Happy Tuesday, lovelies! Today I wanted to share with you some thoughts, a big personal life update and some things I'm looking forward to this Summer! First, let's start by mentioning THIS dress. I'm obsessed with the mixed prints, ruffles, bell sleeve detail and cinched waist. All of it tied together makes for the perfect versatile Summer frock. I've worn it casually during the day with sneakers (like I did here) and I've also paired it with a simple black pump and sophisticated pony tail for a dressy fundraiser. Best news? It just went on sale 30% off! But, now for the big news...

So if you guys remember, 7 months ago I moved out of the place I shared with my boyfriend at the time. It was a really hard time for me. I moved back to Chicago for him so I was feeling a little lost and wasn't sure what to do or where to go. I thought, do I stay in Chicago? Do I move home? I had no idea! But I had to quickly find a place to move (quickly AKA in 4 days...) I moved into the first place I found that offered a short term lease (my current apartment). I did no research, my mom actually found me this place. I didn't really care where I was, I just had to move and move fast. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this apartment (besides the absurd rent- that's what you get for wanting a short term lease) and I've actually fallen in love with my neighborhood. But, it never really felt like home because I always knew it was going to be temporary. I needed a place to live while I figured out what I was going to do with my life.

Over the last 7 months, I've made so many unbelievable new friends, spent a ton of time with my oldest friends and family and have been able to travel, workout, explore and love myself. I feel so lucky that I can say, I have fallen back in love with Chicago because it's what's best for me and my personal and professional life at the moment. I've never seen myself staying here forever, but right now, I'm really happy. While making all these decisions and doing all of this (drumroll please), I've been searching for a new home. My big news? I found one! With the help of my amazing, extremely generous and wonderful parents, we made a joint investment and bought a place Obi and I can make our own and call home! These last 7 months I have learned so much about myself and I am happier than I have been in a very long time. I absolutely can't wait to move out of my temporary apartment and create a place I love to call home. I'm so excited to share it with you guys and include you on the moving and decorating process! BUT! Before I move.....

I've taken the time since I've been on my own to work my butt off and live life for me. One of the things I've always loved to do and have been so lucky to do throughout my life is travel. Before the big move I'm taking a big trip. My best friend, Katie and I have been trying to plan something for about 2 years and we're finally doing it! In 2.5 weeks, we're heading to ITALY! We have a close girlfriend who lives in Spain and she is meeting us there too! We are going to be galavanting through the Amalfi Coast for a week on what we're calling "our honeymoon". I'm so excited to share the whole trip with you guys! It's a place I've always wanted to visit and I can't believe it's happening! Do you have any recommendations!?

Straight from there I am heading to the Portland area. My family has been going to this tiny town called Hood River every year since I was 6 (we spent our whole Summer's there while I was growing up) and it's my favorite place on the planet... It really feels like a second home. I'll be heading there for the 4th of July with the fam for some Hiking, stand up paddle boarding and family time! It really is an outdoor wonderland! On the way home I am going to be flying through Denver to celebrate Katie's 25th birthday and see some lovely humans! I'm so excited I can't stop dancing! I hope you'll follow along on these adventures!

Do you guys have any travel plans this Summer!? I'd love to hear about them! Also, if you have any recommendations for the Amalfi Coast, we would love your advice!!!

xx Ali

Photos by: Julie Kennedy Photography

Exciting Life Updates & My New Favorite Dress

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