The Glitter Guide

I know we are all fans of this fabulous site, and for extremely good reason....

The Glitter Guide tumblr is full of style inspiration, fascinating ladies, decor, and glittery details. I could create a mood board based solely on this sparkly site. It definitely inspires me to revamp my personal style and play up the sweet feminine details, a common theme in a glittered life. 

1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10

I've decided that the time has come to invest in a ban.do glittery pin or a giant pom pom flower. How cute is that golden piggy bank? And wouldn't you love a place to wear this Anna Sui dress? I think we could all use a little glitter in our lives - and The Glitter Guide is just the place to find it.

xo

Traveling in Style

Today, I am headed to Boston!

Unfortunately, I am just popping in to say hello, nosh on a delicious lobster roll {thanks to Kate's recommendation, we are headed to the new Legal Seafood Harborside to enjoy the views!}, enjoy some frosty brews and call it a night. Because, on Saturday morning we are heading to Maine!

Flats    Dress    Earrings    Nails    Sunnies    Bag

Kennebunkport, Maine to be exact. I have never seen this beautiful state and absolutely can't wait to take in the waterfront views, colonial architecture and nautical way of life. Dave and I are cramming this quick vacay into a short weekend but I am sure it will be totally worth it. Of course, since I am going to one of the most stylish areas of America, I better plan on being pretty stylish. I am linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving, to feature a dress that I saw on Blair {swoon over her entire wardrobe} that needs to be mine - the BBDakota Halsey dress - perfection. Pair that with a few necessary accessories, and the perfect berry red nail polish and I am good to go - ready to take on a day of exploring!

I plan on returning with lots of photos so check back on Monday for my weekend recap!

What are you up to this weekend? xoxo

Essentials

1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    11    12    13

I noticed this weekend that there are numerous summer essentials missing from my closet and beauty routine. Whether it be the perfect white dress, a flattering string bikini, day and night sandals, or fun accessories - all of these items would be gladly accepted into my warm weather wardrobe. 

I think you should buy these.

1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9    10    11    12    13

...because what better way to indulge than a few bold accessories {and a cute dress} to spruce up your wardrobe. Go on, you deserve it.

xo

Swimwear

Solids: Left to Right

Pattern: Left to Right

How do you feel about one-piece bathing suits? I think they are sometimes adorable when they aren't matronly. I especially love the navy blue solid or the sexy green corset suit. Would you wear one?

Also, I am guest posting over at Six Twelve Place today while Lesley makes the big move to Chicago! Pop over and check out some of my favorite things about the Windy City!

xo

A Day Outfit

 

1     2     3     4

Today, I am catching the ferry to Mackinac and exploring the island while Dave preps for the wedding. This outfit would be ideal for walking around, enjoying some fudge, exploring the Grand Hotel, and snapping photos of the beautiful island. See you Monday! xoxo

The Rehearsal

1   2   3   4   5   6

Tonight is the rehearsal dinner for my bestest friend's wedding at a cute little bistro in the suburbs. I have a super fun Marc Jacobs dress that I splurged on in college and love when I am able to pull it out for fun events. However, it is always fun to create a whole new outfit and link up with {av} for Friday Francies.  How amazing are these Prada sunglasses and the Halston Heritage dress? Perfect for twirling around! 

Have a fabulous weekend my friends! Check back on Monday for a wedding recap! xo

Uniform

What is your go-to look? I was browsing through my Style board on Pinterest, and almost every look I have collected contains a skirt or a dress, which is an exact reflection of my daily uniform. Although I am required to dress up Monday through Thursday, I am definitely the most comfortable in an easy dress and flats - I have always felt like jeans make me look short and stout. 

So, what do you prefer? What style defines YOU?

{images via my Pinterest board, Atlantic-Pacific}

Guide to Prep

I love when I have the chance to pull out my most tailored pieces and play up my preppy side. Collared shirts, stripes, navy and red, simple silhouettes, silky fabrics and chunky accessories are the perfect way to polish this look and Chicago summers are my ideal setting. This weekend is supposed to be a little bit cooler {70 degrees} and I hope to be able to pull out some sequins and stripes and hit up the Old Town Art Fair, followed by a celebration for my roommate/bestie who is graduating from Law School! 

Accessorize {clockwise from the top}:

Jill Sander Stripe Scarf

Rag and Bone Fedora

Topshop Woven Rope + Leather Belt

Ray Ban Aviators

Navy Stripe Hairbow Clips

Sequin Enamel Bangles

Tory Burch Card Case

JCrew MacAlistar Shoelaces

Essie Lollipop

Vintage Timex Watch

Chloe Espadrille Wedge

J.Crew Stipe Farmer's Market Tote

Lanvin Patent Flat

Dress up {clockwise from the top}:

J.Crew Striped Top

How to Dress for Success

Washed Silk Dress

Crochet Ballet Flats

Polka Dot Bikini

Tory Burch Mathilde Bag

Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Sandals

Juicy Couture Lace Skirt

Kenneth Jay Lane Jade Necklace

Emma Cook Bow Shorts

Paul and Joe Okineko Top

What you are you up to this weekend? I hope that the sunshine is out and we are all able to enjoy summer skies and warm temps. Happy weekend my dears! xo

Be sure to check out {av} and other Friday Fancies at Long Distance Loving!

Channeling Rachel Berry

Given my excitement for Glee Live tonight, I am linking up with {av} at Long Distance Loving for Friday Fancies! My ideal uniform would be influenced by Rachel Berry's school girl chic ensemble preferably completed by the likes of DVF, Miu Miu, and Jill Sander. A girl can dream!

Sweater    Flats    Nails    Skirt    Socks    Bag 

Have a wonderful weekend my dears. xo

Summer Fashion

To kick start June and the lovely summer season headed our way, I am joining Danielle in her Week of Summer series by sharing my warm weather wish list! I can't wait to bop around the city in airy dresses, sky high wedges, striped tees, shorty shorts and colorful accessories.

I am inspired by navy and white paired with soft pastels and pops of red and I am craving a closet filled with silky tops, stripes, chiffon, cotton dresses, sequins and denim shorts.

My Summer Wish List:

A pretty fedora to pair with my bikini and day dresses.

The perfect stiped tee.

A camel carryall for all of my day & night necessities.

A flirty pair of pastel shorts, easy to dress up or down.

An eyelit top.

Summertime earrings.

A pretty pendant necklace.

A fabulous lace detailed neon clutch.

An airy maxi skirt.

The perfect wedge.

A flirty white dress, a summer necessity.

What's on your summer wish list?

Necessary Neutrals

These creamy neutrals are giving me heart palpitations. Must pay off credit card and purchase.

{Marc Jacobs Tassel Julie Bag + Scalloped Chloe Ballerinas}

My Heart is Full

This week has been special for me in the blog world. I started "blogging" two years ago but wasn't consistent and my content was all over the place. Now, A Happy Haven feels like a place that I look forward to everyday. I look forward to starting a conversation with you, to reading your blogs, to your lovely comments, to seeing an added follower, and to feel that this blog brightens your day as much as it brightens mine. So for all of you who stop by and have a conversation with me, thank you! And those of you who stop by but stay on your side of the screen, thank you just as much!
You guys mean a whole lot to me.

So much so, that I have a little surprise for you, but I can't spill the beans just yet. I will tell you that I am working with someone very talented on a new endeavor that I am over the moon about. It is something that has been somersaulting in my head for a long time, and I am ready for it to come to fruition. So, yay! A little anticipation never hurt anyone, right?

On to the weekend...

This has been a crazy week. It has felt extremely long, but I am also surprised to see Friday. So Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? I am so happy to say that I have not one plan. This is my last weekend of no plans because every weekend after this is booked solid until July 4th! Concerts, Bachelorette Parties, Graduations, Weddings, Traveling - this summer is going to absolutely fly by. I am so ready for it though, I need to see some warmer Chicago temperatures and spend a lot more time with Mr. Sunshine before seasonal depression sets in and Fall is among us once again.

Now, a little Friday Fancy for you, since {av} is teasing me with her trip to CA, I thought I'd share with you some sunshine state style that I am longing for...

Skirt    Top    Sandals    Bag   Bracelets   Bangle   Aviators   Hat

Be sure to check out more Friday Fancies as Long Distance Loving. And again, thank you for making this whole blog thing an absolutely amazing experience. Happy Weekend lovelies!

Lusting over...

...this bag. It has everything I am currently coveting: buttery, creamy, watermelon leather - gold accents - crossbody chain - bamboo lock. Practical and chic. The perfect summer bag.

Pair This + That: Color!

Top   Belt   Bag   Pants   Shoes   Watch   Earrings   Ring   Lips   Nails

DVF, Gucci, Prada - they all played up the color trend for Spring. And, although it is a bold choice, I have to say that I am really fond of this look. I would love to wear something like this to work but part of me feels that I don't have the confidence to pull it off! 

So, would you dare to wear a bright outfit like this? 

Or would you choose one item and play it up with neutrals? 

**If you don't already, follow my Pinterest boards and check out what inspires my style! 

Pair This + That: The Classics

Dress   Necklace   Shoes   Earrings   Bag   Watch   

I love the look of this classic DVF dress. Its graphic print, gold buttons, slinky tie, and short length make it perfect for work and play. Paired with some bold accessories in buttery caramel and gold, this outfit would definitely be my go-to look for Summer days {and nights!}

What do you think? Would this look be for you? 

Glee Gals Rocked It

...at the Met Gala last night. In Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, and Escada.

Pair This + That: A Day Date!

Top   Scarf   Pants   Shoes   Sunglasses   Watch   Nails   Bracelet   Bag

Dave has been out of town for what seems like forever. Thankfully he returns this Thursday and I can't wait to spend a full, fun weekend together. The first date we ever went on was to the top of the Willis Sears Tower followed by lunch at Park Grill and some wandering around Buckingham Fountain and all of Chicago's bests. It was my favorite date to this day. I have been searching for a fun pair of wide leg trousers and these Tory Burch pants are perfect for Spring. Paired with an airy top, gold accessories, buttery brown wedges, and some pop of color; I will be ready to take on Chicago!

What is your go-to "day" outfit? Are you comfortable in pants and a tee shirt? Or do you have fun getting dressed up? Also, do you have a fun day date idea that Dave and I can pose off of?!

Pair This + That: The Royal Wedding

Dress   Hair   Bag   Earrings   Ring   Shoes   Eyes   Lips   Nails

What would you wear to The Royal Wedding? Given that money is not an issue and you are free to wear whatever your little heart desires. I think that I would choose a subtle dress and really take advantage of my accessories. Obviously a sophisticated hair piece is crucial, and why not wear Swarvoski encrusted heels? Wouldn't it be dreamy to be amongst all of the chic outfits attending? Sigh...

Fancy That: Easter Sunday!

This is my first time participating in "Friday Fancies" and considering Easter is one of my favorite holidays to dress up + play the part for, I thought it would be fun to share my Easter style with YOU! Easter has forever reminded my of the first signs of Spring, sunshine, changing colors, green grass and warm temps. However, Chicago is showing very limited signs of Spring, but don't think that doesn't mean I wont be sporting my favorite sundress for Easter Sunday!

This dress is from Zara and reminds me of fresh cut grass!

Paired with some glossy green Kate Spade studs.

A creamy TopShop blazer to keep me warm {since this is Chicago!}

A pretty poppy pin to add some color to my dress.

Some neutral heels, because nothing says Spring like a good pair of wedges.

My faithful Ray-Bans because I anticipate sunshine!

A bright clutch to hold my lipstick and little necessities.

Infrared coral lipstick to play up that poppy pin!

Nail polish in either Tart Deco or Lilacism, my two faves of the moment!

I hope you lovelies have a wonderful weekend + a very happy Easter with family and friends!

Check out other bloggers fabulous "Friday Fancies" at {Long Distance Loving}. Thanks Em, for spreading the word!