neon pleats

Victoria's Secret pleat maxi, American Apparel clutch, Nordstrom BP Panama hat {similar}, 

Nordstrom BP mirrored aviator sunglasses

Remember when I mentioned that I'm in love with this dress and my best friends have it in other colors and that I would be borrowing those? I wasn't kidding. Best Friend from Seattle came down for the #MillerGrayWedding on Thursday, she wore it to that wedding and then I promptly borrowed it for a wedding on Saturday. The weather's been so warm, this was a perfect summer evening dress.

Thanks BFF!  

pleated perfection

Victoria's Secret knife pleat maxi dress, Madewell Kensington Satchel, 

Nordstrom BP panama hat (similar), Urban Outfitters aviator sunglasses

I've been keeping it simple these days. 

This is one of my most versatile and easiest dresses. 

I wear it like this or with a t-shirt or a chambray shirt tied over it and it's so comfortable. 

It's easy to pack for trips, it keeps it's shape and it's super roomy. 

I would love it in every color! My best friend has the neon green color {sadly, no longer available but lucky for me I can borrow it!} and my other best friend chose the milk color {also no longer available, also lucky for me I can borrow it} for my wedding, it's just a perfect dress!

I picked up this hat yesterday and it's a great addition for these sunny days, I could wear this outfit everyday and be so happy and comfy. 

Neon for the Holidays

Corey P dress {From Fred Meyer, can you believe it??}, J.Crew Factory plaid shirt, Forever 21 necklace, Urban Outfitters heels, Gap neon clutch {gift from Abby!}

I hope everyone had a warm and happy celebration the last few days!

I was spoiled rotten by seeing best friends, family, overeating, and amazing gifts. 

I'm obsessed with my new neon clutch from Gap! 

It is a gift from Abby and it's a perfect fit for my new iPad Mini!

This is one of my favorite new holiday dresses, 

can you believe I haven't bought any new sequins for this sparkly season?

::Unrelated note::

I used this website to edit these photos. 

I am lame and never edit my photos but good quality photos are something that I believe can make all the difference in a blog. It's time for me to bite the bullet, and put some more time and effort into my photos. So a few of my goals for this year are: take a photo class, get a new lens, quality over quantity, and edit my photos. 

This is the experimental phase of editing photos, so don't judge too hard!

Love & Lace

A friend got married this weekend and this was my outfit. 

I'll share some photos from the wedding this week, it was beautiful. 

I was lucky enough to help do some last minute set up on Friday so I got some great decor photos. 

Dress: Asos, Belt: borrowed from Liz, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Clutch: J.Crew, Necklaces: BaubleBar & Anthropologie, Bracelets/Watch: Target, J.Crew, Fossil, Nails: Essie Tart Deco

I love a good hair accessory

I tend to forget about this hair piece. 

I know, how could I forget about something this fabulous? 

Well, good news, I've been wearing it all weekend to make up for lost time. 

Dress & Clutch: J.Crew, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Target, 

Hairpiece: The Fussy Duck {Salem, OR}, Necklace: BaubleBar

I had a great, rejuvenating, busy, productive, encouraging weekend in Lincoln City for a Camp Program Staff Retreat. It made me so excited for summer!

Dress for Success, Success!

Thank you everyone who supported, donated, and helped me with the clothing/accessory drive!

On Thursday Jeff and I took a car full and a truck full of clothing/shoes/accessories!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 

The outfit I wore when Jeff proposed

Took these before going out to dinner, didn't realize Jeff would propose that night!

Glad I brought this dress home!

Dress: Chan Luu, Anthropologie, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Clutch: J.Crew, Fascinator: London

No ring yet!

A Clothing Drive for Dress for Success Oregon!

Hi lovely friends and readers!

I have a great announcement!

Next week, Monday May 7th through Friday May 11th, I will be holding a women's suit/professional wear/accessory drive to support the organization Dress for Success!

"Dress for Success Oregon is a nonprofit organization that has been helping low-income women successfully transition back into the workforce since 1999. We promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

-dressforsuccessoregon.org

How many of you have a bag of clothes to get rid of sitting in the corner of your room or closet or back of your car or by your door?
I know I always have a bunch of clothes to get rid of and I would appreciate any donations possible from any of you. 

This is a great time for some spring closet cleaning and a reminder that even though sometimes we might feel like we have nothing to wear {guilty..} there are some women who really don't have much or any professional clothing. Having professional clothing and support can really affect a woman's confidence in the job search and application process.
I know when I am walking into an interview or a first day on the job I feel so much more confident when I look put together and professional.

I'm working on an image so you can share it with your readers if you so wish, but until then, here is the information:

Hosted by: Sam Rosen, PSU Child & Family Studies Honor Student, Third Party Supporter of Dress for Success Oregon

What: Collecting Women’s Suits and Professional Clothing/Accessories to support Dress for Success Oregon.

When: May 7-11

Where: Drop off sites on Portland State University campus at the Women’s Resource Center and School of Social Work Front Desk

{Email me if you're interested in hosting a drop off site at your place of work or home, I can do some personal pickups. Also email if you're in Salem and interested in donating}

Why: To benefit and support disadvantaged women entering or

re-entering the job market

Acceptable donations, all women’s sizes 00- and Plus Size 16+:

Skirt & Pant Suits

Blouses

Jackets

Pants/Slacks

Skirts

Professional Shoes

Jewelry

Scarves & Belts

Handbags & Umbrellas

Please consider all clothing donated fit in these guide lines:

Clean -- no spots or stains

Current Style -- within the last five years or timeless

Excellent Condition

On Hangers

No bags or boxes unless used for shoes/handbags/accessories.

Tax write off forms available upon request

Please email Samantha at samantharosen5@gmail.com with questions

a dad daughter date

This is one of my favorite dresses, probably because it reminds me of my junior prom dress which is my favorite dress of all time. 

Dress: Thrifted, Sweater: H&M, Belt: Target, Shoes: Nine West, Watch: Fossil, Spike Bracelet: F21, New Bracelet: Mixed

Cut Bracelet BaubleBar, Monogram Necklace: BaubleBar, Sunglasses: Old Navy

Thanks to my sweet dad for snapping these pics before we headed downtown for happy hour at Ringside {SO good, we ordered 7 plates} and to see Salmon Fishing in The Yemen {Also great, very enjoyable and British!}. Now that I think about it, we ate at a fish house and saw a movie about fish. Hmm.

{::Update:: I just found out I won this giveaway from The Pink Peonies & ILY Couture, what shall I choose??}

Monday

Happy Monday!

I wore this on Sunday. It was a very relaxed weekend, which is probably good since my next few weekends will be busy. San Fran on Friday! Birthday after that! Spring Break after that!

Jacket: Target

Dress: Gap

Shoes: Steve Madden

Belt: Urban Outfiters

Glasses: F21

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Ring: Banana Republic

Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Wet Cement

Sun means an iced drink for me. 

Thanks to my mom for her free drink card, that means a venti non-fat light ice chai for me!