scallops on scallops

((Lush Top via South Moon Under, Abbeline shorts via South Moon Under, Nixon watch, Jawbone Up, old South Moon Under ring, Tiffany & Co. mesh ring, Nordstrom necklace, bracelet from Peru, Franco Sarto wedges via Nordstrom))

I have gotten so much use out of this scalloped back-button top. I have worn it with standard black shorts and also with white scalloped shorts. A lot of scallops happening here! This blue top has a dramatic back with gold buttons and a small cutout... quite unique. I wore it first to an engagement party I threw for my friend and again for a date night. This shirt has become one of my go-to blouses for summer. The good news is that this shirt is now on sale along with a bunch of other South Moon Under must-haves!

((different piece than above: Express shorts))

fave five

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

I love these faux leather shorts from Zara. They look super comfortable, yet stylish and dressy. I have a bunch of tops I would want to pair with these. Plus, these shorts are on sale so there is no reason that I can't snag these babies up! 

Favorite Entertainment

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I haven't seen a movie at the theatre in so long. I tend to enjoy movies on the couch in the comfort of my own home. However, there are a few movies out there that I would make the trek to the theatre to see. A few of those are White House Down (can't say no to Channing Tatum), The Heat (love Sandra and Melissa), This Is The End (a mindless comedy never hurt anyone), and Mud (a thinker is good for you).

Favorite Look

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This skirt is everything you would want in a summer skirt. The light, neutral color allows it to be paired with pretty much anything plus it is so different than most others. I love the asymmetrical top layer. It adds a dramatic, fancy edge to an otherwise casual piece. The skirt paired with the pastel jacket and the jewelry assortment is perfect.

Favorite Interior

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If you needed a piece to brighten up a room this chair would be it. It may not be the most comfortable chair, but it would be a statement piece no one would soon forget. I would definitely find a place for this chair in my home.

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stowaways

((beach = perfection))

I finally made it to the beach last weekend for the first time this summer. It was such a fun, relaxing time. Nothing beats laying out on the sand and riding the waves when you get too hot. It was the perfect getaway and it was much needed. I just wish weekends were longer than two days. Wouldn't everyone be much happier?! I can't wait to head back!

PS: Sunshine Stowaways is officially 1 year old!

Summertime is always the best of what might be. -Charles Bowden

((mai tai + pomegranate margarita))

((an adorable engagement card for my friend from Etsy))

((delicious blueberry pie cupcake))

((blue and purple ombre blooms))

((iced coffee and croissants are the epitome of starting the day off right))

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Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

This eyelet dress from Urban Outfitter's is a fantastic summer dress. The eyelet designed top with the pleated bottom half mix well together. The back of this dress (click here to see the back) is unique with a slit down the top half. I have been looking for a casual, airy summer dress and this may be it!

Favorite Entertainment

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Without many TV options this summer, I started watching Sons of Anarchy on Netflix. I have become hooked! It is so intriguing and I cannot stop binge watching this show. I have a lot to catch up on since I have only seen Season 1, but I am in it for the long haul!

Favorite Look

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Cara Delevingne's outfit is so perfect in this photo. It looks like a fancy, professional outfit, but then you look at the shirt and it changes the vibe! I love the sleek black pants paired with the funky shirt and red pumps. Her hair and makeup are also fabulous. Cara looks gorgeous and I am definitely looking at this outfit for tips on mixing casual and dressed up pieces.

Favorite Interior

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If I lived with a boy, these pillows would be a necessity. The pillows are cheeky and too adorable. I seriously want these and I live with my sister...!

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stowaways: bff's engagement celebration

((decorate your own cupcake))

These past few weeks have been really busy. We celebrated Father's Day with my family and it was a blast. Hanging out at home with everyone by the pool is always a great time. I think my dad enjoyed his day of getting spoiled! Also, one night I threw a little celebration for my best friend who recently got engaged. It was a fun way to get a small group of us together to talk weddings and just hang out. A few of the highlights were a decorate-your-own cupcake bar, a rum punch dispenser, and a champagne with raspberry sorbet drink. It was my first official event at my new apartment, so I had way too much fun decorating, skimming wedding magazines, and getting everything put together. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth it! I cannot wait for all of the celebrations to come! Here are some photos of the engagement soiree.

You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known- and even that is an understatement. -F. Scott Fitzgerald

((popping bottles))

((confetti decorations))

((ring dish I gave as a little engagement present from Etsy))

((wedding magazines))

((cupcake decorations))

((delicious snacks))

((rum punch dispenser))

((decorated cupcakes))

((pink, black, silver, and gold balloons))

* photos taken by my talented photographer sister!

white tee

((Splendid blouse via South Moon Under, Joe's Jeans, BCBG heels, Nixon watch, Jawbone Up, bracelet from Peru, Francesca's Closet bracelet, Nordstrom necklace, Tiffany & Co. mesh ring, Kate Spade ring, Tulisan Jakarta pouch via South Moon Under))

This white Splendid top is my new favorite! I wear this blouse as often as possible without it being too obvious that I am wearing it on the regular. The fit is very relaxed and loose, which is perfect for nights out on the town. I paired it with my go-to black skinnies and brightened it up with an orange, patterned pouch. This top comes in a variety of colors, which is great for a versatile shirt like this one. Plus, getting it in a few colors will make it less clear that I am wearing it everyday!

margarita on the rocks

Margaritas are my guilty pleasure in the summertime. I love them frozen and on the rocks. We recently tried a new concoction at my house and it was definitely a winner. The most important ingredient, I think, is the mix that you use. I don't like margaritas too sweet and I don't want to be drinking a day's worth of calories either. When looking for a mix to use, I start with the ingredient list and make sure I can pronounce everything and that there is no high fructose corn syrup on the list. The fewer and more natural the ingredients the better. We used Powell and Mahoney's margarita mix and it did the trick! PS: Tres Agave's organic margarita mix also uses natural ingredients and is amazing. You can't go wrong with either choice!

The Perfect Margarita (serves 1)

4 shots Margarita Mix

2 shots Patron tequila

1 shot Grand Marnier 

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake, salt the rim, pour over ice, enjoy the greatest margarita!

Note: This would be a pretty strong margarita, so you can alter the amount of shots as needed. Just make sure to keep the same ratio of ingredients. Multiply amount depending on how many people you are making the margarita for. 

Let me know if you try this concoction and your thoughts on it!

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Favorite Words

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A little sappy quote, but those are my favorite kind!

Favorite Shopping

This Free People oversized sweater looks so soft and comfortable, not to mention very stylish. I love the contrasting colors and textures. I would wear this to snuggle up in after a long day at the beach or for a casual lunch date. I love how the model in this photo dresses up this laid back sweater with various jewels and cut-offs. Definitely an outfit to try to emulate!

Favorite Entertainment

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The best new summer show thus far is Graceland. It is so interesting and fun, plus I was already surprised by a plot twist in the premiere. This show is on the USA network and is about undercover federal agents who live in a beach house dubbed Graceland. The lead characters are intriguing (not to mention insanely attractive!) and I cannot wait to see the next episode. I already got my family hooked on it. It airs Thursday's at 10 PM EST. Tune in! You won't regret it!

Favorite Look 

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What I wouldn't give to be wearing this outfit on a beach right now! Cut-offs are always in style and can be worn so many ways. This white tee with cutouts is so light and airy that it is asking to be worn to the beach. Does anyone know where to find this top or one very similar? Now I can't stop daydreaming of spending all day with the sand between my toes and waves crashing in front of me... while obviously wearing this outfit!

Favorite Interior

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If I worked from home, I would want my office to be an exact replica of this one. I love the white furniture and the openness of the space. There is so much natural light coming in that the chandelier could just be used as a decorative piece. The bright flowers and little sparks of color are very refreshing. The huge wall art is also amazing. I wish I had a keen eye for interior design like this! 

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stowaways

((wall art made from sand, shells, and sea glass from our trip to St. Thomas))

The weather finally cooperated this weekend and I got to spend most of it poolside working on my tan! It was a very welcomed change from the constant rain and cloud coverage we seem to get every weekend. I sure am getting used to temperatures in the 80's and sunshine! My best friend got engaged a few weeks ago, so I am in the process of planning her a small celebration with a few close friends for cocktails and appetizers. If anyone has any good party ideas, I am all ears! This will be my first foray into hosting in the new apartment! Hope you all have a great week!

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. -Oscar Wilde

((frozen margarita + mermaid))

((loving my new summer bag))

((I love this quote and want to buy this Story People print))

((wearing some new buys))

((cute little bag from my dad's golf tournament- this will come in handy!))