It’s no secret I love a great pair of high waisted denim. I have a long torso, so once the higher waist trend became a “thing,” I was fully onboard and now all my hip hugging jeans feel very Britney circa 2004. Can’t handle it.
Express has such an amazing assortment of denim! From classic styles to up and trending, you can find it all. I’ve been wanting to branch out a little bit, and when I saw this straight leg pair with the raw hem – I wanted them asap!
I think they would look so cute with a black turtleneck and booties for fall. Since we’re still in August, I opted for this top that I love so much – it’s my second one after snagging this one. Sometimes when you love something so much, you gotta get a second one… so now I just need these jeans in black!
denim (on sale! If you’re in between sizes, size down), also love these (on sale) and snagged these (now on sale!) | top (if you’re in between sizes, size up), also have and love this one and this one | heels, similar look for less here | bag on sale here | sunglasses | earrings | lip in Bad Blood
If you have an Express in your area – head over to the store to check out the in-store sales! Currently you can get $25 off your $100 purchase with code 1179, and in-store deals area available until 9/15. Details below. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Valid August 1, 2017 through September 15, 2017 at 11:59pm ET. In-store coupon promo code may only be used once and cannot be combined with any other coupons or storewide offers. Not valid on Featured Brands, clearance items, or previous purchases. Other restrictions may apply. See store or express.com for details. Minimum purchase requirement amount is net of any discounts. Sales tax, gift boxes, and shipping and handling are not included in the total minimum purchase calculation. Taxes payable after coupon value is deducted. Coupon must be presented and surrendered at the time of purchase. If you return a portion of your purchase a portion of the discount will be lost. Cannot be redeemed for cash or used to purchase Express gift cards. Reproductions of coupon will not be accepted. Valid at select Express and Express Men stores only in the U.S. Not valid at Express Factory Outlet stores.
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– the prettiest white lace bra from Simone Péréle –
– this chunky knit blanket that gives me all the cozy feels (similar robes here) –
Back at it with this week’s favorites! This week was so fun because my parents were in town and I got to tote them around to some of my favorite spots and a few of those bucket list things that I’ve been wanting to do. Now that I know I have less than a year left in Southern California, I feel that pressure to make sure I see all the things I’ve put off feeling like the time will actually go by slowly. Like… when does that ever happen?
I had a few days after my parents left to pack for a quick work trips next week to Austin and Napa before Christian’s little brother gets in town with his girlfriend. Then I have a week at home before heading to New York for fashion week… so when I get back from NY I think I’m going to put on pajamas and not change for at least two days. Even after traveling so often for my job, I still don’t think I’m very good at it!
Last but not least, after many months of preparation, my new site is live (!!!) and I plan to share a full post soon on how to navigate the site. Would love to hear any of your comments/concern/feedback in the meantime!
What do you guys have going on this weekend? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
You know, whenever I wear something bright red I think, “I do not have enough red in my closet/life.” Is there anything more fun that a bright red twirly dress!?
I laid my eyes on this dress and knew I had to have her. Bright red with floral shoulder detailing, cutouts, pleated, midi… so many good things! Sadly it sold out within the week (#tragic… but this one is a pretty great second choice), but that’s ok because today we’re talkin’ what to wear to a fall wedding. Nordstrom has SO many gorgeous options, and we’re going to dig right in!
When I’m picking something out for a wedding, I always want to be comfortable. At one of my best friend’s weddings years ago I wore a bodycon dress. I saw a candid photo of myself dancing in the background weeks later and was like…. yeah that’s the last time I’ll wear bodycon to a wedding.
In hindsight, I thought I looked great in the mirror but a candid photo of myself not standing up straight, etc. was just not flattering. SO, now I try to wear something that allows me to dance without self-consciousness and eat that piece of cake without worrying about tummy bulge. Basically, I want to have my cake and eat it too!
Nordstrom is without a doubt my go-to for cocktail looks, and this collection of dresses has my jaw dropping! When dressing for a fall wedding, I like to go for bold colors – red, navy, black, mustard yellow, burgundy, etc. Some of my favorite picks right now for fall weddings (don’t worry – they’re not all red!):
For my spring wedding tips you can check out this post, and summer wedding tips you can check out this post.
I’ll be sharing a few looks from our stay at the Four Seasons Aviara in San Diego over the news few weeks (also mentioned here), and looking at them just has me dying to go back! If you’re in SoCal, this is the most gorgeous tucked away private club. Their restaurant and spa are open to the public, so you can even just go to check it out yourself!
Can you believe it’s back to school time? I feel like it always sneaks up on me, and then I’m like… well here we are. I’m rounding up some of my ultimate picks for heading back to the grind. Let’s get into it –
1. Great Sneakers | You gotta have a great pair of kicks. My pick for everyday wear would be these or these.
2. Cozy Sweater | I bought this sweater during the Anniversary Sale and can’t stop wearing it. So cozy! My other picks would be this one or this one. Perfect for classrooms when you need something a little soft.
3. Baseball Cap | I mean, as soon as the day is done you gotta throw on a cap – truth be told I still love C in a backwards cap. Also love this one.
4. Stylish Backpack | I have this backpack and wear it when I travel all the time. Pick a stylish one over a typical backpack and you can really wear it all kinds of ways throughout the year instead of just to school. Also love this one and this one!
5. Boyfriend Jeans | The most comfy pair of jeans in my opinion. Perfect for sitting all day. Love this pair too!
6. Utility Vest or Jacket | You would be shocked at how versatile this really is. I wear my utility vests and jacket with almost everything in the fall! I also love this one and this one.
7. Striped Tee | I mean – everyone loves a great striped tee. I also love this one!
8. Espadrilles | I’ve had this pair over a year and they continue to look cute with everything. Love that they come in multiple colors!
What’s on your must-have back to school list? I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
This post is slightly photos overload… but it’s just because I love a pleated midi skirt so much. You guys know it’s true! I’ve shared a similar style here, and faux leather version here and here. If you follow along on Instagram, you may have seen these metallic versions here and here. So yes… I’m addicted.
One of the many reasons I love this style is that you can wear it with a fitted sweater, turtleneck and ankle boots or a crop top for summer. Depending on the color of the skirt, it really can take you year-round.
My parents got in town Friday so we have been hanging out all weekend, and today we are heading to Laguna where we will see Pageant of the Masters tonight. I’ve seen it a few years ago with Christian, but my mom is an artist (and theater lover) so I know she is going to love it. Plus it was joked about in Arrested Development, which makes it a little dash of hilar.
– a flashback to my annual bday wish – a cake baked by Christian (he bakes once a year and I swear, he always nails it!) –
– a cheese plate for out-of-town guests that I think might be my best yet (platter can be found here)! –
– spending the day at a 44 million dollar estate on the market with The Agency Real Estate, snag my outfit here –
I’ve put Friday’s Five posts on the back burner to bring you guys other content, but I’m so excited to bring them back! I didn’t really realize how much I enjoy putting these together every week until they were MIA for a little bit.
I had to share a few photos I’ve had on my camera roll, including Christian’s impressive three-tiered Tiffany’s blue birthday cake that he baked for my birthday. It’s one of the few things I ask for every year and he gets better and better every time. I think his cake skills have officially surpassed mine!
This year I told our families that if they didn’t know what to get me (I am the worst to shop for – I need nothing and if I want something I #treatmyself), a great gift would be a donation to a handicap adult or children’s organization. Here in OC, we love the Blind Children’s Learning Center and have been donating here since I discovered the organization when I was looking for places to donate some of Edie’s things when she passed away.
When Christian realized that our families chose other things to give me, he chose to give a donation to the organization. When I shared this briefly on Insta-Story, two readers then gave donations to the organization and brought tears to my eyes! I’ve been thinking about putting together a whole post on Donations vs. Gifts, but I just had to share this sweet story. You guys bring me so much love and happiness, you have no idea.
SO with all of that being said, I was at South Coast Plaza the day after my birthday making a quick Nordstrom run before we went to Catalina Island. I passed the Chanel store and saw these ballet flats.
I am still a flawed human who buys things she doesn’t need, no confession needed – but I’m aware!
When I was in college and living in NY for a summer, I remember looking at these ballet flats and telling myself, “one day you’ll be wearing these.” There’s no gift like one to yourself (truthfully my favorite kind), so I snagged a pair and had this “you go girl” moment that I will always remember when I wear them. To reflect to where I was 10 years ago wanting these flats and now, on the opposite side of the U.S. living a completely different life I never envisioned for myself. It feels like a fashionista’s full circle moment!
Even though this post is turning into a novel, I have to also share that I spent a few days in San Diego at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, and it was a dream. The Spa and Seasons Restaurant are now open to the public after only being available to members, and you guys – they are amazing. We sipped champagne and had spa treatments the first day and followed the experience with a five course meal with wine pairings at the chef’s table. The chef’s table! I’ve never done anything like that and we really had the most fantastic time. More of that quick trip on Instagram.
Now I’m off to spend the day with my parents who are visiting from Mississippi. August is definitely the month of visitors, so it’s been fun to pull out some entertaining skills! Hope you guys have a beautiful weekend, and if you have any insight on if you’d like to see a Donations vs. Gifts post, I’d love to hear! Thanks for reading – xo –
Remember in this post and this post when I talked about dressing for your body? Well, this is an example of me not doing that. Ha! But seriously, a billowy top with shorts is not necessarily highlighting my best features. I usually highlight my waist and cover these legs, but sometimes you find a piece so fabulous that you have to make an exception.
I never paid more than $30 for a pair of denim cutoffs… until I moved to Southern California. When the weather is 70-85 year-round, you find that a few awesome pairs of shorts become essential. My waist to rump ratio is not of the average gal, so it takes a special pair to fit like a glove and these are the winner. So much so that I bought this second pair. For less of a splurge I really like this pair too!
And of course I couldn’t go without acknowledging the fabulous ladies at Lavender Salon and Boutique for blowing out this mane and doing my makeup before this shoot. I was so lucky to coincide a little girls pampering day with a Vincent-shoot day, so I had to give proper credit because you KNOW I couldn’t get dolled up this good!
If you’re in the Newport Beach area, this place is the best. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
I mean… is it too bold to say this might be one of my favorite posts ever because of all of these blooms? This home is so much inspiration if we (ever) become home owners. Love the idea of a private wall in front of the house but still beautiful for those passing by. The green door is the cherry on top!
Flashback to last week’s post here about dressing for your body, this is a maxi dress that I think would be fantastic for anyone who is trying to hide their tummy. Most maxi’s that I wear highlight my waist, but the layering style of this one flows so beautifully that it easily camouflages the midsection.
I think this dress would be so great with a wrap scarf for the office or church OR you could wear it like this for a casual wedding, wedding shower or engagement party.
AND I paired it with a satchel handbag that converts to a backpack… is that not the coolest thing ever? Brilliant!
When highwaisted denim started appearing everywhere… I had met my denim match. Having a long torso, I love the highwaisted look. You don’t have to worry about anything spilling or peeking out (goodbye muffin top!), and I think it works with a variety of tops.
I have always loved the home decor selection at Marks & Spencer, but I recently clicked over to the women’s clothing section and discovered the denim selection! These jeans fit so comfortably, they’re so soft and I literally feel like I can ditch the other two pairs of white denim I have because I know I will continue to prefer these over the rest. Not to mention they’re under $35. Highwaisted guys… I can’t quit!
I know these can take me into the fall with chunky sweaters and some booties. I think I might need them in a few extra colors. They come in seven colors!
Marks & Spencer is a UK brand, but my package arrived so fast that I couldn’t believe it. I knew you guys would have questions about shipping, but my package was placed through the website, and I received it in less than a week!
Thanks so much for reading, and tell me your favorite cut of denim! XO –
There are only three days left of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (ending this Sunday 8/6), and this is a great time to snag up any last items that you have been contemplating! Know that you can always do what I do… double up on sizing and send back whichever one doesn’t fit.
If you don’t have a pair of slip-on loafers by now, you gots to get a pair. They are so comfortable, versatile and easy for fall. Plus you can even wear them with boyfriend jeans and shorts all year.
And of course, you know my go-to if I were scooping up some last minute things would be a great pair of high-rise denim, a cashmere treat and some boots for fall.
You can see all of my #NSale posts including what I’ve bought by clicking the #NSale page at the top left of this site! Happy shopping and happy weekend –
A reader recently commented and asked about these faux leather leggings I had included in my first #NSale roundup, and I knew they deserved their own post. I’ve shared these leggings before in posts here, here and here. Today I wanted to share how I wear them in warmer months because trust me, these leggings will be your favorite pair!
They feel nothing like leather or faux leather. They feel like comfortable, stretchy leggings that have the tummy control, firming and smoothing that all magical Spanx products have. I also think this look would work for the office (along with this one). If your work dress code is anti-leggings (been there gf!), I would substitute leggings for these pants. I owned about 4 pairs of them when I worked in the corporate world!
Some of my favorite #NSale leather and faux leather picks:
I love these so much I have them in two colors. I think they are one of the most versatile and stylish pairs of leggings that are out there. They’re marked down in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale until Sunday, so you still have a few days to save over $30 on a pair!
Don’t forget to check the #NSale page at the top left of this site for all my posts centered around markdowns! The sale ends 8/6, so you have a few more days to score some major deals. Thanks so much for reading – XO
I mean… I felt like I took a quick trip to Cuba with this post. Never been to Cuba, but now I feel like I have for like, 10 minutes!
You guys know I’m maxi dress obsessed. In fact, if you search “maxi dress” on this blog, around 15 pages of posts come up. CAUSE I CHECKED. And while I admit that is completely ridiculous, it’s because I am always trying to know my body and find what flatters my shape most.
If you haven’t begun this journey with your own body… I encourage you to really try to take note of what you feel most confident in. What silhouette do you reach for if you know you’re going to be photographed at a party or reunited with friends? Once you know what you think flatters your shape most, shopping becomes so much easier – and fun!
All of this to say, I consider myself a little curvier on the bottom (aka pear-shaped), so anything midi or maxi that highlights my upper body, I’m down with. I styled this same maxi skirt a few years ago here, but today I wanted to edge it up a little bit for a summer date night look.
Thanks so much for reading! And tell me if you guys know to dress for your body or if you would like another post on this with some more detail? If it interests you guys I’d love to dig deeper! XO –
