The Fourth + 20% off

Ruche Skirt and Sandals, H&M top and sunglasses, Target tote, Kate Spade Live Colofully perfume

Independence Day usually means patriotic colors, a long-awaited 3-day weekend, and, of course, BBQ. This year, we had our share of BBQs a weekend early with our closest friends and family. I don't know what it is about burgers and corn on the cob that brings about such a fun and summery atmosphere, but hey, I'm not complaining. Honestly, I could eat burgers (and pizza) for the rest of my life. My favorite? Anything spicy with lots of avocado and olives. How about you? 

PS. It's barely 9:30am, but can you tell I'm already hungry? 

Midi skirts are huge right now, and I'm in love with this one from Shopruche.com! It was the perfect base for a July 4th inspired look. Paired with a basic striped tee and my new favorite wedges (also from Shopruche.com), it's easy to take from work to the weekend. 

Love this look? Get the skirt, sandals, and lots of other great pieces for 20% off sitewide on Shopruche.com with my code: IMAN20. Valid until 7/31! 

Enjoy shopping and the short work week! 

Polka Dots and Pleats

Forever 21 skirt and sweater, Target tote, Ruche shoes, Francesca's necklace

Writer's Block? Yes, it exists. For example, right now when I literally can't think of anything to write. Maybe it's because it's Monday, maybe it's because I haven't had breakfast yet. But today, I'll just leave you wishing you a positive start into the second quarter of the year. Yes, you heard that right. We are already a quarter of the way done with 2014. Blew your mind? Mine too.

I had been searching for a pleated maxi skirt everywhere, and when I found this one at Forever 21, I knew I couldn't leave without it. It's feminine, pretty, and easily paired with so many things. I wore it for the first time in Las Vegas a few weeks ago with a basic t-shirt and a leather bomber jacket=my favorite combo. This time, I paired it with a chunky sweater and necklace to match. How would you style a pleated maxi? Share in the comments below!

Also, special shout out to my co-worker Leeda of At This Volume for taking these shots!

Spring Transitional

Old Navy T-shirt, H&M jeans and blazer, Target shoes and tote

It's been a while since I've shared a new outfit post! I finally had a chance to get a quick photoshoot in a couple weeks ago! This has been my transitional Spring outfit. Since the weather has been pretty unpredictable, the blazer and graphic t-shirt combo is so easy for the 90 degree days in March or the chillier evenings. Plus, I love t-shirts with positive messages that keep me going all day!

Also, these nude open toe booties are my absolute favorite purchase of the season. They basically make any outfit look put-together, and several random people on the street have stopped me to tell me they love my shoes. The best part: they are from Target!! I'm pretty sure I raved about them in my Travel Must Haves post, but they are worth talking about again!

A little catch up on my life: 

• February and March were extremely busy months in planning our engagement party! I can't believe it's almost April. Check out some sneak peeks of photos on my Instagram from the party!
• Wedding season has officially begun! And even though it's not our wedding that is being planned (yet), it's still fun to start gathering inspiration and ideas!
• I wore white pants last week, and I'm so glad that it's finally that time of year again to start pulling out my spring and summer clothes!

Purple Pumps

Ruche blouse, H&M pants and pumps, Forever 21 bag, Kate Spade watch and bangle, Target earrings

Yup, I have purple pumps on. Who buys purple shoes? Well, apparently, this girl. I saw these pointed toe heels at H&M last year, and I didn't buy them until three visits later. I debated between these ones and the black ones, and usually I would have gone with the more practical choice of black. But clearly, practicality lost this battle. I guess I was on the whole Radiant Orchid trend way before Pantone ;)

The weekend always goes by too fast. This weekend I watched lots of movies and TV and caught up on several things that had been forgotten for too long. It was a couple days full of lots of ideas, creativity, and plans that I can't wait to share with you all! This week is going to be a busy one, but I'm looking forward to it. Well, more like to the end of it, as usual. Is it Friday, yet? 

Happy Monday, friends!

Life Lessons

Ruche blouse and jacket, Forever 21 sweater and scarf, Jessica Simpson skinnies, Ralph Lauren boots, Steve Madden tote, Target sunglasses and quilted gloves

A few weeks ago, my family and I took a day trip up to Big Bear Lake. Even though it wasn't cold enough for snow, I was still able to layer up and accessorize/stay warm with gloves and boots. I've been loving the combination of olive and blush pink, and I like how the softness of this knit infinity scarf pairs with the tougher feel of this faux leather and suede moto jacket and aviators. The brown-toned boots, bag, and scarf further helped to soften this look, and were ideal for this mini road trip. 

We spent the day taking lots of pictures, eating, and complaining about how cold it was. There was some manmade snow, so some of us went sledding, but most of our group went on a fun hike. 

Life lesson of the day: Don't wear shoes with heels through the woods. In my defense, I did wear leggings under my jeans, so I was somewhat prepared!  

Back to School: Transitions

Berry Blazer and stripe blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, H&M white jeans, Ruche green handbag, Rock & Republic white pumps, Target sandals, Tory Burch cuff, Kate Spade watch 

I'm totally obsessed with this berry colored blazer. I know, I say that about a lot of things, but this time I'm serious. It's the perfect transition piece between summer to fall. And it matched with this velvet couch. I mean, what more could you ask for? Here I've worn it with bright white pants, but I can't wait to style it with darker denim and boots as it starts to cool down.

Speaking of transitions, this outfit is great from class to the office. Wear it with cute flats or sandals for a morning of trekking across campus, and swap for a pair of heels when you're headed to your internship or job! Plus, this green structured tote (my new favorite impulse buy!) is the most ideal size for a laptop, a planner and--you know me--a snack!

Speaking of more transitions, I'm moving out of my apartment of 2 1/2 years tomorrow. And I haven't packed up a single thing. Not even a blazer. Which is a problem considering half of my closet is blazers... Oh the predicaments of a style blogger--that should be a blog in itself. Wish me luck guys, and have a good weekend!

Back to School: Dress for Chess

Love Culture blouse, backpack and skirt c/o Charlotte Russe, Jessica Simpson booties, Tory Burch lucite cuff, Kate Spade watch, Dogeared infinity necklace, Target tights and earrings 

Going back to school every year always meant one thing: school supply shopping. The bright colors, blank notebooks, and the distinct school supply smell signified the start of a new year, a new time to learn. Although I'm almost done with school, the idea of a new notebook and pen still gets me so excited to fill the pages with new stories, ideas, and dreams.

I loved the idea of pairing this black and white skirt with a bright blouse, especially emerald green. With the tights and booties, this look is perfect for fall and maybe even a first day of school outfit. This olive green backpack with crochet detailing is practical yet super cute to tote around all your new supplies! I can even fit my laptop inside so it's ideal for a day of a classes or studying at the library. 

Taking photos after such a long time was such a great break from the busy schedule I have as I'm finishing up school. I had so much fun getting these shots on this giant chess board, and the backdrop of this game of strategy and concentration seemed fitting for the first of my Back to School posts in collaboration with Charlotte Russe!

Changes

H&M cropped pants and blazer, blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, Target tote, Cathy Jean wedges, Michael Kors watch

It's already August, and I don't know where the year has gone! 2013 is flying by, and life is moving on so quickly. There are lots of big changes coming my way in the next few months, and I'm hoping that I can face them with a strong mind and heart.  

I love this wrap blouse from Charlotte Russe--and not just because of the polka dots! It's comfortable and flowy, and I can dress it up with a fitted blazer or wear it casual with a colorful and loose cardigan! I'm excited to wear it with boots and scarf in the fall too. There's only about a month of summer left, so I'm savoring the last few days of warm weather before scarves and sweaters start replacing my sandals and t-shirts!

Polka Dot Pants

H&M white blouse and sunglasses, Gap cropped polkadot skinnies, Target sandals, Michael Kors watch

You guys know I love colored pants. And polka dots. So finding these peach polka dot pants (try saying that five times fast) was the best thing that happened to me last week. I've already worn them twice, and I am so excited to wear them for the rest of the summer. These photos are actually from July 4th weekend. We spent a few days barbecuing and relaxing in Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara with friends and food, two of my favorite things. 

On another happy note, I hit 100 "likes" on my Polka Dots and Purses Facebook Page today! I wanted to give all my readers a special thanks for all your support and encouragement this far! I couldn't do it without you guys, so thank you SO much :)

Happy Friday friends, and hope you have a good weekend!