I’m headed to Valparaiso for the “Listen To Your Mother” event and am so excited to dine with a new friend at this super cute little tavern downtown before the show. Indiana’s good at that — building taverns and serving you french fries.

Anyway, when I’m not sure what the dress code of an event calls for, I throw on a patterned dress (this one’s from Lulu’s) and black fitted blazer. Works every time. I dare you to find an event where you’ll be out of place in the above outfit.

Unless you’re going bowling.

Nope, even then it would be awesome.

FULL DISCLOSURE

Have a lovely weekend, friends. I know these two portraits are having a blast!

LINKS: KAT DALTON & CATRIN

Two-Faced is a weekly guest series from Justina Blakeney.

She’s done it again, folks!

LINKS: SEVENTH WONDERLAND & CREATURE COMFORTS

Samesies is a weekly guest series from M. Fay.

I believe in small, meaningful gifts for holidays — ever so personalized and always very simple. For me, Mother’s Day is no different. And in an effort to share with you how great of a mother I had/have, I want to let you see my Mother’s Day gift for yourself:

This year, I joined a slew of talented bloggers, authors and writers to create an anthology entitled, “Stories I’ve Only Told My Mom.” It’s for sale here for $4.99 (a steal once you see and read the beauty inside) and I’d encourage you to pick up a copy to share with your own mother. The anthology is full of laughter, tears and memories you’ve undoubtedly experienced throughout your [sometimes rocky] relationships with your own mother.

The funny thing about my relationship with my mother? We talked very little growing up. You know, about real stuff. There were jokes and snippets of advice… the occasional lecture. To be honest, I always wondered why other kids were having “the talk” with their mothers and mine was still hosting Rod Stewart dance parties in our kitchen — seemingly oblivious to the weighty issues of a freshman in high school. While writing my essay, however, I realized that by giving me and my two other sisters the freedom to figure things out on our own, my mother was teaching us independence. Prepping us for the day we would leave her plaid-upholstered, VHI1-blaring nest.

In my essay, I shared a conversation I had with my mother about employment — the very conversation that led me to do what I do here, every day. It was fairly one-sided; my mother said but one sentence. And that one sentence is something I remember weekly — and has become my self-employment mantra ever since.

I’d love for you to give it a read and ponder your own relationship with your mother. While you’re thinking about it, share it with her in whatever way you can. She’ll laugh, cry and perhaps even bake you her killer brownies.

Here’s hoping.

Happy Mother’s Day.

This image alone just made my life like, 12% better.

LINK: GRANT HAMILTON
via simple song

Color Mankind is a weekly guest series from Lauren Willhite.

I’d totally don this fringe bag ($38) with a white fitted tee, flares and strappy flats. Oh, 70′s! You’ve returned for me!

LINK: LULU’S

Love the sense of humor in Will & Shxpir’s fashion photography. Their motto? “We don’t do wedding photography, but divorce photography we will consider.” Ha!

LINK:  WILL & SHXPIR

Karin documented her hair growth after chemo. The result is a touching art installation of survival. Well played, dear.

LINK:  KARIN STACK

I need to learn how to take good photos, clearly, but I’m still proud that I got dressed today. My April resolution is sticking and I’m now vowing to rid myself of sweatpants throughout the month of May. Promise.

Anyway, I love this black asymmetrical dress from Lulu’s, who is one of my site sponsors and makes getting dressed daily way more fun than it should be. It’s a lightweight jersey material, so it’s sort of like I’m wearing sweatpants. But ALL OVER MY BODY.

Amazing.

LINK: LULU’S
FULL DISCLOSURE*

I have no idea where my obsession with tattoos stems from (I’ll never get one), but perhaps I’m living vicariously through people far cooler than I. Anyway, this fill-in-the-blank tattoo is perfect for the indecisive hipster. Love!

via yes & yes