So back a couple of weeks ago, I posted about some summer essentials that I was hoping to find while in Chicago shopping at H&M. Unfortunately, I was surprised to see that they didn’t have too many summery options (where were their shorts? fun beach hats?), I was able to score a couple. And since I promised to share with all of you upon my return, here are my recent additions to my summer wardrobe:

I found a fun and flirty bikini at…Target! I loved the color combo and the ruffles! I had been searching for an affordable ruffled bikini ever since first setting eyes on this beauty from Asos. Happy to report that it is officially my birthday bikini – 30 doesn’t look so bad in this little number!

Close up of the ruffles on the top – something that doesn’t look as perverse when you are not all that well-endowed

I finally found a maxi skirt! Although it is not brightly-hued as I had wanted, it was on mega-sale at H&M for a bargain $10! I had to pick it up – afterall, you can’t go wrong with black. I’ll be able to wear it with almost everything and anything in my closet.

ps; this is what happens when your husband isn’t around to photograph you properly. Sorry for the old school Myspace mirror shots!

Finally I found my coveted jumpsuit (so much easier to rock than a romper), and almost collapsed when I saw that it was only $20! Although I was initially searching for something a little more casual with a crop leg, this one was too beautiful to pass up. I loved the olive shade and the one-shoulder ruffle detail.

Sorry for the wrinkly-ness. I still haven’t given it any tender loving care since unpacking from the trip. I definitely hope to rock this for one of my birthday festivities. I’ll cross my fingers that I won’t have to use the bathroom (full removal needed for these bad boys).

I have specifically avoided Forever 21 in order to pick up the rest of the items on my wishlist, because even though I know I will find them – I’m sure I will find about 234234 other things I must have, and well, this fashionista is on a tight “preparing for Europe” budget. On a side note, while on our European vacation, I hope to do a daily outfit post (and they won’t be mirror shots, promise) to share with you all when I return. How fun will that be?