A Trip to the Gardens {A Reason to Get Dressed}

  Our days are pretty similar day in and day out. All our trips, like most, have been cancelled, camps also cancelled.  We're still mostly quarantined at home, hanging outdoors with only a few families a few times a week who are also limiting their exposure while keeping distance. So with this little variety, we took a day off work and headed on a little local adventure to break up the day and step away from the monotony.
Some how we'd never been to Powell Gardens. Only 45 minutes southeast of Kansas City, an expansive space with art sculptures, a pond with several islands that can be explored, a beautiful chapel, walking paths, and 7 themed gardens full of extraordinary landscaping. We ooo'd and awww'd our whole way through and could have spent more time there but the rain came. 
Powell Gardens is taking safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You have to make a reservation for a time to come so they can limit crowds. They have arrows marked on the walking paths to keep traffic going the same direction, as well. We went on a week day, in the morning before a rainy afternoon, so we only saw maybe 4 other groups of people, so felt very safe the entire time.
I definitely want to go back!  And if for nothing else, but to get dressed again. It was nice to put on a summery dress and leave the house. I love any easy, breezy dresses, especially in white Swiss dot and lace fabric.
My first real outfit worn since quarantine:

Now I just need to find more family-fun outdoor adventures that are safe from crowds. Do you have any recommendations within driving range of the Kansas City area? 

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Fall Wedding Festivities

  This past weekend (well even a lot of last week, during the weekdays) was BONKERS! But in a wonderful, happy, too much laughing, not enough sleep, a little too much drinking, lots of events, and friends everywhere kind of way.  That kind of way that reminds me how much slower I bounce back vs. in my twenties... But all I can think now, however, is that the memories made and fun had with this group of people was totally worth it.
My husband and my good friend married this past weekend. And with the occasion, friends and family came to town and we had a houseful of people! This is our college group of friends - and this group knows how to have a blast at a wedding. I joked that we really should rent ourselves out to other weddings as a guaranteed way to get a party started and keep the dance floor alive all night long.
And while the wedding was obviously not about MY dress - I have to mention in as I got several DMs on Instagram after I posted a pic, and I really did love it. My navy, off-the shoulder dress was super comfy, flattering and fun to dance in. It would be a great holiday party and/or work dress, too!
But the dress that was the talk of the night was the gorgeous bride's. I loved the low back and lace details, and her hair was flawless. The whole event took place on their home's property, never to a lake, on lost of land and under a lit tent.  You can see some photos from the wonderful night below (taken in between dancing, so not a clear of photos...but you get the point!).

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 Congrats to the happy couple. We had an absolute blast celebrating and dancing the night away. Can we do it again next month?

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Favorite Wears: White After Labor Day, YES!

 

 
My favorite time to wear white just might be after Labor Day.  And I think wearing all one color with different texture's and elements make this all-white, post-Labor Day look feel chic and unexpected.  Add in some studs, a pop of color or pattern in an accessory and mix up the types of textures to keep in interesting.
*White coffee cup not planned.
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Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  
You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Favorite Wears: Summer Dresses for Fall

 
  I love making the most out of my clothing. I always feel best about something that can be evolved and worn all year around. This summer dress can be dressed up or down, and layered for fall. I can't wait to try my hand and styling it for the cold of winter (I'm thinking layered over a turtleneck and booties.
This perfect-for-summer bag was a total score off of Amazon. After one of my good friends, Katie,  (who has been on this blog a ton - here, as she is one of my own style inspirations) was rocking it on our recent trip to NYC, I had to pick it up for myself (under $20!).  I love when I see other people I'd admire style something unexpected and makes me think about something I would have never bought on my own. I have since worn this bag a ton to spice up an outfit or have some fun.
What are some of your own versatile pieces that you can wear a ton? Shop this outfit:

 

 Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.   You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Favorite Wears: Fresh White Dress

  My favorite color to wear, when I'm not playing with (and mixing n' matching) bold colors, is just all white. Something so fresh about bright white in the hot summer.  You can see my last white on white look here.
The easiest way to achieve this is with a pretty white dress - a necessity for spring through summer time at least (I even like to wear white into fall and forms of "winter" white in the... winter).  I love white pieces that have different textures and a great fit to make the piece more striking, and this lace dress of mine is one of my favs.
Do you have a favorite dress or style for summer?
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  Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

Follow along here: BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook