Sea Salt + Stilettos

Well, that’s because it is. Over the past year of starting my blog I realized I have never done an about me post where I share things you all may not know about me. There’s a lot you probably don’t know – but I’ll list the top 25 to keep it short (you know because I’m so interesting I would need more? J/k).

1. I was born in Clarksville, Tennessee and lived there until I was 6.
2. I grew up in Wisconsin & went to college in Missouri 
3. I started college as a chemistry major.. and ended up in public relations (that’s a story for another day)
4. I use to work in entertainment advertising as my big girl job then recently transitioned to beauty branding 
5. I danced for 8 years and played soccer for 15 years up into college before I got injured too badly to play any longer
6. I have an older brother .. who lives in Idaho.. we’re polar opposites
7. I use to eat my cereal dry with milk on the side because I hate soggy food and I use to eat too slow
8. I am deathly allergic to mushrooms 
9. The first time I ever went surfing was in Hawaii and I got coral stuck in my shin
10. I’ve never been to NYC (but that’s changing VERY soon!)
11. I love running long distance and try to run 5 miles 4x a week
12. I use to want to be a painter when I grew up – I don’t paint anymore
13. Hospitals terrify me – mainly the smell, the blood and the white walls
14. I have 2 tattoos 🌊➰
15. I am a natural blonde – but have colored my hair every hue of brown from dark brown to black/brown, auburn, Burgundy, strawberry blonde and platinum blonde
16. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be fish tacos
17. I could eat guacamole with a spoon, (not could, but I do do this)
18. Mexican food is my favorite, but Italian is a VERYYY close #2
19. I lived in Milan, Italy for a semester and it was the best time of my life
20. I love corgis – my Instagram feed is mainly designer shoes, corgi puppies and exotic beaches
21. If I could live anywhere it would be in Italy by the coast 
22. My #1 travel destination is Egypt to scuba dive in the Red Sea. Egyptian culture and history has always really interested me and I really hope to go someday when it’s safer. Portugal, Indonesia, Greece, Croatia, Uruguay and Morocco are close runner-ups.
23. My biggest pet peeve is messy tooth brushers – I cannot be in the bathroom with someone brushing their teeth, it actually makes me nauseous.
24. I use to be a Taco Bell Brand manager and was known as the Taco Bell girl. Everyone wanted me for my free taco coupons… 
25. My parents almost named me Valerie. I love that name, but I do NOT look like a Valerie. And yes, my birth name is Abigail. & my dad calls me Missy (no clue why).

Want to know more or know more about one of the 25 things about me? Comment below or on my post on Instagram!

PS – my awesome handmade tribal earrings were made in Ecuador, fave gift from my Papa on his travels ❣️ 

Have a happy day loves, xx.

Even though my website is currently under construction and looking a little rough, I really wanted to share some of my favorite styles for one of my favorite holidays as well as traditions I’ve experienced over the years, across three states, all for the 4th of July! There’s nothing I love more than having an excuse to dress up, get friends together, BBQ and hang outside with music and games. The 4th of July is also one of the very few times I wear red, I honestly think it’s a hard color to pull off and pair just right (but who can go wrong with a simple tank and cut off jean shorts? No one).

Growing up in Wisconsin – it was tradition to watch the fireworks at the gazebo in Fond du Lac, then when we moved to Sheboygan, the tradition was Lake Michigan with the huge bonfire and fireworks show – not to mention BBQ’ing at a friends beforehand with – you guessed it – bratwurst, cheese curds and some Blue Moon or Bud light (#TWM = total Wisconsin move).

Going to college in Missouri – it was tradition to go to Lake of the Ozarks, stay at a cute lake cabin with the girls and bar hop to all the little lake bars! Not to mention cliff diving, tubing and watching fireworks from a friend’s boat.

Moving to Los Angeles – it’s a popular choice to head down to the infamous Newport Beach, where they have a parade and slew of beach house and rooftop parties all along the peninsula, you can hop from house to house and probably run into someone you know every time! Not to mention, it’s a blast to watch the fireworks from the beach, and see them reflect on the ocean at night. Then, it’s off to the bars on the Strand! (This will be my second year doing this!)

So – in addition to all the traditions – I wanted to share some simple styles you can easily throw together last minute – and possibly already have in your closet!

Pictured:
Top: Solana Halter top in Ruby Rose, Cabana Anna Swim, $84.99
– what’s fun about this look is it’s actually a swim suit bandeau top that can also be worn as a crop top when paired with highwaisted shorts or skirt! And, you’re already ready to jump into the beach, pool, river, or lake!
Bottoms: High waisted shorts (these are last season Zara – but I’ve linked a dupe!) Boho Short in Breakup Blue, Nobody Demin – Revolve, $149

Bombshell Red Favorites:

• Clayton Top with lace and pom pom details by Tularosa, shop: Revolve, $103
  • I’d pair this with high waisted shorts, same as in “Pictured”!
• Button-detailed quilted red denim high waisted shorts by Pierre Balmain, shop: net-a-porter, $325 (50% off!!)
  • I’d pair this with a white tucked in tank top for simplicity
• Off-the-shoulder blouse tank with open shoulders and ties, Amazon Style, $8
  • I’d pair this with a fun denim mini for midriff coverage
• Cora Embroidered Minidress by Free People, shop: Nordstrom, $148
  • **I’m overall obsessed with this Minidress – Free People is one of my FAVORITE brands, and worth the price – their quality is incredible.
• Wilson Tie Top in Bonfire Crisp, shop: Show Me Your Mumu, $118
  • So simple, and transitional, pair it with some cute white shorts during the day, then slip into denim midi and wedges for a cute-casual evening!

Something Blue:

• Lilly Lady Dress in classic polka dot  navy blue, Auguste The Label, $159
  • **Hands down one of my favorite dresses I’ve come across lately – it’s fun, sassy and classy! Pair with some heeled sandals or wedges!
• Yakura flouncy Gingham one-shoulder cropped top by Viva Aviva, shop: Saks Fifth Avenue, $88.50
  • I can’t help but dive into the Gingham trend happening this summer – it has such an old fashioned sexiness to it, especially with this gorgeous ruffle off the shoulder crop top! Pair with some light wash denim shorts, or be bold and go with a mustard color and camel wedges! (and of course a tassel-pom pom tote is always a great accessory)
• Vienna Mornings Wrap Blouse in blue stripes, shop: 12th Tribe, $68
  • I’m not usually a fan of stripes whatsoever… but this fun, flouncy wrap blouse is SO chic with the sassy off-the-shoulderness.

Darling Denim Picks: 

• Stone Washed Scallops Embroidery Shorts in Light Blue by Red Valentino, shop: Luxury Zappos, $197
  • Scalloped detail – need I say more?
• High-waisted Blue Note shorts w/ red & black embroidery and fringed cuffs, Blank Denim, shop: Shopbop, $61.60 (30% off!)
  • I am always a fan of embroidery – I think it’s a fun yet simple way to flair up any old pair of shorts/jeans.
• MOTO Wrap denim skirt in light blue faded wash, shop: TopShop, $60.00
  • Because who doesn’t love moto style? And light wash denim? YES PLEASE.

Party-Worthy Sunnies:

• Cat eye (my fave): Quay Australia My Girl oversized sunnies in Tortoise, Quay, $55
• Circles: Crap Eyewear, The Tuff Patrol Gold sunglasses, LuLus, $78
• Aviator: Gucci aviators w/ crosshatching details w/ chic metal, Nordstrom Rack, $120
• Colored lense: Diff Cruz Matte Gold frame Pink Mirror lens, Diff Eyewear, $60

Comment below on what your favorite pieces are and tell me about your 4th of July traditions!! I can’t wait to put glitter stars on my face, watch the parade, and eat a red, white and blue cupcake (because someone always brings patriotic cupcakes – aka ME!!)

Have fun and stay safe loves!

xoxo

Abby