Beautiful iPhone cases from Scarlet & Gold

Top row: tiger lilly / pineapples / mary, mary / oh how he loves us

Bottom row: beige dipped / paint party / peace / navajo

I've been loving bright, tropical prints lately, and pineapples are my latest obsession in fashion. It seems crazy — I've never had the desire to have pineapples printed on my clothes before. But now I see them on everything in every store and I love it! Especially this pineapple iPhone case from Scarlet & Gold.

I recently came across this shop on Instagram, and it has such gorgeous prints and phone cases. I've always loved fashionable phone cases, but had a hard time finding ones that looked great and still kept my phone safe — after all, if I'm spending hundreds on a phone, my No. 1 priority is not breaking it.

So when I saw these at Scarlet & Gold, I instantly fell in love. Not only are the designs absolutely gorgeous, but they also come with silicone inserts to protect them against falls. I'm eyeing the pineapple print (obvs), the tiger lilly and the beige dipped with the geometric print. How will I ever decide?!

Which case is your favorite? 

*This post is not sponsored in any way — I'm just very excited I finally found so many beautiful and functional phone cases in one place!

P.S. My favorites from the Lilly Pulitzer collection and the perfect home office

My favorites from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection

cocktail glasses / white candle holder / gold wine toppers / pillow / colored glasses / pink Essie polish / green Essie polish / breakfast tray / decorative bowls / chair / patterned glasses / hair ties / candle votive trio / pom-pom napkins / basket

When I first saw the previews of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection, I knew it was going to be fun. But when I finally got the full glimpse of it on Sunday, it was like a beachy heaven! Sadly, I wasn't able to buy any of it yesterday because I spent a litttttle too much money on all the friends and family sales this month and now I'm putting myself on a strict budget... I know a few of you are feeling me on that one!

Anyway, that won't stop me from lusting over all these gorgeous summer prints and colors. How great are these items for brightening up your whole home? Since I couldn't partake in all the crazy action, I put together all my favorite items here — in case they ever come back in stock!

What are your favorite items? Did you go to the collection opening yesterday? I'd love to hear your stories!

P.S. The perfect home office, favorite spring nail colors and the brights are back

The brights are back

1. pearl collar 2. pink clutch 3. ear cuff 4. lipstick 5. leopard dress 6. sunday funday / cabana / double-breasted jacket / flowerista 7. yellow pumps 8. ring set 9. open collar

I know I'm normally in the "black, white, gray, repeat" group when it comes to fashion, but now that spring weather has started to hit I am ALL about color. Especially this week, because it's the first time the weather has dipped back into the 30s since we had gorgeous sunny and 60-degree days the last couple weeks. The last couple days have been rainy and gray, and it only made my craving for brights and neons that much worse!

Right now I'm already embracing neon nails and bright lipsticks to cheer up the dreary days, but I can't wait to incorporate more colors with fun outfits like this leopard print shift dress and these bright yellow pumps. I know what you're thinking: The gold jewelry doesn't count as a bright...but I've been crushing on these pieces for SO LONG — and I may or may not have (but definitely did) order the ring set last week during Baublebar's big sale...

Does sunny weather have you making bright changes to your wardrobe, too? What trends are you loving right now? 

P.S. spring-time shopping, playing it by ear and the new Express collection

Spring-time shopping: girly vibes

Maybe it's my mind's way of pushing through the last part of winter and grasping for any part of the spring warmth soon to come, but my tastes this month have shifted to a brighter, floral and generally more girly style.

1. Audrey Hepburn book (Amazon) 2. Mini bluetooth speaker (Urban Outfitters) 3. Kate Spade jewelry box (Nordstrom) 4. Gold lip stain mug (Shop Bop) 5. Gem drop earrings (Bauble Bar) 6. iPhone 6 case (Amazon) 7. Happiest girls pouch (Nordstrom) 8. Kate Spade notebook set (Nordstrom) 9. Textured flats (Express) 10. Opal gum drop necklace (Bauble Bar) 11. NARS satin lip pencil in Yu (Sephora) 12. Gold bar midi ring set (ILY Couture) 13. Kate Spade leather handbag (Nordstrom)

First on my list is that gorgeous set of midi rings. I found them on Hello Fashion's blog yesterday and ordered them last night. Second is this pink lip pencil. I went to Sephora last weekend to find a new pink lipstick and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since, so I'll definitely be going back soon to buy it. And even though I love ankle boots, my feet are so looking forward to wearing cute flats again, like this fun pair from Express.

There is so much great stuff on my wish list right now, and it makes me think back to this ;)

What's on your shopping list right now? Are you looking forward to updating your wardrobe for spring? Leave your comments at the bottom!

Related: fall favorites, Christmas wish list and statement necklaces

How to survive finals week

My last week of finals (ever!) is finally here, and I am so excited! Only two exams separate me from that diploma on Friday and a full-time job come January.

I feel so fortunate to have my first job lined up prior to graduation. It's a major weight off my shoulders! The only downside is that it's making it even harder to keep myself focused on studying. Know the feeling?

If there's one thing I've learned after three-and-a-half years of college studying, it is the importance of taking study breaks. When I'm trying to cram weeks' worth of information, I need a little time to give my brain a break and restore my mentality. If I look at the same information for too long, it all starts to blur together. So I let myself take 5 to 10 minutes away from the books to just relax — and then I can get back to focusing.

My study breaks often consist of Pinterest and Buzzfeed, but since Christmas is just around the corner, online shopping works just as well. 'Tis the season :) Here are a few of my favorite Pinterest finds to keep your smile bright throughout the studying:

1. These xo gold and pink macarons — beautiful on the plate, but I'd prefer them in my belly. 

2. A beautiful shot of one couple's joy in sharing a moment away from the rest of the world.

3. These best friends are a match made in heaven. Can I have them both?

4. I'd like to think the mess going on in my brain currently is all glitter and sparkle.

And finally...a little reminder from Anna Wintour to be fearless this week:

Anyone else out there studying for finals? How do you prefer to spend your study breaks? I'd love to hear :)

(Photos via Shirlero, Style Me Pretty, Pensees Duchoeur, photo, Heart of the Matter, Who What Wear)

Santa Baby... My own wish list

1. Cheek to Cheek (Amazon) 2. Rose gold midi ring set (Forever 21) 3. Matching pajama set (Aerie) 4. Suede pumps (No longer available — similar style) 5. Monogram coffee mug (Target) 6. MAC lipstick in Heroine (MAC Cosmetics) 7. Blue and gold clutch (Francesca's) 8. Metallic eye mask (kate spade new york) 9. Red shimmer nail polish (Nordstrom) 10. Gold ear cuffs (Shop Bop) 11. Perfect tea steeper (Teavana)

Picking out everything for my gift guide and looking at all the other blogger guides out there gave me some great ideas for my own wish list, so I thought I'd share some of the other things I'm loving right now. It seems like Christmas will be here in a flash, so I need to start getting on top of my own present shopping — but I'm secretly hoping some of these will show up under the tree for me this year, too ;)

Holiday gifts she'll love

With Black Friday only a few days away, I'm sure all of you go-getters are probably ready to start your holiday shopping. So what do you buy for all the special ladies in your life? Gift cards are great, but if you really want to impress them, a thoughtful and personal present is the way to go. In case you're scrambling for creative ideas, I've done a little research to make your life a little bit easier this holiday season.

No matter who you're shopping for or what her style is, these gifts are perfect for a variety of women (I personally think those glitter studs would be a lovely addition to every girl's jewelry box). And the prices range from $2 to $39, so you won't break the bank — you might even have enough extra dough to get a little something for yourself ;)

1. State necklaces (Fifth and Mae) 2. Geometric terrarium (Urban Outfitters) 3. Slippers (Victoria's Secret 4. French print matches (Design Darling) 5. Over-the-knee socks (Forever 21) 6. Astrology candle (Anthropologie) 7. Elephant hook (Francesca's) 8. Gwen Stefani nail polish set (Ulta) 9. USB wall charger (Urban Outfitters) 10. Today notepad (Anthropologie) 11. Minimalist rings (Fifth and Mae) 12. Glass water bottle (Amazon) 13. Birdcage candle holder (Target) 14. Fashion bobby pins (Anthropologie) 15. Kate Spade glitter studs (Nordstrom) 16. Wool blend baseball hat (Express)

Do you have any favorites on this list? What items would you add? Leave your comments in the section below... I'd love to hear :)

9 movies for a rainy (or sick) day

Rain seemed to be the theme of 2014 here in Central Iowa for a while. And even though it's been relatively dry for the last week or so, it's still cloudy and chilly — aka, Perfect Movie Marathon Weather.

Plus, I've been sick for the last week so laying on the couch watching movies in my pajamas sounds like heaven to me, regardless of the weather. Here are my marathon picks, with a variety of genres for every taste.

About strong women

In the last year, I started to recognize that there is one key element that will likely determine whether or not I like a book, and it is the Strong Female Lead.

There are two types of Female Leads: those who make the changes, and those who wait for changes.

I admired the Strong Female Leads who could get through a bad situation on their own, and I was annoyed with the women who let work, men, life or other women destroy them (both in fiction and non-fiction).

And I didn't just feel this way about books; I looked for the same characteristics in the women I watched in movies and TV shows, and in real life. I realized I couldn't stand the women who just sit down and take the crap dished out to them, the women who have no fight in them and little ambition.

That's why I was annoyed for most of the beginning of Wild by Cheryl Strayed. It's a memoir about how she let her life fall apart after the death of her mother and then set out on an 1,100-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail to figure it out. She had basically given up — and I wanted to do the same with the book. But I wouldn't let myself, and I'm happy I didn't because by the end of the book, she had become an incredibly strong woman. It was her real-life journey from a fragile woman to a Strong Female Lead.

Now that I've figured it out, the way I select books has changed as much as the way I read them. That's why I finally joined the party and bought Tina Fey's Bossypants. I'm a huge Tina Fey fan, and it's easy to see she's the type of person who makes things happen for herself (she did create her own award-winning sitcom), which is why I wanted to read about her life from her perspective. It's a short, easy read and not what I expected, but it's funny and honest and definitely makes you think.

And I can't wait to read Amy Poehler's new book, Yes Please, which comes out tomorrow(!). Much like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler is hilarious and awesome, and she clearly doesn't let anyone or anything stand in the way of her own success. I'm excited to learn about Poehler from her own perspective.

(Image via Word and Film)

Wandering the web: a new series

What are your plans for the weekend? I'm heading out for a girls' trip to Kansas City with a couple of my wonderful friends. We're renting a small place on airbnb, and we'll probably do a little shopping, sight seeing and lounging. It'll be so nice to get away for a few days. Hope you enjoy your weekend, and here a few of my favorite things from around the web:

1. Birdman, starring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Zach Galifianakis, came out last weekend and I really want to see it. But, sadly, so far there are no showings in Iowa. (Vulture)

2. These "punny" flower bouquets would be an adorable gift. As well as the DIY book that features them. (A Cup of Jo)

3. I adore these black peep toe booties. So perfect for fall. (Somewhere, Lately)

4. Gold playing cards would be an adorable coffee table accessory, and they'd be a perfect stocking-stuffer for Christmas! (Anthropologie)

5. How cute are these high-fashion pumpkins? Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington are my favorites. (Domaine)

6. I took this Ben Affleck butt-chin quiz the other day and my results were embarrassingly good. But I don't get tired of looking at him. (Vulture)

Decorative pillows

I've never been much for extra pillows, because it seems like more work to make the bed, which I already don't take enough time to do. But I'm loving the look of one or two decorative pillows with bold prints and patterns. These are a few of my current favorites: 

As you probably noticed, they're all neutral colors. Like much of my wardrobe. Stay true to you, right?

What do you think? Do you decorate with pillows? What are some of your favorites? I'd love to hear!

(Photos via Sugar and Cloth, Joss & Main, Luvocracy, Anthropologie and Etsy)

Statement necklaces

I've been looking for a clear-stoned statement necklace for a while, but haven't been able to find anything I really loved. Until I saw this one. I was immediately drawn to it — it has just the right amount of sparkle without being super-huge and costume-y. Isn't it beautiful?

I love the gold rings and details between the stones. And... Francesca's just happened to be having a buy-one-get-one half-off sale that day, so...

I had to get this one too. I love cobalt blue, and the yellow/green details make it so fun. I've already worn them both and received big compliments.

Fashion bonus: The clear stones look great with a red lip and a chambray, and a bright pink lip made the colorful neons even more fun with a simple black top.

Neither of these were on the website, but this one is similar to the clear stone, and this one is a pretty blue alternative. And here's a pretty one with flowers and an elegant red option.

Better responses to "How are you?"

How was your weekend? 

Was "so busy" the first response to pop into your head? I found this on the web the other day and was struck by how accurate it is. Far too often, when I ask people this question their answer is something similar — and I'm often guilty of the same thing. 

That dialogue gets repetitive, and it often leads to a string of negativity when talking about endless to-do lists and hectic schedules. Sure, we all have them, but why not be more creative (and positive)? Even the last one is a better way to describe a long, crazy day.

I'm going to try to start answering this question with anything other than the predictable "so busy." It's an easy way to make a conversation longer and more engaging between both people. 

So. How are you? :)

(Image via Jenn Gietzen)

New scarves

I have a slight obsession with scarves, and I've been looking all over for new styles and prints to add to my collection. Neutral colors are a big part of my personal stylebook this year. Adam likes to make fun of the fact that every time I buy something new it's usually black, white or gray. But they just look so classic! And they go with everything, so I can add statement earrings, bold lipstick or fun shoes for a pop of color.

But for scarves, I want more neutral blacks and whites to wear with my green military jacket and lipsticks. I can't help it — winter just seems like a time for neutral color palettes. So I did a little online browsing the other day and found a few beautiful options.

From Express: black glitter | geometric coral | black and white aztec

From Forever 21: green plaid | blue paisley | gray stripes

Even though I chose regular long scarves here, I should also say that infinity scarves are my absolute favorite because of their convenience and effortless wearability. I have this snake print scarf from Express in a tan and gold print and love it, and this coral scarf with gold flakes from Francesca's is also pretty.

Where do you shop for scarves?

Dancing with the Stars

Do any of you watch Dancing with the Stars at all? Did you see last night's Most Memorable Year episode? If not, stop what you're doing and go watch it now.

It. Was. Beautiful.

Jonathan Bennett (aka Aaron Samuels) paid a tribute to Mean Girls and dedicated it to his parents, who both passed away within the last two years. Betsey Johnson (the adorable and sweeter-than-sugar fashion designer) talked about her daughter. Tommy Chong (remember Leo from That's 70s Show?) even talked about the year he went to prison.

But one that really hit me was when Bethany Mota (of YouTube fame) performed to Colbie Caillat's "Try" and told the story of how she was bullied as a young teen. Most of the stories were very emotional, but this one seemed to be extremely relevant to society right now. Colbie Caillat sang live and the Bethany and Derek performed in front of a backdrop of hurtful and then inspirational words to tell the story. It was just beautiful.

The whole episode was an emotional roller coaster. The most exciting part for me (although I'm pretty sure most of America would agree) was Alfonso Ribeiro —finally — bringing back The Carlton. I've been waiting since his name was announced on the cast list, and I thought I'd have to wait for the freestyle portion of the finals to see it. But he knows what the fans want. Honestly, he could probably win the whole show if he just sneaks that into every routine.

Oh, and Sadie Robertson did a stellar duck-themed performance (feathers included) involving her family and the cast of Duck Dynasty — and lots of fake beards.

(Photo via ABC7)

Fall reading list

Fall and winter are the best time for reading, don't you think? Summer reading outside in the sun is great, but when it's cold all I want to do is curl up in a big sweatshirt, drink green tea and read all the books I can find. (And that's usually not hard because my sister is an English teacher.)

Right now I'm having a hard time fitting in any time for fun reading between work and classes, but I just started Tina Fey's Bossypants (wonderful so far), and I have several more to read on my Kindle.

The Goldfinch has been on my list for a while, but I think it will be a great one for Thanksgiving break. I started reading the first couple chapters at the beginning of the semester, but I just couldn't concentrate, and I can tell it's a book worth focusing on. (I mean, it did win a Pulitzer.)

Also on my list is Madame Bovary for a little historical drama, and Eleanor and Park because my sister raved about it.

Are you reading any good books right now?

(Photo via Buzzfeed)

How to Get Away With Murder

Have you guys seen How to Get Away With Murder? Even if you didn't watch the premier last Thursday, I'm sure you've seen the previews or read about it in the news. It's made quite a splash on the entertainment scene already...

The show got a rolling start thanks, in part, to having Shonda Rhimes' name in the credits. She's the executive producer, and she's also the creator and writer of Scandal and Grey's Anatomy.

Rhimes is clearly doing her job(s) right, because every one of her shows is a major hit, but some people have taken some issue with her.

A couple weeks ago, The New York Times published an article in which the opening line is, "When Shonda Rhimes writes her autobiography, it should be called 'How to Get Away With Being an Angry Black Woman.'" Vulture didn't waste time in calling out the "racist" and "inaccurate" statements made in the article.

And I have to agree: Just because Rhimes is really good at writing (sometimes) angry female leads doesn't make her the same. Oh, and she isn't even the creator of Murder. That's Peter Nowalk. Vulture dissected several paragraphs in the article, and it's a really interesting read.

And as for How to Get Away With Murder...

Nowalk hit it out of the park. It's enticing and shrouded in mystery and gasp-worthy foreshadowing. And Viola Davis just nailed it. She's proven her talent for intensity before, but she takes it to a whole new level as the rockstar defense attorney/adored law professor who terrifies every student sitting in her classroom.

In short, it might just take priority over Thursday Night Football in my house.

(Image via The Daily Beast and HitFix)

Fall is finally upon us

There are so many reasons fall is my favorite season. Memories of picking pumpkins at my uncle's pumpkin patch, looking for the crunchiest leaves to stomp on the sidewalk, opening the tub of sweaters and scarves I've been hiding all summer, eating far too much candy corn...

This year I'm looking forward to those, plus a few more old favorites (hot tea, football, ankle boots, and dark lipsticks), and a few new things I hope to do (picking and stomping grapes at a local vineyard and discovering all the fun cool-weather things to do in Des Moines). 

Oh, and enjoying a good campfire in the crisp fall air if I can convince my dad to bring out his new fire pit before it gets too cold :)

This checklist would be a fun way to spend the season:

What are you looking forward to this fall? 

(Images via Pinterest and A Subtle Revelry)