J.Crew Juliette Collarless Sweater Blazer

 Hello friends, we have less than one week left before Christmas and I can't believe that this year is almost over! I know my posts have been sporadic but I still love having my own little space on the internet and I also still enjoy documenting my outfits, favorite wardrobe staples, and finds. Which brings me to my favorite find this year. 

I have had my eye on the classic Juliette collarless sweater-blazer from J.Crew for a few seasons. I don't know why I waited so long to finally purchase it, but I'm so happy I did. I took advantage of their Black Friday sale and snagged it for under $100 which is such a steal. Honestly, now that I have it and have worn it many times, I can say that I would have paid full price. The quality is beautiful and it's such a timeless piece. It's also the perfect weight for chilly nights in southern California. 

Wearing // Abercrombie dress, J.Crew Juliette sweater blazer, Sezane Victor bag and Sezane Gloria shoes

For sizing reference, I went down one size to a small in the coat. It's generous enough that I can still layer underneath it with plenty of room. It can be dressed up like I've done here or down with leggings and sneakers. There are so many styling options! You'll be seeing it a lot here in the next few months. 

I hope everyone is having a joyful end to 2022. Let's see what the new year brings!

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My Favorite Black Jeans for Curvy Petites

I'm a jeans and t-shirt girl through and through, but I'm very picky about the ones that I choose. Dark wash jeans have always been a closet staple, mostly because they are universally flattering and extremely versatile. I've worn them to work, school, birthday parties, holidays, camping, the beach. There aren't many articles of clothing that could do all that and be considered appropriate! I also prefer mine without any rips or distressing.

I'll admit that when it comes to jeans, I'd rather stick to what I know works on my body instead of following the trends because those come and go. For example, super skinny jeans are "out" while cropped looser styles are definitely "in". I'm a big believer in wearing what you want though and who knows? Maybe I'll give one of the popular styles a try this Spring.

For now, the one pair that I'm reaching for a lot are these black high-waist jeans from Topshop.

Wearing // TopShop jeans, Rails tee on sale, BlankNYC moto jacket on sale in different colors, Similar Sezane bag, Similar flats, Gorjana rings

I actually had these exact Topshop jeans in a dark wash a few years ago, but they also had a giant rip across one knee (remember that trend?) and it just never felt right for me. But I loved the "jamie" style because they were a nice higher rise and came in petite length. I'm all for tailoring your denim if you're under 5'4 (Nordstrom will even do this service for free) but when I can buy a pair that fits properly right off the rack, then by all means I do! 

Fast track to the jamie in solid black, a very close second to my favorite dark wash denim rule. These are no joke and so slimming! They practically come up to my bust, that's just how high waisted they are. I size up in these, although they do have a decent amount of stretch that hugs curves comfortably. I think this style looks best for work with a loose fitting button-down blouse, maybe in a rich jewel tone. I see a lot of women wearing them casually with a cropped sweater or t-shirt, which is what I'm wearing here with a moto jacket for warmth. Or, a bodysuit would look great since you don't have to worry about keeping anything tucked in if you prefer a tuck. It all depends on your personal style and what you feel good in. Either way, if you're petite and curvy, a higher rise black jean is something you should absolutely try this year! 

Do you have any denim brands you'd recommend? I really want to try Good American. 

Linking up with Straight A Style

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The Ultimate Moto Jacket For Petites

When it comes to my Winter wardrobe, there's nothing I love wearing more than a great suede jacket. I remember seeing photos of my mom wearing a fabulous fringed camel jacket in the 1970's, and ever since then, it's basically been a goal of mine to recreate similar outfits. My mom's even more petite than I am, standing at 4 foot 9, but she looked miles taller in her suede jackets (and platforms). I'm definitely more conservative in my dressing than she was, but the one thing that always stood out to me was how beautifully tailored her jackets looked. It can be challenging to find things off the rack that are suitable for petites, but this moto jacket I bought a couple years ago remains one of my favorites for that very reason.

Wearing // Moto jacket (comes in a few colors) and some on sale, Express shirt, Wit & Wisdom jeans, Similar leopard scarf, Similar booties, Gorjana necklace

This moto jacket is from BlankNYC and I bought it during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. As soon as I saw the rich vibrant carmel color, I knew I wanted it to be mine. Warm copper tones are so beautiful in the colder months to mix in with other neutrals. However, I was super skeptical that the jacket would fit correctly. Usually arms are too long, shoulders too droopy, and the overall look is just "off". I sized up one and the fit was surprisingly spot on. It's a rare occurrence, so trust me when I tell you my reaction was a little bit giddy! My number one tip for fellow petites: look for jackets that hit at the top of the hips for a flattering silhouette that makes legs appear longer. For curvy petites, this also creates the illusion of a smaller waist.
Unfortunately this exact shade is sold out, but it comes in other neutrals that would look equally gorgeous on. It's a heavier weight, which makes it perfect for cold evenings and nights. Plus, it provides just the right amount of edge to any look.

Do you like moto jackets, and if so, what's your favorite way to wear one?

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Blush On Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and while the general consensus this year seems to be one of indifference, I'm actually looking forward to it!

Nevermind that I'm 34 and married 5 years.

Or that it sorta feels like a made-up holiday.

I still enjoy any excuse for Nate to bring me flowers, even if it's mandated by the greeting card industry.

This is what I'll be wearing tomorrow, whatever we do! Usually we go out for dinner and drinks, and this cozy blush sweater will be perfect. I ordered it from Revolve last weekend and immediately fell in love with the color.

Wearing // Heartloom sweater on sale, Wit & Wisdom denim, Steve Madden shoes on sale

I know I've told this story before, but I met Nate in 2003 when I was 18 and he was 21. We had a mutual friend that set us up to go on a blind date. It was supposed to be on Valentine's Day, but I postponed the date because I had prior plans with my girlfriends. Looking back, I can't help but admire my chutzpah. I mean I no longer know some of those girls because we parted ways after graduation...but I was in no hurry to ditch my friends for a guy.

We instead went out a couple nights later and it was like at first sight. We continued seeing each other for a few months, broke up for a couple years, then reconnected again, and the rest is history. This is probably why I enjoy Valentine's Day, as it brings me right back to 18 and all those fun, crazy emotions of first love. Luckily for me, my first love became my forever love - and now I'm blushing, so I'll stop there.

Do you celebrate at all? Either way, Happy Valentine's to you 💗

Linking up with Gina and Amy Ann

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Looking Back on 2018

Happy New Year! I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write my first post of 2019 but I'm back today with a little reflection on the year that was. I almost jumped right into discussing my intentions for 2019, but I always like to wrap up the last year here so I can get some closure and move forward.

2018 was actually a good year for me. I was able to curtail my spending, I enjoyed more time outdoors, I made my health a priority, and I took a fun trip to Mexico with my best friend. But in the interest of being completely honest and transparent with you guys, it was also very inconsistent. Meaning, I was very inconsistent. I think I made some headway in managing my anxiety and depression, but it was more of me just pasting a smile on my face and trying to will myself into contentment. In reality, I spent a lot of time ruminating and I went back and forth from being social and having a full calendar to feeling utterly alone and isolated. As usual, I did it to myself. I'd have weeks where I felt great, and then my mood would completely shift and I'd have weeks where I wouldn't even want to leave the house. I would tackle a goal, but then retreat and feel like a total failure. I did this in so many areas of my life. Exercise, school, even blogging.

 If I could sum up 2018 in one word (as is the popular thing to do right now), inconsistent would be my word...

Sometimes, positive thinking can actually do more harm than good if you're not addressing an issue. Because although my attitude in general was much more positive in 2018, there were still negative thoughts brewing underneath the happy platitudes, and really I just tried to conceal them rather than overcome them. Fake it til you make it! It sounds great and all, but after awhile I just felt like I was faking everything. It became exhausting at times, and that's when I would withdraw. There were events I missed, appointments I canceled. I blogged less and tried my best to disconnect from social media. I sometimes wondered if I should stop blogging altogether, but I've always enjoyed it and I think I'd feel a void if I quit. So I'm still here! 

Wearing // Spanx faux leather leggings, Similar cardigan, Steve Madden shoes on sale, Gorjana necklace and rings

I'll discuss my outlook on 2019 in my next post, but I don't have ANY expectations as of now. The best parts of last year came from unexpected plans, spontaneous little adventures, and spending quality time with the people (and four-legged friends) that I love and I just want to continue to do more of that. 

Charnele, Caryl, Gina, Rachelle

Seeing these beautiful ladies over the holidays was most definitely a highlight of 2018. I wish we all lived closer so we could get together more often! We all met for dinner at Rustic Root in downtown San Diego and then went to a bar across the street. How fabulous do they look?!

So tell me, if you could sum up your 2018 in a word or phrase...what would yours be?

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How I Spent Thanksgiving + Burgundy Moto Jacket

I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday weekend! How did yours go?

We went camping by the beach for four days and it was pure bliss. Nate's family was out of town so we postponed our gathering. Instead of turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing, we had In-n-Out! I must've gained five pounds with all the burgers and Mexican food we indulged in, and yet round two is this Saturday so I'm reeling myself in until then!

Anyway, it was probably the best non-traditional Thanksgiving I've ever had. Waking up to the sun shining on the water and listening to the waves crashing while drinking my morning coffee and walking the dog - as I said, PURE BLISS. We seriously have dreams about selling all of our stuff and living out of an RV for a year. I know that sounds a little crazy, especially for a girl who loves clothes but I swear some days that's all I want!

Speaking of clothes, I hope you guys aren't tired of seeing my growing moto jacket collection. I can't stop reaching for them, usually when I don't know what else to wear. In my defense, Nate does work in the motorsports field so I'd like to think I'm just doing my part to represent 😉

Wearing // Old Navy moto jacket, Wit & Wisdom jeans , Zara pumps & cami (old), Sezane bag (unavailable), Gorjana coin necklace

But do you want to know the best part of camping during the holidays? No stress! Instead of pushing sales on social media (or being tempted by them myself) I instead focused on my family. 

*I did do some online shopping, but I stuck to a list I made earlier in the month and now I'm just waiting for my packages to arrive. I ordered a pair of toffee colored ankle boots, an olive sweater dress, and those faux leather Spanx leggings that everyone has. They didn't work for my best friend (I won't repeat what she said since I make it a point not to use that language on this blog), but I'm giving them a go! If everything fits nicely, you'll see them here very soon*

Did you do any holiday sale shopping this year, or are you tired of it already?! 

Linking up with On The Daily Express & Straight A Style 

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Miss New Bootie

Wearing //

Express dress

Steve Madden booties

Rebecca Minkoff mini m.a.c.

Stella & Dot nova pendant layered with 

the aurora necklace

Use Noelle Engel as your stylist!

Cheeky little title. Every single time I put on a pair of boots, that song immediately comes to mind! Anyway, I really want to thank you ladies (and gentleman) for all of the feedback I received on my body image post last week. I was truly touched by your comments and own experiences, and I even got text messages from my best friends and mother on the subject! I don't think they read here often, but when they do, it means a lot to me. I wasn't sure what sort of response I would get, and I was humbled. Writing honestly has and always will be at the core of why enjoy blogging, and so I've decided to do posts like that more frequently. At least, when I get the itch to say something more relevant than simply describing what I'm wearing.

That being said, I do want to mention that these booties are my new favorite. I asked both Gina and Caryl for advice on them because I wasn't sure if I should get these or a black pair. They both chimed in that taupe was the way to go, and I'm so happy that I went with these. They are definitely versatile! I love how they blend into my legs and give the illusion of longer gams. If you don't have a pair of booties, I highly recommend a style like these. They don't come up as high on the ankle, so they don't cut off the leg line as much as other booties I've seen. These do come in other colors, and all of them are beautiful but I know that with Spring around the corner, these will transition seamlessly.

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California Christmas

Wearing //

Express moto jacket, similar

Zara cami, similar

Loft jeans

Sole Society sandals, similar, love these

Michael Kors bag

Kendra Scott bracelet 

(great for small wrists)

It seems that most parts of the country experienced a Cali Christmas too. With record highs on the east coast, I actually saw on the news that the west coast was colder! That's just plain strange. I found reactions mixed on social media. Some of you loved the warmth, while others had a little trouble getting into the spirit this year without the snow. I'd probably fall into the latter, being that I've only been to the snowy mountains a handful of times. My first encounter was at eighteen! Talk about being sheltered much. I can only dream of one day going on vacation and experiencing the beauty of a white Christmas. I hope everyone made the best of it anyway. Mine was very relaxing. I got the chance to meet and hang out with some amazing bloggers that I consider friends. I'll share more on that later, but check out Caryl's post in the meantime if you haven't already!

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Winter Skin Essentials

Is it Winter yet? No? Not until next week I believe. Well you can tell my skin that because it has been in Winter mode for about a month now and it looks like it might be a rough season (pun intended). As much as I love the cooler temperatures, my skin goes into shock every year and becomes so bitterly dry that I spend a small fortune trying to find the latest and greatest products so I don't look like a withering piece of old fruit. Not only is dry skin bothersome, but it can also be itchy and painful. Not to mention how it ages you! I'm still on the lookout for a great body balm or butter, but I do have some other products that I swear by every Winter. If you suffer from the same problem, maybe these will be worth trying for you as well. I've already done little reviews on most of these products so I'm just refreshing your memories and letting you know that I don't just buy things, blog about them, and move on. I really am very loyal to certain items because they work!

For the undereye area

The best lip balm, really.

Ultra moisturizing hand cream. This came in a pack of three 

Body scrub (scent) from Heaven. I use this every day on my arms and legs. 

Can you tell I love this brand?

This product is new. I bought it in place of my Lush body conditioner because that product isn't easily accessible and this one by Nivea is. I think I prefer the Lush, but only because of the rose scent. Otherwise, this works just as well and leaves my skin much softer than if I didn't add the extra step.

I just bought a new body lotion from Target that I'm going to test, and I also was sent a couple of organic skin products from a Canadian brand. Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for reviews on those. Winter skin is serious beauty business! Let me know if you ladies have any recommendations for me! 

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What Winter?

I grappled with the title of this post, because although Winter never came around these parts, I know so many of you who severely struggled with it! It seemed exceptionally brutal back east and up north. Can you guys see the light at the end of the tunnel though? From the looks of so many Instagram pictures this week, it looks like Spring is blooming for a lot of you! 

Back to my non-Winter though. These looks are all from the past few months. I keep meaning to do a seasonal compilation of my outfits, but I haven't posted one since I believe Summer. I hope you enjoy! Many of you can probably consider these Spring outfits. I can't wait to get back to the beach. 

If you need links or details about any of these outfits, let me know!

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