The Monthly Edit // August

"Stay close to people who feel like sunshine."

August was a busy month filled with birthdays, lazy beach days, and plenty of friend time. I'm always amazed at how quickly Summer goes, and while many people are happy to rush through it, I'm still savoring every last moment. I mean can we at least wait until after Labor Day to start thinking about Fall? That used to be the norm, but now attention spans are such that we rush through everything. Before you know it, the holiday shopping guides will be making the rounds and the new year will be upon us...

But first, let's recap August, shall we?

The month began with a river trip to Arizona, and it came to a close with a camping trip to Carlsbad State beach. A couple of our friends are all about that #vanlife, so we joined them for a night and slept in the back of our Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's a tight squeeze, especially in comparison to camping in a trailer, but sleeping with the windows open and waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore makes it all worth it. In my opinion, there's no better sound in the world.

We also found a new beach that we really love! Cardiff By The Sea. It helped that we beat the crowds by going during the week, so we plan on going back on Tuesday (after Labor day weekend is over).

My best friend moved into a new apartment, but it's still in the beautiful area of Little Italy San Diego. To say that I want to move right in would be an understatement! Her aesthetic is similar to mine, but she executes it so much better than I ever could. See the white and turquoise rug? I want it! Luckily she doesn't much mind that I usually end up copying at least some part of her decor. Her bedroom is actually my favorite part of the new place, with palm print wallpaper covering one side of the room. It's paradise in the city!

Other things in August:

Eating/Drinking everything with fresh lemon! I'm trying to up my water intake, but naturally that can get a little boring on the taste buds so lemon juice it is. I've also been using it on top of salads and it's so healthy and refreshing! Here's my current favorite caesar recipe: romaine lettuce mixed with a handful of kale, shaved parmesan cheese, grilled chicken or salmon filet (whichever you prefer), a couple tablespoons of caesar dressing (this is the one we use), and the juice from half a lemon to top it all off. So good!


Still wearing breezy dresses, flip flops, bathing suits, and anything loose because the heat is no joke right now.

Listening to: Iration, Stick Figure, Lana, Sublime, Gloria by the Lumineers (I'm such a fan of theirs)

Looking forward to September! It's Virgo season, which means I can flaunt my perfectionist, type A tendencies and annoy the living Hell out of my non type A friends. Okay not really, but aside from my birthday I'm also excited to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary.


Things I liked:
My friend Nicole's birthday in Blythe was one for the books! Honestly, it took me a few days to recover from the heat, sun, and day drinking. Mostly the day drinking.

My mom's birthday was on the 22nd, and my cousin was in town visiting from Guadalajara. She only visits once or twice a year, so it was really wonderful to catch up with her and the family. My Spanish needs WORK.

Things I didn't like:
Instagram influencers' obsession with all things Fall (beginning in late July), which let's get real, essentially just translates into dollar signs. Consumerism is what dictates seasons, not the actual weather. I'm sorry, I know I sound like a bitter old lady and I don't mean to be so negative but for whatever reason, this year seems overly contrived and ridiculous. I wore all that stuff in May, just three short months ago. Do most people even need new cold weather clothing? Didn't people just finish putting all that stuff away? Please, maybe I'm missing something, so feel free to set me straight. But I guarantee that the same people pushing for Fall right now will also be the ones complaining about the cold in like two months flat.


With that, I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend! Do you have any plans?

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My Struggle With Hormonal Acne & What's Working

There's nothing more frustrating than getting a giant cystic pimple on my face. It seems that every month like clockwork, one pops up overnight. This normally happens around my menstrual cycle so although I can carefully time it, there's still a feeling of helplessness. There's only so much I can do to prevent and then ultimately treat a cystic pimple.

That doesn't stop me from trying.

If you're unfamiliar with cystic acne, consider yourself lucky! Those who've experienced them know what I'm talking about - red, swollen, painful bumps that form deep in the pore underneath the skin's surface. I get them on my chin, around my mouth, and along my jawline which is a classic symptom of hormonal imbalance. They're so stubborn that I typically get them in the exact same spots as previous flareups. So even though I can expect them every single month, there are a few steps I take to prevent "a big one." Some bumps are more manageable than others.

A little backstory on my skin: I had combination skin as a teenager with occasional breakouts on my t-zone. My chin was the home of cystic acne, especially around my period. I went on birth control pills when I was 18, and my skin was quite happy about that! The tone and texture evened out. I still would develop occasional bumps, but instead of getting them monthly, they would occur maybe yearly. In fact, my skin became pretty dry during my late twenties, and acne was no longer an issue until I went off of birth control two years ago. The progression was fast. My skin immediately began producing more oil and I tossed out my thick moisturizers and heavy oils in favor of lighter weight products more suitable for acne prone skin. I've read that if you had problem skin before birth control, then you will likely deal with it after stopping birth control. Of course every case is different, but many women take birth control pills to regulate their hormones so once they stop, hormones can go haywire.

My skincare routine isn't perfect just yet, but I've found that these steps have indeed made my monthly visitors less painful and more tolerable:

Cleanse:
Girl, wash your face! I don't have to remind you that it's the single most important step in any skincare regimen. My most used cleanser is Cetaphil, and you can easily find it at your local drugstore. It's gentle enough for all skin types, and it cleanses without stripping your skin of essential oils. Lately I've been using this cleanser by Kate Somerville, but any basic oil-free face wash is just fine. It's not about the price or brand, but about the ingredients.

Exfoliate: 
When you have acne flare-ups, you realize how crucial it is to exfoliate your entire face at least once per week. There are two types of exfoliants - physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation such as a scrub is the most common way to slough off dead skin cells. I use the Vasanti Brighten Up! Cleanser about twice a week in place of a regular cleanser. The little grains are just effective enough to work into a slight lather and rinse clean. You really need to be mindful of avoiding abrasive scrubs though - too harsh (or larger grains) can cause the reverse effect and can damage/tear your skin! Chemical exfoliation uses - you guessed it - chemicals to remove dead skin cells and create cell turnover. I personally feel that this form of exfoliation is the most effective. Not only does it remove buildup from the pores, but it also instantly brightens the skin. I use my favorite Kate Somerville ExfoliKate once a week, concentrating on my chin and jawline. 

Mask:
The week before my menstrual cycle, I make sure that the lower half of my face gets extra attention every night. I use a clay or charcoal mask to deep clean and detoxify the entire area around my mouth and on my chin. I rinse with cool water for a squeaky clean finish.

Moisturize: 
I don't care how oily your skin is, moisturizing is a must! A non-greasy, oil-free lotion is what I prefer daily, and then I use a serum by Glo Skin Beauty at nighttime. It contains salicylic acid which gets rid of excess oil and deep cleans the pores. It helps prevent future breakouts.

Treatments:
Okay, now here's what I do when I first begin to feel a big red bump coming on. I wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and then hold it to the affected spot for a few minutes. This helps to reduce the redness and swelling. After that, I mix a bit of benzoyl peroxide (it kills the bacteria) with some hydrocortizone cream and apply a thin layer to the pimple. This works best overnight! I usually notice a decrease in size of the pimple the next morning, and the hydrocortizone helps eliminate much of the redness. I do this for a couple nights until the pimple disappears or starts to come up to the surface where it dries out within a few days.

I've tried so many different acne clearing products over the years but this system has worked the best for me. Like I said, it isn't perfect and I'm still in the process of figuring it all out. If you have any advice, please let me know in the comments or send me an email! Hormonal acne isn't fun, but it also doesn't have to control your life either. I hope some of you found this helpful!

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style.

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Enjoying Summer In A Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

I first wore this dress back in Spring when Nate and I went on a weekend getaway to Palm Springs. I wore it once more after that, but as soon as Summer arrived, I didn't think I'd have much use for it until the weather cooled down. Luckily, there's a big drop in temperature here once the sun sets, so I decided to give it a go again for a night out last week. I love little dresses with long sleeves - there's just something so sophisticated about them! I also love that these sleeves are sheer, so you get the look without too much added warmth. Although I love the bright orange color now, I have a feeling I'll be wearing this dress even more come Fall.

But that won't be for awhile!

Wearing // Similar dress here & here, Steve Madden sandals (love these as well), Madewell tote, necklace one & two, nude camisole under dress

Beauty // Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit

I may be in the minority here, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to Summer. I've been inundated with cardigans, tunics, jeans, and booties on my social media feeds for what seems like weeks now and I am not here for it. I totally understand the excitement surrounding a new season, but it's physically impossible for most of us to wear anything other than sundresses, shorts, and swimsuits. Honestly, the mere thought of a sweater makes me itch! I love Summer, and I don't want it to end. For the first time in years I actually managed to get a tan, and I plan on showing it off until I turn back into my pasty, ghostly, self come October. Summer makes me genuinely happy, it always has. It gives me a sense of freedom that I don't normally feel throughout the year, and it makes me want to try new things and experience a little adventure. So while you won't see Fall content on this blog anytime soon, I hope you'll be in the moment with me as I continue savoring one of the best Summers I've ever had.

Are you still enjoying Summer, or are you ready for Fall? 

Linking up with I Do DeClaire. 

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Timeless Gold Necklaces For Everyday Elegance

If there's one thing I've learned after ten years of documenting my style through blogging, it's that I really value quality over quantity. Trends come and go, and even though they're fun to participate in, ultimately I want a wardrobe that makes me look and feel my best. Maybe it has a little something to do with age. Now that I'm well into my thirties, I gravitate towards timeless elegant pieces that will last for years. This is especially true when it comes to jewelry.

For a few years I tried out statement necklaces, giant cocktail rings, and heavy chandelier earrings. They made for some interesting conversation, but those pieces never really felt like "me." Most of them broke or tarnished after a few wears. These days, I'm all about understated gold jewelry. In particular, delicate gold necklaces that can be layered, worn alone, or mixed in with absolutely anything. Gold necklaces add just the right amount of sparkle, and they draw the eyes up toward your face. I swear they make your skin glow! I love layering two at a time for instant polish to any outfit. They can elevate a simple t-shirt and jeans, or they can effortlessly add a classic touch to a more complicated outfit.

For example, the cobalt dress I'm wearing here has a lot going on - ruffles, tassels at the neckline as well as some on the sides. The risk is piling on too many accessories and looking overdone. Who wants all that fussiness in the middle of Summer? My dainty gold jewelry adds subtle polish without taking attention away from the dress. I then added some neutral sandals and a small tote for dinner at our favorite winery.

Wearing // Sold out House of Harlow 1960 dress but same print here, Steve Madden sandals, Madewell bag

Beauty // Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip kit

 My newest acquisition is my zodiac sign which is Virgo. Although I'm not a huge believer in astrology, I've always been fascinated by the concept and I love the understated elegance of the necklace. I decided to layer it with my diamond initial necklace, and I think they pair so nicely together! Of course, I still wear this sunburst coin constantly and almost always with this shimmering strand of tiny gold discs. With so many unique retailers and artisans out there, finding your own everyday elegance has never been easier. 

Do you love dainty jewelry as much as I do? What are your favorite pieces?

*This post is in collaboration with Nakturnal

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Why I No Longer Crave Designer Bags

During most of my twenties and when I first began blogging in 2009, I was infatuated with luxury handbags. I was a member of the Purse Forum and I would spend what seemed like hours scrolling through photos of gorgeous bags and reading their corresponding reviews. I couldn't afford one of my own, but hey...I could dream. I was also an equal opportunity brand lover, from YSL to Balenciaga, and of course Chanel. Always Chanel.

When I graduated from college in 2010, my mom gifted me with the very bag of my dreams - a Chanel classic jumbo flap in caviar leather. I was over the moon for weeks, but then reality set in and this incredible feeling of guilt took over. What had I really done to deserve such a beautiful bag? In my mind, absolutely nothing.

I discussed these feelings with my mom and she ultimately persuaded me to keep and enjoy it. The latter is still difficult. I keep it in its original box and dust bag, and I only carry it on occasion.

All of that to say that I no longer spend hours dreaming of designer bags. I don't keep up with the latest "it" bag of the moment, and I can easily walk by a Louis Vuitton without so much as a passing glance. Maybe my priorities have shifted, maybe I've just seen too many people carrying identical bags so they don't appear as special. I'm simply just not that interested anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'll always love a great handbag, and I'll always admire them on others. If you can and you want to, then treat yourself! But with so many more options now, I've come to realize that showy designer logos just don't make sense for my life and style. I'd rather invest in something else.

Sézane, Madewell, Clare V 

3 of my favorite bags

I now prefer bags from Sézane and Clare Vivier. The quality is beautiful, their textures and colors are luxurious, and I still feel like I'm carrying a designer bag. Revolve and Shopbop have a good range of lesser known brands at varying price points. If you're vegan, Sole Society offers some great vegan leather options. 

I'd really love to hear your thoughts on this! Do you crave designer bags, or are they at the very bottom of your wishlist?

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Dressing Down A Feminine Pleated Skirt

In the blink of an eye, it's August!

We came back from Ohio last Wednesday, and the heat promptly greeted us in San Diego. I really thought the humidity in Ohio would get to me, but it was actually pretty mild in comparison to years past. August and September are by far the hottest months in Temecula, so like clockwork, this is the time where I have to start getting a little creative with my style and beauty routines. Nothing fussy, just simple, practical, breathable...you get the idea! When Summer's in full swing, it's hard to imagine getting too done up. Instead, I focus on dressing certain items in my closet down so that I look and feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Wearing // Target t-shirt,  Revolve x House of Harlow skirt in a gorgeous blue and here in red for $20, Steven sandals, Clare V bag, Elizabeth Stone necklace

Beauty (hair) // Ouai wave spray and Oribe anti-humidity spray from this set

I've worn this pretty pleated skirt countless times since I bought it last year, but this was the first time I dressed it down with flat sandals and a small straw bag. My inclination with skirts is usually to dress them up with heels, but there's no reason why I can't wear them with more casual accessories. I think it looks fresh for Summer, and then I have more opportunities to wear pieces that I save for specific events or occasions. I've recently seen a ton of my favorite style bloggers wearing basic t-shirts with beautiful skirts - whether the skirt is pleated like mine, a sophisticated midi length, or just any skirt you may already have in your closet that you neglect because it's considered a dressier piece. Pair it with a soft t-shirt, your favorite sandals or slip on sneakers, and a great bag and you have the perfect Summer outfit that you can wear almost anywhere! I knotted my tee in the back so I didn't have to tuck it in but whatever's comfortable for you is key. 

How do you dress down in the Summer? Linking up with Pink Sole

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