Stella & Dot Fall '17: My Picks

New packaging in shades of blush and rose gold. Perfect for gifts!

As a Stella & Dot stylist, I'm always ecstatic when a new collection arrives. Fall is hands-down the best time to shop, isn't it? I love jewel tones, cozy knits, and layering. Unfortunately, SoCal doesn't really get to experience all that the season has to offer so while everyone wears their ankle boots and cardigans, I reach for jewelry to make my wardrobe look more updated.

This has to be my favorite collection since I became a stylist! It took me a few days to narrow down a list, and yet I still have my eye on a few things I didn't order at the jump. There are so many great basics that fit nicely in my collection, but there are also fun trendy items I know you will love.

Trends for Fall include: mixing metals, rose gold, natural stones, shades of olive, blush, burgundy, and blue, as well as a whimsical theme. There is something for everyone, whether you like being bold or prefer delicate pieces that can be worn on a daily basis.

I used to sample a little of everything when I first started out, but now I only buy what suits my personal style. Here are my picks from the Fall 2017 collection:

Open druzy cuff

You know I love cobalt and druzy so this was immediately added to my cart. It's even more vibrant in person, and I plan on layering it with some of my other gold bracelets, If you live in neutrals, an ocean blue like this is a great way to introduce some color.

My new daily necklace, the pave Arabesque. 

I love silver and this is an effortless way to update my collection. 

The brier ring comes in different sizes. It has so much shine with the apricot colored stones

Engravable Bangle

This is a must-have, and if there's one piece I highly recommend, it's a bangle that you can engrave with whatever you choose. Your kids' names, wedding date, birthday, or a special saying that serves as a reminder every time you glance down at your arm. They come in yellow gold, silver, and rose gold.

As an aside, mine say "Never let your fears decide your fate" and "Show love with no remorse". Both are song lyrics that have resonated with me for somewhat obvious reasons. I hope you'll keep these in mind if you're ever in the market for a thoughtful gift! With fast fashion becoming the norm in an age of social media and selfies, I love personal jewelry that is unique to YOU.

Also, I want to mention some exciting news - beginning this Friday, we will be offering a dose of fashion to go along with your jewels. That's right, tops! Tops and tees that I cannot wait to get my hands on. It's a natural progression since people often ask what the models are wearing in the lookbooks.

If you're interested in any of these, send me an email or shop my online boutique here. There is lot to choose from!

Continue the post

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.

Continue the post

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. 

Continue the post

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.

Continue the post