RAINBOW DRESSES FOR SUMMER

Commercials may be telling us it's back to school season, but weather.com keeps telling me it's still SUMMER!

The forecast this week is mid-80s, which means there's still plenty of time left for summer dresses- and the best part? Retailers are bring out new fall goods, so most of them are on sale!

So whether you're someone looking for a bright yellow dress or a slightly calmer navy dress- this guide is 100% for you. Pin it or share it with a friend- shopping (even virtually) is better that way, isn't it?

SHOP ORANGE DRESSES  //   SHOP YELLOW DRESSES

SHOP GREEN DRESSES //  SHOP BLUE DRESSES

SHOP NAVY DRESSES //  SHOP PURPLE DRESSES 

SHOP PINK DRESSES //  SHOP CORAL DRESSES

Okay, now tell me which of these dresses you love!

I'm all about Row 3, 2nd from the left!

xo, lp

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for more things in rainbow order, go here!

LIFE LATELY: ALL THE SUNFLOWERS. ALL OF 'EM.

I'm about to say something that I know I'll get yelled at for admitting:

I'm ready for fall.

I love pool time and all that jazz- but early fall is the best! I'm kind of ready for scarves and boots and chilly fall air that smells like leaves. Yes, leaves. 

Since the Midwest seasons are like clockwork, I know it's all coming soon - so here's what's good about summer lately:

#1: Okay, so the flowers ARE a pretty solid part of summer..a part that I'll miss in fall! Love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

#2: Another thing I'll miss about summer is the fun shoes- need a vote on these pink wedges (yay or nay?)

#3: Okay, maybe I'm already talking myself out of fall coming...because now that I think about it...summer has been pretty great. This weekend we went to Pope Farms Conservancy to see the acres full of sunflowers...so. so. so. gorgeous:

#4: In other flower news, I recently stumbled across Lauren Bamford's "Locals" series. She takes local flowers and puts them in cans of local beers where she found them. Simple, but cool! See the series HERE. 

#5: This week's recipe is a perfect ode to the summer Farmer's Market- we found currants a couple weekends ago and I made THE best muffins. I mean I know I'm biased, but guys, they're GOOD.

What have you been doing to enjoy the last bits of summer?

Anyone out there secretly ready for fall too?

xo, lp

*PSST: For more photos of all the flowers, find me on Instagram! @lpodlich

LIFE LATELY: BACHELORETTE PARTIES & SPOON REFLECTIONS

This weekend was PERFECT.

There. I said it.

Michael and I drove back to MN so I could be at my friend's bachelorette fiesta. We've been friends since kindergarten, so there was no way I was going to miss it! We spent the whole time at her family's cabin at the lake- enjoying drinks and sunshine and a ridiculous amount of "remember when...??" storytelling. It was perfect weather, perfect company- just right for the soul :)

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Like I said, perfect weather! Look at that blue sky!

#2: It wasn't too shabby at sunset, either....

#4: I'm still deciding what I'm going to wear to her wedding (at the end of August)- and I've been eyeing these gorgeous Yumi Kim dresses. The floral patterns on these are just beyond!

#5: Another day, another awesome jewelry find. I actually had my first Rocksbox ever that I DIDN'T love. It had 2 necklaces in it that weren't me at ALL, which was a pretty big bummer since the last box I got was so good I kept all 3 pieces! Luckily the 3rd one in this box was one I loved- this delicate Gorjana gold long necklace below. I shipped the box back right away, and the new one will already be here today :) I know I normally gush about RB, but thought I'd keep it really by saying that they don't always hit it out of the park- but everyone is allowed an off-day, right?

(if you're still curious, you can get a free month trial with free shipping by using "beautyandbeardxoxo" as a code at checkout!)

#6: Tomorrow's recipe is SO. GOOD.  I noticed, however, while I was editing these images- that I foolishly had captured myself in the reflection of the spoons! AH! Thank goodness I was wearin' clothes, y'all. Oy. 

So what's new, people?

Anyone have a vote on which Yumi Kim dress I should get?

xo, lp

(i share on instagram A LOT, so if you're lookin' for more B&B, go here!)

BEACH (or pool) DAY MUST-HAVES

One of the great things about living in our apartment is that there's a pool for us to use that we don't have to maintain. It's magical. And since it's only warm enough to use it for about 2 months a year here in Wisconsin, we're sure to get down there plenty. We also visit the beach at a local state park a few times a year, and these are a few of the things I'm always sure to have around.

Some things are obvious (like these towels)  but some might not already be on your list (seriously if you don't have an Instax- get one!):

#1: A (big) TOWEL: No one likes small skimpy towels...amiright? I love this super colorful one from SunnyLife, kind of has an #everythinginrainboworder vibe to it.

#2: AN (easy to carry) COOLER: Okay, if you driving up in a car with some friends, I get that you'd have a big cooler- but if it's just one or two of you, why lug a big plastic one around? I love the size and shape of this Sunnylife one with a carrying strap!

#3: SUNGLASSES (duh): Too much sun in the eyes=headaches. These Le Specs are SO cool!

#4: A BAG (to fit all your crap): I bring the biggest beach bag possible so I can shove everything it in...and this Lolo one with clear sides makes it easy to find anything.

#5: AN INSTAX (sooo hip) CAMERA: If you don't have an Instax yet, boo to you. I've had mine for almost 2 years and it captures memories in such a cool, vintage looking way.

#6: A (ridiculous) FLOATY: Okay. These floaties are everywhere. Bloggers have them. Taylor Swift has them. Everyone. Has. Them. This donut one is colorful & actually looks comfy!

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Beacause I'm a beach towel hoarder, here are some of my faves: 

What are you beach/pool day must-haves?

Anyone have one of those fun floaties?

xo, lp

for all you people with summer pinterest boards like me....

LIFE LATELY: SELFIE STICKS AND SUMMER WHITE LEGGINGS

It happened this weekend. We went to wedding #4 of the summer...and this one was so. so. good. 

It was way up in northern Minnesota- so Michael and I broke up the drive with a day trip to Duluth before heading up to the wedding site.  We ate, drank, and were extra merry celebrating his cousin & his new wife! 

Other than that, life has been pretty calm. Work is good, Michael is super busy with school, and the humidity is just rising daily! 

As you'll see below, selfie sticks (like this) are my new shameful favorite thing, I'm on the hunt for some comfy summer white leggings (like these ones), and Rocksbox keeeeps killin' it.

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Here's what's good lately:

#1: Loren Hope necklaces just feel like they were MADE for me. Coral + Gingham = Summer, right?

(free month of jewelry by going to rocksbox.com and using code "beautyandbeardxoxo") 

#2: Errrrything white for summer. I love me some black & navy- but I'm currently trying to stock up on summer whites. Right now looking for the best ivory pants and white leggings (like these options) to round out my assortment. And no, the white leggings would be like comfy sleep-leggings. I'm not about that leggings-as-pants thing, especially if they're white!

#3: Like I mentioned, Michael and I spent a little time in Duluth on Friday, and while it was HOT, it was also gorgeous! I haven't been there in ages, so it was great to explore around a little bit:

 #4: The wedding this weekend was unreal. Set at the Bride's family's property, overlooking a lake, surrounded by trees. Each detail was so thought out- like these gorgeous centerpieces:

#5: The hit of the wedding (other than the bride + groom, duh) was the SELFIE STICK. Seriously. Whenever I see people with them, I think they're ridiculous, but they were SUCH a blast. Such a great way to get a ton of people in a picture without finding someone to take it. Plus, they make everyone laugh because they're RIDICULOUS. Proof is in the picture below (of michael's family!):

So what was good with your week, my friends?

Anyone else attend an awesome wedding recently?

xo, lp

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for more images (if you're like me and loooove pictures, go HERE!)

HELLO, SUMMER!

Oh you guys. I know it's technically been summer since the end of June, but this weekend reeeeeeeally felt like summer. Lots of sun, pool time, and campfires. Everything I own now smells like bonfire smoke, but it was soooo worth it. 

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Taking Instagram snaps and turning them into summer iPhone backgrounds like it's my JOB y'all:

#2: Um, Kate Spade fruit earrings for the win (shop them here). Pineapples or Bananas?

#3: Latest Rocksbox necklace is faaaabulous. I've never been a purple person- but this one is growing on me.  (free month of rocksbox with code beautyandbeardxoxo)

#4: Let's chat about backpacks. I've wanted one of these Fjallraven backpacks for a while (this yellow one is so cute!) but I can't decide on a color. Help a girl out- which one is the best?! :

#5: This week's recipe is so dang easy, and requires less than 5 ingredients. YAS.

What summery-good things did you do this weekend?

Follow along on more summer adventures HERE!

xo, lp

JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY

Happy Birthday all you July ladies!

I figured since I failed so much in June that I better make amends and be sure to post this ruby birthstone post early.

July gals, I'll say the same thing to you as I said to the Emerald ladies of May: there are not a ton of items that are in a Ruby hue for July.

Everyone is all white/yellow/turquoise/coral/pink..but ruby? notsomuch.

Lucky for you, the bag/wallet designers of the world see your struggle and have answered your request for red leathaaaa.

Treat yo'self to a red bag or a red wallet- own the Ruby in summer!

shop red bags HERE / shop red wallets HERE

If red accessories aren't your thing, love taza did a pretty solid red lipstick roundup, and food & wine has a list of great red wine under $15!

July birthday ladies: what are you doing to celebrate your day?

Wishing you an extra-special month!

xo, lp

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Missed your birthday?

Go back in the Archives here:

June Birthstone: Pearl

May Birthstone:Emerald

April Birthstone: Diamond

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

February Birthstone: Amethyst

JUNE BIRTHSTONE: PEARL

Oh my June birthday ladies, I'm so sorry!

I didn't forget about you, I promise...I just...forgot to hit "publish" on this post last week. Major fail. 

Hopefully you all got some birthday cash and can buy yourself one of these lovely pairs of earrings!

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Okay June birthday ladies, let's talk pearls.

When I had my Bat Mitzvah as a 13 year old, I got some pearl jewelry as a gift, and I remember thinking "when am I going to wear this?!". Not in a jerky, ungrateful way...but more just trying to figure out when I would be sophisticated enough to have the chance to show them off! At that age, to me, pearls were for classy Southern women who wore pastels. 

Nowadays, pearl type earrings come in all shapes and sizes, and while some remain classic, others are almost edgy! 

Here's a round up of some recent favorites:

June ladies: 

How did you celebrate your birthday this year?

xo, lp

Missed your birthday?

Go back in the Archives here:

May Birthstone:Emerald

April Birthstone: Diamond

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

February Birthstone: Amethyst

AWESOME SALE ON SALE AT SHOPBOP!

Sometimes the best sales are the "extra sale on top of sale" sales, right?

Oh man, I should have started this post by saying "take a shot every time you see the word "sale" in this post. You'd all be wasted right now.

Anyway, Shopbop has extra 25% of sale items right now, which means that item you've been eyeing for a while to go on deeper sale is ready for you to buy it :)

On my radar: a few black bikinis (like these) are on sale finally, plus any of these Tory Burch items!

if you're NOT interested in shopping this sale but you're still reading this post (you're the best)- here are some more good options for your reading pleasure:

- C&C did a false eyelash breakdown

- One Fine Day's latest Love List is perfection

- Franish answered some style questions that us nosy readers asked

If you ARE interested in the sale, what are you still doing listening to me blab?

Go! Shop!

xo, lp

BACHELORETTE PARTY MUST-HAVES

Ahhhhh wedding season means bachelorette party season.

I've been to a few bachelorette parties, and beyond the kitschy themes and....blow up genitalia...there are 5 things you have to have to have to make the night great!

None of these should surprise you (helloooo fruity drinks (like this) and hanky panky panties (like these)) but I figured I'd round 'em up anyways:

1. The NON Digital Camera:  Yup. Get yourself a polaroid (like this instax) or disposable camera...then there's no way to erase the crazy memories!

2.  A Signature Drink: It's a total girl cliche, but you know what? It's fun. Make a drink with a theme for the night or around an inside joke with the Bride!

3. Gatorade: This is for healing after drinking too many of the Signature Drinks the night before. Prepare for the next day, ladies.

4. Some Saucy Lingerie: This is one of the few stereotypical bachelorette party things that I think is fun- mainly because it makes every laugh- which breaks the ice at any party. Ain't no shame in bringing some hanky panky panties (like these) for your friend ;-)

5. Something to Tie the Party Together: At the last bachelorette party I was at, someone had bought glow bracelets for everyone to wear. Simple and cheap- but a fun way to be connected all night! Gone are the days of wearing matching outfits my friends!

What's your must-have at a Bachelorette Party?

Don't forget the Gatorade!

xo, lp

THE (not surprising) SUMMER TREND: PINEAPPLES!

If you look on Instagram, pineapples are EVERYWHERE, right?

I mean, for a hot second I thought that watermelons might override as the kitschy fruit of the summer with the appearance of the shop ban.do watermelon cooler...but it seems that just might be a flash in the pan.

I mean, I'm sort of joking here..but sort of not. Yes, it's all fun and games when someone throws some sunglasses on a pineapple and Instagrams the heck out of it...but when brands like Tory Burch and Kate Spade are adding the fruit into their designs..ya kinda have to take note. (whoa. run-on sentence much?)

Anyway- here are some Instagrammers who are gettin' on board, and some products that are doing the same (shop lots of pineapple goodies here!)

instagram photo credits (in order)

@littlefixations // @rocksbox // @littlefixations  //  @baublebar

@madewell1937 // @linesacross // @zainsaraswati // @dcds

pineapple goodies (in order)

tory burch wallet // sunnylife candle // lolo pouch // kate spade phone case

tory burch tote // kate spade earrings // kate spade wallet // soludos espadrilles

Which fun pineapple item would you grab?

I think those earrings are beyond perfect for summer!

xo, lp

LIFE LATELY: SHOPBOP WINNER!

Happy Tuesday you guys!

Most Mondays I do a little "life lately" round up...sharing what's going on in my life via Instagram.

Most bloggers do it... some people just share images with a short caption, some share recipes (how good does this smoothie look?) or items they think are must-haves for the season (like flats- I mean, am I wrong to love gold glitter flats like these ones?) - but all of them are great little snapshots into their lives!

Anyways- I hope some of you out there like these type of posts as much as I do- because HERE is life lately:

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I've mentioned this before- but when I do recipe posts for the blog, I cook/shoot a bunch of recipes in one day and then edit/post throughout the month. Why do I do this? Well, partially because it's efficient, and partially because I make a MESS when I cook or bake. Like, a reaaaally big mess...so I figure it's better to make all the messes on one day ;-) 

This weekend I shot a handful of AWESOME new recipes, including this drink...which you'll see sometime this month (it's so. dang. good):

 Fresh. Blooms. Errrry. Day. The grocery store by us always stocks the prettiest, cheapest flowers. These bright orange roses were just screaming my name:

I saw multiple women in New York wearing glitter flats (like these) - since WHEN are glitter shoes in? Maybe this just hasn't hit the Midwest yet? Looking for opinions here...

Speaking of New York, can we discuss how awesome Dylan's Candy Bar is? Ermahgerd. So much candy in EVERY COLOR OF THE RAINBOW. My dream of #everythinginrainboworder has come true!

Other than that, in case you missed it, the Shopbop winner was announced...want to see if it was you? go HERE!

What's new with you guys lately?

Tell me something good, people!

xo, lp

EASY ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL GIFTS FOR THE GRADUATE

EVERYONE.

IS.

GRADUATING.

Or well, a heck of a lot of people are. Between High School & College, there are so many people out there graduating in May & June, that you're bound to know someone out there you need to get- a gift for. Or maybe you're graduating and you're the one that can hint at gifts you'd like? 

This guide is for one-size-fits-all gifts (like earrings) that are easy to get for the graduating lady. Some are practical (like these) and some are just fun (like these) - but all should fit her just fine!

Plus, all these gifts come with FREE 3 day shipping, so you can spend a little extra on the gift itself :)

So many people get cash or checks when they graduate- step outside of that box and instead give her a wallet to put all that $$ into!

I mean, you can't go wrong with one of these Michael Kors purses. A quality bag that will last years is sure to make her happy!

 If you're not looking to shell out a ton of cash, snap up a pair of these Kate Spade earrings. They go with everything, and are SUCH a steal of a deal!

Ladies these days change their phone covers about as much as in my day we changed our BonneBell Lipsmackers (whoa dating myself there. ouch.). Get a colorful case and you're sure to please.

 If the graduate you're buying for is practical AND stylish, then you have to get her a S'well bottle. I have one of these things and LOVE it. It looks cool and it keeps water icy for days and tea hot for ages. I know a thermos isn't a common gift, but I can guarantee it'll be used constantly!

What are you grabbing for the Graduate in your life?

Or if you're a Graduate- what are you hoping to get?

xo, lp

SHOPPING FOR SHOES FOR NYC + A SHOPBOP GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE: Be SURE to leave a comment on THIS blog post to be entered to win. It's the only thing that is mandatory in order to throw your hat in the ring for $50 to Shopbop. If you enter  without commenting, the entry will be invalid. xoxo, lp 

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You guys.

I leave for NYC in LESS THAN A WEEK.

I am beyond ready. I have some fun stuff planned, and because I am crazy Type A, I pretty much know everything I'm packing...except for the shoes. I'm super efficient when it comes to bringing the right amount of clothes for any trip, but shoes are where I fail. Will it rain? Do I need boots? Will there be a dressy even that needs heels? Do I need brown and black flats? 

Packing for this trip is no different. Each time I think I have it down I look at one of my favorite NYC fashion bloggers and suddenly I think I need some black and silver shoes [like these ones!] or those Michael Kors flats [which one of these do I choose?!] that I've been eyeing. 

I think I've narrowed it down to 3 pairs- but I'm looking for your input below. 

(Oh, and if you could care less about my shoe choices, there's $50 to Shopbop in it for you!)

ny images:  one / two  / three

outfit images: atlantic pacific one / two / three

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Black Ankle Boots: I feel like these are a must have because they can be dressed up or down...and are a liiiittle more practical than a pair of heels.

Sneakers: Thank god sneakers are trendy to wear right now. I have a super cute new pair of New Balance kicks that I will probably look like a huge dork in, but I can't wait to try out in the city.

Black Ballet Flats: Like I mentioned above, there are some Michael Kors Flats [aren't these so cute?] I love and think they'll go with juuuust about everything I'm bringing.

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Shopbop is such a fabulous sponsor of this blog they're offering up $50 to ANYTHING at Shopbop, just cuz they're think you're just as cute as I do.
Unlike those stupid giveaways nowadays that force you to follow 90 instagram accounts before you're entered to win anything, all this requires is for you to write a simple comment on this blog.
Yup.
Do that, and you are entered to WIN. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win- if you're anonymous, it makes it pretty hard to get ya your $$.

There are options for extra entries to help your odds, but they are not at ALL mandatory.

Good luck m'loves!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, lp

PSSSST: Want to travel along with me to NYC? Follow me on Instagram for some snaps of the Big Apple! (@lpodlich)

MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD

Oh May birthday girls- you are some lucky ladies to have Emerald be your birthstone. Y'all must have been throwing a party back in 2013 when it was the Pantone color of the year. 

Whenever I think of emeralds I think of pirates treasure of gold and gems...which according to Wikipedia is a pretty dumb thought since most of them in the world are in Colombia, which is less pirate-y and more drug lord-y.

If you love emerald things- it's nearly impossible in May to find something that is in that color family. I don't know who decided birthstones, but clearly they were drunk the day they put a fall/winter color as a birthstone for spring/summer. #justsayin.

All that aside, it still is possible to find some awesome emerald-like jewelry [like these] or phone cases with varying deep green hues [how great are these?]. So while they're few and far between, just be thankful you have such a glamorous birthstone!

Here's the May favorites:

This month's picks include:

That cocktail ring is insane but fabulous, right? [more emerald-y jewelery HERE]

3 stellar phone cases with assorted green hues [shop them all HERE]

A green clutch, good all year long [more green pouches HERE]

This Tory Burch keychain- the best of the dark-emerald-meets-summertime combination. [find the TB keychains HERE]

Tassel green shoes, because...why not? [shop green shoes HERE]

Happy Birthday to all you May ladies!

Hope you find a great emerald gift to yourself out there!

xo, lp

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Missed your birthday month?

Go back in the archives! 

March: Aquamarine

February: Amethyst

April: Diamond

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY MOM WITH SHOPBOP

Mother's Day is LESS than 2 weeks away everyone- so if you're still figuring out what to get your mom, now is the time to grab something off this list so you're not late!

If you live near your mom, this will ship to you fast so you have time to wrap it up nicely!

If you DON'T live near her- Shopbop offers FREE shipping, so you don't have to deal with that extra pain of extra charges to get it to her.

PLUS if your mom is pick- Shopbop offers free returns within 15 days ;-)

It's super easy to just grab her a nice pair of earrings or a bracelet- but sometimes an out of the box can mean so much more! I've arranged a list of gifts for all different types of moms out there (my favorite is the pink fanny pack for the practical mom, of course), so you're sure to find a gift for yours!

For the Practical mom, a cool Hunter umbrella for rainy days, a pink fanny pack for hikes and trips, or some lesport sac gear for keeping things in order!

For the Organized mom, somewhere to display her watches, her rings, or pack up her clothes!

For the Workout mom, a new yoga mat, a shiny s'well bottle, or a new gym bag!

For the Fashionable mom, an array of style books, a TB mixed print case, or a stylish new phone case!

For the Super Hip mom, an ironic bag, a wine topper, a coffee table book or a sassy mug!

For the Pet Loving mom,  anything and everything dog and cat- like mugs, wine stopper, or salt and pepper shakers!

For the Gardening mom, some sweet snail or flower earrings, or a floral lesportsac piece!

For the Best Hostess mom, a cheese label or knife set, a boozy candle, or some cute coasters!

My mom is definitely a Gardening/Practical mom-

Which of these buckets does your mom fall into?

xo, lp