the little red dress you need this summer

it is no secret that summer is my 

favorite time of year. the cold brew;

weekend festivals and street fairs; the bright colors; 

vibrant, seasonal trends - i love all of it.

my mom works as a montessori preschool 

teacher (with a beloved summer break!), but unfortunately, 

i have a limited number of vacation and personal 

days at my disposal. this has yet to slow me down, 

however, as i continue to fill my calendar with 

trips to the cabin, little weekend getaways,

barbecues, brunches, campfires on the beach, 

blogging adventures, and everything in between. 

traditionally, the start of summer 

also marks the beginning of wedding season.

last summer, i attended eight weddings within

three months. it was busy, but i had

a wonderful time celebrating, eating, dancing, 

etc. etc. my favorite part, however?

choosing what to wear!

disclosure: macy's and lauren ralph lauren graciously

provided me with the dress and handbag in this post.

all opinions are my own!

a red statement dress is perfect for a variety

of spring, summer, and fall occasions, 

but i dream of wearing this particular bell sleeve 

dress to a summer wedding!

the length, fabric, and overall fit of the

dress are seemingly perfect. it is modest, yet

feminine and flirty! i love the eyelet detail on the bell

sleeves (you know i cannot say 'no' to a bell

sleeve top or dress). the sleeve length and light fabric 

will keep you cool for a daytime, outdoor wedding, 

but provide some coverage after sundown.

i paired the red dress with simple nude heels, but

these could easily be swapped out for basic

sandals, ankle boots, or leopard heels come fall.

add a gold belt and/or statement necklace for a 

completely different look!

do you have any weddings or other events

this summer that may require a little red dress? 

while i typically enjoy thrift shopping

and scavenging the sale racks at various department

stores, this dress is an investment. the quality

and design of the dress speak for themselves

(it photographs beautifully, too!). 

this dress fits true to size and is currently

available in sizes 4-14. i am wearing a size 4 and do

not mind the looseness. the straight fit allows for

 freedom of movement (particularly when you are on the 

dance floor); i will not feel restricted after having that 

slice (or two) of wedding cake either.

best of all? it is machine washable!

photos by karya schanilec photography

dress: c/o macy's and lauren ralph lauren (exact here),

heels: nordstrom (similar here), ring: nordstrom,

purse: c/o macy's and lauren ralph lauren (exact here)

i hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

and if you are searching for that perfect summer 

dress, happy shopping!

xoxo.

the perfect lbd for spring

spring is officially here (though our current weather patterns

say otherwise!), and my skirts and dresses, sans tights, are 

ready. they've been neglected all winter and want to 

make their return -- complete with cold brew coffee, blooming

flowers and warm temperatures! 

a few of my favorite trends for spring? ruffles (i have worn

several blouses and sweaters adorning ruffles), all things 70s, 

and of course, lace. there is something so feminine and chic about a 

delicate lace dress. whether you're in need of a date night look or 

were invited to attend a spring or summer wedding, lace won't let 

you down. it's both classic and trendy!

disclosure: stylewe graciously provided me with the dress i'm

wearing in this post. as per usual, all opinions are my own!

i love the hem of this dress; with a shorter slip

underneath, the lace makes a statement! while i have 

other black dresses, i don't have anything quite like this.

and despite ordering this dress online (which has proven

 risky at times, particularly when it comes to dresses), the fit is 

seemingly perfect.

the cotton collar adds a bit of edge to this otherwise

feminine dress. i think it would be great for an event, but

could also be a go-to dress for the office. though i must admit, i would 

quickly ditch the heels for my preferred ballet flats, as there

is nothing worse than aching feet after a long day.

as an alternative to heels or flats, this dress

would be equally adorable with your favorite city sneaks. 

i commute to and from work on the bus and have become

an avid supporter of sneakers with dresses. while

i typically have flats or ankle boots in my bag, there are times

i have kept the sneakers on throughout the work day.

while this may not be appropriate in all office environments, i like the 

casual 'i didn't try' vibe it gives off. 

so, grab your white converse or colorful vans and give 

this dress an altogether different look! fashion is about experimentation

 and finding different ways to wear pieces in your closet --

combinations that make you feel like you.

photos by karya schanilec photography

dress: c/o stylewe (exact here), purse: gift from my very sweet coworker,

shoes: bcbg via dsw (similar here), rings: forever 21

have you joined in on the current lace trend?

how do you like to style your lace pieces?

let me know in the comments!

xoxo.

currently craving: off-the-shoulder

with summer weather just around the corner

(80 degree temperatures in seattle next week, i am looking at you!),

the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable or constrained

by your clothing. airy, light-weight dresses and skirts are essential for

keeping cool and looking chic. a new favorite of mine? the current

off-the-shoulder trend. 

i attended a wedding in las vegas a few weekends ago, 

and when looking ahead at the forecast, i saw it was going to be 

110 degrees. i needed something nice, yet practical. i picked up a pink off-the-shoulder

dress from my local ZARA and immediately fell in love. since the wedding, 

i've been on the hunt for other off-the-shoulder tops and dresses. 

say hello to a new favorite - this floral, off-the-shoulder chambray dress from eShakti.

eShakti is an online women's clothing boutique that specializes in 

full customization of garments. they provide 'real fashion for real people.'

change the length, sleeves, and/or neckline to match your personal style.

simply select a dress, fill out your measurements, and in less than a week,

your unique, personalized dress will be at your doorstep!

i have to say, the style and fit of my dress could not be more perfect. 

i ordered a size s-4; i generally wear a small or medium in dresses, depending

on the length and fit of the waist and bust. i love the midi length of this dress, 

and the elastic across my shoulders doesn't feel too snug

(which can sometimes happen with off-the-shoulder clothing pieces). 

eShakti has clothing and dresses in sizes 0-36w.

additionally, ordering a dress online, 

without first being able to try it on, may feel risky. with hassle-free returns

and exchanges, however, you can shop with confidence! 

photos, makeup and hair by elizabeth kathryn photography

dress: c/o eShakti, flats: j.crew (old), bracelets: h&m, 

purse: thrifted (via goodwill), rings: target (exact here)

with this off-the-shoulder dress, i kept the rest of my outfit relatively simple.

i opted for gold jewelry and ballet flats. to bring out the red flowers 

on the dress, i paired my favorite thrifted handbag from my local goodwill. 

are you a fan of the off-the-shoulder trend?

if you have any events (whether weddings, parties, or vacations) 

this summer, i highly recommend checking out eShakti.

you can also find eShakti on facebook, pinterest and twitter.

happy customization and shopping!

xoxo.

**this is a sponsored post. eShakti graciously provided me with this 

dress. all opinions are my own! 

sunshine and summertime

there's no place i'd rather be than seattle during the summer -

don't get me wrong, i wouldn't pass up a trip to california. or mexico. or hawaii. 

but summertime in seattle is a beautiful thing!

75-80 degree temperatures. and there are always people outdoors. barbecuing. 

running or walking. hiking. picnicking. visiting beaches and parks and 

outdoor markets. coffee and ice cream shops are filled with families and visiting tourists.

it's my favorite time of year!

as soon as the weather begins warming up (usually in late march or early 

april), i dig out my dresses, sandals, and other spring/summer accessories.

say goodbye to thick cardigans and jackets and welcome the hats and

 sunglasses, shorts and sleeveless dresses. 

this black and white printed dress is a few years old, but i love the exposed

zipper, gathered waist, and sweatheart-inspired detail on the bust. 

i paired it with my studded gladiator sandals (also from a few seasons ago),

gold bangles, and a bright clutch. to tie the look together, i added a red lip.

^^^ keep your sunglasses close by! you never know when that seattle

sun will reappear from behind the clouds ^^^

photos by jenna lynn photography

dress: francesca's (similar here), clutch: charming charlie (similar here),

sandals: dolce vita, bangles: forever 21, ring: old navy, 

lipstick: nars 'heat wave' (exact here), sunglasses: ray-ban 'wayfarer' (exact here)

this summer, i am looking forward to visiting lake chelan,

attending several weddings, and weekend trips to our family cabin.

i always make time for walks around green lake and through sculpture park

in the city, too. what's on your agenda this summer?

now, if only our sun would return!

xoxo.

feelin' fancy

dress: swap with my friend, clare!

heels: here, clutch: cole haan (via tj maxx),

bracelet: rocksbox, rings: nordstrom

wedding season is in full swing around here! 

will and i attended the wedding of two of our dear friends last night -

the ceremony took place at a small church on queen anne, 

while the reception was held at the four seasons downtown. 

the event was incredible, and we feel very

fortunate to have been included on our friend's special day!

because it was an evening wedding,

i knew i wanted to dress up (more so than usual)!

i looked online, in numerous stores, and scoured rent the runway to 

no avail - i couldn't seem to find anything.

fortunately i was able to swap the above dress with my good friend, clare, 

and it fit beautifully! 

i picked up my sandals at nordstrom, the pink clutch at tj maxx, 

and i was ready for a night of celebrating :) 

we had a wonderful time and are wishing the night had not ended.

congratulations p & c - we love you!

xoxo.

p.s. don't forget to sign up for your own

personalized rocksbox set using my code 'mepribblexoxo' -

your first month will be free!

"put a bird on it"

dress: rented from lendperk, bracelets: h&m, heels: dsw

every girl needs an LBD for the holiday season!

while this particular dress was slightly out of my comfort zone,

i was able to rent it, courtesy of lendperk,

for the month of december with no strings attached.

rent, wear, return for $20; why not try something different?

when i unfolded the dress from its packaging, 

my first thought was "put a bird on it."

feathers, feathers, fringe feathers galore!

the feathers are incredibly soft to the touch, shiny, 

and gorgeous in person. 

while i may be terrified of birds, i sure don't mind wearing these feathers.

this dress is perfect for the holiday season,

and this girl cannot wait to wear it again. 

xoxo. 

bridesmaid dress remix

ode to the bridesmaid dress:

the dress you wear once, for your best friend's big day,

and then conveniently shove to the back of your closet,

alone and forgotten.

however, bridesmaid dresses are often expensive, 

of high quality, and capable of a little restyling. 

weddington way recently reached out to me, 

asking if i would restyle one of their gorgeous bridesmaid dresses.

below is the dress i chose;

and why not wear it again?

the dress

* weddington way alfred sung bridesmaid dress *

to see additional weddington way bridesmaid dresses,

visit their incredible selection here. 

target tevolio pearl clutch,

nordstrom crystal flower stud earrings, steve madden 'porttt-r' pumps

halogen sequin stripe wool blend cardigan, lulu's teal 'some kind of wonderful' handbag,

sole society 'tamra' pointy toe pumps, 

nordstrom small cubic zirconia and sterling silver stud earrings

chinese laundry 'sea breeze storm ankle strap' heels, 

nordstrom gem cluster frontal necklace,

lulu's geo du jour gold cutout clutch, tildon faux fur jacket

a rented dress

dress: lendperk, heels: guess, bracelet: nordstrom

i recently rented this pretty lace dress from lendperk.

for just $20 a month, you can have your choice of numerous dresses,

of varying styles and prints, to rent.

this dress was perfect for dinner (though i must admit, 

i quickly changed into flats). 

the detail in the lace, bright color, and adorable collar

were perfect for the occasion! 

are you familiar with lendperk?

to see their gorgeous dresses or to learn more about

the different packages available, visit here.

xoxo.

dresses for a cause

dress: fare oak, necklace: thrifted, flats: tj maxx

i recently purchased this animal print dress from fare oak,

an online clothing boutique that donates 5% of every sale.

their mission is to provide scholarships that enable children 

to attend summer camps. shopping for a good cause?

yes, please! 

fare oak is dedicated to empowering women through fashion, 

while also giving back to the community. 

i may have also ordered a top or two, and a necklace. 

but my shopaholic-tendencies are helping better my community -

totally justifiable.

are you familiar with fare oak?

see more of their dresses here.

xoxo.

a rented dress

dress: lendperk, shoes: dsw, bracelet: francesca's

i rented this adorable printed dress from lendperk earlier this month.

i had planned to wear it for my birthday, 

but when the day came (and i finished a long day of work at preschool),

i immediately came home, changed into sweats,

and indulged in a cheeseburger (or two). 

thus, no heart dress for me. 

however, i love the print, cut, and overall feel of this dress.

i would happily wear it for another occasion.

thank you, lendperk for always making me feel pretty.

xoxo. 

rent a dress

dress: lendperk, boots: macy's, socks: urban outfitters

i know i have mentioned my love for rented dresses

via lendperk before, but this one might just be my favorite. 

add brown sandals in the summer, 

or thick tights and boots for winter;

quite versatile!

i wore this dress on a lovely autumn day in seattle.

the fit was perfect, with a low v in the back.

mini dresses with ankle boots are a

look i love, so this dress was a great

way to wear the current trend.

what about you -

would you rent a dress? 

see other rented dresses i have worn here and here.

xoxo.

handmade dress by kess

^^^ shop this look! ^^^

dress: handmade by my girlfriend, c (kess)

belt: h&m, necklace & bangle: nordstrom, heels: dsw

this gorgeous frock?

handmade by kess, my coworker.

she came to work wearing it,

and i immediately asked where it was from.

when she said she made it,

i thought:

1. i need to borrow that

and 2. you should sell that.

so naturally, i offered to help.

any excuse to try on dresses, pair them with various accessories,

and help style my girlfriend's gorgeous creations

is a yes, please in my book!

i borrowed several items kess has recently made,

and will be sure to share them with you.

if you are interested in purchasing a dress like this

(or this exact one),

feel free to comment below or email me.

kess is in the process of getting her etsy shop up and running,

but i am happy to start taking orders.

one of each for me, please! 

the above dress can fit women of varying shapes and sizes.

it may be possible to alter or modify the size

 depending upon what is requested.

it is easily washable

and made from cotton

(ideal for us preschool teachers who often get messy).

i cannot wait to see what else kess has in the works!

xoxo.

a rented dress & a motorcycle

dress: lendperk, flats: ross, necklace: nordstrom rack, sunnies: ray-ban 

lendperk, i love "borrowing" dresses from you,

wearing them for a special occasion,

and then returning said dress in exchange for something new.

what would i do without you?

you probably already knew this, but no, that is not my motorcycle;

a girl can dream.

m and i had another dress up session during which 

we took copious pictures and began the inner workings

of putting together our new blog.

wearing this dress, and posing in front of with the motorcycle

was just part of the fun.

something i have come to realize? 

i am ridiculously awkward when it comes to taking photos.

or maybe in all facets of my life.

but particularly when it comes to photos.

at least it gives m and i something to laugh about! 

xoxo.

my lendperk dress

dress: lendperk, sandals: steve madden, necklace: borrowed from my roommate, a,

purse: ross

i last mentioned lendperk in this post.

it is comparable to netflix for dresses -

choose a dress from their site to rent for twenty dollars

each month, wear the dress, 

and return it (no need to dry clean or wash the dress);

then select your next dress to borrow.

i chose a different dress to rent this month,

but could not zip it. whoops!

thus, i returned it and borrowed this color block dress instead.

i love the bright colors, and the fit was perfect.

i wore this dress to patrick's dad's birthday dinner last night,

and i have to say, it was perfect for the occasion.

normally, i would love to purchase a dress

for an occasion such as this,

but borrowing a dress was far better for my meager bank account.

have you heard of lendperk?

i highly recommend it!

if you have any issues with the dress you borrow,

they are quick to respond and help you find a better fit or style.

other packages are available if you need more than one dress each month -

including an unlimited dress rental package.

renting several dresses to rent each month? sounds like a dream to me!

many of the dresses are available to purchase, too.

lendperk, i cannot wait to choose my next dress!

xoxo.