I visited the Chicago Botanic Gardens last week and fell in love with this pink and purple fuschia! The contrasting outer layer creates a bold surprise when the flower opens and is the perfect inspiration for fashionable layering. This color combination is fun, bright, and sure to put a smile on your face when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.

Today we are headed to the archives for summer style advice that still rings true. First we are going all the way back to 2013, when this blog was barely six months old! I admitted that summer is my least favorite season and shared suggestions for looking polished, while still staying cool. 

We have only had a couple really warm days here in Chicago, so I am still sorting through last year's summer pieces to remember what I have. Of course, sometimes an old favorite can lose some of its wow factor during the colder months. Emily had that problem, so I switched up the accessories to give new life to a beloved dress. 

For the days that you don't want to wear shorts, a great pair of cropped pants are a great compromise. However, shopping for them (and styling them!) isn't always easy. These three tips will help you make your cropped pants work to their full potential!

Moving forward in time to 2014, I have outfit inspiration that is full of bright colors and fun patterns. These springtime outfits transition wonderfully into summer and feature accessories that you'll want to wear all year round. 

Warm weather means patio season and you will need a stylish outfit to go with your deliciously cold drink. Check out these looks for brunch, dinner, and happy hour!

It is also the season of the maxi dress. If you haven't discovered the effortless style of this summer staple, then I implore you to take yourself shopping and try a few on! Once you find one you love, check out these three ways to style a maxi dress.

Now that you have your outfits for the next couple months figured out, head over to bread and flowers for my brand-new book recommendations that are perfect to bring to the beach (or to a bar). 

Need last minute food, drink, and outfit inspiration for the holiday weekend? Here's a link roundup of every 4th of July post:

from top left, clockwise: seersucker shorts / apple pie cocktail / red, white, & blue trifle / maxi dress / patterned skirts & chambray shirts / homemade freeze pops / orzo salad / nautical stripes

The holiday weekend has begun! Hopefully all of you have the day off and are reading this from a comfortable chair with a cool drink in your hand. Today's outfit inspiration gives you an option if the temperatures drop. A striped moto jacket makes a big statement while keeping the cool air off your arms. Pair it with cropped denim, a red tee, and comfortable sandals for a layered look in a patriotic color palette.

Like this look? Here are similar pieces you can buy now: nautical stripes / red tank / cropped denim / necklace / birkenstocks

The week of 4th of July outfits continues! A patterned skirt is a summer must-wear and an easy way to make a skirt appropriate for a casual event is to pair it with a chambray shirt. Depending on your mood, you can wear the chambray shirt tucked into the skirt and accented with a belt or you can tie the ends of the shirt for a more laid-back feel. An optional necklace can add an extra pop of color or sparkle if you want to take your look up a notch.

Once you have your outfit picked out, click over to bread and flowers for food and drink recipes that are the perfect addition to your holiday celebration!

Like this look? Here are similar pieces you can buy now: patterned skirt / chambray shirt / belt / necklace