Summer so far...

Happy summer everyone!! The last month has been a whirlwind for me, from finishing finals at school, moving home to St. Louis and then packing up again and moving to Chicago for my internship just days later. However, I am loving every second of my position at Splash magazine at the Chicago Sun-Times and exploring all the city has to offer! Here's what I've been up to...

Currently reading:

Splash magazine of course!! I may be biased because I am an intern, but Splash is amazing. It has everything Chicagoans need to know, from fashion, entertainment, dining, weddings and more. One of my favorite assignments so far was gathering the most stylish looks from Cannes and writing comments on my favorites. Check out the story here to see the Splash staff's picks.

I have also had the opportunity to cover parties, fundraisers and other events. Check out this write-up I did on the upcoming Ragdale Ring Gala.

Currently craving:

I am enjoying the food in Chicago a little too much. It seems that I am surrounded by inviting coffee shops and gourmet bakeries on my morning and afternoon commutes to work. I am not even safe at the train station, which holds a vast assortment of freshly baked pastries, macaroons and croissants, as well as a selection of produce, meat and cheese, in the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton). I am especially obsessed with the chocolates pictured above. They are almost too pretty to eat (key word: almost)!

Firecakes Donuts: I may have been caught in the pouring rain on my way to Firecakes (68 W. Hubbard), but it was totally worth it. The Valrhona chocolate and expresso cream donut is to die for. 

Currently obsessing:

Over these perfect peonies in my mom's backyard! Peony season is the best time of the year and I am guilty of snapping pictures whenever I see them...even at Whole Foods...

Currently coveting:

currently by annabeth2 featuring jumpsuits & rompers

Click the pictures to shop!

Currently absorbing:

My new haircut! While it may not look too drastic, I just got five inches cut off my hair. It was a much-needed change and I love it but it is still a shock when I look in the mirror and my hair isn't almost down to my waist!

Stay tuned for new outfit posts soon!

xo, Annabeth

Summer Staples

Summer Staples by annabeth2 featuring Tory Burch

I can't believe summer is almost here! I have been swamped with finals so I decided to take a study break and make a new post. As soon as my tests are finished, I will be doing some much-needed summer wardrobe shopping, which is why I came up with six staples that I need in my closet asap!

1. Light crewneck sweater

Sometimes summer nights can be chilly, which is why I love bringing a sweater to throw on over a tank or dress. Usually I stick to simple white and navy sweaters in the summer but I am loving this coral color from J. Crew Factory!

2. Fun sunglasses

Obviously everyone needs a pair of sunglasses to survive the summer! Since I bring mine everywhere in the summer, including the pool and the tennis courts, I usually gravitate towards inexpensive pairs so I am not upset if they break. Lately I am loving the cat-eye style like these BP. shades from Nordstrom — and they are only $12!

3. White dress

There is no better summer fashion than a simple white dress. I am loving this Necessary Clothing dress - it's a trendy twist on a preppy classic!

4. Seersucker shorts

Seersucker is by far one of my favorite prints to wear in the summer, especially in white and light blue like these L.L. Bean shorts.

5. Statement bag

Summer is the perfect time to sport a bold and colorful handbag! In the hottest parts of the season, it can be easy to sacrifice fashion to stay cool but a fun purse can help you still make a statement! I am especially obsessed with this flamingo-print bag from Kate Spade!

6. Espadrilles

Fashion steal alert! All year I have been lusting over the Chanel espadrilles. However, I recently found these Tory Burch espadrilles, which are just as cute and more affordable! I love the powder blue and navy ones but they also come in black and white, just like the Chanel ones!

What are your summer staples?

xo, Annabeth

Spring in Lilly

Shop this look: J Crew sweater // Lilly Pulitzer for Target shorts (similar) // 

Marc and Graham necklace // Kate Spade purse // Kate Spade sunglasses (similar) // 

Sperry Topsider shoes

This spring, my uniform for classes has been sweaters, shorts and boat shoes. Sperrys are the perfect shoes for walking around campus and these metallic ones add a fun touch to any casual outfit. Also, I've been loving my few conquests from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target sale like these shorts! My roommates and I went to Target the morning the clothing collection opened, but we were too late. The store opened at 8 a.m. and we got there at 8:06 to find almost all of the merchandise was gone. Women were carting around mountain-high piles of the clothes, accessories and home goods and apparently they had lined up outside the store for an hour before it opened. Luckily, I was able to get a few things with the help of my mom who also went to the opening at home! Now, it is safe to say that I am even more obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer and I may have to give in and pay full price!

xo, Annabeth

Sweet Springtime

Shop this look: Asos Coat // Free People Dress (similar) // J Crew Necklace (similar)

Kate Spade Purse // Nude Heels (similar) 

Happy Friday everyone! I could not be happier that there are flowers blooming on the trees! Today I had to attend class, a luncheon and an interview, so a nicer outfit was in order. Lately I am loving this Asos coat for chilly spring days. Not to mention it features two of my favorite spring trends: gingham and powder blue! 

What are your favorite spring trends?

xo, Annabeth

Adventures in Beverly Hills

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted much lately, between Spring Break and getting back into school mode it has been a very busy few weeks! Here are some highlights from my trip to Los Angeles with my mom:

First day at the Century City outdoor shopping center.

Sunday brunch at our hotel, The Beverly Hilton. I really wish I could have a personal omelette chef every day!

We pulled up to Rodeo Drive very stylishly in a pick-up truck, courtesy of Uber. 

At the entrance of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel where "Pretty Woman" was filmed!

We went to the cutest candy shop on Rodeo Drive called "Sugarfina." I think I could have happily spent the whole trip here!

Had to take a picture here, of course!

The Ivy on Robinson was by the far my favorite restaurant. Everywhere you looked, there were colorful roses and rainbow lights hung in the trees. We also loved that the waitstaff wore floral ties and handed you a glass of champagne (lemonade for me) when you arrived. My mom and I shared great appetizers and salads for a late lunch, but they also offered a variety of seafood and desserts. I think it is impossible for anyone to be unhappy there!

Another highlight of our trip was visiting Santa Monica! There was great shopping, restaurants and the pier looked like it was out of a movie, with carnival rides, games, ice cream, burgers, souvenir stands and more.

 Out to dinner with my mom!

We stayed at the Beverly Hilton, and I would highly recommend it! Not only is it within walking distance to destinations like Rodeo Drive, it has a great historic charm since it has been open since the '50s and hosts many award shows, including the annual Golden Globes. Fun fact: Angelina Jolie swam in the pool after winning her first Golden Globe!

On the last night, we went to SUR, the restaurant made famous by the reality show "Vanderpump Rules." My mom and I always watch it at home because we are obsessed with Lisa Vanderpump. The irony of the situation was when we were in LA, Lisa was actually in St. Louis for a restaurant opening, so we would have had more of a chance to meet her back home. But even though we didn't see any stars, SUR was still great and so pretty inside!

However, the best part of the trip was spending time with my mom! Now that I am in college I don't see her as much as I would like, and we were able to catch up and explore a new place together. LA, we will definitely be back!

xo, Annabeth

Spring Break Travel Essentials

Who is ready for spring break? I know I am! On Saturday, my mom and I are going to Los Angeles for the first time, and we are so excited for some much-needed relaxation and exploring (aka stalking all of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the Kardashians and honestly any celebrity that comes into sight!).

But before I go on any trip, there are a few travel essentials I always make sure I have:

1. Books and magazines

I always use vacations as an excuse to read something other than what has been assigned for school. I always pack a variety of fashion magazines as well as a thriller novel like one of Stephen King's to keep me entertained.

2. A hat

A hat is a great fix when you don't want to do your hair and makeup before an early morning flight. A fun sunhat or sporty baseball cap is the perfect finishing touch to any travel look.

3. Fresh manicure

As a college student, I usually try to save money and do my nails myself. But when you are going on a trip why not treat yourself? I recommend a gel manicure so it won't chip all week. Also, if you are breaking out the sandals over break, be sure to get a pedicure as well.

4. Lotion

Whether you are skiing in Colorado or tanning in Mexico, it is very easy for skin to dry out while traveling. I use a lotion with SPF so it doubles as sunscreen and makes my luggage a bit lighter!

5. Candy

I am always sure to have candy on hand while on roadtrips and airplanes. It helps pass the time and can be a quick pick-me-up if you have to wait a while for your next meal due to traveling. My personal favorites are Sour Patch Watermelons, Starbursts and gummy worms.

What are your travel essentials? Also, see below for my spring break style wishlist!

xo,

Annabeth

Spring Break Wishlist by annabeth2 featuring black shoes