Sugarbomb (love this- multi-dimensional blush!), & a mini They're Real mascara and gel eyeliner (which is the BEST & I'm obsessed.) This palette was worth it!
Jordana Best Lash mascara | I mentioned I went down the rabbit hole of YouTube Beauty Vloggers this month, specifically, learning about drugstore dupes! THIS random mascara is an alleged dupe of the best, Benefit They're Real! When I heard that, I gasped and immediately went and bought it. I have to say, it's pretty great (and $2.)
Wet n Wild foundation | I haven't worn real foundation in years. Christine recommended this! It's great, especially for someone not used to a full face. Smooth, light coverage, and I love the way it looks! I wear Desert Beige.
Maybelline Age Rewind concealer | Cult fave, added to an Ulta order to use a coupon. Sponge applicator tho! 
+ Wet n Wild highlighter | Coming soon, a post of all the Wet n Wild stuff I love! This in Precious Petals is dreamy. 


SHOPPING: I think I just picked up a few Spring/Summer refresh pieces this month. 
+ clogs | Carina pointed out a great sale & you know I can't resist clogs. I got the "Suzanne" style in pink!
+ tropical dress | The prints in the Old Navy Spring line are to die for! I couldn't resist these bright florals.
+ belt | And who doesn't love snow leopard? I haven't worn this yet, but can't wait to pair it with trousers.
+ striped tights | Because you're always allowed to buy workout clothes & Old Navy's are really great.
+ swimsuit top | Snow leopard x 2! This is my one swim purchase for the season (I have a bunch + don't wear 'em)

POP CULTURE: Would you believe me if I said it was a light month for pop culture for me? 
+ Harry Styles, Harry Styles | This was the big release of the month for me that's been on repeat! I'm absolutely loving his solo debut. I tried to get tickets to the tour but that's a tragic tale. Listen to: Only Angel.
+ twerkout now | My workout playlist, updated weekly, feels like the only other thing I've been listening to!
+ Master of None, Season 2 | I'm a huge fan of Aziz Ansari and loved the first season of this so much! I'm actually only halfway through the second season, but it's so good. And there's a Priya character.
+ podcasts | My only personal flaw is that I don't like podcasts (lol.) The bigger issue being that I have a short attention span and just can't get into them! I did, however, really enjoy an episode of Fresh Air that featured an interview Aziz Ansari. Send your podcast recs to me!
P.S. Let's connect on Spotify!

NASHVILLE: Looking for more Nashville recommendations? Right here! 
5th & Taylor | When Carina was in town we went to dinner at here on Saturday night. The place, cocktails, and bison meatloaf I had were all stupendous! Can't recommend it enough.
+ Gojo Ethiopian | I know I've mentioned this before, but I have to give another shout-out to honestly one of my favorite spots in town! It never lets me down and I kinda want to go next week for my birthday!

Ok, your turn! If you have great life blogging reading beauty shopping pop culture Nashville (or your city!) recs, I would love to hear about them! Share below!!

AprilMarch / February / January
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5.30.2017

Rager Romper

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| lip: Wet n Wild LiquidCatsuit in Nice to Fuchsia | earrings: Madewell {similar} | romper: boutique {similar} {similar} | | heels: Anthropologie {similar} | bangles: gift (Target) {similar} | mani: OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around |

Did you know my outfits are labeled by season? First outfit of Summer 2017Fall / Winter / Spring

I love when my outfits correspond to a memory of a special event- it's one of the best parts of this blog for me, honestly! So of course I could not resist getting a few pictures of my outfit for my mom's "rager" the other weekend (that's a joke because it was a very tame party.) Especially because Stephanie, whose name I'm sure you recognize from around the blog, and who I've known since I was eight and knows my family really well, was the official party photographer! Can't wait to share more of the wonderful photos she took. We popped outside the venue for literally five minutes before the party started and took these. And I don't ever enjoy being accosted while taking photos, but when I'm in blackout party host mode, I'll ask you to get out of my face and I won't even be nice about it. 

I found this romper at a local boutique back in March, and I can already tell it's going to be a favorite this Summer! Nothing is as easy breezy as an entire outfit in one piece, and a romper feels totally on trend. Styles like this are usually made for someone of "average height" (of which I am not!) but I was pleasantly surprised at how perfectly this fits me. These heels are a very random clearance find from Anthropologie back in December (I was there to get Christmas presents, you know how it goes...) I was so excited to finally break them out! Hello, Summer shoe! 

Happy MonTuesday, by the way! I'm sure you're dragging a little bit after a long weekend, just like me! I love my job, but it is always hard to go back after that extra day off. Not that I have anything to complain about, at all, because I have the shortest work week ever- I'm headed to Chicago on Thursday morning for a birthday-ish long weekend! Summer hours start now (as my boss has lovingly been calling them!) I'll be back before then to share my month recap for May, and more photos from the party. Talk to you soon!

photos by my wonderful friend Steph!
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5.24.2017

Stripey Behavior

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| glasses: ban.do {similar} | lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Red Alert | necklace: H&M {similar} | purse: Pop & Suki (gift) | button-up: Polo Ralph Lauren via Jamie {similar in blue or pink} | jeans: Urban Outfitters | heels: Nordstrom Rack

click the item name for alternate wears on the blog / brand to shop exact or similar 


Hey there! A few things:

+ Can I tell you about the worst possible thing to happen to a blogger? When you think you came up with an awesome outfit, only to realize you had actually pinned it years ago? This just happened to me twice. I was so hyped about this look, that came together with a few new-ish to me pieces, until I saw it on my Outfits to Try board on Pinterest (now it lives on my Pin For The Win board.) Oh well. 

+ These jeans! I can't stop wearing them. Should I apologize in advance if my next five posts feature them? I went -WHERE ELSE- to Urban Outfitters, where all the cool kids go, looking for a trendy cut of denim. I tried on both "Mom jeans" (which were the most horrendous thing I have ever put on my body) and these girlfriend jeans, which are an A++. How are they magically the perfect length for me (this never happens!) They are also stretchy, so comfy, and the perfect rise. You don't have to use my affiliate link, but you DO have to buy these jeans. 

+ The best day comes but once a year, and it happened recently! My work friend, Jamie, who is honest to god one of the most hilarious people I've ever met, lets me help her clean out her closet! That night involved Rosé, a novelty print swimsuit, and a LOAD of goodies. I mean, I could have a new signature look with how many oxford button-ups she gave me. Coming soon to a blog near you! #handmedownsarelife

+ Loads more about this purse (that has my name on it!!!) right here

+  I have to give a shout-out to East Nashville, where I've lived on and off since I graduated four years ago (eek!) and absolutely love. Where I live right now, specifically, is my favorite spot I've lived in the entire time I've been in Nashville (I guess I won't say where specifically but, it's right by this mural!) This part of town certainly has its' charms, and I really enjoy a Saturday where I can wander around and don't have to cross the bridge- ha! I've been eyeing this mural for a while, and it seemed like the perfect ode to the neighborhood I love so much!
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How cute is my sister?? She's trying to stay off the grid so I won't say her full name. When she came to town a few weeks ago, we brunched at Little Octopus, stopped by this mural, and then spent a long afternoon on the couch. It was pretty perfect.

Since I was off last Friday and Monday, my week has been all over the place (like, more than usual even) but really great! I've had no idea what day it is. And of course there's a long weekend ahead and then another extra short week (because I'm celebrating my birthday in Chicago!) Have a wonderful long weekend and thanks for reading! 


pictures by the incomparable Little Peanut
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5.23.2017

Weekend Update: #60YearsofArja & #NicetobeWong

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Several people commented this weekend on how nicely it worked out that my mom’s birthday party was the same weekend as Katie’s wedding- to which I replied, that’s cute, no I totally planned it that way. What happened was as soon as Katie texted me and said, “hey does May 21st sound ok for our wedding?” I sent an email Save the Date to my family that said “hey Mom’s party is May 19th- be there.” So, per absolute usual, it was a jam-packed festive weekend, and that’s just how it has to be when I go home! I say "has to" like I’m complaining- not complaining, I am absolutely amused by it.

I got in Thursday night, made the most of my “Central Time alarm clock” and spent Friday running around with last minute party errands, as well and going to lunch with my parents, Coren & Marisol, & Amir. A completely normal thing that was such a treat to me!

Then together with my partner in crime, (shout-out to Galina!), threw my angel mother the 60th birthday bash of the century! It was a family and friends that feel like family affair through and through. Steph came to hang and take photos (cannot WAIT to share those! THANKS Steph! <3), my brothers played & sang In The Blood (it only takes until the first line of this song before I start weeping), I spent way too many hours on a slideshow, and forced everyone in my family to make a “toast”, including Sundar, who submitted a “video toast” because he just got deployed. And yeah, that was impossible to top. Not a dry eye!

The biggest way I see myself becoming like my mom (I can only hope to be so lucky!) is that MAN I am a crier. I want to reinforce that I am sentimental but not sensitive, and it’s never about sad things. In fact, I’m writing this on the plane and sitting next to a mom with a baby, and an older lady across the aisle just said “I’m a mom too. If you need a third hand, just let me know.” And this is exactly the kind of stuff I’m talking about- I could have cried for the rest of the flight if I allowed myself!

Anyway- the party was a hit. My mom told me she felt loved and celebrated which was really the only thing we needed to accomplish. It was so fun to pamper and celebrate her because she really is the most deserving person. My toast was a thank you for being patient and not selling me to the gypsies, and having an un-rivaled servant’s heart: as evidenced by her helping us prep for the party that day (I was like MOM- GET OUT OF HERE this is your party!) and serving one million meals, and, ultimately, getting thrown up on by my dad’s sister at her own 60 birthday party, because she was helping someone in need (it was less of a “turnt” situation and solely a “she passed out” situation.) I’m not really sure if I’m supposed to be sharing that! But it happened! And she is truly an angel! And today is actually her birthday- Happy Birthday Mom, LYMTL!

After an abbreviated post mortem night out with my sibs, I was up for wedding central! We spent Saturday running around and at the rehearsal & dinner and ultimately forcing Katie to go to sleep as early as possible.

I’ll keep this short because this post has somehow become very long and I will share photos from the wedding and write more about it; but all you need to know is that Katie is the type of friend that will buy YOU lunch the day before her wedding. And I would do absolutely anything she asked me to do, ever. The wedding was such proof that she is that way to ANYONE she meets. There are some friends you just feel lucky to know, and Katie is one of those for me.

I am excited to get to know Jon even more, though we did all go to high school together (actually- there were quite a number of people I graduated with in/at the wedding which was so fun! I got to walk with Kenny who I ADORE but never ever get to see! I also ran into our class president [have I ever mentioned I was Vice President?] and we were like, hey, time to plan our ten year reunion in two years…which, I can’t even talk about. HOW is that possible?) Everything I know about Jon I love! He is very gentle, and kind, and called me to ask/tell me he was going to propose to Katie (i KNOW), and he certainly looked very handsome this weekend!

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, I love a wedding day, because my only job is to get ready and hang out with my best friends and help the bride! The wedding was BEAUTIFUL, I could not get over the California backdrop. This is going to sound insufferable but especially after just reading East of Eden I couldn’t stop gaping at how beautiful the Bay Area is. It really has become the age old question for me, Nashville or the Bay…

I wept through the ceremony that Katie’s sweet dad conducted (naturally) and Katie walking down the aisle with her veil blowing in the wind and the hilly California backdrop and the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack playing was a moment for life if there ever was one!

I got to make the playlist which really freaked me out, but, it turned out great! And was really fun! And I’ve never danced to The Thizzle Dance at a wedding before! #bayroots

Ok, I’m excited to be back in Nashville to kick off Summer time, but California, see ya real soon.
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5.17.2017

Blue Jean Baby

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| lip: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Red Alert | earrings: Madewell | dress: Madewell | clogs: Swedish Hasbeen {similar} | tote: gift (Nordstrom) |

Don't forget: click the item name for alternate wears on the blog/product name to shop exact or similar!
Also: you can view my outfits by season! Check out the Spring fashion label on this post!


Y'all (remind me to tell you the story about when I was hostessing at a restaurant in Nashville and I said "y'all" and someone said "you're not from around here are you?") first of all: THANK YOU for your kind comments, tweets, and texts in response to the new Priya the Blog! I've been working on this for months and when I finally deployed, was kinda frustrated and ready to get it over with, totally not realizing what a morale booster this would be for me personally. Thank you, thank you. So excited about this.

If you stepped away from perfectly Priya for a minute and you're like what the H is going on --> check out this post! Basically everything around here is updated, so be sure and take a look at my About page, Blogs I Love, and the page where you can shop my favorites. Also a heads up that the posts in the "filmstrip" above are my most popular for the last year or so, and probably a great place to start. Last thing and then I'll shut up about it for a while, ye olde blog Twitter is also shiny and new! Let's connect!

This outfit is 100% comprised of my favorites, lately. And I believe for the first time in the history of this blog, this entire look is available for you to shop, right now! Check out that widget below or the links above! My wardrobe is so random/old/secondhand most of the time, I swear.

I originally wore this for day two of stage hosting at our big annual conference: it took me from emceeing all day, to our wrap party, to a comedy show, to a crashing a bachelor party; feeling fresh and comfy all the while! I just want you to know the rigorous tests I put these outfits through before I share them with the world!

I hear mixed reviews about how comfy wooden clogs actually are, but I think because I spend a lot of time wearing uncomfortable shoes, the thick wooden heels really do it for me.

This look was perfect again for a ramen date when my sister was in town the other weekend. Give me all the "sack dresses", seriously, so that I can eat my ramen and then eat her ramen when she doesn't. I finally got my hands on some tassel earrings! And I want a medal because this is probably the first tube of lipstick I bought (long enough ago that I'm embarrassed about it and won't tell you when) and now it's down to the nub!

Ok, what's new with you? #TeamSackDresses or nah? I'm in Nashville for a short week, before I head to California tomorrow for my mom's 60th birthday party on Friday and Katie's wedding on Sunday! Flying back to CA for a weekend of festivities is totally the norm around here. You can tagalong on Twitter and Instagram, and I'll be back here next week, 100.

Shop the look below!

Thank you to my Little Peanut for snapping these photos for me!
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5.11.2017

The New Priya the Blog!

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| earrings: Kate Spade | lip: Too Faced Melted lipstick in Strawberry | blouse: vintage via Any Old Iron {similar} | jeans: Urban Outfitters | heels: Kate Spade {similar} | 

Hey out there! Welcome to the newly rebranded Priya the Blog. I'm so excited to share it with you!

After blogging for a few years and deciding it was definitely something I wanted to keep doing, I made a goal to freshen up this space this year, and continued to think long and hard about a new name and a new look. My angle being: if blogging is something I want to do like, forever, I need a name (and a domain name!) and a "brand" that will always feel like me.

But first, a little more backstory. I started blogging in 2012 after suddenly inheriting a good chunk of free time. Like so many other bloggers, I had followed several blogs for while, wanted but hesitated to start my own, and finally just decided to go for it! I've always maintained that since I'm such an avid (--> obsessive) journalist, blogging seemed like the perfect extension of that; on a platform to share with people, adding in the element of community, as well as sharing photography, music, etc. etc. online. Like, if I write about a song in my journal, I can’t link it to Spotify, ya dig? perfectly Priya felt like it fit me then, but it just doesn't anymore. I'm not even sure where I was going with that. Still a recovering perfectionist, though ;)

SO while it may not be the most creative, my first name is the one thing that will never change. The other thing that likely won't change is anything about my blog ;) I don't have a "here's where I'm heading" strategy or plans to make it a full-time thing. I'm proud that this little blog has remained exactly how I've wanted it, since I started, and I think that's why I still love blogging as much as I do. I'm just gonna keep writing about whatever I want, ok? 

I'm sure I'll be tweaking things forever, and I'm still working out a few kinks- and on that note, if you spot one, please help a sister out!

Huge thank you to wonderful Adriane for taking these pictures (and so many others), and my talented friend Kevin for designing my header! Couldn't have done it without you guys! 

I guess this is kinda an outfit post too, but the only note I have about this look is that it feels very Priya, and the next five outfit posts feature the same jeans because I cannot stop wearing them. OH- and these pictures were taken at the mural in my neighborhood, which I love SO MUCH.

Ok, love you guys! Thank you, truly, for your support that comes in a million ways. Thanks for reading! Onward!

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5.08.2017

Weekend Update: Sisters Before

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Sometimes your beloved sister needs to change a plane ticket last minute and says, I'll be in Nashville next weekend! 

I don't know if you've gathered that I really *love* maximizing and making plans, but I knew this would be a different kind of weekend. The weather actually shaped up really beautifully, so we kicked things off (after I picked her up at the airport with her favorite queso on Cinco de Mayo AND then we slept for 12 hours, best life) with a walk in my favorite spot, ^ the Shelby Bottoms greenway. Everything is so GREEN in Nashville right now!  

We had two unofficial hashtags ^ for the weekend (I know, I can't help myself) oh, make that three with the help of our unofficial branding consultant and some borrowed phraseology from my mom, (#comfortsoffamily.) I say unofficial because they are kinda a joke but only kinda. Not pictured: an amazing dinner at 5th & Taylor, an entire Sunday afternoon on my couch, a failed hunt for my holy grail girlfriend jeans for Peanut, an Inglewood historic homes tour, brunch at Little Octopus (maybe the best space ever), Despacito about ten times, and a load of lipstick swatches. 

LYMTL Little Peanut, and Nashville does too! See you next weekend (would you believe that we live across the country from each other?) 
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5.05.2017

Tutti Frutti

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| earrings: bridesmaid gift {similar} | lip: Stila Liquid Lipstick in Beso | blouse: vintage [ via Any Old Iron] {similar} | coat: H&M {similar} | jeans: Old Navy | wedges: secondhand via Carina {similar} |

So about 90% of the time these days, all I do is eat salad and take flat lay photos and wear black, white, or gray. Ok so that’s not all true, but, just like you, I’m caught in the chicest of traps- N E U T R A L S. I barely remember how to wear color in a “cool” way anymore! And I’m not really saying this is cool. I’m just saying that once a week I freak out a little bit and want to wear every color in my closet, all at once.

Purple and red is a color combo I am SO ASHAMED to admit that I saw for the first time on an episode of The Bachelor. Everyone knows how I feel about purple (I describe it less as my favorite color and more of my lifestyle) but seeing it paired with red really made me go “hmmm.” I’m into it! How beautiful is this blouse? I found it in a very random vintage shop on my way home from a run one Saturday and ended up going back for it the next weekend (originally noted in my March recap.) For anyone in Nashville or passing through, Any Old Iron is definitely worth checking out! I spoke to the owner, whose background is in costume design- it was actually an incredible sequin blazer on a mannequin that made me go inside in the first place! The store has a great selection of vintage dresses and blouses, along with the handmade line of sequin blazers and jumpsuits- swoon!

This pink coat has been dubbed my “Spring coat” for the last few years because it’s 1) bright 2) not very warm but 3) makes me feel more chic than anything else I own! I never wear it quite as many times as I mean to in the narrow window when it is appropriate.

I kind of ran myself ragged this week, so I couldn't be happier it's Friday! Carina actually switched a plane ticket last minute to Nashville so she'll be here for the weekend. Tomorrow is looking pretty crummy weather wise, so I'm looking forward to lots of snuggling, maybe some shopping, ordering take-out, going to dinner (basically all the food and drinks) and generally giving my sister a little lovin'. Enjoy the weekend and thanks for reading!

Oh, and if you have advice for wearing colors in a chic and on trend way- I'm all ears! 

pictures by Adriane Smith Creative
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