Nordstrom Giftcard Giveaway

Hello ladies, happy Monday! I'm going to keep this super short today but I just wanted to pop in and encourage you all to enter the giveaway that my friends and I have partnered in to thank you for being such great readers. It's a $100 dollar Nordstrom gift card. Who wouldn't love that?! Just in time for Mother's Day too. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. You must be 18+ years of age and the contest is open to U.S. and Canada only. It ends May 7th CST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I Heard You Have a Blog?

Why yes. Yes I do have a blog.

What's it about?

Um, just silly stuff. Fashion, beauty, my style.

Oh that's so cool, I'll have to read it!

And in my head I'm thinking, please don't! God don't read it and see what I do on the weekends. Husband running home from work on Fridays so we can catch the last bits of sunlight.

It's not that deep. I always follow up people's questions by saying it's just something I do for fun, because it really is. But I downplay how much it honestly means to me, and how it has saved me from becoming completely insane in my "real" job. Working with kids and families is tough, and I often come home after a meeting feeling like I need to re-think my choices in life. I also come home wanting to pour myself a large glass of wine. Usually I refrain. Usually.

Wearing //

Express cami

Nordstrom jacket, similar here and here

Topshop skirt, perfect Spring option

J.Crew pumps, similar

Loeffler Randall saddle bag

Nordstrom necklace

When I first started Beautygirl24 in 2009, the only people I told were my best friends. I didn't even tell close friends and family, and certainly not co-workers. I wasn't sure why, but I was completely embarrassed. I didn't think it would be taken seriously, because hell I didn't even take it seriously. It was just supposed to be a guilty pleasure, something to entertain myself with while I was avoiding becoming a full-fledged adult. Then once I started Instagram, people found out about this hobby of mine, and now pretty much everyone I know, knows. It sometimes feels like a dirty secret that I've carried around. But then I wonder, why I am ashamed? I mean what's the big deal? So many women have blogs now. Stay at home moms, working women who need an outlet, and many who have been fortunate (and hard working) enough to make blogging their full-time jobs. It's an idea that I've grappled with, especially lately. I'm just not convinced that I'd enjoy solely doing this for work, and I like that it's been a low maintenance thing. Would I still enjoy doing this if it were my job? I really don't know, nor have I given myself the freedom to give it a few minutes thought.

But yes, I have a blog. And I am beginning to be more than okay with people knowing. I'm actually proud of it.

Do you ladies tell others about your blog? How do you feel about it? I'm in discussion mode on this one!

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Loeffler Randall Saddle Bag

As I previously mentioned in this post, I had been researching small crossbody and saddle bags for about three months now. I don't ever buy a bag on impulse, at least not anymore. I mull things over before making my decision. I usually try to see the bag in person so I can touch the leather, inspect the hardware, take note of its functionality, and try it on. This may sound like Type A to the extreme, but when it comes to dropping some cash on a bag, I'm anything but lazy. It's also a fun process! The thrill of the hunt can be even more exciting than the actual purchase.

Unfortunately, I didn't see this bag in person. I tried all of the higher end department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus but none at the South Coast Plaza location had this bag in stock so I gave it a whirl online during Shopbop's sale. $100 dollars off the retail price? Sold!

Link

Here are my thoughts after carrying it four times:

Pros:
Although it's small, it's quite roomy! It has two compartements where you can store the essentials. It's not large enough for a regular wallet, but other than that, all of my other must-haves fit nicely. These include cell phone, cards, keys, some lip products, and a small pill case.

It has a pocket in the back for easy access to a phone.

The strap is adjustable, so it really will suit any height! A big plus for a petite girl like myself! You can adjust to wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag.

It is THE perfect shade of blush (thistle is the name of the color). Not too pink, not too white. It almost has a slight lavender tone, which is beautiful! I can't get over the color, almost like ballerina slippers. It makes for a feminine appeal to an otherwise androgynous bag.

The leather is very smooth and supple.

Loeffler Randall isn't as common as other brands, which I actually prefer. I most likely will not see it on others in and around my area. Saddle bags are trending, but I have yet to see this particular bag on anyone.

Cons:
The leather is so soft, that I fear of wear and tear. I'm using a protectant to ensure that doesn't happen, or at least not quickly.

The snap closure of the bag is a bit cumbersome. You really have to press down on the hardware to get it to lock in place. Opening it is easy though, and it's not a hassle to get in and out of like my Chanel bag.


Overall, I am in love with this beauty and am even planning on another Loeffler purchase in the future. I think this brand has me hooked!

If you have any specific questions that I didn't cover, feel free to leave me a comment below! Thank you for reading!

Linking up today with Rachelle and Caryl 

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Don't Shy Away From Red

Wearing //

Express dress

Loeffler Randall bag

Stella & Dot ring and cuff

WHBM sandals, pretty option 

I've shied away from wearing bold colors in the past, and the one shade that really seemed to scare the heck out of me was red. Too vibrant, too attention grabbing, too "look at me". I really dislike attention in public, which is pretty strange considering I write a blog on the internet. I know, I don't understand it either sometimes but I feel like I'm getting more and more comfortable with a little attention. Yes red is powerful, but it's also incredibly feminine and it forces me to come out of my shell a bit. There's nothing to be shy of, right? Paired with softer accessories, I let the dress be the star. Although I'm loving my new bag, and I think it's worthy of special attention too! I can't wait to review it for you so look for that in my next post. 

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