$6 (!) Graphic Tee and Bright Shorts!

I absolutely love witty graphic tees! They are so fun. I am all about an inexpensive tee, too! This one was under $15 at Old Navy when I bought it, and now it's $6!!  It is so soft, too, which is a major bonus. It's a little slouchy and fits just slightly larger than TTS.

Have you guys had the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks?! OMG. Best drink ever. Anna introduced me to it, and now I'm kind of addicted. 

These shorts are my favorite! I love the scallops and bright colors. 

There are also solid colors, too, that are super practical. I bought these on the Lilly After Party Sale for $34, but I would certainly splurge for them-- they are that good! And comfy! 

These Stella and Dot earrings are literally 6 years old, but honestly, they are in such good shape! Stella and Dot is worth every cent! Talk to me if you want to order anything S & D because I have some pals who sell :]

Here are some similar ones from S & D: 

My cousins and I got these Rose all Day tees to wear on Easter! 

I wear my Jacks so often! I have three pairs-- teal, these pink and monogrammed white and gold. 

I teach in them, and I wear them all summer!

How cute are these pineapple ones?! I have bought all my pairs on sale from Ruelala or from the website. Just wait for sales! 

OMG, these are on my list. I am watching them closely for a sale! 

Here are some more graphic tees to swoop up:

How has your week been? I am already getting sad about leaving Florida tomorrow :(
Soaking up the final days!
xxoo
Mary

Floral Dress and Colorful Shoes!

I have been having the time of my life in Florida with my mom, stepdad, sis, bro in law, nephew and hubs. If you live far away from your parents, you'll understand why being with them is so special. I love being independent and living in Illinois, but I miss them (and Gary) always! Thank God my sister, Shawn and Finn are just in Chicago. 40 miles away is a cinch!

^^ My favorites!

I am soaking up every moment (literally and figuratively) of this vacay. I am so grateful that God has given me 30 years with my family. Praying for decades more!

This dress from Loft was an online exclusive, but they are amazing in the Geneva store and let me order it with the 50% off sales happening + free shipping. I went with a small, and it fits perfectly with the belt! 

Here is the teal version. It looks like the yellow is almost all sold out... so act fast! But fear not! I will link other fabulous yellow floral frocks. Bonus: the teal is currently $39! And the yellow is $48! (40% off applied at check out!). 

These shoes! They're comfortable, too! And they come in much more practical colors (blush, camel, black) if this color combo doesn't fit what you're looking for. The block heel is where it's at. They can be worn for hours with no pain. 

More of this great print in a tee and shorts:

More block heels: 

My sunnies:

My all-time favorite earrings from Court. These are from 2012 when I read in her wedding, but here are some great alternatives:

Finn was not ready for this photo shoot. Haha!

Finn is literally the most amazing babe ever. I know I am biased, but I am sooooo happy around him. 

His little laugh makes us all laugh! 

Me, mom and Anna. 

Green purse, old Banana Republic outlet. Similar here:

Other yellow dresses:

Hope you're having a great week! We are heading out on the boat today!
xxoo
Mary

Traveling in Comfort: Athleisure

Hello! I apologize for my hiatus from blog posts-- the last week before spring break was busy busy with my freshmen! But, I am back! Hooray! Today's blog is sponsored by my Godson, Finn, who is helping me-- haha! I'm talking travel-wear. I love to be comfortable when travelling, but I also like to wear pieces that I can re-wear once I reach my destination.

^^ He is the best! 

Morning, Auntie! Just checking out my Shopstyle earnings. bahhaha! 

Here is a little peak into what I brought to Florida. Has anyone read Little Bee? My friend Lauren recommended it to me, and I can't wait to start reading. 

This bow makeup bag is from this little boutique in Geneva, called Cocoon. Check it out if you're ever in town! It is my favorite place to go for gifts. 

More adorable travel makeup bags:

This shirt was under $15 from Old Navy, and it is soooooo soft. My cousins and I also got shirts that say "Rose all day" for Easter! They are soooo comfy and soft. Plus, they're all under $15. It's awesome! They are currently 30% off, too! 

The Skipper Popovers from Lilly Pulitzer are so incredibly comfortable. They have the most vibrant prints, too! The popovers are ideal for planes; it's always cold, even when you're traveling south. 

Mike bought me this particular one for to wear traveling to Jamaica for our honeymoon 2 years ago. Here are more great prints:

Was anyone else able to snag a Lilly Pulitzer x S'Well for Starbucks bottle when they came out in stores last month? I couldn't find them at our Geneva Starbucks, but my coworker, Kyle, is a real gem, and found them in his town!!! Even though he called it "Willy Garcia", he still is the best!! Kyle, you're my hero!!! 

My Lilly cooler bag is the perfect carry on/large bag for travelling. It's actually an insulated cooler bag, but it fits so much! Julie bought me this and got it monogrammed for my wedding shower! It was the best gift, and I have used it so much for a beach bag over the years! It was also ideal for Jamaica on our honeymoon. The monogram makes it even more special. Thanks so much to Jules for such a perfect gift! 

I love this style of a cross body version. 

These Alo Moto Leggings are life-changing! OMG. They fit soooo well. There are mesh panels and awesome details. Mine are the high-waisted version, and they are so flattering. I have the navy and the evergreen colors. I am wearing a small for reference. I have seen so many women rock these at Pure Barre, and everyone looks amazing in them! Do yourself a favor, and invest in a pair! They are THE best!

Now time to head back to the pool!!
Happy spring break!
xxoo
Mary

Short Sleeve Bell Sleeve Trend-- How to Wear It

I drooled over this bright pink, buffalo-check shirt for weeks before putting it on my birthday wish list! My mom bought it for me, and I absolutely adore it. I've worn it to work once, and I busted it out again for Saturday night's date night with Mike! We met 4 years ago at the Geneva Ale House on March 12, 2013, so we wanted to go back to where it all began. I am so thankful to God that he came into my life! He emailed me first (on Match.com), and we emailed back and forth before meeting 5 days later. The first time he emailed me, I KNEW he was special and my dream man! And that this would be different! The night we met, we talked for 3 hours and 50 minutes... on a SCHOOL NIGHT! And I left feeling happier than I had ever been. I was on cloud nine all night, and I emailed my besties the next day to tell them to start picking out bridemaids dresses because I had met my future husband!  My sister actually used my email to my girlfriends as her maid of honor speech! LOL! A lot of exclamation points and a lot of, "HE'S CATHOLIC! HE WENT TO NOTRE DAME! HE WAS ON THE DRUMLINE!!!!!!" To this day, the email Mike sent me (to Dancer1687 from DrummingMike84) has changed my life forever!  Ok, sorry! I got carried away! Haha!! SIDE note: he also recreated all our Match.com emails and printed them out and got them bound into a book for our 1st wedding anniversary (it's paper traditionally). It is the best love story I've ever read! :):):):)

Unfortunately this shirt is sold out, but fear not! I have linked tons of short-sleeved bell-sleeved tops below for your enjoyment :) 

^^ A few throwback pics from our engagement photo sesh with Meagan from Blossom Lane Photography (who also photographed our wedding!). She's a photog genius! That's where we met! Shout out to the Geneva Ale House! Amazing food and drinks. 

Here's a skirt version of my top! I am obsessed with the brightness of the pink! It's really beautiful-- even more so in person :)

This bright clutch is my favorite new purchase from Jori & June! It will be so perfect to pair with anything Lilly Pulitzer this summer! 

Loving this blue version from Nordies, too!

OMG, and this fringe-y delight! 

And this yellow? HELLO, summer!

Obsessed with these BCBGeneration glittery pumps^^

I have them in black and nude, too! LOL. They are from last fall at DSW, but the black/nude combo is still available. They are SO COMFORTABLE! I wear them to weddings and am completely comfy in them. Don't they look like the Valentino Rock Studs??? 

Here's a practical white version of the bell-sleeved top with a striped edge detail. I love this crisp option for work or in the summer with jean shorts!

^^^ Trying out the basketball hoop the previous owners left in the basement bahahah. #Slamdunk

This is my old monogram (mHm) in gold from my sis for being her maid of honor! I love it too much even if it isn't updated. LOL.

More bell-sleeves below! 

The striped nautical detail contrasting with these gingham ruffle sleeves give this shirt a summer feel! I love it! This would work perfectly with khaki chinos (I have these and LOVE THEM! They run a little smaller than usual, I sized up to a 6 with these) for spring or white jeans this summer.

I am digging these light blue tops from Loft and J. Crew. The flowy sleeves are so in right now! Be sure to pair with skinny denim or a fitted pencil skirt on the bottom-- you don't want to be lost in something flowy on the bottom to make you look boxy.

Even more adorable bell-sleeve short sleeved tops:

I am dying over this chambray one with BOWS ON THE BACK!!!

Okay, this Burberry one is #goals. Jackie, I think you will love that one, too!!!


I hope you had a wonderful start to your week! IT IS SO COLD HERE. AND IT WAS SNOWING TODAY. I. CAN. NOT.

On a lighter note, I am so close to spring break I can taste it! Gotta keep my kiddos focused for 2 more weeks, and then a week of sun, Finny and family!
xxoo
Mary