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

What I Wore: Polka Dot

Oh my...it is August!

When did that happen? I swear that this year is flying by. I have good and bad feelings about that! This month is going to be a GREAT one for me. My sister is due on Friday. Which means I get to meet my niece SOON. Having another little one to love just fills my heart. I cannot get enough of my nephew so I know that I will love my niece just as much. We are having a mini family reunion this weekend and we will be beach camping. I am so excited to spend time with all my loved ones. In three weeks I head to Mexico to attend a wedding of a friend. I also have a couple dates planned. So don't mind me as I gush about how much I love my life on the blog ;)

As for my outfit...we have been seeing polka dots everywhere! I don't know if you know this but I am not a huge J. Crew fan. So when I received the catalog and saw a polka dot sweater on the cover I was kind of bummed. I had already ordered this outfit from Old Navy and had a vision. I feel like now I look like a copy cat. Haha. A lot of bloggers have been wearing polka dots this week as well. I guess I am just late to the trend. I loved that the sweater had larger polka dots and knew that this sweater will be perfect into Fall and Winter. I love the camel color. Pairing it with shorts that have smaller polka dots was a fun way for me to "mix prints" and push myself style wise. I wanted to wear my Zara shoes that match perfectly. The neutral palette was a nice change from my brights. I wore all black and gold jewelry to complement but not compete with the outfit. I love how the look came together. 

Polka Dot

 Sorry for the SUPER bright pics... I didn't have time on my side :/

 What I Wore:

Sweater: Old Navy Boatneck

Shorts: Old Navy

Shoes: Zara (last year)

Bracelets: c/o Towne and Reese, c/o Glitter and Gloss 'Coco', Kate Spade

Rings: Kendra Scott 'Shelby' and 'Rana' both in Black Onyx

Sunnies: Michael Kors 'Marissa' (Similar)

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***

 

What I Wore: Peplum Pretty

This weekend was all about celebrations for me. 

I spent a lot of time with my parents since they are moving three hours north to Central California to be closer to my sister, bro in law, nephew and soon to be niece TODAY. I respect their decision and reasons for moving but I am sad because I have always had them within a hour of me. I have also had them living with me for the last few months as we did the remodel on my house. It was a really cool and challenging experience to live with my parents after so many years. I feel blessed to see how much they have grown as husband and wife, parents and people. I am so lucky to have them as an example in my life! I also got to celebrate a super close friend, who is pretty much like another little sister to me, at her bridal shower. Celebrating LOVE always renews my faith in the opposite sex. ;)

I wore this outfit to the Bridal Shower. The theme was Black and White and we were asked to wear one or both of the shades. I bought this top a few weeks ago and I was excited to finally try the peplum trend. I have to admit I didn't think I could wear it. I am short waisted and have a pretty long torso so I have a hard time with tops that have a waist line in it. The trick was finding a top with a longer peplum so that it wasn't too short on me. I pulled out my trusty Old Navy Rockstar's BUT I had to wear a belt, and not just wear the belt but use the FIFTH hole. I used to have to use the FIRST hole on all of my belts! SO that was kind of exciting. Since I was wearing all black I thought that these heels would be a pretty pop. I loved this outfit.

Peplum Pretty

What I Wore:

Top: Xhilaration 'Peplum Bustier'

Jeans: Old Navy 'Rockstar'

Shoes: Xhilaration 'Skylah' (ON SALE NOW)

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Nasha'

Bangles: Kate Spade, c/o Towne and Reese, c/o Glitter and Gloss

Sunnies: Michael Michael Kors 'Marissa'. I was on a 4 month waiting list for these. But this is a SUPER similar pair

Handbag: Givenchy 'Nightingale' (Similar color)

What I Wore: Sunshine

I am trying to decide if I like or dislike having a Holiday on a Wednesday. This week felt incredibly quick, it's the weekend already, but yesterday felt like Monday all over again. And that is never a good feeling. Monday's and I are NOT best friends. Anyways...I hope you had a FAB holiday! Mine was incredibly fun yet reminded me that I cannot hang like I used to. Officially Old Lady status! Haha.

The best thing about Summer is that you can wear dresses daily. Sun dresses are just so freeing to me. I picked up this Stylemint, YES Stylemint makes more than tees, and I am in love with the hemline and the bright, sunny color. The dress is swingy, it doesn't cling and it fits perfectly. It was a little on the chillier side so I threw on my trusty denim jacket. I complemented the yellow with gold jewelry and I was good to go. I wore this to dinner and a movie with my girlfriends. 

Sunshine

What I Wore:

Dress: Stylemint 'Charlie'

Jacket: OLD Gap (similar)

Shoes: Prada (old) (somewhat similar clog)

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Karina'

Bracelets: Kate Spade, c/o Towne and Reese, c/o Glitter and Gloss 

 

What I Wore: HELLOOOO Brights!

Hump Day!

I love this day of the week. 

I am actually spending the day in San Diego with one of my oldest friends and I could not be more excited to see her. She lives in St. Louis and our schedules make it hard to even chat, jobs and time differences are working against us! Lunch and shopping by the beach is never a bad day.

As for today's outfit I was inspired by a friend. She wore this top to her birthday party a couple weeks ago and I HAD to have it. Something about stripes (and yellow) keep jumping out at me! I used to hate stripes and now I cannot stop buying them. I loved that the neon was paired with oatmeal instead of gray or taupe.  Pairing it with white jeans seemed fresh and Summer worthy. Although I had to change these pants because the drooped in the crotch after a half an hour of wear. BOO! Gold jewelry and neutral wedges complemented the tones. Having a tan doesn't hurt either. Haha.

P.S. How bright are my nails?? Loving this color. It is Sinful Colors 'Summer Peach'. They seriously GLOW!

Helloooo Brights

 

What I Wore:

Top: Robin K from BP at Nordy's

Jeans: Gap 'Skinny'

Shoes: Seven 'Somali' (similar version)

Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Watch: Michael Kors 'Runway'

Bracelets: Glitter and Gloss (C/O) and Towne and Reese (C/O) 
Ring: Kendra Scott 'Sasha' in Boardwalk 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Blogging Balance

Hey all! Did you know that it is Tuesday? Oh, you did? Awesome ;)

This last week was full of crazy changes and surprises. Let's just say that I was clearly getting too comfortable and God thought it would be fun to shake things up. Since the past few days were a whirlwind I took Monday to chill out! 

On Friday I let you all know that I was starting a new job. I am working for the Kendra Scott store and showroom in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. Pretty Awesome. It is a new store and positions are still being defined so I don't know where I will end up but I am SO SO SO super excited to be working for this company. You all know how much I LOVE her jewelry. You can check out all of my posts HERE! I will keep you updated as time progresses.

With that said I definitely have to find a new balance for blogging. I have been so fortunate the past few months to have grown my readership. I appreciate you all so much and I am truly in love with the blogger community that has been built. I will have to figure out what is best for my blog; as taking pictures, editing pictures and actually writing the posts take precious time. I still have my family and friends to spend time with, a big condo to clean and renovate and now work! It is a lot and I hope that you all will be patient with me as I figure it all out!

I haven't taken outfit pics since early last week...before my hair color changed. Enjoy these pics from before I became a redhead (I WILL post pics in the sun after a couple more washes. I am still trying to get my hair more red than auburn).

What I Wore:

Dress: Mossimo from Target

Boots: Target (These were TWELVE dollars!!)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Towne and Reese

What I Wore: Seeing Red

So I did it!

I dyed my hair red. Although it totally looks brown in these pics. But in the sun...watch out ;) It is actually a glaze (semi permanent) and a shade or two darker than what I want my hair to look like. BUT past dye jobs have proven my hair doesn't hold color and fades within a week. Which is perfect because then I can start phase two of a slight ombre with really blonde tips. 

In honor of going red I wore red accents. I have yet to bust out a scarf in the heat and new that my McQueen scarf needed some love. The scarf is a PERFECT match for my Missoni jelly sandals (getting excited for Target's launch although these are the real deal). I stuck with a classic white tee to showcase the bold color. 

OH, GUESS WHAT?!?

I am starting a new job today. It literally fell into my lap and happened SO quickly. I will share the deets after the weekend. I am SO SO SO excited about the opportunity.

Seeing Red

What I Wore:

Top: Lush from Nordy's

Shorts: Old...Old Navy cut offs

Shoes: Missoni

Scarf: Alexander McQueen

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Towne and Reese

Earrings: Kendra Scott

What I Wore: Slightly Nautical

It must be the California Girl in me but I lovity love anything Nautical. Crisp whites, stripes, knots and gold accents are just so pretty. If I could live on a Yacht for a year sailing the big blue seas, I would. Bucket List. 

I am in love with my over-sized (I bought it 2 sizes to big) button up and like finding fun ways to wear this basic. As I was rummaging through my drawers the other day I found these shorts. They have tiny blue and white stripes and almost have a seer sucker look to them. They are a little tight in the legs so I do not wear them often. Pairing them with gold accessories is the best way to ignore that little flaw ;)

Slightly Nautical

 What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy

Shorts: Gap (4+ years old)

Shoes: Sperry Topsider's

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Towne and Reese

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Danielle'

I am linking up to The Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday".

Bloggers DO it BETTER: Arm Candy

Bracelets are the best.

They bring any outfit from Blah to Viola!

Plus, 98% of the time they fit, no matter what you ate ;)

I am super excited to participate in Bloggers Do it Better. Again. I bet some people are going to BLOW me away with their creativity! I decided to pull together a compiliation of my "Arm Party" from outfits that were worn over the last several months! I wanted to run out a buy a few new sets of bangles and fun pieces but I quickly reminded myself to stop "wanting" and focus on what I already have! I think I have some amazing pieces that are "me" and that I wear them well. After seeing all of these outfits again I am inspired to 'remix' my wardrobe a little more often.

(click on each pic to see the full outfit)

 

Michele watch, Alexis Bittar and Argento Vivo bracelets

Michele watch, Argento Vivo bangles

 Michael Kors watch, Alexis Bittar and Argento Vivo bangles

 Michele watch, Alexis Bittar and Argento Vivo bracelets

 Michael Kors watch, Towne and Reese bangles

 Alexis Bittar pink banges, F21 cream bangles

 31 Bits colored bangles, Argento Vivo gunmetal bangles

 31 Bits colored bangles, Argento Vivo rose gold bangles

 Michael Kors watch, Towne and Reese bangles

 Michael Kors watch, Towne and Reese gold bangles, 31 Bits colored bangles

 Right Hand: Jewelmint 'Forever Yours', Left Hand: Michael Kors watch, Towne and Reese bangles

Rings: Jewelmint 'Ludlow Trio'

 Ring: House of Harlow Bracelet: Rachel Abrams

 31 Bits colored bangles, Towne and Reese gold bangles

 House of Harlow 1960

House of Harlow 1960

It is obvious that I love "Arm Parties". This post may be a little unconventional but what I could have put together is something similar to the above. 

So tell me friends...what do you think about my Arm Candy??