Casual Denim For May Grey

Wearing // Lush roll sleeve top, Similar Old Navy rockstar jeans, Similar sandals, Clare V bag, Similar silk scarf, Jewelry featured in this post

Although May is one of my favorite months, I often find myself at a loss in terms of what to wear. We have experienced a lot of grey days complete with some rain, and I've actually been keeping a jacket in my car just in case I get caught in a passing storm. I guess that's to be expected in Spring, and I do really enjoy the mix of warm and cold days. Getting dressed for it? Not so easy!

I've had this roll-sleeve top from Lush for a few months and it's probably the most comfortable one I own. It looks great with leggings and skinnier denim because of the long length. It also is ideal for hiding a food baby! I'm a bit on the fence with the jeans I'm wearing here. You know I love my Old Navy rockstar skinny jeans. I went into the store last week to buy a new pair of their elevated leggings for the gym, and these were hanging on a rack by themselves. They are the short length that I normally buy, but they are a size up from what I go for and they stretch out a ton. They were only 12 dollars and I've worn them twice already, but I think I'm going to designate them as my "lazy Sunday" jeans. They just don't look or feel fitted enough for my taste, but they are super comfortable and again, great for a casual weekend when we are just running errands and hanging out at home.

Do you have certain jeans that you only wear on the weekend? What are some of your favorite brands? I really want to try Madewell.

Linking up with my friends Gina & Amy Ann

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My Wearable Everyday Jewelry + Tips

I wrote a similar post on my everyday jewelry last year, but I wanted to update it because I've added to my collection since. Specifically, there are two necklaces that I absolutely love wearing and I wanted to share them with you in detail.

My current jewelry philosophy is all about simplicity, pieces that you can wear alone or layered and that offer just the right amount of sparkle. It's that little twinkle peeking out from a basic white tee, that shine of gold across the fingers. Jewelry is the ultimate way to tie a look together and elevate your daily outfits. My goal is to always look polished but effortless. The pieces below in some combination are what I reach for - sometimes I wear one or two, sometimes I wear them all at once.  I'm including exact links too!

Pier 1 marble ring dish

Bar Studs: I've had my ears pierced since I was baby but I rarely wear earrings. My earlobes are sensitive, so I usually have to wear real gold or earrings with hypoallergenic posts. When I do wear them, I reach for these gold bar studs. They are comfortable (I've even slept with them on) and weightless! They're the perfect everyday earring and look so sweet no matter what other jewelry I decide on pairing them with. They also look more current and more unique than a basic gold or diamond stud.

Stacking Gold Band: Some people stack bracelets, I like to stack rings. A thin gold band is a great addition when you're wearing more than one ring because it doesn't compete for attention. I like wearing mine on my pointer finger.

Raw Herkimer Diamond Ring: I love gemstone jewelry. During the Winter I go for labradorite and pearls; during the Summer I prefer moonstone, turquoise, and opal. The great thing about this herkimer diamond ring is that it goes with everything!

Coin Necklace: Coin necklaces have been trendy for the better part of two years, and I'm completely on board with them. Whatever your style, they look chic on everybody. Mine is by Gorjana and it's called the sunburst coin necklace. It has a tiny opal in the center that reflects light beautifully. I wear it all.the.time. I let it be the focal point of my jewelry look because it's such a pretty piece. It's completely adjustable as well, so I like moving the length up and down depending on the top I'm wearing.

Gold Choker or "Mini" Necklace: Chokers or mini necklaces are the perfect layering piece. This one has a lot of movement so when the discs catch the light just so, it's sparkle city! It's the perfect base for a delicate necklace look.


My rule of thumb for choosing what jewelry to wear is to begin with one piece that you want to focus on, and then let the other pieces act in accordance to compliment it. Sometimes I think people overdo it with a ring on each finger, 3 or 4 necklaces, stacks of bracelets. I mean it's a little much right? Like a little girl playing dress-up in her mother's closet. Pick a couple rings, 1 or 2 necklaces, the gold bar studs, maybe a simple beaded bracelet or gold cuff. It looks effortless, but also intentional.

What are some of your favorite pieces of jewelry? Is there a brand you love? Have a great weekend, I'll see you back here soon 💗

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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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Comparing 3 Pink-Tube Mascaras & Sephora Spring Sale

I have a thing for mascara that comes packaged in a pink tube.

It all started with Too Faced better than sex mascara. I absolutely loved it, but the higher price point was hard to justify so I graduated to a less-expensive-but-just-as good drugstore alternative called lash paradise. Most recently, I decided I needed to try lash slick from Glossier after reading so many positive reviews.

They all happen to come in a pretty shiny pink tube. Coincidence?

As I was putting on my makeup the other day, I realized that a comparison of these 3 popular mascaras might be helpful. For reference, I have extremely short sparse lashes so I take all the help I can get. I've toyed with the idea of lash extensions but my eyes are super sensitive and the fear of an allergic reaction is very real! I prefer mascara that builds volume while still looking clean (meaning no clumps) and I like them to look defined. Read my thoughts on each mascara below.


Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $24: I was introduced to this mascara by my best friend a few years ago and have been purchasing it on and off since. I love the formula, as it effortlessly creates volume with just one coat. It also holds a curl quite well. My only complaint is that the large wand is difficult to maneuver at times, and I often feel like I'm not coating every single little lash particularly in the corners. However, I keep going back to this mascara because overall it really does make my natural lashes look as full as they can.

Pros: Lots of volume and length, holds curl, does not flake
Cons: $$$ and giant wand/brush

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10: I don't know if this mascara was created with Too Faced better than sex in mind, but they are mysteriously very very similar. The volume is unreal. I would say I prefer L'Oreal overall - I even like this wand much more because it isn't as large as the Too Faced version. However, the formula dries out ridiculously fast! After about a month and a half, I have to go buy another tube! So is it really worth it to spend 10 dollars on one tube practically every other month? Well yes, because I do! But I still go back and forth between this and Too Faced. It really just depends on my mood.

Pros: Lots of volume and length, useful wand/brush, holds a curl, $
Cons: Formula starts out perfectly but then dries out quickly, a little flaking sometimes

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, $16:  I really am on the fence with this one. I love the narrow plastic wand because it allows me to get right in at the base of my lashes so I can coat each one. I love how dark and inky the formula is. I also love that it lengthens and defines. But it's a very natural looking mascara and even after trying to build some volume, any volume at all, I just can't get my stubby lashes to cooperate. Maybe I need to wait a few more weeks until it begins drying out a bit? If any of you have tried lash slick (I think Rachelle from PinkSole uses this) then please tell me what I'm missing? I don't dislike it but I won't be buying it again.

Pros: Good size and shape of wand, dark shiny color, really lengthens and separates each lash
Cons: Not good for volume

I would recommend Too Faced and L'Oreal, I would say pass on Glossier. If you have any questions, let me know.

Before I go, I wanted to quickly share what I ordered from Sephora's Spring sale. It was opened late last week for Rouge members, but it's now also open to VIB and Insiders. I'm a VIB and used code HEYVIB to get 15% off my entire order. Beauty products rarely go on sale so I took advantage and am trying new things I've had my eyes on for awhile. I'll report back soon but if you need any recommendations I'd go with this spray by Ouai (it's part of the reason why I'm trying their masque) or anything in this post!

Have a great weekend!

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