8.31.2017

AUGUST / the Sunday of Summer

Priya the Blog, Nashville blogger, August 2017 update
+ LIFE: I hope everyone has had a smashing end to the Summer (technically, though maybe not weather-wise.) August was a chill month for me, which is necessary and good (this is me assuring myself.) Most notably, if you're reading this, I finished & scheduled this post in time before my trip to Italy! I'll be in Milan/Sardinia/Rome for about 10 days with my sister Carina and I am sssooo excited. So the month was mostly chill anticipating my trip.
+ In small goals news; I have nearly perfected a packing capsule for my trip (will report back), I got a new phone (the iPhone 7+ is SO luxurious!) and I officially found and went to the doctor on my own insurance.
+ Most notably- proud of ME for sticking to my "cleanse" the whole month (minus a trip to NYC.) I have not had ANY alcohol otherwise, & super minimal gluten/dairy. I promise it wasn't a free-for-all with passes & if I broke my rules it was for good reason (i.e. someone cooked for me & I didn't want to be a brat.) Not super impressive, because I was eating sugar, but it's huge for me! And what a time to be alive, there are literally GF/DF subs for everything!
+ As of Monday, I finished the Bikini Body Guide (again! I did 28 weeks total.) I'm proud of that AND happy to be done for a while :) Because I <3 being active, I signed up for 5K the first weekend of October as my next fitness endeavor. This marks my first time training for a 5K since...2011? Will keep you posted!

+ BLOGGED: A quick trip to NYC weekend update and the conclusion to Bridesmaid 101 (Gifts I've Given & Loved / Day of Do's & Don'ts) were all up on the blog this month! I wore a classic white button-up, my latest favorite day dress, my silk bomber jacket that I'm obsessed with, an all-white band tee look, and a lace-up dress, tropical crop top, and lace peplum top all in collaboration with Tobi. 

+ SHOPPING: Minimal this month (yay me!) but hoping to do some damage in Italy. Now I can spill that I got these Rosé one pieces for me, Carina, & Luise to wear on vacay (duh), white jeans (worn here) that I'm loving, and this And Other Stories jean skirt I picked up in NYC, after wanting a 90's style for a while! 

+ POP CULTURE: Not sure how I've neglected to tell you literally the most important news- I got tickets to see BRITNEY IN VEGAS the in November! Details TBD but yeah I'm already losing my mind #yearofBritney.
+ Generally not a fan of country these days (peep my Country That Doesn't Suck playlist) but I do consistently love Brett Eldredge (seem less bro-y than most?) His new album is pop country FUN, y'all. Listen to: Love Someone.
+ Since we last talked tunes I saw Foster the People & John Mayer in concert. I loved the first Foster the People album so much (they have a new one, btw! Listen to: I Love My Friends) & the show was super cool. I've raved about John Mayer before, just a reminder his new album is GREAT. (cried twice at the show.) 
Insecure IS BACK and probably the best written show on TV? Season Two last added a new layer of polish and is even better, if possible. This is literally the only show I watch every week. Also started Fresh off the Boat which is a perfect light, easy show and the child actors in it KILL me, they are adorable and hilarious.
Let's connect on Spotify! Most recent Daily Mix: Rilo Kiley, Regina Specktor, and Vanessa Carlton.

COOKING: To off-set my cravings (& I had free time because I wasn't going out) I experimented with a couple (modified) GF/DF recipes! These Cake Batter cookies are amazing & I've been eating too many of them, I had the BEST sweet potato pancakes in NYC & tried my best to make them at home with this recipe.
Priya the Blog, Nashville beauty blogger, August 2017 update, August 2017 beauty buzz + BEAUTY: A few faves from lately. Dream Fresh is the BB cream I'm using right now (in Medium/Deep) & totally LOVE. I've mentioned the Wet n Wild highlighters before (so pigmented!), Crown of my Canopy is a gorgeous shade! I wanted a loose powder for light coverage days & this Covergirl one works great (in Translucent Honey.) The Mega Plush is a random mascara I had & found that is so great for a natural or "no make-up" make-up look!


+ NASHVILLE: We had a team dinner at Hemingway's, I had the pork tenderloin which was amazing (also recommend the starter Mussels & Clams), unfortunately I didn't have a cocktail but they looked great. I finally tried the Funk Seoul Brother truck at Live on the Green and had the BEST Korean BBQ tacos! Korean BBQ is something I haven't been able to find in Nashville otherwise and I love it.
+ I hiked/camped this past month at Big South Fork state park. Just a couple hours away from Nashville with SO much to offer: camp sites, a pool, plenty of hiking trails (we did about 20 miles), stunning overlooks, and the Cumberland River. 
Priya the Blog, Nashville blogger, August 2017 update, Big South Fork state park
As usual, if you have life, shopping, reading, beauty, or pop culture gems, don't hold out on me! Share below!

And I'm off to Italy! I should have a couple posts scheduled to go up over the next week. Follow along on Twitter (blog/personal) and Instagram for #ootds, our adventures and loads of food porn. TTYS <3
SHARE:

8.28.2017

Chase This Light

Nashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earrings
Nashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earringsNashville fashion blogger, Jimmy Eat World graphic tee, white color-blocked Summer outfit, gold beaded tassel earrings
| sunnies: ban.do {similar} | lip: Maybelline Colorsensational in Coral Crush | earrings: gift (Old Navy) {similar} | tee: Jimmy Eat World merch table {similar} | jeans: Old Navy | clogs: Swedish Hasbeens {similar} | 
What do you wear when you want to look Summer-y, but bare legs are out of the question because you've been violated by bugs? Might I suggest white on white? White color-blocking is a look I don't think I've ever tried. Apart from the danger (I like a LOT of napkins when I eat!) it's definitely a bit bold. I think the band tee made this look more "rock & roll", though I did wear the preppy version of the same outfit earlier in the week (sub white button-up.)

Isn't this tee great?? Jimmy Eat World is a band I have loved forever (literally, one of the first bands I ever listened to.) They were definitely on my concert bucket list, and I finally got to see them earlier this year in Chattanooga- it was SUCH a great show! I really do love the band, but also thought this was just a cool shirt (y'all know I cannot resist a good graphic tee.)

My first favorite album of theirs, like everyone else, was Bleed American (I had a ragged copy I think I stole from my brother and passed around to my friends in 7th grade.) I haven't listened to their latest album Integrity Blues (that's what the bottom of my shirt says) a whole lot, but the single "Sure and Certain" is great! And Chase this Light is a nod to a more recent favorite album that is really, really good. Not to mention, this bright Summer day and this really awesome mural (not far from where I live!)

I also got some new jeans! This is like my seventh pair of Old Navy Rockstar jeans, they are perfect. I don't know what it is about white jeans that makes me feel so...exposed? They've grown on me already though and they're totally in my packing capsule (hoping to share this on the blog!) for Italy!

YEAH, my journey begins Thursday morning and I'm halfway checked out already! I spent the weekend running some errands (I got a giant phone) and packing, so I'm glad that's mostly out of the way, because things are always the most crazy before leaving for a trip! I just have three-ish days of work before some mega-vacation. If all goes as planned, my August recap will be up on Thursday! TTYL!

photos by Miles Price
(His Jimmy Eat World anecdote/favorite: "Authority Song", which is a song about playing a John Cougar Mellancamp song of the same name on a jukebox [love this song and didn't know that!])
SHARE:

8.24.2017

Bridesmaid 101: Day of Do's and Don'ts

Bridesmaid 101, bridesmaid advice, Bridesmaid 101: Day of Do's and Don'ts, Nashville blogger

Well gang, Bridesmaid 101 has been fun. We've talked about what the hell you should do first when someone asks you to be their bridesmaid, I made you earn your champagne for the Bachelorette party, we confirmed that Bridal Showers don't have to be a drag, and y'all had plenty to say about bridesmaid gifts you've given & loved (and I shared my list too.)

All with the end goal of being the sister you never had, remember?? Ok, or at least maybe teaching you a little something from my "time in the trenches"  as a bridesmaid. I hope it's been helpful for you, whether you're a bridesmaid rookie, the inspiration behind 27 Dresses, or anywhere in between.

To conclude my Bridesmaid 101 series, here are some general Do's and Don'ts for THE BIG DAY.


+ DO try on your entire ensemble BEFORE the day of the wedding. Your dress, obviously, but include undergarments, accessories, shoes, etc. You don't want any issues on your part detracting from any group photos!

+ DO, for the love, show up early or on time per the bride's request. She has more important things to worry about besides her bridesmaids showing up on time! And bring her some coffee, duh.

+ DON'T prioritize your getting ready too highly. I know you want to look good, but if the bride needs a pinch hitter to help with a distant relatives' make-up, or fixing her hair before the first look, that is really more important that perfecting your contour. Sorry but, it's not YOUR wedding.

+ DO be on hand/available for any last minute errands that might pop up! 

+ DO keep the tunes bumping and the mood light while getting ready! Think of yourself as the personal hypewoman of this entire wedding/marriage. Act accordingly. 

DON'T forget to stuff some tissues in your bouquet or dress. I always cry, but even if you don't, someone at the altar is gonna need them! 

DO make sure you've introduced yourself to the groomsmen & the groom's family. Maybe this is just a personal preference, but you're all a BIG part of a BIG day for people you love a lot! So you might as well know their names!

+ DON'T grimace when you're walking down the aisle! I know it can be a bit nerve-wracking and there's a lot going on between not tripping over your dress/heels, walking slowly, and linking arms with a hunky groomsman, but, you're having fun and you're happy to be celebrating your friends, right? 

+ DON'T read your speech if you're making one (also, congrats to you!) This is also personal preference, but I always find speeches that are more free-flowing and off the cuff to be a lot more heart-felt. An outline on notecards is ok! I just don't enjoy hearing someone read four pages.

+ DO open up the dance floor, if it needs a little help getting the party started. Hypewoman, remember? 

+ DON'T forget to snap a selfie with the bride & groom! I have embarrassingly forgotten to do this at a few weddings I've been in (oops!)

+ DO make sure the bride & groom are taken care of throughout the reception (have a drink in their hand, get a plate of food, bride gets bustled, etc.) 

+ DON'T leave the reception before the Bride & Groom make their exit. Duh!

+ DON'T bail on any clean-up that might be required of you. I know it's kinda a drag because you've been wearing heels for a loooong day, but the new couple appreciates this so much and it's kinda your job. 


And that's a wrap! What are your day of do's and don'ts? Thanks for following along with Bridesmaid 101! 

Catch the rest of Bridesmaid 101 right here!
SHARE:

8.21.2017

Perennially in Style

Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber Nashville fashion blogger, Zara silk floral bomber
| lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Venom | earrings: Kate Spade | bomber: Zara {similar} | top: LOFT {similar} | pants: Old Navy {really similar!} | flats: Target {similar} | manicure: Jelly Apple by Essie |


*Shout-out to Art for the most perfect blog post title ever.

Silk floral bomber jackets were THE thing in 2016, but I dunno, I think you could say they are perennially in style?

Anyway this. Jacket! I have been waiting for the day when I could blog about it and it's finally here! I saw it first when I was in line to check out at Zara in Chicago. I was convinced it was actually the most beautiful jacket I'd ever seen, and also convinced myself that I didn't need it. It wasn't practical, it was too trendy, I would wear it once, blah blah blah. Well, I got back to Nashville, couldn't stop thinking about it, and ordered it online immediately. And when it arrived in the mail and I ripped the package open I actually said "My precious" because I am dumb and I love dramatic moments.

But I feel like that's the rule. If you're still fixated on something 24 hours+ after seeing it in the store, you love it enough to just get it. Not every purchase has to be totally practical. It's ok to buy things just because you're obsessed with them (not all the times, but sometimes.)

Yes this jacket is LOUD, but it was still such a challenge for me to keep the rest of the look simple and neutral! I found myself thinking "how can I make this statement piece into even MORE of a statement?" But ultimately decided to let it steal the look- and I'm glad I did. I can't wait to pair it with an LBD next. 

These drawstring pants are still a favorite that I wear once a week (identical pair for sale on Poshmark!) And this perfect little blouse was actually part of my bridesmaid ensemble for Katie's wedding! Isn't it great? And so kind of her to have her bridesmaids wearing something we could wear all Summer long. 

Did you guys have a good weekend? I went camping and BACKPACKING! Yeah. I just want everyone who has ever called me a "Concrete Cowgirl" or "Diva" to know that I went backpacking this weekend. Take that! And it was cool. And most importantly, I survived. AND I crossed something off my bucket list that's been on it forever- spend an entire day outside. Yes, I have the bug bites to show for it.

Oh yeah, and happy #Eclipse2017! I'm such a brat and I actually hate science, but it was prettttty cool! You'd be surprised by how many people were out of the office today! We had plenty of eclipse shades laying around so we just ate lunch outside for a bit, which did the trick. I'm still kinda a scrooge but all the fanfare has been fun!

photos by Miles Price, who makes me look much better than I actually do!
SHARE:

8.17.2017

Bridesmaid 101: Gifts I've Given & Loved

Nashville blogger, Bridesmaid 101, Bridesmaid tips and tricks, Bridesmaid gifts, Bridesmaid, Bridal Party advice
Just two posts left in my Bridesmaid 101 Series that I started...a while ago!

These tips come straight from the trenches of my bridesmaid days! Whether you're an expert or just got asked to be in your first wedding, this series is for you! The truth is that weddings are full of gray areas- what exactly are you responsible for as a bridesmaid? That answer depends on who you ask, and when I was a bridesmaid for the first time, I knew nothing. Learn from my mistakes and you won't have to make your own :)


Today's topic: gifts! This was actually the post that inspired the whole series, because I realized I've given some pretty unique/fun gifts to my bride friends. 

First off, to answer the question (I addressed this in B101: the Bridal Shower as well):
Do I need to get a gift if I'm a bridesmaid? I would say: especially if you are traveling for the bachelorette party/wedding, the bride doesn't really expect a gift from you. And certainly not the pricey kitchen appliances or fancy duvet cover off the registry. My mom always taught me to never show up empty-handed, so I really like getting a little something. Maybe even more than the gift, I love writing a card for the new couple. 

I may make some bride enemies today- as a general rule, no one should get a gift for the new couple that is not on the registry. However- this would be the exception. If your best friend is getting married, who better to know the one thing she really wants but didn't register for, the perfect accessory for her festivities (or honeymoon!), or the forgotten but essential addition to her new home?? 

These are all examples of little "extra" gifts I've given that have gone over well (but yes, you can ALWAYS get something off the registry for safety.) 

Kate Spade "Mrs." earrings | This entire collection just begs to be gifted at a bridal shower (dun it!)
+ Kate Spade "Mrs" necklace | Maybe she doesn't have her ears pierced or she's just more of a necklace gal? Done!
+ Kate Spade "Mrs" keychain | If she hates jewelry, but she's still a Mrs (something for everyone thank you Kate!)
+ Address label stamp | This is pure genius for wedding thank you cards (and sharing their new address!)
+ Thank you cards | Even if they have custom thank you cards for wedding guests, the bride will be writing a LOT of cards (for vendors, etc.) Cards are always a safe bet (Rifle Paper Co. even safer!)
+ Honeymoon travel accessories | You know what is so functional and I totally do not own? A passport case and matching luggage tags! The tiniest detail that I bet your friend forgot.
Moscow Mule mugs | The perfect accessory for their new favorite cocktail, monogram, optional.
+ His & Hers coffee mugs | Super cute for the morning of the wedding (and every morning forever after.)
+ His & Hers champagne flutes | So pretty & would be great for the wedding toasts (or wedding night toasts!)
+ Recipe box | Especially perfect if you had people contribute a recipe for a shower! This one is customizable!
+ Cookbook | If there's a better date than cooking alongside a partner...I haven't found it! I love to give the Newlywed Cookbook but any one will do. Bonus- write an inscription and skip the card!
+ Spoon dock | I think any pretty kitchen accessory from Anthropologie would do (they have so many!) A spoon dock in particular is something everyone NEEDS but doesn't always HAVE.

Ok- am I totally off base here? Is it ever acceptable to gift something NOT on the registry? What's the best gift you've ever given as a bridesmaid? Share below!

And stay tuned for the conclusion of Bridesmaid 101: a list of good old "Do's & Don'ts"! 


Don’t miss the rest of Bridesmaid 101: Now What? / Bach Party / Bridal Shower
SHARE:

8.15.2017

Tobi Look #3: Acquainted Lace

UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitled
| lip: Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose | pants: Gap | heels: Anthropologie | clutch: gift (Anthropologie) |
| top: c/o Tobi {I'm wearing a size Small and it fits perfectly!} |

Well hello! Excited to share my third and final look in collaboration with Tobi today! If you missed looks one and two: I went for it with a lace-up dress / the tropical crop top of my dreams.

I really couldn't see past the Acquainted Lace Peplum Top after finding it on the Tobi website. It jumped out at me as being a) SO pretty (that detailing!) b) unlike anything I owned or really would ever pick out for myself and c) perfect for a night out on my upcoming trip to NYC.

I loved it even more after receiving it, because I don't know if these pictures convey how perfectly it fits me (I am wearing a size small, for reference.) It's kinda like a cute hug! I didn't even have to adjust the straps, which is absolutely unheard of for me! Though I might have gulped after looking at it, and felt like it would show more skin than I usually do, honestly I felt super comfortable wearing it. Though the back is open, the front comes up pretty high- I didn't have to worry about any gaping or adjusting or showing off more than I wanted! And though the peplum has that see-through peek-a-boo affect, it's actually fairly subtle, and perfect for concealing a LOT of pizza (I tested this for you, you're welcome.)

With the 50% promotion for first time orders, the top is $28, which is completely reasonable for the quality. All of the stitching/detailing is very sturdy! I didn’t experience any unraveling, and all the appliqués feel luxe (instead of cheapy/plastic-y, which can sometimes happen in tops like this.) 
Untitled
Big thanks to Kathleen, Carina, and Elyse for taking these pictures for me! Aren't they cute? And yes, Carina is totally wearing the crop top I also received from Tobi. Of her own volition, I should add.

A huge thank you to Tobi for allowing me to participate in this collaboration! Though they allowed me to pick out these three items to review and keep, I can honestly say I would order from them anyway (we loved this top so much, I'm about to order one for Carina!) I was super impressed by the quality/fit of all three items I received, and can't wait to wear them again! I know they will quickly become well-loved items in my closet. Be sure and check out the wide and trendy selection that Tobi has! 

Tobi provided me with this top in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!
SHARE:

8.14.2017

Weekend Update: Little Peanut, Big City

UntitledIMG_0054IMG_0028
photo creds to: Kathleen, Carina, and a stranger on the boat

So New York City is really cool! I'm convinced you need to visit around five times before you have any semblance of bearings. Luckily I was in great hands, between Carina and her wonderful friends Elyse and Kathleen. I mean that for a few reasons: they always answered my "so...where are we?" (pro tip: "If you don't realize you're leaving Manhattan you're still in Manhattan"), they let me ramble about Britney Spears/make-up and pretended (?) to listen, and they were down to take some pictures for this little blog. Seriously. Wait for my outfit pics (tomorrow) when I had THREE SHOOTERS at one point. For real!

Anyway I flew to NYC early Friday morning on Carina's 29th birthday! Happy Birthday Peanut!! We met in the airport and went straight to Russ & Daughters and Milk Bar (for the birthday cake truffles!) and then to get our nails done. We met up with Kathleen and checked into our Airbnb which was this AWESOME loft in SoHo/Little Italy/Chinatown. Then we got glam (I tied Carina down to do her make-up and force her to wear fake eyelashes haha) and had a really great dinner at Meadowsweet in Williamsburg (complete with champagne toast and singing to Carina which she hated. HA!) 

On Saturday after a slow start we had a brunch at Two Hands (seriously so good and the Australian waiters were also not bad) and then walked around and shopped, before a pizza slice en route ^^ (how funny is this picture? I was literally running down the street with cheese dripping down my face) to a sunset cruise on the Hudson. That may be so disgustingly touristy that you hate me, but it was pretty spectacular. And then there was loads of pizza at Rubirosa (plus "pizza portraits") after a stop at Parm. I broke my cleanse and really went for it (at one point...was eating gluten wrapped dairy and washing it down with a Negroni.) 

Finally Sunday, before heading back, we had time for brunch at Freeman's and a stop at the 9/11 memorial. Neither Carina nor I had ever been, and I don't want to gloss over that it was a really beautiful and moving tribute.

Well NYC, there's nothing like it. It also completely wore me out! HBD to my little peanut! 

SHARE:

8.10.2017

Tobi Look #2: On Tropic Crop Top

tropical crop top
PriyaPappu_42PriyaPappu_4PriyaPappu_12PriyaPappu_55PriyaPappu_49PriyaPappu_53PriyaPappu_15PriyaPappu_9PriyaPappu_30PriyaPappu_48 | earrings: Madewell | jacket: vintage | pins: literally all over | jeans: Madewell via Poshmark | clog sandals: Target |
| lipstick: Urban Decay lipstick in Temper
| top: c/o Tobi {this print also available in matching shorts!}

What's up babes! Today I'm sharing my second look from my recent collaboration with Tobi.

Did you catch the first one? I wore a lace-up dress, for real this time!

And just so you know, Tobi generously allowed me to pick out a few items to review and keep, but I can honestly say I would buy from them again. Tobi is a fantastic spot for totally on-trend tops, rompers, dresses, and loads more, that won't break the bank! In fact, you can use the code DS50 right now for 50% off the entire site. That makes this top $23 and totally worth it. They also make shorts in the same print that I would love to get my hands on- how cute is that matching combo? I'm wearing a size small, which actually fits me like a glove (no gaping arm holes!)

I really fell in love with this print as soon as I saw it- it's tropical, which you can find everywhere right now, but the color scheme seemed a little more unique and grown-up. I love how the print and cut "Summer-fied" (sureeee!) my black flares AND a little blavy never hurt nobody ;)

I mentioned this in my first post, but once again, I was very impressed by the quality of this top. It is fully lined, not sheer at all, and the zipper is noticeably sturdy (you know how on cheap stuff the zipper get stuck and feels like it's about to rip your outfit in half? Not this one!!)

I wore this earlier in the week, to work all day and then to see John Mayer in concert! His music might be too mainstream to be cool at this point, but I do not care at ALL. I've been listening to him since I was in elementary school and Room For Squares was on the radio; and we've been through a lot together since. Six albums and few boyfriends later, still a huge fan! And his most recent album is just fantastic. I love him so much, and the show was incredible. And the outfit was absolutely perfect for it! I'll also definitely be packing this top for my trip to NYC this weekend for Carina's birthday!

OH- and I have to give a shout-out to Christine who actually styled this entire look, as I was brainstorming at the office (we have a fashion show fashion show fashion show at lunch once/week at least), she said "pair it with your black flea market flares!" I was all, ooh- done.

Sorry I look so scowly in these pics! I'm happy, it was just very bright. Thanks to Miles for making me look good (and picking out this locale- anyone else getting serious True Detective Season One vibes?) And thanks to Tobi for sending me this rad crop top! Stay tuned (next week) for my third and final look with Tobi.

Tobi provided me with this top in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

photos by Miles Price
SHARE:

8.09.2017

Tobi Look #1: Raina Dress

PriyaPappu_13PriyaPappu_15PriyaPappu_22PriyaPappu_29PriyaPappu_35PriyaPappu_14PriyaPappu_17PriyaPappu_12PriyaPappu_21
| lip: NYX lipstick in Thalia | hoops: Target | heels: Anthropologie | bag: Marc Jacobs via Carina |
| dress: c/o Tobi {Available in olive, black & toast. I am wearing a size S.} |  

It was nothing short of providence when Tobi reached out about a collaboration, last month, during my shopping ban! Tobi very generously let me pick out a few items from their selection (anything I wanted?!?!) to review and keep. This dress is the first of three pieces and outfits I created from my collaboration with Tobi. Stay tuned for my other goodies, which I am seriously so excited about! And do yourself a favor and check out the enormous, trendy, selection of going out tops, basics, pretty dresses, and MORE that Tobi has available! 

I spent a looong time looking through pages of options that Tobi carries (#maximalist), but the Raina Lace-Up Shift Dress landed in my cart and never left. I'd only hesitantly dipped my toe in the lace-up pool before (with a pair of flats and a mock lace-up dress) because I always say the style never felt quite like me.

So, in an effort to embrace the lace-up trend more fully, I picked this dress! And you know, though it was a bit outside of my comfort zone initially, I really like it (a bralette underneath helped.) Really the only thing I have to say about it that's not a rave review is that the wrinkles you see in these photos (what wrinkles? You didn't notice them? Great!) came from 5 minutes with a seatbelt on. So just, be aware. Maybe have your steamer handy?

I love how romantic the silhouette is, AND I can see this dress transitioning to Fall so nicely! And yes, I'm dreaming about Fall already and can't be the only one. I can't wait to pair it with some OTK boots, a floppy hat, or a dark lip (or maybe all three!) so fast.

To be completely honest- I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of all three items I received from Tobi. With 50% off your first purchase, the Raina dress is $29 and totally worth it! I wouldn't mind getting it in "Toast" too! It's made of Rayon, and really feels like a thicker, high-quality linen (not sheer, doesn't cling!)

Miles & I stumbled upon this mural downtown- isn't it great? Thanks Miles! And thanks Tobi! Stay tuned later this week for my second outfit from my collaboration with Tobi.

Tobi provided me with this dress in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!
SHARE:
Blogger Template by pipdig