My Favorite Pieces & Posts of 2017

I wasn't going to do a recap of 2017, mainly because I'm super anxious to get started on my goals for 2018. In all honesty, this year was difficult. I battled a lot of personal struggles. But like every year, there were pros and cons...

Pros:
I traveled to Colorado and Ohio.
I went camping and hiking through Zion, the Grand Canyon, Big Sur, and several beaches.
I reconnected with some friends and family.
I continued to record my style, even when I didn't feel very good about myself.

Cons:
Depression, anxiety, self-doubt, laziness.

There were times when I didn't feel the motivation to blog, but I tried my hardest to anyway. I really truly appreciate all of your love, support, and feedback. I wouldn't be able to do this without you and I hope you will continue to stick with me for another (more positive and exciting) year!

Instead of recapping every outfit I wore, I figure I can show you the highlights. Pieces that are my absolute favorites to wear, and that I would buy all over again or would recommend to you.

Little black dress

Polka dots & Millenial pink pumps

Wrap coat

Lace

Distressed jeans

Girly day dress

Classic bag

Now for my favorite posts of the year! Click on each one if you care to go back and read.

Real Talk: The Open Road

Style Tips for Curvy Petites

As Festival Ready as I'll Get

Real Talk: Blogging & Constructive Criticism 

Girls Trip to Hollywood

My Experience with Botox

Birthday Weekend in Big Sur

Zion & the Grand Canyon

And my most discussed blog topic of the year, Real Talk: Coming off Meds. That one was terrifying to write, but also extremely cathartic.

Now, let me ask you this. What would you like to see more or less of on this blog next year? I blog for selfish reasons, but I naturally care what you think! You are my friends and I need your input.

Please let me know in the comments or send me a message! Have a wonderful, safe new year's and I will see you on the flip side next week :)

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Real Talk: Style Blogging

Style blogging is a weird thing. I often find myself wondering if reading here and showing you what I like to wear is really all that helpful to anyone. I mean I'm no expert, and there are plenty of ways now to learn about cultivating your own personal style. The internet, books, social media...finding useful advice and inspiration should be easier than ever.

But what if you don't feel represented? What if you're not quite finding what your'e looking for? It used to be that bloggers showed off clothing in a way that a glossy editorial couldn't (or wouldn't). Everyday women like myself could buy a camera, set up a website, and give a middle finger to magazines, models, and the unattainable fashion industry. It was exciting. It was real. And as a consumer of blogs, I felt compelled to add my own voice to the mix.

I get that we are in a new age of body positivity, and it's definitely a step in the right direction. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see an ad campaign featuring a blogger that isn't cookie cutter, that has interesting features, or that wears things in a way that I hadn't thought of. But I want more. I get tired of the same bloggers being featured on LiketoKnowit.

I want:

More diversity, not only in size but also in ethnicity. Women of color.

Not just thinness, or plus size women, but also average sized women.

Women of all ages.

Less photoshopping.

Less c/o clothing. Would you really buy that with your own money?

Different aesthetics.

I'm really hoping that style blogging goes back to being more raw and unedited. I hope we see more diversity, in all shapes and forms. In fact, if you're reading this and have wanted to start blogging but have hesitated because of fear, insecurity, or being different - You should start a blog.

 I guess it's all up to us, and that's the beauty of it. We can change the landscape a bit if we want to.

What do you want to see more or less of in style blogging?

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How I Wear Leggings

Wearing //

Hue leggings

Lush top

Express coat (sold out), love this

Sam Edelman pumps

Leopard clutch

Stella & Dot necklace 

Everyone loves leggings, right? You can lounge around the house in them, sleep in them, and even run errands in leggings. But for me, all leggings are not created equal. I like mine to be ultra thick and opaque, so a ponte knit is essential. I also prefer that they give the appearance of denim, which means illusion pockets on the back are a plus. Here I wore a longer top and coat, though a longline cardigan or tunic would have been pretty as well. I don't have to worry about feeling exposed, and I'm pretty darn warm! I wore this to dinner where we sat on a covered patio and it was the perfect mix of chic and comfort. You definitely don't have to sacrifice either when it comes to leggings. Business on top, party on the bottom! 

Would you wear leggings in this way? How do you prefer to wear yours?

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Currently // December Updates

It's time for December updates, and this one is naturally all about the holidays. I began participating in this link-up last month, and I love how it not only breaks up my usual content of outfits and beauty, but also connecting with you on a more personal level.

The holidays haven't always been the most wonderful time of the year for me, and you can read about that here. But, I want to end the year on a positive note and so this time I've made a conscious effort to celebrate in my own ways, on my own terms. I hope you are too.

Currently...

1. Lighting - We bought our tree over the weekend but have yet to fully decorate it! I've only had a real tree once in my life, and that was the year that Nate and I got married. After we got our dog Nettie, we took a break from getting a tree at all, real or not. She was way too curious and I was afraid that she'd end up destroying whatever we put up. I'm still catching her trying to eat pine needles, but she has definitely matured in the last few months and I can't wait until our tree is fully dressed with glittery lights.

However, we did visit the tree at South Coast Plaza in Orange County, and as usual, it was a beauty! 

2. Spending - I could answer this in several ways, but I think I did enough monetary damage on black Friday to last me awhile! I'm really spending more time with friends and family. I have a few get togethers planned with my girlfriends and it's honestly the best (and most meaningful) kind of spending anyone can do.

3. Choosing - What to get and do for Nate's birthday. His 36th is on December 30th and I have NO clue what to get for him or what to do to celebrate! I guess I need to read a few more gift guides ;) It's always tough figuring out Christmas and his birthday since they are only a few days apart. Not to mention New Year's. Any suggestions are welcomed!

4. Sending - We took our first ever family pictures at my friend's ranch this past weekend. My brother-in-law took them in various locations on the ranch and even though I had low expectations, I'm really happy with them! I say low expectations because working with a dog can be tricky! Lots of treats and positive reinforcement were involved. But Nettie stole the show as usual, and the photo below is getting a special frame somewhere in our home. All of our friends and family will receive a Christmas card this year.

Princess Nettie

5. Singing - I'm not much into holiday music, but I am into the Lumineers/Vance Joy show we are going to this Saturday. I've been listening to their albums non-stop. For like, a month straight. Do you ever binge on a band or performer you're about to see?


How is your December shaping up so far? Let me know of any updates you may have in the comments! Linking up with Anne and Catherine 

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