strike a pose.

A few weeks ago, I got an email from a photographer at Marie Claire magazine asking if I'd like to be photographed for a street style shoot. My first reaction? Heck, no. I imagined a long line of girls decked out in amazing clothes judging each other as they posed on King Street. But I knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity, so I took to some style blogs for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite looks.

 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5

Notice a common thread? They're all pretty simple, classic looks with a bold pop of color. And that's what I wore to the shoot. I probably won't even get in the print edition — I was between two immaculately dressed model types — but I'm so glad I went out of my comfort zone and did it.

swim.

I'm always shocked by how much some places charge for those little squares of fabric known as a bathing suit. I've found that the cheaper brands will last several summers with proper care, and the lower price point means you can mix it up with more options. Target has some really great suits right now. Which is your favorite? How much are you willing to spend on a good suit?

1 * 2 * 3 * 4 *

countdown: riviera maya.

via Edgar Barany, Flickr.

via Daniel Zollinger, Flickr.

via Now Jade Riviera.

The tickets are booked and the countdown is on. Six weeks until we're lounging by an infinity pool, snorkeling off a coral reef, drinking fruity cocktails at 10 a.m., and exploring Mayan ruins. March is always a challenging month, but it'll be a lot easier knowing this is my reward.

heeling powers.

When it comes to footwear, I'm pretty low maintenance. Look in my closet, and you'll find a whole lot of ballet flats in various bright colors and patterns. This is my bread and butter. You'll rarely see me in heels, but when you do, I'll probably be complaining about how uncomfortable — and unfeminist! — they are. Yet I continue to lust over pretty, feminine, glittery heels. 

These heels from Topshop are channeling the ghosts of Glinda the Good Witch 

and Ginger Rogers. They have a black and silver pair, too.

Kate Spade's Charm heels look like a birthday party for your feet.

These are also Kate Spades but much better because they're on sale.

Oh my Miu Miu (sold out).

I could probably pull these off, but now they're sold out too. Dang.

a place to eat.

When Todd and I moved into our second house together, we bought a dining room table and chairs off of Craigslist. They were basic, sturdy, and utterly boring. So when I'd saved up a bit of money from my Etsy sales, I knew it was time to upgrade.

I thought I knew exactly what I wanted: a round table with vintage-inspired, curvy, comfy chairs. I took to Pinterest for inspiration, and that just made my decision even more difficult. 

via 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 * 6 *

Eventually, my budget won out and I settled on a set of white metal Tabouret stacking chairs from Overstock (amazing deal) and a round wooden thrift store table (even more amazing deal). I love them, but I still find myself window shopping on Pinterest every now and then. Which is your favorite?

stairmaster.

I live in a very small house, and most of the time I love it. It's easy to clean, cozy, and just the right size for my little family. But sometimes, I can't help but daydream about all the things I could have in a bigger house. Like stairs.

That's right — I have stair envy. And I'm not talking about your standard staircase whose main function is getting you from point A to point B. I mean the kind of stairs that are a major focal point in a building. Stairs that know how to have fun.

via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Which ones do you like best?

etsy art

I've been buying so much art on Etsy lately that I'm running out of wall space. Here are a few pieces I've bought recently, and others I've been eying.

These antlers from Austin-based Monorail Studio live over my fireplace now.

I got a small version of this print by Samantha French, which I originally saw on Young House Love.

20x200 has a bunch of prints by Eadweard Muybridge, but you can find them a little cheaper on Etsy.

You can always find affordable abstracts on Etsy, like this one from Atlanta artist Ryan Coleman.

Pretty pretty prints from Clare Elsaesser.

st. simon's island

I was planning on doing a second vacation post from St. Simon's Island, but then I realized that I barely took any pictures. We splurged on an oceanfront room at the King & Prince, and we spent most of our time lounging by the giant pool(s) sipping cocktails, gazing out over the sea. It was glorious.

This photo is of Christ Church Frederica, one of our few excursions on the island. The one below is from Jekyll. Look closely and you can see all the birds stalking that old shrimping boat hoping for some leftovers.