My Fav Color...

Blouse: American Eagle via TJMaxx, similar here and tunic style here | Jeans: BCBG, craving these for fall | Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger | Clutch: old, similar here ($26!!) and love this | Necklace: J.Crew Factory | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: kate spade, Charming Charlie (similar) | Sunnies: Ray-Ban | Lips: MAC - Happy Go Lucky

I love a good peplum blouse! Magenta seems to be a color that goes with everything, especially during the summer when I have a tan (ok not really - I'm getting a little help from Jergens). I recently invested in a MAC lipstick called "Happy Go Lucky", and it matches this blouse quite nicely. If you've ever seen the lipstick "Candy Yum Yum", it's a lot like it color-wise, but "Happy Go Lucky" is creamier and has a little bit of shine when you put it on (Candy Yum Yum is a matte lipstick). For hot-pink lips, I also LOVE Stila in Fiore. 

Hope you all have some fun weekend plans! I'm headed to an outdoor country concert with some girlfriends.. yeehaw! :)

Reflecting..

Cardigan: Maurices, similar here and here | Tank: old, similar here | Leggings: J.Crew Factory | Booties: Maurices, similar here and here | Sunnies: Amazon, real deals here | Necklace: Francesca's, similar here and love this | Bracelet: kate spade, stella & dot | Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #7

You know when you sometimes just have a moment? Like when you start to feel defeated? This weekend I had one of those moments. For reasons that I don't feel the need to explain, I started to doubt myself. It's easy to get caught up in other people's successes and forget all the steps you are making in your own life. Although I try to keep a positive front, I too have my moments where I loose confidence in my own abilities. I start to compare myself to others and only focus on unfortunate circumstances or people who take advantage of my politeness. Blogging is a passion of mine and it's something that I love to do, but somehow along the way, my blog has also turned into a source of occasional stress and self-doubt. Until I read comments from my readers. 

I don't think I could ever express enough gratitude to the people who read my blog and leave positive and encouraging notes in the comments/my Facebook/Instagram/etc. These words of encouragement mean so much to me and they honestly keep this blog going! I state in my "About Me" page how I hope to encourage positive self-esteem, and it's time I take my own advice! So instead of doing a made-up, glamorous outfit post, I decided to take a more laid-back approach with this outfit. I dressed for what mood I was in and how I was feeling, and I definitely didn't feel like doing my hair!! When I took the pictures and reflected on my look, I realized I felt so much better about myself because I didn't put too much pressure on myself to look picture perfect, but more importantly, I dressed just to feel good! It's astonishing (and awesome) how dressing for yourself can make you feel so great!

By The Lake...

Dress: J.Crew Factory | Sandals: Target | Necklace: old, similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: kate spade | Sunnies: Amazon, real deals here | Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte #7

I'm starting to think I should change the name of my blog to "Libby by the Lake" considering all of my photos have been taken by the water! It makes for the perfect backdrop :)

How was everyone's Fourth of July?? I spent the day cleaning for a party during the day, but I had a blast enjoying the beautiful weather with friends later in the night. I actually wore this dress to a party earlier in the week with bright red lips to give it a more patriotic look! This dress is so comfortable, and it's a great length making it work-appropriate. It's on sale now on J.Crew Factory's website! 

Maxi..

Skirt: Vanity c/o | Sweater: Forever 21 | Purse: old, similar here | Sandals: Target | Sunnies: Target | Earrings: J.Crew Factory, similar here | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: kate spade, old (similar here), Stella and Dot | Lips: Bare Minerals Jack of All Trades - Baby Doll

This weather is a liiiiiiitle crazy here in NW Iowa. On Monday it was pushing 90 degrees and the humidity was out of control. Yesterday, however - much different. Tuesday's high was maybe 65 degrees? I'm can't complain though; I've been experiencing horrible sinus pressure from the humidity so I'm thankful for the break, and I can actually wear this adorable skirt from Vanity that's been sitting in my closet for the last couple days. I don't own a lot of chevron, so when I got this beauty in the mail I was so excited to try it on! What I love most about it is how there are (tasteful) slits on each side so I'm don't feel like I'm tripping over the skirt when I walk. It definitely helped keep me warm while I was on the dock! 

I have a lot of fun work events coming up that I'm hoping to share with you all on my blog. I'm definitely busy at work and I would love to share with you all my professional side, so stay tuned! :)