Happy Friday, lovely readers!  This week has been such a whirlwind with our move, but I’m so happy to officially be in our new place (even though it’s full of boxes and looks a little bit like a tornado hit :)  This weekend promises to be just as busy— I’m driving up to Sonoma to do hair & makeup for a wedding, then Trav and I are spending our Sunday furniture shopping, woo!

But before all that, let’s take a few minutes to check out some fun links from around the web…

A beautiful DIY washer and ribbon necklace… who knew?!

A great resource for finding your next good read.

This is just what we need.

Polka dot tie.

Love this classic, go-with-everything bag…

Cute updo for short or long hair!

Is it Fall yet?  Because I want some pumpkin fluff dip.

The sexiest spot for a tattoo…

I’m doing this woman’s hair for her wedding… this was our trial run :)

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

How to make your own terrarium.

Easy onion strings.

Simple summer makeup…

What are you up to this weekend?  Doing anything fun?  Any tips for finding good furniture?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Have you all been loving the Olympics as much as I have?  I rarely feel this patriotic or as excited by sports, but I absolutely adore watching talented athletes come together and compete.

If you’re excited by the games, too, here are some fun ways to show off your USA pride without being too over-the-top.

Rock patriotic nails, like this cute stars and stripes version.

Go for the gold when you wear bangles and other accessories in warm metallic hues.

Or keep it simple with a striped dress in red or navy.

Are you a big fan of the Olympics? How do you show off your team USA pride?  Like any of my ideas, above?  Share in the comments!

Travis and I are leaving for Italy in just seven weeks!  I can’t wait to go museum hopping, pasta & wine tasting, bike riding… but, I’m just as excited to put a fun wardrobe together :)

I rarely think ahead this much when it comes to packing for a vacation, but the idea of being in fabulous Italy makes me want to look put together throughout our trip.  Here’s what I’ve got on my wish list so far…

1) Chambray dress 3) Polka dotted sweater 5) White skinnies

2) Boyfriend shorts 4) Denim jacket 6) Chevron maxi skirt

One of the best packing tips I’ve heard is that it’s best to choose a bunch of mix & match pieces in toned-down colors, then add some pop with easy-to-pack accessories.  Also on my Italy wish list: the perfect red dress.  (You’ll have to help me choose at a later date!)

Are you going on any summer vacations?  Got any packing “rules” you follow?  What do you think of my choices above?  Spill in the comments!

Romance is in the air this weekend, my sweets! On Saturday, I get to spend the day doing hair and makeup for a beautiful bride, her family, and friends. Then Sunday is the season finale of The Bachelorette. My girlfriend and I get together every week to watch, and we’re planning on celebrating with champagne and treats. (Team Jef!)

But before we get to all that, let’s kick off the weekend with some fun links from around the web…

These beautiful citrus & mint ice cubes are perfect for summer, don’t you think?

An easy trick to make lipstick last.

How to tie dye with a sharpie!

I love Peter Pan collars.

A gorgeous white loft.  (That dining room table!)

There’s something so fun about super-bright earrings…

An easy hair bow!

So many pretty nail ideas.

And a few {bb} posts you may have missed…

Five things you didn’t know about being engaged.

Get these hot heel looks for less!

How to design your own graphic tee at home…

I often look back at the clothes of the past with more than a little envy.  Where nowadays could you wear a pouffy skirt or a full-blown fascinator without feeling like you’re dressing up for Halloween?

If you crave an old school look, you can easily incorporate it into your modern wardrobe by choosing shapes and prints that have a retro feel…

If you love the 40’s wear: cardigans and peep-toes. The reason our grandmothers still wear cardigans is because they looked so hot in them back in the 40’s. There are all kinds of skin-tight button-downs out there, which will cover your shoulders if you want to be decent, and unbutton to any length if you don’t want to be.  Pair your favorite cardigan with some peep toes to give your look a flirty, 40’s feel without being over-the-top.

If you love the 50’s try: Americana. The themes that were popular mid-century have now boiled down to their simplest form today. You can wear stars and stripes to reflect this patriotic look. Or just grab something with polka dots— any colors will do, but navy, red, and black are especially retro.

If you love the 60’s think: Factory Girls. 60’s style looks pretty classy to us now, but at the time, high socks and short skirts were not what teenager’s parents wanted them wearing.  Infuse this style into your look by rocking skirts that sit at your natural waist or over-the-knee socks.

If you love the 70’s remember: Groove is in the Heart. For 70’s inspiration, all you need to know is that the Charlie’s Angels and disco did a lot for the fashion industry of the time. Embrace pleats and offbeat shapes like one-shoulder dresses that are still short enough to be sexy. In fact, unless you have a power ones pantsuit, keep it all as short as you can to stay 70’s!

If you love the 80’s embrace: punk rock. Studs have never really gone away since the advent of punk rock and neither has the cool factor of a leather jacket.  Bonus: neon shades are super hot this summer— don’t hesitate to rock a neon top with your moto jacket for a cool 80’s look.

Are you inspired by old school fashion?  Which decade is your fave?  Share your thoughts in the comments!