Swooning Over Swim & Sun Collections

Sunny days that warm to the core and make popsicles a food group, once again, have arrived. I am greeting them gladly with wide open arms. (Seriously, wide open, after that snowy Spring we had here in Colorado). I shared my sunny style a few weeks ago, and as I continue to get style inspiration for this beach side, pool side, vacation filled season, a few summer collections continue to catch me swooning.

J.Crew has it spot on. One piece swimsuits in playful prints and flattering cuts. The swim collection is bright and reminiscent of the past, with retro fits and attention to detail. These one pieces are oh-so feminine (my favorites are the sailboat print, green floral, rosebud, and striped). And how adorable would each of these looks be if paired with a high waisted skirt? 

Yes, Warby Parker. A company not only with "do-good" business mentality, but crazy good style. Their frames are inspired by mid-century bohemia and weekend-long house parties. Doesn't that just sing summer?  I actually do not own a single pair of WB sunglasses, but I like to pretend and swoon over the tortoise, marble, and other fun hues they've paired with retro-modern frames. 

You know how designer beach towels are ridiculously expensive? Its crazy, right? Thankfully, Nate Berkus was smart and designed a line for Target (see here, here, and here). At a price we can afford. A beach towel with the right print and perfect thickness and softness--mmm, you could fall asleep for hours pool and beachside.  I am also hoping this one at West Elm goes on sale eventually -- I'm in the market for some new ones!

Swimsuits that have a different back design than the norm--yes, please! This sailboat swimsuit from J.Crew is still classic, yet its print and back view make it a bit off beat, which I love. Also, a classic beach bag like this one from ASOS is a match to a swimsuit that is a bit more bold in the pattern department. 

And a few swim & sun favorites from around the inter webs:

>> Anne's weekend style with a bright and bold color palette. 

>> Some Darling summer reading and the must have in-your-beach-tote magazine.

>> Map your sunny summer travels like Oh Happy Day!

>> Because salads taste best this time of year... 

>> ...especially when picked right from your own (urban) garden.

>> The perfect summer do, including bobby pins and a top knot vibe (and a cute video to boot).

>> Design inspired by late night summer-star-gazing.

What is your inspiration with sunny days ahead?

Burlap Wreath DIY Close Ups

Most commonly made of pine gathered and fastened in a ring, the wreath has a history of symbolizing strength, as the evergreen lasts through even the harshest of winters. May we be reminded to stand strong like the evergreen-- living our lives as women of strength and dignity. Knowing we can make it through the harshest times to enjoy growth and new life.

This past fall, I made a wreath. It was posted so quickly amidst a blogging break and the Thanksgiving holiday, that you actually may have missed it. This little wreath never did quite get the love it should have. And since I've been lacking in the DIY department lately (which is probably bumming a lot of you out), I've decided its time to share the archived photos of when I put together this pretty burlap wreath. The tradition of wreaths and wreath making take root from the autumn and winter months, but I actually really like this particular one as a spring and summer wreath too. The chevron burlap and the white lace add a touch of lightness to it. Why make it stay in a box half the year, am I right?

This style of wreath is simple and easy to make, and would be super cute as decor at a bridal or baby shower. Or behind a door or chair back. It really can be made with any fabric of your choosing, even with brown paper bags as a children's activity. Originally, I shared this DIY over at Darling Magazine. Scroll down and enjoy some up close photographs and step by steps, and check out the original article here. Happy weekend, lovelies!

Let's Daydream for a Minute

It seems that everyone is in crazy mode these past few weeks. Even my blogging friends seem to be as busy as bees. Is everyone moving and/or pregnant this month? It seems so. With all the busy-crazy-never-have-a-moment-to-stop-and-breathe weeks many of you are having, I propose a daydream. Take a minute to imagine yourself in that place that allows yourself to feel set free. Breathe in the wild air, if only in your imagination. Let your feet sink in the sand, if only while closing your eyes amidst doing dishes. Feel the sun warm your shoulders and kiss the nape of your neck, even if its while driving to your next meeting. Even if you can't slow down this weekend, take a moment to imagine the simple things that make even quiet & solitude overwhelm. 

Darling Magazine | In My Toolbox Series . Part II

Below is Part II of a series I wrote fort Darling Magazine this past month, In My Toolbox: Must Haves for the DIY Girl. I wrote it in collaboration with Matt, incorporating his wealth of tool knowledge and my diy experience. You can catch up on Part I--over here. Scroll down to read Part II in full, and check out the original on Darling Magazine's Website. (Speaking of, you can now order the digital version of Darling Magazine for only $5. Skip that latte, buy Darling Mag! You won't regret it, promise.) 

Thoughts By Natalie | Keeping it Natural . & No Makeup Makeup

This past week, I went make-up free for most of my California vacation. I was swimming nearly twice a day, so I found it a bit silly to put on blush or mascara. Let alone dry my hair. Coming back to a Colorado summer, I want to continue to embrace the make-up free, freshly tousled look that I adopted while soaking in suds and sun. The truth is, I feel most beautiful and myself this way. And haven't always felt that way, but I can honestly say I am more and more as I grow to learn and love my true beauty.

Gardening in the City

I have never had a vegetable garden. I waiver in my ability to care for plants. I tend to over water. And I am still learning how to navigate through soil (and what exactly are annuals?) But deep down in me there is this voice that wants to be a self-proclaimed gardner. I want to learn how to grow juicy tomatoes, know plant pairings at the drop of a dime, and name the varieties at City Floral (only THE BEST nursery in Denver). I am supposed to garden. I know it. Its in my bones. My grandparents were farmers, my grandma a plant whisperer (seriously, she was amazing), and Matt's family are all from farming roots. I'm having high hopes that genes will kick in.

And so, how is this amateur gardner fairing the sea? I'm reading a lot, asking too much, and being taught even more by those whose green thumbs are like emeralds. I cannot wait to share the progress of our garden, our built from scratch raised bed, and what I'm soaking in from my new read Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer. I may not have chickens quite yet (someday!), yet still, I dream of the time my entire refrigerator's veggie and fruit drawers are filled only with produce that started as seeds, planted in the soil by my very two hands. What are your thoughts on urban farming? Any city dwellers milking goats, harvesting crop, and raising chickens out there?

On Jewelry & Recovery

Coming to California this past week was in part to be here while my mom had knee surgery--spending quality pre-op time poolside and post-op time supporting her through the first days of recovery. My mom is one of those people that makes those around her feel so loved and comfortable. She literally lights up a room. You know what I mean if you've met her. She is a rock star with her knee replacement already. And although nobody can really prepare for the pain and recovery that a surgery brings, this week being one of the more challenging life hurdles to date, my mom continues to light up a room, bum knee, walker, and all.