Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day

Hello lovelies! I know, I know, it’s been ages. My life has been more than a little full and the last year had a number of both challenges and blessings. So, we’re gonna’ start the new year off with a post for your upcoming Valentine’s Day (or, if you’re like me, Singles Awareness Day 😊).

Now, I’m a big fan of sassy, slinky, dresses- so this little number from Express was a must-have for me!

I typically pair this with either strappy black heels (I chose some by Steve Madden), or if you want a pop of color, I’d go with some red or burgundy heels!

Because of this dress’s clean lines, I’d suggest either a simple lariat necklace or a fun blingy bracelet or cuff, and definitely some linier or chandelier earrings.

Wishing you all a happy Valentine’s Day!

xo

Beach Days

I can't tell you how long it's been since I had a Girls Day- but it might have been around the same time as my last post (AKA- way overdue for both, lol)!

So, I've been a tad bit busy: aside from working a full-time job, I also started teaching a college writing class, have been working on getting my book published, and planning a vacation to see one of my best friends (really my heart's sister) in Boston! Which is why time has slipped away and I find myself facing the last half of the year and thinking, "Holy wow! Is it July already?!"

I'll keep you all posted on when the book will be published and where it can be purchased (major retailers including B&N), but more on that later. Today we're focussing on the essentials: time with your friends, laughter, and sunshine!

My friends are spread all over Southern California, so getting together can be a bit of an adventure, but it's one that is always worth it :)

Our latest adventure took us down to San Diego, where we shopped, laughed too hard, ate like queens, caught up on the latest in each others' lives, and stopped for the essentials (coffee and the beach).

Beach days can be a bit tricky, so I always recommend going prepared. I wore my favorite sapphire romper from Angl, paired with a pink cami (for that pop of color), a bit of bling, sunnies, my stand-by black clutch, and black leather flip flops. However, I also took my favorite light blue paisley bikini, wrap-skirt cover-up, and beach towel just to be on the safe side (as it turned out, it was a bit too cold to go traipsing about in my bikini, so it stayed in the beach bag).

OH! And before I forget: notice that I suddenly have a tan?! This is basically impossible for me in real life- BUT I've been trying sunless tanner, and I have to say that the Loving Tan 2 hour express in Dark is a game changer! I'm absolutely in love with this product and will write a more extensive review later :)

Our first stop was 2Good2BeBakery! If you're gluten-free, vegan, or have special dietary restrictions, I would highly recommend this place! It's absolutely phenomenal! And their lavender lemonade is perfect on a hot day!

It's no secret: I'm happiest at the beach :)
OOTD:
Romper: Angl
Cami: Buckle
Necklace: Swarovski
Sunnies: Bvlgari
Black clutch (not pictured): Asos
Flip-flops (not pictured): Nordstrom Rack

 I mean, come on!!! Look at that perfect sunset!

These two ladies are such sweet and godly women! I am truly privileged to call them my friends! 

(Also, they're willing to put up with my sassy, laughable, ways!)

(And don't mind our beach hair- the wind was fierce that day, lol!)

Our final stop was one that no Girls Day would be complete without: dessert :)

We stopped at Cheesecake Factory and I spoiled myself with their mocha, vanilla, Jesus-smiled-it's-so-good, coffee!

Garden Weddings

I LOVE Garden Weddings.

And I love dressing up, especially when there's a theme or look to be achieved! That's when I get excited! I look at my closet, try to convince myself (usually unsuccessfully) that I don't need to do any shopping to create my fashion statement, and then start brainstorming ideas.

This is one of the rare occasions where my obsession for Fit-n-Flare dresses was entirely justified :)

At the time of the wedding, I was still sporting my Audrey Hepburn pixie cut, so I knew my makeup would be a simple kitten flick with black eye-liner and a bold red lip.

The rest of the outfit was surprisingly easy as well!

Now, I do believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to fashion. I'm of the mind that I'd rather save and buy something that's high quality and will fit me perfectly, then just purchase something cheap that looks better on a hanger than it does on me.

I find that this is especially true in the dress department.

Dress: Maggy London Floral Fit & Flare

Sunglasses: Tiffany & Co. (Garden Collection)

Quilted purse: Target

Shoes (not pictured): Ralph Lauren (simple black ballet flats)

Earrings: I'd suggest sticking with either pearl or diamond studs, but that's just me :) 

Not Short on Style

Living in California means it gets hot. REALLY hot!!! Triple digits is the norm, and I think we all want to stay cool without feeling like the only options are cut-off shorts and tank tops. 

One of my favorite go-to looks is a pair of dark denim shorts and a light weight button up! In this case I decided to add a little pop of color by throwing on some aviators and my red, white, & blue Sperrys.

Necklace: Swarovski 

Pin strip button up: BDG

Aviators: RayBan

Belt: American Eagle

Denim shorts: Miss Me

Boyfriend watch: DE Timepieces 

Shoes: Sperrys

Fringe Tote: Rebecca Minkoff 

Sisters in SoCal

One of the most beautiful and fashionable people I know is my heart's sister, Chase! After being away from each other for two years, she and her husband have joined us on the beach and I couldn't be happier or more blessed to have them here! Drew and Chase are two of the most loving, down-to-earth, and musically talented people I know! I'm pretty sure that Drew can play every instrument known to mankind, and Chase's voice is out of this world!!! Hearing them perform is a real treat! Their voices are beautiful, resounding, and perfect together. They have a wonderful band called The Silver Lining, and if you have the chance, go check them out at their SoCal debut! 

Moi et ma soeur! 

Floral Notes

It's no secret that I love fashion and combining different elements to achieve whatever look I want. The important thing to remember is that you can change your look EVERYDAY! This particular look is from a photoshoot I did in the South. I chose a floral feminine tunic (it was listed as a dress, but I'm about 5'8" and very leggy, so on me it's definitely not long enough to be a dress!), over a deep teal long sleeve, dark skinny jeans, a wide statement belt and trooper boots. I love looks like this because there's are elements of the rustic Southern life I grew up around, but it's also sweet and girly. 

Dress/Tunic: Altar'd State

Long Sleeve: Altar'd State

Statement Belt (not pictured): Altar'd State

Skinny Jeans: Miss Me (Buckle)

Trooper Boots: Steve Madden 

Hello Loves

 It's been ages! I do apologize- I've been absurdly busy! However, I do have a classy start to our summer! As you know, I love all things vintage and classy, and that definitely includes this super cute olive swimsuit by Esther Williams! If you like this look, please feel free to check out my Instagram and also look up the wonderful photographer, Maria Longhi! 

Swimsuit: Esther Williams 

Floppy Hat: Any retail store

Sunnies: Bvlgari