2.04.2015


Today I've decided to do a little something different. One aspect of blogging that I really miss is the opportunity to have more interactions with ladies whom I admire. I used to participate in a monthly collaboration with a few fellow bloggers, and although it wasn't that long ago, it feels like ages. It was quite popular, and some of those "monthly must-reads" remain my most viewed to this very day. Honestly, the internet can be a lonely place. Anyone can start a blog, but I've always felt that there's something vacant about it all unless you're really connecting. So, in an effort to showcase more of that in my own little corner of this community, I've decided to share with you some of my favorite style bloggers. Two I've met in person, and three I would desperately love to! All five of these beautiful women have greatly inspired my personal style, especially over the last year or so. When I'm having a rough day or feeling particularly annoyed with my body and my clothing, I look to them for a pick-me-up. They've all been very kind and supportive of me on their blogs, so now it's my chance to return the favor.



First up is my friend from Canada. We go back a long way, as hers was one of the first blogs I can remember reading and genuinely loving.


I absolutely love her style, and we have deemed each other "style twins" because we have similar taste in clothing, makeup, and especially handbags. In fact, Zeba has quite a collection of bags that I am completely envious of. She always looks wonderfully put-together, but in a very easy and effortless manner. She never comes across as uncomfortable or stuffy. Her style is attainable, and that is something we can all appreciate. 







Next up is a gal I met recently over the Holidays when she was in town visiting family. I loved getting to know her a little bit more, and we are planning on making that little get-together annual.


Carylee is so skilled in remixing her wardrobe. In fact, she is currently doing a wardrobe challenge on her blog called RemixFix2015, where she uses different staples in her closet to create different looks instead of going out and spending money on more clothes. This idea is great for those of us who want to cultivate a more functional and practical way of looking at our closets. She loves the same stores that I do (Express and Nordstrom) come to mind. She's also my height, so I can always get a good sense of how something she wears may look on my frame as well. 






Skylette is another blogger that I feel a kindred spirit with. We both started our blogs roughly around the same time, and I've enjoyed her signature style ever since. Not only is she physically stunning (look at that gorgeous long hair and beautiful eyes), but she also comes across as a very sweet and down-to-earth person who loves her family as much as she loves fashion. 


She wears a lot of very feminine and classic pieces, but with a modern and sexy twist! Her J.Crew shoe collection usually has me dreaming of my next pair, and she's actually the person that inspired  my first set of their pumps. 
It was actually Sky's birthday recently, and I encourage everyone to read this post that her husband wrote about his wife. 





What can I say about my witty, sassy friend Gina? I first was introduced to her while on my honeymoon! I was walking in the parking lot of our hotel in Maui when I looked down at my phone and saw I had an email from a reader who kindly asked if she could use one of my images on her blog. I was so flattered that she took the time to do that, and I have been a loyal reader ever since. When I met her over the Summer and discovered that she lives in San Diego, I was thrilled! She is as sweet and genuine as she is smart and beautiful. 


What I love about Gina is that there isn't anything pretentious about her OR her style. She of course loves Express, and given that half of my wardrobe is from our favorite store, we definitely have that in common. She looks to celebrities and Pinterest quite a bit to gather style inspiration, and she recreates those looks so perfectly. I like that she gravitates towards clean, simple lines. Her collection of blouses, little jackets, tailored jeans and pants, and fun shoes really reflect our southern California lifestyle. Polished, but casual. 





Last but certainly not least is a blogger that I only discovered a few months ago. How did I not know about Amy Ann?! Such a travesty! 


Amy Ann's style is one I can imagine myself working towards. She wears pieces that I'm not sure I could entirely pull off (like her beautiful hats and over the knee boots) but I sure would love to! She exudes a confidence on her blog that I struggle with myself, but that is so inspiring to me. Her photographs are high quality, and many of them look like they belong in a magazine. In fact, she has been featured in People StyleWatch! I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. 





I hope you enjoyed this! I encourage you all to check out these ladies if you haven't already. I think I would like to make this a bi-monthly feature, so hopefully I can find other bloggers to participate. There are so many of you that I love. And thank you to all five of my beauties for allowing me to show you off :)

2.02.2015







Wearing //
Express sweater leggings, similar
Sole Society booties
Beauty//
Essie nails in "bump up the pumps"
Revlon lips in "Demure" - haven't worn nude lips in months!






Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Did you watch the Super Bowl? We aren't big football fans around here (don't hate me) but we did manage to catch bits and parts. I've still been under the weather, so I was happy to make it out of the house to go to a gathering on Saturday. My best friend loves kimonos, so this look is entirely inspired by her style. She wore them a lot on our trip to Hawaii, and I admired the way the chiffon flowed as she walked. While I was browsing my favorite store the other day deciding on what my Spring purchases might look like, I found this black floral number on a mannequin. It was styled with a barcelona cami and jeans, which made me even more excited because I already have those in my closet. I was unsure about how to make it work for my body, but I guess a giant scarf look-alike is pretty easy for everyone to wear. I think it'll transition nicely into Summer, whether it be with shorts or over a bathing suit by the pool. Versatility is key!



Linking up for manic Monday with my favorite ladies, Carylee and Gina.


1.28.2015


Because I've been feeling so uninspired with my clothing this season, I got to thinking about how fortunate I am that I've finally curated a few pieces in my wardrobe that I absolutely love! As a girl who has always been interested in fashion, I've had my mishaps over the years. I've worn some God awful looks, and I've spent money on things that didn't last longer than a few washes. Now that I'm more focused on my own personal style rather than trends, I feel like I don't need to buy as much when I venture out to shop. Don't get me wrong, I blog about clothing so therefore I am in constant fear of temptation. Not to mention I'm also an avid blog reader, so whenever I see you girls looking fabulous in something, I immediately want to run out the door to buy it. I just can't afford to do that anymore, so instead I've decided to focus on wearing the things I already own and love. These pieces work for me, and they never let me down. Like a loyal best friend, I can count on them to make me feel happy and confident.


Favorite maxi skirt, also in my absolute favorite color.


Favorite coat and leggings


Favorite feminine skirt and bag


Favorite lady-like dress


Favorite jeans


Favorite little jacket, cami, and skirt. 
Essentially my favorite outfit!


Favorite pumps


Favorite Express portofino


Favorite (Dream) bag



And of course...
Favorite dress I've ever worn, and probably ever will



***I'm not sure if these items are still available, but if you would like a link or at least more information about any specific piece, please let me know in the comments. This post was not meant for monetization***