Style Blogger Love #3

It's time to recognize and brag about three more lovely ladies who know how to style just about anything (all three could make a paper sack look amazing). This is my third installment, but in case you are curious, here is number one and two. You know how this works - I asked them to showcase a picture from their blogs that encompasses their own personal style. Oh, and you know what I just realized? All three are southern California bloggers. Considering I'm native to this part of the country, I may be a little biased...

Let the gushing begin.

Frankie Hearts Fashion

I've followed Nicole's blog since I began mine a few years ago. What has always resonated with me is how laid-back and cool she is. Nicole in my opinion exudes confidence. She always looks impeccable, but effortless in the same breath. She wears versatile pieces that can easily be dressed up or down, and both ways look equally beautiful. Nothing ever looks fussy, and she gives off such a carefree vibe. In my world, Nicole is the rockstar of the style bloggers. 

High Heels & Tutus

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jodi last Summer at rStyle school in San Diego. We sat right next to each other and proceeded to gab for the majority of the evening. I was very anxious about going to my first blogging event because I honestly don't take my own blog too seriously.  Meeting Jodi was a breath of fresh air. Not only is she stunning, but she was so incredibly sweet. Her "About me" section has a quote that I love by Oscar Wilde: "You can never be overdressed or over educated". Love that! She has quite the enviable collection of handbags and shoes and along with her adorable little daughter, their blog is one of the most unique I've read. 

simplyxclassic

Miriam is an Orange County girl, and I am not exaggerating when I say that I want to raid her entire closet. I've purchased two dresses after seeing them on her. Out of all the ladies I follow on Instagram, her pictures get me to consider buying the most. Her style is feminine, polished, and closely resembles my own personal tastes. We all love to gather inspiration from others, but I think we also want to see how others put together and style pieces we already own. I constantly look to Miriam's blog, and I suggest you do too. 

Be sure to check these hot mamas out! 

Continue the post

Beauty Chat & Keeping Things Simple

Hitting thirty has been a real eye - opener for me in terms of skincare and how I want to look and feel. If the twenties are about experimentation, then the thirties are for buckling down and getting a little more serious. I find myself craving simplicity. Gina mentions it in this post and I absolutely agree with her. Even if I find the time to take extra steps in my routine, I don't really bother. I'd rather spend those extra minutes playing with my dog or watching the news. Simple is just better, easier. I'm trying to downsize on everything, including my makeup and my wardrobe. I spent most of yesterday trying on clothes, organizing my closet, donating those pieces that just don't fit anymore, and tossing out old makeup. It was hard, because I can feel the weight I've gained over the last year but it also served as a reality check, and was cathartic as well. Small changes can make the biggest impact.


One change is that I no longer crave a matte face. My skin has matured, unfortunately. From oily to dry. I now want a dewy youthful complexion, the one I so desperately tried to hide just a few short years ago. Luckily it's pretty easy to achieve with the products shown below. I first spray fix + on my makeup sponge to get it really damp, then I pat a pump of the foundation over my face and use the dampened sponge to create a nice even glow. Once I apply the rest of my makeup (mainly blush and concealer), I spray the all-nighter for even more moisture. I no longer use a setting powder, unless I go to a special event like the weddings I attended this Spring.

I rarely talk about products I regret buying, but this has to be said. These makeup remover wipes are terrible. I really dislike them. Sorry MAC, love you. Love the scent of them, but these are a big disappointment. I don't know if I just got a bad batch but they are as dry as my skin is lately, and it takes multiple wipes and some work on my part to remove my liner, shadow, and mascara (and I don't exactly pile that on either). I'll stick to my Aveeno wipes. If they are good enough for Jennifer Aniston, they are good enough for me. 

I'm also sticking to wearing clothes that I love, and I'm going to take Gina's lead and not apologize for re-wearing certain items over and over...and over again. My Barcelona camisoles from Express, my Loft jeans, my white Topshop skirt - I want to be comfortable in my own skin, and part of that means wearing things that I love, even if there's nothing remotely new about them. It's easy to get caught up and compare yourself to others, but that doesn't get anyone anywhere. As a reader, I personally enjoy seeing how people re-work their clothes. If you wear something often, that must mean you love it, right? 

One of my favorite looks. A few days ago, I wore it exactly in the same way as I did a couple of years ago. I didn't have Nate take photos though, because I was afraid of repeating and now I realize how silly that is. 

Bottom line: Stick to what works, and most importantly, what you feel good in. Simplicity is key.

Continue the post

Easy Breezy Chambray

Wearing //

Loft chambray shirt (lots of options)

Loft skirt (old) but similar here and here

Asos pumps (I got them in mint too)

Halogen bag, similar

Kate Spade necklace, darling option

Beauty //

Nails Inc polish in Bamboo White

Lancome Shine Lover lipstick 

Why is it that it's warm and sunny during the week, but gloomy once the weekend arrives? Mother nature has a sense of humor apparently. My plans of getting in some beach time were crushed once I figured out that the coast has been chilly. I'm hoping I can have a beach day this week because I'm officially on vacation! Well, more like a staycation since I'm not really venturing too far from home. I'd like to say I'm jetting off to Europe or some tropical locale, but that's not the case. I do think it's time for a trip to South Coast Plaza in Orange County, and I'm seeing my best friend this coming weekend in the Little Italy area of San Diego. Hey, I'll take it! A nice relaxing week is all I want. Sometimes you just have to get in some "me" time when your job gets a little stressful. That goes for all of us! I hope your Monday treats you well :)

Linking up today with Gina, Carylee, and Rachelle

Continue the post