Favorite Etsy Vintage Shop: C.J. Sparks Vintage

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Perhaps one of the coolest parts about working at LivingSocial has been the opportunities I’ve had to meet some of the most creative, dynamic, driven people. Two such people — also two good friends of mine — recently started their very own Etsy vintage shop, and I just wanted to share some of the gorgeous finds! C.J. Sparks was started by Jessica Gressa and Christian Barclay, and the second they launched their shop I knew I had to call at least one of their picks my own — enter, this skirt! I adore the high-waisted cut, the vibrant color scheme, the festive buttons, it’s the perfect summer skirt.

So to honor their recent launch, I chatted with Jess and Christian and picked out a few favorites from the C.J. Sparks site!

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Outfit: Gingham and Leather

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Nothing like a little urban cowboy action when the mood strikes. There’s just something about the combo of these turquoise earrings and one of my fave gingham button-downs that has me feeling like I should be heading to a country concert — had to throw the leather shorts into the mix to keep it from getting too over the top. Happy Monday!

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Summer Grilling Recipes: Grilled Watermelon & Tomatoes

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This summer grilling recipe is so easy, I’m not even sure we should really call it a recipe. Let’s just call it an assembly of some of the best things about this time of year. I had never grilled tomatoes or watermelon before, so it was definitely an experiment in seeing how they held up to the grill, but I think the happy results are proof enough. Happy weekend, everyone!

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Outfit: Heather Gray and Persimmon

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This over-worn tank is one of my go-tos for steamy summer days like the one we had yesterday — and paired with this favorite linen-y skirt and wedges, it made the perfect solution for a day to evening ensemble with drinks planned for after work. In other news, I’m still acclimating to my shorter haircut — we’ll see if it holds up to the killer DC humidity (for now we’re in the honeymoon phase, it can only go downhill as July approaches). Happy Thursday!

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Styling a Summer Shift Dress: Three Shifts, Three Ways

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Yesterday I shared nine of my favorite comfy summer shift dresses — and today, I’m styling three of these picks three different ways! Whether you’re attending an upscale summer fete, are looking to keep things breezy for errands, or need a look to take you from office to drinks (or at least a more casual office to drinks), I’ve got you covered!

{South Moon Under Lace Shift Dress | ASOS Delicate Rings | BaubleBar Blue Marquise Leaf Drops | Love Cortnie Statement Clutch | Nine West Shylah Sandals}

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Best Summer Dresses: 9 Super Comfortable Shift Dresses

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{LOFT Polka-Dot Shift | Madewell Afternoon Dress | Warehouse Studded Shift |
ASOS Floral Shift | ASOS Sheer-Cutouts Shift | Old Navy Tropical-Print Dress |
BB Dakota Textured Shift Dress | South Moon Under White Lace Dress |
Gap Sleeveless Jersey Dress}

Can we just talk for a minute about how comfortable shift dresses are? The streamlined cut, the casual length, the versatility — shift dresses might just be my favorite comfortable summer style. I’ve been pining after quite a few breezy picks for a few weeks now — and these nine made the top of the list — which one’s your favorite?

And for more summer outfit inspiration, check out the occasion-specific outfit ideas I put together for Northern Virginia Magazine’s SWAG blog! I put together four looks for a backyard barbecue, housewarming dinner party, bridal shower, and date night — let me know what you think!

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Outfit: Whiteout

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A while back I rounded up a few of my favorite all-white looks, and this week, I couldn’t help but take a page out of my own book with a whiteout look that had me feeling super summery. Although I did spend all day just holding my breath in anticipation of spilling something on my self, I actually made it through the day intact! Wondering how to wear all white and live to tell about it — my plan of action included eating only solid foods that wouldn’t cause drippies, sticking to white wine for that evening’s imbibing, and avoiding sitting down when at all possible — but seriously it’s not that hard and it’s a great summery look. Cheers to shorts suits and a good ole’ whiteout!

{ASOS Top (Similar) | Forever21 White Blazer (Similar) | Madewell White Denim Shorts | ShoeMint Wedges | Nordstrom Bag | Madewell Polka-Dotted Bandana Scarf | Eastern Market Necklace}

Shop some of the other whiteout faves I’ve been eyeing!

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Summer Grilling Recipes: Asian-Style Grilled Corn

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Usually around these parts, my weekly recipe post tends toward the super random — it’s often just whatever I was craving or whatever I thought would be the most enticing for you guys, but I’ve never really given it much structure. This month, I’m going to mix things up with some actual structure (crazy I know!).

Since June officially kicks off perfect grilling weather, I thought I’d share a series of summer grilling recipes over the next few weeks. And not only will you be getting this delish grilled corn recipe today; over on The DC Ladies, I whipped up Grilled Salmon with Soy-Brown Sugar Marinade and Spicy Garlic Grilled Bok Choy — put these three together and you’ve got yourself an elegant and delicious outdoor feast for summer entertaining!

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In the Now: Liz of So Much to Smile About

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I don’t know about you guys, but ever since I started this blog (and honestly beforehand, too), I’ve been someone who puts too many things on her plate and doesn’t know when enough is enough. And with all the constant social media at our fingertips these days — you know you do it too — the fear of missing out and the constantly being plugged in make it increasingly hard for me to make sure I just live in the moment!

With “In The Now,” I’m chatting with some fellow faves about hearing about how they take a step back and just live in the now when they feel like they’re getting sucked into the blogger world. This week, Liz of So Much to Smile About. With Liz’s blog name, it’s no surprise she’s such an effervescent and delightful person — and I just love her outfit posts, trend roundups, style suggestions, and everything in between. But to get a little look behind the scenes of her stellar style blog, I’m chatting with Liz about the challenges of living in the now. Enjoy!

{First off – What’s your day job and how do you go about trying to juggle full-time employ and blogging?}

As of about a month ago, I am the communications specialist for a medical trade association in their office of government relations… I have been working full time in government relations since I graduated college (long before I started blogging), and I plan to continue to work full time in this field regardless of where the blog takes me… I also keep a detailed editorial calendar so I don’t have to spend much time thinking or brainstorming, which helps me keep SMTSA updated even if life gets crazy.

{Have you ever considered or actually taken a you-time hiatus from blogging or from the frustrations of day-to-day life in general?}

Nope! Blogging has always been a fun outlet for me, and if it were to start being more stressful than enjoyable, I think I’d have to stop it altogether. The one thing that does frustrate me, which I frequently take a break from (sorry everyone), is the business/email side of things. But the blog has never taken a real break.

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Outfit: Mixed Media and Sparkle

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In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m in desperate need of a haircut — but until my appointment this Sunday (!) I’m content with throwing all of my hair on top of my head and cursing the DC heat and its frizz-inducing humidity. Although yesterday was probably the most beautiful day we’ve had in a while and I decided to embrace it with one of my favorite BB Dakota dresses (you can’t see in this outfit, but it has the absolute best sweetheart cut-out at the neckline. And there’s nothing like this Sincerely Jules tee to instantly brighten my day — happy hump day!

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