Sparking Joy & Blog Birthday

Wearing //

Express top (last year), but love this

F21 cami underneath

Topshop skirt, similar

Nordstrom bag, similar

Asos pumps

Kendra Scott necklace

HRH collection bracelet

Beauty //

Lancome Lip Lover #334

O.P.I. nails in Funny Bunny

Thank goodness for flippy skirts with elastic waistbands. It amazes me how many times I've worn this one, and each time I do, I feel like a million dollars. Isn't that the point of wearing clothes? Well, aside from the fact that we can't all be running around naked. But what I love about this outfit is that it sparks joy, as beautifully explained recently by Gina and Laura. If you love something, you'll feel confident in it. When you feel confident, you're happier. And when you're happy, you feel like you can conquer anything. So wear what you love and hopefully that will translate into all aspects of your life. Oh, and if it has an elastic waistband that can allow you to eat like a glutton (which I did after these pictures were taken), even better. 

On a side note, I believe it's my blog's birthday. I don't know the actual date but it was around the 15th of July in 2009. Happy birthday blog! You've been a great friend over the years. We've laughed, we've cried, and together we have made some wonderful friends. It's been six years since I started Beautygirl24 and I am still in love with (almost) everything about this community. Thank you so much for supporting me. Thank you for reading. You really have no idea how this outlet has impacted me in a positive way...More to come.

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#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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