Summer Wedding Tips

 

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Tis the season ... wedding season. What better time to tie the knot than under the sun on the beach, or under moonlight of the cool summer nights?

I remember being the flower girl at my aunt and uncle's summer afternoon wedding and then dancing (and eating) the night away under the stars. But when you are not part of the wedding party, what is one to do for dress? Fear not—I have just a few things that I like to consider before the big day:

Consider the invitation. Is there a theme or selected colors for the wedding? What time of year and day are you attending? Is it outside or inside? These are the important questions to ask. Also, take into consideration the location for the reception. The graphic below offers some great quick tips for the different type of wedding celebrations.

Think comfort. I love to find a dress that can easily make the transition from the tradition of the wedding ceremony to the fun that the couple has planned for the reception. Make sure you've selected something that you are comfortable dancing the night away in.

Are you going in a pair? I am by no means insinuating that you go all out prom night and throw on a lime green tie to match your date's lime green dress. However, if you are going as part as a couple, you should aim to complement your partner's look.

Check out this helpful graphic below from The Black Tux, which provides men with a great option for suit/tux rental. Renting is always a great way to curb cost if the item in question is not something you wear regularly. Lord knows I wish my prom dress came from Rent-the-Runway and was sent right back ... instead of being a large midnight blue clump taking up valuable space in my closest.

 

<3 Ashley

Do you have go-to guidelines for wedding wear? Share in the comments!

#BeachDayMusts

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When the sun's out and the temps are up it can be difficult to find the motivation to step out of the air conditioning. The only way you will find me out in the heat is if there is a cool body of water nearby. For those blessed afternoons spent lounging in the sand or poolside I have an arsenal of items that are essential to the perfect day. 

Adore Me 'Poppy' Swimsuit | Adore Me 'Gwendolen' Coverup | Ban.dō Cat Eye Sunnies | Kate Spade 'Rogers Way Hallie' Tote 

Swimsuit and coverup. Of course you have to wade the water in style! While swimsuit shopping historically draws up strong (read: negative) emotions, I love going through the different options and colors to find what works best for me. Lately, I love a vintage silhouette—high-waisted bottoms and a slightly conservative top. I'm in love with polka dots so my pick from Adore Me is perfect! It's cute, classic, and perfect for an afternoon reading and catching rays by the water. When it comes to coverups, I like to keep it simple and classic. Adore Me's Gwendolen cover is lightweight button down shirt, which works with my aesthetic; like a beachy Holly Golightly! 

Bold sunnies. I have a problem: sunglasses. I simply have too many, but I just can't stop. Ask my brother...he yells at me every time he notices a new pair on my face. But no two are the same. In my opinion, sunnies are one of the best accessories that show case your personality—there are just so many fun shapes and colors! Ban.dō is one of my favorite websites to figuratively window shop for bold and colorful accessories. This pair of sunglasses features a fun, gold cat eye frame. And if you know me...you know I try to paint my life in gold. 

A nautical tote. I'm a sucker for a theme and aesthetic. When it comes to the beach, the sea and sailing are themes that I take the whole nine yards. This striped tote from Kate Spade's Broome Street collection speaks to the theme. Is there anything better than blue and white stripe against the background of the open sea? The answer is 'No. There is not.'

Reading material. While getting a little wet should be a goal when walking down the sand toward the water, I take advantage of the R&R opportunity and usually carry along a book and a few fashion magazines. You check back on my summer reading list for some inspiration for your next beach read.

Don't forget a towel, SPF, and H2O. Oh—and it's probably a good idea to have some money on you. You know...for when the ice cream cart comes your way. ;) For more swimwear ideas check out the swim selection on Adore Me—they have great styles in many different sizes! 

<3 Ashley

What are your beach day musts? Share along on Instagram with Adore Me and myself using the hashtag #BeachDayMusts!

Flavors of Summer

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One of my favorite things about the summer months—besides the sun, tans, blue skies, summer storms, and morning coffee outside—is the direction my diet travels in. When it's hot as Hades outside the last thing I want to eat is the big, heavy, starchy meals that rule my life in the winter. Summer is a time for citrus and berries, grilling, salads, infused water, and light pastries. My summer is basically one long, perfect brunch in the sun. Here are a few of my favorite bites this season:

Berries: I'm all berry, all the time. The past month has seen me fitting a handful of blueberries into each day—mostly for breakfast. Cereal, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat pancakes are made ten times better with those delicious little blue orbs.

Citrus: Oranges and grape fruit are two of my biggest loves. Yes, I am a woman with many loves...don't judge. When I need a snack I reach for one. They are also some of the best flavors in my favorite summer cocktails.

Quinoa: Admittedly, I usually reach for the quinoa begrudgingly. The box sits next to the pasta and 9 times out of 10, I want pasta over quinoa. However, when I finally resolve to eat a bit better I am a happy lady. Yeah, I find quinoa to be incredibly bland, but you know that I'm one for experimenting and spicing things up. Red peppers, basil, olive oil, and mushrooms are a wonderful addition to a bowl of this tiny grain.

Tomato and Mozzarella: This is the flavor combination that holds incredible power over during the summer. Bruschetta, salads, sandwiches...it is appropriate and yummy in so many different dishes. Add balsamic and basil and your taste buds are soaring; at least mine are. :)

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite things to eat during the summer?

Morning Light

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Rise and shine, lovelies! That's right. It's 8:30 a.m. and this girl is already showered, fed, and halfway through a cup of caffeine goodness. How is this possible? Sure I'm not one to cower in the face of daybreak's light, but I'm also not one to get the kettle going until right around this time. This surprising change in routine came after I was unceremoniously awakened at 4:30 this morning. Yeah...that would mean I was up before the sun. Unfortunately, returning to sleep was not an option so I turned to Netflix for a few hours.

It was around 5:45 when I learned how early the sun actually starts to rise. With the morning light creeping through the gaps in my drapes and the beginnings of a gorgeous day underway, I decided that in an attempt to be a proactive adult I would throw on my running gear and hit the asphalt early. Yes. It was a beautiful run and a great way to start my day. This little change (that I would not have done had I not be unable to get back to sleep) really injected some energy into a day that probably would have played out like everyday of these two months since graduation. I have spent the weeks since leaving the 'Burgh scrolling through job descriptions and applying like a madwoman to jobs that may or may not be my dream job—who really knows anymore? Some of those days are even punctuated with the occasional rejection e-mail.

However, today's job search will be performed with just a little more excitement and a little more passion than these last few weeks. This unplanned, and admittedly slightly annoying, early rise and time in the daybreak sun has inspired me to look forward with positivity and put a little more effort in my day—I mean...I am blogging right now. That's a start, right? ;P

<3 Ashley

Are you an early riser? When are you the most productive?

Summer Reading List

 

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Ever since graduation I have filled my days not only job hunting, but also reading. It is very difficult to maintain a good level of pleasure reading when your nights are filled flipping through text books and doing research in the library for 10-page papers. So over the past four years, naturally I haven't been able to keep up very well with new books. Now that I have a bit more time on my hands, that has changed. In the month since commencement, I have blazed through three books—all three loved. Even still, there are a number of books that have sat on my bookshelf that past few years very much untouched and unopened. That's changing this summer. My task for the summer is to read thmy bookself—and yes, mom...find a job. Here are the books that remain untouched and are therefore on my summer 2016 reading list:

America's First Daughter -Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie *
Me Before You -Jojo Moyes *
All The Light We Cannot See -Anthony Doerr * 
The Time In Between -Maria Duenas currently reading
Sense and Sensibility -Jane Austen
Emma -Jane Austen
Tender Is The Night -F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Last Tycoon -F. Scott Fitzgerald
Anna Karenina -Leo Tolstoy

* = have finished reading. You can find my post about America's First Daughter here.

<3 Ashley

What books are on your summer reading list? Any good recommendations?  

Swimsuit Season

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After all of my time stuck in the cave that is finals and the end of my college career, I have emerged to do some research in prep for the summer. The biggest research I have done—what swimsuits are new and hot this year.

Let me tell you; I am very excited about what I have seen! Before I left Pittsburgh, my friend and I did some shopping with our graduation money. One stop was in to American Eagle where I caught a glimpse of some VERY cute high-necked tops. I am very excited to see some more material in use—it's the old lady in me—not so much in favor of conservatism, but rather in favor of creative and interesting new shapes and designs. Here are some of my favorites that I have found:

 

off-the-shoulder (similar) | halter (similar) | one piece (similar)

<3 Ashley

What is your favorite swimsuit style to sport poolside?

The Last Days

Can you feel that? That is the feeling of summer coming to a close and once again the school year is upon us. I actually think that this coming Monday is the first day of school for my school district--sorry kids! I actually have one more week before I am once again en route to Pittsburgh. While most of this time leading up to the day will be spent shopping for anything I need (read: sneaking food into my parents cart so I don't have to buy it later) I will also be sure to make the most of my last free and fun days. What are some ideas for last minute summer activities?

Catch some rays pool side: I made it to the pool only one time this summer...one week ago. With an internship this was my first truly busy summer. However, that one evening spent by the water, laying in the sun felt so well deserved because of it.

Going on an adventurous hike: Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to squeeze this in; especially since my hiking buddy is going back to school this weekend. :(

Driving around and discovering a cool new hangout in your hometown: We did this a few weeks ago when one of my roommates came to visit me. We took her to an ice cream place downtown that we had never been to. Spoiler alert: it was great!

Go out on the town with the ladies: This is one that I am looking forward to next week. My friend who has been away for the summer will be back home next week. We missed each other's birthdays so it is only right to use this opportunity to buy each other drinks!

A fun BBQ: I mean this is definitely an all summer kind of activity if there ever was one. But there's something about closing out an awesome summer with a BBQ with your closest friends and family. Let the fun carry into the nighttime, light a fire and make s'mores!

<3 Ashley

What are your plans for this last bit of summer?

Hello, August: Letter from the Editor

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Well this is it. Can you feel the summer winding down and the world getting in the last few trips and days spent poolside in preparation for getting back to business? I can. It's that time when the roomies and I start discussing who shares what bathroom, what we still need for the kitchen, should we get cable or beef up the wifi and bills, bills, bills. College is fun... :P

This month's theme is as it has been for the past few Augusts: back-to-school. Cherish this one folks, this will probably be the last back-to-school month on the blog--I will be graduating. Pause for tears and "oh she grew up so fast!" That being said, all efforts are being made to make this the best one yet. Gotta go out with a bang, right? I will be renewing the Back-to-School Blogger series with a fresh roster of bloggers (info on that here) who will share a little bit about their own college experiences, the expectations they had going in.

You can also be sure to see posts about the perfect first day outfit, DIY dorm/apartment decor, and even a few posts about how to spend those last days before academia takes over our lives again. Good stuff, eh?

<3 Ashley

What would you like to see this month?

Summer Getaway

As we are ending July and getting ready for August's last days of summer I am thinking more and more about the coming school year...which bothers me. I have actually one month today left of my summer. I don't need to be thinking about its end yet! There are things to do! My friend and I are still adamant about going on a hike some Saturday before we have to part ways again.

Unfortunately, my plans for the summer do not include an actual vacation. It hurts to admit, but for what feels like the first time--though probably isn't--we are not going on any trips. No Disney World. No beach. I am hanging my head in disappointment as I type this. However, being the dreamer that I am, that fact has not stopped me from pining over everyone else's vacation photos and dreaming up the possible getaways that I could take!

Palm Springs, CA

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Have I ever considered leaving the east coast? No. Would you actually have to pull me away kicking and screaming? Very much so. But seeing Stephanie Sterjovski's photos from her trip to Palm Springs made me thing, "Eh. What's a few days?" :)

Sawtooth Mountains, ID

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To everyone's surprise, I'm sure, one of my dream vacations is to the mountains. I mean the Rockies or something rough, yet beautiful looking. I live basically on the Appalachian Trail and these are some beautiful rolling hills...not what I want to see out of a mountain! Let's just not talk about the snakes that are probably waiting for me on this dream trip, okay?

Key Largo--Key West, FL

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I can just see it: lounging on the sand, watching the sunset while sipping a summer-y cocktail. Sign me up immediately!

<3 Ashley

Where do you dream of getting away to before summer ends?

#SeeSummerBetter

Nothing like a historical hike in Gettysburg on the hottest day of the summer! 

If you know me, you know accessories are not exactly my thing--I'm not typically draped in jewelry or swimming in scarves. However, I do have a penchant for glasses! I have more pairs than are probably necessary and have at least five outfits for each. When it comes to summer, the sunnies come out more frequently (good-bye for now, Pittsburgh winter!) and the warm weather inspires me to experiment with more bold colors and prints.

Between an internship, turning 21 and different adventures with friends, this summer has been an exciting one for me. And of course there should be a different pair of frames for each occasion!

Internship

Skirt | Blouse | Warby Parker 'Piper' Sunglasses | Warby Parker 'Haskell' Glasses

Driving into work in the morning is an absolute nightmare with the sun shining in my face--god forbid I leave my sunnies on the kitchen table! However, these Piper shades from Warby Parker are so wonderfully dark that the light is not as harsh on my eyes. #Blessed, right?

On days when I don't want to wear my contacts (days where there is no sun, therefore no motivation to put them in) I am sporting a pair of smart looking frames. I typically love a classic black frame, but there is something about the clear Haskell frames that I find so wonderfully quirky! And ask anyone I work with...that's how they would describe me anyway. :)

Beach/Pool Side

Swimsuit | Panama Hat | LC Flip Flops | Warby Parker 'Halford' Sunglasses

Pool-side, at the beach, hiking through the battlefields of Gettysburg--yes this one is more specific to my summer--all call for a chic pair of aviators. Plus, how does one say no to a gold rimmed pair likes these?

Night Out

Skirt | Blouse | Sandals | Warby Parker 'Lyle' Glasses

While I do not typically sport frames for a night out with the girls, I may have to start--the Lyle frames with green and yellow hues have me sold. When paired with the right outfit, a colorful pair of glasses are especially fun and flirty!

<3 Ashley

Are you as obsessed with glasses as I am? 

This post was sponsored. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Summer Concert Style

Train is one of my favorite live acts!

One thing that I absolutely love about summer is outdoor concerts. I go to at least one every year--throwback to the year that I managed three concerts!! This summer's concert came early when Train pulled up in Hershey Park Stadium with Matt Nathanson and the Fray also on board. Aside from the music, perfect weather and electric atmosphere that comes along with summer night concert, I also love the style. I don't know about you, but picking an outfit for a concert is serious business--gotta look good and also feel comfortable enough to let loose and have a good time. Here are just a few pieces of inspiration for you:

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<3 Ashley

How would you describe your summer concert style? I tend to opt for a black maxi skirt or dark shorts and a loose top.

Songs of the Summer

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Summer would not be one big party without the right music. Here are just a few tunes on my summer playlist that I have been hitting repeat on:

• "Classic" by MKTO
• "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
• "Bulletproof Picasso" by Train
• "She's So Mean" by Matchbox Twenty
• "Want To Want Me" by Jason Derulo
• "How You Get The Girl" by Taylor Swift

<3 Ashley

What songs are you listening to this summer?

July Letter from the Editor

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Ready for some hopefully not-so-empty promises? It is the dawn of a new month--my hands down favorite month--and I have been thinking up so many fun posts that it will be nearly impossible for me to open my computer and say, "What am I going to write?" That was a big problem this month...lack of motivation and a hefty case of writer's block. But I am back in the game!

This month I am going full fledged summer: summer concert style, summer road trip ideas, fun and inexpensive things to do during the summer, summer menu ideas! Those are just a few things. Then, of course, there is my birthday; I have got some fun ideas for that as well. Stay tuned!

<3 Ashley

Happy July 1st! What are you looking forward to this month?

Summer Reading List

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If there is one thing that I keep around even though high school is years behind me it is the summer reading list. I have always been an avid reader--quite advanced at a young age! While high school maybe but a memory, I am still in school which means that finding time to read can be a challenge. This is why I love summer so much! Yes, I do work; however, I feel that my schedule is ten times more relaxed than during the school year and I have more time to read. If you check out the the widget in the right sidebar, you can check out what books I am toting around now!

Here are a few titles that I am hoping to get my hands on this summer:

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
"The Vacationers" by Emma Straub
"The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman
"Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson
"Landline" by Rainbow Rowell
"All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

<3 Ashley

What is on your summer reading list? 

Save the Face

So far this season is proving to be hot, hot, hot and humid, humid, humid! With Mother Nature deciding to turn up the heat my face is definitely feeling it. Feeling what exactly? Way too oily for my taste, that's what! I will say that I am not the biggest authority on beauty; my make-up is typically limited to mascara and lipstick. However, there is one thing that I care about during these hot, sticky months and that is my skin.

When the weather gets humid and the sweat starts to drip, I make sure that I ALWAYS have blotting papers and misting spray on hand in order to clean up and touch up. No need to get super fancy with these products: I tote around Clean & Clear blotting papers and Evian Facial Spray--these got me cleaned up on a super hot day when I was going from work straight to a concert with a friend. I use the papers to remove some of the oils and then spritz my face with the mist before I touch up my make-up. It doesn't take me too long to do and it saves me from feeling yucky for longer than I really need to.

<3 Ashley

How do you treat your face in the summer?

June Letter

The summer months have begun. Of course, at this point I am about a month into my summer and have gotten myself adjusted to the internship schedule. Look at how on top of things I am! This month my focus is on keeping up that momentum. June on Sunday Brunch will have me periodically sharing my organization and productivity tools--just some habits I like to keep of apps that I find particularly useful! Keep and eye out for those and also feel free to share your own tools that you use to maintain your focus.

Of course June is also the official beginning of summer, so summer life and style posts will be featured as well. I am scouring magazine and the internet to find the trends and pick out some of my favorites for you. I will also be sharing my personal summer beauty habits when it comes to keeping my skin and hair looking good when they could look pretty gross.

On another note: since I have started this internship, my schedule is way out of whack from what it was beforehand in regards to my blogging frequency. I am trying to pick it up now since I am becoming more used to my waking and sleeping times. Bear with me while I try to fall back into blogging more regularly!

<3 Ashley

Ready for June? What are your organization/productivity tips? Anything in particular I should focus on this month?

Looking Forward

Around this time last year, I posted a little reflection on my sophomore year experience. This year, rather than reflecting on my junior year--it wasn't the best--I am looking ahead to my senior year of college and all of the exciting things to come.

We have a house that we are renting off campus for the year, which is super exciting! I have walked through it a couple of times at this point and am actually fairly enthusiastic about it--which is saying something because this is college level living, people! I have all of my bedroom furniture purchased and in my room already so my move in looks to be smoother than some other people's. I am keeping my campus job. It is nice to feel secure that I will definitely be making some grocery shopping money.

I am also down to my last five required classes between my major and my certificate. That's right; I basically have one semester's worth of required credits left to take. This means that not only is my degree nearly complete, but I also have room to take some oh-so interesting classes to take purely out of fascination. Tudor History, here I come!

Now I am by no means wishing my time away. Trust me, I will be soaking up every single second of this summer. I have an internship and so much to learn from that as well as--hopefully--many fun adventures with friends. Here's to summer and finally being a college senior!

<3 Ashley

What are you looking forward to?

Lately

Yes, yes I know there has been some gap between my last post and this one. There really is not an excuse except that I'm just living up the last days of laziness I have left. Yep, that's right! The internship has been acquired and I will be starting soon. I will miss waking up at 8--looks like I will be waking up at 5 every morning for the rest of the summer. Sans weekends, of course.

The temps have been great lately. With days near the 80s, morning runs have been cool and amazing. I am pleased to say that I have already got a nice tan going thanks to May acting more like June. The dog and I have definitely taken advantage of a bit of the sun. I was also very excited to go see Avengers: Age of Ultron with the little bro who took to disguising himself as Spider-Man--not making fun of him...I had my Captain America hoodie on too!

Summer break is off to a great start. I am excited for a change of pace, though, as I get started on this internship!

<3 Ashley

How has your week been?

Home.

Home sweet home. The semester is finally over and I am back home for the summer. I still haven't heard back on this internship for which I had interviewed. So for now, I am ready to relax and take each day pretty easy this week. Most of my room has been unpacked--I had to make sure my desk was up and ready at least. All my books have found their way back onto my bookshelf and I am loving waking up in the comfiest bed. Fingers crossed that I get a call soon though; I don't know how long I can go not doing anything!

<3 Ashley

Have a great week everyone!

Lilly Pulitzer? Target? What?

Was Lilly Pulitzer's impending presence at Target a well publicized thing? Because I swear I had heard nothing until I heard the cries of thousands that the collection was sold out in their store. It is crazy how the stores opened and then bing bang boom! Sold out! People love their Lilly. While I can't say that I have been the biggest fan, there are quite a few pieces (both clothing and home) that I can appreciate in this collection.

My Fans Shift dress

Satin kimono in pineapple punch

Sea Urchin For You Halter Top

Ceramic Mugs and Gold Caddy

Drinking Glasses

I can't wait to do something shopping through the collection for the summer!

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite pieces from the collection at Target? Did you manage to buy some up or were they sold out?