The Monthly Edit // Feb. 2020

"Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace."

First and foremost, happy March! Spring is right around the corner and I know everyone is looking forward to the change. It's been a pretty cold and gloomy day here so while I'm currently covered up in a blanket, you can expect upcoming posts to feature fresh flowers and airy dresses. 

February passed quickly, as it usually does. I still couldn't completely shake the blues, but I tried my best to channel all that negative energy into gratitude and by the end of the month, I was feeling much better. Thank you guys for your support and feedback on my Valentine's Day post. Being honest about my struggles is so cathartic, and it seems like it has helped some of you as well. At least, that's my hope. 

Not everything in February was good, but it was the little things that made me happy...

I treated myself to some gorgeous fresh flowers, courtesy of Trader Joe's. Tip: Buy yourself some flowers during a bad day or week. It will instantly lift your mood.

Agate coaster

Decorated my home office. Most of our house has a relaxed coastal/beach vibe, but I wanted my little office space to reflect my love for Palm Springs and the desert. I purchased the items below, and have a large leaning floor mirror being delivered shortly. I'm adding little touches slowly, but I can't wait until it's all completed.

Cactus Print

Candle holder

I'm beginning to transition my (California) Winter wardrobe into Spring. I'll talk more about how in the coming weeks, but really it's all about making small changes that include shoes, bags, and accessories. Details make the difference!

Drank nitro cold brew from Starbucks on repeat. Have you tried it? I just get the regular nitro cold brew with sweet cream and it's the perfect flavor!


Contemplating watching the Netflix series Love is Blind. My sister-in-law told me about it a couple weeks ago and now I'm seeing it mentioned everywhere. I think I'll try an episode this week.


How was your February? Do you have any trips or big plans for Spring?

Continue the post

What I'm Using on my Dry Winter Skin + Eczema

After a fairly rainy 2019, I had high hopes that this Winter would be similar. Unfortunately, much of the season has been extremely windy and dry. Most people dread humidity, but I'm the opposite and dread the desert-like climate of my area. I also have mild eczema that flares up in Winter, so I make it my mission every year to try and avoid the symptoms of dry, red, itchy skin. Thankfully, relief can be found in the skin care aisle. There are so many more options these days than there used to be!

Here are my current favorites.

Raw Sugar Pure Scalp Therapy 

People with dry skin usually have a dry scalp, and there's nothing more irritating than that! I've heard a lot about scalp treatments and exfoliators, so when I saw this product at Target I decided to give it a shot. My scalp has been in pretty good shape over the lasy year, but I do get occasional boughts of itching and flakiness. I've used this treatment a handful of times and it's worked well at soothing my scalp. The treatment has a nice cooling, tingling sensation that rinses squeaky clean. I think because so many of us go that extra day now without washing our hair, our scalps need more attention and extra nourishment. Dry shampoos can also cause buildup and congested pores, which definitely affect the health of both the scalp and hair. If you have any sort of dryness, definitely try this treatment! If you don't, try it anyway! Trust me, you'll love it.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch-Relief Balm

The rough, dry patches and bumps on my lower legs have been intense this Winter. I'm talking itching that feels more like burning. Just super uncomfortable, even unbearable at times like I want to crawl out of my skin. At the beginning of the month, I'd had enough and stalked the internet for help. So many reviews gave this balm by Aveeno an A+ rating, so I quickly purchased a jar. This treatment is super thick, almost sticky. It kind of reminds me of vaseline, only richer. Containing colloidal oatmeal, it soothes on contact but really takes effect after a few minutes on my skin. I really don't know what I'd do without it now! I use it mostly in the evenings as part of my nightly routine. In the mornings, I use a regular body cream and then lightly put this on any obvious dry patches. This also comes in a version for children, as I know eczema is common in kids. Go figure I just never grew out of mine. 

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Hydration is key to any Winter skin regimen, but so is exfoliation. In order to get rid of dry, dull skin, you really need to exfoliate. Some people do it daily, but I do it two or three times per week. These facial radiance pads from First Aid Beauty make it so easy and convenient. After cleansing, I sweep a pad across my entire face (especially around my nose and chin) and it instantly reveals brighter skin. It also helps to improve the texture, so my foundation applies more evenly and my overall complexion just looks healthier and more glowy. 

Let me know if any of you struggle with eczema or dry skin in general. I would be happy to do more posts on this if you're interested!

Continue the post

Bohemian Mood

Casual bohemian style is a huge part of California's look and culture. It's a natural fit, though I'll admit that an unclear definition required me to do a quick Google search. Just what really is "boho style" anyway? According to wikipedia, "Bohemian style, often called boho or boho chic focuses on free and flowy fashions, natural fabrics, and earthy colors and patterns." It also refers to people "who live unconventional, usually artistic, lives."

Hmmmm, I think I'm fairly conventional, but I do love flowy fabrics and earth tones. I guess there's a reason why I've become so drawn to it over the last few years, especially when I tire of structured, more classic pieces. My search led me to explore why this style was popularized by women in the 1960's and 70's as a sort of backlash against more restrictive dress codes. I'm all about comfort, so I imagine I would have been one of those women! I'm kind of a hippie at heart.

Wearing // Leith bodycon dress on sale, Similar long cardigan, Similar booties, Gorjana necklace, Similar Sezane bag

This long duster cardigan has been a great way for me to bring a little boho chic to an otherwise simple black dress. The ankle boots tie it all together, and I love the contrast of earthy tones with black, and with a bodycon dress paired with a flowing cardigan. The duster creates a lot of movement, and it lends to the carefree vibe of the outfit. We've had some beautiful sunny days and the promise of Spring is getting near. That alone puts me in a happier state of mind. I know so many of you are sick of Winter by this point and I don't blame you. We're almost in March! Patio season is getting closer and closer...

I also styled this long duster cardigan here & here in case you need more ideas. What do you think of boho style? 

Continue the post

My Favorite Black Jeans for Curvy Petites

I'm a jeans and t-shirt girl through and through, but I'm very picky about the ones that I choose. Dark wash jeans have always been a closet staple, mostly because they are universally flattering and extremely versatile. I've worn them to work, school, birthday parties, holidays, camping, the beach. There aren't many articles of clothing that could do all that and be considered appropriate! I also prefer mine without any rips or distressing.

I'll admit that when it comes to jeans, I'd rather stick to what I know works on my body instead of following the trends because those come and go. For example, super skinny jeans are "out" while cropped looser styles are definitely "in". I'm a big believer in wearing what you want though and who knows? Maybe I'll give one of the popular styles a try this Spring.

For now, the one pair that I'm reaching for a lot are these black high-waist jeans from Topshop.

Wearing // TopShop jeans, Rails tee on sale, BlankNYC moto jacket on sale in different colors, Similar Sezane bag, Similar flats, Gorjana rings

I actually had these exact Topshop jeans in a dark wash a few years ago, but they also had a giant rip across one knee (remember that trend?) and it just never felt right for me. But I loved the "jamie" style because they were a nice higher rise and came in petite length. I'm all for tailoring your denim if you're under 5'4 (Nordstrom will even do this service for free) but when I can buy a pair that fits properly right off the rack, then by all means I do! 

Fast track to the jamie in solid black, a very close second to my favorite dark wash denim rule. These are no joke and so slimming! They practically come up to my bust, that's just how high waisted they are. I size up in these, although they do have a decent amount of stretch that hugs curves comfortably. I think this style looks best for work with a loose fitting button-down blouse, maybe in a rich jewel tone. I see a lot of women wearing them casually with a cropped sweater or t-shirt, which is what I'm wearing here with a moto jacket for warmth. Or, a bodysuit would look great since you don't have to worry about keeping anything tucked in if you prefer a tuck. It all depends on your personal style and what you feel good in. Either way, if you're petite and curvy, a higher rise black jean is something you should absolutely try this year! 

Do you have any denim brands you'd recommend? I really want to try Good American. 

Linking up with Straight A Style

Continue the post