5.19.2021

 When we went into lockdown last Spring, I remember writing that dressing up was one of the (trivial) things I was missing the most. Now that things are finally getting back to normal, I'm wearing all of the pretty dresses I can to make up for lost time. 

Wearing // Abercrombie dress (I got the M petite), Jeffrey Campbell sandals (sold out but love these), Gorjana bracelet

This dress is from a place I used to idolize in college, but couldn't really afford to shop in on my student budget. Abercrombie & Fitch has come a long way since then! They are much more size inclusive, and their website no longer makes me feel guilty for not being a size 00. My friend Gina told me to check it out a couple years ago when I think they were beginning to transition, but I still felt too sheepish to take a look. I ended up buying some of their active wear during the Fall, and now I check in (just to look) fairly regularly. 
When I saw this adorable smocked dress on their site, I knew it would be perfect for Spring and Summer. Smocked dresses are having a big moment right now and I'm so glad because it's such a flattering, comfortable trend. My mom used to wear smocked everything when she was in her 20's and 30's so the look is purely nostalgic for me. So is this pretty mint color! The dress slips on overhead and is fully lined. The silhouette is feminine and airy - exactly how I plan on feeling for the next few hot months. 

Are you buying any new dresses? You'll definitely see them a lot here! 

5.14.2021

 A denim jacket for Spring is nothing new. In fact, wearing one this time of year is as groundbreaking as a floral dress. But for me, there's always been a struggle to find the right fit and wash. I already own one in a darker wash, but I still craved something lighter. I scoured the internet and looked at all of my favorite retailers until I stumbled upon one while I was buying laundry detergent and sparkling water at Target. Of course. 



I really try my hardest to avoid browsing Target's clothes. Not because I don't love their selection, but because it's so easy to waste money there! But one look at this perfectly light, sky-blue denim jacket and I knew it was going to be a Spring wardrobe staple for (hopefully) years to come. It fits true to size and looks great over dresses or with a flowy tiered skirt like I'm wearing here. Perfect for days when the sun is shining but the temperature is a little cool. So while Gen Z is still obsessed with millennials and our side parts, skinny jeans, and apparently now our denim jackets, I'm just now hitting my stride with my idea of the perfect one. 

4.26.2021

 It's been a long time since a fresh pair of jeans made their way into my closet, but after buying these on a whim, I'm wondering what's taken me so long! After a year of mostly living in leggings, it's amazing to reach for a pair that makes me feel so put-together. I know skinny jeans have taken a bit of a break this year in favor of more wide-leg or straight styles that skim the legs. Although I love those on other women, I'm still easing my way into the trend, starting with these by the brand Jen7. 


This is my first pair of jeans from the sister brand of 7 For All Mankind, but it may not be my last! What I love most about them is the fit. They hug my hips and thighs nicely but have more room in the legs. The high waist is really flattering, all accentuated by a bow.  I think that's such a cute touch! I also love the lighter wash for Spring and Summer. They look more cropped on the model than on my 5'2 frame, but they still hit right around my ankle and are the perfect length for both heels and flats. 
Let's also briefly talk about the bodysuit I'm wearing. It's another trend that I've been very curious about, but have taken my time in buying just the right one. Aside from the obvious feeling like I'm wearing an adult onesie, I really love this bodysuit from Good American. It has the perfect amount of stretch and is thick enough to wear a regular bra with (or not). I liked it so much that I also bought it in black, and plan to wear both all Summer with skirts and shorts. These new basics are going to get so much wear, and I'll show you how in the next few posts! 

Are you trying any of the new trends lately? 

3.03.2021

 It's almost been a full year since California went into lockdown. I keep having flashbacks to last March, when everything came to a grinding halt due to a novel virus. There was so much confusion. Like so many people, I spent all of last Spring in a battle with uncertainty. I experienced crippling panic attacks, nightmares, and extremely high blood pressure. I wrote about my fears here, and I also discussed them in therapy. I was actually in a really dark place, but what was there to do but keep pushing myself everyday? And that pretty much sums up my 2020. A lot of people's 2020. 

Now I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it's not over yet, but it feels a hell of a lot closer. My mom received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and that's a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that she is going to be okay now. My turn won't be for a while, but I'm keeping the candle burning until then.

Wearing Red Dress top, Nordstrom jeans, Target mules

Wearing a MinkPink dress and Nordstrom cardigan

These outfits were taken at the end of the year. We had some gorgeous Spring-like weather and I soaked up every minute of it. 

2.24.2021

 Well hello! It feels like an eternity since my last post. In some ways, it kind of has been. So much has happened since September of 2020. An election, a new president, the arrival of vaccines, the highs and lows of the pandemic. Yet it also feels like time has stood still. 

I had every intention of plugging along, but every time I would open up my laptop to write a post, I would immediately close the screen. I just couldn't do it anymore. The reason was simple at first - I didn't have much to document. Living in leggings and sweatshirts and using the same old beauty products just doesn't make for great inspiring content. Then after awhile I came to a much bigger realization - I was changing, and so were the things I cared about. 

That's kind of where I am today. Somewhere between missing this space and communtity, wanting to get back to putting myself together again, currently enjoying trying new beauty products that I'd like to share with you, and yet also...well, just at a different stage in life where documenting those things (or creating content as they say) are becoming less and less important to my identity. I don't want to force myself to do this every week, and I don't want to waste your time. However, I do feel like shutting it down permanently would break my heart. If I ever do decide to completely stop blogging, I care about my readers enough to at least say goodbye. That time isn't now. I'm going to keep going, I just can't promise it'll be regularly. When I wear something I'd like to share or when I get excited about a product, I'll write about it! If I want to vent or discuss a certain topic, I'll be relieved I have an outlet to do so. 

I guess that's it for now really. The outfit I'm wearing below was actually from Thanksgiving! Never got around to sharing, but it did feel good to wear real pants. I don't think any of the exact items are available, but you get the point. 

American Eagle sweater, Nordstrom jeans, Madewell boots, Sezane bag, Gorjana necklace


10.02.2020

 "Love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how you show love to each other every single day."

Nate and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on September 21st. Each year, we take turns planning something to do since we don't get each other gifts. With my adherence to Covid-19 measures, he pretty much left this one up to me and my personal comfort level. He hasn't been nearly as freaked out by the whole thing as I have, so I think he was surprised when I booked a stay in a hotel in Orange County. I just felt like I was going to completely lose my mind if we didn't get away, at least for one night. We had to sell our camping trailer at the beginning of quarantine, so we really haven't had a chance to find a change of scenery.  


We stayed in Newport Beach on Saturday, and then made our way down the coast driving PCH the following day. We spent the weekend lying out in the sun by the hotel pool, playing music and dancing in our room, and grabbing takeout. We also went to brunch and I had my first mimosa in months. 


It was really such a lovely, relaxing time. No set plans, nowhere to really go. It's honestly one of my favorite anniversaries to date because we weren't rushing around trying to see and do different things. I wasn't focused on my outfit for the night, or taking too many pictures on my phone. 



Also in September: 
In other exciting news, I finally got my hair colored again! Salons opened up in many parts of the state, including mine. It was so nice getting to catch up with my stylist and thankfully she is doing well and is booked up with appointments. Originally I was going to go back to dark brown, but that week I decided to keep the lighter balayage pieces. 

I also got together with a couple different girlfriends. We hadn't seen each other in so long that I was worried it would be awkward, but we picked up right where we left off (with masks and distance). I really miss hugging people though. 

I have another niece! My sister-in-law welcomed her baby into the world a couple weeks ago. Our family's first pandemic baby!

It was a great month, and I'm hoping October is as well. It's still hot as Hell here, though the mornings and nights have a chill in the air and I love that. 

Have a great weekend!