Darling Dress & Blogging Anniversary

Wearing //

Lulus Dress

Banana Republic Bag

J.Crew Pumps, similar

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry Ring

Loft Stretch Bracelets, similar

BP Nordstrom Cuff, similar

Beauty //

Lips in M.A.C. Peach Blossom

This post is very special to me each year because it's my blogging anniversary! Well, actually I'm a few days late. My first published post went live on July 15th, 2009. Seven years later, I'm still here and I honestly can't believe anyone continues to read my little space of the internet. It boggles my mind just how many friends I have made over the years from all different parts of the country and beyond. I have readers from Canada, Russia, Germany, and Mexico. Think about that. That's amazing! I'm a bit of an introvert in "real" life, and I don't go out of my way to meet new people because I can be pretty shy and awkward. It has been such a fascinating experience for me to get to "know" people I normally wouldn't have the chance to in person. This is one aspect of blogging that I absolutely adore, and it keeps me plugging away. You ladies inspire me and not just in fashion or beauty. So many of you have made a bad day better, and a good day even better simply by your kind words and support. Bloggers have come and gone, but there are a few that have remained and I would be remiss if I didn't mention them by name. My "OG" girls that started blogging around the same time that I did: Zeba, Alison-Elle, Lilly,Skylette, Andee Layne, Crystal, Lynn, Tara, Veronika. And newer friends: Gina, Caryl, Rachelle, Daphnee, Amy Ann. You ladies have all played a role in why I continue to blog. Let's be honest. It isn't always as easy as people may think! I get writer's block, I doubt myself, I play the whole comparison game. But, the good outweighs all of these things and I can't at this point imagine not blogging.

Of course, my non-blogger friends who continue to read also keep me going. I wouldn't do it without you, because what would be the point? I already keep a journal that nobody sees, so it's nice to have an online journal that people do see. I know blogging has changed dramatically over the years. If you'd like to see something new on here, please feel free to share that with me. I'm open to pretty much everything, as long as it's entertaining or helpful. I'm also not afraid of critiques either. If I bore you to death, or if I wear something that you find unflattering let me know. Don't worry, I've worked with kiddos who have spit on me and called me every bad name under the sun. I can handle it :)

Thank you for reading! Happy seventh birthday, BG24 :)

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Don't Shy Away From Red

Wearing //

Express dress

Loeffler Randall bag

Stella & Dot ring and cuff

WHBM sandals, pretty option 

I've shied away from wearing bold colors in the past, and the one shade that really seemed to scare the heck out of me was red. Too vibrant, too attention grabbing, too "look at me". I really dislike attention in public, which is pretty strange considering I write a blog on the internet. I know, I don't understand it either sometimes but I feel like I'm getting more and more comfortable with a little attention. Yes red is powerful, but it's also incredibly feminine and it forces me to come out of my shell a bit. There's nothing to be shy of, right? Paired with softer accessories, I let the dress be the star. Although I'm loving my new bag, and I think it's worthy of special attention too! I can't wait to review it for you so look for that in my next post. 

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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!

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Pretty Little Dresses: Summer Style

I've followed Tara for quite some time now, and I've always admired not only her style, but also her authenticity. Although I've never met her in person, I feel like I know her because she seems so down-to-earth and genuine on her blog. Her link-up posts are a great way to connect and network, so when I saw that she was having guests co-host with her this Summer, I jumped at the chance to be a part of one. Being the sweet person I know she is, Tara said yes and I'm so excited to join her this week. 

I originally ordered this dress because my best friend owns several of them in different colors. I admired them on her, so I decided to try out the cobalt blue shade for myself. I'll admit that I'm not used to showing this much skin. I'm pretty modest, but given the fact that it's Summer and it's so hot and humid, I think it's the perfect little dress to throw on with some strappy heels and delicate jewelry. It's one you can dress up as I did here, or dress down. Put a bathing suit on underneath and it is a wonderful beach cover-up. Versatility is always key for me, and I think Tara would agree with that.

Wearing //

Olivaceous Dress, here & here

Halogen bag, similar here

Sole Society heels, similar (I own these too) 

BP Nordstrom necklaces  1 & 2

Beauty //

Revlon lip butter in Juicy Papaya (the best)

Essie Topless and Barefoot nails

Speaking of pretty little dresses...

Summer Style Weekly Linkup guidelines:
1. Follow Mix & Match Fashion via bloglovin’ and Beauty Girl Twenty-Four via bloglovin'

2. Please link from today’s specific blog post, not your blog’s homepage.

3. Use the button below to link back to this linkup on your blog post, or use your own link if you would like.

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An InLinkz Link-up

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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!

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