6.19.2019

Why I'm Loving Espadrilles

6.19.2019
I've never really been much of a shoe girl. I know I know, I'm just waiting to get my style card revoked! Don't get me wrong, I love shoes. I admire them like little works of art. I just don't feel the need to own many pairs, and I choose comfort above everything else. Gone are the days of trying to make stilettos happen. I failed pretty miserably at walking in them in my twenties, and now that I'm almost thirty-five and am no longer so preoccupied with what others think, I choose my footwear more wisely. Ballet flats at a bar on a Saturday night? Oh yeah, I do it.

I really believe that a few pairs of classic, practical shoes can help support any wardrobe. A pair of flat sandals, a neutral wedge, some black suede pumps, and a pair of...espadrilles? I did a little digging and it turns out that espadrilles have been around since the 13th century! They look so modern, and yet they're actually a classic shoe.

Wearing //
MinkPink tea dress on sale (runs large)
North Star layered necklace
Soludos wedge espadrilles
Madewell mini transport tote
Beauty //
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Fenty Beauty Powder in Lavender 
L'Oreal Lip Ink in "I Create"




These canvas lace up beauties have a wedge, but I also wear my flat pair quite a bit. The fibre sole is very soft and flexible, so they are super comfortable for walking. They look so chic and feminine when worn with a dress, but they also pair well with jeans and shorts for a casual cool vibe. I know they're making the rounds on social media and are very trendy at the moment, but I find them to be an essential Spring and Summer shoe. I am partial to the brand Soludos, but many designers have a version. If you haven't already, give them a try!




Linking up with On The Daily Express, Straight A Style
8 comments

6.17.2019

Those Summer Weekends

6.17.2019

Is there any greater feeling than a weekend well spent? Especially when said weekend included a delicious Italian dinner, great wine, catching up with friends you haven't seen in awhile, and long walks? That's a rhetorical question.

Summer weekends are my absolute favorite. Everything seems more relaxed, even if there's a lot to be done. Lately, I start my Saturday and Sunday mornings by sitting on our front porch drinking coffee and planning out the week ahead. It's a great way to sneak in some productivity while still being a little lazy!

My casual Summer weekends reflect a wardrobe to match. Luckily it's still cool enough to wear jeans, and hey even if it wasn't cool enough, I'd still do it.


Wearing //
Old Heartloom top, similar here
LOFT petite jeans
Soludos striped flat espadrilles
Madewell mini transport tote
Gorjana amara rings


I'll always be a jeans and t-shirt girl, but even better when I can take them up a notch. I've had this lace off the shoulder top for a few years (last seen on the blog way back here) and it almost didn't make the cut when I cleaned out and organized my closet a couple weeks ago; I'm relieved I didn't donate it! Off the shoulder tops can be tricky, but I still think they are fun to wear in the Summer when you're tired of the same old tank tops and tees. As we begin to transition from Spring to Summer and the weather heats up, it's nice to have certain special pieces in your wardrobe. These striped espadrilles are another example. I could live in sandals all Summer, but sometimes I don't want to bother getting a pedicure so espadrilles are a great stand-in! In fact, I wore them so much last year that they inspired me to get these cream colored wedges you've already seen. 

I hope you ladies had a great weekend and Father's Day. Father's Day is tough for me because although I'm blessed to have my dad in good health, our relationship has always been very strained. We take one step forward, then like five steps back. I called him yesterday and we spoke briefly, but I still cried afterwards like I always do. Acceptance is something I work on every single day. That's all we can do, right? Anyway, I'm sending hugs to those of you in a similar situation. Unfortunately there are more of us than not these days...

Linking up with Pink Sole
7 comments

6.11.2019

Rose Haven Heritage Garden

6.11.2019
I've lived in Temecula almost all of my life, and yet I had no idea this beautiful garden even existed! Living in the suburbs, there are parks almost on every corner, but none as lovely as Rose Haven Heritage Garden.


Wearing // 


I think I saw an acquaintance post about the garden on her Instagram, so when we had a warm sunny day last week, Nate and I decided to go see it for ourselves. We were not disappointed! It's a lush sprawling property with walking paths, picnic areas, and rows upon rows of colorful flowers, succulents, and of course fragrant roses. The scent in the garden was incredible, I wanted to bottle it up! Even though there were quite a few people walking around taking photos, the garden felt very peaceful. Next time we plan on packing a light lunch and taking advantage of their picnic tables or gazebos. 

This pink pleated midi dress has definitely been loved since I bought it last Spring. I can't tell you how often I reach for it, especially on days when I want to look a bit dressed up. I'm happy to see that midi lengths are still really popular because they're so feminine and so my style! I've worn this dress with flat sandals on the beach, with high heels for a nice celebratory dinner, and now with wedge espadrilles in a garden surrounded by roses.

Where will it be worn next?

Linking up with I Do deClaire
4 comments

6.07.2019

5 Beauty Products Worth Trying This Month

6.07.2019
Last month, I discovered 5 new beauty products that I'm absolutely loving and highly recommend you try. I don't say that too often because everyone is different and beauty preferences are personal. However, I feel like many of you would love these products and the results they give.

{Just a reminder that I always show products in natural light}

I came across this highlighter palette through Michele1218. I've followed her for years on YouTube and really trust her recommendations, so when she featured this palette a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to try it too. There are three universally flattering shades: pearl, golden quartz, and rose gold. All three are super soft and buttery, with the most gorgeous shimmer that's easy to blend out for that perfect Summer glow. I use the golden quartz and rose gold shades across my cheekbones, and pearl in the corners of my eyes. All three have great color payoff. I'm impressed! If there's one product you try from my reviews, let it be this! 


I prefer using powders most of the year because I have oily skin, but come Summer, I reach for lightweight creams and gels that last through heat. Cloud paint in Dusk is a gorgeous wash of tawny nude that lasts for hours. I use a stippling brush to swirl it onto the apples of my cheeks, and it creates a seamless stain of natural color. It doesn't even look like makeup, just your body's own natural flush.
Boy Brow is a tinted gel with the smallest brush. It contains tiny fibers that adhere to your brows to make them look fuller and polished. You guys know I hate how thin my eyebrows are from my bad teenage years of over tweezing. There isn't a ton I can do to correct those mistakes, but this gel really does fill in the sparse areas and gives my brows more depth.
Both of these products are the cornerstones of the brand, and I can definitely see why.


I'm not one to switch up my setting powder or foundations, but I kept seeing so much buzz around this product. My NYX HD powder was almost empty, so during the Sephora Spring sale last month, I ordered the Pro Filt'r setting powder in lavender. Having a lavender hued setting powder may seem strange, but it goes on completely translucent and is the silkiest powder I've ever felt. I have fairly oily skin, and this sets my makeup all day long. It's quite expensive, especially in comparison to NYX, but I have a feeling I'm not going to want to go back. It leaves a natural, soft matte finish.


I'm extremely happy with the coverage and lasting power of my favorite concealer, but I was still craving a bit more brightness underneath my eyes. I wanted to look fresh and youthful, and this brightening corrector from Becca helps achieve just that. It's a cream product that feels slightly tacky to the touch. I use my ring finger to apply a small amount underneath my eyes, on top of concealer. I pat and press it on, so the heat of my finger warms up the product, and then I use a small brush to set it with the Fenty powder mentioned above. The effect isn't quite Kardashian-esque, but close!


Let me know if you try any of these! I always like hearing your thoughts. Happy shopping 💋
2 comments

6.05.2019

Summer Staples // Lace Kimono Top + Jeans

6.05.2019
I feel I'm in my element when I'm outside in the beautiful warm sunshine, on a patio or deck, chilled glass of white wine in hand. I did it this past weekend, and I'd like to do it every weekend from now until eternity.

It was a nice little taste, but Summer isn't quite ready just yet. We're still in the transitional phase, but every day I'm more and more excited about wearing some of the new pieces I've bought recently. I like to call them my Summer staples because I know I'll be wearing them all season long.

Wearing // 
Beauty //


Let's start with this kimono style top. I bought it blindly online from a boutique called Ooh La Luxe. They have a great range of bohemian style pieces, and while browsing their new arrivals section I fell in love with the top's white lace, billowy sleeves, and tie front. It's completely sheer so I suggest a nude camisole or even bodysuit underneath. Tops that are a little more interesting than your average plain tee are great this time of year. I wore it with some lighter wash jeans from LOFT, flat cognac sandals, and a fun lilac tote for a bit more color. All of these are basic staple items that will get a ton of use this Summer.

What are some of your Summer staples?
4 comments

5.31.2019

The Monthly Edit // May

5.31.2019
"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." 


It's the last day of May which means it's time for my monthly edit. I could tell you how fast time flies, how I can't believe another month has come and gone, blah blah blah. Instead, I'll simply say that May was emotionally draining for me and I'm glad that it's over. I'm not entirely sure what the deal was, but my mood was just off and no matter how hard I tried to get out from underneath the clouds, I couldn't shake the feeling. It happens. Sometimes you need to embrace the blues, as long as you know that they won't last forever.

May is mental health awareness month, and I took more time than normal to reflect, talk with friends, read, and write down the things I'm grateful for. These are all things I should be doing on a regular basis, but like most people, I get complacent. I've learned that it's actually in times when I feel the worst and am at my most vulnerable that real growth occurs. The word gratitude has been popping up constantly in my head, especially when I turn on the news and see what real tragedy is and just how difficult circumstances are for so many people. Simply acknowledging all the good in my life has alleviated some of the negative feelings, and I'm hoping that June is much better mentally.


 Wearing:
Anyway, onto some frivolous news (which is why you're here): This month, I went back and forth between jeans and jackets to dresses and kimonos. The weather was bi-polar so my outfit choices were as well. One thing I was very excited about though was my new Madewell tote. I've carried it for a few days now and I couldn't be happier with it!


Watching: Momentum Generation, a documentary that came out last year about a group of America's surfers in the 90's. I grew up watching some of these guys like Kelly Slater and Rob Machado. Even if you aren't into surfing, this documentary is moving and powerful. It will inspire you.


Looking forward to: Our road trip with friends is at the end of June leading into July. We've planned this for months. We are traveling through Utah and staying outside of Bryce Canyon, eventually ending in Wyoming. Lots of stops along the way! The open road with friends is JUST what I've been craving.


Things I liked in May:
I'm really impressed with all of the new beauty items I bought this month! I'm doing a complete round-up and review next week. The only problem is, I want more...

I got the chance to meet my friend's baby boy this past Saturday and he's so sweet. My friend and her family moved to Long Beach a couple years ago and I don't get to visit with her as often.


Things I didn't like in May:
Elephant poaching: I follow a journalist on Twitter, Yashar Ali. His passion for elephants and bringing awareness to their endangered status around the world is amazing, but many of his articles and tweets break my heart. "The Government of Botswana is covering up a significant elephant poaching outbreak because they don't want it to impact tourism." Botswana is lifting its ban on elephant hunting. Many countries are following suit.

Nettie's paw: Our dog has skin allergies related to the climate here, and her front right paw has been red, itchy, and swollen. We thought it was an allergy flareup. We took her to the vet three times before they finally found a foxtail lodged in her poor little paw. She's on antibiotics and she'll be fine, but we are much more careful with where we walk her now and no more going off-leash on hikes.


How was your month? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
4 comments