Date Night Style {Including Plus Size Pieces}

Wearing // Express portofino blouse (multiple colors & patterns), pretty from OSP

Topshop skirt, OSP midi skirt

J.Crew heels, similar

Banana Republic clutch, obsessed with CV

Express bracelet, 

Monogram necklace

Date night style is my absolute favorite. After a long work week, it feels so good to ditch the office clothes and put on something a little more fun and flirty. With my job, I get to dress very casual but that often leaves me feeling a little frumpy. Come Friday night, I'm ready to put on my dancin' shoes (even if I'm not going dancing). I think I have my date night formula down to a Science: a chiffon button-down, a high-waisted skirt, a colorful pump, and a neutral clutch. I find that I still feel comfortable in such an outfit, yet my husband likes it too because it's so feminine. I honestly think anyone can pull together an outfit like this, no matter what your size is. Although I'm 5'2, I often get emails from readers who are a bit curvier and taller than I am and I don't want to ever leave anyone out! I provided some links to similar pieces that will help you achieve this from OSP. My shoes and clutch are no longer available, but you can find similar ones at YesStyle and Les Nouvelles respectively!

Linking up with Tara today for Summer style.

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The Romper

Wearing // Express Romper

Loft cardigan, similar

Zara pumps, love these by Sole Society

Michael Kors bag

Benevolent Jewels monogram necklace

Three new things here: 

 One, I am wearing a romper (or a onesie as hubby likes to joke). I've always been very skeptical of rompers. Not because they aren't adorable because they certainly are. I think I've just never found one that was flattering on me. Most I've ever tried either ride up or sit way too low in a certain womanly area, ahem. That alone has been enough to steer me away. But this one from Express sits just right, and it actually skims over my curves which I love. It's like a little black dress, but with shorts. Express knows how to do trends but still keep them classic looking.
Two, I finally found a blank wall/canvas in which to take blog pictures in front of. It's the obligatory white wall most of us see on blogs right? Well this just so happens to be city hall, and on Saturdays there is no one around. Perfect!
Three, my hair has never looked like this before. Ever. I went to an event at my friend's salon where she was doing a "braid bar". I wanted something totally out of my norm. I mean, the only time I wear my hair back is during a workout and a ponytail isn't exactly exciting so I told her to braid the sides and swing the rest of my hair into a loose bun. Humidity was high that day and I was a sweaty mess during these pictures but I really loved it. I need to remind myself once every so often to just try something new!

Oh, and new sunglasses from the brass plum section of Nordstrom! Those are new too :)

Linking up with Tara for Summer style.

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Beautygirl24 Turns Five

Wearing // Asos dress

J.Crew pumps, similar for less!

Kate Spade bag, similar

Nordstrom Rack earrings, similar by Kendra Scott

Midi ring, love this

Beauty // Essie nails in "Bikini so Teeny"

Lips by M.A.C in Peach Blossom

Exactly five years ago, I started Beautygirl24. I had no idea what I was doing (I still don't really), but I was so excited about having my own little space to write about things I love. I didn't take into account how it would change my life. I didn't know it would give me more confidence, and I didn't know just how many girls I would "meet" or how many friends I would make. In fact, I never imagined I would attract a single reader. I originally only planned on doing beauty reviews and shopping posts, and then my blog transformed rather slowly into what it is today. I was passionate about it then, and I'm still passionate about it today. The blogging world has changed so much in the past five years, and I'm so fortunate that I can be a part of it in my own small way. Today, I just wanted to thank you guys for all of your sweet comments, questions, advice, inspiration, and support. I've seen so many ladies come and go, many who have perhaps moved onto other interests. But I've also known quite a few of you since the beginning (you know who you are). I've never had a real vision for Beautygirl24, and I think that's why I've enjoyed it so much over the years! I've never wanted to put pressure on something that I choose to participate in out of pure joy. I hope to continue to build relationships within this community, and I'm always open to new friends who love style, fashion, and beauty as much as I do. 

Happy birthday blog :)

Oh, and I need to thank this man for his support too! He photographs me while we laugh together, and until a year ago, he had never delved into photography. He tells me I'm beautiful even when I feel anything but. And he takes a genuine interest in my interests.

P.S. - We devoured the red velvet cupcake seconds after this photo. 

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