Soaking Up Summer

lilly pulitzer trapeze dress blue crush

Happy Friday! When the week kicks off with your birthday, it’s bound to be a great one. There was definitely some radio silence on the blog this week, which always means one of two things… Either shit’s hit the fan or I’m spending a whole lot of time offline. This week, it was definitely the latter. Can you believe Labor Day is this weekend? I’ve loved soaking up every last bit of summertime this week. “Just one glass” of wine at happy hour that turns into an unexpected night out, long dinners, late night dance parties, you name it… I’ve definitely been in a carefree summer state of mind. I’ve been working on letting go of the guilt and the shouldn’t-haves and just living life in the moment and doing what feels right at the time… You know? And it’s been good!

Cheers to making this last long weekend one to remember!

dress for a summer wedding

In an effort to soak up every last bit of the season, I’ve been living in Lilly lately. I took a quick trip out to Oakbrook a few weeks ago and couldn’t resist this new print! The fit of this trapeze dress is so fun… Perfect for twirling around on the dance floor. Depending on where you’re headed, wear it with Jacks or a pair of ankle-strap sandals.

white leather clutch

lilly pulitzer blue crush

lilly pulitzer dress summer wedding

lilly pulitzer dress

A lot of people have been wondering how Chicago has been thus far, so here’s a little update on that front: Usually the first thing anyone asks as of late is, “How are you liking Chicago?!” Up until the last few weeks, I still felt like I was kind of adjusting. I knew I liked it here, but I just felt pretty indifferent overall and always caught myself answering with a generic, “It’s good!” Now that I’ve officially hit the two month mark, it’s safe to say that Chicago has beyond exceeded my expectations. After I signed my lease in Chicago and started finalizing my move from New York, I really started to get cold feet and I didn’t feel like I was ready to leave. While there’s a big part of me that wished I would have had more time and one more summer on the East Coast, Chicago really is starting to feel more and more like home. Hallie always talks about this concept in Soul Cycle… the notion of “home” not necessarily being a place, but more so who you’re surrounded by.. and it couldn’t be more true in Chicago. The past two months have been full of best friends, new friends, and old friends alike. And it’s been pretty great!

It’s kind of crazy how much I’m realizing my day-to-day personality has shifted since I’ve moved to Chicago… I think I’m just a whole hell of a lot happier. I absolutely loved living in New York, but it really wears on you after a while. I never really felt unhappy necessarily, just constantly so stressed out about ev-er-y-thing. Chicago feels so much easier, like a breath of fresh air. Maybe it’s summertime, maybe it’s the start of a new month, or the start of a new year for me, but I feel so much more relaxed and right where I’m supposed to be.

lilly pulitzer shift dress

Get the Look…

Lilly Pulitzer Dress
Just Fab Sandals (sold out, similar here & here)
Vera Bradley Clutch
Coach Sunglasses
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Cuff
Julie Vos Bangle
Bauble Bar Cuff

lilly pulitzer trapeze shift dress

Current Faves

Leave a Comment

18 Comments

  1. 9.4.15
    Natali said:

    What a gorgeous dress to bring out for the last of the summer time?! You look so elegant and feminine.

    http://lartoffashion.com

  2. 9.4.15

    You look lovely in your summer dress! It fits you perfectly!!

    http://sequinsinpink.blogspot.com

  3. 9.4.15
    Preeti said:

    love the dress and you can SEE you’re so happy! looks good on you!

    xoxo, Preeti
    http://www.ninesto5.com

  4. 9.4.15

    I love the thought that home is not necessarily a place, but rather, the people you’re surrounded by. I couldn’t agree more 🙂 Have a great holiday weekend, Jess!

  5. 9.4.15
    Emma said:

    Love this look. the dress even matches the color scheme of where you are!
    emmastyleguide.blogspot.com

  6. 9.4.15
    Meagan said:
  7. 9.4.15
    Ashley said:

    So glad to hear you’re loving Chicago Jess! It’s always so weird to move — I love the idea of home being more of a state of being (and who you have around you) than an actual place.

    No doubt NYC and Chicago both feel like “home”.

    Ashley || Sed Bona

  8. 9.4.15

    I love that dress! Glad you had a good birthday week!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

  9. 9.4.15
    Jillian said:

    Such a cute pattern on your dress! I’m glad you’re loving Chicago and it’s feeling like home!
    XO, Jillian
    http://rhymeandreason-jillian.com/

  10. 9.4.15

    This is such a gorgeous outfit! The colour is so great, and looks stunning on you! Also – those shoes are to die for!

    Xx Lucy-Claire / Sunny Days and Lovely Ways

  11. 9.4.15
    Shaunacey said:

    such a pretty dress! lovely on you

  12. 9.5.15
    Cheri said:

    Just curious, since you quit your job in New York, how do you fund your lifestyle in Chicago, pay rent etc. ? Do you have a new job? It’s such a mystery to me how bloggers make a living and can afford all the expensive stuff.

  13. 9.5.15

    Jessica, I’m glad your move to Chicago has been such a good experience for you! Have a great holiday weekend 🙂

    xo, tasha
    twenty-something blog

  14. 9.5.15
    bella said:

    I love that dress its such a great colour!

    http://xoxobella.com

  15. 9.5.15

    Pretty dress! Enjoy your labor day weekend, Jess.

    Happy Saturday 🙂
    http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud

  16. 9.7.15
    Kate said:

    I can’t get over how cute your dress is!
    -Kate
    http://www.katekoutures.blogspot.com/