Does anyone else feel as if August arrived like an early house guest? You know when you’re expecting someone to visit but they come way early and you aren’t quite ready for them? That’s how I’m feeling about August. I know it was coming but wasn’t quite ready for it {aka I can’t believe it’s here}. I know summer always flies by but this one is going at an epic speed. I don’t know about y’all but when time goes by so fast I sometimes feel like I haven’t done anything at all. With that said I thought it would be the perfect time to do a life lately post according to Instagram {plus a few that didn’t make the insta cut}. That way I could reflect, let you know where some items are from that haven’t been on the blog, and share a little about my summer with y’all!

Shirt: Loft {last seen here} // Skirt: Loft {last seen here} // Wedges: Sole Society {last seen here}

Necklace: c/o Ellison James // Espadrilles: Sam Edelman

My first trip of the summer season was to Charleston for the Southern Blog Society Conference. You can read more about it here plus see a few of my looks while there {here, here, here, and here}. Also this summer I’ve become seriously obsessed with lipstick and wear this shade nonstop! Am I cool enough to say I might have a signature shade?

Lipstick: Mac Cosmetics // Sunglasses: Prada // Earrings: Kendra Scott // Dress: Nordstrom

Last month a few of us Charlotte bloggers finally got together and grabbed dinner. Not just any dinner but AH-mazing margaritas and tacos {my absolute favorite}. Lucky for us the evening was cool and we were able to sit outside where we indulged in blogger talk, food photos, and lots of chips + guacamole.

Shorts: Loft {last seen here} // Shirt: Loft // Clutch: Versona Accessories {last seen here} // Wedges: J.Crew

Clutch: GiGi New York // Sunglasses: Prada // Stacked Rings: Kendra Scott // Turquiose Bracelets: Nordstrom // Blue Bracelets: Nordstrom // Initial Bracelet: Kate Spade

Recently I am over the top addicted to smoothies. It’s like a daily treat for me. I think it’s partially because it’s been so hot out but also because I get peanut butter in mine…what’s not to love about peanut butter. My favorite is to stop by Whole Foods after church and pick up the Nutty Monkey and add spinach. Yum!

Skirt: c/o Sheinside // Chain Bracelet: c/co D’Andrea // White Stone Bracelets: Nordstrom // Heels: Nordstrom

For 4th of July Joshua and I headed to the mountains with a big group of friends. We rented an adorable cabin basically in the middle overlooking this valley and surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. It was the perfect escape from the “city life”.  The weather was cool, between 60-75 degrees which was an amazing break from the 90+ we’ve been having here. We ate, drank, played games, and lit fireworks. Joshua and I also squeezed in a nap on a hammock hanging over a cliff. Absolutely terrifying and amazing at once :).

Sneaker Espadrilles: Old Navy {last seen here} // Sunglasses: Prada

This weekend was spent on the water with Joshua and a couple of our good friends. There is something about being on the water that slows down time, takes the stress away, and brings a massive smile to my face. I also think my skin was so incredibly happy to finally catch some rays and have the tiniest bit of color!

See more on Instagram or follow along on Snapchat: Lauraleighlou. What have you been up to this summer?

Hat: J.Crew // Sunglasses: Prada // Sandals: Jack Rogers