Sunday Brunch

Wearing //

Target jacket, similar 

Banana Republic top, similar here and here

Loft jeans, similar

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar

Beauty //

Nudestix lip pencil in Mystic

Essie nails in Cascade Cool

There's not much else in life I enjoy more than a good Sunday brunch. It doesn't even have to be a boozy brunch, although a good mimosa doesn't hurt. Bubbles in the morning can go one of two ways - it can jumpstart my day or it can render me completely useless. Most of the time, I don't put too much thought into what to wear. When it's Sunday, anything goes and I see that reflected in the places where we frequent. There's always a good mix of older people, extended families, and young ladies who look like they are in desperate need of a little hair of the dog. Hey, I've been there!

Anyway, my favorite spot to lazily enjoy Sunday mornings is Temecula Creek Inn, and that's exactly where we went. The restaurant overlooks the golf course, and though I don't know a thing about golfing, I do find the scenery beautiful. There was a group of fashionable girls sitting next to our table that I couldn't help but admire. One was wearing a beige mini dress with black booties and I made a mental note that I want to put a similar look together. If I saw it on Pinterest, it would have been immediately added to one of my boards. Does anyone else do this? I love people watching, and I honestly get so much inspiration when I'm just out and about doing mundane things. In fact, I chose this particular outfit after seeing these colors on a girl at Starbucks. Green and white...go figure!

Continue the post

Back to the Classics

Wearing //

Anthro Dress, sold out but timeless option

Macy's coat, similar

Halogen booties, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Like most people, it's hard to describe my style in a sentence. I know what I like - feminine silhouettes, neutral shades mixed with pops of color, simple cuts and fabrics, and definitely what I refer to as "classic" leanings. But what does classic really mean? It's difficult to explain but for the purpose of this, I'll try. My interpretation of classic means that I like basic pieces that I can wear in a number of ways. I like to invest in essentials that I know will always be in style, whether it's 2016 or far into the future. Trends are fun to play with, but I prefer to save my money and keep those to a minimum. It really is consistent with my personality as well. I'm a bit (okay a lot) timid in life. I need to be pushed to try new things, and change isn't something I seek out. I'm a creature of habit, I like routine, and I think my personal style reflects that. Hopefully this doesn't make me sound like a wet blanket! I love clothes, but I just know what works for me. When I try to step out of my comfort zone, I always end up coming back to the classics. 

And I always end up cheering when it's Friday. I'd say the weekend is classic too. Have a great one!

Linking up with Tara

Continue the post

Winter Heat Wave

Wearing //

LOFT dress

Target sandals, similar here and here

Stella & Dot bridge bracelet (new favorite)

Beauty //

Glo Minerals suede matte lip crayon in Sorbet

I'm usually happiest when the sun is shining and I can slip on a pair of sandals. You better like the heat if you choose to live in southern California, otherwise you'll most likely resort to packing a moving van. This comes to no surprise, but I really thought this Winter would be different with El Nino looming. Where is the rain? Where are the cold fronts? Nowhere to be found, and I'm beginning to think that maybe this won't be the year mother nature helps to end the drought after all.

I took the opportunity over the long weekend to wear this tropical maxi that I have in mind for my Hawaiian vacation in June. The back is especially pretty, with a strap criss-crossing down to the waist. Add some turquoise jewels and a beach tote and I'll be set! I love a good maxi dress, especially when it comes in petite friendly options with no visit to my tailor required. I've told you guys before, I'm lazy. I do realize the importance of getting clothes customized to your body for the most flattering fit, but I hate the extra cost. If you are a fellow shorty, LOFT has a few in stock in various colors. These dresses look great with moto or leather jackets layered too, making them perfect for transitional weather. I plan on trying that next, as long as the temps cool down.

How was your Valentine's day? Good I hope! Ours was, in theory, a big fat fail. We wanted to take the Palm Springs tram to a restaurant on top of a mountain, but the wait to board the tram was two hours and we wouldn't have made our reservation. Nate was bummed, but I really couldn't have cared less. We still had a great time walking around Palm Springs. It was my second trip in just a month, and I swear next time, I need to go shopping!

Continue the post

Blush Suede

Wearing //

Express dress, similar here and here

Nordstrom Rack jacket

Vince Camuto pumps, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

Elizabeth Stone ring

Halogen clutch, similar

I still act like a giddy schoolgirl on Valentine's day. I don't know why, because I was never that giddy about it while I was in school. I was quite the wallflower, and I remember literally praying that I would get a bright red or pink carnation from one of the boys in my grade. I typically got one from an equally bashful girlfriend, but would pretend it was from a boy I had a secret crush on. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Fast forward to 2003, when I met Nate on a blind date right around V-day. Maybe that's why I love it so much. I don't want to get into detail, because I know more people who detest this holiday. I get it, I really do. Not only can it be annoying when you're single, but it can also be just as irritating when you're not. The whole, "we should appreciate each other year-round, and not just on Valentine's Day" has its merits. I love receiving flowers just because, not when Hallmark tells people to do so. But guys are pretty dense when it comes to romance, and I'll take what I can get.You gotta ask for what you want right? 

Oh, and this is probably NOT what I'll be wearing on Valentine's Day. Picture a giant coat, wool leggings, and boots instead because our Sunday may involve snowy mountains. The weather has been pretty hot here the last couple of days though, so now I'm not so sure. I'll keep an eye on the forecast, because this peachy blush suede jacket IS pure love and I'm dying to wear it again. It's one of those pieces I have to pry off my body. It's gorgeous!

Continue the post

Saint Valentine's Day Giveaway

Happy Tuesday ladies! I haven't done a proper giveaway in over a year, and some of my favorite blogger friends and I have decided that it's time we thank you all for being such great friends and readers. What better time than this week, with V-Day right around the corner? Sounds good to me! We have chosen an Express gift card for $100 dollars as a token of our appreciation. Considering I just placed an Express order and there are tons of new arrivals for Spring, I know one lucky reader will put the card to good use!

Hosted by: PinkSole | More Pieces of Me | On the Daily Express | Beauty Girl 24

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The giveaway begins today (Tuesday February 9th) and will close on Saturday February 13th. We will formally announce the winner next Tuesday the 16th. Good luck! I'll be back tomorrow with a Valentine's inspired look.

Continue the post

Extra Loved

 I bet you guys thought this was going to be a Valentine's Day post, and I guess it does describe a love affair I have...with certain pieces in my closet. I'll get to V-Day next week, but until then, I have been thinking about my must-haves. That term is used rather loosely in the blogosphere, so feel free to roll your eyes if you must. But since moving into a new home and updating the look, organization, and space in my closet, I've come to realize that there are some things I just wear the hell out of. I reach for them when I feel like a slob, and I reach for them just as well when I want to look my best. It's funny how that works. These are the "best friends", comforting me when I'm down and making me feel like a million bucks when I'm in a great mood.

1. Metallic pumps

Metallic pumps are so essential in any woman's wardrobe. Whether they are bronze like these, silver, pewter, or gold, they add a classic touch to any look. They are less unexpected than basic black, but still neutral. They are fool-proof. 

2. Olive utility-style jacket

So easy to throw on and still look put-together. You can pair this type of jacket with almost anything. It's a great canvas. Honestly, I wear it at least once per week. At least!

3. A black satchel

Who doesn't love a great carry-all? Colors are fun. and once you have a bag in black, go for some color. But I think starting with a great structured black satchel is a stepping stone. This is still my favorite bag, and I've had it for three years. It'll never go out of style.

4. Classic red nails

Whether it's on my toes or on my fingers, I really love the classic look of bright tomato red nails. It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour, and I think it looks beautiful on everyone. I wear it year-round. 

5. Layered jewels

This is one of my favorite photos (the other hand is my best friend). I used to be all about sparkly statement necklaces, and although those are fun from time to time, I now find myself gravitating towards layering dainty pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a look all my own. 

What are the clothes, shoes, or accessories that you can't be without? I'm really intrigued by the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I keep hearing a lot about it, and it's something I would be willing to try. If you have suggestions for how to get started, let me know!

I'm off to Palm Springs for a girls trip this weekend, so be sure to follow along on snapchat. User name is noelleengel. Happy Friday!

Continue the post