Showing posts with label Real Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Style. Show all posts

3.09.2017

Most women are 5'4 and under, and yet I don't think we are represented well in the fashion industry. Some companies have come around though and I have seen an increase in retailers accommodating petites. For instance, Express now has a selection (albeit limited) of clothing suited for petites. As an avid shopper of the store, I was thrilled to see that section on their website. Other petite friendly retailers include Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic, and ASOS.

However, I am petite AND curvy so oftentimes I struggle to find a good fit. I'm not even talking perfect, just good enough. For reference, I'm 5'2 and currently a size 8. I'm larger on the bottom, but I have big arms so tight sleeves are usually an issue.

I've never considered myself an expert on petite shopping or sizing, because I think any good tailor can solve most of the frustration. My philosophy will always be to wear what you want and what makes you feel confident, regardless of any "rules." I know midi lengths don't flatter my body, but I wore them consistently a couple years ago because they made me feel feminine. Plus, I love a good throwback to different fashionable eras.

These days, I'm sticking to what works best for my body and I think these general tips can help anyone who is also petite but curvy. They aren't rules! Just formulas I use when I don't want to bother to think about what I'm going to wear.



1) Use jackets, blazers, long cardigans etc. to cinch the waist and smooth things over.

* Tip: I wear these spanx boyshorts underneath ALL of my dresses. Nate laughs and calls me a grandmother but if they are good enough for the movie stars, they are good enough for me! Little lumps and bumps are magically gone.




2) Nude shoes elongate your legs, making them appear slimmer.




3) Pointy toe shoes also create a similar effect no matter the color and even if they are flat. As much as I love the classic shape of a round-toe ballet flat (see below), I've discovered that pointy toe flats are more flattering.



Comparison: 


4) If you're going to wear a trendy of-the-moment dress that doesn't offer much shape, make sure the accessories are simple and structured. Showing a little skin can't hurt.




5) Skinny denim in a dark wash is your bum and thighs' best friend. I love some distressing, but clean looking jeans are universally flattering. 


* Tip: Dress to enhance the smallest part of you. For me, I like to accentuate my waist and legs. For you, it may be your shoulders and back. Dressing to play up your favorite features is a lot more fun and mentally boosting than dressing to cover up what you don't like.



Favorite jeans here & here
Favorite jacket here
Favorite pumps here 
Favorite nude sandals here

Do you have any tips that you swear by?

6.09.2016


 Nicole has been a dear friend of mine since high school. We have been there to witness each other's ups and downs, happy times and bad. When I asked her to guest post for me while I'm on vacation, she immediately said yes and I'm so excited to have her here. Please show my "red" some love!

~ Noelle




Hello Noelle’s beautiful readers!
What a fun thing it is for me to be able to write a guest post on beautygirl24. A little about myself, I am the daughter of my heavenly father, I am the wife of almost 6 years to an amazing man, momma to twin three year old boys and a newish blogger. I’ve had my blog (fittobetwinned) for a few years actually and before this one, I had another one. It wasn’t until recently I really decided that I wanted to write more, share more (but hopefully not too much) and have something to call mine. I’m a stay at home momma and that transition from Bachelors degree working woman, to stay at home mom was a tough one for me, but having this little space helps me feel like I’m doing something. My hope is that people can relate to my stories, learn something, laugh, or just feel like someone else in the world gets whatever it is you're going though. That’s why we all like to follow blogs, right?


When Noelle approached me to write a guest post I was so excited! My mind started reeling with what I could write. She left it wide open, and even though we shop at the same places and I love all of her pieces, my concept of getting dressed up is skinny jeans, a black top and a nice necklace, which is few and far between these days. However, in thinking of what I wanted to write my sister came up with an awesome idea. She suggested I talk about why it’s important for me to get ready every day.


Before I was a stay at home mom, my vision of a stay at home mom was that of non stop fun, sleeping in with snuggly babies, staying in yoga pants all day long, no schedule, the list goes on…well, let me tell you…sleeping in with snuggly babies is nearly impossibly when a small child (who is no longer a baby) sneaks into your bed in the wee hours of the morning and spends the next 2 hours kicking you in the back! Staying in yoga pants happens on some days but makes me feel lazy. That whole "no schedule" thing is a laugh because your entire life is a schedule with small children. Last but not least we do have a lot of fun but it’s equally as much work to do anything fun at all.




I decided early on that I had to do one thing for me to just help me feel productive and if that’s putting on makeup and doing my hair so I can just make meals all day, break up fights and love on my sweet boys, then that’s what I’ll do. When they were small this was really hard and I totally understood how someone could go a day or days without showering or getting ready. I struggled with PPD, although not officially diagnosed, I know what I felt wasn’t normal after having a baby or two! I felt secluded, anxious, and like my life was never going to feel normal again, I felt like I was never going to feel like myself again. Yes, I did change, I became a mom but that didn’t mean I had to give up all things that make me happy. One of those big things was just waking up, taking a shower, getting in clothes other than yoga pants, doing my hair, and putting on makeup. When I started that routine, it just helped. It might sound funny, but fighting for that part of me and having me time was so important. Do I still have my days of workout clothes, messy hair and not showering until after 1pm? Absolutely! Life happens and I have twins! But just having that little bit of time to get ready helps me face the day ahead.


So ladies or even men, if you have kids, want kids or are waiting for your special gift from above, just know that yes your life will change, but you don’t have to give up everything about yourself. When you become a parent, your life is that baby. It is so easy to get wrapped up about caring for them and your spouse but don’t forget about you along the way. It’s not selfish, you’re not a bad parent, but you will not be happy unless there is a bit of yourself for just you!


Take Care Everyone,

Nicole



Nicole's blog can be found here: http://fittobetwinned.blogspot.com/

2.05.2016


 I bet you guys thought this was going to be a Valentine's Day post, and I guess it does describe a love affair I have...with certain pieces in my closet. I'll get to V-Day next week, but until then, I have been thinking about my must-haves. That term is used rather loosely in the blogosphere, so feel free to roll your eyes if you must. But since moving into a new home and updating the look, organization, and space in my closet, I've come to realize that there are some things I just wear the hell out of. I reach for them when I feel like a slob, and I reach for them just as well when I want to look my best. It's funny how that works. These are the "best friends", comforting me when I'm down and making me feel like a million bucks when I'm in a great mood.



1. Metallic pumps

Metallic pumps are so essential in any woman's wardrobe. Whether they are bronze like these, silver, pewter, or gold, they add a classic touch to any look. They are less unexpected than basic black, but still neutral. They are fool-proof. 




2. Olive utility-style jacket

So easy to throw on and still look put-together. You can pair this type of jacket with almost anything. It's a great canvas. Honestly, I wear it at least once per week. At least!



3. A black satchel

Who doesn't love a great carry-all? Colors are fun. and once you have a bag in black, go for some color. But I think starting with a great structured black satchel is a stepping stone. This is still my favorite bag, and I've had it for three years. It'll never go out of style.


4. Classic red nails

Whether it's on my toes or on my fingers, I really love the classic look of bright tomato red nails. It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour, and I think it looks beautiful on everyone. I wear it year-round. 


5. Layered jewels

This is one of my favorite photos (the other hand is my best friend). I used to be all about sparkly statement necklaces, and although those are fun from time to time, I now find myself gravitating towards layering dainty pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a look all my own. 





What are the clothes, shoes, or accessories that you can't be without? I'm really intrigued by the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I keep hearing a lot about it, and it's something I would be willing to try. If you have suggestions for how to get started, let me know!

I'm off to Palm Springs for a girls trip this weekend, so be sure to follow along on snapchat. User name is noelleengel. Happy Friday!

1.28.2016







Wearing //
Vince Camuto pumps, similar





Body image is a topic I've touched upon in previous posts. It's a natural point of contention when you've been putting yourself out there on a style and beauty blog for over seven years. After reading Alissa's Instagram post on Monday, I clicked over to her blog and it really struck a chord with me so I wanted to bring it up here. I can't take away from her extremely beautiful and thought provoking words, I won't even try. I suggest going to hers immediately (after reading mine of course) but it resonates with me so greatly because since starting my blog, a lot has changed - my weight, the size of my waist, hell the size of everything. I've tried to conceal it by solely posting flattering photos of myself, a trick that I think we all use, style blogger or not. My non-blogging friends do it too. "Don't you dare post that on social media, I look hideous!" or "if you post it just filter it so I look good". Let's face it. We live in a frenzy of staged Instagram photos. complete with filters that quickly hide "flaws" with the tap of your finger. We're so used to this false sense of reality that even I forget what people really look like, at least the ones I haven't seen in years. We've not only become comfortable with this phony sense of self, but I think almost blind to how it really impacts our self-esteem in a negative way. 

I don't want to get preachy here. It's my choice to put myself out there on the internet. Here is the comment I left on Alissa's blog because it sums up my feelings perfectly: Couldn't love this piece or agree any more! I think we all spend far too much time beating ourselves up. Not even on each other, but on ourselves! I've gained almost 20 pounds in two years since getting married. That's a huge what the fuck for me. Excuse the language but that's the only term I feel suits my frustration. I'm slowly getting back down, and I'm starting to make better eating and work-out choices. I'll never be the skinny girl. I'm petite, but I've got curves too, and I don't mind that one bit. We should all take your advice and just stand in the bodies we have now. Not yesterday, not a year from now but now. 

It's not just my weight that bothers me. Everything seems to these days, From my hair to my brows, and definitely to the simple fact that I've had to donate a ton of clothes, and not because of moving. No, the real reason was that they were tight, ill-fitting, and trying to wiggle myself into old size 4 jeans and blazers made me feel like a stuffed sausage. It takes guts to stand in the mirror and decide that you've had enough, and that a change is needed. I'm doing that by getting healthier for myself. But I also really love the idea of just being comfortable with where you are in life. I look at other bloggers and constantly wonder why they aren't just professional models. I thought blogging was a way to give a middle finger to the fashion heads and let them know that we can do our own thing and wear clothes beautifully without the need for photoshop or starving ourselves. I guess it worked, but I feel like it's all swung in the opposite direction. Who's fault that is, I don't know nor do I really care. But while I'm on the internet, I have to keep reminding myself what drew me to do this in the first place. I can and will be kinder to myself. I can and will shed some weight, but don't expect me to get crazy into it because when it comes down to it, I love enjoying life and that includes food. These are just my feelings, and my only hope for being honest about my body image struggle is to let you know why I don't post as often as I used to. It's not just about time constraints because we are all busy! It mainly has to do with just not feeling up to editing 30 photos, and throwing all but maybe two or three "good ones" in the recycling bin. 

 I promise I'm not looking for compliments or validation, just genuine feedback on the subject if you have any! I'd love to hear your experiences, especially as it pertains to blogging. 



6.24.2015

It's time to recognize and brag about three more lovely ladies who know how to style just about anything (all three could make a paper sack look amazing). This is my third installment, but in case you are curious, here is number one and two. You know how this works - I asked them to showcase a picture from their blogs that encompasses their own personal style. Oh, and you know what I just realized? All three are southern California bloggers. Considering I'm native to this part of the country, I may be a little biased...

Let the gushing begin.


I've followed Nicole's blog since I began mine a few years ago. What has always resonated with me is how laid-back and cool she is. Nicole in my opinion exudes confidence. She always looks impeccable, but effortless in the same breath. She wears versatile pieces that can easily be dressed up or down, and both ways look equally beautiful. Nothing ever looks fussy, and she gives off such a carefree vibe. In my world, Nicole is the rockstar of the style bloggers. 






I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jodi last Summer at rStyle school in San Diego. We sat right next to each other and proceeded to gab for the majority of the evening. I was very anxious about going to my first blogging event because I honestly don't take my own blog too seriously.  Meeting Jodi was a breath of fresh air. Not only is she stunning, but she was so incredibly sweet. Her "About me" section has a quote that I love by Oscar Wilde: "You can never be overdressed or over educated". Love that! She has quite the enviable collection of handbags and shoes and along with her adorable little daughter, their blog is one of the most unique I've read. 





Miriam is an Orange County girl, and I am not exaggerating when I say that I want to raid her entire closet. I've purchased two dresses after seeing them on her. Out of all the ladies I follow on Instagram, her pictures get me to consider buying the most. Her style is feminine, polished, and closely resembles my own personal tastes. We all love to gather inspiration from others, but I think we also want to see how others put together and style pieces we already own. I constantly look to Miriam's blog, and I suggest you do too. 


Be sure to check these hot mamas out! 

6.17.2015


Hitting thirty has been a real eye - opener for me in terms of skincare and how I want to look and feel. If the twenties are about experimentation, then the thirties are for buckling down and getting a little more serious. I find myself craving simplicity. Gina mentions it in this post and I absolutely agree with her. Even if I find the time to take extra steps in my routine, I don't really bother. I'd rather spend those extra minutes playing with my dog or watching the news. Simple is just better, easier. I'm trying to downsize on everything, including my makeup and my wardrobe. I spent most of yesterday trying on clothes, organizing my closet, donating those pieces that just don't fit anymore, and tossing out old makeup. It was hard, because I can feel the weight I've gained over the last year but it also served as a reality check, and was cathartic as well. Small changes can make the biggest impact.


One change is that I no longer crave a matte face. My skin has matured, unfortunately. From oily to dry. I now want a dewy youthful complexion, the one I so desperately tried to hide just a few short years ago. Luckily it's pretty easy to achieve with the products shown below. I first spray fix + on my makeup sponge to get it really damp, then I pat a pump of the foundation over my face and use the dampened sponge to create a nice even glow. Once I apply the rest of my makeup (mainly blush and concealer), I spray the all-nighter for even more moisture. I no longer use a setting powder, unless I go to a special event like the weddings I attended this Spring.





I rarely talk about products I regret buying, but this has to be said. These makeup remover wipes are terrible. I really dislike them. Sorry MAC, love you. Love the scent of them, but these are a big disappointment. I don't know if I just got a bad batch but they are as dry as my skin is lately, and it takes multiple wipes and some work on my part to remove my liner, shadow, and mascara (and I don't exactly pile that on either). I'll stick to my Aveeno wipes. If they are good enough for Jennifer Aniston, they are good enough for me. 





I'm also sticking to wearing clothes that I love, and I'm going to take Gina's lead and not apologize for re-wearing certain items over and over...and over again. My Barcelona camisoles from Express, my Loft jeans, my white Topshop skirt - I want to be comfortable in my own skin, and part of that means wearing things that I love, even if there's nothing remotely new about them. It's easy to get caught up and compare yourself to others, but that doesn't get anyone anywhere. As a reader, I personally enjoy seeing how people re-work their clothes. If you wear something often, that must mean you love it, right? 

One of my favorite looks. A few days ago, I wore it exactly in the same way as I did a couple of years ago. I didn't have Nate take photos though, because I was afraid of repeating and now I realize how silly that is. 



Bottom line: Stick to what works, and most importantly, what you feel good in. Simplicity is key.

4.16.2015

In my first edition of the style blogger series, I mentioned that I wanted to make it a bi-monthly post. That one was so much fun to create. I got such wonderful feedback and lovely emails, that I knew I had to keep my word and continue showcasing my favorite ladies. I follow so many of you, don't be surprised if you receive a request next!


I reached out to five ladies last week, and luckily four of them replied back and agreed to participate. Two of these ladies I've been closely following for quite some time, and the other two are more recent inspirations. All have beautiful, attainable style.





First up is Tara, who I've been following for years now. What first drew me into her blog was her profession - a school teacher. I love women that work with children. It's such an under appreciated job, one that has a true impact on the future. I also work with children, and it's such a difficult position at times. I love that Tara shows us how to look professional and polished, yet still youthful. Her style is colorful and playful, and instead of following the whole stereotype of how a teacher "typically" dresses, she completely goes against that and has made me realize that you can have fun with your work wardrobe! Her use of color and pattern mixing always provide me with new ideas.




(formerly Kacie's Kloset)

Next is Kacie, a fellow California girl. I've also been following her for over two years now, and she is just stunning! Her style is so chic. She wears the perfect jeans, and then uses them to either dress up or down the rest of her outfit. She is one of the ladies who also inspired me to cut my hair! I loved her haircut so much that I actually showed her blog to my sister-in-law and had her try to replicate it. Did you know that, Kacie? I also admire her photography skills. She takes her own pictures, something I honestly don't think I could ever be talented (or patient) enough to do. She has an eye for styling, and she comes across as very professional about it. Her look is the epitome of California cool in my book. 






I found Rachelle's blog through my friends Gina and Carylee. I'm not really sure how it happened though. I kept seeing her featured on their blogs, and then I decided to click over to Pink Sole and was immediately hooked. She loves Express just as much as I do, and she has a beautiful way of putting things together to give me fresh ideas on how to pair them. She strikes me as a very capable and confident woman, something you all may know I'm struggling with as of late. Her confidence really shines through on her blog, and her smile makes every outfit she is wearing that much more beautiful. 






Carolina is my newest find. I hope that doesn't come across in the wrong way, but when I discover a blogger that really inspires me, it's like finding a diamond in the rough! The blogosphere is bombarded with new ladies every single day, and although I think there's room for everyone, I often see the same type of style. Carolina is how I long to dress. I literally want to raid her closet and wear everything she owns. She is insanely beautiful, and her style is impeccable. She looks modern but classic at the same time if that makes sense. She looks effortless but still very put-together, and that's something I always appreciate. 




I hope you will visit their blogs, if you don't follow them already. 

Thank you for reading!

3.31.2015





Wearing //
Asos dress, similar here and here
(use code beachfirenkxoxo to get your first month free)




I wasn't sure what to title this post, so I decided to name it the thing that's been on my mind a lot recently - body confidence. Having a personal style and beauty blog is an odd concept. It's a great way to memorialize a period of time in your life. It's allowed me to recognize how my style has evolved over the last five years, and it's been such a helpful tool in that sense. I see it as a scrapbook or journal of sorts, one that makes me smile, laugh, and reminisce when I look back at older posts. But, it's also put some pressure on me to look a certain way. The internet can be a vicious place, one in which strangers feel compelled to point out every little flaw and pick people apart in the comfort of their own home and behind the veil of anonymity. Now I personally have been very fortunate. I've never really encountered any nasty comments on my blog, and I feel very supported in this community. I'm sure if I were a "bigger name blogger", I would have experienced some negative comments over the years. I cringe when I see what some are going through. I didn't know when I signed up for this that a pre-requisite included being a size 0 and looking like you flew off the pages of Vogue. If I had known, I would have just picked up an issue on the newstand.

 I think I've just begun to put pressure on myself. It's no secret that I'm struggling with my weight right now because I've disclosed that, and I second guess every single picture I put up on my blog. That shouldn't be the point though, right? I'm not a model, just a regular person with a regular job, a husband, friends, family, a dog. I live in a condo, I dream about traveling and starting a family in the next two years. I doubt myself all the time and question everything, and this is coming from someone who studied and now works in the counseling field. I see a therapist because I have horrible anxiety. I'm now on medication for it. Why am I telling you all this? Well I'm not sure really, I just don't always want to write a simple blurb about what I'm wearing and how fabulous everything is. I've been struggling lately, and I wanted to throw that out there. Not for sympathy, because I'm okay! But just to let you know that confidence is so important in life, and mine is faltering at the moment. I know it'll pass. I know I'm taking the steps necessary to head in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to a future blog post where I can talk about that. But for now, let's all just be kind to one another. I firmly believe you can be stylish at any height, weight, or size. Let's just keep reminding ourselves, and each other.

2.26.2015

After reading this excellent post by Rachelle, I was completely inspired to take inventory of my buys in 2015 thus far. I know it's only the end of February, but so many of us are guilty of blindly shopping and I can be one of them. It's almost mindless. You follow bloggers with enviable wardrobes, you see perfectly curated outfits on Instagram, and boom! Before you know it, you're filling your virtual shopping cart with similar items and spending more money than you'd like to admit. I received a few packages in the mail last week, and for the first time since getting married, my husband gave me the dreaded look. You know the one (or maybe you don't, which I commend). We both have separate checking accounts, but we do share a savings and we never touch that. Anyway, I knew from his sideways eye that he looked worried about my recent wardrobe additions, and I guess I don't blame him.


So here are my goals for this year as far as my spending habits/style/ are concerned. I also mentioned a couple of them in this post.

1) Pay more attention to the details.

2) Don't protect or save designer goods for the closet shelves. Wear them!

3) Don't just buy something because it looks great on someone else. Most girls I follow are actually quite a bit taller and thinner than I am, so just because a skirt or jacket looks like a million dollars on her doesn't mean that it will translate on my body.

4) Only buy multiples of things I have purchased before and have worn and loved!

5) Factor in cost per wear, and don't buy things just because they are on sale or at a "fast fashion" store. Invest in beautiful, timeless pieces instead of trendy items.

6) Quality over quantity.When in doubt, put it back on the rack. Tailoring can be an option, but only if the adjustment is minimal and only if I love everything about the actual piece.


Since January first, this is what I have purchased.

Clothing:







Express floral kimono (check stores) and mesh lace kimono






Shoes, Jewelry:


Sole Society flats and pumps


Elizabeth Stone Jewelry (ring, bracelet, long druzy necklace, short druzy necklace) and Anthro bracelets (here I am just wearing one of three)




Just ordered: 









What's on my wishlist for Spring and Summer:

1) More maxi dresses, at least two. I want one in white and one very colorful maxi, possibly even another print!

2) White skinny jeans and shorts

3) Simple tees that are soft and of great quality (meaning they won't shrink or look like hell after a few washes).

4) A new bathing suit

5) A denim jacket

I'm sure I'll add to the list at some point, but I really want to stay as true to this one as possible because these are things I actually do need. I'll keep you posted as the year goes on, and will update this just as Rachelle does on her blog.



How are your shopping habits going so far this year? Are you spending less or more?

2.04.2015


Today I've decided to do a little something different. One aspect of blogging that I really miss is the opportunity to have more interactions with ladies whom I admire. I used to participate in a monthly collaboration with a few fellow bloggers, and although it wasn't that long ago, it feels like ages. It was quite popular, and some of those "monthly must-reads" remain my most viewed to this very day. Honestly, the internet can be a lonely place. Anyone can start a blog, but I've always felt that there's something vacant about it all unless you're really connecting. So, in an effort to showcase more of that in my own little corner of this community, I've decided to share with you some of my favorite style bloggers. Two I've met in person, and three I would desperately love to! All five of these beautiful women have greatly inspired my personal style, especially over the last year or so. When I'm having a rough day or feeling particularly annoyed with my body and my clothing, I look to them for a pick-me-up. They've all been very kind and supportive of me on their blogs, so now it's my chance to return the favor.



First up is my friend from Canada. We go back a long way, as hers was one of the first blogs I can remember reading and genuinely loving.


I absolutely love her style, and we have deemed each other "style twins" because we have similar taste in clothing, makeup, and especially handbags. In fact, Zeba has quite a collection of bags that I am completely envious of. She always looks wonderfully put-together, but in a very easy and effortless manner. She never comes across as uncomfortable or stuffy. Her style is attainable, and that is something we can all appreciate. 







Next up is a gal I met recently over the Holidays when she was in town visiting family. I loved getting to know her a little bit more, and we are planning on making that little get-together annual.


Carylee is so skilled in remixing her wardrobe. In fact, she is currently doing a wardrobe challenge on her blog called RemixFix2015, where she uses different staples in her closet to create different looks instead of going out and spending money on more clothes. This idea is great for those of us who want to cultivate a more functional and practical way of looking at our closets. She loves the same stores that I do (Express and Nordstrom) come to mind. She's also my height, so I can always get a good sense of how something she wears may look on my frame as well. 






Skylette is another blogger that I feel a kindred spirit with. We both started our blogs roughly around the same time, and I've enjoyed her signature style ever since. Not only is she physically stunning (look at that gorgeous long hair and beautiful eyes), but she also comes across as a very sweet and down-to-earth person who loves her family as much as she loves fashion. 


She wears a lot of very feminine and classic pieces, but with a modern and sexy twist! Her J.Crew shoe collection usually has me dreaming of my next pair, and she's actually the person that inspired  my first set of their pumps. 
It was actually Sky's birthday recently, and I encourage everyone to read this post that her husband wrote about his wife. 





What can I say about my witty, sassy friend Gina? I first was introduced to her while on my honeymoon! I was walking in the parking lot of our hotel in Maui when I looked down at my phone and saw I had an email from a reader who kindly asked if she could use one of my images on her blog. I was so flattered that she took the time to do that, and I have been a loyal reader ever since. When I met her over the Summer and discovered that she lives in San Diego, I was thrilled! She is as sweet and genuine as she is smart and beautiful. 


What I love about Gina is that there isn't anything pretentious about her OR her style. She of course loves Express, and given that half of my wardrobe is from our favorite store, we definitely have that in common. She looks to celebrities and Pinterest quite a bit to gather style inspiration, and she recreates those looks so perfectly. I like that she gravitates towards clean, simple lines. Her collection of blouses, little jackets, tailored jeans and pants, and fun shoes really reflect our southern California lifestyle. Polished, but casual. 





Last but certainly not least is a blogger that I only discovered a few months ago. How did I not know about Amy Ann?! Such a travesty! 


Amy Ann's style is one I can imagine myself working towards. She wears pieces that I'm not sure I could entirely pull off (like her beautiful hats and over the knee boots) but I sure would love to! She exudes a confidence on her blog that I struggle with myself, but that is so inspiring to me. Her photographs are high quality, and many of them look like they belong in a magazine. In fact, she has been featured in People StyleWatch! I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. 





I hope you enjoyed this! I encourage you all to check out these ladies if you haven't already. I think I would like to make this a bi-monthly feature, so hopefully I can find other bloggers to participate. There are so many of you that I love. And thank you to all five of my beauties for allowing me to show you off :)

1.28.2015


Because I've been feeling so uninspired with my clothing this season, I got to thinking about how fortunate I am that I've finally curated a few pieces in my wardrobe that I absolutely love! As a girl who has always been interested in fashion, I've had my mishaps over the years. I've worn some God awful looks, and I've spent money on things that didn't last longer than a few washes. Now that I'm more focused on my own personal style rather than trends, I feel like I don't need to buy as much when I venture out to shop. Don't get me wrong, I blog about clothing so therefore I am in constant fear of temptation. Not to mention I'm also an avid blog reader, so whenever I see you girls looking fabulous in something, I immediately want to run out the door to buy it. I just can't afford to do that anymore, so instead I've decided to focus on wearing the things I already own and love. These pieces work for me, and they never let me down. Like a loyal best friend, I can count on them to make me feel happy and confident.


Favorite maxi skirt, also in my absolute favorite color.


Favorite coat and leggings


Favorite feminine skirt and bag


Favorite lady-like dress


Favorite jeans


Favorite little jacket, cami, and skirt. 
Essentially my favorite outfit!


Favorite pumps


Favorite Express portofino


Favorite (Dream) bag



And of course...
Favorite dress I've ever worn, and probably ever will



***I'm not sure if these items are still available, but if you would like a link or at least more information about any specific piece, please let me know in the comments. This post was not meant for monetization***