The Free People Dress

I'm still crazy for cutouts on dresses, so when I saw this Free People dress at the beginning of Spring I knew I wanted to have it. Except the actual dress I'm wearing below is from Forever 21! It looks exactly the same as the Free People cross of sunlight mini dress but for less. Unfortunately it sold out quickly and I can't find another look for less option, but the real deal is still available. for just under $80. Honestly, it's such a fun look that I do think it's worth it! It's incredibly easy to transition it from day (as I'm wearing here) to night by just switching out the shoes. 

Wearing // Forever 21 dress sold out but Free People available here, Similar sandals, Gorjana necklace

Aside from cutouts, blue is also a trend that I'm seeing a lot of this year. From soft pastel to bright periwinkle, there's something for everyone. I personally love shades of blue especially when paired with light neutrals like white and nude. It just makes me want to head to the beach, which I plan on doing a lot over the next couple months. It's the best part of living in California...

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L*Space Anita Cover Up

 Kimonos, dusters, kaftans, and cover ups have been trendy for many seasons, and they're still my favorite way to layer and add interest to any Summer outfit. Let's face it, unless you're on a tropical vacation, the heat doesn't exactly inspire creative looks! I think most of the time, we are all pretty intent on being comfortable and cool in the sun and humidity. But when we want to elevate our Summer basics, a pretty kimono is the easiest way to do that. 

Wearing // L*Space Anita cover up dress, Sold out MinkPink dress but similar here, Vici bag, Gorjana necklace with Miranda Frye charm, Gorjana bracelet here & here

Now, my newest kimono is actually a cover up dress or tunic by the brand L*Space. They have a gorgeous selection of swimwear and accessories but everything is pretty pricey. This particular cover up is called the Anita, and it's just such a classic piece. It has a shirt collar, functional buttons, and can be worn multiple ways. I have worn it completely open over dresses, but I've also worn it tied at the waist with denim shorts and a bodysuit. The slits on either side allows you to do this and it looks so chic that way. So even though it's a pricier item, the versatility and quality makes it worth it. I wore this exact outfit in Vegas, and although it was well over 100 degrees (because you know, July in Vegas), I still felt cool and put together walking around some of the hotels. 

I have more ways to style a kimono coming up soon. Are you into them?

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Romantic Floral Maxi Dress

 Well hello! Long time, no blog. How are you doing? I hope you're enjoying your Summer as much as I have been. At the end of June, Nate and I went on a week long road trip with stops in Vegas, Utah, and Wyoming. It was such a great time that I plan on doing a little recap for you very soon. But until then, I'm back today sharing this romantic floral maxi dress I wore to go wine tasting. 

Wearing // Forever 21 maxi dress (sold out), Miranda Frye pendant, Gorjana necklace, Target clutch, Similar shoes

I've always loved a good maxi dress, but because I'm only 5'2, they can be a bit tricky to pull off. Usually I end up tripping over myself! I saw this particular dress on a blogger I follow and decided to give it a try before it sold out. I love the delicate floral print, the straps that tie at the shoulders (or can even be tucked in and the dress can be worn strapless) and I really love anything smocked! It holds you in while still being incredibly comfortable. This is my first Forever 21 purchase in years. I think I stopped shopping there when I turned 30, but hey, you can still find some great items if you do a little digging. I currently can only wear this dress with heels, but I may eventually get it shortened. Don't be afraid of maxi dress or skirts if you're petite. I find they can be elongating, especially worn with a heel. You just have to find the right style, color, or print. Throw in some fun accessories and you're set for a breezy Summer day (or night). 

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Faux Silk Smocked Waist Mini Dress

 When we went into lockdown last Spring, I remember writing that dressing up was one of the (trivial) things I was missing the most. Now that things are finally getting back to normal, I'm wearing all of the pretty dresses I can to make up for lost time. 

Wearing // Abercrombie dress (I got the M petite), Jeffrey Campbell sandals (sold out but love these), Gorjana bracelet

This dress is from a place I used to idolize in college, but couldn't really afford to shop in on my student budget. Abercrombie & Fitch has come a long way since then! They are much more size inclusive, and their website no longer makes me feel guilty for not being a size 00. My friend Gina told me to check it out a couple years ago when I think they were beginning to transition, but I still felt too sheepish to take a look. I ended up buying some of their active wear during the Fall, and now I check in (just to look) fairly regularly. 

When I saw this adorable smocked dress on their site, I knew it would be perfect for Spring and Summer. Smocked dresses are having a big moment right now and I'm so glad because it's such a flattering, comfortable trend. My mom used to wear smocked everything when she was in her 20's and 30's so the look is purely nostalgic for me. So is this pretty mint color! The dress slips on overhead and is fully lined. The silhouette is feminine and airy - exactly how I plan on feeling for the next few hot months. 

Are you buying any new dresses? You'll definitely see them a lot here! 

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Little Red Ruffle Dress

The thing I love wearing most during the Summer are little lightweight dresses in various colors, silhouettes, and prints. They are just so easy to throw on and go, seemingly appropriate no matter the occasion. They're also just really feminine and pretty.

I ordered this red ruffly number while I was on the road in Utah, and it was waiting on my doorstep upon our return. It's unfortunately already sold out so I can't link it, but I've had some great luck with the boutique I bought it from and you should definitely check them out for similar dresses. The store originates in northern California so a lot of their pieces have that breezy bohemian feel. By the way, I'm not being sponsored by them! I found them on social media and immediately loved their selection of fun clothes, especially with hot Summer nights in mind. I try not to miss an opportunity to dress up a little.

Wearing // Ooh la luxe dress, Madewell bag, Steve Madden sandals, Gorjana necklace 1 & 2

Beauty // Fenty Beauty setting powder, Ouai wave spray

 Considering it's almost August, we are officially in the thick of Summer, although our weather in SoCal sounds downright mild in comparison to what some of you may be experiencing back east! Nate and I leave for Ohio on Saturday, so I'll be joining in on the humid, sticky heat soon. It'll be a quick 5 day visit, but just enough time to enjoy family in another part of the country. I hope your Summer is going just as well! Honestly, mine has been incredible so far. More thoughts on it in my next post...

In the meantime, I'm linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style 

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Why I'm Loving Espadrilles

I've never really been much of a shoe girl. I know I know, I'm just waiting to get my style card revoked! Don't get me wrong, I love shoes. I admire them like little works of art. I just don't feel the need to own many pairs, and I choose comfort above everything else. Gone are the days of trying to make stilettos happen. I failed pretty miserably at walking in them in my twenties, and now that I'm almost thirty-five and am no longer so preoccupied with what others think, I choose my footwear more wisely. Ballet flats at a bar on a Saturday night? Oh yeah, I do it.

I really believe that a few pairs of classic, practical shoes can help support any wardrobe. A pair of flat sandals, a neutral wedge, some black suede pumps, and a pair of...espadrilles? I did a little digging and it turns out that espadrilles have been around since the 13th century! They look so modern, and yet they're actually a classic shoe.

Wearing //

MinkPink tea dress on sale (runs large)

North Star layered necklace

Soludos wedge espadrilles

Madewell mini transport tote

Beauty //

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Fenty Beauty Powder in Lavender 

L'Oreal Lip Ink in "I Create"

These canvas lace up beauties have a wedge, but I also wear my flat pair quite a bit. The fibre sole is very soft and flexible, so they are super comfortable for walking. They look so chic and feminine when worn with a dress, but they also pair well with jeans and shorts for a casual cool vibe. I know they're making the rounds on social media and are very trendy at the moment, but I find them to be an essential Spring and Summer shoe. I am partial to the brand Soludos, but many designers have a version. If you haven't already, give them a try!

Linking up with On The Daily Express, Straight A Style

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Those Summer Weekends

Is there any greater feeling than a weekend well spent? Especially when said weekend included a delicious Italian dinner, great wine, catching up with friends you haven't seen in awhile, and long walks? That's a rhetorical question.

Summer weekends are my absolute favorite. Everything seems more relaxed, even if there's a lot to be done. Lately, I start my Saturday and Sunday mornings by sitting on our front porch drinking coffee and planning out the week ahead. It's a great way to sneak in some productivity while still being a little lazy!

My casual Summer weekends reflect a wardrobe to match. Luckily it's still cool enough to wear jeans, and hey even if it wasn't cool enough, I'd still do it.

Wearing //

Old Heartloom top, similar here

LOFT petite jeans

Soludos striped flat espadrilles

Madewell mini transport tote

Gorjana amara rings

I'll always be a jeans and t-shirt girl, but even better when I can take them up a notch. I've had this lace off the shoulder top for a few years (last seen on the blog way back here) and it almost didn't make the cut when I cleaned out and organized my closet a couple weeks ago; I'm relieved I didn't donate it! Off the shoulder tops can be tricky, but I still think they are fun to wear in the Summer when you're tired of the same old tank tops and tees. As we begin to transition from Spring to Summer and the weather heats up, it's nice to have certain special pieces in your wardrobe. These striped espadrilles are another example. I could live in sandals all Summer, but sometimes I don't want to bother getting a pedicure so espadrilles are a great stand-in! In fact, I wore them so much last year that they inspired me to get these cream colored wedges you've already seen. 

I hope you ladies had a great weekend and Father's Day. Father's Day is tough for me because although I'm blessed to have my dad in good health, our relationship has always been very strained. We take one step forward, then like five steps back. I called him yesterday and we spoke briefly, but I still cried afterwards like I always do. Acceptance is something I work on every single day. That's all we can do, right? Anyway, I'm sending hugs to those of you in a similar situation. Unfortunately there are more of us than not these days...

Linking up with Pink Sole

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Rose Haven Heritage Garden

I've lived in Temecula almost all of my life, and yet I had no idea this beautiful garden even existed! Living in the suburbs, there are parks almost on every corner, but none as lovely as Rose Haven Heritage Garden.

Wearing // 

Ann Taylor dress, pretty midi dress here on sale

Soludos espadrilles

Clare V petite alice bag

Gorjana rings

I think I saw an acquaintance post about the garden on her Instagram, so when we had a warm sunny day last week, Nate and I decided to go see it for ourselves. We were not disappointed! It's a lush sprawling property with walking paths, picnic areas, and rows upon rows of colorful flowers, succulents, and of course fragrant roses. The scent in the garden was incredible, I wanted to bottle it up! Even though there were quite a few people walking around taking photos, the garden felt very peaceful. Next time we plan on packing a light lunch and taking advantage of their picnic tables or gazebos. 

This pink pleated midi dress has definitely been loved since I bought it last Spring. I can't tell you how often I reach for it, especially on days when I want to look a bit dressed up. I'm happy to see that midi lengths are still really popular because they're so feminine and so my style! I've worn this dress with flat sandals on the beach, with high heels for a nice celebratory dinner, and now with wedge espadrilles in a garden surrounded by roses.

Where will it be worn next?

Linking up with I Do deClaire

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Summer Staples // Lace Kimono Top + Jeans

I feel I'm in my element when I'm outside in the beautiful warm sunshine, on a patio or deck, chilled glass of white wine in hand. I did it this past weekend, and I'd like to do it every weekend from now until eternity.

It was a nice little taste, but Summer isn't quite ready just yet. We're still in the transitional phase, but every day I'm more and more excited about wearing some of the new pieces I've bought recently. I like to call them my Summer staples because I know I'll be wearing them all season long.

Wearing // 

Lace Kimono Top

LOFT jeans

Madewell tote

Steven sandals

North Star layering necklace

Beauty //

Glossier Boy Brow

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

Milani highlighter palette

Let's start with this kimono style top. I bought it blindly online from a boutique called Ooh La Luxe. They have a great range of bohemian style pieces, and while browsing their new arrivals section I fell in love with the top's white lace, billowy sleeves, and tie front. It's completely sheer so I suggest a nude camisole or even bodysuit underneath. Tops that are a little more interesting than your average plain tee are great this time of year. I wore it with some lighter wash jeans from LOFT, flat cognac sandals, and a fun lilac tote for a bit more color. All of these are basic staple items that will get a ton of use this Summer.

What are some of your Summer staples?

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Styling Floral Kimonos + New Bag

Happy last week of May! I hope you all enjoyed the long memorial day weekend and are feeling grateful, recharged, and excited for the beginning of Summer. We had a pretty lazy three days, but I was able to spend some time with girlfriends and that's always good for the soul. We also watched motocross, went to a winery, did some cleaning around the house, and of course took some blog photos.

Wearing // 

Sole Society floral kimono

Leith bodycon dress

Steven sandals

Madewell mini transport tote

It rained most of the weekend but Saturday was gorgeous! It was sunny and in the mid 70's so naturally I wanted to be outside all day. I reached for a long floral kimono from Sole Society to layer on top of a basic bodycon dress. I'm a huge kimono fan, as they look so feminine over form fitting dresses, shorts, or jeans. As long as the rest of your outfit is streamlined, a flowing kimono is a fabulous way to add dimension and movement. I've purchased a handful the last few Summers, but this print is by far my favorite. I love the blues, greens, and pinks against the white background. It really looks and feels effortless. More styling ideas here and here.

Another thing I quickly want to mention is my new lilac bag. I don't buy handbags very often, maybe one or two per year but I'm always looking for one that's moderately priced, fairly durable, and versatile. This one by Madewell fit the bill. It is such a practical little tote and I can't emphasize that enough! It can be carried by the handles, over one shoulder, or worn crossbody style. If you're in the market for a pretty Summer bag, I highly recommend one of the lighter colors but it also comes in black and cognac as well.

How do you feel about kimonos? I see them everywhere!

I'll be back on Friday with my monthly edit 💋

In the meantime, linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style. 

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