Pretty Little Dresses: Summer Style

I've followed Tara for quite some time now, and I've always admired not only her style, but also her authenticity. Although I've never met her in person, I feel like I know her because she seems so down-to-earth and genuine on her blog. Her link-up posts are a great way to connect and network, so when I saw that she was having guests co-host with her this Summer, I jumped at the chance to be a part of one. Being the sweet person I know she is, Tara said yes and I'm so excited to join her this week. 

I originally ordered this dress because my best friend owns several of them in different colors. I admired them on her, so I decided to try out the cobalt blue shade for myself. I'll admit that I'm not used to showing this much skin. I'm pretty modest, but given the fact that it's Summer and it's so hot and humid, I think it's the perfect little dress to throw on with some strappy heels and delicate jewelry. It's one you can dress up as I did here, or dress down. Put a bathing suit on underneath and it is a wonderful beach cover-up. Versatility is always key for me, and I think Tara would agree with that.

Wearing //

Olivaceous Dress, here & here

Halogen bag, similar here

Sole Society heels, similar (I own these too) 

BP Nordstrom necklaces  1 & 2

Beauty //

Revlon lip butter in Juicy Papaya (the best)

Essie Topless and Barefoot nails

Speaking of pretty little dresses...

Summer Style Weekly Linkup guidelines:
1. Follow Mix & Match Fashion via bloglovin’ and Beauty Girl Twenty-Four via bloglovin'

2. Please link from today’s specific blog post, not your blog’s homepage.

3. Use the button below to link back to this linkup on your blog post, or use your own link if you would like.

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An InLinkz Link-up

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Pink Lady

Wearing //

Wayf dress via Nordstrom, super similar

Nordstrom reversible tote

Sole Society heels, similar

Express chevron bracelet, same look 

Rocksbox druzy cuff 

(Use code beachfirenkxoxo to get your first month free)

Beauty //

Essie polish in Topless and Barefoot

Cover girl gloss in Plumlicious

Too Faced mascara

I remember Rachelle wearing a beautiful pink dress a few weeks ago, and remarking on how she felt like she was channeling her inner Molly Ringwald (I really hope you know who she is. If you're a younger reader, look her up. The Breakfast Club got me through my middle school years). That's exactly how I felt when wearing this almost monochromatic look. I love pink as much as the next girl, but I have to admit that dressing like a human cupcake means having your husband tell you how sweet you look. Not sexy, definitely not sexy. But hey, I'll take sweet over sexy any day. I'm more comfortable with that term. 

I hope your week is off to a great start!

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Blogger Meet Up

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a blogger/Instagram meet-up with six lovely ladies whom I had never met before. We ate brunch in downtown San Diego at a former Top Chef contestant's restaurant called Searsucker. I was extremely nervous because I get social anxiety, even around people I know! My husband did the usual "just relax and go" speech that morning as I was contemplating backing out. There is no logical reason for my nerves, and I am perfectly aware of that. So I went, and I had a great time. All of the ladies were friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. Putting myself out there is difficult, but I never regret it. Think of it like going to the gym. You may come up with excuses as to why you can't go, but as soon as you're there, you are proud of yourself and you feel so accomplished afterwards. I definitely feel like I've made some new friends and I hope we all keep in touch. Connecting is honestly the best part of blogging. It may terrify me, but it's also a great way to network with like minded people.

I hope you'll take a look at their blogs and Instagram accounts. Here they are in order from left to right:

Jean - @ThePreppyPHD

Alyssa - @AlyssaGutten Blog: Alyssa with an A

Norma - @NVCampos She also makes jewelry: normavcampos.origamiowl.com

Crystal - @Caligirl_Fashions 

Megan - @mkashing Blog: A Stylish Start

Sara - @skashing Blog: A Stylish Start

I had the crab eggs benedict and it was heaven. I'm a benedict addict, and if it's on a menu, I'll always order it without fail. 

After the meet-up, we all parted ways and my husband and I caught up with our best friends. They live in Little Italy, so we spent the rest of the day people watching since it was comic-con week in San Diego. I hope we have more meet-ups soon, starting with my lunch with Gina this coming Monday :)

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