Style & Beauty Updates

Every year I shop the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Or shall I say, the #nsale? I've been doing so since college. However, blogging has really changed the game over the last couple years and now more people are aware of it. That's great! It's the perfect time to preview what the coming season will look like, and it's also good for picking up basics.  But I'm going to be frank - the constant barrage of bloggers posting about it has left a bad taste in my mouth and this time around, I placed a very small order. I tried on some things in-store and nothing really wowed me. It seems like styles I already own are still on trend for Fall so I passed on several things. You have to be strategic!

I did grab this candle set by Voluspa. I'm not very discriminating with scents as long as they actually permeate the room. This is a great deal because you get three candles for less than the price of two. Otherwise, I don't buy these at full price anymore.

This BLANKNYC suede jacket is on back order, but it will ship in a few days and considering how hot it is, I won't need it for a long time anyway. This is one item I knew I wanted even before the sale began. I was immediately enamored with the spice shade as it flatters my coloring. I sized up to a large after trying on the medium. It's worth it, feels like butter!

In my quest for longer lasting lip stains, I spotted these by the brand Pixi at Target. One end is the gel stain, while the other is a gloss. I've worn both shades (pink and berry) and love them. They feel smooth on the lips and the stain lasts all day. The gloss, not so much, but it feels really moisturizing. They look much brighter in the tube than they do on my lips, so don't be fearful if you're worried about too much color.

Lately I've been thinking about incorporating more of my weekday style into my IG feed. I've refrained in the past because my weekday wardrobe is redundant and I wasn't sure anyone would find it helpful. Would you guys want to see that? It won't take over my feed but I figure two or three times per week might suffice. Let me know! Here is one I posted on Tuesday.

I'm living in my Express barcelona camisoles, which sadly seem to be discontinued. I've also been wearing my flats again to switch up Summer sandals. I feel so much more put-together when I pair anything with flats!

Have a great weekend!

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Stella & Dot Fall '17: My Picks

New packaging in shades of blush and rose gold. Perfect for gifts!

As a Stella & Dot stylist, I'm always ecstatic when a new collection arrives. Fall is hands-down the best time to shop, isn't it? I love jewel tones, cozy knits, and layering. Unfortunately, SoCal doesn't really get to experience all that the season has to offer so while everyone wears their ankle boots and cardigans, I reach for jewelry to make my wardrobe look more updated.

This has to be my favorite collection since I became a stylist! It took me a few days to narrow down a list, and yet I still have my eye on a few things I didn't order at the jump. There are so many great basics that fit nicely in my collection, but there are also fun trendy items I know you will love.

Trends for Fall include: mixing metals, rose gold, natural stones, shades of olive, blush, burgundy, and blue, as well as a whimsical theme. There is something for everyone, whether you like being bold or prefer delicate pieces that can be worn on a daily basis.

I used to sample a little of everything when I first started out, but now I only buy what suits my personal style. Here are my picks from the Fall 2017 collection:

Open druzy cuff

You know I love cobalt and druzy so this was immediately added to my cart. It's even more vibrant in person, and I plan on layering it with some of my other gold bracelets, If you live in neutrals, an ocean blue like this is a great way to introduce some color.

My new daily necklace, the pave Arabesque. 

I love silver and this is an effortless way to update my collection. 

The brier ring comes in different sizes. It has so much shine with the apricot colored stones

Engravable Bangle

This is a must-have, and if there's one piece I highly recommend, it's a bangle that you can engrave with whatever you choose. Your kids' names, wedding date, birthday, or a special saying that serves as a reminder every time you glance down at your arm. They come in yellow gold, silver, and rose gold.

As an aside, mine say "Never let your fears decide your fate" and "Show love with no remorse". Both are song lyrics that have resonated with me for somewhat obvious reasons. I hope you'll keep these in mind if you're ever in the market for a thoughtful gift! With fast fashion becoming the norm in an age of social media and selfies, I love personal jewelry that is unique to YOU.

Also, I want to mention some exciting news - beginning this Friday, we will be offering a dose of fashion to go along with your jewels. That's right, tops! Tops and tees that I cannot wait to get my hands on. It's a natural progression since people often ask what the models are wearing in the lookbooks.

If you're interested in any of these, send me an email or shop my online boutique here. There is lot to choose from!

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Dressed Up Casual

Wearing //

Nordstrom necklace, similar here

H&M tee

LOFT skirt, love this option

Zara slides, similar here, here, here

Chelsea28 bag, gorgeous designer look for less

A black skirt is just as essential in my wardrobe as a black dress. I've had this one from LOFT for years, and even though I don't reach for it very often, it's managed to survive several closet clean-outs. You really can't go wrong with such a basic piece.

My issue is that I never know whether to dress it up or dress it down. The chiffon style fabric makes it look formal, but the elastic waistband keeps it casual. When we went out for drinks last week with friends, I decided that I would play up both elements. I wore it with a simple tee shirt, but used metallic accessories in an effort to make it more fun for a night on the town. In Summer, I find it difficult to strike the right balance between wearing what I want to wear, and making sure that my outfit is practical in the heat. Do you have this problem? It's really the only thing about Summer that I dislike. But I have a couple of general rules I like to follow...

Two ways to look put-together while still keeping cool: 
+ Use accessories to make basics look more interesting. It's all about the finishing touches! When I wear a tee, I either layer delicate necklaces or I wear one statement piece. The necklace I have on is older and from Nordstrom, but this one is extremely similar and I actually prefer it because you can wear it multiple ways. It might need a home with me.
+ My inclination is always to pair a skirt with pumps, but metallic sandals are just as pretty and they look more appropriate for Summer. There isn't anything I hate more than trudging around in heels when I'm already uncomfortable from the heat!

I hope you had a great weekend! I got a little too much sun but hey, no complaints! I have two really fun posts planned for Wednesday and Friday so check back then! In the meantime, I'm linking up with my friends Rachelle and Carylee.

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Floral Kimono

I know the kimono trend has been around for a few seasons, but my appreciation for them has grown immensely this year. As someone with larger hips, thighs, and bum, I like throwing one over skinny denim because it makes my lower half look slimmer and more proportional. Just as I love blazers and cardigans for this very reason, the kimono is a perfect little layer that's light enough for Summer. It also looks great with shorts, or as a bathing suit cover-up. You really can't beat the versatility and most I've seen are inexpensive as well. When I saw this one in a delicate floral, I couldn't pass it up.

Wearing //

Forever 21 kimono

Express cami, similar here

Old Navy jeans

Target block sandals

Gigi New York bag

Stella & Dot initial necklace

Stella & Dot bangle

C.Henry crescent necklace

similar rings here

Truth be told, I've worn some variation of this outfit to death and I don't have any plans of stopping. When you love something, wear it often! It does wonders for your confidence!

What do you think of the kimono trend? Linking up with On the Daily Express, Straight A Style, More Pieces of Me,  I do declaire, and Pink Sole. 

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