What I Wore: Chambray Pants

You guys!

When I find something that I LOVE I have to share it with you. I mean, I must! I picked up these pants at Target the other day. Chambray and Boot cut, I had NOTHING like them in my closet. I think that they are the perfect pair of pants for Spring! I am obsessed with Chambray anything because of the versatility of the color/fabrication.I rolled them up to wear with sandals but they are long enough to be worn a little dressier with wedges. They are so comfy. Plus I forgot how flattering boot cut can be (I LOVE my skinnies and extreme flares. Boot Cut has not been worn in at least 2 years! Craziness!). I imagine wearing these pants with a strappy white embroidered tank, or with a sheer white button up and a fedora. So many ideas for these new pants!

I paired the pants with my go to tee. Are you sick of seeing this tee in every color variation yet? For $8... It really is a no brainer. I recently picked it up in a neon coral and pastel stripe. And I own multiples in white and gray. Since the tee is so plain, and the pants are plain I sassed up the look with a scarf and bold gold accessories. Simple, yet chic. 

Chambray Pants

What I Wore:

Top: Mossimo V Neck (MY FAVORITE EVER)

Pants: Mossimo Chambray Boot Cut

Sandals: Valentino 'Rock stud', last years color (Same sandal in bronze)

Scarf: c/o World Market

Watch: Michael Kors 'Large Runway'

Necklace: Lisa Leonard 'Chevron'

Belt: BP, SOOOOO OLD!

What I Wore: Basic Blues

I don't know if you, the reader, can tell but I really struggle with how much I share here on the bliggity blog. Some days I want to pour out my heart and other days I want to be as elusive as possible. One day I am SO into blogging and other days I cannot fathom writing a post. Obviously that depends on what is going on in my life. This last month has been extremely busy (Duh! I keep mentioning that) and I have been going through a lot emotionally. I head to Mexico in two weeks and honestly I cannot wait. I need to get away, unplug, sleep and get some alone time. Until then you have mental case Mandy! And for that I apologize :p

For those of you that are keeping track, my sis has not had the baby yet. I haven't slept soundly the past two nights I have been home since I keep expecting the call that I need to get in my car and drive the three hours to be there for the birth. Fingers crossed!

In my exhaustion I just wanted to wear something easy and comfy. My go to is a button up, cut offs and sandals. Today's look happened to be an outfit comprised of my basics. My chambray top goes with everything. I generally like to wear a bright pair of shoes and jewelry when I wear denim on denim. Not today. My leopard sandals and blue toned jewelry kept the look simple.

Basic Blues

What I Wore:

Chambray Top: Old Navy (Similar)

Shorts: Old Navy cut offs (Similar)

Sandals: Shoemint 'Bridget'

Ring: Kendra Scott 'Tela' (similar color)

Bracelets: Kendra Scott (Similar), Towne and Reese c/o, World Market c/o

Belt: Michael Kors braided

Weekend Wonders

Whew...I am exhausted!

I got in at midnight last night after an incredible weekend in Houston, Texas. My "girls weekend" was actually a SURPRISE visit to my beautiful friend Jill's house to throw her a SURPRISE Baby Shower. Jill is pregnant with twins and is on modified bed rest. Since she is a Cali girl at heart and she cannot fly out to see us we went to her. It was worth every single penny to see the look on her face when we showed up on her doorstep! The shower was so elegant and beautiful. My friend Lauren is an amazing party planner and had such an incredible vision for the shower. We got to spend so much quality time with Jill and her hubby. We ate Texas BBQ and we HAD to have Tex Mex Queso. I needed that time with my girlfriend's and the getaway couldn't have been better timed after my crazy week.

Here are some snapshots from the weekend!

 L. Hello Houston! Greeted by HUMID weather :)

R. Obsessed, I mean OBSESSED, with my mani... and Starbucks+Travel=Must Have

Wearing OPI 'Pink Friday' and Essie Luxeffects aling with Jewlemint rings

 L. My jewels for the baby shower: Kendra Scott 'Sasha' ring, World Market braided bangle, Kendra Scott 'Leanne' bangles and Glitter and Gloss 'Coco' Bangle.

R. Apparently neon flip flops were Baby Shower attire. I am wearing Gap leather flip flops in coral (I have the tattoo).

 The ladies with Jill...pregnant with TWINS!!! Doesn't she look amazing??

I am wearing a dress from Target (out of stock online but check the clearance rack in your stores!).

This is how we showed up on her doorstep...armed with decorations!

  A pic of the set up and the BEST cookies ever!!

 Brunch at HUdson and Hubble Market and Deli (the restaurant is a separate place). Pretty much the COOLEST and fanciest grocery store.

I am wearing my go to Target 'Mossimo' tee in neon pink and Kate Spade 'Gumdrop' earrings.

 What is a good girls weekend without some adult beverages? Mimosas at Brunch and my first Coronarita with Queso. Yummmmmm!!!!

 Jill's neighborhood has a mini water park and lazy river in it. Yup! Heaven. We took full advantage.

I am wearing the L*Space 'Dolly' bandeau top

 

 Drinking my Coronarita (in a white Mossimo V Neck. told you I am obsessed!)

 The cutest couple and preggo saying Good Bye! :(

I hope that you all had an incredible weekend as well!

I have one more weekend away (beach camping) and a very busy work week ahead of me!

I will be having two meal supplement shakes a day and hitting the gym HARD to recover from this weekend! I have to be in a bikini all weekend PLUS I head to Mexico in 4 weeks. EEK!!!

Happy Monday!

 

What I Wore: Accessorized

Happy Monday!
I am exhausted! This weekend was a whirlwind and I spent a lot of time driving. I have to say that I LOVE having Instagram (find me at @FashionistaMMC) to "live blog" my trip. It was fun posting pics and hearing your thoughts and comments along the way. I have had a lot going on in my head so having that time to myself was nice, although it didn't really help me solve anything. On a happier note, my sister's shower was beautiful and gorgeous! I am so so so excited for my niece to arrive. :)

Last week I was perusing Cost Plus World Market (I am kind of obsessed with the store since shopping for my backyard) and I got lost in their accessory section. As I mentioned before I had not shopped at CPWM before I went in for my backyard goodies, so I was BLOWN away by what they had to offer. Anytime I find a place to shop, with INCREDIBLE prices and deals, I feel the need to HAVE to share it with you. From hats, to handbags, scarves, headbands and jewelry galore, all with a worldly edge to it, I can bet that everyone can find something to add to their wardrobe! The only thing I will warn you about is that every store carries something a little different. Make sure to go into different stores for that special find!


I am not going to lie, another reason I am drawn to shopping at CPWM is the fact that they reward their customers for shopping with them. They have a loyalty program, they send coupons more than once a week and they are always having giveaways. Right now, to support their Kingdom Animalia Collection launch, they are giving away an African Safari Adventure for Two. Airfare, accommodations and excursions for two, AND $1000 gift card for Cost Plus World Market for the grand prize winner. In addition three other winners will get a $500 gift card! The sweepstakes goes from July 14-August17...so check it out! If you share on Facebook you have an opportunity for MORE entries.

Top Left pic: My two favorite bags...perfect for the pool, beach OR my Mexican getaway next month.

Top Right pic: Gorgeous scarves and some incredible statement necklaces!

Bottom pic: All you need to create a fun, sassy and unique arm party

Left Pic: I picked up this fun headband. Simple yet makes a statement.

Right Pic: See that braided bangle?? The newest addition to my "everyday" arm party. She fits in perfectly!

Make sure to check out Cost Plus World Market on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube

 Being tired and having to head into work after an exhausting weekend always means that I will be wearing a hat and whatever happens to be closest to the closet door. Since I picked up a few goodies at CPWM I was able to grab those pieces easily. I picked out this scarf to go with this neon and neutral tank that I picked up last week. I have about 10 pairs of cut offs at the moment and these were strewn over an arm chair so I threw them on. Grabbed my sandals and pretty much ran out the door! I LOVED this fedora because it was neutral AND had black and brown in it. I can wear it with everything. Plus it isn't made out of paper so I don't have to worry about it losing shape if it gets wet when I wear it with my suit in the pool or at the beach. I loved the print and colors in the scarf. It pops with out being in your face. I love wearing scarves and knowing that I can pair a lightweight one with a tank is perfect for Summer.

What I Wore:

Tank: Gap 'Luxe Jersey Piped Tank'

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Sam Edelman 'Gigi' in Saddle

Hat: c/o Cost Plus World Market

Scarf: c/o Cost Plus World Market

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

Bracelets: c/o Towne and Reese, c/o Glitter and Gloss, c/o Cost Plus World Market, Kate Spade

***This shop has been compensated by Cost Plus World Market and Pollinate Media Group, but all opinions about the store and products are my own***

 

Flirty Thirty: In Home Entertaining/Dates

Happy Monday, friends!

I bet you didn't expect to see another Flirty Thirty post so soon!

With the Holiday on Wednesday, I knew I had to get this post up SOONER rather than later. If you are a new reader please check out the first couple posts in this series HERE. Since last week's post was a little on the heavier side I wanted to make sure that this post was a little more fun. :)

The BEST thing about being 30 is that I have a space that I can call my own. I have a townhouse that my parents and I just remodeled gutted. I spent so much time picking out paint, carpet, blinds, tile etc. I am still working on the decorating but I have a space that feels like me. One thing that was SUPER important to me was to have a nice patio for entertaining. As of last Sunday there was NOTHING in my backyard. My mom and I went to pick out furniture and brick. My dad got to work on filling in the dirt holes. I ordered a fire pit and headed to Cost Plus World Market to check out their decor.  I actually looked at Lowes, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and numerous places on line as well, BUT Cost Plus World Market had the best selection AND prices of them all. Crazy as it may sound...I had NEVER shopped there before. 

 Mixing and Matching to make the perfect combo for my style

 Headed back this week to pick up this cool lantern holder and colored lantern


I wanted to create a fun and colorful space because the inside of my house is very neutral. I felt like I needed the backyard to feel more like a vacation spot. I knew that I wanted to incorporate some kind of ikat print as well. I originally fell in love with a blue and white ikat collection but it didn't feel right for the whole theme. Then I found the yellow and white ikat print seat cushions. They were perfect for my chairs but they didn't have matching bench seat cushions. After pairing up different color combos we decided to mix prints. I found striped cushions that had yellow and white in them and knew I had the ultimate combo. After walking through the store a couple of times trying to NOT go crazy buying things I found a really cool tray that matched the ikat cushions. It is perfect for setting up drinks and glasses or a S'Mores station. I also found a killer deal on a little side table that matches my furniture. It was 20 bucks on sale and I had an additional 10% off. SCORE! I was surprised at the deals and sales that they had. In addition to great prices they are also giving a coupon away for 15% off of a Southwest flight when you spend 20 dollars or more. Buy and Fly? I could get bought onto that. They also have a really fun Summer Getaway Sweepstakes in which Cost Plus World Market is giving away a trip a week for four weeks to anywhere Southwest flies including hotel accommodations AND a $500 gift card to Cost Plus World Market. Moral of the story is that you must check out the store and get rewarded for doing it!

 Make sure to Check out Cost Plus World Market on Facebook and Twitter

All of my goodies...TWO baskets full!!

 The furniture set, new cushions, fire pit, table and serving tray

 Adult beverage offering with my matching tumblers and stemless wine glasses. Don't forget the wine opener ;)

 All of the brick work was done by my Dad. He worked so hard! THANK YOU DAD! You have blessed me so much!!
 
Living in So Cal my favorite thing to do is to sit outside, by a fire pit and have some cocktails. It is something that can pretty much happen year round. I wanted to make sure that I could have a place to have my girl friends over or even a date! I think that having a designated space in your home that is intimate without being 'dangerous' for dating is key. Through the years I have found that some of my best dates have been in a more "homey" environment. I am such a social person. Being able to just sit, relax and chat with someone is very stimulating to me. Plus creating an environment that is welcoming really helps people to open up and be themselves. It really takes the pressure of impressing someone off.


These are my "RULES" for having Dates at home:

1. Stay in the safe zone, meaning avoid bedrooms! You want your date to feel comfortable and you need to keep the focus on getting to know one another and NOT on sex.


2. Create the mood and set the ambiance. Lighting, music, food, drinks and possibly a blanket if the night gets chilly.


3. Have a set of serving ware that matches. Matching plates, bowls, cups etc. shows that you take pride in presentation.

4. Create a playlist that will set the mood or has artists that mean something to the both of you.

5. Have something fun prepared. You can roast marshmallows, have a game set up or BBQ together. The best dates are when you do something together that allows your personality and traits to shine.


My hope is that whether you are married, dating or single that these tips will help you with entertaining in your home. If you are inspired to try something new or plan a fun date for yourself then I have done my job. I plan to entertain ASAP! My backyard looks too pretty to wait!




***This shop has been compensated by Cost Plus World Market but all opinions about the store and products are my own***