it's my party and i'll cry if i want to

Although if I cry, it'll be tears of joy because I'm so happy to be spending my birthday at home and because I'm so excited about what my twenty-third year will bring.

Happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday weekend, partially because my birthday falls on the fifth. I've spent the last two in New York City, and while they were both great, I can't wait for an old-fashioned Missouri Fourth of July complete with fireworks, fireflies, fruity drinks... and lots and lots of bottle rockets.

Watching a grand firework show off the pier of the Hudson River is pretty great, but there's something even more magical about watching them from your parent's yard.

My uniform for the weekend with be swimsuit, sunglasses, and a cherry red Essie nail polish. This nautical striped tunic will be perfect for tossing on over my bikini for sunbathing breaks, and though I did bring a striped dress to wear just in case, I really don't anticipate changing out of my swimsuit for the next 48 hours.

What are you plans?

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Although I did end up wearing stripes again yesterday like a wannabe Francophile, the only place I wanted to be today was at my parent's house, with my family, for a Father's Day barbecue. Because I couldn't be there, I opted for a pattern that brought me a little closer to home—madras.

My mom and I share an affinity for madras, and there's nothing like a little patchwork plaid to brighten my day... although my family's "miss you" text messages are hard to beat, too.

vneck t, Gap. madras mini, J. Crew. sandals, Cynthia Vincent for Target. necklace, Old Navy.

Graduation Dress... Ta Da!

After searching high and low, I ended up finding my graduation dress closer to home. I was releasing some pent up energy after an exhausting exam at — where else? — the mall and came across the dress of my dreams. Or, at least, a very, very cute dress that fit like a dream and cost far less than many of my other favorites.

Yes, it's white, and yes, I clearly graduated before Memorial Day. But I decided that since it was my last day before entering the real world, it was my last day for good ol' college rebellion. So wearing white before Memorial Day it was.

dress, Kensie. heels, Gianni Bini. clutch, Liberty of London for Target.