Sezane Gloria Sandals

 These beautiful gold Sezane sandals have been on my wish list for years after seeing them on so many French bloggers I follow. Sezane has become my favorite brand for luxurious shoes and handbags. I went to their store in NYC the last time I was there and Nate had to peel me away from the gorgeous racks of clothes. While they are still a bit pricey, the level of detail and quality makes them totally worth it. If you've followed me for awhile, you've seen my black abelle bag that I carry every Fall and Winter. Now I can throw these Gloria sandals into the mix! I plan on wearing them with everything I possibly can. They fit true to size and are incredibly comfortable with soft, supple leather and a low heel. 

Gold sandals linked here

I treated myself to them for my birthday and can't wait to wear them out! I have a fun dinner to go to in a couple weeks and plan to wear them with a navy floral dress. I'll be sure to document for you!

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Black Friday Purchases

Hey ladies, happy December! I just have a quick rundown of my purchases from last week when practically everything was on sale. I've never been much of a black Friday shopper but the deals were hard to resist this year! In fact, some of these items are still on sale and I have a feeling that most stores will continue to run promotions throughout the month so check often.
I'm finding that although I'm drawn to a lot of the current trends, I'm still committed to buying pieces that will get plenty of wear, fill a void in my wardrobe, and look great with things I already own. You know, the whole "buy less, choose well" mantra from Vivienne Westwood.

Aside from some gifts, here is what I picked up for myself:

1. B.P. Nordstrom leopard scarf - I can count on one hand how many scarves I own (I don't really need them living in southern CA) but I do love the way they make a sweater or coat look more interesting. After seeing this leopard print scarf on Gina and Amy Ann, I knew it would be the perfect neutral addition to my closet. 

2. Lush pocket tee - On my never ending quest to find the perfect t-shirt, I stumbled upon this one by Lush. I went down a size because they are quite forgiving. Love it in the taupe color I got, but also tempted to order another in white. They are incredibly soft. 

3. Old Navy rockstar jeans - The Old Navy rockstar skinny jeans are some of my favorites due to fit, length, and price. I have two distressed pairs that I keep in constant rotation, and I'm happy to add another in a darker rinse. They will go with absolutely everything!

4. Sole Society "Devyn" booties - I have a few pairs of Sole Society shoes and I've always been happy with the level of comfort and price point. 

5. Asos pink cord mini skirt - I just received this in the mail and I love it! It's definitely a "mini" but as long as the rest of me is covered, I can wear it comfortably without feeling too exposed. 

Did you participate in the sales this year? Share in the comments! Have a great weekend.

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Style & Beauty Updates

Every year I shop the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Or shall I say, the #nsale? I've been doing so since college. However, blogging has really changed the game over the last couple years and now more people are aware of it. That's great! It's the perfect time to preview what the coming season will look like, and it's also good for picking up basics.  But I'm going to be frank - the constant barrage of bloggers posting about it has left a bad taste in my mouth and this time around, I placed a very small order. I tried on some things in-store and nothing really wowed me. It seems like styles I already own are still on trend for Fall so I passed on several things. You have to be strategic!

I did grab this candle set by Voluspa. I'm not very discriminating with scents as long as they actually permeate the room. This is a great deal because you get three candles for less than the price of two. Otherwise, I don't buy these at full price anymore.

This BLANKNYC suede jacket is on back order, but it will ship in a few days and considering how hot it is, I won't need it for a long time anyway. This is one item I knew I wanted even before the sale began. I was immediately enamored with the spice shade as it flatters my coloring. I sized up to a large after trying on the medium. It's worth it, feels like butter!

In my quest for longer lasting lip stains, I spotted these by the brand Pixi at Target. One end is the gel stain, while the other is a gloss. I've worn both shades (pink and berry) and love them. They feel smooth on the lips and the stain lasts all day. The gloss, not so much, but it feels really moisturizing. They look much brighter in the tube than they do on my lips, so don't be fearful if you're worried about too much color.

Lately I've been thinking about incorporating more of my weekday style into my IG feed. I've refrained in the past because my weekday wardrobe is redundant and I wasn't sure anyone would find it helpful. Would you guys want to see that? It won't take over my feed but I figure two or three times per week might suffice. Let me know! Here is one I posted on Tuesday.

I'm living in my Express barcelona camisoles, which sadly seem to be discontinued. I've also been wearing my flats again to switch up Summer sandals. I feel so much more put-together when I pair anything with flats!

Have a great weekend!

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Summer '17: Sure Looks Like Spring

This Spring has been all about sweet little details, even for women I follow that have an edgier style. With trends leaning towards ruffles, off the shoulder tops, scalloped hemlines, midi length dresses, and lace, it's difficult NOT to give into your feminine wiles. I feel like a broken record because Summer looks just the same - and I don't mind one bit.

Here are some pieces that I have either purchased already or are on my radar. I also want to mention that I now have a "shop" tab at the top of my blog so you can see more whenever you'd like! I'm personally hoping to do a little shopping while I'm in Las Vegas, so maybe I'll come home with some of these in my suitcase 💗

Standout Item:

American Eagle One Piece Swimsuit

Have a great long weekend! Happy shopping if you have your eye on any sales. I'll see you back here on Monday for a real talk post.

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#NSale 2016: Tips & My List

Every year, I shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I know there is a lot of hype surrounding it and some may roll their eyes at yet another #NSale post, but because I regularly do shop at Nordstrom, I felt compelled to give you my picks and personal wishlist items. I was a bit underwhelmed by the choices this go around, but I still have a few pieces that are catching my eye. No surprise there...

First, a few tips for shopping the sale:

1. Get essentials! Pick up pieces that you can wear year-round and that will really become a staple in your wardrobe. Now's the time to stock up on jeans, jackets, and a fun Fall shoe that you won't be able to wait to wear.

2. Treat yourself. I've never purchased Paige denim before, but I have tried a few pairs on. You know, just for fun. It's the most luxurious denim I've ever had the pleasure of putting on my body! I typically can't afford Paige, but at this rate, you better believe I'm getting a pair before the price goes back up on August 8th.

3. Don't worry if you aren't a card member. I'm not either, and I won't be able to shop the sale early but I've never had a problem getting items when they become widely available to the public on July 22nd. They re-stock constantly so don't fear if you miss out this week. Trust me, it's all part of the sale game. Although I am strongly considering getting their debit card because I do shop there so often. The perks are great, so I'm not sure why I haven't applied yet.

4. Invest in that special handbag or pair of shoes you wouldn't normally be able to. Some items are still pricey, but it's so worth it to have a special luxury item that you can carry for seasons to come!

5. Make a list of things you are thinking of getting and then narrow them down by category. So for example, I have broken mine down to Beauty, Home, Clothing, and Accessories. It's less overwhelming and then you can take inventory of what you really need or have been dying to try as opposed to something you can buy later, even as the price goes up because it's not a priority.

Beauty:

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Beauty Palette

Illuminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase

Home:

Diptyque Scented Candle Set

Clothing:

Paige "Transcend" - Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans

Accessories:

Sam Edelman Tonia Spike Pointy Toe Pump

Kate Spade Crossbody Bag

Caveat: I have two bags that are similar so this isn't actually a real consideration for me but I think it's beautiful and at an affordable price.

Nadri Liberty Y Necklace

Are you shopping the sale? If so, tell me what you're thinking about getting (or already got) in the comments! Happy Friday!

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#NSale {My Wishlist}

So I normally don't do sale picks, guides, or wishlists these days because, well...I figure you ladies are savvy enough to pick your own (or to refrain altogether). But if you've been reading my blog from the beginning in 2009 (I'm totally dating myself here), then you know that I shop for at least one or two key pieces from the Nordstrom anniversary sale each year. In fact, because I started my blog in July, it was one of my very first embarrassing posts. I'm not going to link to it. It's embarrassing.

I don't have the capacity to go out and shop in a major way every season, but I do like getting at least one investment piece that will get me excited about cooler weather in the Fall. I also prefer classic looks over trendy items that won't last. It's a smart way to get more bang for your buck from these types of sales.

I have a budget in mind, so my wishlist is very small this year. I'm going to head to my local Nordstrom next Friday, when the sale is open to the public. If you are a card member, you can shop now! I plan on trying a lot of things on, so look for Instagram photos and a possible follow-up on here once I do my browsing. I love shopping online, but for this event, I always buy in-store. It's part of the experience!

My wishlist this year:

Rebecca Minkoff bag

(Looking at this pretty shade but it also comes in black and white)

Louise Et Cie flats

(Notice my red theme here?)

Voluspa candle trio

Halogen long cardigan (available in petites!)

I think there MUST be more items available in-store that I might be interested in, so even though this is a tiny list, stay tuned. I may or may not find something else. 

Do you have any plans to shop the sale? 

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Purchases of 2015 #2

Is it really June? Come on, someone has to be pulling my leg because I don't believe it. In late February, I did my first post about my purchases thus far in 2015. Since then, I've definitely added a few more things to my closet. I've even added basics I've had on my wishlist for years, which is great because I am making the effort to stick to a budget and a plan. Keeping a list of things I need (or okay, things I want) is absolutely the best way to hold myself accountable while shopping. It's easy to get caught up in trends, but unless you have a ton of disposable income, that isn't realistic and is usually followed by regret. So, with this all in mind, here are my purchases from March through now.

I linked to everything that is still available online. 

Asos pumps

Express white dress

Express floral barcelona cami

Express knot front tee (I also just got another in white)

Express lace kimono, Sole Society flats

Target peplum jacket

Olivaceous dress worn as tunic

Nordstrom dress and (nude clutch - wishlist item)

LOFT white jeans

(LOFT denim jacket - wishlist item), White House/Black Market sandals

I also got these flats from Forever 21, but am exchanging them for a 7 instead of 6.5. They were too snug so I'm hoping the 7's do the trick!

It's safe to say I am a total Express addict. I knew it before so this isn't some sort of revelation, but I was chuckling as I was compiling these pictures. Hey, their sales are great and I rarely buy anything full price. You shouldn't either. 

Next on my list? Well, not much really! I always have my eyes on new handbags and shoes, and I actually just got this one.

I also wouldn't mind adding a couple more basic tees and a colorful maxi dress to my Summer wardrobe. But I'm going to stay on my best behavior and stick to classic pieces I can wear often. 

What have you added lately? Any bad purchases you regret?

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Dress Hunting {Wedding Guest} & Rocksbox

     Now that it's Spring, and love is in the air as the cliche goes, I'm in anticipation of wedding season. Two of my girlfriends are tying the knot to their long-time loves, and they are the last of my circle to get married. I just love weddings. If I could be a crasher, I probably would take the risk. I could blend in, right? Anyway, the only problem I'm facing is that I have no clue what to wear to either. Ridiculous...some style blogger I am! Both weddings are outside on a lawn, and both will undoubtedly involve the Temecula heat. Keeping cool is a major concern of mine. My husband is in both weddings, but I for once can watch as a proud guest. I love that I can just sit back and relax this year and let him squirm while he gives a toast.

Here are two dresses I'm thinking about, both already ordered.

 Unfortunately, this one by Olivaceous is already sold out at Bloomingdale's but they come back in stock quite often so I will let you know when I find another. 

This dress is originally from Express from a few years back. Bottom line - I once was the happy owner, but then donated it on a whim and it was such a mistake! The color and the style are beautiful, and I think it'll be perfect for an outdoor wedding. I did receive this already from an Ebay seller but it doesn't quite fit so I'm going to work hard to get back into shape and make it work. 

Some other pretty contenders, just in case any of you are on the same hunt as I am:

I've wanted this Eliza J dress since last Summer so I think I may just try it. It comes in petite too. You can find it at Nordstrom . I would wear this beauty anywhere! 

Here's another maxi from Eliza J. It's quite pricey, but I think it's versatile enough for a lot of people. You could definitely dress it up or down. Also found at Nordstrom.

I have this pinned on one of my boards. I think it would be adorable for a more casual wedding. 

Source

I'll let you ladies see what I end up going with. I want all of these dresses just for Summer, not even necessarily for a wedding. They are all gorgeous!

Speaking of gorgeous, I just received my first Rocksbox in the mail yesterday and I couldn't be happier with the three pieces they sent to me. If you haven't yet heard of Rocksbox, it's monthly subscription service that gives you three jewelry items. For 19 dollars a month, you get a personal stylist that curates a box of baubles for you that suit your style. You can either buy them or swap them out for something else. Get your first month free with code BEACHFIRENKXOXO!

Stay tuned next week to see how I style these. 

Happy Friday!

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Purchases in 2015 {#1}

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 ruched skirt in black

Kensie blazer and Francesca's clutch

Kensie top

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: 

Loft petite ikat print maxi

Loft petite jean legging

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?

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My Style, Beauty, & Blog Resolutions

I'm not one to set resolutions each year. I used to buy into the notion when I was younger, but I have had such struggles with maintaining them that I like to stick to writing down my "goals" rather than coming up with some grandiose plans to change my life every new year that passes. I think resolutions can often set people up for failure because some just have way too many expectations. I do like the feeling of beginning fresh each January. I often do feel revitalized after the new year, but I also know that past behavior is likely an indicator of what's to come, so I set small goals for myself and go about them in steps.

When it comes to this blog, I feel much more relaxed stating my style and beauty goals. Let's not kid ourselves. Shopping itself isn't exactly a deep hobby that involves too much critical thought. It's fun, and it should remain as lighthearted as possible. I always say, if you aren't saving a life...it isn't that important. With that in mind, I do have some thoughts on how I want to approach my personal style and beauty habits in 2015.



1. Pay more attention to details

I've noticed that as drawn as I may be to accessories, I don't really wear many of them as often as I should. Over break, I cleaned out my closet and purged old scarves, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that don't work for me anymore. In hindsight, were they ever really my style? It's easy to get caught up in trends. Companies like Baublebar are so popular because they sell pretty pieces at affordable prices, but I think for awhile there, I was getting caught up in their coupon codes and promotions. I'd look on Instagram and see a blogger wearing a necklace that I felt compelled to own myself, most likely because of the way it was styled. I ended up with way too much, and with way too many random things that didn't make sense in my wardrobe. Now I want to focus on wearing accessories that tie my outfit together and that can be mixed and matched together. A statement piece to dress up an otherwise casual look, or layered delicate accessories that make my outfit more unique and personal. Lately I've neglected much of my jewelry altogether which is such a shame. I need to pay more attention to the details.

2. Don't "Protect" or save designer goods for the shelves

I finally wore my Chanel flats over Winter break when I had time off from work. I was terrified because I haven't used a protector on them and I fear that they will get dirty and show wear way too quickly. I baby my designer items (which really only consists of two). They are such classics that I want to have them forever, and it isn't every day that they come into my life. My husband and I aren't made of money, and I still feel strange even owning anything "high-end". But what's the point of having them if I don't use them? Yes they look pretty sitting in my closet but aren't they meant to be enjoyed? I want to get rid of that fear and wear all of my things. 

3. Switch up my beauty routine so I don't get stuck in a rut

I started this blog to talk about beauty. I know, shocking. I think I've diverged from that because I didn't feel like I was changing my routine too often, and I was tired of keeping up with the collections and constant buying. I'm happy that my blog went in a somewhat different direction because I feel more comfortable in the space that I'm in. But I do miss the beauty blog aspect of Beautygirl24. I think writing and reviewing less products has caused me to save more money, but the downside is that I have become so boring with my makeup. I used to do smokey eyes, nude lips, baby pink lips, a pop of color on the eyes. Now I do very simple makeup. I have some beautiful products that I've neglected and I don't want to get stuck in a rut. 

4. Keep blogging for the right reasons

I've had this one on my mind for months, and I've debated on whether to throw it out there into the universe or keep quiet. I've been blogging since late 2009. Since then, so much has changed. I think girls started a blog because they genuinely loved discussing their particular hobby. Beauty lovers wanted to share their tips and tricks, so they blogged about those. Girls who had a passion for fashion put on their best clothes and blogged about their latest finds. Real people writing and sharing about what they loved. Now people blog for a living. Like, it's their sole income. People have quit jobs that they spent years in college working towards. Everything is monetized and while I can't outwardly blame them for making money on the things they would buy and recommend anyway, I do have a slight problem with those that push a sale at any cost. What happened to just doing it because you love it? What happened to interacting with other bloggers because you wanted to really connect, and not solely for networking purposes to get ahead? I do use RewardStyle links and I do make some commission from this blog but I haven't forgotten why I started it in the first place. I only work with companies that I like and would buy from myself. I hope I don't offend anyone for this slight rant, but it just needed to be said because it's been weighing on my mind. I guess everyone should do what feels right for them. For me, I just want to continue to produce content that you guys enjoy seeing and reading. If I fail at that, or am failing, please let me know and I will change what I can.

This was a long one. Thank you for reading :)

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Holiday Shopping and My Must-Haves

I may be the only blogger who doesn't enjoy shopping on Black Friday, or during the Holidays for that matter. It gives me the worst anxiety being out amongst throngs of people making mad dashes for just about anything with "sale" listed. I do however carefully watch from a distance, usually during a coffee or lunch outing. Nate and I can't help but laugh at all of the craziness. Some of it is just too much for my nerves.

I can't even remember if I created gift or sale guides in the past, but I thought it would be useful this year to remind you ladies about my must-haves in the style and beauty departments. I myself have already done some early shopping, picking up another twill moto jacket from Express (they are back in stock and in all colors from what I could see). So here we go:

From Express:

Said twill moto jacket, here in Leijune 

(I got another in Stone. For reference, I take a size 8 in these jackets)

Barcelona Cami

(I have one in white, black, and recently just purchased pink for my upcoming Oahu trip)

Sweater Leggings

(Comfortable and thicker than your average)

The Portofino shirt

(Comes in so many colors and prints and is my ultimate must-have)

From Loft:

Petite moto jeans

(But all of their denim is great, and for the price, I highly recommend giving them a try)

Chambray shirt, similar

From Sole Society & J.Crew:

Sole Society makes the cutest, most feminine shoes! And the best part? They are affordable! They are available through their own site, or at Nordstrom. 

Olyvia pumps

I love J.Crew for more luxurious pumps, although I don't splurge often. I do think that when they are are on sale though, it's time to jump! My favorite are the blue pumps pictured above, but I also love their mirrored metallic pumps.

Valentina Pumps

**I've heard through the grapevine that my other standard shop spots like Banana Republic and Old Navy will also have sales for Black Friday.**

As for beauty, I highly recommend stocking up on gift sets at Sephora and Ulta. You really can get a lot for your money. Not to mention gift cards always come in handy. Some of my suggestions:

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

Soap & Glory Hand Food for stocking stuffers 

(I'm on tube numero dos)

Other sales include Stella & Dot and Benevolent Jewels for pretty bits and baubles. I'm eyeing two pieces from Elizabeth Stone, formerly known as Oia Jules. That may be the extent of my "me" shopping.

I hope this was somewhat helpful in case you're brave enough to venture out into the shops this weekend. If not, there's always Cyber Monday. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll be back next week after a nice break with family and friends. As always, thank you for stopping by and reading :)

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