The Book You Need to Read NOW + More Gingham

Happy Tuesday!! If you guys haven't caught on yet, I'm loving E V E R Y T H I N G gingham! This print is so versatile, and very summer-esque, but can easily be worn during transition months by adding a few layering pieces. I'm especially loving the black and navy gingham prints - so classic!! This look can be taken from running errands during the day to happy hour and dinner with friends - I love when I can get some miles on my outfits!

I also want to tell you guys about a super inspiring book that I just finished. Shout out to my bestie, Erika, for borrowing this book to me; she knew exactly what I needed to hear/read during this time of transition in my life! This book, titled You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, by Jen Sincero, is a must read for anyone who wants more out of their life; more out of their career, more out of their dreams that they're chasing, or more money to do the things that make them happy. I have never been more faithful in the future and what that will look like for me after reading this book, and it gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to chase my dreams. I've included a few of my favorite quotes from the book below to give you a little Tuesday inspiration, whether it's to get you through that boring meeting you're sitting in, helping you look forward to the weekend, or just maybe, giving you that extra push to chase after something you've been wanting -

• "Our fantasies are our realities in an excuse free world."
• "Faith smothers your fear of the unknown. Faith allows you to take risks. Faith is the stuff of 'leap and the net will appear.' Faith is your best buddy when you're scared shitless."
• "Become one of your own die-hard fans, look at yourself from the outside, where all your self-doubts can't crawl all over you, and behold what shines through."
• "In order to change your life, and start living a new one that you've never lived before, your faith in miracles, and yourself, must be greater than your fear."
• "Those who achieve success share one key thing: the belief that they can be, do, and have whatever they set their minds to accomplishing."

So there ya go - order this book immediately and soak up everything that it says. Then take those lessons and go be the person you've always dreamed about. Happy shopping (and reading!!) Loves!

Top: Old (Similar here, here and here)

Shorts: A New Day (Similar here, here and here)

Shoes: Hippie Laundry (Similar here, here and here)

Bag: Michael Kors (Similar here and here)

Necklace: Old (Similar here, here and here)

Bracelet: Kendra Scott

Watch: Movado

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

One Shoulder Top + Europe Travel Recap

Hi loves! I wanted to share a little bit about our trip to Switzerland and Italy now that I'm finally not so jet lagged anymore. I had no idea how bad the jet lag was going to be, and it seems like I was the only one of our group that was really affected by it! Anyway, on to the good stuff. After spending a couple days in New York City, we flew to Milan, Italy. This is a great halfway point between Switzerland and other Italian cities if you're trying to do both in one trip! From Milan, we headed straight to Zermatt, Switzerland, which is a small town located in the Swiss Alps near the southern border of the country. We spent about 4 days in Zermatt before heading to Venice, Italy, where we explored for the second half of our trip!

Zermatt, Switzerland is hands down one of the most beautiful places I've seen. During our time there, we stayed at The Omnia, a gorgeous mountain lodge located just above the town, which provided some amazing views from our room. And their continental breakfast was nothing short of perfection. The town itself looks like it's straight out of a movie; winding brick streets, flower baskets in every window (that's no exaggeration), and chateaus everywhere. Hiking is the main attraction of the town though - if you showed up there completely unprepared for outdoor activity, there's a hiking/outdoor store on every corner that has you covered. We spent a majority of each day there exploring trails of various difficulties so we could soak up as much of the Alps as we could! Our hike on the last day in Zermatt was by far the most dangerous and scary thing I've ever done, but provided memories and views I will cherish forever. This trail led to the base of the Matterhorn, a very famous mountain of the Alps, and was the most difficult hiking level. Most of the hike took place on a path about two feet wide along the side of a cliff, with mountain on one side, and the possibility of falling off the cliff on the other. At some points, there were even ropes chiseled into rocks along the way as a little added sense of security, but it didn't ease my fears any. I had the first panic attack of my life on the side of that mountain. I kept thinking to myself, "If I'm this scared going up, how am I going to make it back down??" I pushed through though (with a little extra encouragement), and I'm so glad I did! Nothing can rival the views (or the cold beer that we rewarded ourselves with) once we made it to the top. Not only that, but I was able to overcome a mental challenge and fear, which made the reward that much sweeter.

From Zermatt, we took a train to Venice, Italy. Venice was like a completely separate vacation in a way, since the views, climate and activities were so different from Switzerland! The architecture in Italy is incredible, and so brightly colored, which provided a lot of great picture taking opportunities! We stayed in an Airbnb in the heart of the city, which provided so much convenience to anything and everything we wanted to do. It even had an adorable balcony that overlooked the street below; perfect for sharing a bottle of wine after our long days of exploring! We didn't venture to any museums or large attractions while in Venice - we didn't want to spend our time waiting in long lines, so we opted to walk around and let ourselves get lost to truly experience the city. And we of course took a gondola ride. I feel like you can't go to Venice and skip the gondola ride, no matter how touristy it has become - it's a classic! Most of our days here included wandering around the streets of the city, doing a little shopping here and there (that's where I found the necklace I'm wearing in this post), eating a lot of pasta and pizza, and drinking countless bottles of prosecco.

I caught the travel bug though, and already want to go back! I have my heart set on a vacation to Greece and the Amalfi Coast of Italy - hopefully sometime in the near future! Comment below if you've been to either of these places and any tips that you have!

Anyway, back to my outfit - I'm obsessed with anything off-shoulder or one-shoulder, and this little number from Loft goes with EVERYTHING. I feel like when I can't figure out what to wear in the morning, I will always reach for a cute white top and jeans; an easy go-to option for when you're running late for work. I think that's one item that you really can't have enough of in your closet! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Top: Loft - No longer available (similar here, here and here)

Shorts: Old Style (similar here and here)

Necklace: Found in Italy (similar here and here)

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Shoes: Mix No. 6 (similar here, here and here)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Bag: Steve Madden (Similar here, here and here)

A Modern Edge

Throwing on jean shorts and a basic tee in the summer is an easy go-to outfit when you're in a rush to get out the door. But wearing the same basic outfit just because it's easy is a bad habit to get into; that's why having statement pieces, like this sleeveless vest, are always a good investment. Adding this vest and some lace-up block heels take a basic summer look from casual to edgy in under ten seconds (and side note - these are the comfiest heels I've ever owned!!). I can't even count how many times I've worn this vest over various outfit combinations - it goes with everything! Wear it to the office or to brunch on a Saturday morning - you really can't go wrong. Many retailers are coming out with more sleeveless vest options in their fall lines. Check out this bright pink sleevless jacket or baby blue drapey open front vest at The Limited! I personally have my eye on both :) The "third piece" is going to be huge this fall! Happy shopping loves! xoxo

Vest: SPACEGIRLZ (found at TJ Maxx)

T-Shirt: Mossimo Supply Co.

Jean Shorts: Gap Factory

Sandals: Dolce Vita

Necklace: Express

Bracelets: Guess//Erica Lyons

Sunglasses: Marilyn Monroe Eyewear