Friday's Fancies

This week on {long distance loving}, we're celebrating Memorial Day! Because a long weekend that's typically packed with trips to the beach and BBQs with friends & family is pretty much the perfect way to welcome summer, if you ask me. For the occasion, I've put together a look with one of my obsessions that you have already heard far too much about -- stripes. Although the strappy heels and gold watch {which I've used in so many looks already.. what can I say, it's a classic!} give the look a bit of a sophisticated vibe, I think the flirty shape of the dress and the colorful statement necklace add some fun to it. This entire look can be worn throughout the day and into the night for a fun BBQ, fireworks on the beach, or whatever else you may have planned! 

Dress: Republic; Shoes: Casadei; Necklace: Modcloth; Watch: Michael Kors; Bag: Tory Burch

So, what are your plans to kick off summer? If you hadn't already guessed it from yesterday's post, I'm headed on a little road trip for the next few days! Wishing you a happy & fun-filled weekend! xo

images via polyvore.com

Getaway

I'm sure you guys know this already... but I love to travel. I love to explore cities I've never been to before, or revisit old favorites. I love to meet new people from completely different walks of life and to pick up bits of the local language. I even love the airports. But one part I DON'T always love is the packing. Somehow, even after lists and lists, I end up stressing out over it.. a lot of times I even feel the need to unpack and re-pack, just to make sure I'm not missing anything essential. That being said, I wanted to focus today specifically on weekend getaway packing. Because, let's face it.. although it may not seem like it, packing for a shorter, closer trip is sometimes just as frustrating as packing to go abroad. And because I'm officially on summer break, you know this stuff is on the brain.

1. Establish a general idea of outfits. This may seem like a no-brainer, but lots of people prefer to just pack different pieces without having a clear idea of how they will be using each piece. But I always like to visualize my outfits in their entirety. With short weekend getaways, it's even easier to figure out, as there are less days involved. Break your day up and try to figure out how many different outfits you realistically need

2. Check the weather. Again, a no-brainer, right? But yet again, this is something that can go overlooked with weekend getaways. I can vouch for this completely -- temperatures can vary depending on where in SoCal you are.. it can be significantly cooler near the beach than it is in the valley

3. Keep your essentials together. For me, this means keeping things like contact solution, mini toothpaste, make-up remover, etc. in a cute cosmetic bag, so it's easy to pack, unpack, re-pack and not leave anything behind

4. Have back-ups. Usually with shorter trips, even after I've done steps 1 and 2, I still like to have a few back-up pieces.. whether that means taking an extra-warm cardigan in case of unexpected chilly mornings, or sandals in case of unexpected sunny weather. I want to take full advantage and be prepared {be careful not to overdo it, though, or you'll end up with your entire closet!}

5. Break up your list into categories. Well, assuming you make packing lists.. or is that just me? I break my list up into categories.. so I have items under "electronics" {phone & camera chargers}, "essentials" {contacts, lotion}, and "accessories"

Thoughts? What are some of your tips for packing when it comes to spontaneous weekend getaways?
 I'd love to hear them! xo

image via weheartit.com

Coffee With Tiffany

Okay so today I'm bringing you yet another fabulous blogger.. I don't know how much of an introduction this lady really needs, but as you will soon see, she's just all around the sweetest and so much fun. Meet Tiffany from {The Coffeehouse} .. see what she has to say about husbands, dogs, and clothes. Then, head on over to her blog for more! 

Hi there. I’m Tiffany, husband is Dan and lab is Sherman.

I blog over at The Coffeehouse, a blog that has absolutely nothing to do with coffee.

Yes, I know what you're thinking …

if her blog doesn’t have anything to do with coffee, it must have something to do with fashion.

Otherwise, why in the world is this coffeehouse girl blogging over here on dreaming en francais?

I asked myself the very same thing. I did.

About 204 times.

And then I remembered that maybe I do have style after all.

I mean, how can you go on a first date looking like this and not have style?

How can you be attracted to a boy with a 6-inch mohawk and not have style? 

Yes, that is a real mohawk on top of husband's head.

This was our very first date (80s Prom) back in 2004.

Wigs were encouraged.

sandbergphotos

But, style or no style ...

husband still decided to marry me.

And I try to keep our relationship interesting by wearing "pants with a zipper"
(as husband likes to call them) every great once in a while. 
What do I wear the rest of the time?
I'm never telling.

So for now, I will leave the fashion blogging up to the amazing and oh-so-talented 
dreaming en francais.

I will continue to stalk her blog daily and wish that I had her sense of style.

And most importantly, I will stick to what I am best at ...

posting goofy pictures of my dog ...

and the occasional picture with my head chopped off.

So, come on over to The Coffeehouse and have a cup of joe with me

(and husband and Sherman). We're kind of a group deal.

See you soon!

Tiff

Hilary

I realized it's been a long, long while since I've done one of these. And I also realized I absolutely loved Hilary Duff's bright blazer, which she was rocking back when she was still pregnant. Sometimes it may seem intimidating or tough to pull off a bright, colorful blazer like Hilary's, but in reality there are so many ways it can be done -- you can keep the rest of the outfit simple in black and white, like she did, or if you're feeling extra daring, you can incorporate other colors for a fun and on-trend colorblock look. At any rate, I've put together a look just like Hilary's for less {each piece is under $100}. I just love how she lets the blazer really pop by keeping the rest of the outfit low-key and just adding an oversized scarf and some cute booties to complete the look. 

Blazer: River Island; Top: Topshop; Pants: Oasis; Shoes: Guess; Scarf: Mango; Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Thoughts? Would you be daring enough to sport a bright and loud blazer like this one? Personally, I love the idea of it and the fact that it can be worn in so many different ways, day or night, and it's just so fun for spring & summer. 

images via polyvore.com 

Lately

So I finally and officially got done with finals last week, meaning I'm now on summer break. Yes, I know we've all been waiting for it. I think the stress of studying caused me to consume way too much chocolate and other goodies last week.. particularly Baci, yummy Italian chocolate which makes me reminisce about Europe, especially the first time I tried it in Siena a few years ago. Oh and I also had a late-night tostada salad craving to go with my paper-writing, that was a really proud moment too. AFTER all that was over and done with.. this weekend was beautiful and warm and sunny, so we got to enjoy wine and {homemade} lunch outside on the patio as a family. And speaking of family, we also had some visitors from out of town and I got in lots of baby snuggles this weekend. We don't really have many babies in our family, and this precious little one lives halfway across the world so we were all soaking it up! We also got in some adult-cousin time with sushi and mojitos, which is always yummy. All in all, it was the perfect way to celebrate the end of finals, I'd say.

Hope you are all having a lovely Monday! 

As always, thank you for commenting and following.. you guys are the greatest :) xo

Friday's Fancies

The theme over at {long distance loving} this week is chambray season! Okay so I may have cheated by incorporating some chambray into an earlier Friday's Fancies look seen {here}. But what can I say, I am loving this trend! My chambray shirt has quickly become one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe, as you may have already noticed. So instead of shying away from creating yet another chambray look, I decided to pair it with an ultra-feminine skirt this time around, which is exactly how I plan to wear it in reality soon, too. I just love how it toughens up an otherwise girly and delicate lace skirt. The addition of the fedora and the statement necklace makes the look equal parts relaxed and dressed-up, which I love. The shirt can be buttoned up and tucked in, or unbuttoned and worn over a basic top. 

Shirt: Quiksilver; Skirt: Opening Ceremony; Shoes: H&M; Hat: Forever21; Necklace: Debenhams; Watch: Michael Kors

Thoughts on chambray? Love it or leave it? Personally, I can't wait to wear mine with a summery dress or skirt. And I love how this shirt {discovered on Polyvore} is a lighter shade of blue -- yes, I am now obsessing over SHADES of chambray. I think that's my cue to go. Happy Friday! xo

images via polyvore.com

Pinspiring

Welp, it's that time of week -- time to give my brain a rest and just look at pretty pictures for some inspiration. Here's today's Pinterest round-up.. I've noticed I've been looking at and pinning lots of recipes on there lately, mostly because I'm excited about finally having the time to cook again now that classes are over and I get some time off work. I've already promised the boyfriend a home-cooked dinner soon enough {it'll be my first time really cooking for him} so I've definitely been eyeing lots of Italian dishes. At the same time, though, you know my round-up wouldn't be complete without some ahhhmazing travel photos of places I wouldn't mind being whisked away to, cute and snuggly pups, and some style inspiration. Sums me up pretty well, I think. 

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Naviglio Grande. No words.

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Okay, it's impossible NOT to smile when you see this little face.. 

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Definitely making this soon! Mac & Cheese with roasted chicken, rosemary, and goat cheese

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Love this look -- so comfy chic for summer! 

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I would love a relaxing spot like this to sip sangria and curl up with a good book!