wish list- style mint

Ever since Style Mint debuted last year, I have been insanely obsessed. Style Mint is a members-only website that allows it's members to buy shirts, skirts, sweaters, etc. designed by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Each month new styles come out and the obsession starts anew, which is good for my wardrobe, but less so for my bank account. I have more pieces than I can count from this site as they are so affordable (most shirts are only $29.99) and extremely comfortable. I cannot wait until the first of every month when a new selection is featured on the site! This site does staple pieces perfectly (and I surely have benefitted from that), but it is their more colorful and patterned pieces that I need in my wardrobe right now. Below are the pieces that I currently want in my closet as soon as possible!

Maxwell T -- I love the sheer panels and the standard white makes it a versatile shirt that can go with something already in your closet. That, of course, makes it easy to transition from day to night. I would wear this with a pair of cutoff jean shorts with flat sandals during the day and black skinny jeans with heels at night.

Rosa Shorts --  I have been looking for a cute, but unique casual summer short and I believe these chambray shorts are it. I would pair these with a plain tucked-in tee (there are so many options on the Style Mint site) and dress it up a bit with a statement necklace or some bangles.

Gypsy Kimono -- I don't have anything like this in my closet, but I definitely want to make the purchase. At first glance the shirt can look a bit matronly (at first glance only though!), but I want to wear this shirt unbuttoned as a top layer to dress up a casual outfit or as a sweater for a plain dress. Oh the possibilities!

Tristen Skirt -- I definitely do not have enough skirts in my closet and this one is the perfect summer skirt that can be worn causally or pulled together for a more sophisticated look depending on the shirt and shoes that are paired with it. This would look great with flats or wedges.

If you need any help becoming a Style Mint member, please leave a comment and I will be happy to assist you. The only thing to remember is that if you do not choose to "skip" between the 1st and the 5th of each month, you will be charged 1 credit ($29.99) to be used on any purchase in the future. 

*all photos from Style Mint and all above pieces are $29.99

week in photos...

After a shortened 4-day (luckily!) work week, I jetted off for some relaxing at the beach with friends. I just got back from the extended weekend enjoying the sun and my time off.  We did everything from laying out on the sand to exploring all the shops and restaurants in the little beach town. The trip was a perfect way to celebrate the official start of summer, even though I have been in summer mode since before Memorial Day!

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance. -Bern Williams

 ((sushi nights always make the work week a little better))

((fishing on the beach))

((the best breakfast sandwiches and coffee in town))

((crowded, but beautifully colorful beach))

((so many choices at the local homemade ice cream shop...

I chose royal red velvet cake and peanut butter cup))

((view from lunch... I could get used to that!)) 

((gorgeous sunset over the inlet- no filter added))

first weekly segment

I was trying to come up with a way to incorporate the photos I take throughout the week into a compelling post. What I have decided to do is every Sunday post some photos that I have taken which will hopefully sum up what was going on and what inspired me throughout the week. I am also going to try to incorporate a quote with the post that either complements the photos or sums up the week. So look for a new post titled "week in photos..." (not too original I know, it is a work in progress...) on Sunday! These posts will definitely be supplemented with some "pinspiration," baking posts, and other miscellaneous fashion and beauty posts. I hope you enjoy them!

raspberry baked brie

For most special occasions in my family we make one of the easiest, yet seriously delicious recipes, Raspberry Baked Brie. All you do is put raspberry (or any flavor) jam and brie between an unwrapped Pillsbury crescent roll and then wrap it up. It doesn't take long to make and it is scrumptious. We put out all types of crackers and fruit to dip the melted brie and jam into. This appetizer gets eaten very quickly! I haven't heard of anyone that hasn't liked this one!

((pre- "devourment"))

((variety of crackers and fruit))

((three minutes into serving and it is about half-way done...it sure is hard to stop eating!))

father's day gift

Today is Father's Day and sometimes it is hard to find the perfect gift for the man that would do anything for you. My mom, sisters, and I came up with what we believe is a cool, yet sentimental gift for our father. We decided to get my dad a picture frame for three photos made of driftwood painted blue (similar one found here). It is a beachy, yet versatile frame that can be hung up in a variety of rooms. For the three pictures, we put in photos of three unique creatures we stumbled upon on a few beach vacations. It was a neat way to remember our family vacations and our dad loved it! I find that gifts with sentimental photos are always a great idea. Happy Father's Day Dad! We love you!

((perfect father's day gift))

((the most gigantic reptile I have ever seen!))

summer bracelets

((picture via Nordstrom))

While shopping at the Nordstrom half-yearly sale I stumbled upon the cutest bracelets. They come in a variety of colors as well as different sizes and detailing. I love the bright colors, especially for summer. They are a perfect way to dress up a plain tee or take a fancy dress to the next level. You could wear just one or stack a few and they would look fabulous either way. The best part is they start at only $25. My favorite ones are the orange and blue ones!

what's in a name?

The name Sunshine Stowaways is a two-parter... Sunshine is meant to encapsulate all that makes me happy. Sunshine is a perfect euphemism for happiness because who doesn't feel a little happier when the sun is shining? Stowaways is used to describe the idea of putting all those happy thoughts, inspiring fashion, and intriguing beauty products somewhere where I can go back and revisit. I may not be able to buy a certain outfit right away or bake that mouth-watering dessert right now, but I will definitely be stowing it away for another time.