Evereve Maxi Dress

 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. 

Wearing // Evereve strapless maxi dress, Similar sandals here from Express & here, Sezane bag

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. 

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The Free People Dress

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...

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Flattering Dress Silhouettes for Petites

Like many of you, I'm growing tired of leggings and sweat pants day in and day out. Spring is my favorite season to dress for, but obviously with the current public health pandemic, everything has been put on hold. In the spirit of Spring, I wanted to put together a quick round-up on the dress silhouettes I find most flattering for petite women. We should all wear what makes us feel confident and beautiful, but there are some definite styles that work especially well on ladies 5'4 and under.


#1 Fit and Flare: This is my most worn silhouette, and the one I personally feel the most comfortable wearing. It emphasizes the upper body, creates the illusion of a smaller waist, and then skims away from the lower body like an hourglass. It's an ultra feminine look that is universally flattering no matter your body type.

#2 Midi: This particular silhouette used to scare me away because it does seem antithetical to elongating a shorter frame. However, I actually love midi styles on petite women! I often hear petites saying that they can't wear a midi or maxi dress because it makes them appear even shorter, but there are a few details to keep in mind. First, I favor one in a solid color as opposed to a busy print. Second, although they are whimsical and gorgeous, I prefer midis that don't have big ruffles, long sleeves, or excessive amounts of extra fabric. Last, I love layering a shorter jacket on top that breaks up the proportions a bit.

#3 Wrap or Faux Wrap: Similar to a fit and flare style, wrap or faux wrap dresses are universally flattering because they create an hourglass shape. They drape nicely over the body and cinch in the waist, so they are perfectly slimming. A V-neckline also adds to the effect. Whether you're curvy or straight, this style will make you look and feel polished.

#4 BodyCon: I'm curvy on the lower half, so my instinct is to steer clear from anything form fitting. However, I was pleasantly surprised a couple years ago when I discovered this now blogger favorite bodycon dress. The ruching throughout the waist helps conceal a not-so-flat stomach while also cinching the waist at its smallest area. The tulip hem comes to right above the knees, elongating the legs. I love wearing mine with a light, airy kimono during the Summer months. If you're curvy, this can still feel like a tricky style to pull off, but hey. There's nothing wrong with flaunting those curves! And if you'd like the illusion of extra curves, this style helps to do just that.

I have no idea when things will get back to normal, but I'll be wearing all of these dresses no matter what! What are your go-to dresses? I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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Thirty-One

Wearing //

Express dress

Steve Madden flats, similar

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace and assorted TopShop rings here

Beauty //

Nails in Chanel Graphite

Lips in Glo Minerals Bloom

I apologize for being MIA lately! But should I? I remember reading a post that a fellow blogger wrote a few years ago. Her belief was (and possibly still is) that it's silly to feel guilty about being busy with other things in life. She wrote something to the effect about readers understanding when things get too hectic, and she would rather have quality posts that she genuinely feels good about than mediocre content every single day. I don't really know if anything I post is that spectacular, but I do agree that I like my hobby like I like my handbags - quality over quantity. Sometimes I think we fear that if we don't blog often enough, that it will go by the wayside and that readers will become uninterested and disappear. I personally don't feel that way. I'm pretty loyal to the ladies I love to follow, and I try my best to stay connected through Instagram and Snapchat if I can't post.

Anyway, part of the reason why I only posted once last week was because it was my birthday on the 12th and it threw me off schedule. I did document a couple of my birthday looks, and this is obviously one of them. I thought a little day dress and flats would be perfect for wine tasting. It's a dress from Express that I got before the labor day sale, which was a total impulse on my part. I needed instant gratification, and I also wasn't sure if there would even be a sale so I just grabbed it. I love the long sleeves! I feel like it's nearly impossible to find. Nate said I looked like the first lady in it, and my other friend said I dress like an old woman. Okay boys, I can appreciate the snark on my thirty-first. My second birthday look is coming up on Thursday, and it's my favorite of the two. Stay tuned!

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Celebrating a Birthday

Wearing //

Banana Republic dress, similar here & here

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar (such a classic)

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

Saint Laurent arty ring

Not my birthday, but my mom's birthday. She turned 63 last Saturday, and I wanted to take her out to dinner. Anyone that knows my mom can attest to the fact that she rarely treats herself. She goes out of her way to spoil others, but I can barely remember a time when she spoiled herself or allowed others to shower her with gifts. She's not the type of mom that went with me to the salon, and when we shopped, she would often buy for others instead of treating herself. It's this selfless quality that makes me really proud to call her my mother. She's this tiny little Mexican woman, but she has such a big personality. I wish more people could be like her, myself included! I think I indulge too often, and although I blame it partly on blogging, I would like to be more like her. Funny story: After paying the dinner tab, she sent me a text message as soon as she got home and wanted to pay Nate and I back! Who does that?! Needless to say, I didn't let her. 

Three quick notes before I go:

1) I am wearing false lashes here, and I really love how they accentuate my eyes. I'm not good at applying them, but I plan on practicing so I can wear them more (at least on special occasions). 

2) The Saint Laurent arty ring is still a show-stopper. I got several compliments during dinner. It's such a substantial ring that I can't wear my wedding set with it because it rubs against them. 

3) Linking up with Tara, Rachelle, and Carylee today!

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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!

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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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Cobalt & Denim

Wearing //

Olivaceous dress here and here

Loft skinny jeans

Zara kitten heels, similar here (I have then in coral) and here 

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Elizabeth Stone necklace

Beauty //

Lips: Lancome Lip Lover # 340 mixed with CoverGirl gloss in Plumlicious

Glo Minerals Moisture Tint

Benefit blush  (one of my favorites)

This is the dress I was hoping would be great for a friend's upcoming wedding. However, the material is super flimsy and one false move and my lady bits will be on display. Not exactly appropriate for a wedding. Hell, not exactly appropriate anywhere! I'm very modest as you ladies may know, and I just can't imagine wearing this on its own. It's such a shame because it's beautiful! The soft layers flow around the body in a very feminine way. The color itself is extremely vibrant, and you know cobalt is my absolute favorite shade. I think I'll stick to wearing it like a tunic though, or perhaps over a bathing suit in the Summer by the pool. It's quite revealing, and I'm just not prepared to reveal. I don't regret buying it because it takes me out of my comfort zone. And, it was on sale :)

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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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