The Perfect Periwinkle Dress For Petites

Every season, I update my wardrobe with key pieces that I know I'll wear over and over again. It's safe to say that this Spring I've been all about adding a few new dresses into the mix. I just find them to be so effortless, flattering, and versatile. For example, on cooler days, I reach for a denim or moto jacket to layer on top. On warm days, I throw on some sandals and a straw bag and head to the wineries! Not like the weather matters though...

One of my favorite brands for petite-friendly dresses is Ann Taylor. Last year, I fell in love with a similar blush pink midi dress. I've worn it countless times and at various events and gatherings so when I saw the updated version I ordered one right away. No longer midi, this year's dress comes to my knees. Instead of a soft shade of pink, this year the color is an icy periwinkle blue. I also prefer this neckline, which can be worn open to show off a necklace, or snapped closed for a more modest look. I honestly can't think of a single instance where this dress wouldn't be appropriate!

Wearing // Ann Taylor dress, Similar sandals, Clare V. bag, Stella & Dot cuff, Elizabeth Stone 
necklace

Nate and I took these photos last weekend at Fazeli Cellars. and tons of prom-ready young ladies and gents were also snapping and posing away. Just let the record show that I wore a light blue dress to my own prom in 2003, so some things never really change! I can however order a glass of pinot grigio now.


Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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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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A Wrap Dress For Spring

This Spring, I've been scouring the internet for little dresses that I can just throw on and go no matter the occasion. My lifestyle is fairly casual, but I still enjoy putting myself together and looking feminine - a dress is perfect for that. There are so many fun trends to choose from this year too; whether it's a midi length with buttons going down the front, floral frocks with layers of chiffon ruffles, long flowing maxis, or mini dresses with pockets and flutter sleeves. Trust me, I have several of these on my wish list! Living in SoCal, there's really no such thing as too many.

One style that I've always admired but have shied away from is the wrap dress. They've never seemed very secure to me, and visions of the dress completely coming undone in public is the stuff of fashion nightmares! But, I've also long been told that a wrap-style dress is the ultimate in figure flattery and who doesn't want that? Why not give it a try? Featuring a tie-waist and an A-line skirt, it hugs your curves in all the right places.

Wearing // Wrap Dress (size down in the dress) Soludos espadrilles, Clare V petite Alice bag, Gorjana sunburst coin necklace & Chloe Mini necklace

Beauty // Lips in L'Oreal "I Create"

I bought this adorable dress right before our weekend in Palm Springs. I love the long sheer sleeves and the ruffle at the hemline. It comes in a few different prints and colors but I opted for this orange hue because I like the warm tone with my dark hair. My only reservation is that I wish it had a snap closure because the neckline loosens up as you wear it, but that's not anything some fashion tape can't fix! I wore it out to dinner on our second night and I felt so feminine and curvy in it. I hope Diane Von Furstenburg would approve!

Do you own a wrap dress? I'm not entirely converted but I DO think everyone needs just ONE in their wardrobe. 

Linking up with Pink Sole today.

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Beauty Products I'm Using And Loving This Spring

Hey ladies, happy Wednesday! I'm back from my long weekend in Palm Springs and I'm really excited to share pictures of where Nate and I stayed, what we did, and of course what I wore. It was one of the most relaxing vacations I've had.

The beauty of going away somewhere relatively close to home is that it lets me recharge without the pressure of a bigger, longer vacation. Palm Springs is only an hour drive from our house and I've been there countless times so instead of cramming in a bunch of activities and sight-seeing, we mostly stayed at our hotel and lounged at the pool.

I also took the opportunity to pamper myself a little. I brought some of my current favorite beauty products from home so that I could not only use them but also have pretty backdrops to photograph them. I've been using and loving all of these products for a couple months (or more) so I can fully attest to how good they really are!

Ouai Leave In Conditioner  is a multi-purpose product that I spray on my damp hair before blow-drying. It protects against heat, helps hair look healthy and shiny, detangles, combats humidity, and is formulated for all hair types. It also smells incredibly luxurious - if it came in perfume form, I would buy it! I also love that it doesn't have any sulfates or harsh chemicals. I don't use very many products on my hair, just this before heat styling and a couple oribe products in between shampoos. You have to try this!

Ahava Hydration Cream Mask is a thick creamy mask I've been using twice a week. It contains Dead Sea minerals, shea butter, and other ingredients that help lock in moisture. Simply leave on for 3 minutes and rinse with cool water. Fast, easy, and great on the dry patches I get sometimes on my cheeks. 

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream has been a game changer for me. I originally tried their hand cream over Winter, and as soon as I ran out of that I decided to buy their signature bum bum cream. It contains caffeine and a blend of oils to help smooth and tighten. I specifically use it on my thighs, and while I know the results aren't permanent, it does make my skin look much firmer. Hey, anything helps, right? It also smells like a tropical vacation, so there's that. I'll definitely be using this all Spring and Summer long. 

Becca Glow Gloss in Camellia is a cool-toned petal pink that makes my lips look fuller and well...glowy. I purchased my first tube last Summer and loved it so much that I bought another before Palm Springs. I'm not much of a lip gloss girl anymore (mostly due to the sticky factor) but the texture and formula of this gloss is so comfortable for everyday wear. I find that once the weather starts heating up, I crave a more minimalist makeup look and this is just the right amount of color and shine. Plus, it smells minty and this specific color makes teeth look whiter. 

Have you tried any of these products? What are some beauty items you're currently loving?

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Knotted Tee + Blush Skirt

 I only own a handful of skirts in my closet, and almost all of them are high-waisted. The one I'm wearing below is a fairly recent purchase from April, and the fit is so perfect that now I want everything that House of Harlow makes! It's fully lined, has a zipper on the side, and is the sweetest shade of pink.

The only problem, how should I style it?

Wearing // H&M shirt, House of Harlow 1960 skirt, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag

Beauty // Lips in Sara Happ Pink Slip gloss

My general rule for skirts is to pair them with a simple blouse, tucked in. This looks the most polished and proportional on most women. I tried a few options, but they all bunched up terribly, so I went for a white t-shirt instead and knotted it at the side. I loved the effect! The side knot gives the illusion of a tiny waist, and the ruching it creates is also slimming. Plus, no worries about adjusting my top throughout the day! I think it's perfect for casual Summer outfits, and now I want to try it with a maxi skirt I don't get enough use from.

 What do you think of the knot tee trend? It's probably on its way out and I'm just now getting it!

Linking up with Rachelle and Carylee. 

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Pretty in Pink

I first saw this Ann Taylor dress on my lovely friend Lilly, and lovely is exactly right in describing how I feel in it.

It's one of those "you can't stop me from doing a twirl" types. Even Nate put down the camera here to grab my hand and spin me around (too bad there was no one around to capture the moment, but maybe that's just as well).

Wearing // Ann Taylor dress, Sam Edelman pumps, Clare V bag, Stella & Dot ring

Beauty // Lips in Glo Skin Beauty "Bloom"

I love a flowy dress, especially one that can transition from day to night, and from formal to casual depending on what shoes and bag you choose. The length is also nice, not quite midi but very close. The cinching at the waist and the soft pleated panels give the dress a wonderful romantic vibe that I love in the Spring and Summer.

Speaking of romance, did you guys watch the royal wedding? I only saw clips, but they were enough to bring tears to my eyes. I know a lot of people couldn't care less, but Harry and Meghan just seem so genuinely in love that it's hard to turn away from! Plus, I don't know about you, but my mother was infatuated with Princess Diana! This wedding has ignited something in me, and now I can't get enough of reading more about Diana's life. Her legacy in the boys she so loved is incredibly sweet and inspiring, and I'm happy that they are doing well in life after the loss of their mother.

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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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As Festival Ready As I'll Get

Wearing //

Jack by BB Dakota dress (sold out) but cute matching blouse

Chelsea 28 bag

Splendid booties on sale!

Stella & Dot necklace

Kendra Scott ring

Various bracelets, great option

As much as I love music, there is one big name festival that irks me to my core, and I suspect you all know which one I'm referring to. I live an hour and a half away from the desert where it's held every year, and yet I don't know a single person who has ever gone to it. I feel like it's such a scene - meaning it's for celebrities and bloggers to be seen, and not really about the actual bands and performers who play there. What a waste! I guess if you're getting everything comped, it really doesn't matter. Week two begins today, and well...I'll be happy once it's over and my Instagram feed doesn't resemble the second coming of Woodstock. Now that would have been amazing!

As for me, I'm heading to L.A. where I'm hoping it's less crowded because everyone is in the desert! Wishful thinking I know, but I'm excited to celebrate my best friend's birthday a few weeks early. Every year, we try to do one girls trip, just the two of us. It's a perfect excuse to reconnect and catch up without feeling rushed. Usually when we get together it's in a group setting or with our husbands, naturally. So one occasion where we can talk, laugh, and not have to worry about annoying other people in a group is a welcomed escape. Follow me on snap if you care to see what we're up to! Have a great weekend, even to those going to #Coachella ✌

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Shades of Blush

Wearing //

Scalloped tank, similar here & here

Cardigan (sold out) but similar, love this too

Express skirt (sold out)

Asos pumps, similar here & here

Chelsea 28 bag

Beauty //

Glo Minerals kit in "Bold Pursuit"  c/o 

There are three things that I can't get enough of this year:

*Blush tones

*Scalloped details

*Laser cut bags and shoes

I know quite a few bloggers who own the tote version, and while that one is certainly tempting, I opted for this crisp white shoulder bag instead. I love a great tote and believe it's a staple, but I often find that mine is an excellent excuse to haul around things I don't even need! A structured bag will also always be in style, but one with delicate details like this adds that Springtime feel. I paired it with a feminine camisole with scalloped edges, and my favorite taupe/lilac cardigan. If you follow me on snap and IG, you would have seen that Nettie made her way through one of the sleeves, and while it hasn't been repaired, I came up with a simple solution in the meantime - fold the sleeves up!

She is such a doll, but at almost three years old, my pup has managed to get her paws and snout on quite a few of my shoes, lace tops, a bag, and now my cardigan. It's my fault for leaving the closet door open so often. My house still needs puppy-proofing, but I love her no matter what she gets her claws into.

How is your week? I will be back on Friday!

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