this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

Project Abode

• A creative Harry Potter nursery from Project Abode.
• Calming nautical nursery inspiration from A Lovely Lark.
• A fun wedding with lush florals from Melissa Oholendt.
• From Style Me Pretty, a fresh, colorful farm wedding.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Cross Cards, Elizabeth Graeber, Uppercase.
• These Lunar New Year mugs are a perfect little gift.
• My Modern Met rounds up kids' books about artists.
• Cute printable unicorn valentines from Lia Griffith!

FLASHBACK.

• 2016: 80's-inspired pins, blog loves, and fave fictional galentines.
• 2015: a Pin-spired outfit and a letter to my younger self for the Circle.
• 2014: faves for February, lessons from 2013, and details from Sochi.
• 2013: Ideas for a V-Day girls night in.
• 2012: my first ever round-up of blog loves.

Pinspiration: Labor Day Weekend Style

Labor Day is next Monday, and I'm already thinking about what to do with my Monday off work - I'm hoping for an invitation to the lake, but staying home, turning on the grill, and watching Norma Rae again also seems like a good option. We've been in school for three weeks already and this teacher is exhausted.

What are your plans for Labor Day?

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• This is my last real week of unstructured summer freedom - although I do plan to spend some time at my new school setting up my new classroom, I don't have any actual work meetings or appointments, and I've even got a Charlottesville day planned with my college fellowship sisters. I had this song on my head all weekend and couldn't figure out the title, but knew it had to be Jess Glynne - her powerhouse voice and slightly retro pop style are just unmistakable. Have a great week, y'all!

SWOON.

• An elegant, colorful Napa Valley wedding from KT Merry.
• The Nichols shared a very romantic Barr Mansion wedding.
• A gorgeous Thailand destination wedding from Ryan Ray.
• At Style Me Pretty, a classically nautical wedding in Maine.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Geninne, Paper Squid, Every Tuesday.
• Book Riot's reading plans for dealing with a tough world.
• Korean trend I kinda love: bracelet-inspired nail art.
• Some tips on ethical Stitch Fix shopping from Molly.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: boho tassels on everything, preppy navy wedding inspiration, IG accounts to follow, and my fave fictional vehicles for #5FandomFriday.
• 2014: my personal highs and lows, gear that motivates me to stay active, how I handle traveling with family, and my summer in entertainment.
• 2013: wardrobe and entertaining ideas for casual bridal showers, a peek at our ideas for my BFF's rustic wedding, our Mason jar shower invitations and DIY decor, the food and drinks, and the games we played.
• 2012: Micah shared a DIY dresser makeover, and I researched the origins of "Christmas in July" and geeked out about the London Olympics.
• 2011: Mr. Q's coworkers threw us a sweet bridal shower.  

clicks of note. happy labor day!

get your week off to a colorful start...

SWOON.

Erin McGinn Boutique Photography

• Bridal Musings spotlights Aria's romantic wedding gowns.
• This preppy, nautical engagement shoot from Erin McGinn.
• How cool is this CBS Hollywood backlot wedding from GWS?
• Peridot Weddings planned this lively farm to table wedding.

SMILE.

• Brides to be: cocktail hour tips from Bridal Musings.
• Cup of Jo's piece on parenting in Kenya was so interesting.
• House of Lars' Dress the Rainbow is such a beautiful idea.
• A pink Shibori dye how-to. It was only a matter of time.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year, I recapped my late summer in entertainment, shared a Sunday Social all about my favorites,
• Two years ago, I rounded up graphic black and white pieces for fall and inspiration for a Jane Austen inspired garden wedding, recapped my summer in entertainment, and blurbed the fall 2013 shows I was looking forward to.
• Three years ago, I shared our wedding's thrifted touches, rounded up modern terrariums from around the web and more geometric accessories, and joined an Instagram challenge for book lovers. 
• Four years ago, I shared more of our wedding's handcrafted details, a peek at the girls getting ready at the salon, and what the guys were up to.

sunday simplicity.

KT Merry Photography via Snippet and Ink

sunday simplicity.

Peaches and Mint via Hey Wedding Lady

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not 

what ships are built for." - John A. Shedd

clicks of note: hold me up to the light

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• Vance Joy, aka James Keogh, is getting a lot of well-deserved attention this summer for "Riptide," but I am loving the songs from his newer album, Dream Your Life Away. My favorite song right now is "Who Am I," which is just so sweet (and contains a sly W.B. Yeats reference). I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Tracey Ayton Photography via Monika Hibbs

• Love the beachy feel of this home by Monika Hibbs.
• Beautiful photos from the Swedish Royal wedding.
• Southern Weddings features a romantic Florida fete.
• Drooling over this Berkshires wedding from SMP.

SMILE.

• Happy National Week of Making, now that I know about it.
• June desktops from Kate Spade, Paper Leaf, Salt, and TLB.
• Can you ace BuzzFeed's quiz full of Breakfast Club quotes?
• If we owned our townhouse I would do this to the closets.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared my summer favorites for Sunday Social, checked in with Literary Junkies, created my ideal summer camp packing list, rounded up my Instagram faves, recapped my early summer in entertainment.
• Two years ago, I joined Bloglovin' and featured a sunny yellow Sunday Simplicity.
• Three years ago I put together an Instagram round-up from my small town life, inspiration for a library-themed wedding, and Scottish wedding ideas inspired by Brave.  
• Four years ago, I shared our plans for a sparkler send-off and reception sweetheart table.

clicks of note: if you truly wish to be...

get your week off to a colorful start...
WATCH.

• I don't care how stressed out I am, the Muppets will always make me smile. This video has me wishing the powers that be had chosen Josh Groban to play Willy Wonka instead of creepy Johnny Depp. Linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

• China pattern fans rejoice: the new White House set.
• Are you loving the brass kitchen hardware trend too?
• SMP features this elegant multicultural wedding.
• At SW, a creative, beautiful equestrian center soiree.

SMILE.

• Desktops from Card Store and Going Home to Roost.
• If I ever start my own school it will have rainbow stairs.
• How cute is Lia Griffith's jellyfish beach party garland?
• Beautiful paintings inspired by Searching for Sunday.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I shared a TV flashback themed Sunday Social post, rounded up lemon yellow picks (including my favorite scent) and inspiration for a rustic lemon wedding, and shared a typical day in my life as a teacher.
• Two years ago I shared my past and made predictions about my future.

wedding inspiration: fresh escort cards and seating charts for spring

As longtime readers have no doubt gathered, one of the wedding details I continue to totally geek out about three years after my own wedding are paper goods - save-the-dates, invitations, programs, guestbooks, thank you notes, and other little details that go a long way to set the tone of the day - whether they're actually made of paper or not! Here are some fresh ideas from around the world that are so much better than yet another folded paper card.

One Love Photography via Ruffled | Landon Jacob via Southern Weddings

These modern DIY details have a very West Elm feel to them -- and how adorable are those mini clothespins?

Sweetwater Portraits

This is such a cute idea for a destination or travel-themed wedding, and the possibilities are endless - match any kind of scrapbook paper with any shape! In this case, birds were the perfect touch for a wedding at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in Pennsylvania.

Henry + Mac via Style Me Pretty | Brooke Courtney Photography via Style Me Pretty

Whimsical gold touches make these classic escort cards stand out.

Ray Kang via Southern Weddings

This seating chart made with metal ceiling tiles is DIY heaven!

Brian Dorsey Studios via Southern Weddings

The perfect summer escort card display, complete with a nautical map, flags, and lanterns!

Redfield Photography via Wedding Chicks | Braedon Photography via Grey Likes Weddings

Seriously digging both of these romantic ideas.

sunday simplicity

Lea-Ann Belter Bridal via Swooned

How beautiful the day that is graced by love.

—Gwen Faulkenberry

clicks of note: light me up like a bottle rocket...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• Gloriana's "Wild at Heart" is one of my favorite summer songs - I can't resist that chorus.  I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Natalie Franke Photography via Style Me Pretty

• I'm really into blue and gold right now, so I loved Design Improvised's bedroom.
• Ruffled features an elegant Old World wedding that was also a 30th birthday party!
• Southern Weddings features a classic wedding in Asheville - love the bride's dress.
• Loving everything about this glam nautical inspiration shoot from Style Me Pretty.

SMILE.

• This whalecome mat from At Home In Love is the cutest DIY!
• Floral monogram = easy way to add some color to your decor.
• This week's Summer Style Soiree is inspired by Jackie Kennedy.
• Would you wear these new Star Wars themed Vans sneakers?

FLASHBACK.

• Last year, I joined Bloglovin' and featured a sunny yellow Sunday Simplicity.
• Two years ago I put together an Instagram round-up from my small town life, inspiration for a library-themed wedding, and Scottish wedding ideas inspired by Brave.  
• Three years ago, I shared our plans for a sparkler send-off and reception sweetheart table.

sunday simplicity

Half Orange Photography via 100 Layer Cake

"And think not that you can direct the course of love, 

for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course."

-Khalil Gibran

inspiration for a coral and teal summer wedding

One thing you should probably know about me is that I love a challenge.  I am most productive when I have several projects going on at once, and most creative when I am faced with an unusual task.  Since I've highlighted teal and coral in my fashion and style posts this month, I challenged myself to gather inspiration for a classy and lovely coral and teal summer wedding.  This was actually the color scheme for the first wedding I was ever a bridesmaid in, but these are tricky colors to work with together because when they're used in heavy doses or overly saturated, a wedding can stray into The Little Mermaid territory.  I wondered, could I find inspiration for a wedding that was beachy in coral and teal without being tacky?  I think I did.

Save The Date from My Publisher

Teal is a classic wedding color for good reason - it's fresh, calming, and elegant.  

It doesn't hurt that teal and white together evokes images of little blue ring boxes...

NOTE:  If you'd like to add any of the images from this post to your Pinterest boards, please click the link below the image and pin from the source so the creators get credit for their work!

Ring Shot from Katelyn James Photography

Necklace from SimplyBrieDesigns on Etsy

clicks of note: we can take our time...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• If you're looking for some funk to start your day, here's "Steady Pace" from Richmond's Matthew E. White.  Serious 70's vibes, in the best way.  I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

SWOON.

Evan G. Cooper

• Evan G. Cooper's nautical styled wedding shoot is full of quirky details like a paddle guestbook.
• Crafty Pie lets planning brides know just what to include on invitations and RSVP cards.
• This rustic Austin engagement session featured on Inspired by This made me smile (cute dogs!).
• Style Me Pretty features a Denver wedding that exemplifies pure elegance.

SMILE.

• Alana Jones-Mann has created the cutest cactus cupcakes.  Er mah gerd.
• Anthropologie shares honeymoon/travel wardrobe ideas.
• StyleBistro features the future Mrs. Adam Levine's best looks.
• Lollapalooza is this weekend in Chicago.  Rock on!

FLASHBACK.

• Two years ago, I shared my thoughts on what makes a wedding fun and inspiration for traditional, modern, eclectic, and rustic weddings with a gray and yellow color palette.  Last year, I got to see President Obama speak in Roanoke, my friend Grace's Coptic wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty, and I shared summer and fall wardrobe inspiration in shades of gray.

sunday simplicity #128: in spite of everything...

Autumn and Grace Bridal on Etsy

"She loves me in spite of everything, in spite of myself. She has saved my life 

more than once. She's always been there with her love, and it has certainly 

made me forget the pain for a long time, many times. When it gets dark 

and everybody's gone home and the lights are turned off, it's just me and her.” 

― Johnny Cash

summer style: Independence Day fashion

1. GAP striped tee  2. J. Crew chambray shirt  3. Infinity scarf from GoJane

4. J. Crew shorts  5.  Delia's nail polish in Bright Sapphire  6. FEED USA bracelets from Target

7. GoJane sneakers  8. Old Navy flip-flops  9. Merona tote from Target 10. SheInside dress

Since our family vacation overlaps with Independence Day this year, I'm planning on packing red white and blue items like the ones shown above for easy mixing and matching.  Have y'all heard about FEED USA's collection at Target yet?  For each purchase of the stacking bracelet set shown above, 12 meals will be donated to hungry children through Feed America, our nation's largest hunger-relief charity.  Other items in the collection, which will be in stores on June 30th, range from notepads to bicycles.  You can see Target's FEED USA lookbook here.

clicks of note: autumn sunshine

get your week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• We're loving the new Mumford and Sons album, Babel.  My current favorite song is "Lover of the Light"

SWOON.

Katelyn James Photography

• I think you'll adore this rustic nautical wedding in Maryland with creative details and a DIY bouquet photographed by Katelyn James.
• You've got to check out this barn wedding at 100 Layer Cake with plenty of cowgirl boots, vintage appeal, and a sky-blue wedding gown.
• Purple Wedding of the Week: an intimate California vineyard wedding with an adorable DIY ceremony backdrop at Green Wedding Shoes.
• Snippet and Ink features a backyard South Carolina wedding that is classic, sweet and a little retro.
• Over at Style Me Pretty: a peach and gray Texas inn wedding with chevron table runners and adorable details.

SMILE.

• Cake plate clings are such a good idea- I am a big fan of my white and clear glass cake stands because they are so versatile, but these would give them a little somethin' somethin' for special occasions.  File under "Why didn't I think of that?"  The monogram is my favorite.

MAKE.

• I'm being very slow to get Halloween decorations up this year; I'd like to paint some pumpkins this week - I love this monogrammed one and the candy corn and zigzag versions here.

labor day weekend

Ruffled

Hope it's a great one, darlings.

summer/fall color: coral and peach in home decor

My obsession with peach and coral really knows no bounds.  There are ways to add these colors to every room of your house.  If you're completely attached to color, painting walls or investing in large upholstered pieces can make a huge statement.  If you're less certain that your love of peach and coral isn't just a fling, there are plenty of inexpensive, temporary and DIY ways to add these bright, happy colors to your home.

Midwest Living via Desire to Decorate

Liven up a white kitchen with stools painted a bright coral- this would be an ideal DIY project for a coral lover.  I love the pops of teal from the blue mason jars in the cabinet.

Heath Ceramics via Camille Styles

If coral kitchen furniture is too much of a commitment for you, these bud vases from Heath Ceramics would liven up a windowsill.

spring color: tangerine

According to the color experts at Pantone, the color of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango.  That definitely seems to be the case judging from all the fun orange items popping up in stores.  Even though it's one of my University's colors, I've always thought that I couldn't pull off a lot of orange because I am a pale brunette...

And then I saw this pale brunette looking darling in retro citrus fashion in the Telegraph.

I love this versatile geranium denim skirt from UK retailer Boden.

LOFT's ikat print shorts combine two trends: global prints and warm colors.

J. Crew pairs lemon and tangerine with denim, via Wit & Delight

This ombre pink and tangerine manicure from Cult of Pretty looks doable!

Are you feeling brave enough to rock the tangerine trend this spring?