taco Tuesday

Happy Taco Tuesday! I am excited to share another local Denver spot with you, in partnership with car2go! When visiting the Mile High City, you have to put the RiNo neighborhood on your list for mural peeping and brewery hopping, but The Source is also a must visit spot in this hip area just north of Downtown. Located in a gorgeously restored warehouse, The Source has options for everyone - a brewery (featuring sours, my favorite is the rosé!),  yummy farm-to-table restaurant, small batch liquor store, whole animal butcher, florist, coffee shop, bakery & one of my favorite taco spots - Comida!

Don't tell me you don't have a #TacoTuesday dress? I do, & it makes this weekly tradition that much more festive! While Denver is currently experiencing snow, I know the sun is just waiting to make its return, so this dress will be ready to go once it does! 

Do you celebrate Taco Tuesday? Where is your favorite local spot??

{shop these exact pieces + other favorites}

dress: Chicwish pom-pom trim dress (now 25% off!)

shoes: Nisolo slides (forever favorites along with their Serena sandal - both now on sale!)

Shop all Nisolo products (their leather goods make sure to please presents!) with my referral link & you get $25 off your purchase (+ I get $25!)

sunglasses: Ray-Ban aviators (green + gold is a classic combo)

lipstick: By Terry liquid lipstick (makes a great gift set!)

All Photos | Walnut Street Photography

Goodwill

You know those people who are always so well dressed, but when you ask them where they got their knockout piece, they tell you it is vintage/thrifted/super old... SO annoying, right? Well I want to be one of those people!

I love the idea of buying less NEW things, & instead finding things that will be new to me! Not only would it be cheaper, but better for the plant too! I waste so much by always rushing out to purchase items brand new. I'm sure other people feel that way too!

I think the hardest part about thrifting is hunting down & finding a specific item & the vast amount of time it takes to find success. I know there are lots of apps out there for this now - from clothes, to furniture, to every day items - but I still haven't perfected the art! Or is it better to find a regular routine to go in person to local shops... but what neighborhood is the best? How do you narrow down the options!?!

Are you a thrifter? What are your secrets? I want to get better for my wallet & the Earth!

dress: thrifted Kate Spade dress (from Birds & Belles boutique here in Denver)

shoes: Jack Rogers sandals

lipstick: Nars matte lipstick in "Heat Wave"

watch: Le Coeur leather watch (shop similar below)

All Photos | Walnut Street Photography

{shop these exact pieces + other favorites}

endless Summer

While many declare Labor Day the END of Summer, I recognize the symbolic end of Summer/start of school, but always wear my "summer" styles until the official transition to Fall - Friday September 22nd in case you want to put it in your planner :)

In fact, like many in Game of Thrones, us here in Colorado, know that Winter is indeed coming, & I plan to wear my warm weather pieces until I can't for the remainder of the year, + well into 2018!

I declare this transitional time of year "buy-Summer-clothes-on-sale-&-wear-the-heck-out-of-them" season! Treat yo self & take advantage of businesses already putting all their eggs in the Fall basket. I have recently discovered the brand Boohoo, & can't get enough of their flower child dresses. I feel like maybe I let a little of my free spirit style of dressing behind when I left Music City Nashville, & found myself in Denver - where most people think the idea of dressing up is putting on their best Patagonia jacket (only kind of kidding...).

I felt so comfortable wearing this outfit for a day of exploring in our current neighborhood - RiNo in Denver - before it isn't our neighborhood any more (1 month until we move into our first HOUSE!). We have so many spots left to explore in the area we have called home for the past 14 months, but somehow we always find ourselves right back at our favorite brewery - Epic. 

And for those of you who just can't wait for Fall, I will be styling this same dress for a Fall look later this week! Are you team endless-Summer or early-Fall?

P.S. There are 2 giveaways going on right now. Check out the Newk's giveaway here & head over to my Instagram to see today's giveaway with August Mae - a new favorite boutique here in Colorado!

dress: Boohoo cold shoulder maxi dress

hat: Boater Hat from Sole Society - currently sold out, but I love this similar style for only $15! Looking for boater hat inspiration, see how I've styled this piece previously here.

shoes: Nisolo slides (now on sale!)

All Photos | Walnut Street Photography

{shop these pieces + similar styles}

Colorado Adventures

Summer might be in its waning days, but I haven't finished crossing items off my Summer bucket list & certainly plan on keeping the adventures going well on into Fall.

I might still be working on feeling like Colorado is *home*, but they beauty of this state has totally started to seep into me & I keep discovering new places to explore. I guess I like to hike now, & have found that they best way to travel in the woods is with a backpack.

When looking for a new backpack, I wanted to find something that was unique, high quality & durable - not an easy search! In the process I stumbled upon Waremakers. I love that they offer so many carefully curated + hand-made  items, all stunning & super functional! I too believe in the motto of "fewer, better things" & could easily see so many of these pieces replacing even more of my mass produced, cheaply made bags/organization products. I picked this backpack cutie from Sac Marin - it comes in several colors & sizes too!

How do you thoughtfully add new pieces to your wardrobe? I am so into a minimalistic kick right now & would love any new tips!

All Photos | Walnut Street Photography

Poppies!

Talk about a dream dress! I have been obsessed with poppies ever since I convinced myself that I was indeed Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz & love the amazing print on this super comfortable, breezy dress that also has pockets! But that's not it... wait for it... it's only $39!

dress: c/o August Mae

purse: Michael Kors crossbody 

earrings: c/o Kendra Scott (I love that they look like Amber!)

shoes: suuuuper old, but I was inspired to pull them out again after seeing lots of similar styles currently in stores. I've had these since the early days of my blog - including this post from 2011 - so it is cool to see the trend come back around.

lipstick: Nars matte lipstick in "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Walnut Street Photography

neck-ker-chief

shirt: J.Crew Factory off-the-shoulder top (under $30, also available in a gingham print + lots of other solid colors - love this red one!)

shorts: J.Crew Factory scalloped shorts (available in polka dots in addition to the great solid colors, on sale too!)

sandals: Jack Rogers flip flops (the Platinum color is the most perfect!)

scarf: J.Crew Factory (it has drawings on it of Hawaii & I love the it reminds me of our vacation there. Scarf souvinirs are my favorite, this one from Venice started this habit for me & has been featured in 6 outfits the blog - see more here!) The Hawaii one is currently sold out, but they have this super cute Paris themed one!

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators (the green + gold color combo is my jam!)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop these exact pieces + other favorites}

The following is a love story between a girl & her new razor. While this post is in no way sponsored by Harry's Razors... Harry if you are listening, holler at your girl!

The other day I ran out of razors & didn't 1.) want to drive to the store to get more or 2.) pay $10+ for a single freaking shave... so I did what every woman who shares a bathroom with a man would do... I stole a razor from my husband. AND OH MY GOODNESS HOW HAVE THEY BEEN HIDING THIS FROM US!?!?!

I have always shelled out for the expensive "Goddess inspired" razors because hey, I'm a GODDESS & I deserve goddess inspired razors gosh darn it! I honestly never even thought about it - that's what the going price is for a shave, who am I to rock the boat of goddesses?!

And of course, I didn't admit to my husband that I had used one of his Harry's razors, & just went on my merry, hair-free way. But then I got caught.

We were riding in the car, & from the driver's seat, Tyler reaches over to put his hand on my knee. But this time my knee was different - instead of being a confusing combo of covered in scratches + covered in stubble, he remarked that my knee was as smooth as a cue ball!  A FREAKING CUE BALL - that is seriously goals, right!? All of my other razors had been telling me that I was a GODDESS, but leaving my skin with less than goddess results. Sure, I like to hurry with my shave job & this usually results in missed spots + several bleeding wounds, but Harry's gets me & the super sharp razors GET. THE. JOB. DONE.

I was so caught up in my husband's compliment that I came clean about my razor double cross. Turns out Tyler has been getting Harry's razors every month for CHEAP + had an extra handle, so now I'm set up with my own rig + monthly subscription of blades... again for super CHEAP!

After using the same razors for years, it did take a couple of shaves to get used to the feel + shape of the Harry's Razors, so here are two things to be aware of if you are switching from overpriced "women's" razors, to these unisex models. 1. They don't have much of a moisturizing strip, so using some sort of shaving cream is needed (I never used any with my GODDESS razors). 2. The blade is a little wider than I was used to + the blades are super sharp, so be careful in any sensitive areas!

P.S. Just looked into it more & you don't even have to have a subscription to order! This 3 blade set is only $15 (love the orange handle!) + upgrade to the metal handle set for only $25.

Naot sandals

I am always on the hunt for amazing brands to add to my list of conscious consumerism products, & I can't wait to tell you about Naot today! Naot (means oasis in Hebrew) shoes have been made in Israel since their factory was founded in 1942, & they have maintained their commitment to quality + comfort since the beginning. I love the natural cork insoles that are found in all Naot shoes - they form to your foot like footprints in the sand & these sandals certainly provide all day comfort!

I love these ombre sandals for Summer, but am already dreaming of cooler weather to sport these fabulous booties. They even have styles that I can see my husband wearing as well - aren't these perfect!?

Every Naot sandal is a shoe of peace, as each one is handmade in Northern Israel by the joint effort of Israelis & Palestinians. Naot is passionate about providing beautiful + stylish products that allow you to walk all day in comfort. See more by checking out the tag #shoes4peace on Instagram.

top: Old Navy tank (from last year, similar styles from this year's Summer collection below - all under $15)

jeans: Nordstrom distressed jeans (sold out, but linking 5 similar pairs below, all under $60!)

shoes: sandals c/o Naot (can you see the awesome brown to navy ombre? It is so gorgeous in person!)

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

not so basic

Adulting update: Tyler & I have been saving our buns off to make our dream of owning a house an actual reality, & the time has come for us to pick one out! I am simultaneously so stinking excited/terrified! After living in apartments/shared houses for our entire 8 years together, we keep pinching ourselves over the fact that we might get our OWN yard, driveway, garage, and HOUSE! I don't even care if we have any furniture, every night will be a dance party for 2 anyways!

Denver has a HOT housing market right now, so we have already seen about 10 houses, put in a bid, gotten in a bidding war, lost a house, & kept on trucking! We saw 2 amazing ones over the weekend that checked all our wish list boxes & while I think they might have forgotten some numbers in the price, we are going to put in a bid today (attempt #2) so please cross all your extremities for us!

Another thing that is HOT, is the weather in Denver. People (AKA me before I moved here) assume that Denver is in the mountains, but really it is NEXT to the mountains & that makes a huge difference when we are talking Summer heat! I call Denver the HIGH plains - because it is literally a mile above sea level, but flat as a pancake - a pancake that is baking a mile closer to the sun. During our recent 100+ degree days, I have been enjoying the ease of simple dressing - throwing on a sun dress with my quick sandal slides & hitting the door (makes these last minute house showings less hectic!) - & this outfit is my go to basic combo. I love maxi dresses for this time of year because I am already over shaving my legs since moving to an every day effort when the sun made her appearance in May & maxi dresses transition easily to night (scarf stashed in my tote!), while also easily going from casual to fancy with the right accessories.

I also can't gush enough about my latest Nisolo purchase - these slides! I have been a long time supporter of Nisolo, because they have an incredible mission, my high school friend co-started it, & their products are gorgeous, comfortable + make me feel good when I wear them! I have previously shown you my Nisolo oxfords, strappy sandals, wedge sandals, & leather bag, but these slides might be my favorite yet. The only word I can think up to describe them is BUTTER! They are so soft & just the most delicious color of leather. If you are looking to get on the slide trend in a classic way, this is your ticket!

Shop Nisolo through my referral link & get $25 off your next Nisolo order: https://www.talkable.com/x/9uK9oX

(I also get $25 for each person that uses the link)

dress: Old Navy maxi dress (I love the X-strap back & the fabric feels high end!)

shoes: Nisolo "Isla" slides (available in 4 gorgeous colors, mine are "beige")

Shop Nisolo through my referral link & get $25 off your next Nisolo order: https://www.talkable.com/x/9uK9oX

(I also get $25 for each person that uses the link)

bag: J.Crew straw tote

hat: J.Crew Panama hat

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop these exact pieces}

Project615

I don't know if it is the fact that I am less than 1 month away from my 30 birthday, but I keep finding myself with self help books in my hands, and I don't hate it. I just finished reading "You Are a Badass at Making Money" & while I am still trying to figure out how a teacher can make some of those tips work, I do love how the author is a huge believer in the power of positivity, spreading love & being passionate all in the process of shaking your money maker (figuratively, not literally). We also just listed to the "Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*CK" on our road trip from Denver to Arkansas, & I realized that most of the negativity in my life comes from focusing on what others are saying, and putting myself into arguments that I don't realllllly care about, because I am a stubborn, head strong person who always thought that was what I was supposed to do. 

So as I approach this new decade in my life, I want to re-train myself to spread love all around me, & focus on the positive - there is so much amazing around, if you just stop to look for it! It just so happens that when we were in Nashville at the beginning of June, I finally got my hands on a Project615 shirt, & the message on this one just spoke to me - although the one about Dolly Parton being my spirit animal was a close second!

If you haven't heard about Project615, let me tell you a little bit, because they are certainly spreading love all around them! Project615 is a philanthropic apparel company based in Nashville, TN (the area code there is 615) & they employ men coming out of homelessness, addiction and mental illness, while also fundraising for wold changing organizations.

I love this statement of their mission: "At Project 615, we are more than just a t-shirt brand. We are on a mission to rehabilitate & help transform the lives of others who have been impacted by addiction, homelessness & mental illness. We believe that true rehabilitation not only comes from having people to walk alongside us through life. It also comes with having a sense of responsibility and dignity. We offer a second chance to others because God has given us a second chance."

Simply put, your purchase from Project615 helps change lives. Spread love people - it is the Nashville way!

Get Social with Project615: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

tank: Project 615 Nashville tank

jeans: ASOS ripped knee jeans

shoes: sandals c/o Dansko - available in even more colors from Nordstrom here (shop their entire selection here on the Dansko website, or on Nordstrom's website here.)

In my first year of teaching there was a fellow teacher who showed up everyday looking so professionally stylish in her Dansko clogs & Lilly Pulitzer dresses that I just had to get my hands on a pair of those clogs for myself (a total Mean Girls moment, thank goodness it wasn't flip flops & camo pants). I first coveted the shoes for how they looked, but was blown away by their amazing comfort & support. I didn't even realize how much my go-to ballet flats were ruining my feet until I stepped into my Dansko clogs - supportive of my arches, and like walking on a cloud! I now have two pairs (black & brown) so that I can literally wear them everyday, & am a true Dansko believer. I honestly didn't know how many styles of shoes they made, including these cute sandals, so below is my wish list for future pairs!

{shop my Dankso favorites}

lipstick: Nars "Heat Wave"

sunglasses: ASOS mirrored sunglasses (now under $7!!)

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{shop these exact pieces}