five years...

Five years ago I said the words: I do. And it was one of the best decisions of my life. I made a choice that day to marry a man that still takes my breath away. I am still so, so in love with him.

Sometimes I don't realize how lucky I am to be married.  It's one of the most amazing things in life--to share your ups and downs, your greatest memories, your dreams, your passion with one person, who will end up knowing you better than you know yourself.

To my husband, my words are still imperfect but true.  I still love you deeply, purely and completely.  When I look into your eyes, my heart still skips a beat because I see a man who is strong, honest, loving and incredibly generous.  I still believe that I am for you and you are for me.  I still promise to follow our dreams whatever they may be, to walk beside you, to honor your sense of adventure, to hold you when you need comfort and to share life's burdens and joys with you. I still give you my heart, completely without reservation.

Now let's go celebrate our anniversary!

currently crushing: colorado chic

Okay now I'm super excited. I am going to every single one of these places.  Am I lucky or what?  I am headed out to Colorado on Friday for a three week vacation.  My husband and I are taking a week (just us) to celebrate our five-year anniversary, where we will be driving to Crested Butte and Telluride. The second week we are going to Pagosa Springs with my parents.  And the third week I'm visiting family.

Most of all, I cannot wait for some quality time with my hubby.  It is going to be so much fun.  We are hoping to do some horseback riding, fly-fishing and white water rafting.

Here's my style formula for the trip.

My base will be a button-up, pants and boots.  If the temperatures drop, I'll add a cute sweater and a fun blazer to the mix. Right now I think I have eight button-ups set aside...that's not ridiculous or anything...right??

I am hoping to blog every day next week but that may prove difficult.  I will do my best though I promise!  If you don't already follow me on instagram, my username is LipsticknLollies.  I will be posting tons of up-to-date photos (hopefully like the ones above).  

Y'all I cannot freaking wait.  I mean I just have to finish my million to-do's and then I'm off!

I'm linking up with Framed Frosting today.

here to brighten your day.

{Shirt: Gap | Shorts: J. Crew | Bag: Olivia Harris}

Get your sunglasses out folks because it's bright here today.  I took some inspiration from my post on brights last Thursday.  There's nothing like a splash of color to wake me (and you) up!

One guy at Starbucks even commented on this color combo.  Not sure if he was complimenting me or not...but we'll say he appreciated my efforts to make everyone's day a little sunnier.  I mean how can you frown at someone dressed like this...you just can't my friends.  Don't even try.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today.  

And if you haven't already be sure to check out my very first giveaway!

stripes and a giveaway!

{Vest: Similar | Dress: Similar | Belt: Similar}

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I have mixed feelings about today as I have a little bit of bad news (for myself) and a little bit of good news (for me and you). The bad news (and the reason I was so bummed last week) is that I have a stress fracture in my leg.  Boo!  I got the fracture training for the marathon, which I'm not gonna be able to do.  Boo again!  It was something on my bucket list and I was really in a good place with it. So now I'm kinda really bummed. I also have to wear a boot (not cute or stylish) and limit my activities (how am I supposed to do that with a toddler running around).  So the next few weeks are gonna be a little difficult.

But the good news (there's always a silver lining) is that I have 100 followers!  Ya'll I have waited every day to have 100 followers and now I do.  I feel like I'm big time :).  I want to thank each and every one of you...those that read every day, those that pop in now and then, and those who are first-time visitors.  I appreciate every one of you.  Thank you for reading my blog!  Your comments make each day a little brighter.  And I hope maybe I do a little bit of the same for you.  You guys are the best.

And now for my first giveaway (drum roll) please...

{Green and Gold Cascade Necklace, A-Thread}

I wanted to give something away that maybe you wouldn't be inclined to get for yourself.  I am doing the giveaway the old fashion way.  Just leave a comment on this blog entry.  I will leave the giveaway open for one week.  It will close next Tuesday at 12 p.m. MDT.  The winner will be randomly generated and announced on Wednesday morning.  Good luck!  And thank you for making this blogging thing so darn awesome!

weekend update: lucky me!

Hey there lovely readers, how was your weekend?  We had a very busy one.  It was so good though.  I'm not a grouchy grouch anymore, which is good for everyone involved.  I'm back to being one of those glass half full people (if I ever was...).

1) I wore my fancy schmancy "there's no place like home" shoes. Is it sad that having these sparklies on my feet instantly puts me in a better mood?

2) My husband told me he had a surprise dinner date for me on Friday night.  Well, the dinner date was getting these earrings.  They are just gorgeous!  I love the vintage look.  I am one very, very lucky girl.

3) The rooftop view from a friend's place.  We had an amazing dinner that they cooked for us (again how lucky are we??).  And T just ran all over the place.  He was one happy camper.

4) Apparently leaving for three weeks means I need to pack a quarter of my closet.  Geez.  I have too many clothes...

5) The new swan table that I got as a gift from my in-laws for my birthday.  Is it amazing or what?  Such a perfect gift.

6) Some vintage fabrics at a shop around the corner.  I wish I knew I how to sew.

7) And this crazy coloring man.  He's the best.

I'm linking up with Weekend Update today and Yolo Mondays.

high five for friday!

Yay! It's that wonderful day of the week that signals that the weekend is almost upon us.  All I want to do is kick Monday through Thursday in the butt and high five Friday.

1) The good news is that a little antique store opened up just down the street.  They refurbish antiques in a cool and modern way.  I'm super excited to have them nearby.  The bad news is that I have been eyeing this gorgeous mint and gold side table.  I went there three times to get it and every time they were closed.  Now it's sold. Bummer...major bummer.  But maybe I'll find something even better down the line.

2) Are these the coolest crayons or what?  T and I spent a morning coloring and by we, I mean I colored, while he arranged the stars in this pretty little pattern.

3) Welcome home new housemate.  Happy to have you.  I just hope I don't kill you because I forget to water you like so many other mates...

4) My brother-in-law introduced me to the coolest boy accessory ever: the hoodie.  Now every season I'm on the lookout for the coolest ones.  T has quite the collection.  I love this one from Target...definitely a score.

5) I swing back and forth on the cooking pendulum.  Some weeks I'm awful and don't cook at all.  Other weeks I get back into it. We had calzones the other night with sausage, pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms and cheese.  Ah-mazing.  

Hope you guys had a great week and are off to an even better weekend.  Ours will be filled with packing.  I leave town for three weeks...eek!  More on that later though.  

I'm linking up with From My Grey Desk today.  See you Monday lovelies!

currently crushing: brights for fall!

Given my mood this week, I went with an upbeat current crush!  Nothing like a good dose of color to pep me up.  I'm loving that these neon colors will transition into fall, so you can wear them now in the last of summer and again as the weather cools.  And I'm telling ya, I cannot wait to pair that neon pink with a good military jacket or vest.  For some reason, neon pink and military green were just meant for each other.  I mean think about that gorgeous pink dress roughed up a little with a military jacket...here, let me just show you.

Now that's what I'm talking about.  On to the goodies.

In the yellow:

• Ponte Academy Blazer with neon trim, $88, Gap
• Luxe Jersey Striped Henley, $29.95, Gap
• Cheyenne Sweater, $59.99, Madewell
• Short Multicolored Stone Statement Necklace, $44.50, Ann Taylor Loft
• Colored Stone Statement Earrings, $29.50, Ann Taylor Loft

In the pink:

• Pink Fluoro Victoria Drops, $22, Bauble Bar
• Fluoro Boho Drops, $34, Bauble Bar
• Toothpick Cord, $98, J. Crew
• Fluid Pocket Tee, $39.95
• Peasant Dress, $59.95, Gap
• Tillary Purse, $118, J. Crew

In the cobalt:

• Plain Colored Peplum Top, $59.90, Zara
• Camden Bag, $148, Madewell
• Toothpick Jean, $125, J. Crew
• Sidewalk Skimmer, $108, Madewell

I'm linking up with Framed Frosting today.  What are you crushing on lately?

we can't win them all.

{Sunglasses: Target | Top: Similar | Vest: Similar | Shorts: Similar | Shoes: Sperrys}

Let's have a moment, k?  I don't want this blog to be a pessimistic place, but I also want this to be a true reflection of myself.  I want to be honest here.  So I have two options.  I can fake it.  I can pretend like yesterday was a wonderful day.  Or I can be honest and tell you it wasn't.  It's been a hard week and I feel a bit beaten down.  And that's okay because this is real life. 

I'm also seriously running behind on photos.  And when I run behind on photos, it means I have to take photos on days like yesterday when the last thing I want to do is take a photo.

So there you have it.  Me having a bad day in a so-so outfit.  We can't win them all, can we?

Here's to a better Wednesday.  I promise I'll be cheerier tomorrow.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

the perfect outfit.

{Shirt: Similar | Necklace: A-Thread | Jeans: Similar | Shoes: J. Crew}

Sometimes all you need is a great patterned shirt and a fantastic pair of jeans.  If I could build my whole wardrobe around this concept, I would.  It's the greatest, simplest style formula.  On those days when I feel like a vest is too fussy, or an arm party is just more than I want to deal with, or I can't seem to make it past the first two hangers in my closet, this is what I turn to...the perfect outfit.

If I had any recommendation for someone wanting to invest in a great wardrobe, it's to go with this simple formula because it looks amazing by itself but you can easily add a fur vest (oh I can't wait to do that!), a cargo military jacket, a simple blazer or swap out the jeans for a pair of colored pants or a pleated maxi skirt or even leather pants (how amazing would that be).

It's easy, no fuss.  Perfect.

What's your ideal outfit?

weekend update: fun with friends!

Hello lovelies!  How was your weekend?  Ours was really good although we didn't get much sleep.  But if we spent tons of time catching up with friends and if I could do it all over again, I would!

1) We started the weekend off a little early and went out for an al fresco dinner at a nearby Thai restaurant.  I decided to glam up my day outfit by adding a vest, a necklace and my awesome pink shoes!

2) Um this was absolutely amazingly delicious!  A new bakery just opened up nearby and this cinnamon roll is my kind of heaven.  The frosting was just as it looks in the picture...a purely fluffy confection.  So, so good.

3) The Chicago Air & Water Show was this weekend so we headed down for a peek.  I hate all the nap interrupting noise we get from Thursday to Sunday but every time I see something like this I feel like a kid all over again.

4) The pretty pattern on my new Anthropologie shirt.  How can you not smile when you are wearing something like this?

5) My favorite photo of T this week.  Who knew lights were so exciting?  He's such a big city kid.

6) We had some dear friends over for dinner on Saturday.  We don't see each other very often but it's just like old times whenever we get together.  We stayed up really late just chatting but it was so good to visit with them.

7) I took this photo on my way home from a swim practice in the lake.  Pretty awesome that this is where I live.

8) Just a little coffee table (read: ottoman) redesign.  And I'm loving it!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Do share what you did!  I read all of your comments and I love getting to know each of you better!

As always, I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans and Still Being [Molly].  And if you want to follow me on instagram, my username is LipsticknLollies.

Hello Pretty: Flats!

Vamp Shoes with Studded Heel, Zara, $79.90

I'm just popping in for a quick post.  I love these shoes and I had to share them with you.  They are so cool for the fall.  

Here's a tip for those of you in the market for flats, every once in awhile I head to Zara's online site and check out their shoe selection.  I have seen so many bloggers with the best Zara footwear (like these beauties I've been ogling ever since I saw them!).  Clearly my searches have paid off.

The IT List!

• Olive and an Arrow is rocking purple pants and pumps for a fun office look! Pop over to see how she puts a casual twist on it! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• The Double Take Girls goes for a royal look with the Queen's signature color! Paired with polka dots, it is the ultimate girly outfit!  (find The Double Take Girl on Twitter!)
• Lipstick & Lollies saved her first sock bun experience for a rainy day and, I must say, she knocked it out of the park! So cute!
• Lilies, Lattes & Lace celebrated her wedding anniversary in a special dress reminiscent of the one she wore on the big day! Gorgeous! (find Lilies, Lattes & Lace on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is loving the high-low dress trend and even figured out a way to make it work for the office! She looks amazing! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Look Book gives us the run down on how to transition our maxi skirts from summer to fall! Head over to check out all of her great tips! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Urban Frill has a case of the blues in a monochromatic ensemble - though the color can mean drab, this outfit is anything but!  (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Miss Top Ten Image went for an easy breezy island look while on vacation complete with a head scarf! Love it! (find Miss Top Ten Image on Twitter!)
• Here & Now tried out the glasses trend in black and white from head to toe. Head over to find out where you can get your own pair!  (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Ishi infused a bit of european style into her look - cat eye frames and an eiffel tower shirt make for one chic outfit!
• Fabulously Average mixed yellow with maroon for an unexpected color combo - love the combination of summer and fall! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Leopard and Lillies is a vision in red in her long flowing maxi! Add in a little glitter and this is one dashing outfit! (find Leopard and Lillies on Twitter!) 
• Second Street East is ready for the lake in crochet shorts and chambray! Comfy, cute and casual - there is nothing better! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style takes us through three ways to wear the same top - dinner date, drinks with friends and Sunday brunch! How to choose?! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here

currently craving: a-thread!

Ya'll I adore this place.  I'm in love with pretty much everything they have to offer.  It's Anthro's quirkiness plus Gap's practicality plus J. Crew's style and all at a pretty affordable price tag!  This little place is a treasure.  I bought a few pieces from them and I love every...single...thing.  Here are a few more things that are on my wish list.

• Abstract pleat front blouse, $41- I am in love with this top.  There are so many great things about it...the colors, the pattern, the pleats.  This is one of those tops that you don't come across every day. 
• Black and white bold stripe skirt, $42.99- This reminds me of a J. Crew skirt.
• Hexagrey necklace, $28
• Cobalt scalloped shorts, $44
• Polka dot pullover, $62- Um hello...it's polka dots!
• Rachel birds of a feather woven top, $26.99
• Blue woven clutch, $41- This clutch is pure perfection!  I love it.  I love the shape, the detail and the pop of color.
• Bright bauble necklace, $39- Love!
• Tangerine and gold bracelet, $19
• Colorblock clutch wallet, $41- This reminds me of the color block purses at J. Crew.
• Silk floral maxi dress, $68- So pretty!
• Neon accent pullover, $57- I love, love, love this!  It's perfect for fall and winter and needs to get in my closet!

What do you think of this store and these picks?  Are you as in love as I am?  And of course I'm linking up with Framed Frosting this week.

P.S.- I get nothing from A-Thread.  I'm a just a girl who happened upon a really awesome store and wanted to share it with my really awesome readers.  

shirt shades.

{Top: Similar | Pants: Ann Taylor Loft | Shoes: Similar}

I adore this outfit.  If I could wear something like this every day, I would.  I love the retro shades on my top, the bright, cheery color of my pants, the flirty little skirt around my middle, the simplicity of my sandals...ah it's perfection.

What's not perfection is the current state of my closet.  Ya'll that place is no longer a pretty little haven (if ever it was), now it's a place of infinite frustration.  I just keep gravitating to the same pieces because it's too hard to try to maneuver through the hanger packed place.  I don't know what to do!  I mean I could stop shopping but that's not a reasonable request.  I could ask my husband to give me his closet, but I already know the answer to that.  What do I do???  I'm at a loss!  I think I will forever be in this downward spiral when it comes to my closet.  It's never going to get better unless a) I somehow get a bigger closet or b) stop shopping.  Are there any c) options out there?  On a side note, can you tell I've been reading Gone Girl?  For those who haven't read it, you should.  It's super intense but you can't put it down good.

And since it's Wednesday, I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy.  Have a lovely day lovelies!

rockin' the sock (i'm late to the party).

{Hair: Hubby's old sock | Jacket: J. Crew | Shirt: Similar | Pants: Similar | Boots: Hunter}

I'm one of those style bloggers who is a little lazy and jumps on trends a little too late.  For some reason, the sock bun just seemed like too much work.  I mean I had to find a spare sock AND cut the toe off.  That's just hard.  

Man I'm lazy.

It's not perfect but I kinda like it!  It was just right for this rainy day where I let my hair dry naturally and then went to walk the dog in the pouring rain (note to self: don't do this).  My hair was not cute to put it mildly, so voila...in comes the sock bun.

Hope you guys have a wonderful Tuesday!  I'm linking up with Everybody, Everywear for the monochromatic challenge.  Just doing the blues...  

weekend update: road trip!

Whew what a busy, busy weekend.  I'm totally exhausted. My mom, T and I headed out of town for my niece's birthday party.

1 & 2) I got some new jewels in the mail and I love them!  The Renegade bracelet has not left my wrist.  It's just so versatile!

3) I wore this on Friday.  My brother told me that I apparently don't do casual.  But this is my casual!  I love this gorgeous top from Anthro.  The colors are just perfection.

4) This was the birthday girl's cake and it was unbelievably good.  Can you see all the roses on it?  Just gorgeous!

5) Birthday decorations.

6) Cupcakes in ice cream cones!  Yep, you read that right. My sister-in-law is amazing!  She is quite the baker and these did not disappoint!

7) T being attacked by the tickle monster.  He loves it when my mom does this!

8) And no road trip is complete without some good ol' fashioned fast food. Culver's does the trick for me.

I could have gone without the 14 hours in the car.  And the 6 hours that T was awake in the middle of the night.  He has a really hard time when we travel.  Is he the only one???  

But all in all, it was a fabulous weekend and it was worth it to see my darling niece on her big day. How was your weekend?  I hope it was just as wonderful!  I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans today.