So Cal Christmas

Well, "sunny and 75" can pretty much describe our Southern California Christmas this year... except it was more like sunny and 80 degrees, but whatever. My immediate family still has yet to celebrate our "official" Christmas, because one key member wasn't able to be here on Dec. 25th this year. That's okay, days are just days, its when you have the ones around you that matter most that makes any day special. 

Now, on to the clothes!  

The weather has been way too warm lately and shouldn't even have the right to call itself winter! However, though we've faced temperatures ranging from 65-85 degrees during the day. The nights have gotten a little chilly. My choice outfit for this post is casual and comfy. It pretty much goes with what I have been doing for the past few days... lounging, watching movies, and hanging out with family.

These are night photos. So, they are not as pretty and bright as I'm used to, but they give you the idea of the look. Notice... layering darling! When warm days turn into cool nights, layer will be your best friend. Here, I have on a short white mini dress (which I usually use as a bathing suit cover in the summer. Summer to Winter... see what I did there ;). I paired the mini dress with black leggings and boots. As it got more chilly I just kept adding. A light sweater, a soft scarf, some finger-less gloves, and a cute hat (which you can see in the photos below). Easy, effortless, and comfortable. You can add or discard layers as the weather, or your environment (outside to inside) changes. If I were to be outside very long, I would have just added a black coat for extra warmth, but for the short period of time I was outside, this was perfect.

These finger-less gloves are a fave when cold weather hits.
 I have another pair in grey!
This hat adds a bit of color without drawing extreme amounts of attention.

Olive crossbody bag. Goes with pretty
much everything.

Stayed with grays, blacks and whites. I added
a little color with my hat and bag.

Accessories, even if subtle and simple, always add a little something special to every outfit.

So there you have it. Warm to cool all in a days work. I'll and post another trial later on with this same concept but change it from casual to more work appropriate attire. 

Hope you all reading this had a wonderful Christmas, whether you celebrated on Wednesday or haven't gotten the celebration in yet, my prayer is that you had people around you who love you and who you love.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!!

Outfit Breakdown

Hat: Gap $12

Sweater: Banana Republic $15

Scarf: Payless $10

Gloves: Gap $12

Mini Dress: Banana Republic $11

Leggings: Gap $12

Leather Boots: Cathy Jean $60
Bag: Marshall's Olive & Joy $24

Well now, these are few of my favorite things...

So, I was just going to put up a "winter outfit" post (as in Southern California "winter"), but when I put my outfit together, I realized I grabbed a few of my favorite cold weather pieces. So, I figured I'd just share these favorites with you! If you can't tell, I've been pretty excited about the cool weather. And that excitement, mixed with great accessory and clothing finds, can make for pretty fun outfit planning ;)

For those of you who do not know, last year I was on the constant hunt for a leather (sans the leather) jacket. 

Well, last year I found one! And a great website which made it all possible. Check out ideeli.com and sign up to check out what they have to offer. If you're looking for something special, or enjoy designer pieces, ideeli runs flash sales that last anywhere from a couple days to a few hours and will have great discounts on whatever they are promoting. 

The color looks much more "purple" in this photo than it does in real life.
Its much closer to a maroon color and it mixes well with earth tones.

For instance, I found this fantastic faux leather Kenneth Cole jacket in a lovely grape hue for $40 on ideeli. Fantastic! 

It's always a gamble purchasing items online, but  when I bought it, I fortunately had already seen a similar jacket to this one in the Kenneth Cole store. Thus, I had the chance to try it on. I loved it! (obviously.) And still do! I continuously find myself pulling it out of my closet to wear with everything this season. 

When looking for a leather style jacket, I had constantly looked for a black or tan one. However, when I laid eyes on this lovely grapevine color, my eyes were opened and my style horizon, broadened. ;) I think its great how the grape can go with subtle more earth tone hues that I constantly find myself wearing.

Oh... and did I happen to mention I love scarves?

Found this lovely scarf at Nordstrom for $20! This is a definite favorite from my closet. I feel like I'm daily pulling it out to throw it on with whatever I am wearing. (I guess I actually may wear it a bit too often... but shhhhhh don't tell! ;)

This infinity scarf always folds elegantly.

Always have on my favorite rings.

These BOOTS.

A fantastic Marshall's find! Rocket Dog... $39.99.

Love the laces. Love the color. Love the distress.

Super comfy. I pretty much wear them all the time.

 Well...

that's all I've got. Loving the chill in the air. Loving the layers. What are some of your favorite pieces that you just can't help grabbing out of your closet? Are they seasonal? Or just a must... always? Feel free to share your inspirations... or your comfort musts!

Outfit Breakdown

Jacket: ideeli Kenneth Cole $40

Scarf: Nordstrom David & Young $20

Top: Sun Diego Billabong $12

Jeans: Marshall's Nine West $25

Boots: Marshall's Rocket Dog $40

I feel pretty.

"No matter how plain a woman may be if truth and loyalty are stamped upon her face all will be attracted to her".

-Eleanor Roosevelt

I love these words. I want to be someone who is known more for her character and values, than success or appearance. Naturally, I appreciate and admire others who encompass these same traits. Though there is nothing that can sway my outlook on beauty being shown through inner character, lets get real here... what woman doesn't enjoy feeling physically beautiful/pretty/attractive?

I don't know many... or actually... any.

Last night, while chatting about life and all its complexities, my good friend and I hit on the subject of beauty and feeling attractive. I realize that this "feeling" can come and go, though we may never outwardly look any different to anyone else. There are so many things that can contribute to these feelings. One I idea we brought up, and one I find interesting, is the fact that most of us women have little rituals, for just ourselves, that  keep us feeling put-together or attractive... aka feeling like a real person, really.

Whether its keeping up with a workout routine, getting our hair done, keeping our eyebrows pristine, putting on makeup, eating healthy, or having our nails painted... we all have something. I've noticed that once I fall off the wagon with my "something", some of my feelings of attractiveness seem to run away with that wagon I've so slowly slipped off of.

So, what can you do when you've lost your mojo?

One thought is... take time for YOU.

Seriously. I know life gets busy... really busy. Sometimes it seems that all there is time for is to roll out of bed and just go until its time to crawl back into bed again. I get it. Sometimes I just don't feel like I have enough energy to keep up with my wagon. However, when you feel yourself slipping off, or already fallen off, I'd like to encourage you, or more-so, challenge you to find one or two things you can do for yourself, to make you feel good about you.

I know I've said it before, and I'll say it again... feeling good about you goes a long way. And even if it makes no difference to anyone else, feeling good about how you look can encourage that positive outlook toward yourself. 

When I was in college, I remember one of my professors telling our class to always wake up early on finals' mornings. No, she wasn't suggesting that we get up to make a nutritious meal, but that we should take time to dress up and make ourselves look extra nice for our test. Weird no? No! She mentioned the fact that when you feel confident in how you look, your confidence reflects in your work and your response to so many things in life. That being the case, I'll wore heels to my finals, thank you.

My tie into today's outfit with all this thought, is that I realized I wanted to start showing a little more care in my appearance. Even if it takes a little more time. Yes, I know that I'm the girl who puts outfits together for others... but most work days my hair is up, I'm sans makeup, and my outfits are easy, with not much creativity or thought put into them. So, I told myself that today would be different.

And so, this is what I came up with...

I fixed my hair, put on some lipstick and mascara, and wore a dress that I rarely wear. I wrote down a weekly workout plan in my goal book, and stopped for coffee by the beach on my way to work. I took time to visit with friends, and hopefully, I encouraged someone today. It was a good day. 

I don't need to have a certain look to bring out the best in me, but I do want to always remember to appreciate me, and if that's giving myself a little extra love every now and then, its a good thing.

Attitude goes a long way, not just in yourself but affecting others around you. Be good to yourself. Be good to others. 

Makeup-less or done up, you are beautiful. Just remember to keep shining your light.

Oh and I can't forget:

Outfit Breakdown

Dress: Loft $24

Cardigan: BR Outlet Banana Republic $19

Necklace: Banana Republic $12

Tights: Gap $7

Leather Boots: Cathy Jean $60 

Transition.

By now, most of us should be getting used to the fact that winter is here, the holidays are upon us, and warm weather is no more... yes, even in Southern California. I think it took me a little longer than most, but I've finally coming to terms with the fact that beachwear and sundresses can be stored away in a far far away place for another few month. Hopefully most of you are much further ahead than I am with facing reality, but for those of you who are not, don't be so quick to store away all your summer loves. Many times those seasonal pieces can be mixed and matched with fall and winter wear to create numerous outfit possibilities. 

Layering! Such a beautiful thing.

I stumbled across these photos taken in late summer/early fall, and realized that they are the perfect transition example.

I purchased this dress to wear in the summer months. Its sleeveless and cool, while at the same time, very appropriate for most business settings, or in my case, school settings. The one thing I love about this dress is how versatile it is. Versatile... I know! I say it over and over again. But when you have great pieces that can be worn so many different ways it leaves so much room for endless ensemble ideas. Also, you'll have minimal shopping needs and an easier time with work outfit planning... win win.

Here I made it simple. Cognac sandals with a small heel, a gorgeous leather bag, and a simple watch. Easy.

Check out more photos from the summer photo session below, and then get check out some ideas of how to implement this look into a winter love.

 

Outfit Breakdown

Dress: Old Navy $20
Shoes: Nine West Outlet Nine West $15

Bag: Banana Republic $... 

(I can't tell you! It was a gift for my 

sis from me and I'm not gonna 

blast that on here ;)

Watch: Fossil Outlet Fossil $30

Now, the other fantastic part about this outfit... its so not just a summer dress! The black and tan color of the dress make completely wearable for any season. Unfortunately for myself... my photographer and I are geologically not so close anymore. So, I must devise a new way of getting these ideas up and out, but until then, all I ask is for patience and a little imagination. ;)

Here are some ideas how to make this outfit cold weather ready:

1. A Black Blazer.                             2. Black Tights.                                          3. Cognac Boots

* If you're wearing the blazer with a dress, especially one with an A-line skirt, keep the jacket on the shorter side so it doesn't swallow up you or your outfit.

* If you wear black tights, aim toward pair that have a sheerness to them. Especially if you do a black blazer or cardigan... it gives a little more dimension to the outfit.

* If you go for boots, maybe throw on a cardigan and scarf, and keep your look a little more casual. If I was wearing these boots with my dress above, I'd wear sheer black tights, a black cardigan and a dark teal scarf. Its always fun to "pop a color."

Check out your closet and see if there is anything you overlooked in transitioning over to the cold side of the year. Mix and match with your favorite winter accessories and see what you can create! As always, if there are questions... send them my way and feel free to let me know what you come up with yourself! 

Remember what you wear isn't really important. Who you are is an artistic and unique creation, and clothing, accessories, hairdos, and shoes are nothing but decorative tools.

Arranging outfits makes me happy. Seeing people confident in how they look makes me happy. And witnessing someone recognize the beauty within themselves and helping them see it, is a worthy goal that I will continue to pursue. Hope each of you reading this takes time to appreciate the absolute value that you hold. 

Have a fantastic day :)

            

Color Me... Cranberry?

Its only fitting. 

Cranberry makes me think of cold weather. Of fall. Of pretty leaves. Of cozy days and nights to come. Maybe it has something to do with cranberry being so popular around the fall and winter holidays... cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, cranberry wreathes at Christmas... either way I love the berry and the color.


You can probably imagine my excitement when I found these beautiful cranberry colored skinnies. 


Now, listen to me when I say... I'm not really the biggest advocate of colorful pants/bottoms. I really only promote, aka love, red pants, however I think my mind was changed when I met these lovlies...

Had so many outfit ideas for these babies. Couldn't decide where to start! I expected to wear them to work first. They can definitely be dressed up with a button down, nice sweater, or blazer. Nude, black, or heels with a fun print would be fantastic with these. Boots would look great, except they hide one of the best details about these pants... the sweet little zipper up the side of each leg. 


With all these ideas going through my head when I brought them home, I was surprised when my first cranberry pant outfit was totally something I didn't even imagine. Over the weekend, I was on the hunt for an easy outfit to throw on. So I rummaged through my closet and this is what I found: cranberry skinnies, a graphic tee, and my favorite wedges.

Love the cranberry and my turquoise shoes together <3

The zipper!

Like how easily this came together.
Fun outfit for a day out.

Can't wait to try these with so many different clothing pieces! Please don't get upset if you see these pants in many future posts to come. Glad to have moved past my colorful "red pants" only phase... even though... these are sort of red. Hmmm. How about you? Do you do colorful pants? And if yes... what colors? Give me some ideas people!

 Feeling like a superhero ;) 

Cranberry pants definitely saved the day.

Outfit Breakdown

Shirt: Marshall's h.i.p. $12

Pants: Marshall's KENAR $20

Shoes: Payless $10

Watch: Fossil Outlet Fossil $30

Keep it casual.

And simple.

I like simple. 

Visited my sis this weekend and was able to get a few photos in of a casual and, yes, simple weekend outfit. Can't go wrong with dark jeans, a white tank, wedges, and great jacket.

The Look:

Always remember that just cause you want to be comfortable
and casual, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the class.
Choose clothing pieces that fit your body well, are
tailored, and/or are easy to pair with lots of different outfits.

I absolutely adore this jacket. Its a linen and cotton mix, and the material
is so lightweight that I can practically wear it everyday. I love that
it is a versatile piece that I'll be getting a lot of use out of; not only because
its comfortable, but because it can go with so many other things.

Love the practicality... love even more
when practicality and style go together ;)

Try a messy side ponytail to change up your look. 

Fun and simple accessories bring the everything together
and add interesting a your look as a whole.
This new ring is a favorite. I wear it EVERYDAY.

A fun little color pop is always a fantastic way to liven any outfit. 
All I have to say is... teal/turquoise shoes are the way to go!

Simple and easy... and well, you're pretty much ready to go anywhere. Look to see what simple pieces you have in your closet. Assess your pieces for structure, a great fit, and simplicity. The simpler the patterns and subtle the tones, the easier it is to mix and match with other pieces. Play around with putting your items together... and THEN look for some fun accessories to bring the whole outfit together. Any ideas or questions... shoot them my way! I'm always happy to give suggestions when I can :)

Outfit Breakdown

Jacket: Gap $16

Tank: Gap $7

Jeans: Marshall's $25

Shoes: Payless $10

Bag: Marshall's Steve Madden $35

Watch: Fossil Outlet $30