Casual Summer Skirt

Tee - Target / Skirt - JCrew Factory / Sandals - Hive & Honey (similar) / Bag - Ann Taylor / Necklace - YuniKelley (similar) / Watch - Michael Kors (similar)

Skirts are my absolute favorite in the summer.  I used to prefer dresses, but there are so many more possibilities for styling with skirts.  Today I'm partnering with Hanna Marie Lei to show two ways to wear summer skirts.  This is only the second time I've worn this skirt (see the first time here) but it is definitely my new favorite.  I used to think the paper bag waists didn't work on me, but I've definitely changed my mind.  This style is really fun and stylish, but also comfortable!  Usually I want to change into comfy clothes when I'm just hanging out at home, but the waistband on this skirt is so comfortable that I kept it on until it was time for bed.

Be sure to check out the rest of Hanna's look here.

Are you all about skirts during the summer, or are you a shorts or dress girl?

Linking up with Mix It Monday, Summer Style, Random Wednesday and Stylish Tuesday.

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This weekend...

This weekend I...

...Went to Ravinia on Friday night to celebrate my dad's birthday.  Unlike the last time we went, my mom was in charge, which means instead of a blanket and some sammies from French Market, we had chairs, a table, tons of snacks, and even a candle for ambiance.
...And then got stuck on the train coming home for an extra hour because a semi hit one of the bridges we were supposed to go over.  Yuck.
...Finally got some work done on our wedding website!  Our photographer let us know that we should have our engagement photos back in about a week, so it's time to actually get moving.  I just need to do a little more to make the site responsive and pop in the new pictures, and it'll be done.
...Had some friends over for dinner, lots of wine, and Cards Against Humanity.  We grilled some flank steak (using this marinade) and it was freaking amazing.  Seriously.  Sorry Jeff, but flank steak may just be the love of my life.
...Cooked breakfast at home for the first time in a couple of months.  When I first moved in with Jeff we made breakfast at least once a weekend, but that's fallen by the wayside lately.  It was nice to bring the tradition back.
...Hit up our favorite neighborhood pizza spot for a little sausage, onion, and green pepper.

I hope you had a good one!

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Two!

Somehow I completely missed the birthday of my little place on the internets, but last week Kristina does the Internets turned two! I seriously cannot believe it's been two years, and I am so grateful for all of you who visit every day.  Here's to many more!

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DIY Polka-Dotted Wine Glasses

I may have a teensy bit of a Darby Smart problem.  If you haven't heard me mention it four thousand times before, Darby Smart is a DIY company that sends boxes filled with all of the supplies you need for one project.  I love doing crafts, but whenever I go to Michael's to buy supplies I end up buying four thousand things that don't go together and end up missing the things I actually need.  Getting everything in the mail all together is super helpful, and helps me to actually start and finish projects.  Darby Smart is seriously a brand that I love, which is why I'm excited to share another project with you.

I was browsing the site a couple of weeks ago and saw a project for decorating some wine glasses (which sadly is no longer available, but this is an easy enough project to recreate yourself) that included four stemless wine glasses and two Julep nail polishes.  After cleaning the glasses, I turned them upside down and dotted on red polish first, and then after letting it dry, added the pink.  After letting the polish dry completely, they were done!  Seriously, it was that quick, I was done in less than thirty minutes.

As an added bonus, since I didn't use all of the nail polish, I now have two new colors in my collection, as well as some super adorable wine glasses.  I love them so much that I've been using them nonstop.  You may have noticed me Instagramming my new fancy wine glass while listening to James Taylor at Ravinia.  I'm heading back to Ravinia tonight to celebrate my Dad's birthday, so I'll definitely break them out again!

Want to try out Darby Smart for yourself?  Just by signing up, you will receive $10 off your first order.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Linking up with Little Friday.

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To the Maxi

Tee and Skirt - Target / Necklace c/o Lovelywholesale.com (also seen here) / Sandals - Payless (old, similar)

I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow I've been more busy this week than when I was gainfully employed.  Between job searching, interviews, wedding stuff (including finally taking our engagement photos!), freelancing, and blogging, I feel like I've barely had time to catch my breath.  I've been so busy planning appropriate interview outfits and engagement photo outfits that my regular outfits kind of fell by the wayside.  Yesterday I was super excited to see Jenn from With Luck Blog rocking her maxi skirt because A) It reminded me that I do, in fact, own several maxi skirts, and B) Maxi skirts are basically the best thing ever.  They are super comfortable but still somehow feel more dressed up than jeans.  I was going to take Jenn's outfit as inspiration, but instead I basically just copied it (sorry Jenn!).  What can I say, imitation is definitely the most sincere form of flattery.

Linking up with Mix It Monday, Friday Fab Favorites and Summer Style.

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Review: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster

I have never quite found a bronzer I've really loved, they're always too dark for my fair skin or too sparkly or orange to look natural.  Not the Bronze Booster from Physicians Formula!  You guys, seriously, I love it.  It adds a glow to my skin but still looks super natural, unlike than the bronzer I used to use in college that made me look like a crazed Oompa Loompa.  It's not orange-y at all, has zero sparkle, and goes on really light.  

As much as I've been loving this bronzer, I am still mystified by the BB aspect.  Bronzer is supposed to be one of the last things you put on, right?  So how are the "BB Cream Benefits" supposed to get past the moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, and foundation I put on before it?  Needless to say, I have not seen better skin from using this product.  And the SPF is nice and all, but unless you apply bronzer all over (I prefer to just add color to the places that would naturally get a little glow), it could lead to unusual tanning pattern.  I haven't noticed any weird pale areas or anything, but it just seems odd to me.

So if you're just looking for a great, natural looking bronzer and are willing to spend a little more than the average drugstore price for it, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster is for you.  If you're looking to protect, moisturize, smooth, brighten, or soften, maybe just buy a BB cream instead.

I received a sample of this product as part of the StyleWatch Style Hunters program.

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Stripes & Shorts

Tank - Loft (old) / Blazer - NY&Co (old) / Shorts - Gap / Necklace - c/o Lovelywholesale.com / Sandals - Shoe Mint (old)

The real struggle of summertime for me?  Figuring out how to get dressed for the super hot temps outside and the frigid arctic air inside.  Seriously, who decided that 65 degrees is an appropriate temperature indoors?  Since I'm not exactly in a position to change the temperatures in the businesses I frequent, instead I've just been carrying my (not so) new favorite blazer around with me everywhere to help balance things out.

Linking up with Style Sessions and Stylish Tuesday.

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