Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

6.22.2022

 I love a maxi dress that I don't have to hem! I just started shopping online at Evereve and I'm really enjoying their selection of brands. I know it's a store that has been around for awhile, but it's new to me. I follow another blogger that featured this dress, so while I was looking at the website I had to control myself before I added a few things to my cart. This maxi dress in particular is by a brand called Roan + Ryan. It has a smocked bodice which is ultra comfortable, and it also has pockets! What is it about a dress with pockets that most of us seem to love?! The colors are beautiful as well. 


You'll see me in maxi dresses a lot this Summer, as I've collected a handful over the past couple months. I used to be very picky about maxis, mostly because of my height. I think fellow petites will agree that they can be tricky, but I find that as long as I keep the rest of the outfit minimal, it can actually be quite elongating. 

I'm still crazy for cutouts on dresses, so when I saw this Free People dress at the beginning of Spring I knew I wanted to have it. Except the actual dress I'm wearing below is from Forever 21! It looks exactly the same as the Free People cross of sunlight mini dress but for less. Unfortunately it sold out quickly and I can't find another look for less option, but the real deal is still available. for just under $80. Honestly, it's such a fun look that I do think it's worth it! It's incredibly easy to transition it from day (as I'm wearing here) to night by just switching out the shoes. 

Wearing // Forever 21 dress sold out but Free People available here, Similar sandals, Gorjana necklace

Aside from cutouts, blue is also a trend that I'm seeing a lot of this year. From soft pastel to bright periwinkle, there's something for everyone. I personally love shades of blue especially when paired with light neutrals like white and nude. It just makes me want to head to the beach, which I plan on doing a lot over the next couple months. It's the best part of living in California...

6.26.2019

 I'm so excited because in exactly two days, we are off on the longest Summer road trip we have ever taken. It's been months in the making and now it's finally here!

For those of you who might have missed it, myself, Nate, Nettie, and a couple of our dearest friends and their family are all hitting the road and going to Utah, Wyoming, and ending in Las Vegas Nevada. Nate and I did a similar trip a couple years ago when we ventured out to Zion and the Grand Canyon, but this time will be much different. For one, we won't just be flying by the seat of our pants and camping out in the woods alone, sleeping in our jeep (yup, we did that). This time we booked four different campgrounds to stay in. Also, we'll be traveling and sleeping in an RV which is much more pleasant than a small jeep!

I can't wait to make new memories and see more of America. Experiencing it with friends is an added bonus, and something I'm sure we'll reminisce over for years to come.


Packing for a 10 (yes 10) day road trip seems daunting, and actually it has been. But since we are mostly planning on swimming, doing some light hiking, and sight-seeing along each stop on our path, I decided to keep it as simple as possible. I really don't have the room to over-pack! I'm bringing:

a handful of casual tees and tank tops
3 pairs of shorts
1 pair of jeans
2 pairs of leggings
1 jacket, 1 sweatshirt
2 bathing suits
3 casual dresses
2 kimonos that can double as bathing suit coverups
1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of espadrilles

I figure if I need to wash anything, I can do so by hand and hang the item to dry. I love clothes, but when it comes to camping, I have a tomboy side...or really, just a zero F's given side. You have to just go with it!



I'm taking very minimal products with me that can perform double duty. For example, the cream shadow sticks from Glo can also double as eyeliner. The bronzer and highlight palette can work as eyeshadows and blush. It's all about effortless beauty when you're on a road trip. In fact, I'm sure some days I won't wear anything besides sunscreen and a little concealer. 


I definitely plan on writing about my experience once we get home. In the meantime, I'll be back with my monthly edit next week!

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

6.17.2019


Is there any greater feeling than a weekend well spent? Especially when said weekend included a delicious Italian dinner, great wine, catching up with friends you haven't seen in awhile, and long walks? That's a rhetorical question.

Summer weekends are my absolute favorite. Everything seems more relaxed, even if there's a lot to be done. Lately, I start my Saturday and Sunday mornings by sitting on our front porch drinking coffee and planning out the week ahead. It's a great way to sneak in some productivity while still being a little lazy!

My casual Summer weekends reflect a wardrobe to match. Luckily it's still cool enough to wear jeans, and hey even if it wasn't cool enough, I'd still do it.


Wearing //
Old Heartloom top, similar here


I'll always be a jeans and t-shirt girl, but even better when I can take them up a notch. I've had this lace off the shoulder top for a few years (last seen on the blog way back here) and it almost didn't make the cut when I cleaned out and organized my closet a couple weeks ago; I'm relieved I didn't donate it! Off the shoulder tops can be tricky, but I still think they are fun to wear in the Summer when you're tired of the same old tank tops and tees. As we begin to transition from Spring to Summer and the weather heats up, it's nice to have certain special pieces in your wardrobe. These striped espadrilles are another example. I could live in sandals all Summer, but sometimes I don't want to bother getting a pedicure so espadrilles are a great stand-in! In fact, I wore them so much last year that they inspired me to get these cream colored wedges you've already seen. 

I hope you ladies had a great weekend and Father's Day. Father's Day is tough for me because although I'm blessed to have my dad in good health, our relationship has always been very strained. We take one step forward, then like five steps back. I called him yesterday and we spoke briefly, but I still cried afterwards like I always do. Acceptance is something I work on every single day. That's all we can do, right? Anyway, I'm sending hugs to those of you in a similar situation. Unfortunately there are more of us than not these days...

Linking up with Pink Sole

8.20.2018

Well, it's here guys. While most kids are heading back to school, we are officially deep in the dog days of Summer. It's hot, humid, and basically painful to step outside during the middle of the day. While I begin reading up on transitional pieces and planning for some of my Fall wardrobe, you can still catch me in tank tops and sandals. The heat isn't going anywhere.



I bought this faux wrap top last month in anticipation of my trip to Tulum. The print naturally is what sold it for me, as my love for tropical patterns and looser fabrics is still going strong. But, the wrap/tie detail at the waist also caught my attention. I've always loved wrap styles because they are incredibly figure flattering and look so polished. I added my old favorites - lived-in denim, metallic slides, and a lilac saddle bag for a fun night out. I'll just switch out the jeans in favor of shorts on my upcoming Mexican trip.

Speaking of which, I can't believe Tulum is two weeks away! Katie and I have been in a non-stop texting flurry wrapping up last minute details. We can't stop outfit planning either! More on that Wednesday 😉

In the meantime I'm linking up with Rachelle.  Hope you had a great weekend!


7.23.2018





The thing I love most about Summer is that everywhere I go, I like to pretend that I'm on vacation.  And every Summer Temecula gets an influx of tourists, especially out in the wineries where buses of people are constantly in rotation and parties hop from one winery to the next. On this particular night, Nate and I went out to dinner but stopped at one for a quick glass of wine. The path leading from the hotel to the winery itself was empty, so I figured it was a good time to snap some photos of my outfit. This dress (last seen here) is unfortunately sold out, but I found a beautiful option with a similar silhouette in case anyone is interested. I love easy dresses that can be dressed up with pretty heels, or dressed down as I've done here. I added my new poppy pouch from Cult Gaia that's still pricey on sale, but as I said on Friday, I'm over the moon for this dreamy pastel print and I just had to have it. I think it'll be perfect in Tulum next month.

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I'm linking up with Rachelle today. 

7.10.2018


Everyone seems to be completely obsessed with stripes, and since grabbing this kimono during yet another neverending LOFT sale, I guess I'm beginning to see why! Stripes are a timid fashion lover's dream because they go with everything and can easily be mixed in with several prints and colors. Think of them as a neutral, just like leopard! You can even wear stripes WITH leopard. I know, crazy.




Like most of the country, we are in the midst of a heatwave in California (it was almost 120 degrees two days ago). The only items I'm reaching for until the heat breaks are these old denim shorts and basically any sleeveless top. I've been wearing my Soludos espadrilles in place of sandals to add a bit more interest to my simple Summer outfits and here, I love the effect of the double stripes. I'm not crazy about how my legs look when I wear shorts, but a longer open cardigan or kimono creates the illusion of a slimmer appearance. 

I hope you are enjoying your Summer! Mine has been great so far, which means I've been neglecting to snap photos of my outfits. My blogging schedule has been off, but I'm trying to get back to a steady pace. Thank you guys as always for stopping by and reading! 

7.03.2018


I've had this blue and white bell-sleeve dress for over two years, and it's become a staple in my Summer wardrobe. I had no intention when I bought it of even keeping it around for long; I thought it would surely fall apart after a few washes. Lucky for me, it still looks brand new and it's the easiest, most comfortable item I own (seriously, I've worn it as a nightgown on camping trips!)

I'm sure you're familiar with it but just in case, I've styled it here and here too!

This past weekend, Nate and I headed to old town Temecula to walk around and enjoy the weather.

Wearing // Old Lush dress, Steve Madden sandals, Clare V bag similar here, Elizabeth Stone necklace


We have so many fun events coming up this Summer that the temptation to buy a new outfit for each is very real. But that's not practical, nor is it affordable for many people. With that in mind,  I have a question - How do you make older favorites look new and fresh again? And another question, how can we elevate our daily style when life gets busy and the last thing we want to worry about is our appearance? 

In a world where shopping for a new outfit is literally a click away, what are some ways in which you can look put-together and polished with relatively little effort and money? Well, I've got some thoughts...


Manicured nails: Maybe it's just me, but I always notice people's hands. Short, manicured nails instantly elevate your look! If you don't have time to keep your nails painted, buff them out to ensure they look shiny and healthy. Same goes for your feet.

A healthy glow: You don't have to wear a full face of makeup, I definitely don't! But, a little tinted moisturizer and concealer on problem areas gives me the confidence to leave the house in a pinch.

Clean hair: I hate washing my hair as much as I hate going to the dentist, but let's face it ladies. Hair makes a big impact, and having clean hair is at least half the battle. Use dry shampoo to extend the life of a blow-out, but if that doesn't work, wash your hair an extra time per week. I'm sorry but greasy hair never looks polished. Don't worry so much about the actual style, just keep it clean.

Signature scent: One of my favorite compliments to receive is when someone tells me I smell good. I'm not sure why, but maybe it's because scent is so personal? Do you have anyone in your life that you associate a scent with? I do, and I love the idea of wearing a signature perfume that can be uniquely tied to YOU. What's mine? Kai. 

Great accessories: Pay special attention to your shoes, bags, and jewelry. They really are the key to looking put-together without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. They can transform say, an old favorite dress, into something that looks good as new.

A smile: If all else fails and you're having a bad hair day, bad skin day, just a bad day in general, a smile makes everyone look, and more importantly feel, more beautiful. I promise.

How do you elevate your daily style?


I hope everyone in the U.S. has a great holiday tomorrow! We are spending it in San Diego with friends and I can't wait! I'll see you back here on Friday 💋

6.29.2018

Summer 2018 made its official debut last week, and as I post this, I'm looking through photos of our recent trip to Arizona. I hadn't been to the river in years, and a camping adventure with friends was exactly the perfect way to kick off the season. Our dog Nettie loved the water, and I'm hoping we can take her back every year and make it a tradition.

But let's bring it back to fashion! My favorite part of any season is of course the clothes! Summer stands out the most to me in terms of accessories. All I really need for a Summer wardrobe are some basic tops, a couple pairs of denim shorts, kimonos to add an extra layer in case I'm stuck inside with A/C, and a handful of dresses. It gets so extremely hot here that after about a month in, I struggle to come up with new ways to wear things and that's when accessories really come into play.


Here are the major trends of Summer 2018 that I'm wearing:


1. Opal
adds a touch of bohemian whimsy 



2. White
a neutral that pops against sunkissed skin
Greek Sandals



3. Fringe
playful movement to bring attention to the face
Stella & Dot sold out, but similar here on sale




4. Nautical 
Espadrilles for going on an adventure





Other accessory trends I'm craving: 
turbands 
straw bags
medallion necklaces 

Click to Shop




What are your must-have accessories this Summer? Have a great weekend and check something off your bucket list!

6.20.2018




Wearing // Soludos espadrilles, Old Tobi dress but same silhouette and price here, Sold out Clare V bag but look for less here (and really everywhere)


Last Summer was when I first took notice of the brand Soludos. So many of my favorite bloggers were wearing their espadrilles, and they just seemed to really tie an outfit together. Even though I had my eye on them then, I decided to wait and when they cropped up again this year, I wondered why it was taking me so long to just buy them! Do you guys ever do this? I actually enjoy delayed gratification (which seems to be lacking these days but that's for another conversation).

I'm fairly particular with shoes, so I wasn't sure if this style would work for me, or whether or not they would get worn a lot. But honestly, at less than $70 dollars, I figured I could return them if they weren't meant for me. Luckily, they definitely were meant for me! I read reviews that claimed they stretch out quite a bit so I went with a 6.5 instead of a 7. I can tell that they will stretch out, but hopefully not too much! I haven't had any issues with the laces coming undone when I walk, and they look equally cute with denim shorts. I'll have to style them again for you, but I'm surprised at just how versatile, comfortable, and flattering they are. The wedge espadrilles are really tempting too!

Have you worn espadrilles? Give them a shot if you haven't. I hope you guys are having a great week!

Linking up with: On The Daily Express, Straight A Style, and Pumps and Pushups

6.11.2018


Last Friday, I woke up to a text from my best friend saying that Anthony Bourdain had taken his life. Just two days prior, Kate Spade committed suicide. I felt sick, I felt anger and sadness. Obviously I've never met these two people in my life, but as public figures, I admired them from afar and it feels like I did know them in some way.

 Nate and I packed up our jeep and went to the beach that night. Golden hour just heals the soul.

Down the stairs we go...





Later that night, we met up with my best friends and had a bonfire. We let our dogs play while we laughed over a few beers, talked about nothing and everything, made plans to do it more often. After a long week of tragic news, it was exactly where we needed to be, with people we needed to be with.

I hope you had a great weekend and spent it exactly how you wanted to. I'll see you here on Wednesday :)