MINKPINK Wild Jasmine Tea Dress For Spring & Summer

As mentioned in my last post, I'm on a pretty heavy dress kick lately and this wild jasmine tea dress from MINKPINK is hands-down my favorite for Spring and Summer 2019.

Wearing // MINKPINK dress on sale, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V petite Alice bag, Gorjana coin necklace & Chloe mini necklace

Beauty // Lips are Becca Cosmetics glow gloss in Camellia

This is the second dress I bought with Palm Springs in mind. It's my first dress from MINKPINK but I'm so impressed by the quality and fit that now I basically want everything they make! I felt so comfortable in it that I wore it on the drive out to the desert, and then decided to stick with it for the remainder of our first day and night. It's light and airy, perfect for walking around the town and grabbing drinks at our favorite Mexican bar. 

I appreciate that it's fully lined for extra coverage, and the body of the dress has such a nice flow. The little flutter sleeves and deeper neckline give it a flirty feel without going overboard. I'm still able to wear a regular bra, but I did use a tiny bit of fashion tape as well since I brought it with me for my wrap dress. This dress has a generous fit so I would size down in retrospect, but my typical size was just fine for that carefree bohemian vibe I love. 

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Sunday Brunch

Wearing //

Target jacket, similar 

Banana Republic top, similar here and here

Loft jeans, similar

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar

Beauty //

Nudestix lip pencil in Mystic

Essie nails in Cascade Cool

There's not much else in life I enjoy more than a good Sunday brunch. It doesn't even have to be a boozy brunch, although a good mimosa doesn't hurt. Bubbles in the morning can go one of two ways - it can jumpstart my day or it can render me completely useless. Most of the time, I don't put too much thought into what to wear. When it's Sunday, anything goes and I see that reflected in the places where we frequent. There's always a good mix of older people, extended families, and young ladies who look like they are in desperate need of a little hair of the dog. Hey, I've been there!

Anyway, my favorite spot to lazily enjoy Sunday mornings is Temecula Creek Inn, and that's exactly where we went. The restaurant overlooks the golf course, and though I don't know a thing about golfing, I do find the scenery beautiful. There was a group of fashionable girls sitting next to our table that I couldn't help but admire. One was wearing a beige mini dress with black booties and I made a mental note that I want to put a similar look together. If I saw it on Pinterest, it would have been immediately added to one of my boards. Does anyone else do this? I love people watching, and I honestly get so much inspiration when I'm just out and about doing mundane things. In fact, I chose this particular outfit after seeing these colors on a girl at Starbucks. Green and white...go figure!

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First Weekend

Wearing //

Express jacket, tank, & jeans

Zara pumps, similar here and I want these

French Connection bag, similar

Stella & Dot Nova necklace

Delezhen labradorite necklace, similar

Beauty //

Nudestix lip and cheek pencil in Mystic

The first few days after any kind of move means comfortable clothing. For the majority of last week, I frumped around in whatever was handy and clean, and being "fashionable" took a backseat to comfort, We didn't hire movers to shlepp our furniture from the condo to the new house. Why would we? We only moved about a mile up the road! However, let me tell you. I am SO out of shape! My legs and back are still sore from carrying boxes up and down the stairs 50 times over. At the end of the weekend, all I wanted was a warm shower and a massage. I didn't get the massage, but I did take an extra long shower so I could feel human again. How I managed to get dressed at all still mystifies me, but we wanted to have some drinks at our favorite bar to celebrate our move and this is what I came up with. I'm still loving olive green paired with other neutrals, and this utility style moto jacket fits the bill of slouchy comfort. I definitely could have sized down, but this was the last one in the store and I kind of like the oversize fit with skinny jeans. Thank you ladies for all the well wishes on Instagram and snapchat! I really appreciated them. You were all right - the change felt sad, but only for a split second. Now that we have more space, I can't imagine why I worried so much that this wouldn't feel like home. It's been one week, and it absolutely does :)

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The Blues

~ I forgot my sunglasses ~

Wearing //

Loft softened chambray shirt, similar here and here on sale

Express jean leggings

Zara kitten heels, similar

Michael Kors bag

Stella & Dot necklace and bracelet

(Don't forget to use Noelle Engel as your hostess ;)

Beauty //

Make up for ever HD Ultra foundation

MAC twig lipstick

This time of year is always bittersweet for me. I used to love Christmas because it was really the only chance I had to see my extended family. My mother would go all out, working like a mad woman to ensure the perfect decorations, lights, and presents. But after my parents got divorced when I was eighteen, family stopped coming around. We isolated ourselves from people, and I spent most holidays going to friends' houses who were gracious enough to let me join and be a part of their families. Now that I have my in-laws, it's wonderful to be included in their traditions. I'm extremely grateful, but there's still this little ache in my heart because I haven't spent a single Christmas with my own family since I was a teenager. With the work that I do with foster children, I see how this otherwise happy time affects them as well. They long to feel normal. They don't care about gifts like a lot of well-adjusted kids do. All they want is to be reunited with their parents, and unfortunately, that's not a possibility for obvious, heartbreaking reasons.

I don't mean to write such a sad post, especially when it's attached to an outfit I wore but I know I'm not alone in this. Plenty of people experience the holiday blues, more than we probably imagine. In the hustle and bustle of putting together fun looks to wear to parties, gift guides filled with pretty things to buy, and traditions to carry out, I just hope we can be aware that not everyone thinks this is the most wonderful time of the year. For some, it really isn't. I hope for most of you reading this though, you are having a great end to 2015. I am trying my best :)

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Mary Tyler Moore

Wearing //

INC coat from Macy's

Express cami and jeans

Old Navy flats, old

Stella & Dot Bianca lariat necklace

Chanel bag, similar

Beauty //

MAC lipstick in Twig

Essie nails in Limited Addiction

Nate thinks I looked like Mary Tyler Moore in this get-up. And yes, he also called it a get-up. I used to watch Mary Tyler Moore when I was a kid with my parents. I loved her cute little office pencil skirts, bob haircut, and that adorable hat she threw up in the air during the iconic opening. So I'll take the reference as a compliment, however odd it may seem.

I love my new coat! I got it on sale at Macy's last week and used the remainder of a gift card on it. These open draped coats are popping up in my feed on Instagram, and I'm drawn to the relaxed look of them. They are perfect for our weather, where a lightweight coat or jacket is really all we need to get through Fall and Winter. It's an easy topper to throw over as an extra layer.

How was your Thanksgiving?

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Closet Staple: Leggings

Wearing //

Loft cardigan

Express cami

Target leggings

Sole Society booties, similar here and here

Chanel bag, look for less

Kendra Scott druzy necklace

Nordstrom long necklace (old) but similar

Beauty //

Nails in Essie Smokin' Hot

Benefit Posie Balm

Leggings are truly one of fashion's greatest pleasures, and also one of its best kept secrets. When I used to think of leggings, I pictured a frumpy mess (mostly because in college, I wore them to frump around the house in when I was too lazy to get dressed. In fact, I still do on my days off). But leggings don't have to be so casual that you still can't look pulled together and polished! Quite the contrary. There's nothing more casual chic than tucking them into a great pair of booties like I've done here, or even dressing them up for night by adding beautiful accessories and simple pumps. I always make sure to balance out the look by wearing a longer sweater, jacket, or cardigan on top. These leggings are a bit sheer, so I highly recommend covering at least your bum if you have a similar pair. Next on my shopping list are faux leather leggings that I can wear to holiday parties and out to dinner with friends. Tis the season to go glam and get dolled up, but even better when you can do so in comfort too. Now pass the chocolate chip cookies, please. 

I currently have three pairs. How many leggings do you own? What's your favorite way to wear them?

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Sweater Weather

Wearing //

Old Navy sweater

Express jeans

Topshop flats

BCBG bag (ages old) but similar

Beauty //

Essie nails Cozy in Cashmere

You know you've been blogging for a long time when you probably most likely already have a post titled the same thing. Whenever I wear a sweater, that catchy song by "The Neighborhood" comes to mind. These pictures are pretty terrible, even by my own standards. Sunday was cold and unfortunately very windy so my hair was quite the mess. I was happy that I could dress for it, but in looking at the forty photos that I took that afternoon, only these pathetic three made the cut. You guys get the gist though, right? I love a good chunky knit paired with jeans and flats. Not only is it practical, but there's something effortlessly chic about it too. I've been pinning similar looks like crazy, and I just know that some variation will become my Fall uniform this year. 

By the way, you know that random post I promised last week? Well I'm doing it this week instead. I sent my friend a text message telling her that I just didn't feel like blogging for a few days. There was no reason, I just really have been doing this for awhile and sometimes you need a break. 

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Master Class Dropout

Wearing //

Banana top

Banana clutch, similar

Loft jeans

Topshop flats

JaxKelly necklace

Various Elizabeth Stone jewels

You've already seen this top from Banana Republic in a previous post, and I loved it so much that I had to get it in olive as well. It's one of those finds that you want in every color! I try not to get multiples of things unless they are basic enough to dress up and down, and will be worn often. Considering I ripped off the tag as soon as this arrived on my doorstep, I think my choice was correct! I can't wait to layer it with a jacket, cardigan, or blazer. But listen, it'll be a long time before I can do that. We don't have seasons here, just Summer and Winter. So while some of you ladies dust off your boots and indulge in pumpkin spice lattes this month, I'll still be showing off my pedicure and chugging iced tea while I'm sweating in my car.

I titled this because I was going to wear something similar for the rewardstyle master class in San Diego, but I couldn't get the time off from work. It pained me to retract my invite, not because I was hoping to learn more about the business of blogging, but because I wanted to connect with people (and see my friend of course). Gina told me it was much more personal than last year's, so I experienced major FOMO. Just call me the master class dropout. There's always next year, right? I hope.

Happy September!

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I Really am a Denim Girl

Wearing //

Express cami & vest, similar

LOFT jeans

Sole Society heels (comes in many colors)

Nordstrom bag

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff, similar

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

I have been asked several times by friends and other fellow bloggers why I don't wear denim that often. My initial reaction is to smile or laugh, because I wear jeans practically every single day during the week. As most of you know, I work with at-risk youth in their homes or foster placements until their cases close with the county. I do a lot of behavior modifications and teach coping skills so that they can better handle their emotions. It's a tough job for several reasons, but I love the kids I work with. I dress casually because I find that kids will respond to me more if I'm "one of them" and not a  social worker (no disrespect to social workers. My kids just happen to associate them with painful memories). It just makes sense, and most of my co-workers dress in a similar way.

So, back to wearing jeans. Because I wear them so often during the week, I enjoy dressing up on the weekends if Nate and I go to dinner or grab a drink somewhere with friends. Those are typically the outfits that make it to the blog, I don't ever photograph looks that I don't actually wear. Some bloggers do that, but I'm not one of them. We take pictures Friday through Sunday and that's about all we have time for, so normally a dress or skirt is what I go for. As soon as the weekends hit, I peel off the jeans and try something different! But I really am a denim girl, and I wore this outfit last Friday night to prove it.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

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The Little Black Top

Wearing //

Banana Republic top (I want the olive color)

LOFT jeans

Forever 21 flats

Halogen bag, similar

Margaret Elizabeth druzy cuff

I have complete writer's block at this very moment. Does this ever happen to you? Writing has always been a huge passion. I feel like I started writing before I started speaking. That's not true of course, but I always get so frustrated when I have nothing of relevance to say to you guys. So here you go, here are some pictures of me wearing clothes. Clothes I actually wear. See above. 

Maybe taking the week off is to blame? I swear I've spoken more to my dog than I have to an actual human being these past couple of days. I'm hoping this goes away by the time I get back in the swing of things on Monday. In the meantime, some random thoughts:

I love a little black top. It's as important in anyone's wardrobe as a little black dress. This one is especially flattering because it has buttons and a drawstring to cinch in the waist. 

My dog doesn't know how to swim. I thought that was instinctual? Maybe she takes after me. I also don't know how to swim, aside from the dog paddle. The doggy paddle is a lie. My dog doesn't know how to paddle either. 

Nate and I are staying on the Queen Mary on Saturday evening, then going to its famous brunch on Sunday. I promise to document any ghosts that I may meet. I also want Nate to pretend he's Leonardo Dicaprio and I'm Kate Winslet on the Titanic for the entirety of this rendezvous. I need Celine Dion singing in the background while he and I make out on the deck, hopefully my hair flowing in the wind. Hey, I've never been on a giant historic ship. This teen fantasy must happen. It's my only chance. 

Um so...See you all back here next week!

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Summer 2015: The Year of The Dress

Wearing //

Anthropologie Dress

Sole Society heels, similar and so pretty

Halogen clutch, similar (I have this bag in grey)

JaxKelly necklace

Beauty //

Essie nails in California Coral

Bite Beauty lipgloss in Strawberry

If last Summer was the year of the midi skirt, and the year before that was the Summer of shorts, then this year for me has been all about the dress. Long dress, short dress, any dress! I love the versatility. Dress it up with heels and fun jewels and it can take you to a wedding, or dinner al fresco. Dress it down with sandals and a tote and you're ready for a trip to the beach. I love that dresses are flattering on everybody, and thus you have a complete outfit in one fell swoop. No need to waste precious time figuring out what to mix and match. A dress is easy, and that is what Summer should be all about. What more can a girl ask for?

I hope you had a beautiful weekend!

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All-American

Wearing //

Old Navy dress

LOFT denim jacket

J.Crew Factory sandals

Kate Spade bag (love this practical cross-body)

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace

Druzy bracelet via Rocksbox (use code beachfirenkxoxo)

I used to dress very literally for the 4th of July. As a proud American, of course it's one of my favorite holidays. I usually do it up wearing red, white, and blue to show my patriotism, but this year I have decided to go the all-American route and choose an outfit that's more classic, and less costume. This outfit sort of reminds me of a Tommy Hilfiger ad I once saw when I was in high school, minus the model's sandy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. What's more American than a denim jacket and an easy little sundress? I've worn this exact combination three times now, and I love its simplicity. I never understood the whole "throw your jacket over your shoulders so it looks like you aren't trying too hard to be cool" thing, but I actually really like it (although I wouldn't say it's the most practical at times). This blue jean baby is definitely getting put to use!

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and happy 4th! We don't have any plans this weekend, but I'm hoping it involves a grilled burger and a cold beer. Since I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging, I'll see you all back here on Monday.

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Casually Speaking

Wearing //

Kensie Pullover, recent (check stores)

Loft modern skinny jeans

Zara pumps, similar

Kate Spade bag, similar color also by KS

Henri Bendel ring

Sole Society earrings (unseen)

Nordstrom BP sunglasses

Essie nails in "Smokin' Hot"

Some days, you just don't want to fuss over an outfit. You still want to look put-together, but you don't want to put the effort in. Hey, we've all been there right? As much as I love styling my clothes and dressing myself using pretty accessories, I do have "off duty" days where a sweater and comfortable jeans is all I need to run out the door. I'm so happy I found this pullover at Macy's last week. It's soft as can be, and the faux lace detail around the neckline adds that feminine touch I gravitate towards. After SOMEONE I know accidentally stuck a similar pullover in the dryer a few months ago, I had been wanting to replace it. That one was torn to shreds, so I tossed it. I love him to death, but he will never touch my laundry again. 

Speaking of no fuss style, although I still love my short hair, I think it's time to begin the grow-out process again. I don't want it as long as it used to be before the big chop of 2014, but I would love a longer bob. Something like this:

Refinery29

sincerely jules

Harpersbazaar

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Sunsets & Such

Wearing //

Express Portofino in Crystal Green

Express cami

Loft jeans

MK Selma Satchel

Steve Madden flats, also cute!

J.Crew Factory necklace, love this too

Stella & Dot renegade bracelet

Elizabeth Stone bracelet (formerly Oia Jules)

Banana Republic deco bracelet

These pictures were taken on Thanksgiving. We actually didn't celebrate with family until a few days later, but it was nice to relax at home just the two of us for the first time...well ever. Since we didn't do much other then listen to music, cook for ourselves, and play with Nettie, I didn't feel like dressing up either. Honestly, I could have lounged in PJ's all day. This outfit was the next best thing. Comfortable, and most importantly, clean! I forgot to do laundry last week so I worked with what I had. I'm still enjoying my Express buys, in particular the green portofino. It's such a beautiful shade that the camera really doesn't do it justice. The next day, we went for a hike in San Diego at Torrey Pines. We deliberately went late so that we could watch the sunset overlooking the ocean. How gorgeous was it? No filter folks, just God's beauty at work. I love watching surfers. Although the water looked cold, I bet they felt blissful out there. 

~ Happy Friday ~

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