Holiday Outfit Idea: Lace Dress

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the holidays coming so quickly, I wanted to provide some ideas that can be worn on these special occasions. I know we all celebrate in our own way - some of us hit the party circuit, while some of us hibernate by the fire. No matter what your style is or what your plans are, I'll be featuring three distinct looks that hopefully will inspire you as we get closer to the holidays. First up...

The Lace Dress

Wear it to:

 Fall or Winter wedding

Company or corporate dinner party

Any "formal" event

New Years Eve

The lace dress is probably my favorite, and I've worn it to so many events like weddings, anniversaries, and a girls' night out. The key here is in its versatility. Lace looks formal, but it isn't as dramatic as say, sequins. The timeless elegance will never go out of style, and you'll be surprised at how much wear you can get from a simple lace dress. This one in particular epitomizes my personal style pretty clearly. It's a gorgeous jewel tone, the silhouette flatters my curves, and the length is so feminine. I feel that it's fairly universal and not only will you get compliments from your significant other, but your fussy aunt from out of town may just do a double-take as well :)

Wearing //

LOFT dress, similar here & here

Sam Edelman pumps

Stella & Dot cuff

Lush jewelry ring

Nordstrom clutch, similar

Linking up with Carylee and Rachelle today!

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The Wrap Coat

I love a good coat. The right one can instantly elevate an outfit into something more sophisticated, whether you wear it over a dress or with jeans. I hate to admit that I own more coats than is possibly necessary living in California. I have a trench coat, a duster, one decked in stripes, another in plaid. My friends often tease me - where are you going in that? Um, anywhere! 

My newest coat for this season is a wrap style in a gorgeous salmon color. What I love is that it provides warmth without being stuffy, looking bulky, or feeling too formal. I like to wear mine open, with the tie in the back looped into a big bow but it looks just as pretty cinched around the waist for more definition. This is a great transitional piece for those of you in colder climates, or the perfect weight if you live in a warmer area like I do but still want to have some fun with the idea of a coat. I can't wait to wear this over a black dress for a Christmas party next month. I have so many styling ideas, which means that I was right to buy such a versatile piece. 

Wearing //

Express coat, check stores or similar 

Topshop jeans

Sam Edelman pumps

Sezane bag

Lips in Nudestix "Mystic"

What do you think of the wrap coat trend? Linking up with Gina, Amy Ann, Brooke.

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Currently // November Updates

You guys, I know I've been slacking here. I'll spare the excuses and just say that I haven't been feeling particularly motivated. I went to see my therapist last week and we discussed why my moods have been affecting my productivity. I'm still struggling, but as always, she asked tough questions and put things into perspective so I'm determined to keep up a normal blogging schedule for my own sanity sake (and because she encouraged me to).

I feel so much more connected when I blog, and it's a part of my life that I want to continue. I hope you're still with me :)

Since I feel like I've been a stranger, I thought it would be a good time to share some life updates and join a link-up that was recommended to me. Here is a recap of current musings...


Anticipating - Nate and I are going to see The Lumineers and Vance Joy in December! You guys probably know how much we love going to shows and The Lumineers have been on my list for a couple years. I've already seen Vance Joy and he's amazing! If you ever get the chance, go! Any suggestions on what to wear? I normally dress down for shows (especially when there's a mosh pit involved) but this time I want to look more put together.

Realizing - That I need to ask for help more often and be open to receiving it. I hate relaying my problems, even to friends. I'd rather help others than help myself, and that can be pretty isolating and destructive.

Reviewing - So many good things, including this Laneige lip mask! Full thoughts coming soon, but it's safe to say that I'm obsessed and have been slapping this on every night before bed.

Following - I've cut way back on my social media footprint, mostly because I compare myself to others. That isn't exactly going to get me to my "stop thinking you suck" goals. Plus, I haven't been feeling as creative in my Instagram posting so I'm not looking around as much either. But, I still enjoy following my girls! Gina, Rachelle, Amy Ann, Carylee, to name a few.

Appreciating - Cooler weather! It finally feels like Fall here and I am so thrilled to be snuggled up in my fleece blanket as I type this. It's the little things in life, right?

Investigating - School. I was enrolled in copy editing and digital content courses at UCSD, but my certificate has yet to be completed. I'm so indecisive! It's like, pick a lane already! So I've been going back and forth about next semester and whether I want to continue my studies. I'll keep you posted, but I'm leaning towards yes. Education is never a regret.

Happy November! Linking up with Anne in Residence and A Hopeful Hood.

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The Day Dress

Wearing //

LOFT dress

Zara pumps, old but similar here 

Sezane bag

One of you has to tell me that it actually feels like Fall where you are! I'm begging please! Because I need to live vicariously through you, and pretend that I'm not currently sitting in front of a fan in a tank top like it's the middle of July. This heat wave has been uncharacteristic, even by California standards. It's also the topic of conversation and is annoying everyone, even those of us who enjoy Summer. It just doesn't seem right that it's 104 degrees the last week of October! 

The one perk of course (maybe the only one) is that I can still wear a dress all day and be perfectly content. After seeing this on one of my YouTube friends, I grabbed it at 40% off. I love the flutter sleeves and the flounce hemline. I always remark that the easiest way to get dressed is to throw on one complete outfit, add your favorite shoes, bag, and jewelry, and go. I can't tell you how much time I've wasted over the years trying to figure out some contrived formula when really all I need is a dress to build around! I've discovered that simplicity is key, at least for me...especially in "transitional" weather!

Linking up with: On The Daily Express, Straight A Style, Pumps & Pushups. I hope you have a great Wednesday! 

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