Hyde Park's New Gem

hat // sunnies // c/o earrings // jacket // dress (homemade, similar here) // purse // bangle // bracelet // ring // shoes


As I have mentioned before, my favorite area in town, Hyde Park Village, is going through something of a rebirth. In addition to Bar Taco and Sprinkles, the Village is now home to a gorgeous new Kendra Scott store. Last Friday Kelly and I were invited to their soft opening. We both immediately fell in love with the store; it is absolutely stunning. But, the only thing prettier than the store are the bright baubles it holds.

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I loved everything in the store! Plus, since almost all of the pieces are gold, rose-gold, or silver plated, I can wear everything without discomfort (I have an allergy). I was instantly smitten with the Elle Earrings in ivory pearl and gold. Kendra Scott uses only gorgeous and bright natural stones. I also loved the Erica Bangle, Jana Bracelet, and Arielle ring. The hardest part was picking what color gemstones I wanted (#roughlife)!

I paired my new baubles with this pink gingham dress I made. Real talk for a second, this sewing project did not turn out great. The top was a bit big and the pleats in the back sit funny. But these mistakes are important lessons and, fortunately, I was able to cover them with this jacket lol. Since I don't have time to fix the dress or make a new one, I am hoping my amazingly-talented friend Jen in Florence can come to my rescue with one of her pink gingham creations.

If you live in or near Tampa you will definitely want to visit the new Kendra Scott store, you will not be disappointed!

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Lace Begonia Dress

jacket // dress // headband // sunglasses (similar) // purse // wedges

Ok, Ann Taylor has been killing it lately. I mean, have you seen their most recent set of new arrivals? I immediately scooped up this gingham dress for half off! This sale, which is 50% off everything, ends tonight by the way, so don't delay. Ann Taylor is definitely not just your mom's store anymore. I have linked more of my favorites below.

But back to this sweet little frock. I scored this pretty pink lace dress with navy blooms a couple weeks ago (during a 40% off sale). I love it because it's so feminine and delicate. I plan on layering a silk navy blouse underneath for work. For play, however, I went with my favorite gingham jacket to juxtapose the dress's delicate nature.

I am a little embarrassed to admit how excited Kelly and I were to find this pink wall just 10 minutes from where we live. We have been searching for a pink wall for ages. It's a simple background but photographs beautifully. It was the perfect backdrop for this pink, navy, and gold look.

Happy Monday everyone!

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Outfit: Pastel Plaid Scarf

popover // bow // skirt (old, last seen here) // scarf (old, love this one and this one) // tights // boots (old, similar) // bag

Since returning to Florida, I haven't really missed winter. I don't miss freezing in my Florentine little apartment and how it took twenty minutes to pile on everything and get out the door. And I definitely don't miss wearing tights every day. I do, however, miss layering and all of the fun accessories. So, it was nice to break out some of my favorite winter accessories again last weekend in NYC.

I wore my new pink gingham popover with my favorite pastel plaid scarf. I kept the rest of my look simple with black, but added a touch of pink with my sunglasses and gorgeous long gloves I purchased in Prague. This was also the day that Emily and I had our hair done at the TRESemme style studio, so I had a fun braided faux-hawk to complete the look.

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Outfit: Rose Kicks

dress // blazer (old, similar) // sunnies (and in pink here!) // kicks // bag

I am currently obsessed with this Kate Spade rose print. I love this dress and this skirt, which was the inspiration behind the fabric I designed and used to make a pleated skirt. As soon as I saw that the print had been released in Kate Spade's line of Keds, I was sold. I love a pair of cute kicks and these will go great with both skirts and shorts/pants.

I also loved the way Kate Spade styled the pink rose print with black and white stripes. Enter this versatile ponte knit striped dress. I purchased it ages ago and it has been my go-to comfy dress since. It could not be easier to wear. I was so happy to see that J.Crew just re-released it in two colors! A perfect stripe, flattering cut, and utilitarian fabric make it a wardrobe MVP. To complete the look, I topped it with my favorite pink linen blazer.

I am back in Florida this morning after an incredible weekend in NYC. I was so lucky to have an amazing tour guide and I promise to share more tomorrow.

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Outfit: Weekend Spots

hat (old) // denim jacket // top (on sale!) // skirt // bag (old, similar) // pom pom // sneakers (old, similar) // sunnies (via Ditto)


I feel bad posting this outfit as much of the country digs itself out of a crazy blizzard. It did get somewhat chilly in Florida. But, here is the thing with Florida, as chilly as it gets, the sun is always there to heat everything up by the afternoon.

J.Crew's flared skirts (this flutter model and the older flare version) are a wardrobe staple for me. They are so comfortable and flattering, and come in a variety of great colors. I really hope they don't stop making them. I must own a dozen by now and I wear them constantly. Whether dressed up for work with a blouse and/or blazer, or dressed down for the weekend with a t-shirt and denim jacket, these skirts are definitely a wardrobe must-have!

In other news, my get-back-into-shape-after-eating-my-way-through-Italy regimen has begun. I am so tired and so sore. Spending a year in Italy is great... getting back to my pre-Italy health and fitness level... not so much. But, I keep reminding myself that the hardest part is restarting. Hopefully I will be able to lose my pasta belly quickly (although, I still maintain she was worth it).

Happy Monday!

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Outfit: Lace on Lace

dress // tights // shoes // purse // sunnies

Sometimes you just have to embrace your girly side and your long-lost childhood dream of being a prima ballerina. I immediately fell head over heels (or should I say toe box?) when I saw these light pink, pointe-inspired ballet flats (complete with bow) by Melissa Shoes. As you might remember, Melissa Shoes are my absolute favorite for traveling and exploring European cities. They are the only stylish shoes I can spend the day in walking miles or standing in a museum without my feet hurting.

Like all Melissa Shoes, these are PVC. Yes, plastic! So the added bonus to them be soft and squishy is that are basically indestructible and waterproof, which is essential on European cobblestone. I have never ruined or worn out as many shoes as I have in Italy. I have worn my Melissa Doris flats (currently on sale!) all over Italy/Europe so I was hoping these would be just as comfortable and cute. And they did not disappoint! These have even more cushioning and I think the design is just the right about of whimsy, while still being a versatile shoe. I cannot wait to wear them in Paris. My only caution with Melissa Shoes is that you need to wear them with tights or ballet socks. Remember they are plastic, so not the best shoe for heat and humidity lol. 

I paired my amazing new flats with my favorite lace tights to highlight the little black bow. And since I love to experiment with mixing prints and patterns, I decided to go for a little lace-on-lace action. To break up the amount of black, I added my favorite light pink mini bag and a pink ribbon in my hair... because you know, childhood dreams. 

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Outfit: Sweater Weather

sweater (old, v-neck version in the same color) // dress // bag // tights // boots (old, similar) // sunnies

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty much in denial that it is already November! If it wasn’t so chilly outside, I would not believe it.

It has definitely transitioned into sweater weather here in Florence. But at least, except for a couple days here and there, the sun has been shining, and we’ve been enjoying crisp, cool fall days.

I wore my favorite pink sweater over my currently-on-repeat floral dress last weekend for a day of exploring the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. I also recently picked up this adorable Furla mini bag in the perfect pink shade for winter and fall - they call it winter rose. I have a serious weakness for mini pink bags! Wearing dresses as skirts is one of my favorite ways to double your wardrobe and keep warm during the fall and winter.

Have a great Monday!

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