Make Out Hill

Last night, I took a trip with Eleanor to Belknap Hill. It's a prominent river bluff directly northeast of downtown Grand Rapids. I've been here once before, but it's been a long while. It was so beautiful to come back at sunset and see downtown from the hillside city park! The reason this park is nicknamed "Make Out Hill" is because it has been often visited by evening romancers throughout history. It has also long been a popular place to propose marriage!

I loved driving up the hill to this view. The surrounding neighborhood is full of simple nineteenth century homes from days when Belknap Hill sat upon small farms and apple orchards. A cherished historic feature of the hill is the steeply inclined Trowbridge Street, which is one of the city's two remaining true fieldstone cobblestoned streets. Eleanor and I went looking for it and I was so excited when we drove down it. I'm such a nerd!

I received this dress from Tailor and Stylist a while back, and I love it. I felt like it deserved a true warm-weather post because I love the heart detail. The heart is actually meant to be worn in the front, but I preferred it in the back! But I love how it can be worn either way. Plus, I always love red as a pop of color in every season. It doesn't look like they have red available now, but they do have it in mint or white. Perfect for spring/summer!

Anyone have any fun plans this weekend? I'm off to a jungle-themed dance party tonight with a bunch of friends. Tomorrow, Eric's band is playing a festival in Lansing that we'll be attending. And Sunday, I'm headed over to my Mom's house for belated Mother's Day tacos. After that, Eric and I are heading back to the city for a really fun photoshoot with Katie of James and Katie Photography. I can't wait to share photos! xo

Outfit details:

Wear Your Heart on Your Dress c/o Tailor and Stylist

Forever 21 Straw Hat

Love Letter Necklace c/o Lalamagic

Old Navy Ankle Boots

The Parlor at Cherry Hill Market

Last night, we headed just down the block to The Parlor at Cherry Hill Market for an ice cream cone. I just adore this little shop. It has big storefront windows, a huge selection of yummy hard-serve flavors and I love how simply decorated it is inside. I got a single scoop of birthday cake flavor, in a waffle cone. So yummy! This place is a little dangerous though, considering it's right in our neighborhood.

I received this darling striped dress from my friend Caitlin of Dear Faithful. She is based in Vancouver, Canada. She was inspired to create her line after she discovered a box of her parent's love letters in the attic of her childhood home, many of the letters were addressed, Dear Faithful. Isn't that the sweetest story? I love her romantic pieces and I'm so thrilled to help promote her beautiful clothing.

I've been saving this necklace from One Ten Zero Seven for this post. It just fits so perfectly! Oh how I love matching my outfits to my locations. I have an inspiration board going right now for all of my upcoming summer posts with a photo of the location and the outfit I plan on wearing at that location. It's been a ton of fun and really helps in the planning process!

I feel like I'm "back" with Selective Potential, if that makes sense. I know everyone goes through lulls with inspiration and coming up with new and creative content, but man. This winter was so long and tough. I was wondering for a while if I didn't like blogging anymore, but after these past few posts, I know that I do. But really? Who loves standing out in 30 degree temperatures for photos when all you really want to be doing is snuggling inside watching a movie? I know I get burnt out on it easily in those pesky winter months, but I'm feeling inspired again. I'm back with a vengeance! xo

Outfit details:

Candy Stripe Dress c/o Dear Faithful

Ice Cream Necklace c/o One Ten Zero Seven

Shop Ruche Belt

Pointed Sole Heel c/o Deb

The white blossoms

The atmosphere of spring so far has been perfect. The color of the sky, the blossoming trees, nights on outdoor patios, windows cracked, that perfect golden sunlight. I'm in love with this season. We took a trip out to the apple orchards last night. It looks like most of the white blossoms have bloomed, but the pink blossoms still haven't fully said hello yet. I'd love to take a trip soon up north to see all of the cherry blossoms in bloom. There are fields up there just full of gorgeous blooming trees. Sounds a little bit like heaven, right?

I love that I can wear layers, yet bare legs, and boots right now. That's why spring and autumn are seriously so perfect - you have options! I received this dress from Deb and I absolutely love the vintage-inspired floral print. Typically I wouldn't think of shopping at Deb, but I was so pleasantly surprised at their options and how affordable they are! I decided to layer a vintage lace crop top over this dress to give it sleeves. I'm a sucker for sleeved dresses.

I've actually been to this orchard several times for blog posts. This is where I shot the photos for my pink trees and apple blossoms posts. I also come here every autumn to pick apples, drink cider and eat the best donuts! We're very lucky to have this spot just a few minutes from downtown. I love living in the city, but honestly I miss being five minutes away from the beach, old barns, fields, silos, rustic railroad tracks and other nature beauties. I need to get out and explore a bit more on the outskirts of Grand Rapids. I'm so looking forward to all of the trips I have planned for this upcoming summer though!

Outfit details: Floral summer dress c/o Deb Ivory lace crop top c/o Recollection Vintage Zigzag necklaces c/o Art School Dropout Samantha Pleet Arc Boot in Marmalade c/o Wolverine

Butch's Beach Burritos

Last weekend, Eric and I took a trip with Eleanor to show her Grand Haven. Since it was Cinco de Mayo and all, I figured we should hit up a tradition in that town - Butch's Beach Burritos. It's right near the water and pier, and has an outdoor patio perfect for looking out at the lighthouses. They serve up super yummy tacos, burritos, salads and even Mexican-style hot-dogs! They've been family owned and operated since 1987 and it's just a great place to go before or after the beach.

I felt like mixing four pretty bright colors into one outfit only really worked on Cinco de Mayo. Haha! But I thrifted these shorts a while back and I absolutely love them - such a fun color. We've had really nice weather lately (except for these past couple of days), so breaking out a complete summer outfit only felt natural. I'm excited though for it to be consistent summer. Usually by Memorial Day that's true here in Michigan.

Eleanor is visiting us for another week and we have a fun last week planned with her, including a super crazy dance party, a pop punk concert and a trip to the east side of the state. I'm really hoping to crank out a ton of outfit posts this month to play a little catch up on clothes I've bought/have received. Other than that, I'm just trying to keep my head above water right now. Life is busy! But really good.

Outfit details:

Thrifted shorts

LOFT top

Target sunglasses

Outer Bank On It Sandal c/o ModCloth

A sunset downtown with friends

Last weekend was such a great one. It was full of perfect weather and lots of time spent outside. On Saturday, Eric and I headed out to Founders Brewing to see a few bands play with our friends, Mehre and Eleanor. Eleanor is actually visiting me right now from New Zealand! I've been trying to show her all around Grand Rapids, and we've actually frequented Founders a couple of times now. It's such a great place in summer because they open up all of their garage doors, so you are basically sitting outside, while inside, drinking beer (except no beer for me, ew) and listening to good music.

This is a very typical Tieka-on-a-Saturday-night outfit. I've worn this dress a thousand times while going out. I bought it last summer and it's still one of my favorites. The top is entirely sheer, but I bought a black bandeau to wear underneath. It shows a little bit of skin without being too revealing! And we can't talk about this outfit without mentioning these boots. I am seriously in love. They are from Wolverine's Samantha Pleet collection for autumn 2013! I'm actually hosting a really fun contest right now where you can win a pair of boots (these included!) and a $500 card to purchase any clothing you want from any retailer you want. That's insane. Be sure to enter the contest here.

Outfit details:

Forever 21 dress

Francesca's Collections bandeau

Forever 21 belt

Helm ring gift from Bonjour Bbydoll

Compass Rose Necklace c/o ModCloth

Samantha Pleet Blixen Boots c/o Wolverine Worldwide

Lip color: Indie Flick from NYX Cosmetics