Friday Favorites - Instagramers

Another week is ending, which means another weekend is beginning! I'm late in the day with this, but better late than never (since never has been the past few days :( )  I'm loving these Instagram accounts that I've stumbled across, so I wanted to share with you as well, I don't think you'll be disappointed to have these ladies lovely images and talent show up in your feeds as well.

Bree Hannemann (@breehawaiii)

My husband and I love Hawaii (I mean, come on, who doesn't?)  We got married there, we honeymooned there, we've been back almost yearly since, and even gone with our then one-year old (which was the worst trip, but only because he got sick 2 days in.)   We always daydream about moving there, and Bree appears to be living our daydream.  Her photos are beautiful, her family is beautiful, it's all just beautiful.

Images belong to @breehawaiii
 

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Margie Keates (@thelovelyave)

Margie's feed is lovely to look at: perfect, colorful flower arragements of various sorts and sizes.  What is amazing - and you'll do a doubletake when I tell you this - is that all the flowers you see are handmade from paper by Margie.  That's what she does (I didn't know it was a thing until now) and she is so good.  I don't know how she does it, they look so real. And since they never die, they are perfect flower investment. I may have to order some for my home.

Images belong to @thelovelyave
 

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Dana (@23Danilla)

Dana clearly travels well, eats well, and dresses well, and takes good photos while doing both.  There are a lot of travel/fashion bloggers out there, but Dana's feed has a nice feel to it, and her images are well constructed.  I would think it's safe to say she has a fondness for the color blue, which I do too, so maybe that's my draw to her?  But regardless your feeling of the color, you will appreciate what she is sharing (although you may find yourself yearning for an overseas vacation.)

Images belong to @23Danilla
 

Just a few (9, to be exact)

1. Want to eat healthy but get bored with what that usually means?  Check out these 30 Superfood Recipes you've never tried before. (greatest.com)
2. Sometimes you're just at the right place at the right time, and you look up.  This photographer did. (grindtv.com)
3. If you feel your brain is wasting away, here are 17 websites that will make you smarter. (entrepreneur.com)
4. We're having a drought, people! 5 water-saving beauty tips. (purewow.com)
5. We all have inner super-heros. Especially these beautiful children. (themighty.com)
6. Small closet but big fashion appetite? Here are 9 ways to rent clothing. (purewow.com)
7. Spring clean (or I guess now it would be summer clean) your make-up drawer, here are the only 6 lipsticks you'll ever need. (yahoo.com)
8. Who knew you could hack ice cream? These are kinda genius. (yahoo.com)
9. And speaking of hacks, 101 lifehacks for the home.  (I seriously love this knife block one.) (glamumous.co.uk)

Friday Favorites - Links I Love

1. Like I think most women, I'm always trying to manage it all and be successful.  These are good tips on how successful women make the most of their time (everyone only gets 24 hours in a day) (businessinsider.com)
2. Beautiful artwork and super cool speed painting videos (lovemaegan.com)
3. Took some of these photos to my last hair dresser appointment, love the results. Great cut with movement but not in need of a lot of styling. (popsugar.com)
4. White is so in as summer is upon us. But ever wonder what to wear underneath so you're not sharing too much?  Answers here (and usually you can't wear white under white.) (yahoo.com)
5. For us very pale-faced people, an easy add to your morning face routine that will gradually give you a summer glow. (Sephora.com)
6. Its 2015.  Its about time Barbie got with the program and diversified.  (cnn.com)
7. Ok, this may seem like the weirdest, but after reading the article, I'm considering the face shaving. (Note, the image is deceptive. There is no shaving cream involved.)(popsugar.com)
8. Always looking for décor tricks to take things up a notch.  14 tips for that here. (yahoo.com)
9. In honor of Father's Day, a cute compilation video of dads who dominate at parenting. (youtube.com)
    

MIA and Friday Favorites

I've been MIA for a week. Sorry (did anyone notice?)  I don't have any real excuse other than general life and writer's block.  (I stayed active on Instagram, do you follow there?) But I'm back to today, and I have ideas coming up. So, back to our regularly scheduled program....

As I mentioned, been active on Instagram, and have found some fun little boutiques/shops from around the country that I never knew existed, but have some very cute stuff.  Thought others might enjoy knowing about them as well.
 

Jess Lea Boutique

A little on-line only shop that has bright colors and cute styles, and seems to be a blogger favorite.  And she offers FREE SHIPPING on all orders. It's currently stocked with some cute summer styles.  I'm particularly loving these pieces:
 

You can follow Jess Lea Boutique on Instagram too here, for new arrivals and styling ideas.
 

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Entourage Clothing

Another one that offers FREE SHIPPING, and nothing is over $42. Can't beat that.  They have some cute patriot pieces up right now for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, and a lot of cute sundresses, tops and rompers.  Pretty big inventory selection too. 
 

You can follow Entourage on Instagram here.
 

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Perle Market

Another one with FREE SHIPPING, and most things are under $50. Doesn't have a huge selection, but there are cute, affordable pieces and accessories, even some for your mini-me.
 

Follow their Instagram for updates and styling ideas.
 

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Morning Lavender

Feminine and pretty pieces.  Free Shipping over $75, but hey, you can get a couple pieces for that much.  They just launched a Bridal Shower Collection (tis the season) so you will undoubtedly find a lovely dress for a shower or wedding you have to attend.

Morning Lavender can be followed on Instagram here.
 

Friday Favorites - Forever 21

Forever 21 has really stepped up their game lately.  I've been visiting them more in the past several years since they added the Love21 line, which was aimed at a -- how shall I say it? -- post-highschool/post-college aged shopper.  The sizing of those items is more real, less tiny (so why can't everything be sized real? I digress....)  They recently renamed the Love21 shop to Contemporary, and in addition the chic-ness of their offerings seems to have gone up.  Honestly, I think I could completely replace my entire closet with their items right now.  While the quality isn't the same, I can imagine finding some of these styles in Anthropologie or BCGG, don't you think?

Here are few of my favorites for the summertime:

Chiffon Trapeze Dress, $29.90

Comes in white or this gorgeous aqua.  I think would make a darling beach cover-up in addition to the cute weekend dress it already is. Sides look a little low, so probably a cute lace bralette underneath and you're set.
 

Cutout Cami Maxi Dress, $22.90

It looks like more of a midi length dress, but that's fine by me. Love the fun color, and especially the pockets. Any dress with pockets is a score.
 

Pleated Floral-Embroidery Top, $22.90

I've been really into whites lately, and this one is so cute and light.  The embroidery adds some pretty details, and could be dressed up or down.
 

Watercolor Floral Surplice Jumpsuit, $24.90

Ok, I cheated and this one is not from the Contemporary line, but it's so pretty I had to include.  Obviously great for the weekends, but can't you see it with a black blazer and heels for work?
 

Crochet Pleated Sheath Dress, $34.90

I keep coming back to this one when I browse the site. It's the color and fabric and the style: pretty and feminine, not to loud but bright, with a little vintage feel.  It needs a pretty necklace.
 

Abstract Ikat Print Dress, $24.90
I'm a fan of ikat print, and this dress looks like an easy one to throw on and go.

Cutout Halter Maxi Dress, $29.90

In addition to loving the color on this one, I love that it can be for a formal event or the weekend.  Sandals and a sunhat and you're on vacation, heels and some jewels and you're attending a wedding. This would even be a pretty bridesmaid dress (and they'd love you for the price.)
 

Floral Embroidered Strapless Dress, $34.90

Again another non-Contemporary find, but it's just too cute. I love the white and the ruffles and the embroidery.  I see myself wearing it with a wide-brimmed sunhat while sipping a mojito at a tropical resort.

Any you'd like to add to your own closet?

And while you're thinking about that and what you have, won't you make a quick stop at yesterday's post to see how you can easily help your own community by taking a selfie?