A Day at the Beach

romper: Anthropologie. sweater: Banana Republic. shoes: J. Crew. bag: Coach. hat: J.Crew. sunnies: Karen Walker. watch: Michael Kors. jewels: David Yurman. nails: Butter London "Cotton Buds".

Over the weekend, on the way home from a family BBQ, the boyfriend and I stopped at the beach for a slice of pizza and to relax a bit before starting a new week. He (obviously) got bored after 10 minutes of being there, but I could sit and listen to the waves crash on the shore for hours and hours. What do you do to unwind?

xo, Steph :)

Neon

top: Rory Becca. skirt: J. Crew (on sale!!). shoes: Zara (old). bag: Kate Spade (old, similar here and here). sunnies: Karen Walker. hair bow: DIY. watch: Michael Kors. jewels: David Yurman, Tiffany & Co. lips: Nars "Priscilla". nails: Butter London "Cotton Buds". 

I love the way I feel when I'm wearing cheerful colors (especially pinks)! Sometimes when I'm having a rough day I'll put on my brightest brights, grab an iced coffee and just sit in the park soaking up the sunshine. What are your "blue day" remedies?

xo, Steph :)

:: Weekend Wrap ::

sunnies: Karen Walker, Ray Ban.

elephant ring: Mint Julep. outfit details coming soon! 

shoes: J. Crew (extra 40% off final sale items!). outfit details coming soon!

My weekend consisted of a very rainy 4th, Saturday morning brunch and boutique shopping, followed by happy hour in the park, a Sunday afternoon family cookout and a quick trip to the beach! How did you spend your holiday weekend?

xo, Steph :)

Follow me on Instagram @stephkward

Best of :: July 4th Sales

Red, white and blue outfit pictured above --> last seen here.

I love every opportunity to score a great deal and save a little money … below are some of the best Fourth of July sales going on now!

Happy savings and happy Fourth! xo, Stephene :)

Anthropologie // Extra 20% OFF sale items 

DATE: Ends July 7

Code: BUZZ20 

Banana Republic // 40% off online and in stores. 

DATE: Ends July 7

CODE: BRJULY

BaubleBar // Recieve $10 Off orders of $30+. 

DATE: July 3 – July 6

Code: JULYRS

Cole Haan // Take an additional 30% off sale 

DATE: Ends July 7

CODE: AMERICA

Designs By Stephene // 20% off sitewide 

DATE: Through July 4

CODE: JULY4 

Dolce Vita // EXTRA 30% off all shoes, clothing, and sale 

CODE: FIREWORKS14 

DVF // Additional 40% off sale items 

DATE: Ends July 7

CODE: JULY40

Gap// Up to 60% off in stores and online

Intermix // Additional 40% off of sale. 

DATE: Ends July 10

J. Crew // 40% off Final Sale 

DATE: July 3 – 8

CODE: SHOPMORE

James Perse // Up to 65% off. free ground shipping with $100 purchase

DATE: Ends JULY 20  

CODE: SUMMERFREE2014

Max & Chloe // Save 20% off site wide 

CODE: JULY4

ModCloth // 50% Off 

DATE: Ends July 14

otte ny // Extra 60% off all already reduced price merchandise 

DATE: Ends July 3

CODE: HAPPY4TH

Piperlime // Up to 50% off 150+ summer styles

Rebecca Taylor // Get an extra 40% off all sale 

CODE: RT14JULY40

Sole Society // 60% off select styles 

DATE: Ends July 4

Zulily // Blowout sale up to 80% off

Double Dot

< one > dress: Karen Walker. shoes: Zara (old, similar here). bag: Coach. sunnies: Karen Walker. monogram necklace: Max & Chloe. pearls: vintage (similar). watch: Michael Kors. jewels: David Yurman, J.Crew, ASOS. lips: Stila "Fiery".

< two > top, pants and shoes: J.Crew. bag: Coach. sunnies: Karen Walker. necklace: J.Crew. watch: Michael Kors. jewels: David Yurman, ASOS. 

Today I'm tackling polka dots! For some unknown reason polka dots carry a certain stigma (that they belong on toddlers). Well I am here to show you that not only can polka dots be flirty and feminine, they can also look polished and modern. To avoid looking like you're headed to a birthday party with a bouncy house, go for neutral colors (white, black, navy, grey, chambray) and ensure all of your dots on a single piece are the same color! I'd love to see your take on polka dots!

xo, Steph :)

Picnic Date

top: St. James. shorts: J.Crew (old). belt: Nordstrom. shoes: J.Crew. hat: J.Crew. sunnies: Karen Walker "Super Duper". monogram necklace: Max & Chloe. pearl necklace: vintage (similar). watch: Michael Kors. jewels: David Yurman. lips: Stila "Fiery". nails: Butter London "Macbeth". canvas bag: Land's End. wicker wine basket: Homegoods (loving this one).

Over the weekend, the boyfriend surprised me with a picnic date in the park (complete with new wine basket)! It was so relaxing just sipping on a glass of wine, feeling the summer breeze blowing and chatting about life. What are your favorite day date activities?

xo, Steph :)