MINKPINK Wild Jasmine Tea Dress For Spring & Summer

As mentioned in my last post, I'm on a pretty heavy dress kick lately and this wild jasmine tea dress from MINKPINK is hands-down my favorite for Spring and Summer 2019.

Wearing // MINKPINK dress on sale, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V petite Alice bag, Gorjana coin necklace & Chloe mini necklace

Beauty // Lips are Becca Cosmetics glow gloss in Camellia

This is the second dress I bought with Palm Springs in mind. It's my first dress from MINKPINK but I'm so impressed by the quality and fit that now I basically want everything they make! I felt so comfortable in it that I wore it on the drive out to the desert, and then decided to stick with it for the remainder of our first day and night. It's light and airy, perfect for walking around the town and grabbing drinks at our favorite Mexican bar. 

I appreciate that it's fully lined for extra coverage, and the body of the dress has such a nice flow. The little flutter sleeves and deeper neckline give it a flirty feel without going overboard. I'm still able to wear a regular bra, but I did use a tiny bit of fashion tape as well since I brought it with me for my wrap dress. This dress has a generous fit so I would size down in retrospect, but my typical size was just fine for that carefree bohemian vibe I love. 

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Dressing Up In Royal Blue

I'm back from Mexico and finally back to blogging after a little hiatus. I had such a wonderful trip and I can't wait to share all the photos and details with you in my next posts! But until then, I dressed up in this royal blue dress a few nights before Nate and I both left the country. {In case you missed it, I took a yearly vacation with my best friend while Nate went to Beijing for a fun work project}.

Wearing // House of Harlow x Revolve dress, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag, Gorjana ring, Nickel & Suede earrings

Beauty // Becca glow gloss in Camellia (my new favorite!)

I specifically bought this with my vacation in mind. I don't normally buy something solely for a special occasion, but in this case, I really wanted a vibrant outfit for a night out in Tulum. I easily could have pulled something from my closet but this time I decided to splurge. Don't worry, I've already worn it three times and it won't end up collecting dust! It can be worn off the shoulder, off one shoulder, or worn on the shoulders making it more versatile than I previously thought. All of the tassels and ruffles create a beautiful cascade effect when I walk. And really, if I haven't already told you, my goal in life is to look perfectly windswept wherever I go.

Revolve is quickly becoming one of my favorite websites to shop. Some of their designs are definitely geared towards a younger crowd, but the House of Harlow line has a good mix. I also own this pleated pink skirt by HOH and it fits like a glove. 

So what have I missed?! I always feel so disjointed when I take a blogging break! I need to play catch-up this week. Nate came home for the weekend (long story) but he's headed back to China again and won't be home - I think - until the end of the month. 

Linking up with Pink Sole

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Palm Print Wrap Top

Well, it's here guys. While most kids are heading back to school, we are officially deep in the dog days of Summer. It's hot, humid, and basically painful to step outside during the middle of the day. While I begin reading up on transitional pieces and planning for some of my Fall wardrobe, you can still catch me in tank tops and sandals. The heat isn't going anywhere.

Wearing // Nordstrom top on sale, Old Navy denim, Loeffler Randall bag, Ettika coin necklace, Zara slides (similar here), Nordstrom bar studs

Beauty // Becca glow gloss in "Camellia"

I bought this faux wrap top last month in anticipation of my trip to Tulum. The print naturally is what sold it for me, as my love for tropical patterns and looser fabrics is still going strong. But, the wrap/tie detail at the waist also caught my attention. I've always loved wrap styles because they are incredibly figure flattering and look so polished. I added my old favorites - lived-in denim, metallic slides, and a lilac saddle bag for a fun night out. I'll just switch out the jeans in favor of shorts on my upcoming Mexican trip.

Speaking of which, I can't believe Tulum is two weeks away! Katie and I have been in a non-stop texting flurry wrapping up last minute details. We can't stop outfit planning either! More on that Wednesday 😉

In the meantime I'm linking up with Rachelle.  Hope you had a great weekend!

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Floral Kimono & Pink Mini

This floral kimono is one of my favorite purchases of Summer, and I've worn it repeatedly with everything from dresses (last seen here), to jeans and a cami, to denim cutoffs, and here with a knotted tee and mini skirt. If you haven't tried the kimono trend yet, I mean...why not? I own three and cycle between them constantly. Depending on the print/color/length, there's something for everyone. I wear mine over a bathing suit as well and it's just the right amount of coverage.

Wearing // Morning Lavender kimono, H&M tee, Similar skirt, Clare V bag, Similar flats, Similar earrings on sale

It's funny how much my attitude has changed over the years regarding which outfits to share on this blog. Not too long ago, I would spend quite a bit of time carefully picking each item, worrying if the look was unique, inspiring, or conveying a particular mood. Now I feel much more comfortable in just showing you ME, and it doesn't have to be tied to some perception I want to put out there. I used to obsess over every little detail, and God forbid I repeat wearing the same things too frequently. I've seen the light finally this year and now I realize the value I'm getting out of simply documenting the things that I truly love to wear, regardless of how often I've already shown them to you. I know I've spoken on this a lot lately, and I sound like a broken record but the fact that I featured this kimono just two weeks ago and am sharing it again had me thinking about all this. I know, deep thoughts.

Speaking of which, it's still incredibly hot and smokey here due to all the fires but we are fortunate to be safe in the area we live in. I've been keeping everyone in my prayers, all the families, animals, and firefighters battling the flames. I hope you will too.

Linking up with Rachelle today.

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Denim & Double Stripes

Everyone seems to be completely obsessed with stripes, and since grabbing this kimono during yet another neverending LOFT sale, I guess I'm beginning to see why! Stripes are a timid fashion lover's dream because they go with everything and can easily be mixed in with several prints and colors. Think of them as a neutral, just like leopard! You can even wear stripes WITH leopard. I know, crazy.

Wearing // LOFT open cardigan, Similar camisole, Similar shorts, Soludos Espadrilles, Similar Sezane bag, Stella & Dot earrings
Beauty // Lipstick by M.A.C. "Ravishing"

Like most of the country, we are in the midst of a heatwave in California (it was almost 120 degrees two days ago). The only items I'm reaching for until the heat breaks are these old denim shorts and basically any sleeveless top. I've been wearing my Soludos espadrilles in place of sandals to add a bit more interest to my simple Summer outfits and here, I love the effect of the double stripes. I'm not crazy about how my legs look when I wear shorts, but a longer open cardigan or kimono creates the illusion of a slimmer appearance. 

I hope you are enjoying your Summer! Mine has been great so far, which means I've been neglecting to snap photos of my outfits. My blogging schedule has been off, but I'm trying to get back to a steady pace. Thank you guys as always for stopping by and reading! 

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An Old Favorite Dress + Ways To Elevate Your Daily Style

I've had this blue and white bell-sleeve dress for over two years, and it's become a staple in my Summer wardrobe. I had no intention when I bought it of even keeping it around for long; I thought it would surely fall apart after a few washes. Lucky for me, it still looks brand new and it's the easiest, most comfortable item I own (seriously, I've worn it as a nightgown on camping trips!)

I'm sure you're familiar with it but just in case, I've styled it here and here too!

This past weekend, Nate and I headed to old town Temecula to walk around and enjoy the weather.

Wearing // Old Lush dress, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag similar here, Elizabeth Stone necklace

We have so many fun events coming up this Summer that the temptation to buy a new outfit for each is very real. But that's not practical, nor is it affordable for many people. With that in mind,  I have a question - How do you make older favorites look new and fresh again? And another question, how can we elevate our daily style when life gets busy and the last thing we want to worry about is our appearance? 

In a world where shopping for a new outfit is literally a click away, what are some ways in which you can look put-together and polished with relatively little effort and money? Well, I've got some thoughts...

Manicured nails: Maybe it's just me, but I always notice people's hands. Short, manicured nails instantly elevate your look! If you don't have time to keep your nails painted, buff them out to ensure they look shiny and healthy. Same goes for your feet.

A healthy glow: You don't have to wear a full face of makeup, I definitely don't! But, a little tinted moisturizer and concealer on problem areas gives me the confidence to leave the house in a pinch.

Clean hair: I hate washing my hair as much as I hate going to the dentist, but let's face it ladies. Hair makes a big impact, and having clean hair is at least half the battle. Use dry shampoo to extend the life of a blow-out, but if that doesn't work, wash your hair an extra time per week. I'm sorry but greasy hair never looks polished. Don't worry so much about the actual style, just keep it clean.

Signature scent: One of my favorite compliments to receive is when someone tells me I smell good. I'm not sure why, but maybe it's because scent is so personal? Do you have anyone in your life that you associate a scent with? I do, and I love the idea of wearing a signature perfume that can be uniquely tied to YOU. What's mine? Kai. 

Great accessories: Pay special attention to your shoes, bags, and jewelry. They really are the key to looking put-together without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. They can transform say, an old favorite dress, into something that looks good as new.

A smile: If all else fails and you're having a bad hair day, bad skin day, just a bad day in general, a smile makes everyone look, and more importantly feel, more beautiful. I promise.

How do you elevate your daily style?


I hope everyone in the U.S. has a great holiday tomorrow! We are spending it in San Diego with friends and I can't wait! I'll see you back here on Friday 💋

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Summer Accessory Report

Summer 2018 made its official debut last week, and as I post this, I'm looking through photos of our recent trip to Arizona. I hadn't been to the river in years, and a camping adventure with friends was exactly the perfect way to kick off the season. Our dog Nettie loved the water, and I'm hoping we can take her back every year and make it a tradition.

But let's bring it back to fashion! My favorite part of any season is of course the clothes! Summer stands out the most to me in terms of accessories. All I really need for a Summer wardrobe are some basic tops, a couple pairs of denim shorts, kimonos to add an extra layer in case I'm stuck inside with A/C, and a handful of dresses. It gets so extremely hot here that after about a month in, I struggle to come up with new ways to wear things and that's when accessories really come into play.


Here are the major trends of Summer 2018 that I'm wearing:

1. Opal
adds a touch of bohemian whimsy 

Elizabeth Stone

2. White
a neutral that pops against sunkissed skin

Greek Sandals

3. Fringe
playful movement to bring attention to the face

Stella & Dot sold out, but similar here on sale




4. Nautical 
Espadrilles for going on an adventure

Soludos Espadrilles

Other accessory trends I'm craving: 

turbands 

straw bags

medallion necklaces 

Click to Shop

What are your must-have accessories this Summer? Have a great weekend and check something off your bucket list!

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Soludos Striped Espadrilles

Wearing // Soludos espadrilles, Old Tobi dress but same silhouette and price here, Sold out Clare V bag but look for less here (and really everywhere)

Last Summer was when I first took notice of the brand Soludos. So many of my favorite bloggers were wearing their espadrilles, and they just seemed to really tie an outfit together. Even though I had my eye on them then, I decided to wait and when they cropped up again this year, I wondered why it was taking me so long to just buy them! Do you guys ever do this? I actually enjoy delayed gratification (which seems to be lacking these days but that's for another conversation).

I'm fairly particular with shoes, so I wasn't sure if this style would work for me, or whether or not they would get worn a lot. But honestly, at less than $70 dollars, I figured I could return them if they weren't meant for me. Luckily, they definitely were meant for me! I read reviews that claimed they stretch out quite a bit so I went with a 6.5 instead of a 7. I can tell that they will stretch out, but hopefully not too much! I haven't had any issues with the laces coming undone when I walk, and they look equally cute with denim shorts. I'll have to style them again for you, but I'm surprised at just how versatile, comfortable, and flattering they are. The wedge espadrilles are really tempting too!

Have you worn espadrilles? Give them a shot if you haven't. I hope you guys are having a great week!

Linking up with: On The Daily Express, Straight A Style, and Pumps and Pushups

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Summer Bucket List

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." 

Charles Bowden

It's almost the start of Summer, and I couldn't be any more thrilled to welcome it. The beginning especially, that perfect feeling of lightness and adventure and possibility and freedom. Is there a better time of year?

Every Summer, I make a list of things I want to do. This is the first time I'm formally writing everything down, and I'm hoping I can check each item off this list, one by one, a memory at a time. In lieu of June updates, here is what I'll be working on this month and all Summer long:

1. Go snorkeling on Catalina Island

2. Hike Torrey Pines (again) and go on more hikes around town

3. Take the train up the coast for a day

4. A dinner cruise around San Diego Bay

5. Picnic at the park at least once

6. Take my dog Nettie swimming

7. Spend as much time at the beach as possible

8. Go to at least one blogging event

9. Take more photos of friends

10. Tulum

11. Couple's massage

12. Take a marketing class


Number ten is kind of a big one! My best friend and I usually take a girls' trip once a year. For Christmas, she surprised me with a ticket to a destination of our choice and we decided on Mexico. I've only been to visit my family in Guadalajara, never to any of the resort areas. I still need to get my passport squared away, but we already booked Tulum for late August/early September. Ahhhhh! I'm SO excited!


I'd love to know, what's on your Summer bucket list? I hope you can do one of them this weekend!

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Cold Shoulder Dress + White Summer Sandals

I wore a little red, a lot of white, and a couple shades of blue for Memorial Day weekend...

I just got these sandals last week and am so happy with the fit (true to size) and comfort of them. A lot of bloggers have them so I resisted as long as I could, but they really are worth the hype. I wore them all weekend.

Wearing // Old BB Dakota dress but similar here & here, Steve Madden sandals, Kendra Scott necklace 

Beauty // Lip balm by It Cosmetics

All of last week was rainy, cloudy, and windy so naturally I chose the perfect time to wear my favorite cold shoulder dress! Brilliant idea. Actually, Sunday was the best. I woke up early, grabbed breakfast, went to a hair appointment (always a nice treat), and then spent the rest of the day with Nate scouting out different spots for future blog photos. The wineries seem to be the current spot du jour, with so many different options to choose from. I usually go for the wineries with the most beautiful gardens. Show me a rose bush and I'll pose in front of it! 

Keeping it short today but I hope you ladies are having a fantastic week! 

Linking up with Gina, Amy Ann, and Brooke.

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Floral Off The Shoulder Dress

I hope you ladies had a wonderful weekend! I was busy with friends and we attended a beautiful outdoor wedding - the best possible way to kick the Summer festivities off.

As much as I'm growing a little tired of off the shoulder tops, I must admit that I'm completely in love with this floral dress from Tobi. I first heard about the company through Gina, and now I'm getting emails regularly from them and trying my hardest not to buy anything more. Their inventory is certainly tempting with a selection of trendy looks. When the temperature heats up, a little dress is usually what I reach for and this one is absolutely perfect. I love the print.

Wearing //

Tobi dress

Target shoes, similar here & here

Stella & Dot tote, love this here & here

Stella & Dot bangle

C.Henry necklace, similar 

Beauty //

Pedicure color in O.P.I. 5 Apples Tall

Lips in Too Faced "spice spice baby"

After snapping pictures at our favorite spot, we took a little detour back home through the wineries...

The vineyards will never get old to me. It's probably in my best interest to take advantage of the longer days and cotton candy sunsets for picture-sake. Oh, and the wine of course. You know, just for picture-sake 😉

Linking up with Rachelle and Caryl

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Summer '17: Sure Looks Like Spring

This Spring has been all about sweet little details, even for women I follow that have an edgier style. With trends leaning towards ruffles, off the shoulder tops, scalloped hemlines, midi length dresses, and lace, it's difficult NOT to give into your feminine wiles. I feel like a broken record because Summer looks just the same - and I don't mind one bit.

Here are some pieces that I have either purchased already or are on my radar. I also want to mention that I now have a "shop" tab at the top of my blog so you can see more whenever you'd like! I'm personally hoping to do a little shopping while I'm in Las Vegas, so maybe I'll come home with some of these in my suitcase 💗

Standout Item:

American Eagle One Piece Swimsuit

Have a great long weekend! Happy shopping if you have your eye on any sales. I'll see you back here on Monday for a real talk post.

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Palm Print Maxi Skirt

It's beginning to feel a lot like Summer, and with that comes my palm printed maxi skirt to welcome in the season. I used to complain about the heat, and I'm sure I still will. But I just have to embrace it because it's not going anywhere and at least I get to wear beautiful pieces such as this one.

Wearing //

Asos skirt from last year, similar here 

More palm prints here & here

Express tank

Steve Madden sandals, look for less here (I have them in nude)

Express bag

Stella & Dot necklace

Beauty //

Nudestix pencil in Posh on lips

Orly Pixy Stix on toes

I remember seeing this last Spring on Grace Atwood and wanted it for my Hawaii trip. It's been almost a year since we went to Oahu and Maui, so that means it's also been one year since I last wore this beauty. It is such a statement piece that I decided not to overwhelm the look. A good rule of thumb that I use: when wearing a standout item, let it be the focus and garner all of the attention by adding little to no accessories. Conversely, when wearing a simple outfit, use fun accessories to bring the style factor up a notch. Got it? That's what I do anyway so it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard, or too little! I think it's a fine line.

I'm so excited this week because Nate and I are leaving for Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Vegas! I will still be posting on Wednesday, Friday, and then next Monday which I can't believe is Memorial Day. Follow along on snap and Instagram (@noelleengel). I have a feeling this is gonna be good. 

Are you experiencing Summer yet where you live? Linking up with Caryl and Rachelle today, then Gina, Amy Ann, Laura, and Brooke on Wednesday.

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