Bright Spots

Weekend reading material

This week flew by, and I can't believe the weekend is already here. It's even harder to believe that Sunday marks the start of April, which means summer is less than three months away! After a jam-packed week of work I can't wait to spend this weekend doing absolutely nothing, with the exception of maybe getting out to the farmers' market or swap meet after my Sunday morning run. I'm also looking forward to reading The Hunger Games for the first time after seeing (and thoroughly enjoying) the movie last Saturday. Here's a look at a few other things brightening my mood right now.

Art deco-inspired earrings found for a steal at Forever 21

An adorable pocket mirror with a motivating message

This super simple salad of baby spinach, kale chips (recipe here), grape tomatoes & tuna mixed with Greek yogurt that's quickly become my new favorite lunch

Accessories & makeup in punchy pinks, corals & tangerine remind me that summer is just around the corner

Weekend Shower

Seating assignments were written with the bride's nicknames for each guest (mine is 'Martha Focker' and goes back to a joke from our freshman year of high school)

Sunday I attended a bridal shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends. We first met in the eighth grade and have been close ever since; in fact, she and her fiance started dating nine months after the S-man and I got together and were the first couple we'd go on double dates with. It's hard to believe her wedding is less than two months away, but I couldn't be happier for her and wish the two of them nothing but the best in starting their future life together.

Quick shot before heading out (Anne Taylor Dress & Cuffs {similar style here}, Thrifted Clutch)

Flower arrangements, table runners, party favors and presents were all in the bride's favorite color

A candy bar included take-home treats like pink popcorn, rock candy, cake pops & personalized M&Ms

With the beautiful bride-to-be

A giant (& completely edible!) cupcake on the bridal party's table

The outside balcony overlooked this -- gorgeous views for a gorgeous girl!

On a separate note, I've decided to change the "Monday Motivation" feature to an ongoing Friday post to be called "Bright Spots", which will be a review some of the highlights from the past week. As mentioned last week, I hope to start incorporating more outfit posts onto this blog, and I believe this change will allow for that.

Pretty in Pastels

I officially have caught a major case of spring fever, and the only cure is simple, effortless clothing -- silk blouses, flowy skirts and skinny jeans -- made even prettier when done in pastel hues. From minty green to soft peach and all shades in between, this weekend I plan on scooping up a few items similar to those above in order to inject a healthy dose of feminine sweetness into my wardrobe.

1. Equipment Signature Blouse, $146 (on sale!)
2. Chloe L'Eau de Chloe Perfume, $45-$85
3. Karen Walker 'Anytime' Sunglasses, $280
4. Simplicity Dweller Necklace, $28
5. Tibi 'Arizona' Pleated Skirt, $495
6. Current/Elliott Jeans, $185
7. Rebecca Minkoff Blazer, $348
8. Orla Kiely Scallop 'Robin' Bag, $450
9. Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Colorblock Sandal, $695
10. Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in 'Water Lily', 'Incognito' & 'St. Tropez', $23 each

Daily Uniform

Dior Aviators (old), Tart T-shirt, Paige Jeans, Vince Camuto Wedges, Forever 21 Belt, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage & Gifted Bracelets, Forever 21 & Target Rings

One of the major reasons why I started this blog was to have a creative outlet where I could flex my fashion muscles. As far back as I can remember I've loved assembling outfits that are different from everyone else -- which actually is looked at as a bad thing on an island where the daily uniform is shorts, a T-shirt and slippers (known as flip-flops on the Mainland). In Hawaii, my laidback outfits are considered too dressy for the everyday, but I've learned to embrace my style and wanted to use this blog as a means of showing you can dress however you want, as long as you are comfortable in your own skin.

Now that it's been more than a month since launching Rise, Shine, Repeat, I thought it was due time to publish my first outfit post, and what better way to introduce myself to the blogosphere than with a rundown of my day-to-day uniform: comfy jeans, a relaxed tee (usually in some variation of a stripe), and accessories and shoes with interesting details.

I can't wait to play with more fashion trends and look forward to sharing each look with you in the future.