Off The Shoulder

Skirt The Rules // Off The Shoulder Top & Skinny Jeans

Topshop tie-strap cold shoulder top // LOFT necklace (love this one) // DL1961 ‘Emma’ skinny jeans
Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini MAB’ tote //Kendra Scott ‘Arden’ cuff (c/o) // Julie Vos ‘Tatiana’ ring (c/o)
Dolce Vita sandals (similar here)

I’m finally back from the whirlwind of wedding week! And what a crazy adventure that was … we bounced around between four different cities in only a few days, pulled late nights to polish off last minute details and ended up writing our vows just hours before the ceremony, but it was all worth it to bring our family and friends together for the best day ever! This outfit was captured while visiting my parents out in San Diego during the calm before the storm. I wore this off the shoulder top twice during the trip, once with denim legs and later with denim shorts. It was the right amount of flowy ease that I needed to power through the craziness. But more on all things #skirtthewedding to come, I’m just glad to be back!

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Skirt The Rules // Mint Top & Skinny Jeans Topshop Tie Strap Cold Shoulder Top Skirt The Rules Off The Shoulder Top 5 Skirt The Rules Off The Shoulder Top 6 Skirt The Rules Off The Shoulder Top 7

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Photos:
James Colvin

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This post is sponsored by smartwater. All opinions are my own.

Skirt The Rules // Peonies and Diptyque Candle

Eat, sleep, work and blog. That’s what it seems like my life has been lately — add on the fact that my fiancé and I are gearing up for our wedding in less than two weeks and you can basically remove sleep from the equation.

Skirt The Rules // iMac & Gold Stapler

Not that I’m complaining … this is, hands down, the most exciting year of my life and I plan on soaking up every second of it.  The only caveat: no one ever said it would be easy.  Whether you’re planning a wedding, running a blog, or just getting started, here are a few tips that I use to keep it all together:

1. Know your limits and keep yourself in check.  I’m a notorious procrastinator — just ask anyone who knows me. I’d like to think that I work better under pressure — the closer to a deadline I get, the more productive I become. But that doesn’t mean that I’m running around like my head cut off at the eleventh hour. I keep myself in check with a good old fashion to-do list. It gives me a clear snapshot of everything on my plate and helps me prioritize what I need to get done stat.  (Expert tip: the cuter the stationary, the better!)

Skirt The Rules // Peonies and Diptyque Candle

2. Stay inspired by leading an inspiring life.  Scrolling through Pinterest or flipping through magazines is great for a quick fix, but I prefer something longer lasting. That’s why when I’m in a rut, I try something I’ve never done before. A new experience or a change of scenery is just what your mind needs to jumpstart itself. Most recently, I went to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden and felt inspired by all the gorgeous colors. Next up, I want to try cooking classes with my fiancé in Brooklyn and try my hand at new cuisines. New experiences equals new inspiration!

Skirt The Rules // White Desk

3. Be thoughtful and act with purpose. On any given day, I stay late at work, hit the gym, come home and cook dinner and then finally write my blog post for the next day. By the time I’m ready to pass out, I look back and wonder where the day went. It’s easy to forget your long-term goals when you’re busy enough with the daily grind. Believe me, there are days when writing blog posts feel like a chore and times when wedding planning makes eloping in Vegas seem like a good idea (just kidding, Mom!). But then I think about the big picture and remind myself of what I’m trying to accomplish.  The more you inject purpose into your day-to-day, the more fulfilling the small tasks feel.

I hope you found these thoughts helpful.  Lots of major moments and projects to come and I can’t wait to share them all with you!

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This story is brought to you by smartwater, who believes in making progress every day little by little and sip by sip.

InstaOutfits (Vol. 1)

Skirt The Rules // Black & White Striped Trapeze Dress

Things have been a little quiet around here lately, but more on the life events front later. I’m still constantly sharing my #OOTDs on Instagram, so I thought I’d round up a few of my recent favorites for you.  For instant gratification, you can also follow me on LIKEtoKNOW.it, where you can access links to shop my outfit! #winwin
I’ve been living in this striped swing dress since I picked it up last month.  It goes with pretty much everything, but I especially love it paired with anything leopard print — clutch, sandals, you name it.  Did I mention it has pockets AND it’s 40% off this weekend?!  Do yourself a favor and get it now.

Skirt The Rules // Pink Floral Top & White Mesh Skirt

 Sadly, this floral romper (which I wore as a top) is already sold out, but I’m loving this colorful number here.  I scored this white mesh skirt (and this white crossbody bag) from the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale a few weeks ago, but found a more affordable option here  It doesn’t get much more spring-y than that.

Skirt The Rules // Black & White Filigree Print Dress

This filigree print dress is from Ann Taylor, who is offering 40% off your entire purchase this weekend! I snapped this by all the flowers in bloom in Bryant Park and got tons of compliments. Their dress game is so on point right now. I’m going to need this striped maxi and this sleeveless shirtdress in my life ASAP.

Skirt The Rules // Spring Floral Print Top

Now here’s something you don’t see me in very often. Until recently, I only owned one pair of jeans that I wore regularly. I’m more of a dresses and skirts kind of girl (I do have a blog name to live up to after all), but I’ve been gravitating toward flowy, flouncy tops like this and this lately.  As it turns out, they pair perfectly with my favorite/only pair of jeans!

Skirt the Rules // Cinco de Mayo

What I’d give for a frozen margarita right about now (I’ve been abstaining from alcohol prior to the wedding).  James and I had a Cinco de Mayo date night earlier in the month, which makes me so excited to head back to Arizona this weekend for some legit Mexican food.

Skirt The Rules // Mint Top & White Skirt

This mint top by Lou & Grey is on major sale right and the color screams spring.  I wore it earlier in the week with a white skirt, but plan to wear it with a crisp pair of shorts over the weekend.

Skirt The Rules // White Skirt & Sneakers

Speaking of white on white on white.  I shot this white cutout pencil skirt a few weeks ago and now it’s on sale!  I wore it with a pale pink crop top (now only $12!) and thin strappy heels, but quickly switched to sneakers for my walk back home. #behindthescenes

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram or sign up for LIKEtoKNOW.it for more outfitting fun!