Dressed Up Casual

Wearing //

Nordstrom necklace, similar here

H&M tee

LOFT skirt, love this option

Zara slides, similar here, here, here

Chelsea28 bag, gorgeous designer look for less

A black skirt is just as essential in my wardrobe as a black dress. I've had this one from LOFT for years, and even though I don't reach for it very often, it's managed to survive several closet clean-outs. You really can't go wrong with such a basic piece.

My issue is that I never know whether to dress it up or dress it down. The chiffon style fabric makes it look formal, but the elastic waistband keeps it casual. When we went out for drinks last week with friends, I decided that I would play up both elements. I wore it with a simple tee shirt, but used metallic accessories in an effort to make it more fun for a night on the town. In Summer, I find it difficult to strike the right balance between wearing what I want to wear, and making sure that my outfit is practical in the heat. Do you have this problem? It's really the only thing about Summer that I dislike. But I have a couple of general rules I like to follow...

Two ways to look put-together while still keeping cool: 
+ Use accessories to make basics look more interesting. It's all about the finishing touches! When I wear a tee, I either layer delicate necklaces or I wear one statement piece. The necklace I have on is older and from Nordstrom, but this one is extremely similar and I actually prefer it because you can wear it multiple ways. It might need a home with me.
+ My inclination is always to pair a skirt with pumps, but metallic sandals are just as pretty and they look more appropriate for Summer. There isn't anything I hate more than trudging around in heels when I'm already uncomfortable from the heat!

I hope you had a great weekend! I got a little too much sun but hey, no complaints! I have two really fun posts planned for Wednesday and Friday so check back then! In the meantime, I'm linking up with my friends Rachelle and Carylee.

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Floral Kimono

I know the kimono trend has been around for a few seasons, but my appreciation for them has grown immensely this year. As someone with larger hips, thighs, and bum, I like throwing one over skinny denim because it makes my lower half look slimmer and more proportional. Just as I love blazers and cardigans for this very reason, the kimono is a perfect little layer that's light enough for Summer. It also looks great with shorts, or as a bathing suit cover-up. You really can't beat the versatility and most I've seen are inexpensive as well. When I saw this one in a delicate floral, I couldn't pass it up.

Wearing //

Forever 21 kimono

Express cami, similar here

Old Navy jeans

Target block sandals

Gigi New York bag

Stella & Dot initial necklace

Stella & Dot bangle

C.Henry crescent necklace

similar rings here

Truth be told, I've worn some variation of this outfit to death and I don't have any plans of stopping. When you love something, wear it often! It does wonders for your confidence!

What do you think of the kimono trend? Linking up with On the Daily Express, Straight A Style, More Pieces of Me,  I do declaire, and Pink Sole. 

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8th Blog Anniversary & Giveaway Winner

Wearing //

Rebecca Minkoff top

Old Navy jeans

Target pumps

Chelsea28 bag sold out but love this on sale

Kendra Scott earrings

Stella & Dot bracelets & ring

Beauty //

Lips in Benefit posie balm

It's hard to believe I've been sharing my style, beauty, and personal stories on the interwebs for eight years. From a college student to a thirty-something, it's been quite an eye-opening experience. Time goes by so quickly! I never planned this. So many girls I started out with have come and gone, and at times I have contemplated doing the same. As I've said before, there are a million blogs to read and the simple fact that anyone still stops here is still a question mark to me. But hey, I thank you for doing so!

Here's what I've learned in my eight years of blogging: 

I'm not a fashion blogger. If you need a few fashion blog recommendations, here are mine: Sincerely Jules, Brooklyn Blonde, and Late Afternoon. Beautiful girls and even more beautiful photography. When I need a fashion fix, I look to them.

Speaking of photography, although the pictures have improved here, they still aren't what I'd like them to be. But because Nate is so busy with his own work, I'm not going to pressure him into turning my hobby into yet another thing for him to take on. Maybe one day I'll get around to signing up for a photography class...

If I compare myself to other bloggers, I'll never be satisfied. It's in everyone's best interest not to go down that rabbit hole. It's an important practice for all of us! You be you and I'll be me.

I write about what I know. The rest I leave up to others.

I'm not very good at building myself up on social media. I feel sheepish doing so. I try to, but ultimately I feel like if people want to read here then they will.

My goal is to promote beauty in everyone. You reading this, yes you are beautiful! You don't need fixing. Have I been tempted to edit myself skinny? Uh, yeah. But that would be ridiculous and disingenuous. So if I gain weight, lose weight, have a face full of pimples, frizzy hair etc. that's what you'll see.

I love this community, and although I have some gripes here and there, I am happy to be a part of it.



Now on to the giveaway! The winner as selected by Rafflecopter is Rachelle. Congrats, friend! Thank you to everyone that entered and I hope to do more in the future. You guys are the best 💗

Linking up with More Pieces of Me & Pink Sole.

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Easy Summer Beauty Essentials

I feel like I say this every Summer - when the temperatures rise, the last thing I want to feel on my skin is a ton of makeup. I realize I don't wear much anyway, but I especially go light during the months of June through September. It gets excruciatingly hot in Temecula!

My routine consists of: 

Taking advantage of glowing skin while keeping sweat at bay.

Enhancing my light tan but protecting from too much sun exposure.

Fun sweeps of color across my lips that look stained from eating a popsicle.

Polished but super low-maintenance.


Below are my current favorites for achieving this:

Cargo HD bronzer, Avene sunscreen

UD facial mist (smells like coconuts)

Lancome juicy shaker 

Before I go and enjoy the weekend, I want to remind you guys that today is the last day to enter my Nordstrom & blogiversary giveaway! Early access to the Nordstrom sale began yesterday so it's the perfect chance to do some shopping if you win the E-gift card. Good luck! I'll announce the winner here next week. Anyone do any shopping yet?

I also want to say a HUGE thank you for all of your warm responses to Wednesday's real talk post. I was so touched and am incredibly humbled by your kindness. I will be responding to all of you today, but I promise I read each one as they were coming in. It is amazing to hear that I'm not alone. Logically I know this, but it's reassuring anyway. Have a happy Friday!

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