The Perfect Periwinkle Dress For Petites

Every season, I update my wardrobe with key pieces that I know I'll wear over and over again. It's safe to say that this Spring I've been all about adding a few new dresses into the mix. I just find them to be so effortless, flattering, and versatile. For example, on cooler days, I reach for a denim or moto jacket to layer on top. On warm days, I throw on some sandals and a straw bag and head to the wineries! Not like the weather matters though...

One of my favorite brands for petite-friendly dresses is Ann Taylor. Last year, I fell in love with a similar blush pink midi dress. I've worn it countless times and at various events and gatherings so when I saw the updated version I ordered one right away. No longer midi, this year's dress comes to my knees. Instead of a soft shade of pink, this year the color is an icy periwinkle blue. I also prefer this neckline, which can be worn open to show off a necklace, or snapped closed for a more modest look. I honestly can't think of a single instance where this dress wouldn't be appropriate!

Wearing // Ann Taylor dress, Similar sandals, Clare V. bag, Stella & Dot cuff, Elizabeth Stone 
necklace

Nate and I took these photos last weekend at Fazeli Cellars. and tons of prom-ready young ladies and gents were also snapping and posing away. Just let the record show that I wore a light blue dress to my own prom in 2003, so some things never really change! I can however order a glass of pinot grigio now.


Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Comparing 3 Pink-Tube Mascaras & Sephora Spring Sale

I have a thing for mascara that comes packaged in a pink tube.

It all started with Too Faced better than sex mascara. I absolutely loved it, but the higher price point was hard to justify so I graduated to a less-expensive-but-just-as good drugstore alternative called lash paradise. Most recently, I decided I needed to try lash slick from Glossier after reading so many positive reviews.

They all happen to come in a pretty shiny pink tube. Coincidence?

As I was putting on my makeup the other day, I realized that a comparison of these 3 popular mascaras might be helpful. For reference, I have extremely short sparse lashes so I take all the help I can get. I've toyed with the idea of lash extensions but my eyes are super sensitive and the fear of an allergic reaction is very real! I prefer mascara that builds volume while still looking clean (meaning no clumps) and I like them to look defined. Read my thoughts on each mascara below.


Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $24: I was introduced to this mascara by my best friend a few years ago and have been purchasing it on and off since. I love the formula, as it effortlessly creates volume with just one coat. It also holds a curl quite well. My only complaint is that the large wand is difficult to maneuver at times, and I often feel like I'm not coating every single little lash particularly in the corners. However, I keep going back to this mascara because overall it really does make my natural lashes look as full as they can.

Pros: Lots of volume and length, holds curl, does not flake
Cons: $$$ and giant wand/brush

L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10: I don't know if this mascara was created with Too Faced better than sex in mind, but they are mysteriously very very similar. The volume is unreal. I would say I prefer L'Oreal overall - I even like this wand much more because it isn't as large as the Too Faced version. However, the formula dries out ridiculously fast! After about a month and a half, I have to go buy another tube! So is it really worth it to spend 10 dollars on one tube practically every other month? Well yes, because I do! But I still go back and forth between this and Too Faced. It really just depends on my mood.

Pros: Lots of volume and length, useful wand/brush, holds a curl, $
Cons: Formula starts out perfectly but then dries out quickly, a little flaking sometimes

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, $16:  I really am on the fence with this one. I love the narrow plastic wand because it allows me to get right in at the base of my lashes so I can coat each one. I love how dark and inky the formula is. I also love that it lengthens and defines. But it's a very natural looking mascara and even after trying to build some volume, any volume at all, I just can't get my stubby lashes to cooperate. Maybe I need to wait a few more weeks until it begins drying out a bit? If any of you have tried lash slick (I think Rachelle from PinkSole uses this) then please tell me what I'm missing? I don't dislike it but I won't be buying it again.

Pros: Good size and shape of wand, dark shiny color, really lengthens and separates each lash
Cons: Not good for volume

I would recommend Too Faced and L'Oreal, I would say pass on Glossier. If you have any questions, let me know.

Before I go, I wanted to quickly share what I ordered from Sephora's Spring sale. It was opened late last week for Rouge members, but it's now also open to VIB and Insiders. I'm a VIB and used code HEYVIB to get 15% off my entire order. Beauty products rarely go on sale so I took advantage and am trying new things I've had my eyes on for awhile. I'll report back soon but if you need any recommendations I'd go with this spray by Ouai (it's part of the reason why I'm trying their masque) or anything in this post!

Have a great weekend!

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The Monthly Edit // April

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

Happy first day of May! Aside from September, this is my favorite month of the year. Spring is so beautiful here and the weather is fairly temperate so it's the perfect time to get outside and take advantage before it really heats up. 

I think I've talked enough about my Palm Springs weekend, but I wanted to share a couple photos of the aerial tram we took on our way home. It was our first time riding the Palm Springs aerial tram and it was such a cool experience. According to Wikipedia, it's the largest rotating tramway in the world. The elevation once you are at the top is over 8,000 ft. above sea level. You start the ride in the desert, and end up at the top of Mt. San Jacinto overlooking the Coachella Valley surrounded by forest! It's about a 12 minute ride in a cable car that's mostly enclosed, but it continually rotates as you climb the peak so the views are amazing. It's a bit of a bumpy ride, but so worth it. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area. You can hike, camp, or just grab a drink at the restaurant and take in the spectacular views. I remember it was about 90 degrees that day in Palm Springs, but once we got to the mountain there was at least a 40 degree drop in temperature! It was incredible.

Our "car" coming down the mountain - can you spot it?!

Things I Liked in April:

We finished season 2 of Friends from College (so good) and are not-so-patiently waiting for season 3. I've recently read that people are angry with Netflix over the abrupt cancellations of some of their popular shows. If Netflix does this with Friends from College, I'll be one of them!

April had the perfect mix of sunny warm days that felt like heaven, and rainy days where I could cozy up with a blanket. It's kind of fun to be able to wear a cardigan or utility jacket one day and an airy little dress the next. I'm hoping May is the same. 

I placed an order with Glossier and am loving their cloud paint and boy brow. I'm on the fence about their lash slick mascara but more on that in Friday's post. 

I tried a few new recipes, mostly chicken dishes that I prepped for lunches throughout the week. If you're interested, you can follow my cooking board on Pinterest! 

Things I Didn't Like in April: 

I've done some commuting to San Diego for indeesource, picking up materials and parts. I've enjoyed it, but my God I don't miss all the driving I've had to do over the years. The Temecula area is a total commuter town, most of us have had to do it at some point. I commuted to junior college and then to state college in San Marcos, and then I commuted all over Riverside and San Bernardino County for work. Of course it was worth it and I wouldn't change a thing, but I do think all the driving takes a mental toll on people. 

Game of Thrones Twitter. Look, I'm one of the only human beings on this planet that hasn't seen a single episode. Sometimes I have FOMO, but mostly I just don't get it. Don't @ me. 

How was your April? Do you have any exciting plans for May? I'll be back on Friday!

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MINKPINK Wild Jasmine Tea Dress For Spring & Summer

As mentioned in my last post, I'm on a pretty heavy dress kick lately and this wild jasmine tea dress from MINKPINK is hands-down my favorite for Spring and Summer 2019.

Wearing // MINKPINK dress on sale, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V petite Alice bag, Gorjana coin necklace & Chloe mini necklace

Beauty // Lips are Becca Cosmetics glow gloss in Camellia

This is the second dress I bought with Palm Springs in mind. It's my first dress from MINKPINK but I'm so impressed by the quality and fit that now I basically want everything they make! I felt so comfortable in it that I wore it on the drive out to the desert, and then decided to stick with it for the remainder of our first day and night. It's light and airy, perfect for walking around the town and grabbing drinks at our favorite Mexican bar. 

I appreciate that it's fully lined for extra coverage, and the body of the dress has such a nice flow. The little flutter sleeves and deeper neckline give it a flirty feel without going overboard. I'm still able to wear a regular bra, but I did use a tiny bit of fashion tape as well since I brought it with me for my wrap dress. This dress has a generous fit so I would size down in retrospect, but my typical size was just fine for that carefree bohemian vibe I love. 

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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A Wrap Dress For Spring

This Spring, I've been scouring the internet for little dresses that I can just throw on and go no matter the occasion. My lifestyle is fairly casual, but I still enjoy putting myself together and looking feminine - a dress is perfect for that. There are so many fun trends to choose from this year too; whether it's a midi length with buttons going down the front, floral frocks with layers of chiffon ruffles, long flowing maxis, or mini dresses with pockets and flutter sleeves. Trust me, I have several of these on my wish list! Living in SoCal, there's really no such thing as too many.

One style that I've always admired but have shied away from is the wrap dress. They've never seemed very secure to me, and visions of the dress completely coming undone in public is the stuff of fashion nightmares! But, I've also long been told that a wrap-style dress is the ultimate in figure flattery and who doesn't want that? Why not give it a try? Featuring a tie-waist and an A-line skirt, it hugs your curves in all the right places.

Wearing // Wrap Dress (size down in the dress) Soludos espadrilles, Clare V petite Alice bag, Gorjana sunburst coin necklace & Chloe Mini necklace

Beauty // Lips in L'Oreal "I Create"

I bought this adorable dress right before our weekend in Palm Springs. I love the long sheer sleeves and the ruffle at the hemline. It comes in a few different prints and colors but I opted for this orange hue because I like the warm tone with my dark hair. My only reservation is that I wish it had a snap closure because the neckline loosens up as you wear it, but that's not anything some fashion tape can't fix! I wore it out to dinner on our second night and I felt so feminine and curvy in it. I hope Diane Von Furstenburg would approve!

Do you own a wrap dress? I'm not entirely converted but I DO think everyone needs just ONE in their wardrobe. 

Linking up with Pink Sole today.

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The Riviera Palm Springs

The Riviera hotel in Palm Springs is truly an oasis in the desert. Located in downtown Palm Springs, it's incredibly convenient for exploring the surrounding area. You can soak up the sun and lounge by the pool during the day, and go listen to live music at night. I've stayed in a few different resorts over the years in Palm Springs, but The Riviera is now my favorite. In fact, we plan on making the trip an annual visit.

Everything about the place exuded glamour, luxury, and relaxation. The resort is divided into sections, and each section is centered around the large pool and patio area. I loved all of the flowers blooming, as well as the shady trees and large palms that surrounded the property.

1600 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs

The lobby of the hotel was gorgeous. As soon as I walked in, a citrus scent wafted through the air - it was honestly kind of intoxicating! I can still smell it as I type this. I also really loved the color scheme in the lobby area with white and pops of blue, green, and pink. I need one of those pink velvet chairs for my office! Everything was just so beautiful and well done.

While compiling these photos, I realized I didn't take a single picture of our room! It was just as luxe as you'd imagine though. It felt private, the bathroom was spacious, and the bed was supremely comfortable. 

The pool/patio area was inviting and we spent a whole day there drinking and lounging. There was a nice mix of people, from couples looking for some pampering, to families with small children, and of course plenty of singles wanting to party. I really loved the variety. On Saturday, a DJ played music and everyone was dancing in the pool. If that's not your scene though, Sunday was more low-key although music still played through the loud speakers. 

We ventured out to eat for most of our meals but we did have breakfast at Cafe Palmetto. I got their eggs benedict and it was the best I've had! I think it was the hollandaise sauce that was so rich and creamy. It's a must-try!



Nate and I did many of the same things that we did on our day trip last year, so I'm including that post in case you're wanting some recommendations for things to do and see!

Overall, this is one of the nicest resorts I've ever stayed in and it was a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to anybody who is visiting Palm Springs! Definitely an A+

This post was not sponsored in any way - I mean, I wish! 

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