Fall Updates // Currently

I haven't done a life update since July, and I think it's high time I filled you guys in a bit! Today I'm joining the lovely Anne in Residence for her currently linkup. I used Anne's prompts as well as my own...hope you enjoy!


 Currently: 

 1. Appreciating: my right to vote, not only as a citizen of this country but also as a woman. I must confess sheepishly that yesterday was my first time ever voting in a midterm election. I began voting in presidential elections as soon as I turned 18, but I never felt compelled to vote in the midterms until this year. I'm happy that I finally did. Local elections do matter, and they directly impact everyone in the community. Did you vote?

2. Posting: less on social media, saving more for this blog. As platforms and algorithms ebb and flow, I've taken some cues from friends and have made not only a conscious decision to unplug more often, but I'm also finding myself just totally uninterested. It's an awesome feeling actually, the whole not caring part. If I feel like posting on Instagram I do, if I don't then so be it.

3. Relaxing: on the beach in Laguna and Oceanside most weekends. I've almost entirely made peace with our Fall in southern California. Naturally as an envious human I want a New England Fall with colorful orange and red leaves but that's just not happening. Below in Laguna, it was a sunny day with a high of 81. Pure bliss. I kept picturing those aerial shots you see in the openings of The Real Housewives of OC.

Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach, Ca

4. Wearing: dark green everything. From my Ted Baker crossbody bag to my wrap top from Target's a new day line, I seriously can't get enough of this rich jewel tone. I included the link below and I got my normal size medium. The jersey fabric drapes beautifully on the body.

 Target wrap top

5. Watching: Man in the High Castle (season 3) via Amazon. Have you watched it? Nate and I have been fans since episode one, and each season has been better than the last. A short summary: It's 1962 and the axis powers have won World War 2. The western part of the United States is controlled by the Japanese, the eastern coast is the Greater Nazi Reich. It's an incredibly well-written and thoughtful take on a dystopian history with enough depth to really grip you. I definitely recommend beginning at season 1.  

6. Researching: developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. 

7. Getting: a new job! Yes, I recently got a job working as a caregiver and special needs provider for an in-home care company. That's why I've been doing research and attending some classes in preparation. I've thought about going into this area for awhile, but hesitated because my background is in Psychology and not healthcare or nursing. But I love helping people and this just seems like the natural next step for me. Would you be interested in hearing more? I can devote a separate post, just let me know. I'm very excited!

How is your Fall going so far? I can't believe it's already November!

Also linking up with Gina and Amy Ann.

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Taking My Spring Midi Dress Into Fall

I've loved midi dresses since I was a kid, and I'm pretty sure that watching reruns of I Love Lucy are mostly to blame. I started wearing midi skirts and dresses a few years ago when they became trendy again, and I still can't let them go. Midi dresses are so feminine, and they can also be surprisingly comfortable. I love being able to move around freely in a midi length while still looking polished. 

After seeing this dress on Lilly last Spring, I immediately bought it and have worn it countless times since. Dinners, a family gathering, and more recently on the plane ride to Mexico! Hey, the elastic waist makes it feel like I'm wearing sweatpants. 

Wearing // Older Ann Taylor midi dress, Old Navy moto jacket, Sam Edelman flats, Chelsea28 white bag, cool option here & here

Beauty // Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip liner all over lips 

In order to bring the dress into Fall, I simply added the moto jacket I raved about in my last post. Camel and blush pink look beautiful, and I decided to tie them together with white accessories (which are still very much on trend for Fall and Winter). Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? For that matter, who says you can't bring your warm weather favorites into the colder months? I've really been on a mission this year to get the most use out of different pieces in my closet and although I struggle with it at times, I think I've done well overall. I'm much happier dressing (and blogging!) this way and I hope I'm giving you some ideas! 

Midi dress styling option seen here

Linking up with Rachelle today

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Sephora’s Annual Beauty Insider Sale + My Picks

 There are only two sales every year that I genuinely save for and look forward to - the Nordstrom anniversary sale, and Sephora's beauty insider sale. Sephora doesn't do sales often, so each year I make sure to grab my favorite holy grail products because they're rarely discounted. Now this event isn't to be mistaken for the Sephora Friends and Family sale, which used to be open to everyone and now is only for true friends and family (you have to know an employee that works at Sephora in order to get a one-time use code).

Here are the details you need, keeping in mind that if you have rouge status, the sale began last weekend:

Sale is online and in-store

Rouge members get 20% off 11/2 - 11/5 with code ROUGEBONUS

VIB members get 20% off 11/9 - 11/12 with code VIBBONUS

Beauty Insiders get 15% off 11/16 - 11/19 with code BIBONUS

Got all that? It's a bit confusing with all the date changes but everybody gets a discount relative to their status at Sephora. Below, I've compiled a list of my personal recommendations. It's a pretty comprehensive look into the products that I've tried and tested over the years, and that I keep going back to time and again.

Tatcha silk canvas primer: You can read my review on this primer here, but essentially this is THE product I wish everyone would try. Yes, everyone.

Kate Somerville exfolikate: Contains lactic acid and fruit enzymes to slough off dead skin cells. I use it twice per week. Pricey, but it's consistently named as best on the market from pretty much everyone in the industry.

Loccitane shower oil: Smells divine and is ultra moisturizing. I love shaving my legs with it.

Alterna caviar replenishing hair masque: I'm convinced this masque is the reason why my hair feels as healthy as it does. A little goes a long way, and I concentrate it on my ends.

Origins GinZing eye cream: This pink eye cream contains caffeine to help de-puff, brighten, and conceal dark circles.

Make Up For Ever ultra HD foundation: The only foundation brand I've used for years...probably almost a decade! All of their foundations are top rate, but the HD is perfect for photography. In this day and age, when are we not being photographed?

Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk lip cheat liner and lipsticks: Read my thoughts here, but Charlotte Tilbury can do no wrong. It's quickly become a guilty pleasure.

Becca glow lip gloss: I'm not as big on lip gloss as I was during my twenties, but I've reached for this one every single day since buying it over Summer. Non-sticky, comfortable formula, peppermint scented.

NARS velvet matte lip crayons: My favorite shade is "sex machine" which is a beautiful mauve tone with very slight shimmer.

Laneige lip sleeping mask: Makes lips baby soft and smooth. Wear overnight as a true mask, or use it as a regular balm whenever your lips need some TLC.

Glow Recipe watermelon sleep mask: Good for all skin types and literally makes skin glow.

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There are a couple new-to-me products I'm interested in as well but I'm still on the fence. I'll let you know what I end up getting.

I hope you try some of these if you haven't already, they are too good to pass up! Happy Halloween and happy shopping 💋

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The Best Jacket For Fall

I said a couple weeks ago that I would be saving my moto jackets for cooler weather. Well, let's just say I couldn't resist wearing this one. It's THE BEST jacket for Fall and there are a few reasons why...

Wearing // Old Navy jacket. Similar Loft skirt, Target tank, Ted Baker bag, Similar pumps,

Ring Crush rings, Stella & Dot necklace

Beauty // Charlotte Tilbury hollywood flawless filter mixed with Make Up For Ever foundation

First. I just love the look of a moto jacket to pull together an outfit. It feels a bit younger and edgier than your typical cozy cardigan, and I think one transitions easily from day to night. Great for a date!

Second, this moto jacket in particular is a nice weight for in-between weather. It's not true suede, so it's much less heavier than the real thing. I have one from BlankNYC and although I absolutely adore the fit and color, it's quite substantial so it's been designated as my Winter coat. The one I'm wearing here is much more versatile.  

And third, this moto jacket comes in several beautiful colors. I love them so much that I grabbed one in burgundy as well.  For reference, I sized down one size. My jacket collection is small but useful. I can pull any of them out and each one goes with everything from dresses to denim. 

Are you as into moto jackets as I am?! Linking up with Pink Sole today.

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Fall Basics: Olive Twill Jacket & Leopard Flats

Hey ladies, happy Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying your week so far! I'm back with a casual outfit that's perfect for cool Fall days. Our weather is still fluctuating quite a bit but that's typical here - my safest bet is layering so I can adjust when I need to throughout the day.

Wearing // Similar jacket, Target tank, Wit & Wisdom jeans, Target flats, Sezane bag similar here, Ettika coin necklace

I bought this jacket from Express over the Summer when Gina featured it on her blog, and I'm so glad that I grabbed it while I could! This style is so practical for everyday wear, and it can easily be dressed down like I've done here or dressed up. In fact, I love wearing it over a little black dress and ankle boots for a night out with Nate. My exact jacket seems to be sold out, but I've seen similar jackets at Old Navy, Gap, and Target. 

Speaking of Target, I have to say that I'm really impressed with their a new day line. They make such great basics, like the tank top I have on here. I love it so much that I also bought a striped version. They have the perfect amount of stretch, are a thicker weight so they suck you in, and are incredibly comfortable and flattering. I'm wearing my usual size medium and they are true to size. I highly recommend them if you need to replenish any basics in your wardrobe. Also, the leopard flats were an impulse buy after seeing them on another blogger. They are also by a new day and are a great way to incorporate leopard into an outfit if you're a little shy like me. 

After seeing mine, what are your favorite Fall basics? 

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Casual Plaid Blazer & Cecelia Designs Jewelry

  The jewelry featured in this post was gifted to me by Cecelia Designs. 

Wearing // Similar H&M blazer here & here with a cute tie, Wit & Wisdom jeans, Steve Madden shoes, Ted Baker bag, Cecelia Designs Jewelry earrings & bracelet

One of the best parts about Fall dressing are the rich colors, patterns, and textures. While I love the flowy bohemian vibe of Summer, Fall immediately makes me reach for more structured, classic pieces. It's around this time every year that I wish I could travel to New York City, set up shop at a cafe where I can happily people-watch, and revel in all the inspiration whisking by. Living on the west coast, there are just certain truths; mainly, it doesn't ever get that cold. And that's okay. There are some simple ways of participating in all the Fall fashion while still looking appropriate in a warmer area like California.

First, never underestimate the power of a good layering piece. Plaid blazers are huge this year, and they're a fun way to dress up an otherwise basic outfit. I got this one over the Spring from H&M, and they have a ton of options! I was just in there the other day and plaid was everywhere. This one is nice because it has the fit and feel of a cardigan, while still giving the illusion of a blazer.

Second, shoes make all the difference. I mean, enough said.

And third, use jewelry to create interest and go for pieces that really speak to you! I've become much more selective about jewelry in the last two years. Maybe it's because as a Stella & Dot stylist, I initially made the mistake of collecting too many things (I don't anymore). Maybe it's the wave of delicate everyday pieces that are so trendy right now. Or, maybe it's because I've matured and honed in on what I truly love to wear. Whatever the reason, I'm picky. I will not wear anything that's uncomfortable or heavy. When Ceceila Designs sent over a pair of their light-as-air leather earrings and stretch beaded wrap bracelet, I knew I would wear them repeatedly! I enjoy supporting small businesses headed by women with a vision. Cecelia Designs is based in Minnesota, and for every piece sold, one tree is planted in their community. You can't go wrong!

I hope you'll take a look at their site and find something you like! I love their white and gold splatter leather earrings and plan on purchasing my own pair next. 

So far, what trends are you loving this season?

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