Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

FBFF: Vacation

I thought the best way to explain what vacation meant to me might be with some pictures via word association but, now I realize I might need to clarify things....

1. Sleep - This is definitely the first thing I think about when vacation comes to mind. My favorite vacations always include lots of rejuvenating sleep. Just being able to wake and go as I please makes a huge difference in my day to day functionality. 
2. Relaxation - This sort of goes along with sleep but, I also like to do things that are relaxing in general like going to the pool of the beach, etc. How do you like to relax on vacation? 
3. Tropical - I dream of going somewhere with beautiful teal waters and soft clean sand. BF and I went to the Bahamas years ago and I would love to go back but, then again who wouldn't?
4. Foreign - While heading to an island somewhere and lounging on the beach would be great there are lots of other places far far away that I would love to go to. I think my top choice now is another trip to London! 
5. Travel - In reality the idea of an island or European vacation is fantastic but, highly unrealistic right now. That being said, there are lots of places to go that are a (fairly) quick car ride away and make great long weekend destinations.
6. Memories - When on vacation with friends, family, or a significant other those are times to cherish and remember fondly. Also, take lots of pictures!
7. No Contact - When I am away I don't really pay attention to my phone, email, etc. I already feel like there is alot of immediacy in the way people interact with each other and I don't need that stress while I'm on vacation!
8. Taking Care of Business - At some point during whatever time I have off I try to take care of things that I haven't had time for in my every day life so that I can get ahead of things before I have to go back to normal life. Do you do the same thing? 
9. Souvenirs - The most touristy places in every city are riddled with small shops where you can buy pens, postcards, shot glasses, spoons, key chains, t shirts, etc. Personally, I collect magnets from the places that I've been because I don't want dust collectors!
10. New - Whether traveling abroad or just in your local area there is always something new going on. Perhaps a new band playing a local restaurant or an exhibit at a museum for an artist that you've never seen... there are so many possibilities. What do you want to see on your next vacation?

Sponsored Post: Summer Time Old Navy Style

As I’m sure you’ve noticed I have summer on the brain. Not just the season but, everything that it entails. My thoughts linger on running through sprinklers, ice cream cones, barbecues with friends and family but, mostly vacation! I am looking forward to taking a break from my day to day minutia, having some fun in the sun, and hitting the beach or lounging poolside. The first thing on my shopping list for the endeavor is a fabulous bathing suit!

Did you feel that? It was all my excitement slipping away… bathing suit shopping?! I couldn't look forward to it less. How am I going to get to my fun summer endeavors? Enter Old Navy; their wide variety of swimwear makes it the perfect one stop shop to prepare for a trip to the beach for the entire family. After perusing the selections for women I am seeing lots of possibilities for myself all different body types that you should check out if you need a suit!

The first thing that pops into my mind when I think of beach bodies are cute bikinis! While that isn't something I am extremely comfortable with personally if that works for you I would head for this lovely ruffle embellished bikini. If this doesn't float your boat there are plenty of other options to in a variety of patterns, cuts, and colors that you can mix and match.

Women's Ruffle Trim Bandeau Bikinis

While I can't rock that look I was excited to see that they have a tankini with a similar ruffle detail. That would be right up my alley and in one of my favorite summer colors... it's the perfect match! If your not head over heels for ruffles (like I obviously am) there are some other options that you can mix and match to make your own perfect swim look

Women's Ruffle Tiered Tankini Top and Bottom

Lastly, if two piece bathing suits don't work for you Old Navy has some great one piece options. This would probably be the route I went. I love the print but, if you're looking for something other than (totally awesome) animal print there are choices that might be more fitting. 

Woman's Animal Print Halter Swimsuits

This all being said, what would your bathing suit choice be; are you a bikini, tankini, or one piece girl? 


Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.