My Favorite Summer Dress

 

*sigh* I can't believe today is Labor Day. This summer has gone by so fast. It rained and was cold here (Ohio) the majority of the summer, so I feel like it's still the middle of June. I've barely had a second to lay outside and only biked over to the pool once. I only made it downtown for one baseball game and still haven't managed to drag my boyfriend to Cedar Point for a day of roller coasters. Why must summer go so fast?! 

At work we were discussing how here it sometimes feels like we have 3 months of summer, 1 month of fall, 7 months of winter, and 1 month of spring. The majority of our year is consumed by cold, snow, and grey skies so being able to see green grass and trees, wear summer clothes, and spend time outdoors always seems like a treat.  

Despite the fact we really only have about 3 months of genuinely warm weather I have a LOT of summer clothes. Seriously, I could probably rival a Floridian's collection of shorts and dresses. Every year when fall rolls around I always wish I had more time to wear them all, and try to wear a few of my favorites before it's time to transition into fall clothes. 

This Trina Turk dress ended up being one of my favorite dresses this summer. I knew I had to have it the moment I saw it, and managed to snag it on major sale in June. I love the soft, eyelet fabric, the unique neckline, and the straps that you can adjust with buttons hidden inside of the dress. I may have to sneak this into my outfit rotation one more time before it's time to put it away until next summer...

Dress (and similar) // Wedges // Clutch (sold out)

Labor Day Sales

vineyard vines - extra 30% off sale 
 This tassel necklace is included and is a steal at $69.99. I ordered this popover shirt that I've been eyeing for a while, and my favorite shep shirt is also on sale... it's beyond me why it hasn't sold out yet; the colors are absolutely stunning.

At the last minute I through this men's sweater into my cart. I wish they had made a girl a women's version, but I have seen multiple girls style this sweater in great ways!

kate spade - extra 25% off sale
I have this dress and this necklace sitting in my shopping cart now. I'm trying to resist the urge, but I don't think I'm going to be able to. My favorite sandals and new wedges are also on sale now for fantastic prices.

draper james - extra 30% off sale  
Been anxious to give Reese Witherspoon's new clothing line a try? Now is the perfect chance. Draper James is offering 30% off sale, which makes the dresses pretty reasonable! You can find out more about the brand here. 
  
kiel james patrick - 25% off site wide 
KJP rarely offers more than 15% off their merchandise, so this is a great deal. I think I am going to snatch up one of their pearl bracelets. I've had my eye on them for a while! Now I just need to choose one....

There are obviously a lot more sales going on this weekend, but these are the few I've been perusing pretty frequently. J.Crew is also offering 30% off most items, but of course the 2 things I really want are excluded. Oh well...

24th Birthday

This past Sunday was my 24th birthday, so I broke out these pretty little cupcake (no raging at the clubs over here - mostly eating) earrings for the occasion and celebrated all weekend long :)

On Friday I got a manicure for the first time since *gasp* my senior prom. I get pedicures regularly, but have always done my fingers myself... I'm thinking regular gels may be worth it though after having these fab nails for a few days.

A co-worker brought these beautiful cupcakes into work for me - they were red velvet and sooo yummy!

On Saturday my boyfriend and I went golfing, made a pit-stop at Kate Spade for these perfect little wedges, and then we ended up at one of our favorite restaurants, Mezzo, in Downtown Dublin. We always get the mussels & meatballs for appetizers. They're the absolute best. 

On Sunday (my actual birthday) my parents, grandma and I went to Molly Woo's for lunch after church. It instantly became a new favorite after Maggie took me there a few weeks ago to ask me to be her bridesmaid!

We finished the weekend off with cake, ice cream and a few presents. It was a wonderful birthday weekend and I'm so happy to have spent it with my favorite people! Now let's keep dancin' like we're 22....

Dress Obsessed: Cubicle Style

Getting dressed for work is hard most days. This dress makes it easier. I stumbled upon this Eliza J number at Nordstrom one day and purchased it on impulse. It's not too expensive, is neutral and can be paired with just about anything, and can easily be worn in both summer/winter weather. Doesn't get much more versatile than that. 

This dress is adorable without the sweater on as well, but when I'm at work I have to have a sweater on. My office is freezing. Seriously, I could dress in pants, UGGs, and a sweater every day and still be a tad chilly. That wouldn't be fun though - have to suck it up and flaunt the cute, summer dresses while you can!

Dress (on sale!!) // Sweater // Belt (sold out) // Wedges // Clutch (sold out)

#WhalesForACause

Vineyard Vines and the Jason Dufner Foundation (he is the professional golfer they sponsor) have teamed up to help feed children in need. For every whale that is colored, cut out and posted on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with #WhalesForACause they will donate one healthy lunch to a child in need. 

You can get your own whale in Vineyard Vines' stores or online here. 

Summer Must Have #2: Red, White and Blue

Well this post is most definitely late, but I thought I would share anyway...

We started the day off with the City of Dublin's Independence Day Parade! My brother is going to be a senior in high school this year, and this is his last year marching in the parade with the band - so bitter sweet, as we were all in the marching band!

 

We got to the parade route early to get good seats, and I decided to grab some Starbucks since the store is right on the parade route in Historic Dublin. I had to wait 25 min, but let me tell you - those Starbucks employees were hustlin' and getting people through the line (that extended out the door of a relatively large location) as quickly as they could. I'm in love with their summer cups!

No real explanation necessary - this print is perfect.

I can't get enough of Vineyard Vines' Shep Shirts, and this one was a perfectly patriotic popover (oh hey alliteration) for when it got chilly during the fireworks. Let me tell you though - white shep shirts are hard to keep clean. I've bought 3 that are mostly white, and have to be so careful not to get makeup all over them!

Always proud to be an American Girl - Happy belated 4th!

Summer Must Have #1

I bought this clutch from Vineyard Vines a few weeks back on a whim, and it has turned out to be one of my absolute favorite purchases. The whicker is so classy and neutral, and the leather closure piece with the pink threading absolutely made it for me. I pair it with everything.

I'm also in love with this clutch from Kate Spade... oh, and to be honest I wouldn't mind this bag either. I could probably go on and on, but I'll stop with those two ;)

Have you found your summer bag?

Tassel Time

Has anyone else noticed that tassels have been on everything lately?

At first I wasn't a huge fan of the trend, because I had never really owned anything with tassels nor had I wanted to. However, this scarf from the Lilly for Target collection completely changed my mind - the multi-colored tassels absolutely make this scarf! 

Also, in regards to the sandals - I walked into Target last week to buy a movie and the coveted pineapple sandals were just laying on a front table in my size. I could hardly believe it, and although I definitely didn't need them I couldn't help but get them - it seemed like fate!

Dress: Vineyard Vines (sold out, but available here) / Necklace: Vineyard Vines 

The tassel trend continues with this Vineyard Vines necklace I picked up this past week. I go in that store all the time and the sales associates are always rockin' it with their outfits, so I snatched one up (it also happened to match my outfit that day).

I am in lovvveee with this scarf. The tassels are huge and absolutely perfect. I found this one at my local Kate Spade store, but the only place I was able to find it online was Saks Fifth Avenue. 

What are your thoughts on the tassel trend? 
I just ordered this tassel cardigan and am so excited to try it out!

#VVColumbus Grand Opening Party

On Wednesday I was invited to Vineyard Vines' Grand Opening Party at their Easton Town Center location here in Columbus. The store actually opened back in February (and I frequent it often), but tonight was the 'formal' opening. It was absolutely fabulous!

The store was packed. I waited in a line that wrapped around the store to buy this, this, and this. 

Posing with my picture on the store's wall - you can see the original here

What a cutie - Ohio loves #VVColumbus too!

Cameron Mitchell catered and had the best hors d'oeuvers (shrimp, lobster pops, mini cheeseburgers... you can't go wrong with Cameron Mitchell) circulating throughout the store, and there was definitely no shortage of alcohol. The best touch would have to be these 'whaley' cute cookies - they match the logo perfectly and were delicious!

 

Shep (one of the founders of the company for those who don't know) made an appearance at the party and was quite the trooper taking pictures and signing autographs for two hours straight. Ian was  supposed to be at the party as well, but Shep said Ian's baby is about to arrive - congrats Ian! 

p.s. you need to look at this adorable picture of Shep with "the other Shep" that was taken at the party. It is absolutely adorable. 

Sweater: Kate Spade  (sold out, similar) / Top: Vineyard Vines / Jeans: Kate Spade (sold out, similar) / Necklace: Vineyard Vines / Clutch: Vineyard Vines / Sandals: Jack Rogers

Every day should feel this good!

The Perfect Shep Shirt

I am a huge fan of Vineyard Vines' Shep Shirts. 

If you've never heard of them they're basically a pullover sweatshirt that has just the right amount of structure while also being oh so comfy. I have a custom collection Miami University one that I probably wear every other night after work. Last week I was perusing the new arrivals on VineyardVines.com and about lost my mind when I saw "Island Embroidered Shep Shirt" 

It is perfection, and after 4 days was already sold out in three sizes. They currently have XXS, S, and M left, so if you're interested you'll want to snatch one up ASAP. 

#VVColumbus

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you've no doubt seen my counting down the days until the Easton Town Center Vineyard Vines opening. Well, last Friday was the big day and it was everything I'd hoped it would be (and more).

While I couldn't make it over to the store on Friday due to my work scheduled , I ran there Saturday morning  and strolled in the door with my equally over-eager parents in tow at 10:01 AM.

My first thought(s) upon entering the store:

 Is it spring yet? Does that stipend dress come in adult sizes??

I loved the nautical accents throughout the store - rowing oars, sea creatures, lifesavers, whicker chairs, and photos of Shep and Ian's adventures (as well as letters from some famous clients - my favorite was from George W. Bush)

So. Many. Ties.... and belts. Love the belts.

I'll take one of each, please! 

I whaley liked their dressing rooms and this sweater - it's going to look perfect with white jeans this spring or for my upcoming trip to Florida.

How perfect is that jumbo wooden bead necklace and dress? I bought the necklace, but haven't pulled the trigger on the dress yet... Thoughts anyone?

The amount of 13-year-old girls flocking into the store for these t-shirts was insane. They were flying off the shelves and were constantly needing re-stocked. Luckily I was able to snatch this tee along with an Ohio hat before they were gone!

Miami University + Vineyard Vines (Finally)

Let's start out by saying I went to a very "greek" school

.....but I wasn't in a sorority. 

Every year I would get slightly jealous of all of the girls wearing their sorority printed Vineyard Vines Shep Shirts and Sorority Collection Canvas Totes, and wished their was a Miami collection featuring our signature Miami "M". 

Which was why I was slightly stunned when I saw an entire Vineyard Vines section of the Miami Bookstore while I was visiting my brother for family weekend!

It didn't take long for me to snatch up the Miami Shep Shirt and Tote....whoops.

*Sigh* I've waited a looonnnggg time for this bag.

Love and Honor :)

NHL Comes to Vineyard Vines

Ummm did anyone else get this e-mail? I am dying. We all know that I am an absolute hockey fanatic and love my Miami Redhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets, so as soon as I got this e-mail from Vineyard Vines I went straight to the website to check it out. 

And although I'm excited they came out with NHL ties I was bummed to discover that they didn't release any NHL Tote Bags.

They have Tote Bags for the NFL and MBA so do you think NHL bags might be on the horizon? I would order a Columbus Blue Jackets bag right this second, no questions asked if it was available.

So please Vineyard Vines, could I have a Blue Jackets bag?

Love, Emily.

What's In My Bag? VV Edition....

This is my Vineyard Vines bag, I use it for class on days when I don't have to carry around a lot of books or my computer. It has little red umbrellas as the pattern :) However, I also use a Vera Bradley Backpack on days when I have more books.

1. The Bell Jar which is the book I'm currently reading for my ENG 355 class.....have to finish that by tomorrow......hmm....better get on that.

2. My NOOKcolor....(without a case I might add, get on that Lilly and Kate!)

3. My purple blackberry. love.

4. My Vera ID holder. This holds my Student ID, debit card, extra cash, and has my key attached...not sure if you can see but my key has a minnie mouse cover on it :)

5. Nail Polish from waiting in line for hockey this past weekend....one of the OPI Burlesque shades (the show must go on)

6. Hand Sanitizer, I was really sick last week so I haven't been going anywhere without that...

7. I dont know if you guys use these but that is my response clicker. A lot of my professors use these for quizzes and attendance. It kind of makes me feel like I'm on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

8. Miami Hockey Schedule. I know, you never would have guessed that would you?

9. Notebooks.....

10. J.Crew animal print umbrella. It rained yesterday, usually I just keep a really tiny Lilly one in my bag.

11. Vera Bradley pencil pouch.....it matched last years vera backpack.

12. iPad. I'm not sure why I find it necessary to carry every gadget I have with me at all times, but at least I'm never bored.

Usually I have my Vera Bradley Planner in here as well but I forgot it today :/ whoops!