This post was sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review and all opinions {as always!} are my own.  Ann Taylor Dress {40% off!} // J.Crew Bracelet // Leather Heels {similar here, here and here} // Saddle Bag  {I love this one and this one!}

Oh man, Tuesday’s that feel like Mondays, right? I don’t know about you – but I’m definitely on struggle mountain this morning. I’ll be needing quite a few cups of coffee after an extra epic weekend!

While I usually tend to stick around Chicago for the 4th, this year I went to Door County with my boyfriend and some friends to enjoy the beach, hiking, and eating waaaaay too much food {I think I’ll be full for most of the week!}.  We caught some fireworks, spent the nights by the lake and saw more stars in a few nights than I’ve seen in the last year. If I could spend a few weeks up north each summer, I would be a very happy camper – sometimes you just need a few days outside of the city to get a nice little reset. I hope you all found some time to enjoy fireworks, eat too many snacks and enjoy some serious R&R 🙂  In more stylish news, I fell in love with this little Ann Taylor palm print number a few weeks ago when I saw a few of my favorite bloggers rocking it on their Instagram feed {and when I saw it at 40% off, I knew I had to have it too!}. I’ve always loved anything palm or banana prints on just about everything {pillows, mugs, you name it – I need it!}, and this dress has been on serious repeat since I brought it home late last month. It’s the perfect little number for summer adventures, enjoying a few patio cocktails around the city, or wearing it a few upcoming summer weddings. I’m planning on dressing it up or down, and making a few appearances in the office too {on the rare occasion I actually get my crap together and dress up, whoops!}   One thing that makes this stunner a little tricky is the halter top combined with some extra sunny Chicago days. While I try to avoid awkward tan lines like it’s nobody’s business, sometimes the inevitable happens where I have a few bathing-suit lines, tank top tan lines, and more. I’ve been making sure to load up on Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Lotion Sunscreen before I spend too much time outdoors, to give myself a more natural glow {rather than getting too crispy from the sun!}. Not only does it work like a charm, but it’s breathable, light formula makes it feel like you’re barely wearing sunscreen while providing 12 hours of moisturization. I love that it also smells like you’re actually on a tropical island since their lotion is formulated with exotic island botanicals – so all you’re really missing is a beach and a cocktail in hand 😉  Plus, with a $9.99 price tag, I’ll be buying this sunscreen all summer long, without feeling too guilty! To complete my sunscreen regime, I’ve also been using Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance After Sun Moisturizer that is the best for smoothing, softening, and leaves your skin radiant after sun exposure. It’s made with shea butter and mango extract {yes please!}, which makes for some super supple, delicious smelling skin. While I used to not put lotion on after spending some time in the sun, after using Hawiian Tropic’s After Sun Moisturizer, I’ll be making this a part of my beauty routine after spending a few hours in the sun – it’s the perfect way to keep your skin smooth and hydrated all summer long. Have any other after-sun beauty tricks? I’d love to know your secrets before the summer’s over! And if you haven’t given Hawaiian Tropic a try, it’s become one of my favorite sunscreen/sun-care brands – its works like a charm and smells pretty darn amazing too! Check out their Facebook page for more info!