glittery gold sperries

I first fell for Sperry boat shoes after spending time at a gorgeous marina in Sturgeon Bay the last few summers. Maybe it was all the pristine white boats... the perfect summer sun... the wine at sunset - either way, I have to admit I'm smitten with the entire lifestyle. It's like I've found my vacation-style calling. Here's where my mind wanders:

sperries • collage • boat 1 & 2

choose happiness

Lately my life has involved a lot of inner dialogue that goes something like this: “breathe Christina… breeeeeeathe… deeeeep breaths.” I know deep down things will eventually be fine and I DO realize things could be worse, but it’s hard not to get caught up in the roller coaster of emotions that’s involved with divorce. Sketching and reading positive books/articles/quotes has been a HUGE help. This one below is a pencil sketch I did with my own watercolor incorporated in the background. Hopefully you will find a bit of the serene-sunny-tranquility combination in it that I do.

Victoria's Secret Sugar Scrub

My newest favorite purchase is completely a result of cabin fever and the insanely long winter we've had. Victoria's Secret has walls of intoxicating fragrances and lotions and their Lemon Sugar & Coconut Body Scrub is a perfect mix of sweet lemon and perfectly subtle coconut.  And how freakin' pretty is that packaging?!?  I bought the scrub, the lotion and will probably go back for the body spray - if that's any indication of how much I like it. :)

VS lotion (scrub in stores) • collage • destinations

fashion52: photo challenge (31/52)

Although I don't wear these chunky beaded necklaces all that often, they're kind of perfect for a weekend summer outing when I'm feeling kind of chill, bohemian and slightly tropical. :) 

fashion52: photo challenge (27-29/52)

The summer is flying way too fast over here so I'm a bit behind on my weekly fashion photo challenge. Here are my 27, 28 and 29 week photos, featuring my straw hat (Target a few seasons back) and you also get a glimpse of two leather bracelets I bought in a market in Rome in 2010. They're falling apart a little bit but I still love'm. 

Hope you all are having an incredible summer! :)

fashion52: photo challenge (25-26/52)

We were completely spoiled this 4th of July. We were invited to stay on my in-law's gorgeous boat for four days in Door County, Wisconsin. There was swimming, snorkeling, pier jumping, grilling out, dinner's outside, wine and gorgeous sunsets. In a nutshell: heaven. Because I spent 90% of my waking hours in swimsuits, I thought I'd take a couple shots for my fashion challenge this week.  

RoXy bikini in an adorable tiny floral print

Loving all things Nautical ! Striped bottoms from Victoria's Secret (not avail online). Navy Polka Dots bottoms from Target.

A view from the Pier while in Sister Bay

fashion52: photo challenge (23/52)

Having a painfully long winter and rainy spring has made the recent warm weather all the more sweet. We've been taking full advantage by grilling out, going for bike rides with the boys and hangin' out on the deck. 

On the fashion side of it, I have a couple pair of jeans that are pretty much, solely summer jeans.. they're insanely soft, worn-in just right, and have a decent flare that really only looks right with flip flops or barefoot. Sometimes it doesn't get much better than comfy jeans, sunshine and hanging out on the grass with friends and family. :) 

white linen love

My apologies for posting so many warm-weather inspirations when we're still trudging through the slush up here. When I sit down to sketch or design - that's just where my head goes these days. *guilty shrug & smile * :) 

Something about white linen anything... that is just the epitome of sophisticated summer ease. A blouse at AmericanEagle caught my eye the other day (see #1 below). It's a little more bohemian with billowy 3/4 sleeves and also super playful with a polka dot detail. Just.plain.CUTE. Might have to be mine very very soon :).

1.AE eyelit top  2.Boden style  3.Top worn by SincerelyJules  4.Another favorite from Pinterest

fashion52: photo challenge (5/52)

For as long as I can remember, I've collected, collaged, sketched and listed all my fashion wants and inspirations. I now have numerous binders and sketchbooks filled – creating my own personal fashion library of sorts. When I'm in a fashion rut, I dig them out, flip through and soak up the styles. :) 

surfer girl style

There's no denying that I'm dying to try surfing. I may be a pale, Wisconsin resident, mother of two that has never set foot on a surf board. I may be really REALLY bad at it and it JUST may be at the top of the list for super cliché things to have on your bucket list. BUT. I don't care. I want to surf :) 

And whiiille I'm there, I want to live barefoot, for a week minimum, on the beach, cutting up fresh fruit for my family, lounging on the front porch of a little beach cabin, reading books and magazines. And then when we're rested up again, grab our boards and head back into the water...  Not that I've ever thought about this before... no, nah, never ;)

Anyways, back to the point, here's some surfer-girl inspirations and styles that keep me going.

RoXy

1. Surf T   2. Roxy Bikini & Shorts  3. Victoria's Secret Open Back Dress
4. Victoria's Secret Bikini (no longer available)  5. Doutzen Kroes gorgeous sunhat
6. Volcom Look Out Sandals  7. Multi-bracelets (no longer available)

Blue Crush (trailer)

Surf Hawaii

Here's my surfer girl (post shred;) illustration and also my very first attempt using a Wacom Tablet. Lots of fun to use and excited to try it out more.