Baseballneck & Chain

I'll get this out of the way right off the bat (and keep these baseball puns hitting): the title is a play on Turtleneck & Chain, "the second studio album of the American comedy troupe The Lonely Island."

Anyway.

| necklace: H&M | dress: ASOS | flats: Old Navy |

Here's my third and final dress from my ASOS giveaway win (here's the first and second), and I think it's also my favorite! Ultimately, I chose simple knit dresses across the board. This one has a bit of flair to it, with the baseball tee look on top. I just can't wait to wear it again! It's comfy, simple, and didn't require much of anything to be a cute outfit. 

Also, to answer any questions about ASOS sizing: it is a bit tricky (that's why I had to exchange and went through the hassle in the first place.) I am wearing a 4 Petite in all my dresses, and I would definitely recommend shopping their tall/petite collections if you are able to. 4 Petite seems to be my magic fit, but I found a normal 4 to be waaayyy too big. Generally, I do wear smaller than a 4 in dresses, so I would say the sizes run small. But I don't think the sizing is uniform. Which makes it an especially tricky online order. 

I would say it was worth the hassle though, because I do adore each of the dresses I ended up with. Plus, they were free, so how can I complain at all right?

Like I said, all I needed was a simple necklace and flats to pull this look together! Next time I'm envisioning some tennis shoes and maybe a bigger statement necklace, but really, I think there are a lot of options! How would you style this dress?

This week I've been: 

- frantically making plans for family arriving in town in a week (yeee! also yikes I have stuff to do!)

- planning a ping-pong doubles tournament at work on Friday

- spending the evenings with different (and some, neglected) friends
- as of this afternoon, house-sitting til Saturday!

- finishing The Bachelorette (don't get me started, but if you want to talk, we can!) (oh, and if these pictures look a bit rushed, dark, and haphazard to you, it's because Hunter took them on a commercial break leaving two new couple-ish friends sitting inside. The things I do. For this blog.) 

Anything interesting happening in your week? Anything frantic? Send 'em both my way, I think I can relate <3 

On YOUR Life Mottoes

San Francisco, CA 

Hey there! Last week I discussed words to live by, and shared some of my own. Like I mentioned, I talked to assorted friends, family, and co-workers, simply asking them, "Hey, what's your life motto?" 

I got such an awesome response! In fact, no one I asked had nothing to contribute (some were not included because of length or content ;) sorry! You still inspire me!) I want to write these all down in my journal and peek at them when I'm having a lackluster day. It is so encouraging to me, and also very interesting to hear what words inspire others.

Also, thank you to those to commented on my mottoes post and included some of their own!

Here's what my people had to say (Names are linked to their previous presence on my blog/their own blog. Individual commentary is below the quote in italics.)


Huntee said:
"I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday." 
"Just be here." - from an interview with Matthew McConaughey

Sundar un-officially said (and might kill me for including this!):
"You gotta act like wherever you are...that's the place to be!" - from Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Galina said: 

"Go forth and set the world on fire." - St. Ignatius 

It's come to mean a lot to me & how I approach my life & vocation.

Amir said:
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." - Jesus in John 10:10
[I believe that God] wants us to have the most full and complete lives possible.

Jenae said (and got this as a tattoo in her parent's writing, so cool!):

"Today you are you that is truer than true there is no one alive that is you-er than you." - Dr. Seuss 

Jacqui said:

"It is what it is."

I say that to keep from getting stressed and complaining.

Trace said:

"I don't have like a motto that I live by for myself, so I came up with one. 'Screw up, go off the deep end, live an unconventional life, and continually surprise yourself.  The preconceived notions upon which you've lived your life need to be tested in order to form and reform stronger convictions.  You'll always find your way back, I guarantee it.  We never stray too far from who we are at the core.  Just listen and surprise yourself, but above all, authenticate your life.'"

Katie said:

"I celebrate you!"

"No moms no rules." (coined by Jaymie Shearer)

Dith said:

"To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself. " - Soren Kierkegaard 

"No one is free until everyone is free. "

Rachel said: 

"In the places I go there are things that I see that I never could spell if I stopped with the z." - Dr Seuss 

I love it, and I always think about it when I think there is only way to go, like I have to follow what other people have done in life.  It's about thinking outside the box.

Logan said:

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." 

Stephanie said:

"Be passionate about hearing other peoples passions!"

"Never trust someone that has more than three bumper stickers." 

These are two separate ones. 

Andrea said: 

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” - Coco Chanel 

I LOVE this quote! It always motivates me to fix myself up at least a little bit!

(another) Logan said:

“Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” Khalil Gibran

Gigi said:

"Never settle." 

That one is from my mom and applies to most everything!

Ashley said:

"Life is just a bunch of memories." 

[My uncle] gave me this advice the day before my wedding, when I was freaking out about the possibility of something going wrong. He told me that life is just a bunch of memories, and if something DOES go wrong, in a few years, I'll look back and it won't be anything more than a memory. 

Larissa said:

"I have more a kind of philosophy of life which is difficult to put in just one or two sentences, but which mainly is about being good to others, enjoying every day, believing that everything happens for a reason, and that everything will be good in the end."

Lauren said:

"Life is short." 

Although I'm not the best at it, I try to remember how short life is when trying to overcome fears, or decide how to spend my time.

Thank you once again to everyone to contributed, and entertained my whim! 

If you haven't contributed already (or would like to again) go ahead and leave me a comment! I really don't think it's possible to have too many positive words at the ready. And perhaps I can combine them in another post. 

Thank you all, take a phrase and have a wonderful day!!

Sunny Yellow Midi

It's FRIDAY. I've got Friday on the brain. I never really understood the majesty of this day until I switched to 8-5. Now it just doesn't get old! And it's a beautiful day, I've got the Beach Boys playing...welcome Friday. So glad you made it. 

| top (formerly dress): Urban Outfitters | belt: thrifted (in Finland) | skirt: thrifted | shoes: Forever 21 |

Note the very last hurrah of my Beyonce manicure.

*all photos edited using VSCOCam*

Just a simple, lady-like outfit from church last Sunday. You might recognize this blouse because it used to be this dress. I should say, this very short dress that I love way more as a top. Thanks, mom! It has an awesome peplum affect that worked out fine tucked in.

I don't think I've worn this skirt since last time. The problem with these lovely pretty vintage skirts is that the waist is so dang SMALL. Like, maybe made for a girl wearing a corset. So, they're not the most comfortable, i.e. best for a few hours at church, and then I run home and put my giant t-shirt back on. 

Ditto on the shoes. My graduation shoes! That are super cute, but insanely uncomfortable, and don't make it out much. At least I'm being honest. 

And I did like this color combo, and that's something I'm working on! Although, now that I'm looking at it, it kinda screams "baby boy nursery", or I should say "BABY BOY NURSERY!"

Remember how a few weeks ago I was complaining about being too busy and just wanting to do nothing? Well, it took me a week and now I'm bored and ready gogogo. Also remember that resolution I made where I wasn't going to complain? Yikes.

Last night I reconnected with some girls that I hadn't spent time with in far too long. So, planning to hang out with them all weekend, and my Hunteebear if he makes an appearance (he promised to take me to the Minute Clinic because I have GOT to get rid of these sinus issues. Also mayybeee buy me some Zella leggings at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?) And one more wish for the weekend: pool time. Because I haven't barely. And it's Summer. Duh. 

That's all I got. Happiest of F-R-I-D-A-Ys to youuuuuuu

On MY Life Mottoes

Santa Cruz, CA

I've been thinking a lot lately about life mottoes. My brother says I should clarify because "when you ask for a 'life motto', I think everyone definitely will overthink it. No one wants to submit and thereby endorse a lame 'life motto.'"

So, I'll say while I have some awesome "deeper" quotes I like to remember, I also have some really simple (also, dumb) phrases that I try to keep in my mind. I love hearing the words that others live by, and yes, you can tell a lot about a person by their "life motto" (now I'm just using the phrase loosely, you know what I mean!)


Here are a few of mine (with commentary when I absolutely couldn't resist:)


"Life is nothing if you're not obsessed." Thanks to Irene for this one.

"Keep it classy." Aka take the high road.

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou
I can't remember where I read this, but I love it. To me, this means you have the power at all times to make yourself feel happy.

"The more the merrier." Yes, this is absolutely a cliche, but it's also kinda my philosophy for most things I do! I'm gonna go ahead and blame my big family for this one. Nowadays, if I'm making dinner, going out, etc. I just like to invite everyone. I certainly like alone time, but my general rule of thumb is, invite people, and they can invite their friends too!

"Never a Girl Scout, but always prepared." Story of my life.

"Every experience, is an experience." Everything, even if it sucks, is a story or a lesson for later.

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

"Always leave everywhere a little cleaner than you found it." If everyone did this wherever they went (true, it's not always easy or convenient) things would be so much better!

"Positive thinking leads to positive performance." My friend Tim told me this once back when we were on a team together. Back then, it applied to cross-country & track, but I've never forgotten it. I have found that when I don't stress myself out, I perform better.


I asked assorted friends, family members, and co-workers to share with me their "words to live by", and I got so many awesome responses, I think they deserve their own post! Stay tuned.

In the meantime,
What are your life mottoes // words you have chosen to live by? I would really love to hear them, and if you'll let me, include them in my friends & family edition.

Let's all inspire each other! Fire away.

shootie debutie

| necklace: gift | dress: ASOS (giveaway) | belt: secondhand J.Crew | blazer: F21 | shooties: Payless |

hi everyone! just stopping by with a quick outfit and a quick post. it's been a crazy morning, and I forgot my journal at home, which for me means: I'm feeling a little crazy!

you might remember forever ago that I won a giveaway to ASOS from of corgis & cocktails (thanks, Katherine!) I ordered one dress that was perfect, and one that didn't fit. well, after literally MONTHS of haggling with ASOS, trying to get refunded for the dress I exchanged, and then getting a new voucher code, I got to use the rest of my winnings towards two new dresses (yes, worth the hassle.) here's one of them!

the first dress I chose was a simple knit, but the fit and feel of it made it a total winner. so, though ASOS has loads of pretty party dresses, I chose two more simple knit dresses that I can wear & wear again. I love the lilac color of this one, and yes, it's super comfy. and perfect for concealing a food baby! which is essential criteria for my dresses.

I polished it for work with a blazer and statement necklace, and my new SHOOTIES! that's the official Payless title for them. here's the story with these:

I was one step away from completing my Beyonce costume, I just needed some awesome black shoes. problem being, all the shoes that Beyonce wears are fabulous, though not necessarily practical. I wanted to buy shoes that worked for the costume, but also afterwards in real life. I played around with one pair in a panic, but when I saw these in gray on Sara (for $20, from Payless) I knew those were the ones! for the first time in my life I even paid for rush-shipping!

well, worth it. they came in time, were the missing link for my costume, and were super comfy for hiking through Atlanta. and dancing to Bey. and wearing for the rest of the week.

oh, I should mention (at the risk of renaming my blog to perfectly Beyonce) that these are leftover curls from the show as well. I used them as long as possible until a co-worker (guy) commented "you've really been milking the curls for as long as possible, huh? the schedule on which girls wash their hair just baffles me." I was HORRIFIED and washed them out that evening.

quick post, right. have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone! 

weekend update: in six

I had a blissful, easy-going weekend, where I actually had time to get ready to go places (a novelty!), cooked (and therefore ate & drank a lot), exercised at a leisurely pace (irony), celebrated a dear friend, and got some styling inspiration!

by yesterday evening, I was ready to get out of the house and get going again. which is perfect for Sunday, as far as I'm concerned, because here it's Monday and the work week yet again!

Friday night I tried making something new for dinner (rosemary + lemon chicken, brown rice, and veggies), finished a movie (I am notorious for not finishing them) and started a new one (left unfinished.) Hunter & I were invited to go out, but just stayed in and it was perfect. Also, there's no pictorial evidence for this, so just trust me.  

lesson from Saturday morning: bacon does not photograph well! mainly I wanted to show off the "eggs-in-the-hole" Hunter made. I die for anything heart-shaped, but heart-shaped and edible? double-dead. also see what I mean, eatingggggg all the time. 

Andrea's birthday card! I had time to make a pretty nice one!!

Andrea's amazing birthday cake, made by a talented friend. it was pineapple/coconut, I had a few slices.

the birthday girl! I was equally happy to see the fabulous Brooke after a long time. together we danced to new J.Lo and an assortment of other Latin music (which is mandatory, not optional, at Andrea's house.) 

Sunday, after church and before working off allll the calories of the weekend, I had my session with stylist Shell B Cheri (I won this from Jessica in a giveaway! thanks Jess!!) this is the aftermath of our session, an explosion of clothing & accessories all across my room!

I loved it. because honestly, who doesn't love playing dress-up in their own closet?

getting a fresh pair of eyes on your closet is the best thing. too often we limit ourselves in our own wardrobes, because we only see things a certain way (and therefore style them a certain way.) I was able to pull out all those items I've had trouble styling lately (namely: this skirt, this blazer, kimono top, tuxedo pants.) Shell B is just awesome, fun to be around, and definitely pushed me to see items a different way. thanks Shell B!

peep some of the looks we put together here. and I will obvi be blogging them all soon.

thanks for reading y'all. I'm recharged, get at me week!

I Have The Same Amount of Hours In A Day As Beyonce.

{post title- totally unrelated. except that I got a new mug with this written on it. and it's Beyonce week.}

here's example #163 of a random item I receive becoming a staple I love (more instances: this flannel, this t-shirt, this blouse, this sweater, this blouse.)

my roommate and girl for the ages, Shelby, who has absolutely been re-filling my wardrobe these days, had this top in a giveaway bag a while back. I guess not so much her style anymore, but who am I to not love a hot pink J.Crew silky sleeveless blouse? 

| top: J.Crew via Shel | necklace: Target | pants: Gap Factory | heels: H&M |

I've actually been wearing it quite a bit, when it's not at the dry cleaners, which is after every time I wear it (real fancy silk + I spill on everything.) I don't have many blouses anyway, and definitely not that make a statement this easily. I've also gotten into color-blocking lately (aka the trend I have been waiting for my whole life, more on that later) and this top is the perfect piece for that!

I absolutely need to wear these pants more! they sat in a box all Winter and then for a while into the Summer, before I unpacked them, but now there is no excuse. I think white pants really terrify me. but I'm digging the fit of these more than I remembered. 

close-up shot of my new necklace! I'd been lusting after one like this after seeing them throughout the blogosphere, and on several friends. I won a giftcard of my choice from Fran & Alissa (thanks ladies!) and chose Target. though I debated getting something practical I actually needed, this necklace won out. no regrets! 

and hip-hip-hooray, it's the weekend again! I've got minimal plans which include: making Rosemary chicken, finishing up Legends of the Fall with Huntee, exercise, a bday shindig for my girl Andrea, and a styling session on Sunday with Shell B. Cheri! that's right, I'm getting some professional help! can't wait to share what we come up with.

wishing you all the best weekend!!

Beyonce, etc.

well hi!

in a word, what I've been up to since we last spoke: Beyonce. in two words, Beyonce & Jay-Z. in three words, On The Run. you get it.

between getting my costume ready, extensive beauty treatments fit for Queen Bey, working a half-day, huffing it to Atlanta and back (and in between that the physical and emotional drain that was the show) I've been a little pre-occupied! but now everything is back to normal, I'm feeling that post-Beyonce slump, and just chilling sooooo hard.

clockwise: 

THE nail decals. the hardest part was choosing which to use (and getting a picture that did them justice)

before they came on, the stage said "This is not real life." exactly!

Emily let me do her make-up, dos eyelashes doe

Shel & me, lipstick queens, right before the show opened!

being a planner, I was determined to have everything scheduled to the T. I don't mess around when Bey is involved. things couldn't have gone smoother, we all worked a half-day, drove down to Atl, had dinner at Taqueria Atlanta (trippy!), changed, and even had time for a few parking lot pics before we Ubered/walked over to the Georgia Dome. 

my GIRLS, Shel & Emily. I would not have wanted to go with anyone else!! Shel's costume modeled after this, Emily's after this. 

Hunter is just a champ. several people were so impressed that he was going to the show, with a bunch of girls. he had a great attitude, and really enjoyed it (read: was freaking out the whole show.) love this guy. and not JUST because he respects Bey, but that helps. 

oh, and just to be clear: there were TONS of guys there. Jay-Z! 

now let me shoot straight with you. my costume was modeled after the video for Pretty Hurts (and by the way, if you haven't seen it: you know what to do.) 

I'm a costume person. and though it was a huge step out of my comfort zone to wear this, I was really pleased with the accuracy! also, I made the top myself (bought a crop top at F21, and bedazzled it with sequins & jewels) and I was totally freaked out about doing it justice. but I think it looks pretty great! and like Shelby consoled me, once I actually go to the show, I didn't feel weird or out of place at all. everyone went all out. no one looked twice at me. plus, crop-tops are like, the rage anyway right?

the Forever Young duet at the very end. I cried! *Shelby took this picture, and some of the ones above*

I was so impressed with the production, the performances of both Beyonce & Jay-Z, the arrangements of their songs (Holy Grail!! aghhh!), oh and our seats were fantastic! we were nearly on the floor. Chase pre-sale for the win!! it was altogether, an amazing night. 

and now I'll tell you what I've been telling everyone: I made lofty goals for this Summer. I wanted it to still be fun and full of adventure & whimsy, since for the first time, M-F 8-5 is spent at work. I wanted the weekends to be full and busy, since not as much can happen during the week. well, at about half-way through the season, I'm giving myself a pat on the back for that goal. now all I want to do is relax in Nashville. I am looking forward to a VERY chill second half of the Summer, since I feel like every Friday afternoon I've been taking off for somewhere new.

I have two upcoming weekends to prep for when I'll have guests in town; BOTH my sisters the second weekend of August, and my friend Steph (!!!) that third weekend in August. otherwise, no plans in sight, and it feels so good. I hope you all are enjoying Summer to the fullest!

also this past week I've been thinking about blogs, reading a lot of them, though not necessarily commenting. I've been thinking about what this space means to me, and how happy I am I've been able to keep it up for this long! when I think about blogging goals, my first is longevity, and if that means stepping back from time to time, that's alright with me.

anyone else attending/attended the On The Run tour this Summer? I would obvi love to discuss with you!!

a brunch & clog story

one last memory, and one single outfit from my trip to Memphis last weekend. 

| necklace: Tiffany's | top: thrifted | skirt: Gap Factory | purse: thrifted | clogs: Old Navy |

after weddings, brunch might be one of my favorite things to dress for. it's definitely an optimal time for something simple and chic, pretty, but not over-done; I mean, it's still early in the day. 

this skirt is perfect! it always makes me think of food. I mean, if I went on a picnic, and someone forgot the picnic blanket...not sure where I was going with that. anyway.

this blouse is a thrifted gem that I haven't worn nearly enough! I am the worst at thinking of new color combinations, so I was quite pleased with how well the orange + blue + cognac went together. and I am proud of myself for pairing them together, ok? I think I decided I like this top best when it's tucked into a skirt. hello, outfit formula.

ok, the shoes. ready for the whole story? I mean, this is a blog with a recurring theme of fashion so I can write a paragraph about my new shoes and people will get me, right?

the first time I saw these shoes at Old Navy, I loved them. not really enough to buy them, but enough to keep my eye on them. I think I have a "clog-accumulation complex" similar to my jelly-accumulation complex. weeks later I stopped at Old Navy "just to check it out", also hopeful for a 4th of July outfit. low and behold, THE clogs, on clearance, for $10. like it was meant to be! I waffled for a while between black and white but finally decided on black, went home, and planned my outfit for the next day, with my new shoes.

I know what you're thinking. but Priya, this pair is brown! neither of us are crazy, you're right. after the first day I wore them, I frantically rushed home to Old Navy (ok, I just referred to Old Navy as my home. so, I really do have a problem.) to buy them in brown as well, because 1) they were $10, 2) they are the most comfortable shoes of all time, and 3) they are super cute and go with everything! also, 4) I've wanted clogs since Elaine rocked hers errrdayyyy on ClothedMuch (RIP). 

since that day, I have literally alternated between the black and brown pair nearly everyday.

so I never link to items on my blog (mostly because all of mine are old/random.) but these, I vouch for 100%. they are still $25ish online, but WORTH a trip to the store. go get 'em! (disclaimer, I'm not making money off of you, I just care about your well-being and want you to have new shoes.) 

at this point I have used up all my words and then some on this post, but: I wore this out for brunch in Memphis at The Beauty Shop. I had ham hash. I am obsessed. how cute is Meredith. also obsessed with her.

I'll leave you with this quote, "life is nothing if you're not obsessed." - @sayitaintsheh

for real the last thing: thanks for taking the time to comment y'all! it surely adds something to blogging knowing that I have people reading along and giving feedback!! have the best Wednesday night, and I'll see ya next time. 

weekend update: a Memphis 4th!

Hunter and I headed out after a half-Thursday to Memphis, to stay with my pal Meredith for the 4th of July weekend. what an awesome time! I had visited surrounding Memphis throughout college on Spring break, Fall break, etc. but never truly stayed in the city and experienced it. my friends said it best, "Memphis has soul." it is SO different than Nashville, but I loved it.

I should mention that Jackson got to hang out with us all weekend and we LOVE him! what a cool guy. thanks J!

Thursday night we got to hang with two of my favorite people: Beth & Travis, Dith's parents! one of my first blog posts was about Beth's cooking, if that gives you any idea. aside from the omg-I'm-dead cooking, I loved spending time with them. it had been too long! so many college memories around that kitchen island.

my July 4th festivities usually don't amount to a whole lot, but this year, I was ready! I had my patriotic outfit, r w & b mani, and Lady Liberty headdress. plus I was so excited to spend it in a new city.

Friday morning I slept in and Dith made me breakfast (the boys had gone to play on Justin Timberlake's golf course) and the day went up and up from there! btw, her cute apartment- I die.

we had lunch at Central BBQ, across from the National Civil Rights Museum (the Lorraine Motel, where MLK Jr. was shot.) already I was amazed at how saturated with history Memphis is.

then Friday night was spent out in Memphis! I just can't wait to go back to Beale Street, and Raiford's, a legit disco. several people had recommended it to me, and when I walked in I couldn't stop saying "this is unreal!" if you are ever even CLOSE to Memphis: GO.

Saturday morning was super chill, and then it may have been my favorite day. we got in the car and just drove (ok, Jackson drove) around the whole city; Jerry's Sno Cones, the school where Meredith and Jackson work, Jackson's trendy neighborhood Cooper-Young (including the Memphis mural), the not-so-trendy neighborhoods, the playground at Shelby Park, Graceland (!!!), and the urban areas in between.

Saturday afternoon we did a little shopping at Wish, a fabulous boutique and a mandatory stop, while the boys took a long nap.

Saturday night, we put on new dresses and headed back to Cooper-Young for dinner at Next Door. and then we crashed so hard!

Sunday for our last hurrah we had brunch at The Beauty Shop, an old-timey beauty parlor turned restaurant. I am obsessed. it was awesome. Hunter and I walked from Dith's apartment down to the Mississippi River (awesome) and then hit the road.

some selfies for good measure:

I think exploring a new city and getting to spend time with a best friend is my favorite thing. I'm thankful for the country I live in, and the holiday we get to celebrate it!

thank you Dithy, thank you J, thanks McFarlins! thank you Huntee for being my road-trip buddy. we'll be going back just as soon as I can!!

more Memphis memories here.