Birk, please!?

Birkenstock's have always been a staple amongst what my grandmother would call "the granola crowd". You know them, they shop at Whole Foods, wear cargo shorts year round, frequent farmer's markets, grow veggies in their backyards, get cage free eggs from Bob down the street, etc. (the list could go on). My grandparents are apart of this crowd, creatures of comfort who prefer the minimalist style and always put comfort over style. Growing up I would slip on my grandmother's Birks to run outside to get the mail, water the lawn, or generally do anything that required me to get out the door fast. While they were the most stylish pieces in her closet, they were definitely comfy and she loved them. I have a vivid image of her many pairs in various colors and strap combinations lined up outside the door of her small closet, soles stained from years of use yet remaining overwhelmingly intact.

Now I see Birks everywhere, mainly on young "fashionistas" who wear them in an almost ironic fashion, like they know they are (somewhat) seen as the iconic unattractive shoe, but because they're wearing them with silk blouses and carrying their Chloé bags it cancels out their higher tastes.

I don't know, as someone who grew up with reformed hippie grandparents who put Birks and Teva on our feet faithfully, and the fact that I was teased for wearing them in junior high and high school, it's confusing because I don't understand this obsession with incorporating tragically 'norm core' pieces---it's just strange lol.

The thing with Birkenstocks is if you truly like them and not just because they are popular, you have to be unapolegetic when wearing them. I guess only time will tell if those who rushed to get a pair this season will keep them around until next year.

The styling of the sophisticated & sleek silk black slip with the hat and Birks works, in a way only a ridiculously chic woman could pull off-- yet I think this look is super inspirational to anyone wanting to attempt the trend. She looks unbothered and gorgeous, total date night.

The thing about MK and Ash is that they can literally wear anything and totally be trendy& unbothered, so seeing them in Birks is no big surprise. Julianne is a goddess, so pffft! Heidi most likely grew up in Birks--German beauty in Germany's crowning achievement.

Teva's are like Birkenstocks wholly uncool cousin, but I don't care I love those Metallic polka dot shoes and they have been sitting in my cart waiting for Summer and my upcoming trip to Santa Fe is the perfect time to bust those babies out. 

*photos courtesy of honestlywtf.com

Summertime Madness

I'm a total nut when it comes to Summer time. As soon as the sun starts a steady rhythm I retire all my long sleeves, pants and anything that restricts my shoulders from getting some warmth. After twenty or so years, it's become a second instinct for me! My next instinct would be to start the eternal search for the "perfect bathing suit". Through the years I have discovered that there is no coveted perfect suit, it only exists in our minds--which isn't' necessarily a bad thing! Confidence is definitely the key to feeling beautiful in your swimwear and honestly what could be more perfect than confidence and a smile? But that doesn't stop me from scouring the inter webs for something with the right amount of coverage, adorableness, and enough sustainability to last me until next Summer.

I (like many women) spend the winter months getting in shape for the Summer months... well attempting to at least. I am usually successful enough to wear a two-piece, but for the past two Summers I have worn super cute one pieces. I like the coverage and the fact that I don't have to worry about my top slipping or my bottoms riding up my bum. Considering that I have gained about seven pounds this winter, most of which has settled into my thighs, bum and boobs (somewhat luckily???), I will definitely rock a one-piece while I get used to this new body. It can be so hard to find a one-piece that isn't super plain or stuck in that 1940's, pin up era style. While I think it is obviously cute, that style doesn't work the best for my short, somewhat athletic body type.

1,2,3 Mara Hoffman Spring Collection 2014

I am a big fan of vibrant color & intricate print when it comes to swim wear because WHY NOT??? Since being introduced to Mara Hoffman's brand, I have long admired her designs for their flair, such intoxicating symmetry happening! I love the cohesion of color and print, plus her more is more approach works indefinitely.

1. Zimmerman Swimwear Spring 2014

2. Zimmerman Swimwear via Madewell 2014

These two suits are on the plainer side of things, considering that floral print is pretty standard for swim designs, but I do love the interest shapes these create. My bust is still relatively small, so strapless bandeau designs work for me and the addition of the bow (left side) is adorable and playful. The plunging neckline of the floral one (right side) really adds some sex appeal to the design. I already have a floral print, plunging neckline suit (with straps!) so maybe that's why I like this one.

1. Mara Hoffman Spring Collection 2014

2. RVCA Spring 2014

3. RVCA Spring 2014

I'm the girl who finds every excuse to wear a romper, I can't help myself! I'm pretty small and I am not a fan of how my legs look in shorts, but for some reason short rompers work for me. It's just so freaking cute!

Vida de Vacaciones

I'm desperate need of a vacation. This past winter was particularly brutal for me, mostly because I was so unprepared for the harshness of the snow so it was really hard to get used to it. I was in constant need of sun, even just a hint of warmth, but alas it never came. At least I can say that I survived -10 degree mornings and I only cried once... okay twice-- three times maximum!!

Michael and I really want to go on a road trip and take advantage of the beautiful Colorado summer that is approaching. He wants to get outdoors and be active and I want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and engage in activities, so with these factors in mind we have decided on driving the car down to Santa Fe, New Mexico!

It's a straight shot on the highway from our home and there are quite a few National Parks along the way, so he will get his camping fix in! I am super excited to visit the Georgia O'Keefe museum as well as seeing the amazing, Mexican architecture that is still prominent in Santa Fe.

We will be staying at an "off the grid" casita that is far enough for a secluded, technology absent week, but close enough to town that we can make the 20 minute bike ride when we want to be more social and see the tourist sites. Holy hiking and natural hot springs, I can't wait to get down there!

Can't wait to hike the Puye Ruins and get my natural woman on!

The Scientist

"The Scientist" by Coldplay. One of my favorite songs, it's just sweet, earnest and simple in nature.

Come up to meet you

Tell you I'm sorry

You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you, tell you I need you

Tell you I'll set you apart

Tell me you love me

Come back and haunt me

Oh, and I rush to the start

Running in circles, chasing our tails 

Coming back as we are

Elizabeth Suzanne Lookbook

My favorite thing about Instagram is being able to randomly discover new designers with little to no effort. I use this reasoning to justify my compulsion to check the app hundreds of times throughout the day-- never know what we show up on that popular page! A recent find is Elizabeth Suzann, a Tennessee based apparel designer who makes impeccable basics, in a range of fabrics from linen to silk bases. I am obsessed with her faux 'one size fits all' aesthetic. It's hard for me to not lust over every boxy shifty sac dress that I see this season, mainly due to my body type changing in the last few months. I've become very comfortable in these styles, tossing on my Fog Linen sleeveless shift or Oak and Fort linen shirt dress, pretty much every other day. It's just a major go to for me while I'm working on losing my winter weight.

Elizabeth's look book is very thoughtful and every look is put together with a nice touch of easiness. What caught my eye is how she accessorized with jewelry pieces from Madewell, as well as hats, leather booties & bags from outside brands. For me it showed how seamless her pieces can work into a minimalist wardobe. As someone who doesn't naturally gravitate towards color or patterns on a daily basis, knowing that neutral clothing can still be my stand out pieces amongst intricate jewelry and accessories is important to me.

Clutch Envy

It never fails that as soon as I decide on a wallet or purse I see something that makes me wish I hadn't made up my mind already. I'm experiencing serious bag envy after discovering Annie Williams beautifully handcrafted leather clutches. Anything oversized is always good in my book and though distressed leather is something that I have forever been obsessed with, I am just warming up to colored leather, navy in particular. Hand cut and dyed in Nashville, Tennessee I discovered Annie's leather goods while browsing through Elizabeth Suzann's Instagram page, concluding that there are some amazing hidden gems in Tennessee. As much as I am in love with these pieces the price tags are not within my reach at the time #storyofmylife

On the lower end, but just as cute and functional Gift Shop Brooklyn has some really awesome small zip pouches in an assortment of leather, sheen, and print. I have been wanting a leather pouch to toss into my bigger purses, intending to replace the canvas pouch I use now. I'll probably continue to carry all my lipsticks and miscellaneous tidbits, so it doesn't need to be too pricey because it'll most likely get beat up.

So in love with that floral print, despite wanting something neutral. The pink is especially lovely as well.

Love of lavender

I'm not quite sure of when my obsession with lavender developed, but it has been slowly building over the past few years to the point where I will almost automatically buy anything lavender scented.

Visually, they're just so subtle and unassumingly beautiful. They just make me happy.

This would be a super easy and adorable DIY to feed my lavender obsession, especially since I have been wanting to spray paint some mason jars for my bathroom windowsill. Was leaning towards turquoise or robin egg blue, to match the current decor of the room, but this would be an awesome excuse to redo the entire thing!

How delicious does this lavender infused lemonade look? Must try this soon.

Selfie of myself, fully immersed in my love of lavender.

Ulla La La Johnson

I was doing my usual morning internet crawl when I came upon the website for a Mississippi based boutique called Blithe and Vine, while searching for an apothecary line called Blithe and Bonny. Although I did find B & B with no trouble, my curiosity bested me I went back and checked out the Blithe and Vine site-- mainly because I think the name is so cute! While the didn't have anything that could be purchased online, the site did feature their "look book" of items currently found in the store which leads me to my next discovery: ULLA JOHNSON! My gosh, how have I gone on this long without knowing about her beautiful clothing? The Manhattan based line has everything I love. Flowing silhouettes, long draped blouses, billowing sleeves, lush textured fabrics. If I could I would stock my closet with the following looks from the Fall 2014 look book.

    

I'm in this phase where I love all white. Or maybe white-cream tones paired with light grays, marled cement, and parchment looking tones. I haven't actually worn them myself, though I do wear lots of gray--- just haven't found the right pieces to incorporate those whites into my own wardrobe yet :(

So obsessed with how casual, yet elegant these two looks are! This is what I think of when someone says the phrase "Wake Up and Go!" I mean you could literally toss the gray and white silk dress on, pull your hair into a top-knot, and look totally together! How even?

Black is just the ultimate staple color for me. My friends would contest, but I actually wear a fair amount of black on any given day and my closet has a sizable section dedicated to solely black. It's just so easy and there is so much versatility. Pair that with any type of peasanty, slouchy situation and I am all about it.

These last two look are a bit over the top for me, but in an amazingly fun way. I love the combination of the fur clutch and oval brim hat, paired with the straightforwardness of the jumpsuit and the sexiness of the pointed heel. It's all so much, but everything piled on together really works and gives the impression that this girl doesn't take herself to seriously, she makes those luxe pieces wearable! And that awesome faux-camo jumpsuit just screams party time. I just want to be this girl's friend and borrow from her closet because with amazing outfits like this you couldn't possibly keep it all to yourself.

Human After All

Humanoid is probably my favorite brand out right now. Their collections just seem impressively wearable and the way the style things is so easy, it would be impossible not to feel playful yet put together. I especially like the tones of all the fabrics. The faded oxbloods, the rusty mustard tones, even the grays have a nice mechanical glimmer to them. Plus I just love the Netherlands, I have this feeling that the people are pleasant and don't take life to harshly.

These shifty styles look so comfortable. Anything that has the ease of a tee shirt, but the polish of a structured, buttoned up look is something I gravitate towards, mainly because I love button downs, but they can be a little stuffy. Slip dresses are just a forever favorite of mine, especially in a nice organic cotton--- staple for the summer time.

Not sure of when I became so obsessed with this rusty mustard tone, but that jumpsuit makes me happy that I am attracted to that color. I can see someone with sun-kissed skin wearing this and getting nonstop compliments. I want to live in that tan linen shirt dress and booties. Like every day of my life.

   

This girl looks like she rides her bike to work and little blue birds fly beside her, singing sweet little tunes and she glides to the office. Everyone loves Eve (the name I just gave her) and her soft, sensible style. She's so ladylike, but knows when to turn up the sass--- hence that first look.

Navy is most like my second go to color, running close behind black yet a few steps ahead of gray. It just always looks clean and modest, and does the same slimming allusion as black. I love the weight of those navy knits and slinky they look, but still have that air of femininity. I would wear that to work every day and be totally satisfied. That caftan is just fun and I would laugh and dance around if I was in it too!