Back to the Classics

Wearing //

Anthro Dress, sold out but timeless option

Macy's coat, similar

Halogen booties, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Like most people, it's hard to describe my style in a sentence. I know what I like - feminine silhouettes, neutral shades mixed with pops of color, simple cuts and fabrics, and definitely what I refer to as "classic" leanings. But what does classic really mean? It's difficult to explain but for the purpose of this, I'll try. My interpretation of classic means that I like basic pieces that I can wear in a number of ways. I like to invest in essentials that I know will always be in style, whether it's 2016 or far into the future. Trends are fun to play with, but I prefer to save my money and keep those to a minimum. It really is consistent with my personality as well. I'm a bit (okay a lot) timid in life. I need to be pushed to try new things, and change isn't something I seek out. I'm a creature of habit, I like routine, and I think my personal style reflects that. Hopefully this doesn't make me sound like a wet blanket! I love clothes, but I just know what works for me. When I try to step out of my comfort zone, I always end up coming back to the classics. 

And I always end up cheering when it's Friday. I'd say the weekend is classic too. Have a great one!

Linking up with Tara

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Looking Back & Blogger Meet-Up

2015 wasn't my favorite year if I'm going to be frank. Not to say that it was terrible, or that some personal growth didn't occur because I believe that every year we are alive is a chance for self-improvement. But it was a bit lackluster. Not much changed in my world, aside from watching dear friends get married, continuing to help at-risk children through my work, and teaching my puppy to better behave herself. That was a feat in itself!

I have gotten closer to a point where I feel more comfortable in my own skin, albeit there's always something to complain about. I think I stayed true to my personal style - classic pieces with fun accessories thrown into the mix to keep things fresh. Here are my gems from 2015.

If you have questions on anything you've seen, let me know in the comments and I'll be sure to answer them!

One last thing that just happened and that was a definite highlight of my year was meeting some new (and true) blogging friends last week. Caryl flew in to visit family, Rachelle, Charnele, and Daphnee came from Miami on vacation, and Gina was sweet enough to pick the spot for this momentous occasion! I can't recap the experience as brilliantly as they have, but I do want to share a few pictures from the lunch. 

Pacific Coast Grill

Photo c/o Gina

We devoured the creme brulee

Rachelle, Caryl, Gina

Added in these lovely ladies, Daphnee on the left and Charnele next to me

Then, Rachelle did something epic. She became my photographer! Move over Nate :)

She let me borrow her sunglasses

Thank you Rachelle!

Pretty good, right?! I really hope we can all get together again next year because our personalities mesh so well and I truly adore these women. 

I truly adore all of you too. Thank you so much for another year of supporting this little blog, and for bringing me so much joy. I started this journey years ago, and although blogging has changed tremendously and I've struggled to keep up, I still love it more than ever. I hope 2016 is fruitful for us all. More to come...

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Throwback Thursday {Fall Outfits}

Okay, breaking news: I'm growing my hair out again. I know, it's quite the revelation. Looking back on the last two years of my Fall wardrobe not only has provided me with style inspiration, but it has also made me realize that although I've really enjoyed my sassy shorter 'do, my long lost locks have me feeling a bit nostalgic. It's true what they say you know...the grass is always greener on the other side. I can guarantee that the minute I do grow it out, I'll get fed up with styling it and will once again feel the urge to bring out the scissors. But I'm going to give it a go anyway. It's just hair after all. I'm heading to the salon to get it dyed a couple of shades darker this morning!

I wanted to put together this throwback of my Fall clothing choices for two reasons. One, I really need some style inspiration lately. And two, I also have some new readers and Instagram followers, and I think this little recap sums up my style perfectly. I'm inspired by what I see on other blogs, but most of those ladies live in colder parts of the country and it's just not practical for me. It's difficult to dress for this unseasonably warm weather in California. I keep having to look at my calendar to remind myself that August is gone, and Halloween is in two days! I'm struggling to put together outfits, and since I still own most of these pieces, I may as well work with my existing wardrobe instead of looking to others. I think doing so is one of the most positive aspects of style blogging. It's a digital diary :)

Have a happy (and safe) Halloween this weekend!

Link up: Tara

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Ruby Shoes & Mocha Lips

Wearing //

Express portofino  and jeans (so soft)

Zara cami, similar

Louise Et Cie flats

Michael Kors bag

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry bar necklace

Beauty //

M.A.C. lipstick in Twig

Truth be told, I haven't worn this snakeprint portofino since we moved into our condo almost three years ago. I think the last time I did was to my friend's baby shower! My style cues have changed a bit since then. I don't really like sheer blouses because I don't like the extra step of wearing camisoles underneath, but I don't feel comfortable showing my bra either. What to do, what to do. I think I need a pretty lace bralette in my wardrobe, so if you have any suggestions on brands please share. After the burlesque show last weekend, pretty lacey things are on my to-buy list.

One thing I am loving that I once shied away from is mocha colored lips. It reminds me of my mom. Not that looking like my mother is a bad thing but...I digress. The 90's trend is still going strong. Nirvana, 90210, MTV - I was definitely a 90's kid. But, I was a little too young back then to really delve into the style and beauty looks so I'm playing catch up in 2015 at the ripe old age of 31. This M.A.C. lipstick in Twig has just the right amount of brown in it without being too garish. It's actually a really beautiful shade and one that I think a lot of skin tones can wear. Think "my lips but better". My style is still more feminine than let's say grunge, but sometimes a small tweak is all it takes with passing trends. 

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Fall Basics

Wearing //

Nordstrom jacket, similar & similar

Zara cami, similar

Express jeans

Halogen flats (love)

Michael Kors bag

Express earrings

Beauty //

Essie nails in Over the Edge

Lips in Glo Minerals Aubergine (must-have) topped with balm

Use code Beautygirl24 for a discount!

Although this post features my Fall basics, it really should be titled "burlesque". Friday night, Nate and I did something a little more daring than our usual dinner and drinks outing. We went to see a burlesque show in San Diego. Gina invited me, and of course I wanted to support my friend. We got to see her shake her groove thang, and I loved every minute of it! She did a fabulous job, and so did the entire team. I was blown away by how confident all of the dancers were. All ages, shapes, and sizes, and all equally comfortable and confident in their own skin. As someone who has struggled with body image since I was a kid, I felt very empowered after the show. You don't have to be a certain weight to be beautiful, and it opened my eyes to this other world where feeling good about yourself is all that matters. Imagine that. Logically we all know this, but getting the negative self-talk out of your head on a daily basis can be difficult. Burlesque is a lost art, and I'm hoping it's coming back. If you ever get the chance to see one, definitely go!

I wore this outfit to the show, and although I think I should have dressed up in retrospect, I was just so excited to finally wear my favorite cool weather basics. Next time though, I'll be sure to at least have some glitter in my hair :)

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Navy and Camel

Wearing //

Anthropologie dress, on sale!

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Sole Society heels, similar

Fossil watch

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry bar necklace

Beauty //

Toes in Essie Recessionista

I think camel and navy is such a classic color combination. I remember seeing it a lot last year, and this outfit has been in my head ever since. The only problem was, I didn't own much navy so when I saw this dress on sale, I knew I had to have it so I could get my navy fix. I already own the printed version so I wasn't ordering blindly. However, this is a petite size 6, and the other is a regular size 6 so I am glad I can see the difference! The proportions are much better, and the straps don't slip off like the other dress. I try to shop petite as often as I can, but if it's not available, I just go for it. I tell myself I will get alterations but that rarely happens. I'm a lazy petite. 

Speaking of rare, why the heck is it so hot in October? It was 95 degrees at the beach on Saturday. At the beach. In October. What? I'm so confused!

What's your favorite Fall color combination? 

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Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone

Wearing //

Soprano dress, check B.P. Nordstrom 

Sole Society booties, similar but love these!

Express bag and bracelet, similar

Nordstrom necklace

Beauty //

Essie nails in Size Matters

Glo Minerals blush in Bellini

Sometimes I think that as style bloggers, we are too vain to post outfits that we are perhaps a little unsure of. Nobody wants to make a fool of themselves, especially on social media and the web. Well, this is one of those outfits for me. I love dresses and booties on others, but on me? Totally on the fence! My first inclination was to pair this swing dress with little heels in an effort to elongate my legs, but because it was cool enough to finally break out my little boots, I decided to go for the more casual route. I loved it while I was wearing it, but looking back on the pictures, I'm uncertain that it works. Funny how that goes! You think you look fabulous until you see photographic proof. I'm posting this anyway because number one, I don't have anything else planned for Beautygirl24 this week and number 2, why not? I'm proud for stepping out of my comfort zone. I think next time, a shorter dress will be more successful with booties. But for my first try, I guess this will do :)

I can say one thing - This dress feels like lounge wear, and I'm in love. I plan on wearing it next with an olive moto jacket and...heels. 

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