Celebrating a Birthday

Wearing //

Banana Republic dress, similar here & here

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar (such a classic)

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

Saint Laurent arty ring

Not my birthday, but my mom's birthday. She turned 63 last Saturday, and I wanted to take her out to dinner. Anyone that knows my mom can attest to the fact that she rarely treats herself. She goes out of her way to spoil others, but I can barely remember a time when she spoiled herself or allowed others to shower her with gifts. She's not the type of mom that went with me to the salon, and when we shopped, she would often buy for others instead of treating herself. It's this selfless quality that makes me really proud to call her my mother. She's this tiny little Mexican woman, but she has such a big personality. I wish more people could be like her, myself included! I think I indulge too often, and although I blame it partly on blogging, I would like to be more like her. Funny story: After paying the dinner tab, she sent me a text message as soon as she got home and wanted to pay Nate and I back! Who does that?! Needless to say, I didn't let her. 

Three quick notes before I go:

1) I am wearing false lashes here, and I really love how they accentuate my eyes. I'm not good at applying them, but I plan on practicing so I can wear them more (at least on special occasions). 

2) The Saint Laurent arty ring is still a show-stopper. I got several compliments during dinner. It's such a substantial ring that I can't wear my wedding set with it because it rubs against them. 

3) Linking up with Tara, Rachelle, and Carylee today!

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I Really am a Denim Girl

Wearing //

Express cami & vest, similar

LOFT jeans

Sole Society heels (comes in many colors)

Nordstrom bag

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff, similar

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

I have been asked several times by friends and other fellow bloggers why I don't wear denim that often. My initial reaction is to smile or laugh, because I wear jeans practically every single day during the week. As most of you know, I work with at-risk youth in their homes or foster placements until their cases close with the county. I do a lot of behavior modifications and teach coping skills so that they can better handle their emotions. It's a tough job for several reasons, but I love the kids I work with. I dress casually because I find that kids will respond to me more if I'm "one of them" and not a  social worker (no disrespect to social workers. My kids just happen to associate them with painful memories). It just makes sense, and most of my co-workers dress in a similar way.

So, back to wearing jeans. Because I wear them so often during the week, I enjoy dressing up on the weekends if Nate and I go to dinner or grab a drink somewhere with friends. Those are typically the outfits that make it to the blog, I don't ever photograph looks that I don't actually wear. Some bloggers do that, but I'm not one of them. We take pictures Friday through Sunday and that's about all we have time for, so normally a dress or skirt is what I go for. As soon as the weekends hit, I peel off the jeans and try something different! But I really am a denim girl, and I wore this outfit last Friday night to prove it.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

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Olive & Blush at Golden Hour

Wearing //

B.P. Nordstrom tee (super soft) and reversible tote

Topshop skirt, similar here and here

Sole Society sandals, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

Express bracelet, similar

Beauty //

Toes in China Glaze flip flop fantasy

Lips in NYX butter gloss 

Although golden hour is my absolute favorite time of day, I'll have to admit that these photos were completely unplanned and therefore the colors are much more muted than they are in real life. It's been sweltering hot here, so I wasn't planning on taking pictures at all over the weekend due to slopping around and trying to just keep cool. I did change into this outfit to go out for dinner, and I am loving olive green paired with blush. It's a great combination that will also look great in Fall, although who's really thinking about that in this heat?! Anyway, despite the washing out of my olive green tee, my skin looks flattering. I think that must be the reason why golden hour is so popular, aside from the promise of a beautiful sunset. It's nature's natural filter.

Before you go, please do me a favor and click over to Gina's blog today. It's a good one. 

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