July Updates

Another week down in Summer - why does it always fly by? I wish I could stay on the beach for the duration! I'm sure most of you agree.

*I have friends who don't like sand, and honestly I cannot relate*

How's your Summer going? Mine has been pretty darn perfect, and while I'm basking in the sun (I'm currently writing this on my porch) I'll just go ahead and give you a few updates for the month...

San Diego, California

Carlsbad, California

Currently: We've been driving to the coast every weekend, and so far I've crossed off three things on my bucket list. Can you guess which ones? 

Travel: Nate and I are having quite exciting travels next month. My trip is for pleasure; my best friend and I are going to Tulum for 5 days! Nate's trip is all business; he's going to Beijing China for the entire month of September for a work project. We've been together for 12 years, and this will be the longest we've been apart. I'm nervous about being alone. I hate admitting that. 

On a related note, we both renewed our passports last week. Our photos are God-awful. I know everyone says that but I'm convinced we win! His looks like he escaped prison, I look like I had one too many martinis. For the record, Nate's never been to jail and I was fresh as a daisy that morning. Whatever. 

Shopping: I did buy a couple things from Nordstrom as well as this gorgeous printed pouch from Cult Gaia's resort collection. I just love the print! When I saw that this little pouch was on sale, I grabbed it. It's not very practical as an everyday bag, but I carried it in place of a clutch last night to dinner and it was the perfect size for a lipstick, cell phone, and card case. 

Events: We are going with friends to the Del Mar race track tomorrow! It's officially open for business, and by business, I mean their outdoor concert series. Are you guys into reggae music? I can't wait to sway to some with the sunset in the background. I'll try to share some of it on Instagram.

Goals: We are more than halfway through 2018, and although I do feel more satisfied overall with life and the positive attitude changes I've made, I think I'm in a slump. I don't feel as energized or as inspired as I want to be. It's frustrating but I know it won't last forever.


I hope you have a great Friday! I'll see you back here next week. Oh, and does anyone have any Tulum travel tips? Thanks in advance💗

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How I Shop The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I've been going back and forth about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, mainly due to all the chaos surrounding it. But after talking it over with Nate, I realized that I shouldn't be so sheepish about sharing my picks. Would I shop the sale if I wasn't blogging about it? Yes I would. So while I think the sale has oversaturated everyone's social media feeds, and it always feels ridiculous to shop for Fall in the dead heat of Summer... I hope my commentary is helpful to those of you who are interested! If not, come back later this week for a non #nsale post :)

I've been shopping the anniversary since college, and I've learned that you MUST go in with a budget and strategy, otherwise you'll feel overwhelmed. Last year, I was in the market for a nice jacket and that's exactly what I got. This year, I needed to replenish some dark denim. I made a list of items I wanted to try on, and I carried the list with me as I looked around each department. I also asked for assistance in finding certain things - I highly suggest tracking down one associate to help you on your quest. You can even book an appointment with a stylist, which makes the experience so much easier.

Also, focus on staples that you can wear again and again. For example, it's tempting to buy into all the trendy little blouses but how often will you wear them? Things like denim, jackets, cardigans, athleisure, heck even underwear, are your best bet. Leave the trends to other stores.

Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution jeans sale $44.90, after sale $68

They didn't have these in petite so I took an 8 regular and the fit is incredible (true to size). These jeans are so soft and they have a large black stretchy band hidden inside the waist that sucks you in. They are universally flattering, as I saw several of the Nordstrom associates wearing them as well and they looked great on everyone! As much as I love a little distressing, you can't go wrong with a pair of classic dark wash skinny jeans. Trust me!

Charlotte Tilbury The Pretty Pink Lipstick Set sale $60, a $90 value

I normally don't go crazy over the beauty items included in the anniversary sale, but because I've been wanting to try Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, I gave this little set a go. The rosy hues and famous pillow talk lip liner have me so excited to wear them in my next outfit photos. 

Madewell Crossbody Bag sale $109, after sale $168

I had to order this because my store didn't have any in stock. The size, the color, and the fact that it has a zip closure to ensure all my things are secured inside make it an instant classic.

My Recommendations: A lot of things are already either sold out or have limited sizing, but call your store periodically for any re-stocks. I'm sure there will be plenty of returns so keep an eye out.

1. BlankNYC Suede Moto Jacket: I saw this in person and the color is more olive than it brown. It also comes in a gorgeous burgundy! I bought mine last year and it's one of the best purchases I've ever made for my wardrobe.

2. Olivia Moon Knit Blazer: I have an Olivia Moon black knit blazer from years ago, and it's still a great staple.

3. Gibson Convertible Cozy Fleece Wrap Cardigan: Gibson makes the softest cardigans (I have two of them) so I didn't pick this up but if you haven't tried the brand before, this looks like the perfect introduction.

4. Caslon Thermal Henley: I love the casual look of a thermal, and this color is so pretty.



Have you shopped the sale yet, or are you skipping it?

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Easy Sunkissed Beauty

It's been awhile since I last posted my daily makeup routine, but because it's now Summer and some of my go-to products have changed, I thought it would be a great time to go through what I'm currently using.

Summer is all about letting your natural skin breathe, controlling oil and shine, and playing up a healthy glow. I have combination to oily skin so keep that in mind - if you do too, you may also enjoy these products.

1. Tarte Pro Glow Highlight & Contour Palette: I had been in the market for a contour palette, and almost decided on the Anastasia Beverly Hills, but after receiving this in my Summer Fab Fit Fun box, I'm glad that I waited. I'm not much into heavy contouring or highlighting, especially in the heat, but these can be used to create any look I want. Five are powders with varying amounts of shimmer, with one cream that's meant for contouring. All of them are ultra buttery and smooth.

2. Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer: Hands-down the best primer I've ever tried. Worth the money (and the hype). You can read more about it in this post. I use it every single day, even on its own without foundation. It's THAT good.

3. It Cosmetics Ombre Radiance Blush: Creates the prettiest natural flush. I sweep my brush through the pan and apply on the apples of my cheeks for a soft dose of pink to perk up my complexion.

4. It Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment:  Hydrating, comfortable on the lips, and just a hint of pink; perfect on its own or layered underneath lipstick or gloss.

5. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation: I used this foundation for a good portion of my twenties, and it was my introduction into the Make Up For Ever line. It's quite full coverage, but I dot small amounts on my cheeks and chin and buff the product into my skin using a damp sponge. It lasts all day through heat, and evens out any redness. I prefer the Ultra HD for photos, but this is perfect for daily wear.

Honorable Mention: Tarte Shape Tape:  In all honesty, I'm almost certain I  left my shape tape concealer somewhere on the beach last weekend (don't ask) but a new one is on its way! I can't be without it, and aside from the silk canvas primer, this is my favorite beauty product because it does what it claims - conceals my dark circles and any red spots, and brightens up the face. It's basically a magic wand.

What are you currently using that I need to try this Summer?

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Denim & Double Stripes

Everyone seems to be completely obsessed with stripes, and since grabbing this kimono during yet another neverending LOFT sale, I guess I'm beginning to see why! Stripes are a timid fashion lover's dream because they go with everything and can easily be mixed in with several prints and colors. Think of them as a neutral, just like leopard! You can even wear stripes WITH leopard. I know, crazy.

Wearing // LOFT open cardigan, Similar camisole, Similar shorts, Soludos Espadrilles, Similar Sezane bag, Stella & Dot earrings
Beauty // Lipstick by M.A.C. "Ravishing"

Like most of the country, we are in the midst of a heatwave in California (it was almost 120 degrees two days ago). The only items I'm reaching for until the heat breaks are these old denim shorts and basically any sleeveless top. I've been wearing my Soludos espadrilles in place of sandals to add a bit more interest to my simple Summer outfits and here, I love the effect of the double stripes. I'm not crazy about how my legs look when I wear shorts, but a longer open cardigan or kimono creates the illusion of a slimmer appearance. 

I hope you are enjoying your Summer! Mine has been great so far, which means I've been neglecting to snap photos of my outfits. My blogging schedule has been off, but I'm trying to get back to a steady pace. Thank you guys as always for stopping by and reading! 

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