Happy May Day! How was your weekend? Mine was really nice. On Saturday I had the nicest little night. It started with having my sister, brother-in-law, and cousin over for wine and cheese and turned into five other friends coming over and several bottles of wine being shared amongst a great group. One of my goals with my new apartment is to a) have it always be ready for an impromptu gathering (snacks! games! a stocked wine fridge! a full bar cart!) and b) have it be so comfortable and cozy that friends just want to stop by to say hello – and stay a while. It’s working out pretty well so far. And then on Sunday, my best friend (now upstairs neighbor) and I drove to Prospect Park for Smorgasburg (my first time – so delicious!!!)
Oh also! I watched first 3 episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale – SO GOOD but SO DISTURBING). A few of you had recommended the book on my last reading list… I’m not sure if I will watch the book but I am loving the show so far – just wish that it was all available at once for true bingeing amazingness.
This outfit is pretty much my Springtime uniform. Denim jacket, cute floral dress, and espadrilles (to add a little height without sacrificing comfort). And while I wasn’t initially sure I could pull off these sunglasses (I don’t feel cool enough!), I love them and have been wearing them pretty constantly!
Outfit Details: Madewell Denim Jacket // Rebecca Taylor Dress // BP Sunglasses (only $12!) // Tory Burch Espadrilles // Cult Gaia Bag // Julie Vos Elephant Bracelet (c/o)
While I have you – I’m sorry there were so many sponsored posts last week. I try to keep it to two a week, max… but sometimes that doesn’t happen and every advertiser wants their post to go live at the same time. This usually happens at the end of the month and it throws my editorial calendar into a bit of a tailspin. I had two weeks at the beginning of the month where we didn’t have a single sponsored post… and then last week there were three. It goes without saying that I only write about/accept gifts from brands I really like. I’ve been doing this for a long time and feel lucky to be able to pick and choose which campaigns accept and decline. The IAMS campaign was fun as you guys always love hearing about Tyrion (and he really has been eating their food since he was a baby), and the 50 Shades Darker campaign was fun as I got to share a really delicious recipe with you. And the Nordstrom post was basically just a regular outfit post that I was lucky enough to have sponsored. It literally could have been this post, as most of the clothes I wear can be bought at Nordstrom. Still, I hated doing three in a row which is why I also layered in some afternoon posts to break things up.
At the end of the day, I work really hard to keep this blog a place you love coming to everyday. My relationships with you as readers are the most important thing. I say no to more than half of the stuff that comes in but sometimes things work out funny with timing. I do my best but at the end of the day, like with everything, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned!
photography by Lydia Hudgens.
Can you believe it’s already May?! Loving the floral pattern on you, such a pretty look for spring!
Xo, Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com/
Thank you so much Elizabeth!! xx
That is a great formula for a springtime uniform! Florals and denim work together so well!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Thanks Charmaine! Hope you had a great weekend!! xo
So pretty! Love this look so much <3
Kristin
http://www.tweedandlace.com
Thanks, Kristin! xx
okay the handmaid’s tale- i’m obsessed so far but it’s so creepy! and i looove that bag- it’s everywhere but i think i need it too!
xo, brittany
five ways to help a new mama (and three things not to say!) on my blog today!
http://www.notablob.com
Sooooo creepy!
I felt so basic ordering the bag but am so glad I bought it… I wear it everywhere! xx
You Saturday sounded so fun! You seem SO happy in your new place, Grace! Also, I hope you don’t feel like you have to apologize for your sponsored posts last week – they were all so on brand for you and fun content to read for sure!
Pink Champagne Problems
Aw thank you Dana! I am!!! I really love it here. And thanks for the kind words re: sponsored content, etc! xx
Rebecca Taylor dresses are the best for Spring! Love how you styled this one.
xo,
Em
http://www.organicallyemily.com
I totally agree! Thank you Emily – I hope you had a great weekend!!!
Your note addressing the sponsored posts from last week reminded me why I continue to read your blog when I have abandoned so many others. You are always so transparent with your readers and it is greatly appreciated. At the end of the day, you have to be able to pay the bills and it is pretty clear that you only work with/promote brands you actually like. Thanks for keeping The Stripe so honest and likable (likeable???)!
Thank you Cory, I really appreciate that feedback! xx
That’s a gorgeous outfit! The dress is really pretty. I’ve heard about that show because a friend told me that if I liked Reign I’d like it as well but I had no idea what it’s about, what do you mean by disturbing? It’s on my “to watch” list even though I don’t really know what to expect. And don’t worry about sponsored posts, even before I became a blogger I understood it completely. I know perfectly well you’re not just saying things because you’re getting paid but because you actually like those brands.
Okay so this is totally different from Reign (which I also loved!!!) Whereas Reign takes place in the past and is more like (loose, CW-style) Historical Fiction, The Handmaid’s tale is meant to take place in the future in a dystopian society The story is still unfolding but my understanding is that there was a massive terrorist attack, followed by a government shut-down and takeover, and “temporary” revocation of The Constitution. From there, they made some women essentially slaves. There are Marthas (maids) and handmaids, whose job is to have children for barren women. In one scene, a woman’s eye is cut out because she doesn’t submit quickly enough. It’s pretty terrifying but also really great. Elizabeth Moss and Alexis Bledel both give really great performances. 🙂
You’re looking gorgeous in this Spring time uniform! I’m loving your basket bag and your dress is fantastic!
https://lartoffashion.com/feminist-coco/
Thanks so much Natali! Hope you had a great weekend!!!
Appreciate your transparency and authenticity! I just finished 13 reasons why.. think I need a mindless breather before handmaid’s tale! Xo
Thanks Alex!
And I can TOTALLY relate — I watched those two one right after the other and it probably wasn’t the best idea. I found myself bingeing on The Catch last night for something lighter!
+1 to recommending you read the Handmaid’s Tale! I haven’t watched the show yet but read the books years ago and loved it. Margaret Atwood is such a great writer and, based on what you’ve shared about your taste in books and love of reading, I really think you’d appreciate the book!
Ack – seems like I need to read it! Thank you for the info!!! xoxo
Love these photos, Grace! Xo
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Thank you so much Carrie!!
do you find these shoes comfortable? i just got them in black and trying to decide if i should keep them or not.