Flawless Darling

Denim Dresses to wear this Fall

Happy Monday Darling!

Tristan and I spent the weekend at the lake with our newfound Sammy and had such a nice time. It’s finally starting to get a little cooler around here and dresses are always my go-to.

Fall denim dress

I got this adorable tiered denim dress at Gabe’s for less than $12. Gabe’s has the cutest dresses and sweaters for Fall as well as adorable Fall home decor. Be sure to check out their Instagram for some outfit and decor inspo!

I accessorized my dress with a tote and a matching rattan headband. Such an easy outfit for early Fall.

Check out some of my favorite denim dresses to wear this Fall.

What’s your go-to fall piece?

Custom Pet Hat

Custom pet hat
Custom pet hat
Custom pet hat

Hey there Darling!

How CUTE are these custom pet hats?! The first pictures are of my and my newfound, Sammy. The last picture is of my sister and her golden retriever, Harley (he was named after a misspelling on my Starbucks cup LOL)

Emma had these custom pet hats embroidered for us! I can’t think of anything cuter than having your pup on your hat. She had our names embroidered on the back, too.

I’m not teaming up with any brands or doing anything crazy, I just really love these hats so I decided to give 2 of them away on my Instagram! If you want to win one for you and your dog (or cat) mom bestie, head over to my insta and tag a friend!

Have a great weekend and good luck winning the custom pet hat giveaway!

What to wear in early Fall

Hello Darling!

And just like that, it is September! This summer went way to quick. It’s that time of year when you need a sweater in the morning and you’re hot and uncomfortable by the afternoon, ugh! It’s the time of year when you‘re craving pumpkin spice, but have to order the cold brew version.

This blue dress has been my go-to all season long, and just because it’s now September doesn’t mean it’s going away! To style it for the new season, I swapped out my wedges for booties and added a denim jacket. Such an easy way to make a summer piece last a little longer!

This dress also comes in a version with sleeves! I had to have both because the print is just so cute!

What are your favorite styles to wear this month?! I’d love to hear from you

For more inspo, make sure to follow me on Instagram

Stay flawless,

Carly

Work From Home Outfit Ideas

This summer is flying by. How is it already time for Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks? Ugh, I am not ready for summer to be over yet! My work from home outfits since March has been all things comfy, cozy, stretchy, and convenient. I would be lying to you if I didn’t say I even repeat outfits some days and that there have been other days where I have worked in my pajamas.

I thought I would share some of my cutest finds so far when it comes to work from home outfits. All of these items are under $35 and are must-haves for your virtual meetings!

work from home outfits

This Chicwish gray matching set is amazingly comfortable and the ombre style is so unique. I love myself a good pair of high waisted leggings and these do not disappoint! The best part: this set is under $35! It comes in pink and green, too

work from home outfits

I am IN LOVE with this sports bra and these leggings from Chicwish. This sports bra has the cutest ruffle details on the back and can be worn as a crop top, too. The leggings are so stretchy and the pockets make them functional, too. Wear this outfit on a day when you need a little mid-day yoga break.

work from home outfits

I can’t lie, wearing biker shorts makes me feel like a badass. This trend is so fun and I need these shorts in every color! I paired these high waisted bike shorts with this active bowknot sports bra top. This top has a tie in the back that adds a fun extra detail. I wore this to lounge in during the day and added a denim jacket for my big night out (kidding, I just went to the grocery store).

work from home outfits

Finally, I am sharing this ADORABLE two-piece set from Chicwish. This set makes for the perfect work from home outfit. It’s so soft and the off the shoulder style is on-trend. I paired this cute little set with a pair of sneakers for an effortless look. I’m wearing the black set, but it also comes in green, white, and grey. This set is also under $35.

For more work from home outfits and loungewear ideas follow me on Instagram and be sure to subscribe!

Summer Steals You NEED in Your Closet

chicwish black palazzo pants
chicwish black palazzo pants
chicwish black palazzo pants

Hello Darling!

Sometimes all you need to brighten up your day is a cute outfit and a little makeup. I went for a simple and comfy look today, but the fact that I didn’t put on sweats is a big deal! This outfit is effortless and cute all in one. In this post, I’m going to share some simple summer steals you need in your closet!

Before I share some summer styles I have a secret… these are PANTS! They are incredibly comfortable and make for an elevated look at the same time. I paired these black palazzo pants with a white woven cami and tied it in a knot to make it more of a crop top. As for my feet, I’ll be honest… I had every intention of wearing heels, but I took the dog out in my white Birkenstocks and forgot to change them! Whoops! I actually think the look is adorable even with the birks!

Here are some summer steals you need in your closet:

These Green Pants

These green pants are the same ones that I have in black. They make such a fun statement and are under $50. They are currently on sale!

This Blue Day Dress

This blue leopard print is just way too cute to pass up and the perfect day dress. If you love this print as much as I do, you can also get it in the short sleeve version. They are both under $50. (Yes, I got both!)

White Chicwish Dress

White Chicwish Dress
White Chicwish Dress
White Chicwish Dress
White Chicwish Dress

Hello Darling!

Calling all of my brides-to-be! This is the most perfect white dress and I am in LOVE. The ayelet and ruffle details are so darn cute I can hardly stand it! This Chicwish white dress is a peplum wrap style with a v-neck and puffy sleeves. I wore this dress flower shopping in town with my mom and got so many compliments on it. This dress would be perfect for a bridal shower, brunch, or even a summery date night. Pair this dress with a pair of wedges and a textured bag like this one and your look is complete!

Here are a few more of my favorite white dresses for Summer:

This Matching Set

This white dress set has ruffle details and is an easy go-to for a simple summer look. Layer this look with a denim jacket and put on a pair of wedges

This Ayelet and Ruffle Dress

This white dress looks similar to the one that I am wearing only it has an open back and a slightly different design. Try wearing this dress with fun gold accessories and heels.

This Cute and Classy White Dress

This asymmetrical dress is such a flattering style and would be so cute for an engagement party, shower, or rehearsal dinner. Try this dress with nude heels and a statement necklace.

This Stunning Strapless Dress

Holy Moly… This white dress is a stunner! The strapless style with the asymmetrical details is fun and fashion forward. Wear this dress with a pair of ankle strap heels for a chic look.

What are some of your favorite dresses to wear this summer?

For more bride and summer styles follow me on Instagram and be sure to subscribe!

Stay Flawless

Wedding Decor DIY

Wedding DIY
Wedding decor DIY

Hey Darling!

So remind me why we even bought 2020 planners this year? If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know that Tristan and I had to postpone our wedding in May… and again in June… and now we have completely canceled our plans and are back at square one! Starting the wedding planning process all over has brought us all kinds of emotions from feeling refreshed to plain old stressed out. On the bright side, I’ve been having so much fun brainstorming wedding decor ideas!

I’ve been rethinking this whole fancy shmancy wedding thing and am leaning towards something a little more casual. While I was out and about with my mom the other day, I came across this old typewriter for $20. I thought it would make for some super cute wedding decor so I decided to go for it! With some help from my local Wexford Ace Hardware, and some fun finds around my apartment, this inexpensive project took me about an hour to complete and will be such an adorable display at our wedding!

If you are unable to find a typewriter at a local antique or thrift shop, try checking out Craigslist or eBay!

Here are the steps I took to give this old typewriter a serious glow-up!

Step 1: Clean it up

Wedding DIY

First, I took some Mrs. Meyer’s Mutli-Surface Cleaner and wiped my typewriter down to remove all of the dirt and dust. This only took about five minutes and helped my final product look clean and neat.

Step 2: Tape and Prime

Wedding DIY

I used masking tape to cover parts of the typewriter that I didn’t want any paint to touch. I used two coats of this primer from Ace to help my pink paint adhere to the metal typewriter.

Step 3: Paint!

Wedding DIY
Wedding DIY

Painting my typewriter was fairly easy and painless! I chose Benjamin Moore paint in the color “Pink Harmony” from Wexford Ace. To get the perfect shade and coverage, I used three coats of paint. I removed the tape and wa-la!, a perfectly pink typewriter!

Step 4: Decorate!

Wedding DIY

Now it’s time to get creative! Decorating was my favorite part of this whole project! I used flameless candles from Wexford Ace Hardware, mini frames I bought at a garage sale, and fake succulents from Home Goods. For the finishing touch, I used this Etsy Shop to add the CUTEST letter to my typewriter.

Watch a 30 second video of my project here!

If you try this DIY be sure to tag me on Instagram and be sure to subscribe for more wedding DIYs!

Stay Flawless

The Loveliest

The loveliest
The loveliest
The loveliest
The loveliest

Happy Friday Darling,

Can you believe that September is already here!? Put away that on-trend high-waisted bikini and pull out your cozy sweaters because Fall is here! I am ready for that pumpkin spice latte! Speaking of lattes… if you know anything about me it’s that I love two things: shopping and coffee. Okay, I love way more than two things, but these are at the tippy top of my list.

So imagine my surprise when I find a place where my two favorite things are under one roof. Cute clothes and caffeine?! Sign your girl up! This magical place of my dreams exists, and it is called The Loveliest! Pittsburgh ladies, if you have not had a chance to visit this chic boutique, get in your car and go, girlfriend! And don’t worry, if you aren’t in the area you can shop their site and follow them on Instagram.

Whether you need to grab a coffee on the go, or an outfit for date night, The Loveliest has you covered. I started my trip by hitting the clothes racks and oh my goodness, I was in love! Their pieces range from casual, to romantic, to boho so I mean it when I say there is a special something in there for you. My favorite items to shop were definitely the accessories. They have the cutest pearl headbands that I truly cannot stop thinking about!

After shopping around, I headed over to the coffee shop for a fabulous vanilla latte. The best part? They can put any custom coffee art onto the foam of your latte! How fun is that?! I sat down to drink my latte (okay fine, to take like 50+ pictures of my latte), and holy moly, I finally had a moment to realize that this place is an Instagrammer’s dream. Everything is pink and floral and honestly… just plain adorable!

So, let’s talk about this outfit. This whole look is from The Loveliest. This sleeveless dress has fabulous pom pom details and is perfect for casual wear or a date. I styled this cutie with a casual brunch in mind. I added a denim jacket for an extra layer to complete the look. This dress comes in other colors too, so be sure to check them out when you visit.

So, if you couldn’t tell already, I can’t wait to go back to the Loveliest for some sippin’ and shoppin’!

I’ll be sharing more looks from their shop so be sure to follow me on Instagram!

Cozy Matching Set

Pullover | Bottoms

Happy Sunday Darling! It’s cold and rainy in the burgh and there’s nothing cozier than this cozy matching set. I love anything leopard print as you know, and this subtle print is perfect. If you need to step up your loungewear game and are looking for something other than leggings and a hoodie, this set is perfect for you.

National Dog Day

Shirt | Hat

Let’s be honest – everyday is National Dog Day when you have a fur baby. I usually just share my outfits on here, but thought I would share the story of my McKinley and a few reasons why you should get a furry friend, too.

Flashback to 12 years ago when I was staying at a family friend’s farm who had a Great Dane randomly dropped off at their door step. It was love at first bark. He was as tall as me and the sweetest dog I had ever met. I told my parents that I was going to get a dog just like him. They obviously told me I was crazy to get a dog as big as I was.

Now flashback to 8 years ago when I met Tristan and told him the same thing: “I’m going to get a Great Dane” He told me I was crazy too, but little did I know he started a little Great Dane fund to help me save up for one of my own.

5 years later when I was ready to move out on my own, I knew that I needed a companion and began taking quizzes online to see what type of dog would be a good fit for my lifestyle. And what do you know: I got a Great Dane every time! (I guess it’s possible I could have finagled my answers, but I call it fate!)

When I found McKinley I knew that he was the perfect pup for me. When Tristan and I went to pick him up it was one of the most exciting days. At 9 weeks old he was already 18lbs! I had a long list of puppy names but McKinley seemed to be the crowd favorite. We took him to puppy class twice a week and worked with him A LOT to become the good boy that he is today. He is now 3.5 years old and 6 feet tall when he stands up! He sleeps a ton and is currently hanging out with me while I write this blog post.

So, if you’re thinking about getting a McKinley of your own, here are a few reasons to go for it:

You’ll learn to care for someone

Getting McKinley has taught me so much about caring for and considering something other than myself. Having a dog means having to think about something else when you leave the house. Your pup will be 100% dependent on you. This may seem scary but taking care of someone other than yourself is so rewarding!

You’ll learn patience

Oh man do I mean this! Puppy training means repeating the same thing over and over for months and can take a lot of patience.

You’ll always have a buddy

Always! McKinley is like my shadow everywhere I go at home! It can get a little annoying at times because he is such a giant but I love always having someone around. Let’s be honest, dogs are the best secret keepers! McKinley is the best part of getting home because he is always happy to see me.

You’ll learn how to budget

McKinley has taught me a lot about budgeting. Don’t worry, your dog most likely won’t eat 10 cups of food a day like mine does, but he will still need regular vet check-ups and you never know if any issues may come up on the spot.

You’ll make friends

I am not joking when I say that everyone and their mom stops us on a walk just to see McKinley. We have met so many people over the past few years and even have volunteered for a Great Dane rescue because of McKinley.

You’ll have a reason to get outside

Rain or shine, you pup is going to have to go out. This was the one thing I didn’t think that I would look forward to as a dog owner, but I love having a reason to get up from what I am doing and go walk around. Yep… even in the snow. It’s nice to have a break from my laptop or phone to go outside for a few minutes.

Do you have a dog or thinking about getting one? I’d love to hear from you! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for pics of me and my pup!