Beach, Boardwalk and Bangs

Living in New Jersey, the thing to do in the summer is to go "down the shore" aka to the beach. It's almost like a right of passage in your childhood that your parents take you to the boardwalk as a child, and it becomes something that carries over into your teenage years and adult hood. And it never gets old. 

New Jersey has a lot of beaches, more so than boardwalks. On a not so hot afternoon, I packed up the twins and drove to exit 102, to Asbury Park. I spent a lot of time there in my 20s as the legendary Stone Pony is there - back when I used to be a music journalist. The area during the mid 2000s wasn't the greatest. The boardwalk itself was completely barren and abandoned from it's earlier years in the 1930s as a popular destination spot. However, they have since built the boardwalk back up into an artful celebration of culture centered around the beach. There are murals everywhere that are a fashion bloggers dream come true. 

Um, how could I NOT take photos in front of Madam Marie's!? The mural outside her shop oozes of gypsy vibes. This is by far my favorite summer photo location.

As for my outfit, I curled my hair that day to test out my newly revived ombre. The striped crop top and floral print skirt  - a give in being that I live in skirts from June to September. So comfy and colorful!

And here's yet another mural. I think Asbury Park is going to become my go-to for summer #ootd posts!

Outfit:

Mirror Sunglasses - ZeroUV / Striped Crop Top - Forever 21 / Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Gladiator Sandals - Forever 21 / Steve Madden Bag / Alex and Ani Skirt

Boho Summer Spirit

I've adapted a boho feel to my clothing this summer. Festival inspired, I'm throwing it back to the days when I used to go to concerts every weekend. There's something about the carefree spirit of bohemian clothing that seems effortless and perfect for summer. Give me a pair of gladiator sandals, plenty of gold accessories and a fringed handbag and my hipster heart is happy and content.

Plus, I'm all about a skirt and top combo. This black skirt has a delicate lace slip under it that has a vintage vibe to it, while my Moroccan print crop top encompasses the boho vibe. Oh, and a pink lip is a must for me. I tend to wear pink lipstick year round - some habits can't be quit. 

I'll have to plan my outfits with a little more office-friendly thought as I'm winding down the end of my maternity leave. Any new mom can relate to the idea of returning to work, and leaving your child. I'm saving my complete thoughts on returning to work for another post as I'm already having a hard time facing the fact that I won't be with the twins 24/7 come August.

Hope you're enjoying the amazing summer weather!

Outfit Details:

Moroccan print crop top - Forever 21 - Black Lace Trim Skirt / Gladiator Lace Up Sandals  - Forever 21 / Fringed Shoulder Bag - Steve Madden / Half Moon Necklace - South Moon Under / NARS lipstick in YU 

It's Always Sunny

It's no surprise that I wear my hair the same way for the most part. Straight. I'd love to say that I possess the talent to create those effortless DIY braids you see all over Pinterest, but suffice it to say, I wasn't meant to be a hairstylist.

But, the humid weather hitting NJ has motivated me to try to incorporate something different into my everyday look. My summer uniform typically consists of a dress of some sort, to which I add to the foundation of my outfit with accessories.

The perfect compliment to this dress was two small braids that I styled my hair in for a touch of depth to my do along with a gorgeous statement necklace from Carolee Jewelry. The turquoise and Mother of Pearl pulls from the colors in this floral print dress for a retro inspired look. I say when you are looking for an accessory to add to any outfit - go with a statement necklace or sunglasses. I happen to love this one because I can dress it up with a frock or add it to a plain black tee and still look like I pulled together a fashionable ensemble!

I've always felt that my summer wardrobe is my best look. This time of year is just so much more upbeat and inspiring considering all the opportunities there are to be outside and enjoy the weather. Expanding my color palette beyond my fall favorites of grey, black and red means I can wear pastels, floral prints in bold colors and utilize my quirky accessories like heart-shaped sunnies and my slue of Kate Spade bags. Oh, and the Swedish Hasbeens, which I purchased last year from Modcloth are as adorable in person as they are online. I would absolutely recommend getting a pair for yourself!

Outfit:

Necklace - Courtesy of Carolee / Heart-Shape Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Scalloped Bag - kate spade new york / Red Swedish Hasbeens - Modcloth.com / Floral Print Dress - Forever 21