Simplify.

Striped Trapeze tank, Forever 21
Marissa Cotton Twill shorts, Loft
flips, Reef
Initial Charm necklace, Anthropologie
Original Wayfarer sunnies, Ray Bans 

My favorite little photo bomber, Max.

I'm wondering where those Lazy Days of Summer went.  It started out lazy.  Waking up in the 8 or even 9 o'clock hour.  Lounging in our PJ's all day.  Running through the sprinkler in the afternoon.  Hotdogs on the patio for supper.

But somehow lazy has turned into crazy.  Between camp in the mornings, CrossFit in the evenings, and who knows what in between, my date book is getting way too much action for Summer Vacation.  

But I'm dedicated to getting back to lazy and simplifying things, starting with my outfit.  A breezy tank and shorts.  Simple as that.  

The Church Lady.

Crochet Tank Top, Eddie Bauer
Veronica Ikat Printed shorts, Lucky Brand Jeans
Candid sandals, Dr. Scholl's via DSW
earrings, Anthropologie
Idiom bangle, Kate Spade
Initial Charms necklace, Stella & Dot
Original Wayfarer sunnies, Ray Bans
Sephora lipstick in "It Girl"

Sunday's fashion question of the day:

How can I get away with wearing as few clothes as possible without being completely inappropriate for church?

Summer camp.

Kanoko Striped tank, Anthropologie
1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jean shorts, The Gap
flips, Reef
Gumdrop earrings, Kate Spade
Say yes "Cheers" necklace, Kate Spade 

I spent the Summer between college graduation and grad school as a camp counselor at an all girls camp in New Hampshire.  It was the typical camp experience with archery, campfire songs, Color Wars, pilfering the campers' candy stash.  You know, campy stuff.  

It was a really memorable Summer and I would love to give my kids that traditional New England camp experience someday.  But for now we'll stick to the little day camp right down the street.  There may not be canoeing or campouts, but even cooler there is Lego Robotics class and Jr. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Mania.

Hmmm... Is anyone else hungry for a fluffernutter sandwich and kool-aid?

Book report.

"I blush."

-Anastasia Steele

Tulip Apron skirt, Anthropologie
Cotton tank, Loft
Beaded single strand necklace, Francesca's
T-strap wedges, Clarks 

How sweet of my my mom to invite me to her Book Club.  Today's discussion:  Fifty Shades of Grey.

Yikes.  

You heard right... my good-Catholic-girl, church-every-Sunday mom GAVE ME the books to read!  I kinda wanted to read it to see what all the hype was about.  I like to know what's going on in pop culture.  And who wouldn't say, "no" to this year's salacious Summer read.  However, frankly, I would re-name it Fifty Shades of Overrated. 

 Little Miss Party Planner, my mom, always gives favors.

Gray m&m's and silver gum (eh-hem) balls.

The white outfit vs. spaghetti.

Streaked Horizons tank, Anthropologie
Patch Pocket Cotton Poplin shorts, Loft
Pieced Prism necklace, Anthropologie
Idiom bangle, Kate Spade
Modiste-Summer Madness wedges, Sketchers
Key-per Satchel in "Retro" print, Fossil

Feeling really good about how my arms are looking after only eight CrossFit classes.

It might just be the angle.  It might just be the Instagram filter.  

But considering I've done literally close to 500 push-ups in the past two weeks, 

I'm going to say, "Yay me!"

Went out for date night with my fella this weekend.  After dinner we stopped by the pub for a pint... and played with our iPhones.  Hopeless romantics.  

I decided to pair white on white and highlight my new favorite necklace.  Of course I wanted Italian food and didn't think to throw my Tide to go stick in my purse.  Yikes.  But I am happy to report my outfit escaped unscathed.

Friday Afternoon Margarita Club

Lace Trails tank, Anthropologie
Marissa Cotton Twill shorts, Loft
Pieced Prism necklace, Anthropologie
Modiste-Summer Madness wedges, Sketchers
Idiom bangle, Kate Spade
Key-per Satchel in "Retro" print, Fossil
Original Wayfarer sunnies, Ray Bans

"Is that girl wearing pants?"

 Hmmm.  Decisions decisions...

It doesn't get any better than margaritas with your girlfriend on a Friday afternoon.  Unless you toss in some shopping at Anthro sans kiddos.  Ahhhh, bliss.

All are welcome to the Friday Afternoon Margarita Club.  We meet Friday afternoons.  We drink margaritas.  It's just that complicated.

Cheers!    

Yay me!

Winding Rope tank, Anthropologie

(cute little button courtesy of the Bud to Bloom dress, Anthropologie)

Smocked Button-front Denim skirt, Old Navy

Embossed Gladiator sandals, Steve Madden

Itty bitty bow earrings, Anthropologie

Silver Heart Tag bracelet, Tiffany & Co.

Original Wayfarer sunnies, Ray Bans

Maybelline lipstick in "Eternal Rose" 

I'm not sure if gladiator sandals are still considered en vogue.  

But I'm going to go out on a limb and say, yes.  They are.

Obligatory look-at-your-shoes-blogger pose.

That's what the popular girls do.

Someone told me to own my blog voice, and quit all the self-deprecating talk.  And by someone, I mean my sister.  She might be my baby sister, but she's awesome at kicking my emotional ass sometimes.

I guess my sarcasm doesn't translate well via blog.  I would definitely characterize myself as a pretty confident person.  Some even might go as far as calling me a "know-it-all."  And by some, I mean my best friend.  When we first met at cheerleading clinics way back in 1998, I did not make a good first impression.  Well, the jokes on him.  He ended up marrying this little smarty pants.

My mom tells me I have a chip on my shoulder that I need to keep in check.  True.  I can be obnoxious, and unapologetic at that.  But my confidence has been a source of some amazing accomplishments in my life.  So sometimes it's good to toot your own horn.

But I'm fully aware of the fine line between self assurance and being full of oneself.  Confidence can quickly turn into cockiness.  But on the other hand, humility can also lead to devaluing oneself.  And meekness is never in style.          

So, I guess the moral of the story is this:   

I'm Mollie.  I am proud of my little blog.  And I look freaking cute today.

Circus circus.

Striped Tailspin tank, Madewell
Regional Embroidered Boyfriend shorts, Eddie Bauer
Initial Charms necklace, Stella & Dot
earrings, Forever 21
Original Wayfarer sunnies, Ray Bans

My sister got this tank when Madewell first opened up in Scottsdale Fashion Square.  So like the total copy cat that I am, I just had to have it!  It's patriotic, yet exudes an element of circus.

I always thought I would make a fantastic tightrope walker or trapeze artist.  After all, I was groomed to be a circus freak.

Bitty Mollie, circa 1982

High school Mollie, 1996

Hope you all had a great start to your Summer this Memorial Day weekend!  

[Guest Blogger: Sara] Shopping is a Group Sport.

I am spreading the blog love.  My first official Guest Blogger is none other than my BFF and playgroup co-leader, Sara.  We met over six years ago at our first playgroup when our boys were just weeks old.  She is as sweet as molasses, and I don't know how I would survive this crazy ride through motherhood without her. 

-Mollie

Take it away, Sara...

Waist-Cinching Romper, Anthropologie

shoes, Kelly and Katie via DSW

Birdwhistle necklace, Madewell

Give a Hoot bracelet, Francesca's

Last week, I went to the Tucson Anthropologie by myself and found this totally cute romper in the sale room.  Every time I see a romper I think - that would look awful on me.  You see... I'm a tall girl.  5' 8."  Barefoot.  Add some heels and I tower over people.  Rompers are made for 4 year olds with cute little bodies - not giants.  But lately, this blog has encouraged me to take some fashion risks and step out of my box just a little bit.  So I tried it on.  It was cute, and a bargain at only $29.99, but I just couldn't convince myself to buy it.  Where would I wear it?  Would my husband make fun of me?  Is it appropriate for anyone over the age of 30 to wear this?  You know that conversation.  You've had the same one in a dressing room a hundred times.  So I left this baby behind and continued on with my day.  

The next thing I knew I was off to Girls Weekend in Scottsdale with my BFF (the writer of this blog) and her sister.  Super fun weekend with lots of dining out, lounging poolside and shopping.  Low and behold, we ended up at Anthropologie in Scottsdale.  And there it was again - the Moss Green Romper of my dreams.  So I tried it on again with the encouragement of the girls.  They loved it and now it was marked down to $19.99!  I decided it was fate and bought the romper.  I wore it out to Geisha A Go-Go for a sushi dinner with the hipsters of Scottsdale (trying not to feel self-conscious the whole time).  And you know what?  I think I pulled it off.  

As I look back on the evening, I have decided 3 things: 

1. Sometimes we need to let go of our insecurities and live a little.

2. My legs still look pretty good for a 35 year old with 2 kids. 

3. Shopping is a group sport.  Sometimes you just need a little encouragement from your girlfriends.  

So go out today and buy yourself a romper.  You'll be glad you did.

Just make sure you bring your girlfriends!

Sara

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Canopy Lookout dress, Anthropologie
belt, Francesca's
Candid sandals, Dr. Scholl's via DSW
Idiom bangles, Kate Spade
Gumdrop earrings, Kate Spade

Date night with the fellas!  They boys surprised me Mother's Day morning with tickets to see Mary Poppins!  The evening was "practically perfect in every way." 

  

I just wish I could have worn this necklace...

Supercalifragilipstick necklace, Kate Spade
(sold out... sad face)