Back To School

Wearing //

Express shirt

Loft jeans

J.Crew Factory sandals

Express bracelet

Chanel bag (jumbo double flap in caviar leather), similar

Stella & Dot engraveables necklace (BG24)

I went back to school last Thursday night. As a perpetual student, the idea of sitting in a classroom once again excited the hell out of me. I miss college. It's been over four years since I graduated with my Bachelors's degree, and although I keep telling myself I should go back to get my Master's, time has been passing too quickly and I still have yet to apply for grad school. So when I was invited to Rewardstyle's school night in sunny San Diego I was elated to attend and learn more about using social media and other tools to improve the quality of my blog. I met so many lovely ladies! I'm not in touch with San Diego bloggers, as most of my close friendships are with those of you on the east coast and beyond. It was great to touch base and see just how many of us SoCal girls are out there blogging about beauty and style. I even got to meet one of my favorites, Gina from On the Daily Express. I had no clue she lived in SD (I thought she was an OC girl). I'm so thrilled I got to speak with her in person. She's gorgeous by the way, and very sweet and down-to-earth!

Gorjana was the guest speaker, and her beautiful jewelry was on display. I'm definitely going to add a couple of her pieces to my wardrobe. I love her motto of "live, love, layer".

I loved our "school supplies". Everything was so well done! The Gorjana team even gifted us with a gold bangle, which I happily wore all weekend. 

This is my favorite photo of the night. Can you spot me in the front row? I sat next to Jodi, and she is also such a sweet person. 

The event was held at UCSD in La Jolla. Hubby caught this picture of the sunset. 

On a more personal note, I'm very proud of myself for going to my first blogging event. I've written about my anxiety before, but it's been awhile since I touched on it here. My social anxiety often prohibits me from putting myself out there and meeting new people. I even contemplated not going to school night, even though I was fully prepared all week. I almost backed out. My husband was super supportive and wanted me to go no matter what, so he took off from work an hour early and drove me to the event.  He dropped me off and grabbed dinner at one of our favorite Mexican spots while I became a student again. It would have been so easy for me to back out and stay home, but I didn't let my fears get the best of me this time. I'm so glad I just went because I would have regretted it. So...a blogging conference might be next on my list? I'm ready! Sort of.

Have you attended a blog event? They seem addicting!

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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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Radiant Orchid

Wearing // Express portofino shirt

Loft lace shorts (last year) but similar here

Zara flats, similar

Target tote, extremely similar by Target too!

Kris Nations state necklace

Michael Kors watch, similar

Stella & Dot renegade bracelet

Oia Jules "N" bracelet

Starfish ring from Maui, super cute option

Beauty // Nails Essie "bazooka", similar

Lips in Mac Cosmetics "Hot Gossip" mixed with Maybelline color elixir in "Petal Plush"

I hope everyone is having a great week! My "staycation" has hit the spot and feels like the exact break I've been needing. I mean, this outfit was taken on Tuesday and I'm wearing shorts! I could never wear something like this for work. I bought these last Summer when I became obsessed with Loft's Summer collection. I do admit that they fit a bit better last year. Since my wedding, I've managed to gain about eight pounds so I'm working on losing them through eating healthier and exercising more. It's a constant struggle, but I know most of you ladies understand what I'm talking about so I won't go into any details (they aren't that interesting anyway. I was seeing a personal trainer for six months and stopped going due to cost so I'm on my own. Hubby and I are trying to get a good work-out routine going again). Anyway, I still love these orchid lace shorts and refuse to keep them tucked away because of a few lb's. How foolish that would be in this crazy heat! Paired with sparkle, sparkle, and more sparkle, they still made me feel fabulously Summery nonetheless.

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Peplum & Lace

Wearing // Anthropologie top, similar. Love this too

Loft skirt

Vince Camuto pumps, love this and this

Kate Spade bag, similar look & gorgeous color

Express studs

Kris nations california necklace

Lisa Taubes link necklace

Banana Republic crystal necklace, check stores

I hope you enjoyed a happy 4th! I still feel like it's the weekend because I have the next few days off from work. No reason, just because! I think those are the best vacations sometimes because you can still get a lot accomplished at home.
This outfit is from yesterday. I haven't worn my peplum top in quite some time so I decided to pull it out for a simple, light look. Peplum can be tricky for a lot of women, including myself. The structure of this top is great paired against a softer and more fitted skirt so that's how I chose to wear it. Otherwise, it can be super unflattering.

Linking up with Gina and Carylee today

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