Lately 5/4/2017

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Wearing: I've been pretty casual as of late... I think oftentimes, people associate 'casual' with 'sloppy' and it totally doesn't have to be that way. What I'm wearing in the photo above is super casual, but I feel like it still looks nice and put together. One afternoon it was so gorgeous out, that I had to get out and go on a walk. We headed to have drinks/snacks mid-walk, so I was glad I was in something other than athleisure! You originally saw this top, dressed up in this post. But I've been wearing it non-stop with denim and shorts! It's beyond comfortable. A major step up from you basic white tee, that's for sure! 

Eating: I've been seeing the Trader Joe's 'everything but the bagel' seasoning floating around on social media and I was intrigued. So I bought a bottle on my weekly TJ's trip and it is sooooo good. My fave way to eat it is to just slice up an avocado and season! YUM!

Drinking: For all those G and T lovers out there, I have got some news for you! I love a good gin and tonic. It's my cocktail of choice, especially in the summer months. While gin is one of the worst liquors for you (of course), tonic water is pretty darn bad for you, too. It packs in calories and quinine is also not too friendly to our bodies. Enter concentrated tonic... did you know that was a thing?! I didn't! Basically, you put in as much or as little as you want to soda water. It cuts way back on the calories and you can lessen the quinine level if you so choose. A major win in my book! Gin and tonic season, here I come! 

Wanting: Can I just say that H and M is absolutely killing it?! I always forget about the store and then I'm reminded of it in some way or another. In this case, I was talking about sweat shorts to lounge in with one of my guy friends and he had some on that I said I liked and they were from H and M! Then, the next day one my girlfriends and I were texting and she had mentioned how many cute things were at H and M right now. So I browsed and wow. So. Many. Things. The quality is always questionable and the sizing is always weird, but I just placed a big order to check it out! So we shall see! Everything in the widget above is under $50, a lot of it is under 30! And totally ordered a pair of these. At just $6, I'm skeptical, but they look SO comfortable! 

Loving: It's graduation time again. I always get a little nostalgic around this time of year as my time at James Madison University were some of the best years. The other day, Facebook showed me a post from five years ago of my graduation cap. Five. Where does the time go? I feel like I've shared this commencement speech by Sheryl Sandberg before, but it's really worth the watch. Really give your full attention and listen to everything she says. It's wonderful. 

Pittsburgh-ing: Ok several things.... this weekend I went to Pittsburgh Winery with my friend, Aly. It's located in the Strip District and is a really cool winery that makes their own wine right on site! I ended up coming home with a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec. Everything we tasted was excellent, though. Then, we meandered down a few doors to Klavons, which is the cutest soda shop that might as well be straight out of the 1950's! 

Pittsburgh-ing II: I have a love-hate relationship with Whole Foods. It's freaking amazing, but there is a reason it is nicknamed 'Whole Paycheck'. I try to do most of my shopping at Trader Joe's and then get all of my meat/fish/etc. from either Fresh Market or Whole Foods. I try my hardest not to browse becuase then my cart fills up quickly. Well, this past time, I browsed. Whoops. But found this AMAZING hummus. You guys. It's incredible. I had no idea it was made locally, either. It's called Peppi's Gourmet Greek hummus. It might be the best hummus I've ever had (although it's a toss-up with Aladdin's!). If you are in a local Pittsburgh Whole Foods, buy yourself a tub. You will not regret it, I promise! 

Reading: This article about breast cancer detection. It's a picture of a dozen lemons in an egg carton and shows what breast cancer can look/feel like. I think this is super helpful and worth all the shares it can get. It could help save a life so continue to share! 

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Snapchatting: If you don't follow me on Snapchat, I definitely think you should :) I share behind the scenes content as often as possible! Everything from what I am making for dinner, what I love from Trader Joe's, try-ons of my favorite new things, products I get in the mail, and more! This past weekend, I shared a bit about my all-time favorite lip colors right now. If you missed the snapchat info, they are actually a lip balm. The color is universal and reacts with your lips' own chemistry to create the perfect, subtle color while nourishing your lips. It is seriously fool-proof. It gives you just the perfect flush of everyday color but also feels so good on your lips. I'm addicted. While I was on Snapchat talking about the lip color, I was wearing the striped top you see pictured above! It is a men's shirt- but as soon as I saw it, I knew I needed it. It's on major sale (under $30!) and I could not recommend it more. Perfect for lounging or throwing over a swimsuit! 

Listening: May's playlist is in full swing and it is SO good. It's a mix of really fun upbeat songs and a few really good indie songs, too! 

Watching: It's Stanley Cup Playoff season for the NHL. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but it's kind of hard to ignore while living in Pittsburgh considering how good our Penguins are! Not to mention how cute Sidney Crosby is... But I digress. A playoff game in Edmonton had mic issues so the entire arena started singing the Star Spangled Banner. Very cool. 

Watching II: The videos of these adorable little girls are just hilarious and so sweet! 

Quoting: Quote via. See more of my favorites, here. 

Statement-Making Neutrals

Top// White Jeans

Hermes Oasis Sandals (similar less pricey option)// Sunglasses

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30// cable bracelet

If you scroll through my instagram feed, you're likely to see a lot of neutral colors. Think black, navy blue, white, tan, gray, cream, blush, etc. Every once in a while, I'll sprinkle in a healthy dose of color. Whether it be a little Lilly Pulitzer or a bright tunic, I do love me some color. 

But, through the years, what I've learned about building a timeless, wearable wardrobe is that neutral, basic pieces are the necessary foundation. Another thing I've learned? A statement piece in your wardrobe doesn't have to be something infused with bright colors or crazy patterns. Some of the best show-stopping pieces can most definitely be neutral! 

I thought today's outfit would be the perfect time to discuss this because the top that I am wearing in the photos above is neutral, but it definitely makes a statement. The lace detail is stunning and the cut is different and unique. I kept with the neutral theme elsewhere in my outfit, too.

It just goes to show that you can still make a statement, subtly... and that's just what I love, don't you? 

Scroll through the widget above to see some of my favorite statement-making neutrals. I'm all about white during the summer months, so you'll see an abundance of that, but I also tried to include some tans, navy, black, etc., too! Everything is at all different prices points, too!

I GOT ACCEPTED TO HOGWARTS!

Hogwarts Acceptance Letter

How about that for today's post title?! But it's true. I got accepted to Hogwarts. I'm packing up my wand, robes, and owl and headed to the land of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But in all seriousness, this Hogwarts acceptance letter was one of the coolest and most thoughtful gifts I've ever received. 

I knew I had to share it because I know how many of you are also Harry Potter lovers! My sister, Callie, sent me this for my birthday about 2 weeks ago. I was checking my mail a few days before my actual birthday (where I check my mail already looks and feels like Hogwarts, so the tone was definitely set) and pulled out an envelope that totally stood out from everything else. 

I was so confused because it didn't say who it was from! I quickly opened the wax seal and it was the most fun surprise ever. It starts out with a letter from Professor McGonagall saying, "Dear Ms. Carver, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term beings on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st."

I'm such a huge Harry Potter fan, I couldn't believe Callie thought of this. I will be the first to admit that I am probably one of the hardest people (ever) to shop for. I have anything and everything I could ever want and need so it is especially touching when someone gets me something that is just so me. Callie nailed it and when I found out it was from her it literally brought a tear to my eye. 

If you are looking for a special gift for someone, I definitely recommend something like this. I really had no idea that this was a 'thing', but there are so many options to choose from and they are all customizable. Not to mention, most are under $15, so it is a really affordable gift! I'm honestly thinking about having this framed... a little nerdy of me, I know, but it's just so cool and so much fun.

The one Callie got me is handwritten in the most beautiful script. Some are printed and not handwritten, so definitely keep that in mind. I really love that mine is handwritten. It feels very 'real' and authentic. Thank you for the best gift ever, Callie!! 

The Best Athletic Shorts for Workouts and Leisure

 

Tank// Sports Bra// Shorts

Sneakers c/o 

Today I'm sharing my favorite shorts for working out and athleisure! Whether I am running errands, going for a long leisurely walk, or getting my sweat on, these shorts have become a new-to-me favorite. 

I've mentioned these shorts in a few past posts, and I've shared that I love them because they're not only well-made and comfortable, but they are also longer than most athletic shorts. I don't like super short shorts, so finding something a little longer than usual was a priority for me. Surprisingly, a longer length is hard to find! These are a solid 4", which is sometimes an entire inch longer than a lot of other options out there! 

I know when I mentioned that I prefer a more modest length in athletic shorts, many of you agreed, so I knew this was definitely something I should share!

As far as sizing goes, I am wearing my typical size 6. This brand's sizing is a little goofy sometimes, so I recommend going with your usual size or heading into the store to try them on! They come in a bunch of colors and prints, too! I've already washed them a few times and they wash well, which is an added bonus. 

I have a pair in white and then went back for white. I also wanted to order navy blue but they were out of stock in my size. I was doing a little shopping in Shadyside this weekend with my friend Aly and we popped into Athleta. I had never shopped the brand before but knew a lot of friends who love the brand. 

We tried on a ton of stuff and I honestly loved it all. But... I found ANOTHER short that might be even better (and $14 cheaper). I bought them immediately as they are 4.5" in length! They're almost identical to my black and white pairs, too. I'll have to see how they handle a workout and wash before I say that they're better, so I'll be sure to report back!

And lastly, I wanted to highlight these amazing sneakers. They are SO comfortable. I've been wearing them around for about 2 months now and really couldn't recommend them more! The shoes are water repellent and have a really good grip- so for any of those who do sports outside and often in the rain, these are for you! I also love that they are fitted to my foot and really breathable and lightweight. They're also under $90 and come in gray if you are looking for something more neutral!