Beat the heat

Wearing //

Express lace crop top

Halogen pleated skirt (old) but similar here and here in midi version

J.Crew Factory sandals (on sale!)

Kate Spade bag, absolutely love this one by RM

Stella & Dot engraveable bar necklace

Benevolent Jewels monogram, similar

Boutique rings purchased by the beach

Gorjana mila teardrop cuff

Orly Fancy Fuchsia nails

Summer heat is in full swing, and although I love day trips to the coast and balmy nights spent outside, the humidity is really taking a toll on me. I can't complain, but I like to sneak one in here and there :) I'm pulling out all of my flowy skirts and tops and re-wearing them at least a couple of times per week. Do you ever do this? Have no fear, I wash them in between wears. I'm doing a lot more laundry this month! The thought of anything tight or any itchy fabric against my skin makes me freak out at this point so I'll do whatever it takes to keep the breeze a blowin'. Have a great rest of your week, and stay cool!

Oh and speaking of Summer, I'm linking up with Tara today for her Summer style series.

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Back To School

Wearing //

Express shirt

Loft jeans

J.Crew Factory sandals

Express bracelet

Chanel bag (jumbo double flap in caviar leather), similar

Stella & Dot engraveables necklace (BG24)

I went back to school last Thursday night. As a perpetual student, the idea of sitting in a classroom once again excited the hell out of me. I miss college. It's been over four years since I graduated with my Bachelors's degree, and although I keep telling myself I should go back to get my Master's, time has been passing too quickly and I still have yet to apply for grad school. So when I was invited to Rewardstyle's school night in sunny San Diego I was elated to attend and learn more about using social media and other tools to improve the quality of my blog. I met so many lovely ladies! I'm not in touch with San Diego bloggers, as most of my close friendships are with those of you on the east coast and beyond. It was great to touch base and see just how many of us SoCal girls are out there blogging about beauty and style. I even got to meet one of my favorites, Gina from On the Daily Express. I had no clue she lived in SD (I thought she was an OC girl). I'm so thrilled I got to speak with her in person. She's gorgeous by the way, and very sweet and down-to-earth!

Gorjana was the guest speaker, and her beautiful jewelry was on display. I'm definitely going to add a couple of her pieces to my wardrobe. I love her motto of "live, love, layer".

I loved our "school supplies". Everything was so well done! The Gorjana team even gifted us with a gold bangle, which I happily wore all weekend. 

This is my favorite photo of the night. Can you spot me in the front row? I sat next to Jodi, and she is also such a sweet person. 

The event was held at UCSD in La Jolla. Hubby caught this picture of the sunset. 

On a more personal note, I'm very proud of myself for going to my first blogging event. I've written about my anxiety before, but it's been awhile since I touched on it here. My social anxiety often prohibits me from putting myself out there and meeting new people. I even contemplated not going to school night, even though I was fully prepared all week. I almost backed out. My husband was super supportive and wanted me to go no matter what, so he took off from work an hour early and drove me to the event.  He dropped me off and grabbed dinner at one of our favorite Mexican spots while I became a student again. It would have been so easy for me to back out and stay home, but I didn't let my fears get the best of me this time. I'm so glad I just went because I would have regretted it. So...a blogging conference might be next on my list? I'm ready! Sort of.

Have you attended a blog event? They seem addicting!

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Date Night Style {Including Plus Size Pieces}

Wearing // Express portofino blouse (multiple colors & patterns), pretty from OSP

Topshop skirt, OSP midi skirt

J.Crew heels, similar

Banana Republic clutch, obsessed with CV

Express bracelet, 

Monogram necklace

Date night style is my absolute favorite. After a long work week, it feels so good to ditch the office clothes and put on something a little more fun and flirty. With my job, I get to dress very casual but that often leaves me feeling a little frumpy. Come Friday night, I'm ready to put on my dancin' shoes (even if I'm not going dancing). I think I have my date night formula down to a Science: a chiffon button-down, a high-waisted skirt, a colorful pump, and a neutral clutch. I find that I still feel comfortable in such an outfit, yet my husband likes it too because it's so feminine. I honestly think anyone can pull together an outfit like this, no matter what your size is. Although I'm 5'2, I often get emails from readers who are a bit curvier and taller than I am and I don't want to ever leave anyone out! I provided some links to similar pieces that will help you achieve this from OSP. My shoes and clutch are no longer available, but you can find similar ones at YesStyle and Les Nouvelles respectively!

Linking up with Tara today for Summer style.

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