Sucker for Seersucker

Skirt: Vineyard Vines     Sweater: Gap (similar)    Bag: Vintage Gucci    Button Down: J. Crew    

 Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick     Shoes: Ferragamo

Happy Monday, everyone!  Hope you all had a great weekend (and that this week breezes by so we can get to the next one quickly ;-)

I might seem crazy for wearing a knit sweater in the middle of summer.  In sunny California.  But surprisingly, the weather down here has been... dare I say cold?  It's not exactly winter weather (hence the skirt), but the mornings are misty and the sun doesn't come out until well after noon.  Mother nature is weird.  But I'll go with it.

I love this skirt- if my post title didn't make it clear, I'm a sucker for seersucker.  I bought this thinking it would be relegated to late spring and summer only, but I think it would work great with a cable knit sweater in fall!  So basically what I'm wearing right now in the middle of summer, but with tights to keep my legs warm.

I recently picked up my first pair of Ferragamo Varas.  (had to choose navy, because what else?)  I had a pair of Varinas, and I loved them, but let's be honest: I'm 5'0" and I could use the tiny boost.  I love these!  Even though the heels on them is probably only a one inch boost from the Varina flats, these are still just as comfy.  I'm obsessed with Ferragamo bow shoes, so although these are my first Varas, they definitely won't be my last.  I'm in love with the customizable ones!

Anyways, I'll be jetting off to San Francisco for the weekend with my best friend in the whole world, so I'm excited for this quick getaway.  I'll be posting on Instagram and taking tons of pics, so follow along for the adventure!

 Vineyard Vines Seersucker Patch Skirt + Gap Girl Navy Kids Sweater + Gucci Vintage Boston Bag + J. Crew White Perfect Shirt + Kiel James Patrick Royal's Golden Fleet Bracelet + Ferragamo Vara Navy Heels

Banana Colada Shake + Giveaway {With Quest}

Rich, creamy, sweet, and tropical, you'd never guess that this shake was protein packed and low in sugar.  With my first sip, the coconutty and banana flavor reminded me of all my Hawaiian vacations.  Mmm, sipping a shake on the beach in Hawaii... sigh.

This shake starts with Quest's Banana Cream protein powder, which is the newest protein powder flavor alongside Salted Caramel.  Then all you need is coconut milk and ice!  You can also add in a spoon or two of shredded coconut flakes!  I used about 1 teaspoon of these.

Super rich, creamy, foamy, and all other delicious adjectives.

Banana Colada Protein Shake

Serves 1

1/4 cup Quest Banana Cream Protein Powder (about 2/3 of a packet)

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup ice

pinch of salt (brings out flavors)

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.  To chill it after blending, refrigerate for 20+ minutes or put it in the freezer for 5 minutes.  You can also drink it immediately!  

Protein: 14 grams - Calories: 112 - Fat: 4 grams - Sugars: 1 gram
*Nutrition info depends on the milk you used.  This was calculated with Pacific Unsweetened Original Coconut Milk. 

So you can experience this fabulousness yourself, I'm giving away two packets of the Banana Colada flavor protein powder!  The giveaway lasts for 1 week (until next Monday!)  You can enter in the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was brought to you by Quest Nutrition.  I was sent samples of Quest protein powder for sample and review.  All opinions are honest and my own.

Lilly Koi Pond

 Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer     Popover: H&M     Shoes: Ferragamo    Bag:  Louis Vuitton

Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick    Belt: Vintage Fossil (similar)

Lilly Pulitzer Don't Be Koi Skirt + H&M Striped Linen Popover + Ferragamo Gold Honeycomb Varina Flats + Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette Accessoires + Kiel James Patrick Royal's Golden Fleet Bracelet + Vintage Fossil Braided Leather Belt

Summer Treats with Halo Top Creamery

There's something about the idea of a "quintessential summer" in my mind that involves cold, sweet, frozen treats enjoyed in the sunset on an American summer day.  Ice cream is one of the most-loved treats in the world, and not just for summer. I mean, it's a year round thing, right?

I love finding healthier alternatives to creamy, decadent ice cream.  One of my favorite healthy ice cream alternatives is homemade vegan nicecream, which is just a frozen banana whirled in a blender with your flavoring of choice, which magically creates a creamy soft-serve!  Yeah, nicecream is delicious and all, but I can get tired of the banana taste.  I was craving a delicious, creamy, sweet ice cream that was also better for you.  That's where Halo Top comes in.

The kind team over at Halo Top Creamery was so kind to gift me some delicious pints of their healthy ice cream to try!  Halo Top's ice cream is all natural and has anywhere from 240-280 calories a pint, plus 6 grams of protein!  When I read their ingredient list, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I recognized every single ingredient.  One of my food philosophies is that I should be able to pronounce every ingredient on the label. ;-)  Halo Top really is a delicious treat that you can feel GOOD about enjoying.

Oh, and it's amazing.  I've tried healthier ice creams that just couldn't get the texture right: they are usually too icy or crystalline.  Halo Top is incredibly creamy and rich.  It definitely didn't taste like any other healthier ice cream I've tried.  I've never had Ben and Jerry's ice cream before, but I have had Haagen-Dazs, and the texture is almost spot on to that- smooth, indulgent, and silky.

I chose the vanilla bean and chocolate pints.  I loved them both!  I'm a huge fan of good quality vanilla bean ice cream, and I loved that you can actually see flecks of vanilla bean in the Halo Top.  Some people say vanilla is a boring flavor, but I think it's a delicious classic.  Halo Top's vanilla bean was extremely flavorful and I will definitely be having it again.  The chocolate was rich, decadent, and absolutely wonderful as well.  I'm a chocoholic at heart, and I loved the fudgy cocoa flavor.

Of course, as a fashion blogger, the first thing I noticed was that the pints were super cute!  I love the gold accents and adorable design, especially the golden "halo" on the rim of the lid.  Each flavor has a different color scheme.  The strawberry flavor is the cutest pink pint, the mint chip is a pretty pastel green,  and words do not describe my love for the rainbow polka dots on the birthday cake flavor!  

Halo Top is carried at many stores, I've seen it in Whole Foods (my favorite!), Haggen markets, and the natural products frozen section in Ralph's.  Use their locator to find a retailer near you.

Have you heard of or tried Halo Top before?  I'd definitely recommend checking them out!

  

This post was brought to you by Halo Top Creamery.  I was provided with Halo Top Ice Cream for sample and review.  All opinions are honest and my own.  

Spotted in Chambray

Shirt: J. Crew    Skirt: J. Crew     Shoes: Kate Spade   Bag: Tory Burch

J. Crew Chambray Shirt + J. Crew Crewcuts Moon Dot Twill Skirt + Kate Spade Linette Pumps + Tory Burch Clara Satchel