Must Download: Duolingo App

My excitement level for my visit to Paris (which is still months away) is at a full fledged level 10. I've taken about 10 years of French throughout all of my schooling. While I wish I was fluent, I'm not... I haven't really practiced much at all since college. I am glad to still be able to read and understand spoken French pretty darn well, but when it comes to writing and speaking myself, that's where I always run into trouble. 

Last night, I was at Happy Hour with some good friends. Sidenote: Pittsburghers, we went to Arsenal Cider house in Lawrenceville. It was a new-to-me place, and the outdoor seating and ability to bring your own food was amazing. The cider was so good and our picnic of a baguette, crackers, meats, cheeses, spreads, etc. was perfect! Definitely recommend for those in the city! 

Anyway, while at happy hour, one of my friends suggested I check out Duolingo. It was an app created in Pittsburgh and it's free! I downloaded it last night and am already obsessed. It takes you through different levels of whatever language you choose. You go through tasks and tests and lessons to improve! 

I definitely recommend this to everyone. Since it's free, it really is a no brainer! It also shocked me when I took the test; I know a lot more than I thought I did, but still have so much to learn! Have you tried this app yet? If you are out of school, do you have other ways of continuing to practice a foreign language? I'd love to know... studying a foreign language is something I miss from school! Have a fabulous day! 

Casual Sweater + Denim Shorts

Sweater// Denim Shorts (old, love this pair)

Jack Rogers Sandals// Thela Bag// Engraved Gold Bracelet 

It's been quite hot here.. which is so not my thing. I love the fall.. 65-70 degrees is right where I like it. This whole 90+ degrees... not so much. The worst is when it is 90, and I leave work and have to get into my car... I actually dread that moment.

I've been reaching a lot for denim shorts lately. They're super simple and casual and great for running weekend errands. I've had these shorts since I was a sophomore in college... they're the only pair of jean shorts I own. I'm really eyeing this pair, but I honestly think one pair is enough! 

I think the key to denim shorts is to never try and dress them up. They are super casual and I think where a lot of people go wrong with denim shorts, making them look tacky, is when you try to dress them up. I embrace the casual-ness of denim shorts and love to pair them with sneakers, cotton tanks, oversized sweaters, etc. 

I wore this last weekend while running some errands. Since I am in and out of places, I always make sure to have a sweater on hand because sometimes the air conditioning can be ridiculous, ahem, I'm looking at you, Fresh Market. This one is great because it is neutral and lightweight, so I'll even leave it in my car so I have it whenever I need it. It's on sale right now for under $50... a really good price for the quality. I think it'll look great with skinny jeans and boots come fall, too. Have a fabulous day! 

Talbots Flawless 5 Pocket Boyfriend Jeans

Look 1:

Jacket c/o// Boyfriend Denim c/o

Silk Tank (old)// Clutch// Pumps// Sunglasses

Look 2:

Jacket c/o// Boyfriend Denim c/o

Silk Tank (old)// Leather Bag// Sneakers// Sunglasses

Finding a good pair of jeans is really hard. I'm pretty sure everyone reading knows what I'm talking about. I have found a few pair that I really like and that really work for me, which is great. When Talbots reached out to see if I wanted to try out their new line of denim, I jumped on it. I love Talbots, so I was really excited to see what this new line was all about. I chose the boyfriend style denim, because they're so comfortable. Bottom line? These jeans rock.. they're well made, high quality and fit wonderfully. 

Since Talbots is coming out with some of their fall pieces, I styled it in a way I would wear it in September/October. The thing I love about boyfriend denim is that you can really style them in a lot of different ways. In this post, I've styled them dressier with a clutch and heels, but then made the outfit more laid-back with a bigger bag and sneakers. 

The fit is awesome. It has a higher waist, which is always something I appreciate as as well as a classic 5-pocket design. In a lot of boyfriend jeans, I usually have to size down at least one size, if not two or three sizes. These actually fit true to size. I am in a size 4 in the photos above and I feel that they give the perfect amount of baggy without looking frumpy. Not to mention, these are not distressed, which makes them have the ability to be dressed up! If the boyfriend denim is not for you, there are several other styles to choose from. Next up, I want to try out the jegging-- they would work so great with riding boots! The best part? Their denim is under $100, which is a real win in my book! Have you tried out the Flawless five-pocket denim yet? If you try them out, be sure to use the hashtag #Flawless5Pocket to be featured on the Talbots website! Have a fabulous day!

Cashmere Travel Wrap + Pink Pumps

Cashmere travel wrap// Striped Shirt// White Jeans

Pink Pumps// Tassel Necklace// Gold Cuff//Sunglasses 

I used to be a huge 'color' person... as I got older, I recognized that a good wardrobe consists of neutrals and basics with pops of color and prints here and there to add interest. Don't get me wrong, though, I do love a good, classic, Lilly or an obnoxious printed pant every once in a while, but for the most part, I'm pretty neutral day in and day out. 

I also think that has to do with being in an office setting 40 hours a week as well as living in a city. With that said, if you've been reading here even just for a few weeks, then you know I have a cashmere addiction.. ahem, I actually would prefer to call it a 'collection'. I'm always hunting for a great piece, because there is nothing I hate more than being cold. 

I went crazy over Club Monaco's Adele cashmere scarf. When they went on sale, they were a great buy, and also the biggest cashmere scarf in size for the price. Then, this happened. It is MASSIVE. Honestly, it's a cashmere blanket that's aptly named a cashmere travel wrap to make it acceptable to wear a blanket out in public. 

I took these photos quickly one night as I was headed to a friends house for a party. It had rained earlier so it was slightly chilly and I knew the party would be outdoors, so this cashmere travel wrap was the perfect thing. The pink pumps were probably not the best choice of footwear, but I had just gotten them and was dying to wear them! I got so many compliments. I love the pop of pink and think they'll also look really great with all black outfits. Everything I am wearing (besides my sunnies) are under $100! Did you scoop up this amazing cashmere wrap? Have a fabulous day!