What I Wore: Borrowing from the Men

This week has flown by!

I have a lot going on and keeping my mind busy. That is nothing new.

I am not super chatty today, so onto the outfit.

Well friends, I couldn't let the week go by without posting an outfit with some Camo in it. Haha. The easiest way to dress up a basic tee from the Men's Department is with a Grandpa cardi (also from the Men's department) and boots. This is such an easy outfit yet I felt trendy and put together. My only real tip for you is that I HATE wearing most blues with denim. I especially hate Navy and dark denim, so I made sure to wear a medium blue jean for contrast. 

Borrowing from the Men

What I Wore:

Top: Mossimo, men's department with the basic tees (Here is the boys version)

Sweater: Merona Shawl Collar

Jeans: Old Navy 'Rockstar' in Authentic

Boots: Old Navy (Check out these, this pair is similar at a GREAT price)

Sunnies: Michael Kors

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

What I Wore: Simple Simon

Hey! Hey!

I hope that you all had a fabulous weekend. I got to spend time with my family, which includes my ever adorable nephew and niece, so my weekend was pretty darn good! I feel so lucky that I get to see those precious little faces at least once a month. I hate that my family lives so far from me :(

Having my mom here helped me get a couple of things accomplished, which always feels good. I mentioned in my 2013 Goals that I wanted to start buying some important pieces for my condo. I have been pinning away (not to brag but I think I have AWESOME Pinterest boards. Haha) and I think I am really honing in on my style and how I want to decorate my home. I had to order new blinds for my kitchen so we were able to do that. I also found a rug that I wanted for my living room (which is huge). I picked up this one from World Market for an incredible deal. I am a member so they sent a 50% off coupon for any one regular price item, I got an additional 10% off for it being a floor model AND I had $40 in gift cards. I only paid $35 out of pocket! I was so excited. Now I have to get a new couch cover, the Jonathan Adler 'Letter' pillows I have been lusting over for years and a shelving unit. It's coming along!

Another thing I realized this weekend is that I need to be a better planner/organizer. I am so Type A in  so many ways but I am not great at planning ahead in certain areas of my life. For example, it is easy for me to plan my social life; dinners, a get together and dates. I can plan my work outs around my social life and work. BUT I need to start meal planning and blog post planning. I am the girl that goes to the grocery store without a list, I wing it. It works because I tend to eat the same things over and over because I know the nutritional info and caloric count. But I have pinned some amazing looking recipes that I think will help me with my weight loss. If I plan my meals in advance, then I can make lists and prep food as necessary. I would probably save some money too! I also tend to wing it when it comes to blogging. I don't ALWAYS mind it becasue I think you end up getting more genuine posts and the "real" me. But it would be nice to have direction for when I don't have outfit pics, or I have writer's block. SOoooooo.... I am asking for your advice! Do any of you meal plan? What is yout technique? How should I plan and prep for cooking for one person who is always on the go? And for those of you that blog as well.... Do you plan your posts in advance? How do you keep yourself organized and from getting in a rut?

I APPRECIATE your help and honest answers!

Thanks in Advance ;)

Oooooooo TOTAL SIDE NOTE.

Everyone and their mom signed up for 'Vine' on my Instagram feed. I hear it is like IG but with short videos instead. Sounds cool but WHY did it all of the sudden burst onto the scene and make every big and little blogger in the world sign up on a random Sunday?!? Can someone weigh in? Please!

Today's look is actually from a few weeks ago. I think the look is kind of BLAH so I hadn't posted it. I think all creativity goes out the door when it is cold. This outfit is from our "cold spell". I really liked the navy on navy broken up with the gray and cognac. Yes, those boots AGAIN. They are just so easy to wear! Simple, pulled together and easy. Sometimes that is the only way to go.

Simple Simon

What I Wore:

Sweater: Merona Shawl collar (from the Men's Department) 

Top: Mossimo Long Sleeve V Neck

Jeans: Mossimo 'Denim Legging'

Boots:  Old Navy (Check out these, this pair is similar at a GREAT price)

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Karina'

What I Wore: Not for Cold Weather

Monday, Monday.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I kept myself busy watching every NFL playoff game (sad the Packers lost but happy the Patriots won), watching the Golden Globes and even had dinner and went to a crab cookout. It was a great mix of fun and relaxation.

I was going to do a Golden Globes post but stopped myself. Haha. I LOVED Tina and Amy as hosts and wished we saw more of them. I will quickly recap my Best Dressed. I am drawn to really fashion forward looks. I look at details, fit, color and go from there. I am over the simple and safe looks.

1. Naomi Watts in Zac Posen: The color, the detail, the open back and the fit were all perfection. She looked GORGEOUS.

2. Katherine McPhee in Theysken's Theory : Sex appeal in basic black, the cut, the slit and the heels. She was sexy and edgy and I think her body is banging right now!

3. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture: She can do no wrong. This color looked amazing on her, her waist looked so tiny with that amazing metallic belt detail and I know that people didn't like the chest detail but I think it worked. She is just insanely beautiful and fun. I totally LOVED her speech too!

4. Julianne Hough in Monique Lhuillier : Edgy and pretty. I loved the white and gold. She is just a beauty.

5. Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood: Hello Sexy Mama! I loved the red, the sweetheart neckline and her make up! Plus I am obsessed with her man. ;)

Also really loved...

Julianna Marguiles in Pucci

Taylor Swift in Donna Karan

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

This outfit is from Friday and let me tell you, I ended up REALLY regretting wearing ripped denim. It has been SO COLD (cold for CA) and I am a huge baby! I was freezing all day in this get up inspite of the long sleeve shirt and sweater I was wearing. I love pairing navy with lighter denim and the neutral top and shoes complement the blues. This sweater is from the men's department. I bought it a size too big because I REALLY wanted it, but now that I see it in pics I may have to try and find a smaller size. I added a red lip because I had very little make up on and I wanted to look more put together. Haha. What do you think of this look?

Not for Cold Weather

What I Wore:

Sweater: Merona men's 'Shawl Collar'

Top: Stylemint

Jeans: Mossimo 'Distressed Skinnies'

Shoes: Mossimo 'Kaelyn'

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

Glasses: Oliver Peoples 

What I Wore: Ways to Wear

Is it just me or does the weekend go by so much faster during the Holidays?
I guess time flies when you are having fun! :)

I am so happy to be doing another 'Ways to Wear' challenge with Amber over at Real Girl Glam. We both love these pants and know that they are a piece that scare people. Haha. They are definitely a statement maker and we wanted to show you that you can wear these pants in so many ways. Last time we dressed the pants pretty similarly so we knew we had to challenge ourselves this time around. We came up with completely different looks! I don't know about you but I want to copy her entire look. Those booties are too die for!

 Check out Amber's outfit HERE!

Let me explain my look...
I totally pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I took a risk by mixing in a gray and white sweatshirt with such a bold print. I love gray and cognac together so that was where I got the idea. I feel like adding in the shoes tied the color combo together. I wanted to show you that you can wear these pants in a more casual way. I wore this outfit to run errands and I was comfy in it. I honestly liked how the look turned out but can see where it is still that this may be an outlandish look for a lot of you.

So tell me...
Is this a look you would wear? 
I would love to hear how you would wear these pants in a casual way!

Ways to Wear

What I Wore:

Sweatshirt: Target from the Men's Department (not available online).

- It is honestly the softest sweatshirt ever. I wear it all of the time.

Pants: Merona (no longer available online)

Shoes: Converse

Watch: Michele 'Urban', this style has been discontinued (Mini Urban with White face)

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Danielle' in White

Sunglasses: Gucci, really old (similar pair)

What I Wore: Ways to Wear

Happy Monday!

I am so excited to blog today because I have been DYING to show you all these pants. Last week's leopard print dress post was quite popular with you all and I am hoping you like this look just as much. I have been lusting over these pants since seeing The Budget Babe's Instagram Fall Preview pics back in June! I love anything leopard print and knew that I had to have these the moment I saw them. My friend, Amber over at Real Girl Glam, LOVES leopard as much as I do and I knew that she would have to have these pants as well. I asked her to post with me about how to wear these pants. We actually styled them very similarly (I shouldn't be surprised since we have similar taste)! Maybe I can talk her into a couple more posts were we challenge ourselves and each other to wear show how versatile these pants can be!

See what pieces I am wearing below.
Check out what Amber is wearing HERE.

I knew that I wanted my look to be a littler dressier than normal. This is a look that I would wear on a dinner date, for a special occasion or a Holiday. I use a dark lip and accessories to make my outfit look a little sassier. I hardly ever wear lipstick so when it is on you know that I am trying a little bit harder. Haha. The cowl neck of the shirt gives the basic black some pop and I think looks fancier. It was perfect for showing off my Statement necklace, which I think completes the look. I am OBSESSED with these pumps and I am SO glad that I bought them. I have worn them THREE times since Wednesday. Since they are the color of the season I knew that wearing the same color lip would complement and make the color stand out with such a bold print. 
Just an FYI, I hemmed the pants an inch so that the hit above my ankle instead of at my ankle. It helped elongate my legs!

Speaking of accessories, I want to talk a minute about my jewelry. I know that I am late to the game but I attended my first Stella and Dot party. I am obsessed. I found ten things that I had to have, couldn't live with out, wanted so bad! I know, I am a bit dramatic. I was super impressed with the quality but most importantly I LOVED the designs. I decided to host an online Trunk Show. I hope that you will CLICK ON THIS LINK and check out all of the amazing merchandise that Stella and Dot has to offer! Also be on the look out for my FAVORITE pieces in another blog post this week!

Ways To Wear

 What I Wore:

Top: Stylemint 'Ridgeway T'

Pants: Merona Leopard Print Ponte

Stilettos: Shoemint 'Gelareh'

Necklace: Stella and Dot 'Pegasus'

Bracelet: Stella and Dot 'Copper Cupchain'

Ring: Stella and Dot 'Aurora Cocktail'

Lipstick: Givenchy 'Black Plum' (this color is similar) 

Linking up to Real Girl Glam and The Pleated Poppy

What I Wore: Blonde Leopard

Wow... 

I am writing this after watching our President be announced, followed by spending a little time on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I am more emotional than I thought I would be, probably because I am older and wiser. Watching the coverage and seeing the vast thoughts is a little overwhelming. I LOVE the opinions that line up with AND differ from my own, I respect the decision that America made even if I am disappointed and I put my trust in the Lord knowing that this is a part of his plan. I am happy to play a part in using my voice and voting.

Onto more superficial news... I am somewhat blonde again! I was SUPER blonde for about 89% of my life and after utilizing the Ombre trend to grow out my natural hair color for the last two years I was ready for a change! I will never be platinum again but this subtle, more natural blonde I can handle. Let me know what you think!

You have seen my Instagram posts and blog posts about this Leopard Print Shift from Target. It is seriously my favorite. I wore it to the Dancing with the Stars taping a few weeks ago and wasn't able to take pictures. I recreated the look because I wanted to make sure that I shared the outfit with you all. Since the print is super dramatic I kept it simple with nude pumps and a statement necklace. I am going to be rocking this dress all Fall/Winter long. You all need it. Yes, need. In your wardrobe. 

<3 LOVE <3

Blonde Leopard

 What I Wore:

Dress: Merona Leopard Shift (sold out online BUT I have seen it in stores still)

Shoes: YSL Mary Janes, old (Similar, Similar, Similar)

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Harlow' in Purple (same necklace in White, Turquoise)

 

Purchased and Wants!

Hey all!

I am usually super sad that it is Monday because it is my least favorite day of the week. But today I will be at the taping of Dancing with the Stars!!! I am SO SO SO excited. It is All Star season and everyone is SO good. Plus the men are pretty damn H-O-T!! A huge THANK YOU to my friend Jacqui for inviting me. We are going to have the BEST time!

I wanted to share a few of my purchases with you. I have really been limiting how much I shop. It is sad but my wallet thanks me! I try not to buy anything at full price anymore (unless it is from Target or something).

 Left: Mossimo Owl Sweater (no longer online, check in your store) 

Right: Merona Leopard Shift

 Merona Leopard Print Ponte Pants

 Clockwise: Gap Colorblock Sweater(check stores for my color combo), Mossimo Flannel (seen here), Mossimo Denim Jeggings, Mossimo Distressed Denim (seen here)

If I am being honest with myself there is not much that I NEED to add to my wardrobe for Fall. Sure I could pick up some Oxblood pieces since that is the color of the season, or I could buy some new basics to update some slightly worn and loved items. But the only piece that I truly need is a pair of pointy toe black leather stilettos. Of course I WANT the Louboutin pair because they will last the longest and are worth the dinero. I would also take the Jimmy Choo pair as well. It is harder than you think to find the perfect pair in leather. I have found gorgeous options in patent leather and suede but it isn't what I need or want. 

So I ask... 

Have any of you seen a fab pair like the Louboutin's or Choo's? 

Or do I save up and buy the designer pair??  

 Christian Louboutin Decollete Calf Skin Pointed-Toe Red Sole Pump

 Jimmy Choo 'Abel' Pump (Nordstrom exclusive color)

Sam Edelman 'Danielle'

Born on the Fourth

I am SO excited that the 4th of July is less than a week away. I love everything about the Holiday. Family, Friends, the Beach, BBQ's and Fireworks. I always have a blast even when I don't have plans ahead of time. I tend to wing it that day trying to fit everything and everyone in. It is also the day that I love to bust out my red, white and blue. I was going to share my favorite clothing items to sass up your 4th on Monday...then realized that I needed to give you the weekend to S-H-O-P. I hope you all find something to make your holiday wardrobe shine.

Whether you go all out with a Stars and Stripes outfit or just wear a red/white/blue accessory I hope that you find something that you have to have! I already bought THIS to wear as it cools down for the Fireworks show BUT I may be picking up that Strappy Romper too!

1. Xhilaration Star shorts with Striped pockets: LOVE these shorts. TOP pick.

2. O'Neill 'Americana' Bandeau bathing suit: This is perfect for an active day at the beach. Bandeau tops give great coverage and still look sexy. It is my favorite silhouette.

3. Mossimo Straw Fedora in Navy: I own this in yellow. I love the shape and it goes with everything!

4. Xhilaration Strappy Romper: Fun AND Flirty. This can be dressed up or dressed down. It's potential is maximized by accessories and shoes.

5. Xhilaration Stars and Stripes denim shorts: Another great version of these denim shorts. This pair is more dramatic than the first pair.

6. Current/Elliott Stiletto Cropped Denim: I am a huge dark denim fan. I also favor cropped versions. They show off shoes better. This gray pair is subtle enough to wear all of the time.

7. Wildfox Starshine Roadtrip Sweatshirt: My Wildfox love affair continues. Every girl needs a chic and COZY sweatshirt in her wardrobe. This is a perfect length to wear as a cover up or with denim cut offs.

8. Merona Beach Tote: Over-sized, on trend print and great color! This is perfect for carrying the essentials.

9. Xhilaration Reversible Bikini: I had to include this suit based on the price alone. BUT it is super cute and would look incredible with white shorts and a chambray button up.

What I Wore: Casual Thanksgiving

Hi Friends!

It has been awhile.

I hope you all had a FABULOUS Thanksgiving weekend.

It still hasn't hit me that it is December. 

This is the first Holiday Season in four years that I will not be traveling.

I am SO excited to make the most of it. I want to really celebrate and get into the Christmas season. I have a short list of things that I hope to do this month.

They are...

1. Drive around looking at Christmas lights while drinking a Peppermint Mocha

2. Go Ice Skating at an outdoor rink (if there is one in CA? Haha)

3. Walk around The Grove in LA during their "Winter Wonderland" (Kristen...you in?? This could be our meet up!)

4. Have a Kiss underneath the Mistletoe

5. Attend as many Holiday Parties as I can (or am invited too)

What is on your list?

This outfit was worn up in San Luis Obispo over Thanksgiving weekend. I spent a couple of days up there with my fam. It was unusually warm for the holiday and we spent the morning at the beach. It was GORGEOUS and just what I needed to clear my head.

Beach=Happy Place

Casual Thanksgiving

What I Wore:

Flannel: Merona

Top: Lush

Leggings: Zella

Boots: Minnetonka

Sunnies: Ray Ban