5.28.2015

I did this exact post last year, and now I'm doing it again. Spring has quickly become my favorite season for style (the allergies not so much). I think I like it because it's a great transitional period - not too hot yet, but still a slight bump up in temperature from California's "Winter". Which was completely non-existent by the way! Last Spring, I was still getting accustomed to my new shorter hair, I wore nudes on my nails quite often, my blue Kate Spade bag was (and still is) my obsession, and I definitely had a thing for midi skirts and ladylike silhouettes. I guess not much has changed, but I'm looking back and taking some of my own style cues. I feel like I'm in a rut lately. I keep complaining that I have nothing to wear, even though I have a closet filled with clothes. Typical.














Now that Summer is around the corner, I think I'll be pulling all of these looks back out. What's old is new again.


5.27.2015



Look 1

Wearing //
Olivia Moon blazer (old), super similar
Steve Madden flats, similar
Beauty //



Look 2


Wearing //
White House Black Market sandals
Kate Spade bag
Beauty //




I decided to do something a little different to show you ladies what I wore over the long holiday weekend. Instead of doing two separate posts, here they are in one. 

Unfortunately, our usually sunny weather took a gloomy turn and although I don't mind the cooler temps and the little droplets of rain that ensued, I was sad that my bathing suit didn't make it out of hiding. Nate and I did a mix of things over the weekend, and most of it was unplanned. From visiting local breweries to shopping in a cute boutique, I love being spontaneous. It reminds me of our "younger" days, when we went places at the drop of a hat. The next day, we had my mom watch the pup and headed for Del Mar, making stops along the way. It was much prettier by the ocean, naturally. 
I kept cozy with new and old basics...comfortable yet still put-together. If there's one thing I highly recommend from these outfits, it's the denim jacket. It fits very similarly to my Express moto jackets, and it pairs really well with dresses. After all this time blogging, I finally found one that I love. The wash is the perfect shade of vintage chic. Honestly all of these pieces are staples in my wardrobe, ones I can reach for aimlessly without requiring much thought or planning. Just grab and go. 

Linking up with Tara

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! What did you end up doing? 

5.22.2015

I've had a few requests and emails about dedicating a post on my blog to my dog, Nettie. Like any proud parent, I love taking pictures of her and documenting how big she's getting. I was unsure about doing this post though because this is a style and beauty blog and well, she's a dog. However, I think it can be fun to change things up once in awhile and so many of us are animal lovers, so why not? Life isn't all handbags and Express sales ;) Feel free to skip this one if you're uninterested though, I'll be back with outfits next week!

Here are a few facts about owning a pitbull:

* Although she is cute as a button, she is very high-strung and hyper. Most puppies calm down after about a year, but I think Nettie's puppy stage is going to last a few months longer. This hyper activity has led to the destruction of our couch, pillows, and bedding. She will chew just about anything she can, and although it has been extremely frustrating, we are sure to run the heck out of her every evening so she can tire herself out and release energy. She is happiest outdoors, and she loves car rides, people watching on our balcony, and playing with toys.

* She's the most loving and affectionate dog I've ever owned. I've always had dogs growing up, mostly rescues (actually, they have all been rescues). But none of them have been "lapdogs" like Nettie. It's hard to get things done around here because she's always climbing on top of us and wanting a belly rub.

* She is more work than I expected, and requires more attention that any dog I've owned. She is sweet, but one false move and I get a bruise, accidental nip, or scratch especially when she's riled up and wants to play.

* Pitbulls really do get a bad rap. It's all about how you care for them. Her strength and power can be overwhelming, especially for a small gal like myself. But socializing her with other dogs of all breeds has made all the difference, and we really strive to bring her around people. I hate the stereotype that pitbulls are grizzly, mean animals who can't be loving pets. I have seen proof that this is a total myth.


Now for your viewing pleasure...


No idea what is going on here but it's quite possibly my favorite picture ever!
She used to sleep with her legs stretched out like that. I miss being able to hold her in my arms. 









She is nine months old now, and weighs a little over sixty pounds. I think she's almost done growing. You can find more pictures of her on my Instagram.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Happy Friday!



5.20.2015






Wearing //
Express moto jacket and cami
Zara pumps, similar
Gorjana necklace, I own this one too
Elizabeth Stone ring
Beauty //
Essie nails in Bump up the Pumps


I'm definitely more of a neutral girl, and this just doesn't pertain to my choice of clothing. I like to be neutral in life as well. I'm Switzerland. I often struggle with choosing sides, I only like to engage in healthy conflict resolution, and I don't have any room in my brain for unreasonable people. Lately, I find myself needing a break from the chaos of my job, and a vacation! Hawaii, Tahiti, even driving down the I-10 to Palm Springs is sounding wonderful these days! I'm envious of the kids I work with who are preparing for Summer break. Too bad I don't get one of those anymore. I'm sure we all feel this way at certain times though. Some get the itch around the dead of Winter, I get the itch to travel right before Summer hits. 

5.14.2015



We all have beauty products that we buy over and over again. Tried, tested, and true, some things just become staples in our beauty arsenals. They just work! But sometimes, you decide to go outside the norm and see what else is out on the market.

These are mine. I'm still playing around with them so this isn't necessarily a review of each product, just a peek into what I'm using and or doing lately as part of my routine.


Quite a name isn't it? I think it's pretty cheesy, but I'm also hoping this nightly brow boost helps because my brows are too thin for my liking and I need help growing them. Listen up you 13- year olds out there...don't over-tweeze! You will regret it when you're older. That's exactly what I did, and I'm still paying the price. I just bought this last week so I'll let you know what comes of it. 





Stubby lashes have been my foe since I was a teen, and mascara is one of my most beloved products to help me look awake. It's amazing what lashes do for the face! I picked this one up on a whim, and it's well...just okay. The wand is a bit curved to reach into the lashline, but the volume and length isn't very noticeable on me. I'm using it during the week for work, but it's not one I'll repurchase. This is one area where I just need to stick with my tried and true! (Benefit and CoverGirl lashblast).




I don't typically treat myself to a fancy shower gel. I love the many options that drugstores carry, and I don't find it necessary to pay for an expensive one. So I don't exactly know what possessed me to order this, aside from the fact that I love the brand but I am so happy I did. The fragrance is soft and very clean. Even Nate likes it, and he's very picky about scents. 





I have some bronzers (such as the one pictured above) that have a sheen or subtle sparkle so instead of using them all over my face, I have been using them as blush. I find that they are too unnatural as all-over face powder, but swept lightly on the cheeks, they provide a gorgeous golden glow. 





Speaking of a glow, I got a facial last week that I absolutely loved. I've only experienced a facial a handful of times in my life, but this one was particularly needed as my skin has been so dry. I had rough patches near my nose and eyes, probably from allergies and constant sweeping away of tears. Have your allergies been bad this season? I was contemplating getting eyelash extensions, but I don't think I can with watery, itchy eyes! Anyway, the facial was the perfect pick-me-up and my skin today is soft, moisturized, and more even. 

This picture from my best friend's birthday was filtered using color, but my skin definitely looks much better than it did a few weeks ago. I think a facial every three months is my new remedy to combat dryness. 



Thank you for reading!

5.12.2015





Wearing //
Vince Camuto pumps
Express earrings
Various delicate rings, similar here 
Beauty //
Essie nails in "Bump up the Pumps"





After turning 30 last year, I realized that I enjoy celebrating other friends' birthdays much more. There is less pressure to be "on", and I can just sit back and shower others with attention. Sort of the way I felt about my wedding, or being in a wedding. I'm not someone who does well with several eyes on me, which is ironic considering I have a blog on the internet for the whole world to see. Thank goodness this is a small blog, otherwise I'd probably close up shop. Anyway, back to turning 30. It was my best friend's 30th on Saturday, and I had the best time in San Diego with her close family and friends. I chose this ultra feminine dress to wear that night because I wanted to feel comfortable yet still polished. I can't even tell you how many times someone commented that I looked like a "cute, 1950's housewife". I took it as a compliment although it was a strange thing to hear. Does that imply I look like a stepford wife? I'm still trying to figure it out, but either way, I'm going to wear the heck out of this dress!