Blush Suede

Wearing //

Express dress, similar here and here

Nordstrom Rack jacket

Vince Camuto pumps, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

Elizabeth Stone ring

Halogen clutch, similar

I still act like a giddy schoolgirl on Valentine's day. I don't know why, because I was never that giddy about it while I was in school. I was quite the wallflower, and I remember literally praying that I would get a bright red or pink carnation from one of the boys in my grade. I typically got one from an equally bashful girlfriend, but would pretend it was from a boy I had a secret crush on. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Fast forward to 2003, when I met Nate on a blind date right around V-day. Maybe that's why I love it so much. I don't want to get into detail, because I know more people who detest this holiday. I get it, I really do. Not only can it be annoying when you're single, but it can also be just as irritating when you're not. The whole, "we should appreciate each other year-round, and not just on Valentine's Day" has its merits. I love receiving flowers just because, not when Hallmark tells people to do so. But guys are pretty dense when it comes to romance, and I'll take what I can get.You gotta ask for what you want right? 

Oh, and this is probably NOT what I'll be wearing on Valentine's Day. Picture a giant coat, wool leggings, and boots instead because our Sunday may involve snowy mountains. The weather has been pretty hot here the last couple of days though, so now I'm not so sure. I'll keep an eye on the forecast, because this peachy blush suede jacket IS pure love and I'm dying to wear it again. It's one of those pieces I have to pry off my body. It's gorgeous!

Continue the post

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 :)

Continue the post

The Grand Tradition Estate

Wearing //

Zara cami, similar

Express jean leggings and cardigan (check stores)

Missoni x Target scarf, similar

Forever 21 flats, similar

Michael Kors bag

Kendra Scott necklace

Beauty //

Lips in Lancome Lip Lover #334

Fallbrook is just a few miles down the freeway from Temecula, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've been there. It's more rural than where I live, filled with greenery, small pubs, beautiful homes, and a pristine estate called the Grand Tradition. It's a popular wedding venue, and now that I've seen it in person, I can absolutely understand the appeal. The gardens are breathtaking, and there's even a heart shaped pond to stroll around. The restaurant has great food, surprisingly reasonably priced. Overall, the grounds scream beauty and I want to go back immediately! It's a hidden gem that everyone in the San Diego area should visit. After being sick last week, it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

Continue the post

The New Classic

Wearing //

Zara cape, similar in white (want!)

Express cami and jeans

Sole Society pumps, similar

Chanel bag

Stella & Dot rebel necklace and renegade bracelet

Connect with me!

Beauty //

MAC lipstick in See Sheer

You know I love something when I've worn it several times in just one month. I still gravitate towards classic pieces that I can mix and match into my existing wardrobe, and there's something about a structured blazer that instantly pulls together any look regardless of your age, size, or personal style. The cape trend is just a modern twist, and I can't get enough. I love throwing it on with dark jeans and pretty shoes, even better in a classic color combination. Black, white, and pops of red are fool-proof for looking polished. I've never been good at math so I can't say much about formulas but this is one that I can fully grasp. I love this cape so much that I'm seriously considering it in white as well. 

Continue the post

Fall Basics

Wearing //

Nordstrom jacket, similar & similar

Zara cami, similar

Express jeans

Halogen flats (love)

Michael Kors bag

Express earrings

Beauty //

Essie nails in Over the Edge

Lips in Glo Minerals Aubergine (must-have) topped with balm

Use code Beautygirl24 for a discount!

Although this post features my Fall basics, it really should be titled "burlesque". Friday night, Nate and I did something a little more daring than our usual dinner and drinks outing. We went to see a burlesque show in San Diego. Gina invited me, and of course I wanted to support my friend. We got to see her shake her groove thang, and I loved every minute of it! She did a fabulous job, and so did the entire team. I was blown away by how confident all of the dancers were. All ages, shapes, and sizes, and all equally comfortable and confident in their own skin. As someone who has struggled with body image since I was a kid, I felt very empowered after the show. You don't have to be a certain weight to be beautiful, and it opened my eyes to this other world where feeling good about yourself is all that matters. Imagine that. Logically we all know this, but getting the negative self-talk out of your head on a daily basis can be difficult. Burlesque is a lost art, and I'm hoping it's coming back. If you ever get the chance to see one, definitely go!

I wore this outfit to the show, and although I think I should have dressed up in retrospect, I was just so excited to finally wear my favorite cool weather basics. Next time though, I'll be sure to at least have some glitter in my hair :)

Continue the post

Fall Colors, Summer Weather

Wearing //

Olivaceous dress

LOFT cardigan, I got it in dark green too!

Sole Society heels, similar

Express bag

Topshop necklace, check stores

Beauty //

Nails in Kensington High Street by Nails Inc. 

Because we really don't get a Fall season here in southern California, my way of celebrating this mythical time of year is to wear typically Fall colors. It may be 90 degrees outside, but at least my wardrobe can transition. Not by wearing layers and layers and pretending that I'm not sweating profusely, but by at least painting my nails burgundy to match my new bag (thank you to Gina, Rachelle, Caryl, and Zeba for being the sweet blog friends that they are and getting me a gift card to Express for my birthday). For those of us who don't really get to experience the changing of seasons, I think switching from brights and lighter colors to darker jewel tones is the best way to go. 

Is it getting cooler where you live? 

Continue the post

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!

Continue the post

Pink Lady

Wearing //

Wayf dress via Nordstrom, super similar

Nordstrom reversible tote

Sole Society heels, similar

Express chevron bracelet, same look 

Rocksbox druzy cuff 

(Use code beachfirenkxoxo to get your first month free)

Beauty //

Essie polish in Topless and Barefoot

Cover girl gloss in Plumlicious

Too Faced mascara

I remember Rachelle wearing a beautiful pink dress a few weeks ago, and remarking on how she felt like she was channeling her inner Molly Ringwald (I really hope you know who she is. If you're a younger reader, look her up. The Breakfast Club got me through my middle school years). That's exactly how I felt when wearing this almost monochromatic look. I love pink as much as the next girl, but I have to admit that dressing like a human cupcake means having your husband tell you how sweet you look. Not sexy, definitely not sexy. But hey, I'll take sweet over sexy any day. I'm more comfortable with that term. 

I hope your week is off to a great start!

Continue the post

Summer Nights

Wearing //

Express cami

Old Navy skirt (old)

J.Crew pumps

Halogen clutch via Nordstrom, check stores or similar

Kendra Scott necklace

HRH collection bracelet

Beauty //

Nails in O.P.I. "Funny Bunny"

Aside from lazy days spent by the pool or on the beach, my favorite part of Summer are the warm balmy nights. They are the perfect reprieve from the intense heat we get here during the day, and there's nothing like that feeling you get during a Summer night. It will always bring back happy memories from my childhood, no matter how old I get. Nate and I take advantage as often as we can, and this turned into one of those nights where we went out and enjoyed reminiscing about the past. I know, we are hopeless dreamers.

I hope you had a great fourth of July! We certainly did. Summer is now officially in full swing.

Continue the post

Summer on Valentine's Day

Wearing //

Express portofino 

Topshop skirt, similar

Kate Spade bag, similar

Vince Camuto pumps, gorgeous option

Elizabeth Stone jewelry

Anthro evil eye bracelet (comes in a set)

Benevolent Jewels necklace

Beauty //

Nails Inc. Porchester Square

Glo Minerals eyeshadow and tinted moisturizer

Mac Lipstick in Shy Girl

Let me apologize in advance if you are freezing your little booty off on the east coast. I can't believe how brutally cold it is in places like Boston and New York. I feel guilty that it's been in the 80's here in southern California for the better portion of a week.  It's Summer in February! This incredible warm weather led me to re-think my Valentine's Day outfit. I ditched the usual pink and red in favor of all white, my favorite turquoise handbag, bronzed metallic heels, and natural stone jewelry from my favorite line. Why not? I've done the typical V-day outfit before, many times in fact. Not that there's anything wrong with that theme, I love those colors. I just wanted to do something different this time around and since it feels like June, why not dress like it is? Again, sorry to my east coast friends. Feel free to slap me through the computer screen.

I don't know when I'll stop reaching for this white skirt. I've worn it so many times on and off the blog that I fear it's actually becoming attached to my body. Let me know if you're over it and I will at least try to put it in the back of my closet. I can't make any promises though.

Continue the post

Date Night Beauty Prep

In honor of national love day tomorrow, I thought I'd do a beauty post about what I like to do to get ready for a night out with the hubby. This definitely isn't particular to Valentine's day though. I like to treat myself before any of our dates, whether it be grabbing drinks at a bar or just dinner at one of our favorite little spots. Half the fun is getting primped, right? The whole process puts me in a girly mood, especially while listening to music, watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, and drinking a glass of wine. It's the little things guys, the details.

If you're single? Even better! I loved getting ready with my girlfriends before hitting the town. The good ol' days...I miss those. I have two bachelorette parties coming up within the next few months so I can't wait to carry this routine over with the girls.

1) Ro's Argan Body Conditioner - For extra soft, rose scented skin that lingers long after a bath or shower. I'm telling you, if you haven't indulged in Lush products yet, this is the product to try. I can't imagine any woman not loving it (unless you dislike roses).

2) GlamGlow or Freeman's Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask - The first is pricey, but it really deep cleans your pores and reveals glowing skin. The second however is a wonderfully inexpensive alternative that I remember using as a teen. I like treating myself to an at-home facial before a special event because not only does it produce great results on the skin, but it also feels nice to go the extra mile and pamper yourself. Put on some relaxing music (for me that means Jack Johnson) and let the world melt away.

3) Light a candle while you're getting ready! We love them around here, even more now with a stinky puppy running around. I gravitate towards so many different brands. I love Voluspa, Bath & Body, or in this case, my new pink peony scent from Target. I've burned it once and it smells like Spring.

4) I love to first apply a moisturizing lip treatment or balm right after I get out of the shower so it can work its magic while I'm doing my hair and makeup. This one by Fresh once again smells like rose. Notice a theme here?

5) I always make sure my nails look freshly polished. I put an extra coat of Seche Vite to ensure they look shiny and don't chip during the night. It's a pet peeve of mine!

The very last thing I do before leaving the house is spraying my favorite fragrance. 

I know, how many times can I stress that I am all about roses?

Chloe's Roses de Chloe perfume

Do you do anything special to prepare for a night out?

Happy Valentine's Day loves! 

Continue the post

Off to the races

Nate and yours truly before the big race.

What I Wore //

Loft dobby trench (old), similar here and here

White tee (underneath)

Hue leggings

Ivanka Trump flats, similar

Rebecca Minkoff mini m.a.c.

Nordstrom scarf

Henri Bendel ring

Beauty //

Zoya nails in "LC"

Benefit PosieBalm

In an effort to better connect with you ladies, I want to continue my blogging goal of sharing more personal things about myself. Not too terribly private, because that would change the course of Beautygirl24 and I wouldn't be comfortable with that. Shopping, style, and beauty products are as deep as I want to get! But it's also fun to share lesser known facts too. One of these is that I love supercross and motocross. I'm not an athletic girl, and I force myself three times per week to give up my reality shows on the couch in favor of the gym, a quick jog around our complex, or some stretches in our living room. I never played sports growing up, and my hubby and I don't get excited over football, basketball, any ball. No, we like the "extreme" stuff. If it involves surfing, a skateboard, or a bike, we like it. He likes the individual aspect of it, the thrill of speed (or broken bones and impending doom). I like the adrenaline rush, because I'm a big fat chicken and don't have the courage to do these things myself. I also don't mind the cute boys. Look up Ryan Dungey and Ken Roczen. 

We are mostly alone in our love of dirt bikes. Our close friends have made it clear that they think we are crazy. Imagine my complete surprise when Gina shared that she also loves supercross. What?! You mean, I'm not alone? I was shocked to be honest, shocked in a good way. So we met up with her last Saturday and went to supercross together, to watch strapping young lads go around and around on a dirt track at Petco Park. We were as giddy as school girls, and I was pretty distracted because all I wanted to do was have a gabfest with her. I think we should make it annual Gina. 

What Gina Wore //

Gap favorite long sleeve tee

Express jean leggings

Express necklace, pretty option

Target boots

For the record, I liked her outfit better! It was more appropriate for the event. I should have worn boots too. 

Now tell me a little fact about yourselves!

Continue the post

Vintage, Coral, & Spicy Red

Wearing //

Charlotte Russe lace top (old) but similar here

Old Navy skirt, similar

Sole Society "Jenn" pumps, love stripes too!

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Baublebar earrings, pretty option

Gorjana cuff

Beauty//

Essie nails in "bump up the pumps"

Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Can it even be classified as a holiday? I know it's usually difficult for those who don't have a significant other, and I can completely understand that. I was a total nerd growing up, so I never even imagined that I would find someone to love when I got older. My parents didn't have a good relationship, so I didn't see that positive model much when I was a kid. But then I met my friend, who just so happened to know this guy named Nate. Nate...huh...um, okay sure. Why not? We went on a blind date over Valentine's day week when I was eighteen, and the rest is history. Well, there's a lot more to the story than that but I'll keep it a secret! Most of it is tedious anyway. You know how young loves goes. Lots of tears, questions, and what ifs.

It may not be our wedding anniversary, but meeting the person you're eventually going to share your life with is a big deal and we always treat V-day as such because it's when we first met. It's a fun excuse for me to get dolled up, and a sweet way for him to show off how romantic and cheesy he can really be all wrapped up into one. This year, he's taking me somewhere by the water but that's all he'll say. You can see my last Valentine's day look here in case you want a more traditional look! I actually don't plan on wearing this outfit on Saturday, as I have something else in mind. Don't worry, you girls will see it next week.


Linking up with Gina and Carylee today! Oh, but more on Gina later ;)

Continue the post

White in the Fall

Wearing//

Express Barcelona cami

Express moto jacket

Topshop white skirt, similar here & here

J.Crew pumps

Stella & Dot bracelets

Gorjana cuff

Gorjana necklace, similar here & here

I think white has quickly become my favorite color to wear. Sure, that age old rule clearly states that white after Labor Day is a faux pas, but I love breaking that one. Some rules are just too stuffy to follow!  We associate darker shades for Fall and Winter, pastels and brights for Spring and Summer. I can see where that stems from, and I admit to following this pattern year after year, but it's so predictable! I feel like every year is the same routine. How about we all just wear what makes us happy, and re-think these so-called style rules? Isn't that a novel idea!

And for the record, my weekend was much better this time around. We had dinner with friends, went to a movie, ate some delicious food at a Greek festival, and got some much needed sleep. We also planned our road trip up north that we have coming up on November 6th. So far we have Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Monterey, and San Fransisco squeezed into five days. More on that in another post :)

Continue the post