summer florals...

Florals are the thing for this summer (what says 'summer' more than pretty flowers?)- here are just a few examples... Floral tanks and leggings at Topshop















and dresses at Forever21 (this purple/floral one is only $17.80!)


Urban Outfitters has tons of great florals, too, including this super cute summer jumper-

would you rather smell like crayons, earthworms or creme brulee?

In my endless search for the perfect vanilla scent ( my fave, and all I wear) I stumbled across the Demeter Fragrance Library- and when they say library they are serious! This company sells literally hundreds of scents, ranging from weird ( crayons) to earthy ( dirt, dust, earthworm(!), cannabis, basil) to downright delicious ( creme brulee, brownie, jelly belly blueberry muffin) and yes, even two pretty decent vanilla varieties. :) I am pretty sure no matter what weird thing you would like to smell like, Demeter has you covered...

sean hages loves you!

sean hages loves you! Well, at least that is is the name of his etsy store... Sean makes witty collages and surreal yet functional ceramics that are perfect for decorating your home in style- my favorites right now are his envelope-sized collage, "want to taste my cookies?" and the 'Bombing Run Shot Glasses'! His work is not only unique, but also affordable, with prices hovering around the $5-$20 range for most pieces.

4th of july ensemble

what I wore today... (it wasn't too hot out today in Michigan!) white ruffled top (target) brass button shorts (h&m) and yellow peacock tights ( look from london [via urban outfitters, they also come in white and are on sale right now, fyi!]) .

fallen ruffle wrap ( i heart asymmetrical design)

I was browsing through the anthropologie store site the other day and discovered this amazing asymmetrical ruffle wrap- I am a total sucker for this type of design... there is just something refreshing about the unexpected, even if it is a bit more subtle, like this one shoulder tank from anthro's sister company, urban outfitters...

red or dead

When I was in London 10 years ago, I stumbled upon this fantastic cool store called Red or Dead- and immediately fell in love- their clothes were a mix of punk and modern, but not so outrageous as to be unwearable. I bought a shirt and bag (both of which I still have!) and wore them for years. Nowadays Red or Dead is available online, although they have limited their selection to accessories only- shoes, glasses, watches and bags. I was happy to see that they still made great stuff, ranging in mood from punk to girly ( plus now I can buy without leaving Michigan!). Bags and watches are available directly from the Red or Dead site, and shoes and other accessories are available through 3rd party vendors online (links are on their website).

Dresses!

I always like to wear dresses year-round, because they make you look pulled together, but are quicker and easier than separates- which makes them an especially good thing in the summer, when it may get too hot to think! Right now I like this modern but pretty shredded grey jersey dress from Diesel's black label- it's casual enough to wear around, but the texture makes it a bit more interesting than a plain tee shirt dress. Unfortunately it is a bit on the pricey side- $520. But fortunately for the financially challenged, Urban Outfitters has similar dresses for a much cheaper price- This black dress is only $38!