A Classic Trench

Wearing //

Express trench

Express sweater leggings

Michael Kors satchel

Sole Society booties (last year), similar style and color

Dior addict lipstick in "New Look"

This little trench coat was almost perfect when I received it in the mail during all of the crazy sales. Almost. The sleeves were too long, so I took it to my tailor and she was able to shorten them for me. I'm so happy she did. Gone are the days when I rolled up everything! Before I met my tailor, I would just deal with extra material by cuffing sleeves and rolling up jeans. I didn't mind so much back then, but now that I'm older and the college days are in the rear-view mirror, I feel sloppy rolling up my coats. I'd rather pay a little extra because I know that means I'll actually wear the piece more often.

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm getting ready to hop on a plane with my best friend and I feel obnoxious saying that I'm headed for Hawaii again. Six days, five nights on Oahu. I've never been to that island, so I'm very excited to explore and compare it to Maui. I'm still going to post maybe one or two more times while I'm away, but just know that I might be a little silent on your blogs until I get back. Don't forget to check with my fellow bloggers tomorrow when the Express gift card winner is announced! I'll probably post something on Instagram since I won't be sitting behind my computer.

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Sunsets & Such

Wearing //

Express Portofino in Crystal Green

Express cami

Loft jeans

MK Selma Satchel

Steve Madden flats, also cute!

J.Crew Factory necklace, love this too

Stella & Dot renegade bracelet

Elizabeth Stone bracelet (formerly Oia Jules)

Banana Republic deco bracelet

These pictures were taken on Thanksgiving. We actually didn't celebrate with family until a few days later, but it was nice to relax at home just the two of us for the first time...well ever. Since we didn't do much other then listen to music, cook for ourselves, and play with Nettie, I didn't feel like dressing up either. Honestly, I could have lounged in PJ's all day. This outfit was the next best thing. Comfortable, and most importantly, clean! I forgot to do laundry last week so I worked with what I had. I'm still enjoying my Express buys, in particular the green portofino. It's such a beautiful shade that the camera really doesn't do it justice. The next day, we went for a hike in San Diego at Torrey Pines. We deliberately went late so that we could watch the sunset overlooking the ocean. How gorgeous was it? No filter folks, just God's beauty at work. I love watching surfers. Although the water looked cold, I bet they felt blissful out there. 

~ Happy Friday ~

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Windy Midi

Yes, I had to do a twirl. And yes, I looked ridiculous. 

Wearing //

Express twill moto jacket (comes in other colors)

Express cami (also in many colors)

Asos midi skirt (petite) (gorgeous in pink)

Vince Camuto Pumps, Similar

J.Crew Factory clutch, Similar

S&D necklace

Express stretch bracelet

Beauty //

Essie nails (Size Matters)

Dior Addict Lipstick (Diablotine)

Windy Autumn days call for swaths of pleated chiffon. Just make sure the skirt is long enough, as to avoid any embarrassing "accidents". My midi skirt curiosity continues, so I decided to order one from the petite line off of the Asos website. I figured it would be the perfect length, but it's actually quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. I've had it in my closet for over a month, contemplating daily whether I should take it to the tailor's shop for a hem. I decided against it, although I'm still unsure. What do you ladies think? Too long? I love the berry color and the movement it creates when I walk (or even when I'm standing still). The air hits it just right! So it's a keeper, despite some slight reservations. I think it works well year-round here in California.

If you haven't yet entered the giveaway I last blogged about, well what are you waiting for?! I hope you all are doing well today. It's raining here, so wish me luck driving around for work :)

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Express E-Gift Card Giveaway

This is such an exciting giveaway! I've teamed up with some of my fellow bloggers and Express enthusiasts to give away a $650 dollar E-gift card to one of my favorite (and most shopped in) stores. This is a great opportunity for one lucky reader, but it's also a special way for us to give a thank you to our wonderful friends and readers. 

Here are the rules:

1) It begins today and will end on Monday, December 8th at 11:59 pm central.

2) The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 10th.

3) This is open to both U.S, and Canadian residents, but the total of the E-card is $650 USD.

To enter: 

Fill out the rafflecopter below! Good luck :)

CARYLEE AND GINA | Mascara Melodies | Jasmin Daily | Sweaters Stripes Sweets | EDF by Lee

Leaving the Corner | Nicole to the Nines | Pocketful of Polka Dots | Rose Colored Shades | Red Reticule

Dressed 2 D Nines | Ella Pretty | It's Mostly About Fashion | FashionBlingGirlyThings | Pink Sole

IE-Style | The Real Arnolds | Streets of Gold | Deelightfully Wild | GlamVolution

Loop Looks | Beauty Girl 24 | Adri Lately | We Shop in Heels | Avec Amber

Willfully Elegant | Red Tag Chic Los Angeles | Induffinitely Me | Style Diary | EatPrayWearLove

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Holiday Shopping and My Must-Haves

I may be the only blogger who doesn't enjoy shopping on Black Friday, or during the Holidays for that matter. It gives me the worst anxiety being out amongst throngs of people making mad dashes for just about anything with "sale" listed. I do however carefully watch from a distance, usually during a coffee or lunch outing. Nate and I can't help but laugh at all of the craziness. Some of it is just too much for my nerves.

I can't even remember if I created gift or sale guides in the past, but I thought it would be useful this year to remind you ladies about my must-haves in the style and beauty departments. I myself have already done some early shopping, picking up another twill moto jacket from Express (they are back in stock and in all colors from what I could see). So here we go:

From Express:

Said twill moto jacket, here in Leijune 

(I got another in Stone. For reference, I take a size 8 in these jackets)

Barcelona Cami

(I have one in white, black, and recently just purchased pink for my upcoming Oahu trip)

Sweater Leggings

(Comfortable and thicker than your average)

The Portofino shirt

(Comes in so many colors and prints and is my ultimate must-have)

From Loft:

Petite moto jeans

(But all of their denim is great, and for the price, I highly recommend giving them a try)

Chambray shirt, similar

From Sole Society & J.Crew:

Sole Society makes the cutest, most feminine shoes! And the best part? They are affordable! They are available through their own site, or at Nordstrom. 

Olyvia pumps

I love J.Crew for more luxurious pumps, although I don't splurge often. I do think that when they are are on sale though, it's time to jump! My favorite are the blue pumps pictured above, but I also love their mirrored metallic pumps.

Valentina Pumps

**I've heard through the grapevine that my other standard shop spots like Banana Republic and Old Navy will also have sales for Black Friday.**

As for beauty, I highly recommend stocking up on gift sets at Sephora and Ulta. You really can get a lot for your money. Not to mention gift cards always come in handy. Some of my suggestions:

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

Soap & Glory Hand Food for stocking stuffers 

(I'm on tube numero dos)

Other sales include Stella & Dot and Benevolent Jewels for pretty bits and baubles. I'm eyeing two pieces from Elizabeth Stone, formerly known as Oia Jules. That may be the extent of my "me" shopping.

I hope this was somewhat helpful in case you're brave enough to venture out into the shops this weekend. If not, there's always Cyber Monday. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll be back next week after a nice break with family and friends. As always, thank you for stopping by and reading :)

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Saturday Glam

Wearing//

Asos dress, similar

Sole Society pumps

Banana Republic clutch, similar

Olive & Piper necklace

Henri Bendel Ring

Essie nails in "Size Matters" 

I'm thrilled that it's a short work week. Three days on, followed by four days off for Thanksgiving. That'll do! I can't believe November is almost over. I'm not ready for Christmas. Case in point, Saturday evening we thought we would finally do a family photo to send out to loved ones this season, but it ended up being a total fail. We brought the pups, and everywhere we walked, people stopped to pet her. I understand why this simply cannot be helped, but the sun went down faster than we could set up any photo ops. We are going to have to attempt it again this weekend, maybe just in front of our condo where there are less people. All glammed up on a Saturday night though is always a good idea, one that shouldn't go to waste. We took Nettie home and went to our favorite little restaurant instead.

Linking up today with Carylee and Gina. 

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