The Blues

Shirt (Marshalls); Pants (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West);
Sunglasses (Charming Charlie);
Belkis-Cruz Photography

Since I'm covered in blues... it got me thinking about the blues.  Typically every 45 days or so I need to have a good cry - which I swear is as powerful and necessary as any good cleanse. And even when I have nothing substantial to cry about and (yes, bad hair days and pimples are substantial) - it feels good to release the crap that builds up in everyday life and start fresh.  A good cry helps me to get rid of all the emotional toxins that build up from things like that A-hole driver going under the speed limit in the left lane, the fight I had with my stubborn mom (I may be equally as stubborn), the fact that my favorite lip gloss color has been discontinued, that I got so far behind in Grey's Anatomy I deleted them all from my DVR, and that I spilled all over one of my favorite dresses only to realize it's dry clean only (damn it!) - these are all things that make the agenda for my next big cry... what's on your agenda?

Neutral

Dress (AGB find at Marshalls); Necklace (Consignment Shop); Shoes (Tahari find
at Marshalls); Sunglasses (Charming Charlie); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

When I got this dress I was so excited to add a pair of fun colored heels or a bold neon statement necklace... but every time I've worn it I've paired it with other neutral colors and minimal jewelry   And it's okay.  Overthinking things always leads me down a path best left alone... and this simple dress with it's 20's inspired flair is also best left alone.  Speaking of the 20's - did anyone see The Great Gatsby this weekend? I hope the movie lived up to those amazing previews!

Friday Find: DIY

This strawberry angel food dessert is a quick and yummy treat perfect for summer.  It makes enough to be a great addition to a party - or if you are like me, you can just make it for yourself... and maaaaaybe let your boyfriend have a few bites ;)

Ingredients

• 10 inch angel food cake
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 12 oz container of cool whip, thawed
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 18 oz jar of strawberry preserves

Directions

Crumble the cake into a 9 x 13 pan.  Next, beat the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.  Fold in the whipped topping.  Then, mash the cake down with your hands and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake. Lastly, combine strawberries and glaze in a bowl until the strawberries are evenly coated.  Spread over cream cheese layer... and chill until serving.

Ruffles & Pinstripes

Shirt & Skirt (The Limited); Shoes (Nine West); Watch (Michael Kors);
Sunglasses (Charming Charlie); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

Feminine ruffles and a structured pencil skirt are a perfect combo for an easy and appropriate look for the office.  And that that warmer weather has finally found its way to Minneapolis, Rex enjoyed a trip to the dog park this week... It was a highly anticipated 25 minutes of running around like an uncaged beast and marking his territory on literally every bush and tree in the park - the smile says it all :)

Primary

Dress & Shirt (Loft); Scarf (Jones New York find at Marshalls);
Shoes (Jessica Simpson find at Marshalls); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

There is something that feels very elementary with primary colors... like I should be carrying a box of crayolas and a juice box (PS how awesome would it be if I walked into my next meeting armed with both?).  This bold and colorful look seems appropriate for the day after Cinco de Mayo - hopefully the tequila haze has settled and you are ready for the week. My travel schedule for work has been insane lately and I'm extremely happy to be in town this entire week... it will be spent doing important things like laundry, grocery shopping and enjoying some long overdue happy hours ;)