Summer Essentials: Places

Summer doesn't feel like it's upon you until you've been somewhere that reminds you of past summers.  These are some of the places that give me that summertime feeling.

1.  A place with a view.  Okay, so I've never been to Santorini, but looking out over a lake, across a mountain, or even at a sparkling blue pool puts me in summer-mode.  {Image via Cris on flickr}

2.  A bright sunny room.  When the sunlight is pouring into my house, it just gives me a cozy, refreshed feeling.  How would you like to wake up everyday and get dressed in a closet with its own window?  I would love that!  {Image via Newlywed Diaries}

3.  A front porch.  With two porch swings.  If I had this porch, I would never leave it.  {Image via Shelter}

4.  A passageway.  Especially a sandy one like this bordered with sea oats leading to an endless east coast ocean.  {Image via myself}

Summer Essentials: Photos

There is something about seeing the perfect summery photograph that just puts you in that summer-state-of-mind.  It makes me want to be out on that dock dipping my toes into the water, or run out on the sand in the sun.  Today's summer essentials aren't just photographs, but a state-of-mind.  I hope these pictures inspire you to kick off your flip flops, run through the grass, and catch some fireflies in a mason jar.

{Images courtesy of Black Eiffel, Aubrey Road, Bottom of the Ironing Basket, Walking Around, Sacramento Street, & The Neotraditionalist}

Summer Essentials: Style

This summer's style has been full of fun florals, bright prints, and flirty ruffles.  Here are a few key pieces that can be combined with anything to be worn over and over again this summer, no matter what the occasion.

1.  Plum Pretty Tunic in Silk Road Sweet on Etsy, $98
2. Steve Madden Fauntain Wedges in Blush, $60 (I mean come on, a nude shoe, peep toe, and wedge heel all in one!)
3.  OPI Nail Lacquer in Tropical Punch, $8
4.  Aldo Anagnos Sandals in Silver, $40
5.  Kate Spade Jocelyn Sunglasses, $138
6. Victoria's Secret Printed Short Romper in Dark Blue Print, $49

Summer Essentials: Totes

Summer is full of lazy days, week-long vacations, gatherings with friends and family, and spontaneous trips.  This week I'll be featuring a post-a-day on summer essentials, the things you need (or maybe just want) to have along with you for the summer.  To kick off the Summer Essential Series, I figured I'd start with cute bags and totes.  Every girl needs a fun bag to throw her tanning oil and sunglasses in right?

1.  Sperry Topsider Sailcloth Tote Medium, $150
2.  Kate Spade Garden Grove Marguerite, $545
3.  Old Navy Printed Canvas Hobo in Navy, $18
4.  Vera Bradley Gabby Tote in Hello Dahlia, $48
5.  Target Merona Collection Linen Large Hobo in Silver, $37

Image Board: Tropical

Hibiscus flowers, palm trees, and sun light off the water washing up to your feet.  What a perfect mood to inspire an image board.  I hope this tropical eye candy takes you away to somewhere cool and breezy.

{Images courtesy of Paul Johnson Photography, Style Me Pretty, & Unknown}

Image Board: American Honey

If you haven't heard Lady Antebellum's song, American Honey, you have not experienced summer yet.  The music video is a great visual representation of the song-clotheslines, dirt roads, and rope swings to bring you back to a sweet summer in the country.  It inspired me to create a wedding image board...and it has turned out to be my favorite montage yet.  I'd be content forever if my wedding is anything like this and can create a mood this simple and sweet.

{Images courtesy of Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings Magazine and Snippet & Ink} 

Beachy Blogs

Is it time for vacation yet?  I hope everyone had a great 4th, but I know getting back into the swing of things is so tough.  On extremely hot days like today, all I long for is getting away from the busy city bustle and heading to the beach.  A dip in the ocean and a walk along the boardwalk would be amazing.  I thought I'd share some of my favorite beachy blogs with you, as well as some photos from these blogs of some things I'd love to see on my stroll down the boardwalk.

For more refreshing beach breezes, check out these blogs:

Sea Laura

Completely Coastal

Beach House Living

{Montage images courtesy of Beach House Living}