a sunny afternoon

Go home, Maryland. You're weather drunk.

A couple days ago, it was 70 degrees outside and I broke out my first sundress of the season. Then, not even 3 days later: snow and sleet. Riddle me that.

Suffice to say, I took full advantage of the wonderful weather. Enter: new fave sundress, sandals, and sunnies. And in an effort to soak in as much sun as possible (because I had a feeling the first sign of summer would be short-lived), I sat outside on my lunch break to catch some rays.

Full length shot of the dress

Close up of the pattern. One of the panels is a gorgeous sheer lace.

obligatory selfie with fresh bouquet

Want to Get Jessed up?

Mossimo Illusion Maxi Dress: $34.99

Side note--

I love this dress because it reminds me of something I could find at Free People... but I got it at Target! The earthy tones, lightweight panels, and sheer lace are definitely elements I love in my favorite pieces from Free People. However, sadly realistically my budget doesn't exactly allow for that kind of shopping right now. That said, here are some of the dresses I am dreaming of in the meantime:

Intimately Love Me Loves Me Not Maxi, $108

Candela Ami Pieced Lace Maxi, $285

Edie Gurl Maxi, $98

What's your go-to sundress style for summer? 

bohemian on a budget

I love the boho look. It's fresh, simple, earthy, and easy.

Some of my favorite brands cater to this kind of style, like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and my most favorite, Anthropologie... but the ticket price at these retailers can also be high.

My Solution: Go boho on a budget. Find pieces at other retailers that are JUST as beautiful, for half the cost.

My outfit:
Dress: Walmart (Similar, $17.88)
Gold sandals: Old Navy, $12
Chunky Gold bangles: c/o mark by Avon. (This one is also gorgeous, $24!)
The turquoise ring was handmade; gifted.
Nothing costs more than $25! Budget friendly? Bingo!

The look

Hair loosely kept in a clip; let natural waves do their thing

Gorgeous bangles, gold sandals, pop of color on the finger. Fresh, simple.

Candid smiles caught on camera

That's all for now...

Rompin' Around

Rompers, or jumpsuits, are a one-and-done deal. You throw it on, and your outfit is complete.

I was a little apprehensive of this trend at first. I have a somewhat long torso, and was concerned if I wore a romper I would sport a pretty significant camel toe.

I tried on a bunch of different styles, and finally found one that was right for me. I'm not a fan of my proportions in a short romper, so the long pant jumpsuit is my romper of choice. Do you have any of these one-piece ensembles? Where did you find it?!

Here's the romper I got myself, as well as a couple cool styles I found at some of my favorite shopping spots :)

So myself and my co-worker Julia showed up in similar ensembles this week. They say
great minds think alike, right? LOFT, $89.50

This strapless romper, also from LOFT, has an intricate pattern and a bow
at the waist. I think this one would be perfect for a walk on the beach at sunset. LOFT, $89.50

I just want to put this on and go to an outdoor music festival. I think it would be fitting.
Forever 21, $14.80

I'm loving the southwestern print on this romper. I'd probably pair a longer
statement necklace with it, maybe in a bright turquoise, to add an unexpected
pop of color. Forever 21, $17.80

All black everything. Easy to accessorize. Belt it, or layer on a bunch of necklaces
and you're ready to go. Free People, $88

There's a 70's vibe coming from this one, and I love it. From the pattern, the
flared leg, the deep v-neck front and halter back tie, this jumpsuit
is groovy, baby. Free People, $168

Coachella Trend: The Bra Top

The Coachella music festival took place the last two weekends, and with it came an array of hippie-inspired garb. One trend I noticed quite a bit was the bra top. Sometimes referred to as a bandeau, the bra top is an emerging trend this season. Often paired with high-waisted skirts or shorts, bra tops show some skin without being too risque for walking around in public.

Some celebs rocking the bra top at Coachella include:

Vanessa Hudgens

Julianne Hough

Katy Perry

Fun Fact: Selena Gomez recently wore the same Dolce & Gabbana floral bra top to an event promoting her new movie Spring Breakers. The real question is: Who wore it best?

Selena Gomez

Here's how some top designers are showing bra tops in their collections:

Versace, Proenza Schouler, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Carven. 

Retailers seem to be embracing the bra top trend. Want one for yourself? I found a bunch of options just for you if you want to try it out for yourself :)

Forever 21, $11.80

Urban Outfitters, $29

Top Shop, $16

Pac Sun, $26.50 (oh hey, Kylie Jenner! Kendall and Kylie
have a line at Pac Sun, apparently)

So.. is the bra top something you would try? I would maybe try it out once it's warmer... and I'd probably pair it with a high-waisted flowy skirt, a la Vanessa Hudgens. My inner hippie loves that look on her!

*photos from Elle.com, Glamour.com, The Honesty Hour, HollyWire.com