Master Class Dropout

Wearing //

Banana top

Banana clutch, similar

Loft jeans

Topshop flats

JaxKelly necklace

Various Elizabeth Stone jewels

You've already seen this top from Banana Republic in a previous post, and I loved it so much that I had to get it in olive as well. It's one of those finds that you want in every color! I try not to get multiples of things unless they are basic enough to dress up and down, and will be worn often. Considering I ripped off the tag as soon as this arrived on my doorstep, I think my choice was correct! I can't wait to layer it with a jacket, cardigan, or blazer. But listen, it'll be a long time before I can do that. We don't have seasons here, just Summer and Winter. So while some of you ladies dust off your boots and indulge in pumpkin spice lattes this month, I'll still be showing off my pedicure and chugging iced tea while I'm sweating in my car.

I titled this because I was going to wear something similar for the rewardstyle master class in San Diego, but I couldn't get the time off from work. It pained me to retract my invite, not because I was hoping to learn more about the business of blogging, but because I wanted to connect with people (and see my friend of course). Gina told me it was much more personal than last year's, so I experienced major FOMO. Just call me the master class dropout. There's always next year, right? I hope.

Happy September!

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Celebrating a Birthday

Wearing //

Banana Republic dress, similar here & here

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar (such a classic)

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

Saint Laurent arty ring

Not my birthday, but my mom's birthday. She turned 63 last Saturday, and I wanted to take her out to dinner. Anyone that knows my mom can attest to the fact that she rarely treats herself. She goes out of her way to spoil others, but I can barely remember a time when she spoiled herself or allowed others to shower her with gifts. She's not the type of mom that went with me to the salon, and when we shopped, she would often buy for others instead of treating herself. It's this selfless quality that makes me really proud to call her my mother. She's this tiny little Mexican woman, but she has such a big personality. I wish more people could be like her, myself included! I think I indulge too often, and although I blame it partly on blogging, I would like to be more like her. Funny story: After paying the dinner tab, she sent me a text message as soon as she got home and wanted to pay Nate and I back! Who does that?! Needless to say, I didn't let her. 

Three quick notes before I go:

1) I am wearing false lashes here, and I really love how they accentuate my eyes. I'm not good at applying them, but I plan on practicing so I can wear them more (at least on special occasions). 

2) The Saint Laurent arty ring is still a show-stopper. I got several compliments during dinner. It's such a substantial ring that I can't wear my wedding set with it because it rubs against them. 

3) Linking up with Tara, Rachelle, and Carylee today!

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I Really am a Denim Girl

Wearing //

Express cami & vest, similar

LOFT jeans

Sole Society heels (comes in many colors)

Nordstrom bag

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff, similar

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

I have been asked several times by friends and other fellow bloggers why I don't wear denim that often. My initial reaction is to smile or laugh, because I wear jeans practically every single day during the week. As most of you know, I work with at-risk youth in their homes or foster placements until their cases close with the county. I do a lot of behavior modifications and teach coping skills so that they can better handle their emotions. It's a tough job for several reasons, but I love the kids I work with. I dress casually because I find that kids will respond to me more if I'm "one of them" and not a  social worker (no disrespect to social workers. My kids just happen to associate them with painful memories). It just makes sense, and most of my co-workers dress in a similar way.

So, back to wearing jeans. Because I wear them so often during the week, I enjoy dressing up on the weekends if Nate and I go to dinner or grab a drink somewhere with friends. Those are typically the outfits that make it to the blog, I don't ever photograph looks that I don't actually wear. Some bloggers do that, but I'm not one of them. We take pictures Friday through Sunday and that's about all we have time for, so normally a dress or skirt is what I go for. As soon as the weekends hit, I peel off the jeans and try something different! But I really am a denim girl, and I wore this outfit last Friday night to prove it.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

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Olive & Blush at Golden Hour

Wearing //

B.P. Nordstrom tee (super soft) and reversible tote

Topshop skirt, similar here and here

Sole Society sandals, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

Express bracelet, similar

Beauty //

Toes in China Glaze flip flop fantasy

Lips in NYX butter gloss 

Although golden hour is my absolute favorite time of day, I'll have to admit that these photos were completely unplanned and therefore the colors are much more muted than they are in real life. It's been sweltering hot here, so I wasn't planning on taking pictures at all over the weekend due to slopping around and trying to just keep cool. I did change into this outfit to go out for dinner, and I am loving olive green paired with blush. It's a great combination that will also look great in Fall, although who's really thinking about that in this heat?! Anyway, despite the washing out of my olive green tee, my skin looks flattering. I think that must be the reason why golden hour is so popular, aside from the promise of a beautiful sunset. It's nature's natural filter.

Before you go, please do me a favor and click over to Gina's blog today. It's a good one. 

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Trends I Want to Try

I often look at street style trends with a skeptical eye. Most trends are just too...trendy. I'd rather invest in clothes that I can wear season after season (especially since the climate is so warm here in California as compared to other parts of the country). Buying something that will go out of style in a couple of months is really not my preference. One, because some trendy pieces are actually expensive and they don't suit my current budget, and two, because I like things that are more classic anyway.

As cute as they may look on others, you won't catch me in sneakers. I've never gravitated towards them, and the only time I can bear them is when I'm working out or watching Nate play on his dirt bike. You also won't find me in the off-the-shoulder tops and dresses that are making the rounds. I don't think that silhouette is flattering on me. I'm petite and a bit curvy, so a lot of what's "in" just doesn't look "right" on my body. The same goes for beauty. The top knot looks adorable on so many girls, but I look like a space alien with an orb coming out of my head.

However, there are some trends I am willing to give a go.

Lace - up flats

TopShop

Image via Pursuit of Shoes

Girlfriend jeans

H&M shown

But I love these

Lariat Necklaces

B.P. Nordstrom

 I own this and wear it like crazy. Plus, it's affordable.

Bucket bags

Mansur Gavriel

Less expensive option here

Finally, this is a trend but one that I know will last. I have been dying (and saving) for this bag.

What trends are you loving, and which ones are you loathing? I'd honestly love to hear your thoughts!

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The Queen Mary

Wearing //

Loft maxi dress (old), gorgeous option

Nordstrom bag & necklace

J.Crew Factory sandals

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry druzy ring & bracelet

Last week was nothing short of a whirlwind in many ways. Despite Nate and I doing a staycation rather than traveling out of state or country, we still managed to cruise around Los Angeles and Orange County. It's amazing how often we take our surrounding cities for granted. Born in L.A., my parents never really showed me around Hollywood or Malibu, so I wanted to definitely explore those areas during our time off. 

The Queen Mary in Long Beach was by far the most exciting part. Although most of it has been renovated, I felt like I was stepping back in time. The ship itself was breathtaking, as I had never set foot on such a massive boat. There was a feeling in the air that I can't explain, but I wouldn't say it was supernatural. I didn't see or hear any ghosts, and I know that can deter people from staying aboard overnight but I highly recommend doing so! Our room was surprisingly spacious, the staff were extremely knowledgeable and unusually polite, and I was in awe of the ship's history.You don't need to pay extra for a tour in order to get a real sense of the Queen Mary's past. Just do some walking and you will see plenty of plaques, pictures, and so forth. Nate and I aren't really the type to do guided tours. We like to wing it and venture on our own. 

The maxi dress shown above is the only outfit I documented on my week off, and it was so windy on the deck that I had difficulty capturing it for fear of pulling a Marilyn Monroe. Nobody wants to see my spanx. However, I avoided taking pictures in other areas of the ship due to the throngs of people. I'm still sheepish when it comes to blogging my outfits. I'm no Kardashian.

Stunning view

A peek at one of the life boats. 

Dinner that night. 

We split this plate for both monetary and weight purposes ;) Filet and lobster heaven.

Brunch the next morning.

Phenomenal, and worth every penny. Not to mention every glass of champagne consumed. 

One of the spooky hallways. 

Really not that spooky. A little musty, a little chilly, but not scary.

The beautiful Queen gets an A+ rating from yours truly.

If you want to see more pictures from my week off, Instagram is the place to find them. 

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