Just Add Denim

Wearing //

Stella & Dot top and ring

Old Navy jeans

Target sandals

Similar clutch

Similar earrings

Beauty //

Lips in Nars Sex Machine

They are here! Stella & Dot's long anticipated line of tops called maette. It was hard to choose which one I wanted to try first, but I settled on the "Evie." The beautiful lace sleeves elevate it from your basic t-shirt, and I know this will become a staple in my wardrobe. Every year before the beginning of Fall, I try to refresh my little supply of basics and this is the perfect addition. I would say that the Evie runs true to size, although it is rather long on my 5'2 frame. I rolled it for a more flattering length, but it looks cute tucked in as well. I must say that I'm really impressed with the overall look and quality of the maette line so far, and I cannot wait to see what other styles make the cut. 

As a stylist, I have often been asked what to pair our jewelry with. My easiest answer is everything! But you can never go wrong with a top and jeans, especially for the weekend. Speaking of which, how was yours? Linking up with Caryl and Rachelle

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New L'Oreal Lash Paradise

I was kindly sent a PR package from L'Oreal a few weeks ago.

Aside from the fact that a well-known beauty brand gifted me ANYTHING, there was one product that really stood out. Voluminous lash paradise mascara has turned me once again into a drugstore beauty believer. Here's why:

It lifts the lashes and holds a curl until it's removed.

It has great coverage in just one coat, but is also buildable. I usually opt for two coats. The result is fluttery lashes that look long and full.

It doesn't flake off. I can't stand mascara that does that!

The wand as you'll see below is large, but not so big that you can't coat every lash. Thicker wands often feel awkward but this one allows for optimal control. I normally prefer plastic bristles as they grip lashes better, but this one is perfect for building tons of volume.

The formula isn't watery, but it's also not too thick. My gripe about the regular Voluminous mascara is that it translates to goopy lashes. This formula is much easier to work with and layer without looking overdone.

Wearing the lash paradise

I don't plan on purchasing any high-end mascara after trying this. In fact, this is the only mascara in my collection now. You know that Too Faced mascara that I once raved about? It also comes in a pink tube...this is even better than that, and at a fraction of the price! 

Have you tried lash paradise? If not, make a Target run. You're welcome 😙

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What Makes You Feel Beautiful?

There are so many reasons to feel inadequate - but why not choose to feel beautiful? 

Wearing //

Nordstrom Rack tank

Express skirt (old) but similar here

Sole Society heels, similar here & love these

BR bag, beautiful option

Stella & Dot bracelet

Beauty //

Nars lips in "Sex Machine"

That's the question that's been dancing around in my head lately. I'm not sure you've noticed but I haven't had the desire to blog much recently.  I don't want to make excuses as to why, but I do want to be honest about it. I could say that I've been busy or that Summer is the perfect time to take a break, but those aren't exactly true. 

I haven't felt like putting myself together because I've been feeling pretty insecure. Not just for blog pictures but in my daily life as well. Self-doubt has crept in again and I have been hesitating on every decision I've been making, even trivial things like "what should I wear?" 

A lot of the clothes that used to spark joy last Summer no longer fit me anymore due to weight gain. Because I've been somewhat uninspired with the current trends, I have been looking back on my own archives to gather ideas. Even though I still own many of the pieces I used to love wearing, I can't put them on because they don't fit. It's so frustrating. When I started this blog, I was a size 4. Now I'm a size 8. And there's nothing wrong with that! Eight years later and my body has changed. I mean, it happens! It's just a number. But when I'm worried about certain angles or what the internet will think of my body, taking blog photos is more of a hassle and less about showing my style. 

Case in point, these photos. I almost wasn't going to post them because I wasn't feeling particularly pretty that day. I let my hair air-dry into a frizzy ball, I had a pimple forming on my chin, and there were a group of teenage boys laughing while Nate snapped away. Normally I don't let those things bother me, but I did. After reviewing these on the camera, I ended the day on a bad note and my mood was ruined for the night. Poor Nate. I know it's frustrating for him too. He just wanted to have a nice evening with his wife but my insecurities over pictures put a damper on things. 

Then I asked myself, why do I continue to do this? Am I going to let negative self-talk interrupt a hobby I love?

The answer is NO. I love fashion and clothes and beauty products and regardless of whether or not I blog, I would continue to love these things so why not just share them with you? Can't it just be that simple?

 Why not just choose to feel beautiful? There's always going to be a reason to not feel good enough. As a woman, I'm always going to struggle to not pass judgement on myself. 

 I feel beautiful when I spend time with a dear friend, when I'm laughing so hard I can't breathe, when I compliment a perfect stranger. I can choose to live in my shortcomings, or I can work on them while still choosing to see the good things in myself. That's the plan anyway...

What makes you feel beautiful? Thank you for listening! I mean, reading 💗

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Voluminous Sleeves

Wearing //

Anthro dress

I'll have to admit that the "statement sleeve" trend hasn't been my favorite. In fact, just a few weeks ago I wrote on Twitter that it's one trend I'm tired of seeing. I think it has good intentions - take something basic and give it a little twist. But more often than not, I've been left scratching my head. I think if you're fairly thin, detailed sleeves can look chic. But if you're like me and aren't exactly toned in the arm area, lots of volume can add more bulk, creating an unflattering silhouette. What's a girl to do? 

Enter this beautiful plum colored dress I bought from Anthropologie. I didn't think I would like it, but as soon as I tried it on, I knew that this was one dress I could make work. It didn't hurt that I've had a gift card burning a hole in my wallet for ages! The key for me is to keep things simple - allow the dress to be the focal point and use very little fluff everywhere else. I know it'll transition well into the Fall given its overall shape and color. 

What do you ladies think of the trend? I wore it to my friend's birthday dinner and it was perfect for the occasion!

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