The Denim Jacket I'm Wearing All Spring Long

 A denim jacket for Spring is nothing new. In fact, wearing one this time of year is as groundbreaking as a floral dress. But for me, there's always been a struggle to find the right fit and wash. I already own one in a darker wash, but I still craved something lighter. I scoured the internet and looked at all of my favorite retailers until I stumbled upon one while I was buying laundry detergent and sparkling water at Target. Of course. 

Wearing // Target denim jacket, Good American bodysuit, Bohme skirt, Gorjana bracelet

I really try my hardest to avoid browsing Target's clothes. Not because I don't love their selection, but because it's so easy to waste money there! But one look at this perfectly light, sky-blue denim jacket and I knew it was going to be a Spring wardrobe staple for (hopefully) years to come. It fits true to size and looks great over dresses or with a flowy tiered skirt like I'm wearing here. Perfect for days when the sun is shining but the temperature is a little cool. So while Gen Z is still obsessed with millennials and our side parts, skinny jeans, and apparently now our denim jackets, I'm just now hitting my stride with my idea of the perfect one. 

Continue the post

Jen7 Jeans + Good American Bodysuit

 It's been a long time since a fresh pair of jeans made their way into my closet, but after buying these on a whim, I'm wondering what's taken me so long! After a year of mostly living in leggings, it's amazing to reach for a pair that makes me feel so put-together. I know skinny jeans have taken a bit of a break this year in favor of more wide-leg or straight styles that skim the legs. Although I love those on other women, I'm still easing my way into the trend, starting with these by the brand Jen7. 

Wearing // Jen7 jeans, Good American bodysuit, Old Navy moto jacket (similar here), Amazon heels

This is my first pair of jeans from the sister brand of 7 For All Mankind, but it may not be my last! What I love most about them is the fit. They hug my hips and thighs nicely but have more room in the legs. The high waist is really flattering, all accentuated by a bow.  I think that's such a cute touch! I also love the lighter wash for Spring and Summer. They look more cropped on the model than on my 5'2 frame, but they still hit right around my ankle and are the perfect length for both heels and flats. 

Let's also briefly talk about the bodysuit I'm wearing. It's another trend that I've been very curious about, but have taken my time in buying just the right one. Aside from the obvious feeling like I'm wearing an adult onesie, I really love this bodysuit from Good American. It has the perfect amount of stretch and is thick enough to wear a regular bra with (or not). I liked it so much that I also bought it in black, and plan to wear both all Summer with skirts and shorts. These new basics are going to get so much wear, and I'll show you how in the next few posts! 

Are you trying any of the new trends lately? 

Continue the post

Light at the End of the Tunnel

 It's almost been a full year since California went into lockdown. I keep having flashbacks to last March, when everything came to a grinding halt due to a novel virus. There was so much confusion. Like so many people, I spent all of last Spring in a battle with uncertainty. I experienced crippling panic attacks, nightmares, and extremely high blood pressure. I wrote about my fears here, and I also discussed them in therapy. I was actually in a really dark place, but what was there to do but keep pushing myself everyday? And that pretty much sums up my 2020. A lot of people's 2020. 

Now I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it's not over yet, but it feels a hell of a lot closer. My mom received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and that's a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that she is going to be okay now. My turn won't be for a while, but I'm keeping the candle burning until then.

Wearing Red Dress top, Nordstrom jeans, Target mules

Wearing a MinkPink dress and Nordstrom cardigan

These outfits were taken at the end of the year. We had some gorgeous Spring-like weather and I soaked up every minute of it. 

Continue the post

Checking In

 Well hello! It feels like an eternity since my last post. In some ways, it kind of has been. So much has happened since September of 2020. An election, a new president, the arrival of vaccines, the highs and lows of the pandemic. Yet it also feels like time has stood still. 

I had every intention of plugging along, but every time I would open up my laptop to write a post, I would immediately close the screen. I just couldn't do it anymore. The reason was simple at first - I didn't have much to document. Living in leggings and sweatshirts and using the same old beauty products just doesn't make for great inspiring content. Then after awhile I came to a much bigger realization - I was changing, and so were the things I cared about. 

That's kind of where I am today. Somewhere between missing this space and communtity, wanting to get back to putting myself together again, currently enjoying trying new beauty products that I'd like to share with you, and yet also...well, just at a different stage in life where documenting those things (or creating content as they say) are becoming less and less important to my identity. I don't want to force myself to do this every week, and I don't want to waste your time. However, I do feel like shutting it down permanently would break my heart. If I ever do decide to completely stop blogging, I care about my readers enough to at least say goodbye. That time isn't now. I'm going to keep going, I just can't promise it'll be regularly. When I wear something I'd like to share or when I get excited about a product, I'll write about it! If I want to vent or discuss a certain topic, I'll be relieved I have an outlet to do so. 

I guess that's it for now really. The outfit I'm wearing below was actually from Thanksgiving! Never got around to sharing, but it did feel good to wear real pants. I don't think any of the exact items are available, but you get the point. 

American Eagle sweater, Nordstrom jeans, Madewell boots, Sezane bag, Gorjana necklace

Continue the post

Celebrations in 2020

 Celebrations look a lot different in 2020. Most of us probably assumed back in the Spring that life would resume as normal by September. I remember having countless conversations with friends, and none of us really thought that we would still be in the midst of the pandemic for more than a couple months. How wrong we were. 

September is my favorite month for two simple reasons - the 12th is my birthday, and the 21st is our wedding anniversary. Every year I look forward to them, not because we do anything particularly extravagant, but because they are markers for another year lived. I use those two days to reflect, and they felt especially poignant this time. 

Wearing // Aqua by Bloomingdale's dress (wearing a medium with plenty of room), Target strappy heel sandals, Gorjana Parker necklace, Gorjana Power Gemstone Coin necklace,

I've spent most of the last few months in a haze, rotating from sadness and paralyzing anxiety, to absolute gratitude for everything and everyone in my life. I've missed important milestones, like attending my sister-in-law's first baby shower (this was actually the dress I bought in June with the intention of wearing it to the party in July). But I've also spoken to my dad every single week since March, and our relationship has grown. There's been a lot of good, a lot of positive changes that I don't think would have happened if not for a world altering, once in a century event. I really try to focus on the good when my mind wants to wander over into the bad. 

Although my 36th birthday wasn't what we had planned (in fact, Nate surprised me at the start of the pandemic with tickets to Maui, which we later canceled), I was honestly just excited to put on a pretty new dress and grab takeout from our favorite Italian restaurant. After months of leggings and a bare face, it was nice feeling "pretty" again. Our anniversary went a step further and we actually got away to Newport Beach for the weekend. But more about that in my next post...

I hope you are all doing well! Have you done any major celebrations this year, and what did it look like for you? 

Continue the post

A Glimpse of Normal Summer

The last few weeks have been really difficult, and that's why I haven't posted. I'm sure the last thing you want to read is any more bad news, so I figured I could instead use the time to collect myself, and forge ahead when I could blog about something fun for a change! These photos were taken over a month ago, after things started opening back up in California. It was my first time dressing up since March, and it felt absolutely amazing to put on a new little Summer dress, carry my favorite Summer bag, and enjoy an evening walking through a winery again. It was a glimpse of normal, though it was eerily quiet as Nate and I took photos along the path. Not a single soul was around, no sounds of wine glasses clinking in the background. Still, we made the most of it and took in the blooming scenery. We both laughed at our awkwardness doing something we'd done a hundred times. He forgot how to work the camera, I forgot how to pose (which let's face it, has never stopped me before). It almost felt like a first date.

Wearing a sold out MinkPink dress, Jeffrey Campbell sandals, Clare V. bag

Shortly after, California reimposed shutdowns, and that's where we stand today. Our state has been hit fairly hard, and I don't know where we will go from here. I'm praying for the best possible outcome, but I find myself worrying most days. I really miss everything about life before Covid. I apologize for my absence and for the haphazard way I've been running this blog. It's basically the way life is at the moment. Thankfully, I know you understand.

Continue the post

Recent Spring Outfits I'm Wearing on Repeat

I'm making an effort to dress in real clothes (some days), and documenting what I put together is actually a huge mood boost. These aren't exactly groundbreaking outfits, and taking snapshots of them in my loft isn't how I'd like to share them with you, but for now it'll have to do. Spring is moving along quickly, and the weather has been so perfect that I've spent every afternoon outside in my backyard soaking up as much as I can. In-between reading this book and making some healthy lunches, I'm daydreaming about when I can truly enjoy getting dressed again. Normally during Spring, I'm planning outfits for outdoor festivals, concerts, and trips. Now we are in a perpetual state of...who knows? The upside is that I'm getting my money's worth on all of my clothes, and I'm getting more comfortable with repeating outfits on a weekly basis! Here are some recent favorites.

This kimono can be worn as a dress, but lately I've been wearing it open and layered over another (bodycon) dress.

I bought this floral swimsuit coverup in late February, fully expecting to wear it in Palm Springs during our yearly getaway. During a heat wave a couple weeks ago, I wore it to sit on my patio.

Jeans and a tee, always my go-to in Spring & Summer. I love the desert print on this one. 

Or if it's too warm out, a loose tee and 4 year old denim distressed shorts will work! 

An olive utility jacket is a Spring staple. I just love the look during cooler days. 

I hope everyone is doing well and taking care! I'll be back on Wednesday 💋

Continue the post

Flattering Dress Silhouettes for Petites

Like many of you, I'm growing tired of leggings and sweat pants day in and day out. Spring is my favorite season to dress for, but obviously with the current public health pandemic, everything has been put on hold. In the spirit of Spring, I wanted to put together a quick round-up on the dress silhouettes I find most flattering for petite women. We should all wear what makes us feel confident and beautiful, but there are some definite styles that work especially well on ladies 5'4 and under.


#1 Fit and Flare: This is my most worn silhouette, and the one I personally feel the most comfortable wearing. It emphasizes the upper body, creates the illusion of a smaller waist, and then skims away from the lower body like an hourglass. It's an ultra feminine look that is universally flattering no matter your body type.

#2 Midi: This particular silhouette used to scare me away because it does seem antithetical to elongating a shorter frame. However, I actually love midi styles on petite women! I often hear petites saying that they can't wear a midi or maxi dress because it makes them appear even shorter, but there are a few details to keep in mind. First, I favor one in a solid color as opposed to a busy print. Second, although they are whimsical and gorgeous, I prefer midis that don't have big ruffles, long sleeves, or excessive amounts of extra fabric. Last, I love layering a shorter jacket on top that breaks up the proportions a bit.

#3 Wrap or Faux Wrap: Similar to a fit and flare style, wrap or faux wrap dresses are universally flattering because they create an hourglass shape. They drape nicely over the body and cinch in the waist, so they are perfectly slimming. A V-neckline also adds to the effect. Whether you're curvy or straight, this style will make you look and feel polished.

#4 BodyCon: I'm curvy on the lower half, so my instinct is to steer clear from anything form fitting. However, I was pleasantly surprised a couple years ago when I discovered this now blogger favorite bodycon dress. The ruching throughout the waist helps conceal a not-so-flat stomach while also cinching the waist at its smallest area. The tulip hem comes to right above the knees, elongating the legs. I love wearing mine with a light, airy kimono during the Summer months. If you're curvy, this can still feel like a tricky style to pull off, but hey. There's nothing wrong with flaunting those curves! And if you'd like the illusion of extra curves, this style helps to do just that.

I have no idea when things will get back to normal, but I'll be wearing all of these dresses no matter what! What are your go-to dresses? I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Continue the post

Cozy Stay at Home Style

*Quick editor's note: I will not be using affiliate links for the next month or so. I personally am not concerned with shopping for unnecessary items during a crisis, and I'm sure most of you aren't either. Besides, I suspect you already own similar things! I will still list where they came from, but for now I'm taking a pause. Things will go back to normal with regular links after this extended period.

I'm usually very particular about the clothing I feature on my blog. I can't explain why, because what you see here is what you'll see if you know me in real life too (although a little editing helps). I just try to be thoughtful about my choices so that I can hopefully provide you with ideas you can incorporate into your own wardrobe. I love mixing brands, showing you ways to style everyday basics, and featuring pieces that are polished, fun, and flattering. So when I think of dressing to either lounge around in or work from home, that's just not something I'm familiar sharing with you! To me, indoor or home outfits equal comfort. Home has always been my sanctuary, the one place where I can be totally relaxed and myself. I don't worry about wearing lots of makeup, doing my hair everyday or putting on jewelry. I used to consider it freeing! But after being at home for several days and weeks during California's mandatory shelter in place order, I'll admit that I can't wait to put on a dress and heels again. I'll never take it for granted.

In the meantime, these are the type of outfits I'm living in. I would say lately, but we have no clear idea how long remaining at home will last. All of these looks are extremely comfortable, cozy, and dare I say...appropriate for Zoom meetings and FaceTime? At least two are!

Nectar Clothing striped top, LOFT belted knit wrap, Hue leggings

Express one eleven tee, Old Navy joggers

Barefoot Dreams cardigan, Revolve camisole, Hue leggings

Beauty:
Since I was in desperate need of a pedicure last week, I dug back into my favorite Spring nail polishes and picked a cheerful, happy pink. This color is by Essie and it's called "Cascade Cool." I don't have any top coat at the moment, but a quick spray of this rapid dry solution did the trick and even added some shine. My friend Kristi kindly sent it to me all the way from Oregon a couple years back, but because I was so addicted to gels, it was neglected until now! Honestly, anything bright and pink is what I'm reaching for beauty-wise this month. Pink nails, pink blush, and of course a pink pout. I bought this Charlotte Tilbury gloss at the end of February and it's all I've worn since. It's in the shade "Pillow Talk." I'm such a fan of this color as it's incredibly wearable.

I've long believed that style is an extension of who you are, a way to send a message to the outside world. In times like these when we are so isolated, it can often feel pointless or even wrong to bother. Some days, I don't bother. But on the days when I do, there's this little inkling of hope that sometime soon I can once again express myself in the way that makes me happiest - back in a flowy dress against the backdrop of my favorite wineries in town.

Continue the post

A Versatile Kimono-Style Dress For Spring

This outfit was photographed about two weeks ago, the last time I really put myself together and enjoyed a night out. I was so excited to show you one of my favorite Spring trends, a versatile take on a kimono-style dress that can also be worn open. I wear kimonos a lot in Summer with simple tanks and camisoles, so the option of wearing one as a dress is just perfect. In this way, it actually looks quite polished, sort of a fun take on a shirtdress. But it can also be dressed way down. Picture it over a bathing suit - I definitely plan on wearing it as a coverup over a black bikini.

Wearing // Vici kimono dress, Target sandals, Gorjana necklace and rings, Mejuri necklace, Similar Sezane bag

I love the neutral print, and the draped sleeves are really flattering. Now that I think of it, I'll wear it again this weekend over some black leggings since that seems to be my outfit of choice for the foreseeable future. Like all of you (I hope), I've been doing what I can to occupy myself at home:

1. Streaming podcasts, shows, movies, audiobooks and music. Music has been on practially 24/7 around here. Mostly alternative rock or classic rock.
2. Cooking and cleaning. I'm on phase one of getting the house scrubbed down but I really need to declutter next!
3. Facetiming with friends and family. I'm reaching out to people I haven't spoken to in months.
4. Reading and journaling. This moment is one for the history books, so making notes on what's going on may prove to be valuable one day.
5. Giving myself a much-needed manicure, face mask, and hair conditioning treatment. It's the little things that allow for some normalcy.
6. Still working at the shop and praying our small business can survive this.
7. We have a few house projects in mind, especially our backyard that is covered in weeds!
8. We plan on taking a long drive down the coast this weekend to get some fresh air, obviously being mindful of staying far away from others if we get out to stretch our legs. A walk along the shore sounds amazing but we'll see.

I was really hoping to hear from you earlier in the week after my last post, but it's been crickets. I totally understand though. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing for an audience of one, but I'm okay with that. I have to be. This blog was born out of a need for sanity, and it will continue to serve that purpose regardless of who stops by or not...although I really would love to hear from you! This would be a great time to build up our little online blogging community again. That's my vision anyway.

I hope you're all taking care.

Continue the post

All Dressed Up

My favorite time to shop is in the early stages of Spring. I love the feminine silhouettes and prints, especially floral. There's just something so fun about putting on a flirty little dress and a great pair of heels. It's been awhile since I got all dressed up (with seemingly nowhere to go), but Nate's been working at the shop non-stop and when he wanted to take me out, I happily obliged! There's no time like the present.

Wearing // Red Dress Boutique floral dress, Similar nude clutch, Sam Edelman pumps in similar color, Gorjana rings & necklace

 I hesitated showing it to you guys again, but this dress is still available in case any of you are looking for a pretty Spring outfit. I later put a denim jacket over it and I'm sorry I didn't take more photos. Layering is just another way to show how versatile dresses can be when transitioning to a new warmer season. 

For what it's worth, I first heard of Red Dress on Instagram, as they seem to collaborate with a lot of popular bloggers. I'm usually leery of trying clothes from smaller online boutiques because fit is often hit or miss. But their selection of dresses is amazing, so I went ahead and got my usual size and thankfully it worked out! I wouldn't hesitate to buy something else. As for the heels, these are still my favorite! I don't wear heels nearly as often as I used to, but I still think a classic pair of suede pumps is a wardrobe staple. You never know when an occasion might call for them. 

How are you all doing? I've been managing a crazy migraine off and on for the better part of a week, thus my lack of posting. I hope you're all staying healthy 💋

Linking up with Laura from I Do deClaire

Continue the post