The Cutest Summer Dress

Dress: c/o Sanctuary–runs large, order size down (also comes as a ruffle one-shoulder top here!) Similar and slightly more form-fitting here  and similar bell-sleeved version here (make sure to order a size up as the brand runs small!) This dress also comes in the cutest chambray version! // Shoes: c/o Sole Society (free 2-day shipping when you order from their website!)–also available at Nordstrom, and come in orangey-red and black, too! I absolutely loveee these shoes!) They also come in a lower heel which are also sold at Nordstrom. I also think this very similar pair in navy is so cute. // Bag: Cult Gaia Ark Bag (size large)–currently sold out but available for pre-order, shipping in June! If you like the look of basket bags, I just found this one on Amazon and it’s so cute and it’s only $40! // Earrings: c/o Sole Society (similar favorites below!) // Bracelet: c/o Monica Vinader (comes in gold, rose gold, and silver!)

Did you know that Chicago’s nickname, “The Windy City” actually has nothing to do with the weather?

It’s true. It actually refers to the “hot air” blown by the city’s corrupt politicians back in the late 1800’s, and was coined by a newspaper editor in New York City.

You wouldn’t know that though, looking at these photos.

Kelly and I had just wrapped up an event at Nordstrom last Friday when we shot these and WOAH was it windy! Emma was actually in a stroller about 3 feet to the right of the frame and it’s a miracle her stroller didn’t start rolling away! (Seriously, what a trooper. She barely made a peep!) We started our day early with a breakfast at Nomi hosted by Jenn and Monica Vinader, then went straight to Nordstrom, and somehow managed to sneak in this shoot afterwords! Baby of the year! (And also mom of the year goes to Kelly for managing all of this while Mitch was out of town!)

When Kelly got pregnant, I really had no idea what our lives were going to look like once she had a baby. (I mean, some weeks I’ve spent more hours with Kelly than I have with Neal! She was only my second close friend to have a baby, and she was/is my work wife. I had no idea what to expect!)

Truth be told, it really hasn’t changed that much since Emma’s arrival–it’s just gotten better! Its so weird to think about our lives before Emma. It was SO fun spending the whole day with them last week. Sure, it’s a bit harder to coordinate shooting and other work-related things these days, and often we are singing “My Mommy Comes Back” (which is some hilarious but very terrible old kids song from the 70’s that apparently Kelly’s mom sang her as a child that I hadn’t heard before, but quickly learned because it always makes Emma stop crying!) and Sesame Street’s “Letter of the day” but it really makes it that much more fun! We should really document this next time, because sometimes it’s like watching a three ring circus.

(Side note: If your baby is also obsessed with “Letter of the Day” from Sesame Street–there’s a youtube video I found that strings the songs A-J together in a continuous loop that you need to have on hand to bring out during emergencies. Emma LOVES it and stops crying immediately! Also, if you don’t have a baby, you should listen to it anyway because it’s WEIRDLY catchy and it will always be stuck in your head!)

Anyway, I’ve clearly been in major denial about the weather lately (it LOOKS like Spring outside, but really hasn’t felt like it!) because I decided to wear this summery off the shoulder ruffle dress and the cutest new fringe lace-up wedges (come with free 2-day shipping!) Truth be told it was a littttllee chilly for this type of attire but I couldn’t stand to pull on another pair of close toed shoes! (And I can never stand waiting to wear any new cute outfits!)

I’m heading to my friend Leigh’s bachelorette party in Florida this weekend so I’ll definitely be bringing both of these as well as these adorable turquoise fringe earrings!

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Shop more similar cute outfits below!

This is a similar version to my dress above, but sightly shorter and more form-fitting, if that’s more your style!

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Love these art deco earrings to make a subtle statement! They would look so cute with casual outfits like a black tank and jeans, or even with a black evening gown for a wedding!

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I love the lace detail on this dress. Perfect for any summer day or warm vacation!

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I love Bloomingdales Aqua brand–they have the cutest dresses right now and most are under $100. This feminine floral number is one of my favorites.

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I think this needs to come along with me to our honeymoon in Cabo! The color! The sleeves! The price! (It’s only $42!)

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I love the black version of my fringe wedges above–they’re a fun twist on the typical black summer heels!

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**Another item to add to my honeymoon packing list!**

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Love the one-shoulder ruffle detail and this fun, girly print!

I’ve been wanting a pair of tassel earrings just like this, and BaubleBar has so many colors!

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I love the lower heeled version of my wedges–plus, Sole Society has free 2 day shipping!

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More party earrings! Love the salmon-coral color of this pair. Bring on the fiesta!

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Speaking of fiestas, doesn’t this remind  you of the yellow version of the salsa dancer emoji!? This dress would be perfect for a summer wedding.

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I love this black ruffled OTS dress that would be perfect for SO many occasions this summer! It’s Aqua at Bloomingdales, too!

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