#NSale {My Wishlist}

So I normally don't do sale picks, guides, or wishlists these days because, well...I figure you ladies are savvy enough to pick your own (or to refrain altogether). But if you've been reading my blog from the beginning in 2009 (I'm totally dating myself here), then you know that I shop for at least one or two key pieces from the Nordstrom anniversary sale each year. In fact, because I started my blog in July, it was one of my very first embarrassing posts. I'm not going to link to it. It's embarrassing.

I don't have the capacity to go out and shop in a major way every season, but I do like getting at least one investment piece that will get me excited about cooler weather in the Fall. I also prefer classic looks over trendy items that won't last. It's a smart way to get more bang for your buck from these types of sales.

I have a budget in mind, so my wishlist is very small this year. I'm going to head to my local Nordstrom next Friday, when the sale is open to the public. If you are a card member, you can shop now! I plan on trying a lot of things on, so look for Instagram photos and a possible follow-up on here once I do my browsing. I love shopping online, but for this event, I always buy in-store. It's part of the experience!

My wishlist this year:

Rebecca Minkoff bag

(Looking at this pretty shade but it also comes in black and white)

Louise Et Cie flats

(Notice my red theme here?)

Voluspa candle trio

Halogen long cardigan (available in petites!)

I think there MUST be more items available in-store that I might be interested in, so even though this is a tiny list, stay tuned. I may or may not find something else. 

Do you have any plans to shop the sale? 

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Summer Nights

Wearing //

Express cami

Old Navy skirt (old)

J.Crew pumps

Halogen clutch via Nordstrom, check stores or similar

Kendra Scott necklace

HRH collection bracelet

Beauty //

Nails in O.P.I. "Funny Bunny"

Aside from lazy days spent by the pool or on the beach, my favorite part of Summer are the warm balmy nights. They are the perfect reprieve from the intense heat we get here during the day, and there's nothing like that feeling you get during a Summer night. It will always bring back happy memories from my childhood, no matter how old I get. Nate and I take advantage as often as we can, and this turned into one of those nights where we went out and enjoyed reminiscing about the past. I know, we are hopeless dreamers.

I hope you had a great fourth of July! We certainly did. Summer is now officially in full swing.

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All-American

Wearing //

Old Navy dress

LOFT denim jacket

J.Crew Factory sandals

Kate Spade bag (love this practical cross-body)

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace

Druzy bracelet via Rocksbox (use code beachfirenkxoxo)

I used to dress very literally for the 4th of July. As a proud American, of course it's one of my favorite holidays. I usually do it up wearing red, white, and blue to show my patriotism, but this year I have decided to go the all-American route and choose an outfit that's more classic, and less costume. This outfit sort of reminds me of a Tommy Hilfiger ad I once saw when I was in high school, minus the model's sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. What's more American than a denim jacket and an easy little sundress? I've worn this exact combination three times now, and I love its simplicity. I never understood the whole "throw your jacket over your shoulders so it looks like you aren't trying too hard to be cool" thing, but I actually really like it (although I wouldn't say it's the most practical at times). This blue jean baby is definitely getting put to use!

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and happy 4th! We don't have any plans this weekend, but I'm hoping it involves a grilled burger and a cold beer. Since I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging, I'll see you all back here on Monday.

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Vested

Wearing //

Express vest (on sale, check stores)

Express cami

LOFT jeans

Zara pumps, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

J.Crew Factory clutch, similar here & here

I had been seeing white vests on a lot of lovely ladies, and I liked the effortless layer over a simple tee or tank and jeans. I just had one little problem - I didn't own a vest, so I couldn't create the look for myself. During the Express sale last week, I decided to pop in and see if there was anything I needed. I was getting ready to leave the store empty-handed, until I saw a few of these white vests hanging by the dresses. It met my criteria - it was white. I love the length, the single button, the faux pockets on either side, and the tuxedo fabric. It's the perfect layering piece to dress up an otherwise simple (i.e. boring) look. Funny, because as I was flipping through a Spring magazine yesterday, I saw plenty of celebrities wearing vests. I guess I'm behind on more than just my reading material. I have to confess, I'm completely over fashion and women's magazines. With blogging and Instagram showcasing the latest trends, I don't feel it necessary to subscribe to them anymore. It's a pity really. My dream growing up was to work at a fashion magazine, but I'm cancelling my subscriptions. Is it a sign of the times?

What do you ladies think?

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Beating the Heat

Wearing //

Express cami (my fifth one)

J.Crew skirt (old) but similar here

J.Crew Factory sandals

Halogen clutch, similar

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff via Rocksbox 

(use code beachfirenkxoxo for your first month free)

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry druzy ring and necklace

Or trying to beat the heat is more like it. Summer here can leave me feeling pretty irritable. Okay let's get real people - it leaves me feeling bitchy. Hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable is not my idea of a good time, which is why I tend to not put as much effort into getting dressed when it's over 100 degrees. What's the point? I'm just going to look disheveled an hour later. As hard as I try to maintain my style in the heat, I always end up gravitating towards easy, lightweight pieces. A tank, a skirt that has a good amount of stretch and an elastic waistband, and ditching the heels in favor of flat sandals. I also wear very little makeup. My Glo Minerals Moisturizing Tint with SPF, bronzed cheeks, and color on my lips. That's how I do Summer. Oh, and I like to layer my pretty gemstone jewelry to still keep my girly edge while not being bogged down by giant statement pieces.

Exhibit A (my best friend and I last weekend. Delicate jewelry but lots of it and flat sandals)

However...the above thought process may change at some points this Summer. I do like to dress up, so even if that means sweating my way into a blazer or wearing jeans when it's OMG less than 95 degrees, I will do that. Just for you guys ;)

How do you dress for Summer? Are you still as creative as you are in the cooler months, or do you dress more for comfort? Linking up with Tara.

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Style Blogger Love #3

It's time to recognize and brag about three more lovely ladies who know how to style just about anything (all three could make a paper sack look amazing). This is my third installment, but in case you are curious, here is number one and two. You know how this works - I asked them to showcase a picture from their blogs that encompasses their own personal style. Oh, and you know what I just realized? All three are southern California bloggers. Considering I'm native to this part of the country, I may be a little biased...

Let the gushing begin.

Frankie Hearts Fashion

I've followed Nicole's blog since I began mine a few years ago. What has always resonated with me is how laid-back and cool she is. Nicole in my opinion exudes confidence. She always looks impeccable, but effortless in the same breath. She wears versatile pieces that can easily be dressed up or down, and both ways look equally beautiful. Nothing ever looks fussy, and she gives off such a carefree vibe. In my world, Nicole is the rockstar of the style bloggers. 

High Heels & Tutus

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jodi last Summer at rStyle school in San Diego. We sat right next to each other and proceeded to gab for the majority of the evening. I was very anxious about going to my first blogging event because I honestly don't take my own blog too seriously.  Meeting Jodi was a breath of fresh air. Not only is she stunning, but she was so incredibly sweet. Her "About me" section has a quote that I love by Oscar Wilde: "You can never be overdressed or over educated". Love that! She has quite the enviable collection of handbags and shoes and along with her adorable little daughter, their blog is one of the most unique I've read. 

simplyxclassic

Miriam is an Orange County girl, and I am not exaggerating when I say that I want to raid her entire closet. I've purchased two dresses after seeing them on her. Out of all the ladies I follow on Instagram, her pictures get me to consider buying the most. Her style is feminine, polished, and closely resembles my own personal tastes. We all love to gather inspiration from others, but I think we also want to see how others put together and style pieces we already own. I constantly look to Miriam's blog, and I suggest you do too. 

Be sure to check these hot mamas out! 

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