What I Wore: Sunday Best

I am constantly growing and changing.

I LOVE to learn. I am forever going to be working on myself in an effort to always be the best version of me. I am also extremely critical of myself, I can be very mean to myself and could always use a boost of self esteem. I have made some incredible decisions in my life (leaving my career, losing weight) and made some extremely BAD decisions (mostly when it comes to men). I have a hard time forgiving myself and I realized that it is affecting my growth in relationships. I had a conversation last week that really left me convicted (and I don't feel like that often) and got me thinking. I need to make some changes in my life, again, and finally forgive. Forgiveness is powerful, it has to do more with yourself than the other person(s). I am on my way to being able to open up again. It is freeing.

 Since I had all of these thoughts going on in my head I decided it was time to head back to church. I haven't been a regular church goer in years. I am apprehensive but know it is what I need. I went by myself. I do most things by myself so this isn't unusual or a major feat for me! I error-ed on being a little dressier for church. Black blouse, black dressier shorts and a jacket. I was over dressed (this isn't unusual for me wither. Haha). But I looked cute and felt good about myself so that's all that matters! And I will dress more casual next week! ;)

Sunday Best

What I Wore:

Blouse: Lush, no longer available (similar)

Shorts: Xhilaration

Jacket: Halogen, no longer available (similar in shape but darker, similar coloring, cute option)

Shoes: Steve Madden 'Roseland'

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Rayne'

Bracelets: Kendra Scott 'Lucca'

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

What I Wore: Cali Casual

This week flew by!

I have a busy weekend ahead of me and I am really looking forward to the busy-ness. I am running a 5K tomorrow morning, I have a Bridal Shower for a dear friend and then I am going to the Angels/Dodgers baseball game! WOOHOO it is Baseball season!! Do you all have anything fun planned?

This look is great for transitioning into Spring. I think pairing a maxi skirt with a drapey tank and denim jacket is perfect for the 75 degree weather. I am also loving that I can bust out my sandals. I am covered enough to fight the breeze but still feel comfortable in the sun. My love affair with gray is going strong. I have worn gray pieces the last three days!   

Cali Casual

What I Wore:

Tank: Danskin from Walmart for $4

Jacket: Gap, SUPER old (Similar, Similar)

Skirt: Xhiliration, old (get the look here or here)

Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita "Ilana"

Sunnies: Ray Ban 'Original Aviator'

Necklace: Stella & Dot 'On the Mark'

What I Wore: Feminine Details

I love my BF jeans. I do. I may not love them as much as my skinnies but I do love the comfy-ness and ease when wearing them. I do have a harder time wearing more masculine pieces at times. So I ALWAYS wear heels or wedges when I wear them. Haha.

I think that this outfit is the perfect example of how you can take basic, kind of sloppy pieces and make them look somewhat chic. I am pretty obsessed with this watercolor, floral scarf by FRAAS! I tied the ends together to create a drapey look. I wanted the scarf to be the focal point and to be the piece to dress up the jeans. I went with a neutral pair of shoes with a chunky heel to keep the look somewhat funky. I wore my favorite earrings in turquoise to match the scarf. SInce my hair was up they totally make a statement. The filagree bracelets are flirt and girly to tie the whole look together. I really love this look. A lot.

Feminine Details

You can find FRAAS scarves at specialty stores across the country or you can order this style by calling 212-575-0191. Their scarves are incredible, feel amazing on and always hit the latest trend.

What I Wore:

Sweatshirt: Xhiliration, old (Get the look, Similar)

Jeans: Old Navy, old (Similar) 

Scarf: c/o FRAAS via Lipton Publicity

Shoes: Shoemint 'Chloe', old

Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Danielle' in Turquoise

Bracelets: Kendra Scott 'Lucca'

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy  

What I Wore: Oldies but Goodies

Happy Monday, friends!

Last week ended up being super busy with my quick getaway to see my fam and work. Throw in the rain (you all know how I feel about the rain. BOO!) and I didn't have much time to take pics or blog. SO sorry about that! Don't worry though... I have my weekly editorial calendar filled out, I have some pics in the arsenal and I am ready to rock the blog this week! I swear my creativity hits at the weirdest times!

I am REALLY trying to be more purposeful in the things that I am passionate about. My passion continues to be focused on my fitness (which includes diet), this blog and my job. Planning, prepping and execution has to be precise. Sometimes I lack the planning and at other times it is in the prep work that I struggle. This week is all about getting a handle on both the plans and preparation. Wish me luck!

This look was inspired from a picture I pinned forever ago! I think it is my attempt to feel a little bit of sassiness by mixing the sexiness of the color red and leopard in pieces that I have had in my closet for awhile. 

Oldies but Goodies

 
What I Wore:

Sweater: Xhiliration, no longer available (get the look with this one, or this one)

Jeans: Vanilla Star from Target, Old (Current/Elliott version)

Wedges: DVF 'Opal'

Sunnies: Ray Ban 'Original Aviator'

What I Wore: Chunky Knit and Prints

In so many ways I use blogging as my journal. I know exactly what I was feeling and thinking when I go back and read old posts. I love that I am able to channel my thoughts into one place even when they aren't always sunshine and rainbows! Thanks for understanding that I cannot always complete an entire thought process or share what the exact scenario is and for reading anyways!

When I saw THIS PIC of Khloe Kardashian back in July I knew I had to buy those jeans. I found them for a GREAT price on Amazon and wear them all of the time! I love that she wore such a light denim with black. I tend to wear lighter colors with lighter denim because I feel like sometimes the combo is almost too drastic. But I finally decided to try it out. I grabbed a chunky knit sweater and my fringe boots and pulled together a fun, casual look.

If you follow my on Instagram, I wore this outfit on the day I bought TWO coffees. I thought it was worth noting since I barely drink once coffee a week BUT I was exhausted! I look at these pics and see how tired I was. Minimal make up, I didn't brush my hair and dark circles. Another way to document my life... I had a GREAT date the night before. Talking to someone until 3am is always worth looking a little haggard!

Chunky Knit and Prints

 No my zipper was NOT unzipped...just laid really weird!

What I Wore

Sweater: Xhilaration (seen here in red)

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind Aztec, older (similar, similar, similar)

Boots: Minnetonka 3 Layer Fringe

What I Wore: Snow Day

I knew that it was going to be cold in Tahoe. But I still wasn't prepared. I am not a huge fan of the cold BUT I was super excited to layer, wear boots and scarves. We have spent most of our days indoors while it has been snowing. I am not used to so much down time. But I am being forced to relax and that isn't a bad thing.

I planned all of my outfits for the trip to have a "Christmasy" feel. Lots of red, green and neutrals. I bought this sweater after seeing it on the @TargetDoesItAgain Instagram a few weeks ago. I bought it two sizes larger than my normal size so that it would be loose and kind of drapy. These jeans have been a go to pair and I am about to buy them in a size smaller since they are getting loose. :) I LOVE these boots and while I have worn them a few times this is the first time that they are making an appearance on the blog. I LOVE wearing fun socks, especially when they peak out a little bit. I used the scarf to tie the whole look together.

Snow Day

What I Wore:

Sweater: Xhilaration

Jeans: Mossimo Denim leggings

Socks: Hue, old (Similar)

Boots: Steve Madden 'Caliko'

Scarf: Tasha (similar)

What I Want Wednesday: Stylish Pajamas

Confession...

I wear the UGLIEST things to bed in the winter time. I am talking men's XXL sweats with the waist rolled three times and wife beaters and/or something long sleeved (think ratty sweatshirt or a flannel). I want to be warm, cozy and comfy. I refuse to wear socks to bed, even when I do they are somehow off when I wake up in the morning anyways. I just don't care to look cute. This drives my mother BONKERS. She harps on the ugliness of my PJ choices, has bought me a couple cute sets and always feels bad for my boyfriends. Lol. We have a week long trip to Lake Tahoe planned for Christmas so I know I have to step up my game to be around my family and our guests!

As I was looking for the cutest sets to share with you I was SHOCKED at how many I wanted! I may be conformed! I hope you love all of these as much as I do! PLUS, pajamas are the perfect gift for Christmas! I can look cute and you have some great gift options! It is a win win for all of us. ;)

Stylish Pajamas

1. DKNY 'Patterned Knit': We all need a little leopard in our lives! This is the perfect PJ set with a little bit of sass. It is a knit and not flannel so I am assuming it is extra comfy.

2. Xhilaration 'Polka Dot Flannel Set': I must confess that I already purchased this set. It is too cute and I am having a slight love affair with Polka Dots. I love the clean and crisp feel of the black, gold and white. Plus for $25 it is a bargain!

3. PJ Salvage 'Brushed Thermal Sleep Shirt': I LOVE the print and color way of this sleep shirt (it comes in 7 other prints/colors as well). It is flirty and feminine but will still keep you warm!

4. Gap 'Striped Waffle Romper': I am a fan of the romper and think that this is a cute piece for someone who doesn't like to wear pants to bed. I love the stripes and the buttons. It is just really fun.  

5. Gap 'Soft and Cozy PJ Set': I know that I love wearing cotton tops with my flannel bottoms. A full flannel PJ set can feel stiffer and be very warm. I think that this is a great option to wear to bed.

6. Kensie 'Quite the Character' thermal pj's: Can we all say DARLING! I am dying over the Jade green, the banding and small pocket are fantastic touches and thermals are lightweight but still keep you warm. This set also comes in like 6 other colors and prints. Adorable!

7. Xhilaration 'Dream Sleeptee' and Socks: This set is probably best for warmer places during the winter do to the thin tee shirt material. It is a girl version of Tom Cruise's look in Cocktail. I also like the mixing of stripes and polka dots. This is also a set that will not break the bank!

8. In Bloom by Jonquil 'Unwrap Me': I cannot post looks without popping in something sexier (and kind of cheeky!). I have an older print of this set and I LOVE it. It shows off your curves, showcases your arse and is sexy without showing too much! This is a gift for you AND your man. ;)

Through My iPhone Lens

It has been awhile since I have shared some of the pics that I have taken while out and about that didn't make it to Instagram. I love having my photos on my phone but I was thinking the other day how sad it is that I will never have that feeling of getting my film developed and seeing the memories that were captured. I hardly ever get pics developed from my digital camera or phone. In fact I have a whole house that needs to be decorated and I have plenty of frames to fill. I was showing someone my house and realized that the only pics I have are a couple years old. So I need to get on that.

Here are some pics from the past couple months.

 L) I was so excited to find the Owl Sweater at Target. I obsessed over THIS LOOK that Kate Bosworth wore last Spring to the Burberry show and I think I can find a way to style it to my taste.

R) This is my casual chic look when the weather cools. Beanie, Henley tee, leggings and flat boots. If I am not wearing something fancier, you will find me in this!

 Top) The GORGEOUS newborn pics of my niece taken by my SO SUPER TALENTED and AMAZING friend. 

Check out her website, Sweet Child of Mine Photography

L) Holding my cutie patootie niece at a wedding at the end of September. I am wearing a Target dress and the Kendra Scott 'Harlow' necklace and 'Danielle' earrings in turquoise.

R) I got to put the babe to bed two nights in a row. First night was on Instagram and I looked TIRED, this was the second night. A lot easier. :)

 You guys... I am O-B-E-S-E-S-S-E-D with this CD. Beyond obsessed. I have listened to NOTHING else since I bought it. I relate to every song especially as I have been trying to find love again. I have DVR'd everything that she has been on. I called my sister for an intervention the other night. Yup. I am 30 going on 13. No biggie!

 I think you are all familiar with the main man in my life. My nephew!!!!

I grow to love him more and more. He really is the most handsome little boy ever! The boy gets his style from me. Haha.

 Lastly... I am ITCHING to dye my hair. I have had it natural for the last year. I am missing being blonde and I think this is a good compromise. I sent this pic to my hair stylist and I am waiting to hear back. I PROBABLY won't change it, but I sure am tempted. What do you think? Should I????????

I pray that you all have a SAFE Halloween. 

I do not partake in the holiday and will be having a catch up dinner with my old college room mate. :)

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)

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: Inspired By and Letting Go

The one thing that I have learned about blogging, and life really, is how everyone is inspired in different ways, by different people and look at things completely opposite (for the most part) than me. I am actually used to not seeing eye to eye on things with the majority of people. I will blame it on my up bringing but I will NEVER apologize for it. I bring this up because I think it gives you a little insight to me. I am drawn to edgier, out there, push the envelope "fashion" bloggers. I LOVE seeing their creative minds at work, even though I could not pull off 97% of what they wear. I am also drawn to some incredible "personal style" bloggers (my blog is a personal style blog and not a fashion blog) and learn so much from them. I used to read a lot of lifestyle blogs, mommy blogs, family blogs as well and find that I just don't get anything out of them anymore. So I have stopped reading most of them on a regular basis but do stop by from time to time. I love a challenge and am always trying to learn and grow as a person, in my style and in life. I have learned to do what is best for me.

Many times when I am getting dressed I have a certain blogger in mind. Today's outfit reminds me SO much of my dear blogger friend, Megan of The Frugalista Diaries. She is a blogger that tries new things while having a a true sense of self style. I love that she ALWAYS wears heels and her layering abilities 'wow' me. She has been rocking the shorts, heels and over sized top look a lot...and I dig it. I love this one, this one AND this one. These looks inspired me to put this look together. 

I knocked out two trends with one stone. What! What!

A little tangerine tango and floral print.

I bought these shorts last year and I am so excited that they are still in and that I get another year's wear out of them. This is my new Stylemint top, it is made out of sweatshirt material and I am seriously in love with it. Since the outfit was so bright I knew I needed a neutral shoe that complemented but didn't compete, yet still stood out. My Shoemint 'Chloe's' were the obvious choice. I am pretty much obsessed with my Kate Spade 'Gumdrop' earrings. I paired them with a more subdued coral necklace and a lilac ring. I felt sassy all day!!

This was a wordy one...thanks for making it to the pics ;)

What I Wore:

Top: Stylemint 'Whitney T'

Shorts: Xhiliration (old) (F21 similar) (Top Shop similar) (Angel Eye similar)

Shoes: Shoemint 'Chloe'

Earrings: Kate Spade 'Gumdrop' in coral

Necklace: Kendra Scott 'Ziggy'

Ring: Kendra Scott 'Tyra' in lilac

Bracelet: Jewelmint 'Birdcage Bangle'

What I Wore: Fashion Show Judge

Happy Hump Day!!

We are half way through the week...YAY!

I don't know if it is because my birthday is on Monday or that my work/fitness/personal life is insane but this week is flying by. I wanted to write a fabulous post about the Fashion Show I judged (next week...hopefully), I wanted to try and respond to some blog comments (I have 1000+ emails that need attention) and I wanted to visit some of you (isn't happening anytime soon. I am SO SORRY!!) but I only have one goal in mind (my 30x30) and that takes precedence. Don't hate me...I still love you all!!

P.S. THANK You for those that still comment even though I have not been as generous. It means a lot!!

SO this outfit...

I saw this dress last month on Target Style's Facebook and knew I HAD to have it even though the comments on it were less than pleasant. I am DIGGING the hi/lo (aka MULLET) look and my mint obsession is getting out of control. So this dress was right up my alley. Paired with a black skinny belt and my favorite (right now) wedges I knew this look was perfect for judging my local High School's fashion show. A little secret...I HAD to wear my hair in the bun because I had work out hair. Ewwww....gross, I know! But I only had time for a rinse. Thank the Lord for dry shampoo ;) 

Fashion Show Judge

What I Wore:

Dress: Xhiliration

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Steve Madden 'Rambble'

Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)

Ring: Kendra Scott 'Tela' (similar color)

Sunnies: Gucci

Linking up to The Pleated Poppy