The Perfect Spring Top

Wearing // Chicwish top, Old Navy jeans, Steve Madden sandals, Kendra Scott earrings, Clare V bag

Beauty //  Lips in M.A.C. "Hot Gossip" mixed with Glo Skin Beauty gloss in "Pueblo"

Hey ladies, I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother's Day over the weekend. Nate's parents are enjoying a whirlwind trip throughout Europe so it was a low-key celebration this year with my mom. We took her out to brunch and then stopped at the wineries, naturally. It's so hard to resist spending time there when everything is in bloom and it's literally perfect outside!

I'm still in that transitional phase of Spring where I feel most comfortable in jeans, but I've switched out my sweaters in favor of breezy little tops. I love ones like this that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. When I don't know what to wear, my best bet is to throw on a variation of a t-shirt and jeans, but done in a more feminine silhouette. This top is really nice because it doesn't require a cami underneath. It is partially lined, and I wish all brands would pay attention to details like that when designing their pieces. It truly is a "throw on and go" blouse but with a little more flair. The result is pulled-together and polished (which should really be my blog name at this point!)

How's Spring coming along where you live? I wish I could travel right now and take a vacation somewhere before the heat sticks around.

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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New Spring Try-Ons

I love reading fitting room reviews, but I never think to do my own when I'm out and about shopping. Plus, I don't go into stores that often anymore as I'd much prefer ordering online.

There have been a lot of great sales lately, and I decided to add a couple new things to my Spring and Summer wardrobe. Below, I linked everything that is "new." I'm really happy with my additions and I can't wait to show each piece in detail in upcoming posts.

ChicWish top, Old Navy jeans, Target flats

I have been eyeing this gorgeous lace top since seeing it on a few of my favorite bloggers including Amy Ann. I was nervous about the sizing but I got a L/XL and it fits like a size 8/10 which is typically what I am. The quality is much better than I expected, so I'm keeping ChicWish on my radar. The flats are from Target and they are so comfortable! The jeans are a second identical pair that I already own from Old Navy. The fit and style are perfect, and with a sale, I got them for $25. 

1. State camisole

This camisole is pricey, but I wear them so often that the cost per wear justifies the price. I am wearing a size medium and it's true to size. 

Ann Taylor dress

I got this during a 40 % off sale. For sizing reference, this is an 8 petite and it fits true to size. It's the softest material and ultra-flattering with the cinched waist and tiered paneling. My inclination is to dress it up, but I can also see myself dressing it down with sandals and a large tote. It's just beautiful!

Do you guys like this type of post once in awhile? I hope you're having a great week!

Linking up with I Do DeClaire

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Adding Yellow To Your Wardrobe

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Now that it's nearly May, my calendar is starting to fill up with fun outdoor events. Because of this, I'm really feeling much more inspired in the clothing department. I often struggle with creativity, but the promise of Summer gives me that extra kick I need to assess how I'll be styling pieces, both new and old. One way I get inspired is by the use of color, and this year I am loving yellow! Bright marigold (especially as an accent) paired with white and denim. I don't think there's a happier hue.

Wearing // 1.State top, Old Navy jeans, Clare V bag, Old flats but Similar here & here, C. Henry necklace

Beauty // NARS Sex Machine lips, Kai perfume

I'm sometimes intimidated of vibrant colors, but in small doses it can look so fresh and youthful. Yellow is one of those shades that just makes people smile, so why it's not more popular is beyond me! It looks beautiful on everyone, but if you're a little shy like I am just start with an accessory first. Then, watch your mood instantly lift 😊

Linking up with Pink Sole & More Pieces of Me

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How I Do Spring

Wearing // Old LOFT dress (love this & this) Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag, Gorjana rings

 I always struggle with sharing clothing that isn't available any longer, but I'm coming to the realization that a personal style blog should be...about my personal style. The point isn't about buying an exact item I feature, but to hopefully provide ideas more than anything. And can we all agree that everyone should own a flirty little day dress? I think so! 

I bought this printed dress from LOFT last year, and I've worn it to a baby shower, bridal shower, and out on the weekends. The flutter sleeves and flounced hem give it extra movement which I love. I normally prefer fit and flare dresses on my body, but once in awhile I like to try something different.  I'm not as comfortable in shorts so dresses are my go-to in Spring and Summer when temps easily hit over 100. I throw on some suede sandals (I have these in nude and black as well), a neutral bag, and simple gold jewelry to look put-together with honestly no effort! The warmer months should be all about ease. What's your favorite Spring outfit?

Linking up with Gina, Amy Ann, and Brooke

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Spring & Summer Style Guide

I'm so excited for Spring and Summer trends this year that I wanted to put together my ultimate guide for navigating your own wardrobe. It's always so tempting to go out and buy alllll the new things but it's not necessary! This is especially true if you're like me and begin to feel overwhelmed by what you see your favorite bloggers wearing on Instagram. Now is the time to re-think your style, clean out items that don't work for you anymore for whatever reason, make a wishlist of things you want to add, and even style outfits for any upcoming events.

Hopefully you have jumped on the bandwagon of "buying less, choosing wisely" so that you can incorporate some new, fresh pieces that excite you, but still have a solid foundation of basics that you can pull from as well. Camisoles, cardigans, kimonos, turquoise jewelry, denim, moto jackets, airy skirts, tie-waist dresses, and feminine prints are all on my radar right now.

Remember, there's no need to go crazy buying everything you love all at once! When you put your list together, prioritize and keep an eye on sales. Also, buy the things you'll need first and save other things for later once the weather really warms up.

1.State camisole, House of Harlow 1960 skirt, LOFT dress from last year

Love, love, love the flattering dresses I'm seeing! Wrap styles look fabulous on all body types.

Target flats, Steve Madden sandals, Sam Edelman pumps

The only three pairs of shoes you'll need! Throw in some metallic or neutral flat sandals (or rose gold flip-flops in my case) and you're good to go from work to play, day to night. 

Loeffler Randall bag from two years ago, Clare V petite alice

I know straw bags are all the rage, but don't forget about other pretty, practical styles. A simple crossbody or a large tote are still relevant. 

Kendra Scott necklace, Target bikini

I personally love bathing suits in vibrant shades and prints. The more colorful, the better! Don't be afraid to stand out, even if you're like me and often dread bathing suit season. 

I hope this little guide is helpful in some way, and it also illustrates what you'll be seeing me wearing for the next few months. Happy Monday! Linking up with Caryl & Rachelle

More options to consider...

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How To Dress Up A Kimono

Wearing // Similar kimono here, here & here, Similar cami, Old Navy Jeans, Sam Edelman pumps, Clare V bag

I love kimonos as an alternative to a cardigan or jacket when the weather warms up. I'm a pretty modest dresser, so having a light layer is a great way to feel a bit covered while not overheating. But let's be honest, kimonos are often reserved for casual weekend looks. I wore a couple last Summer over bathing suits by the pool or with denim shorts at outdoor music festivals. I never thought about dressing up a kimono for evening until I saw my best friend wearing them at different nighttime events.  I think the key is to keep the kimono the centerpiece of your outfit. Floral versions are my personal favorite, but some in fabrics such as lace also feel dressier for night. You can wear them with denim and classic pumps as I've done here, or you can wear one over a fitted dress and some metallic sandals. In fact, I saw a woman wearing her kimono over a black tank dress this weekend and she looked so pulled-together. The contrast of flowy and fitted is a formula to keep in mind with this trend. It's all about the mix.

I hope you ladies had a wonderful Easter! I'll be back tomorrow with some April updates so stay tuned.

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Express Cardigan + Gingham Flats

There was a slight spring in my step last week, and I partly owe it to some new flats I recently added. Gingham seems to be everywhere, and although it's not a print I typically gravitate towards, the style and fit of these were too adorable to resist. I basically live in flats so when I see a pair I like, I know I'll wear them to death!

Wearing // Express cardigan, Similar cami, Old Navy jeans, Target flats

Beauty // M.A.C lipstick in Ravishing, Charlotte Tilbury palette

I've also been living in this cardigan that I've actually had since January. It's such a beautiful color that goes with all of the basics in my closet. I love pairing it with black, white, gray, and even blush. I find that when you have a simple way of dressing, branching out into different color combinations is the easiest way to liven things up without stepping out of your comfort zone. And with Spring temperatures around the corner, now is the perfect time to try some of the trends we'll be seeing in the next few months. I'm slowing incorporating some into my daily looks and I can't wait to show you ladies! I've already updated my "shop" tab if you want a peek at what I'm loving!

Are you shopping for Spring and Summer yet? What's on your radar? Linking up with Carylee and Rachelle today.

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Bows, Ballerinas & March Updates

I saw this sweater during a recent shopping trip and fell in love with the bows on the back. I didn't have time to try it on so I went with my usual medium petite and it is definitely a generous fit! I wish I would have gone down a size but after wearing it all weekend, I think it's evident that I'm keeping it. I decided to go casual glam with my favorite lived-in jeans and classic Chanel ballerinas. In all honesty, this was one of those weekends where I had no idea what to wear, and I always go back to simple pieces when that happens. Nate has been working crazy hours, so the last thing I want to do is fuss about getting ready during his days off. No time for that!

Wearing// Nordstrom sweater, Old Navy jeans, Sezane bag, Chanel flats, Ring Crush rings

Beauty // Lips in NARS Sex Machine

It's been a couple months since I last did this but here is what I'm currently...

1. Planning - A fun girl's day at Kendra Scott that my friend Gina is hosting. Two of my girlfriends are coming along and I can't wait to add a new KS piece to my collection. I'm thinking something in gold and turquoise?

2. Seeing - how I do in one of my copy editing classes. I'm working on my final exam this week, and then I'll have to wait to find out my final grade. No pressure.

3. Making - new recipes from Trader Joe's. I've gotten ideas from their website. Honestly, the easiest way to switch things up is to add new seasonings. The chile lime seasoning is a recent discovery and it's SO good on my morning eggs!

4. Pretending - I have it more together than I really do. Fake it til you make it!

5. Wearing - a standard uniform that includes my sezane bag, cozy pullover sweaters, and flats (see above). However, I have a few Spring things in mind and I can't wait to share with you what I've been eyeing. I plan on doing a Spring capsule post soon.

Linking up with Anne, Gina, and Amy Ann

What are you up to lately? Tell me everything 😉

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Color Crush

I don't know where this gorgeous color has been all my life, but I'm completely addicted to it at the moment. Ginger, rust, mauve, cinnamon...regardless of what you call it, this shade's my favorite for Spring.

Wearing // Nordstrom jeans, Tobi sweater c/o, Sam Edelman pumps

Nate and I had a low-key Valentine's Day at an Italian restaurant in town and I wanted to be more casual than in years past. I've done the whole dress-up thing countless times, and although I enjoy wearing traditional pink and red for V-Day, this year I wanted to take advantage of cooler weather and just wear something cozy. It's funny how different men are than women. Nate actually prefers this look over a fancy dress. It's also less fussy, except I did manage to roll my ankle on the way out of the restaurant! My heel got stuck in a crack in the cement, and down I went. I guess the vodka martini didn't help the cause either. Luckily we still had a great time and I hope you ladies did too!

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Olive & Blush Basics

Wearing // Old jacket, Tobi tee c/o Nordstrom jeans, Sam Edelman pumps

Hey ladies, just a quick casual Friday post to get you ready for the weekend! I've been really inspired by some beautiful color combinations geared towards Spring, and olive and blush tones are my personal favorite. I love taking basics and elevating them like this. A utility jacket, distressed denim, blush accessories...Except, something was missing...I've needed a simple white tee for awhile now, and this one from Tobi was just what my wardrobe was missing. It's a jersey material, which means it's super soft and has a nice flow. That seems to be the case for all Tobi items I've tried. You can't go wrong with a t-shirt and jeans! As a California girl, I live in mine. Day or night, as long as you add your own unique flair, you're good to go.

I hope you have a great weekend, I'll see you back here on Monday with what I wore for Valentine's Day.

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My Perfect "Beach" Sweater

I love going to the beach, and I'm fortunate that I can visit year-round. It's about a 45 minute drive, which I'll gladly do whenever the mood strikes. Happy, sad, reflective, excited - any excuse to sit with sand between my toes. Except, there's always that lingering question of "what do I wear?"

Wearing // Tobi sweater c/o, Asos skirt, Mia flats, Gifted bag

We've had a warm spell these last few days but it does inevitably get chilly in the evenings. This is especially true on the coast, where the breeze may look pretty in pictures but is often uncomfortably windy in real life!

Enter this swingy, cozy-as-can-be sweater from Tobi. I love the length, as it's longer in the back and a bit cropped in the front. I styled it here with a rose colored skirt, but it would look just as cute with denim shorts, distressed jeans, or even on top of a little dress. It's that perfect piece to pack in your beach bag to pull out once the sun goes down. In fact, we are going to the beach next weekend and you can bet I'll be wearing this.

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Dark Florals + I Sort of Tried Balayage

Wearing // Asos dress, BlankNYC jacket (on sale), Sam Edelman pumps

You might not believe this, but I tried dying my hair blonde in high school. Blonde. I actually wish I had a picture as proof, but all of my photo albums are at my mom's house probably buried somewhere. Needless to say, it wasn't flattering. It's crazy how different I wanted to make myself back then. You know, the tall blonde bombshell with blue eyes. Instead, I wound up with orange straw after a boy at the local beauty school ruined my hair. I took it well.

Ever since, I've enjoyed being a brunette. It's low-maintenance, it suits my coloring, and I only darken it a couple times per year to give it richness and shine. Except, it does get a little boring having the same hairstyle year after year, so for awhile now I've been thinking about trying balayage. Aside from not knowing how to spell it, I also wasn't sure if it would suit me. Scary images of bad brassy dye came to mind. My hair holds a lot of orange, so I'm very particular about who I let color it. Thankfully I have a great stylist and she's been gently trying to introduce the idea of balayage to me. We started last week, and even though it's incredibly subtle, I can tell the difference. She mostly painted sections underneath my hair for that "peekaboo" effect. When the sunlight hits it just right, some caramel pieces come through. I'm all about natural so although we didn't veer away from that this time, I may go lighter gradually. Or, I may not!

What do you guys think? Have you tried balayage?

Linking up with Rachelle and Carylee today.

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Black, Camel, & Leopard

                 Wearing // Similar sweater, Topshop jeans, Similar pumps, Similar bag,  Nordstrom scarf                     Beauty // Lips in M.A.C. "Hot Gossip"

There are a few classic color combinations that everyone should have in their Winter wardrobe; black and white, grey and red, and my personal favorite - black and camel. It always translates chic! This outfit looked beautiful on its own, but in place of wearing a long pendant necklace or other jewelry, I decided to put my leopard scarf to use. I originally saw it on Gina and Amy Ann (linked below), and I'm happy I added it to my closet during the holidays. You could easily wear something like this to work, or perhaps on a night out when you want to look more polished than your regular jeans + sweater uniform (which has been mine all month long!)

I'm still nursing a terrible cold/infection so I'm keeping it short today. Just a reminder to take care of yourselves this season!

Linking up with Straight A Style & On The Daily Express

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Check Mini Dress

Wearing //  Similar dress, Similar velvet blazer, Sole Society booties, Sezane bag, Stella & Dot ring  

Beauty // Lips in Clinique Black Honey

I got this check mini dress right after Christmas, and this outfit is head-to-toe what I wore on new years eve. Yes, I skipped the usual glitz and shine and just decided to go with something understated for my friend's party. I'm really loving the plaid trend. Asos has quite a few options, but this dress caught my eye in the petite department. Great for layering and extremely versatile depending on the season. I think it'll look nice in the Spring with a long cardigan and kitten heels. If you are currently in the midst of snow (hello bomb cyclone) pairing a dress like this with thick tights and a coat would be polished enough for work.

Speaking of which, I hope my friends on the east coast and beyond are staying safe and warm! I can count on one hand how many times I've even seen snow. Ridiculous but true!

Linking up with: More Pieces of Me & Pink Sole

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Happy New Year & Goals for 2018

First off, happy new year everyone! I hope you guys had a great ending to the year and are ready to start fresh. As I've always said, I love the feeling of a clean slate every January and this time is no different. Every day holds the possibility of something extraordinary, so try and make the most of it!

               Wearing // BLANK NYC jacket, Free People bralette, similar camisole, Express jeans,                          similar pumps, Sezane bag

                Beauty // MUFE Ultra HD foundation, NARS orgasm blush, Tarte in bloom palette,

                M.A.C. lips in Ravishing

I wore this during the festivities and really enjoyed the new moto jacket I got during Nordstrom's anniversary sale. I could finally put it to use! It's a bit heavy for California weather, but it gets really chilly at night so it's perfect as a topper to any outfit. And the color! Such a rich caramel shade that brings out the warmth in my features. It's definitely one of my favorite purchases from last year (how weird is it to say that by the way?!)

I don't typically do resolutions, at least not in the formal sense. I think it's a nice sentiment but it also sets people up for failure. Small changes and tweaks as well as setting long-term goals is the most effective way to go about a new year. I like to write mine down so that I can actually visualize what I want to accomplish. Some people also create mood boards and I think I might do that alongside a written list. Here are the areas I want to focus on for 2018:

1) Health: Put my health and wellbeing at the top of my priority list.

2) Relationships: Continue to foster the relationships in my life that are valuable and important to me.

3) Education: I start school again next week, and I want to throw myself into learning all that I can.

4) Finances: Spend less on things, more on memories.

5) Positive Thinking: This will always be SO difficult for me, but worth the constant reminder.

And for the blog:

1) Improved photography: I got a new lens, can you tell the difference? I absolutely can by these pictures!

2) A Set Schedule: Monday-Wednesday seems to be the best option for me but I know blogging three days a week is ideal. I personally don't tend to read blogs on Fridays for some reason, but maybe that's just me.

I'm going to continue plugging along, and I'm really excited to see where the year takes all of us! Dwelling on past mistakes and negative thinking keeps us stagnant but moving forward, even baby steps, is the key to happiness and success. I plan on going more in depth about these goals in the coming weeks so I hope you'll follow along with me. 💋

What are some of your goals/intentions for the new year?

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