JewelMint Giveaway

When I first saw this bracelet on JewelMint, I instantly fell in love! I've had a lot of ups and downs over the past few months, and I don't think I can be reminded enough these days that happiness is a choice, and it is a choice that you should always choose! I know that sometimes it doesn't feel like you can escape your sadness, but emotions come in waves, much like the ocean. You will not be sad forever! Wearing this bracelet reminds me to put a smile on my face whenever possible, count my blessings, and look forward to a happier tomorrow.

JewelMint was kind enough to allow me to give away one of these bangles to my lovely readers. This Collective piece is sold out, so don't miss this wonderful opportunity! The giveaway will be open for 1 week and I will contact the winner next Friday (4/11)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday's Fancies: Labor Day Weekend

{necklace / purse / dress / hat / feather bangle / arrow bracelet / sandals}

As I started work/school already, Labor Day really is an official "goodbye" to summer for me and many others! So, bid your favorite summer pieces (i.e. a maxi dress, fedora, and sandals) a fond farewell as you trade them in for cozy sweaters, beanies, and booties! Now, if only the weather here would drop below 90...

Don't forget to enter my big ASOS Giveaway - winning it would surely make your Fridays especially Fancy!

Lavender Crush

{sweater & booties: forever 21| cords: urban outfitters | coat: gap | necklace: stitchfix | bracelets: c. wonder (gift) | sunglasses: juicy couture}

This outfit was the result of an averted wardrobe crisis. No joke. An outfit that I loved in my head, and even loved in the mirror, ended up looking terrible to me in photos! Everything just looked super awkward! So, I went upstairs, cried (haha), and brainstormed a solution! Then, once I threw on this trusty little pea coat (that I scored on eBay when I was in high school!), it all came together!

Truthfully, I love each piece of this outfit so much! The color of the sweater is beautiful, I finally got my navy cords hemmed, these wedge booties were a steal, I love these precious bracelets
 I received as a gift from one of my students, and this statement necklace is just gorgeous!

Have you ever had a mini wardrobe crisis?

Friday's Fancies: New Year, New You!

{outfit 1: cardigan / flats / dress / necklace / earrings / bracelet / bag | outfit 2: necklace / bracelets / ring / blazer / bag / shirt / boots / skinnies | outfit 3: beanie / skirt / necklace / sweater / watch / boots / coat / bag}

I love this week's Friday's Fancies theme! The idea of this week's theme was to create an outfit that embodies what you hope for the new year! i.e. A bright & vibrant outfit = an exciting new year! I took it a tad more literally. My goals (not resolutions, cause who can keep those?) for 2013 are to GET ORGANIZED, to complete my elementary credential program, and to downsize & streamline my wardrobe & style!

That being said, I put together a few "teacher" outfits that I hope to get the chance to wear in the upcoming year as I transition from paint & glue-covered preschool teacher attire to a more grown-up elementary teacher attire! Truth be told, I think outfit #3 is going to have to make an appearance much sooner than next fall!

What are you hoping for the new year?

Friday's Fancies: Sweater Season

{Outfit 1: Leopard bag / Red sweater / Scarf / White jeans / Watch / Earrings / Moccasins // Outfit 2: White sweater / Beanie / Bangles / Clutch / Leather leggings / Lace booties}

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I saw that this week's Friday's Fancies theme was "Sweater Season!" If you follow my blog (or Twitter or Instagram) in even the slightest way, you know that we have been having an extended summer here in Southern California, and frankly, I'm sick of it! I seriously can't wait to be wearing cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots! This Friday's Fancies theme gave me a chance to dream about the (hopefully!) upcoming chillier months!

Girly/Boy-y

{Top, Pants, Watch: Nordstrom | Oxfords: Volatile via Zappos | Necklace & Stud Bangle: Luna | Tortoise bracelet: J. Crew | Ring: Vintage}

I love the juxtaposition of menswear details with super feminine ones. Aka menswear oxfords, cargo pants, and an oversized watch with a light knit and frilly sheer blouse. Oh, and a pink geode necklace. But who doesn't love a geode?

Back-to-School Style

Though I graduated from college (Go Broncos!) over three years ago, I can still remember preparing for each first day of school like it was yesterday! Nothing brought as much anxiety excitement as the first day of school, but the real fun came with back-to-school shopping! Something about a back-to-school sale, perfecting that first day outfit, and having your clothes all laid out waiting for the bright & early alarm clock rise & shine always made me smile!

I'm starting grad school in a few weeks, and even though I'm 25 years old, it's still got me thinking about what on earth I'll wear on my fresh start first day!

I figured I'd style a few looks to share with you, too, whether you have an impending first day, or are sending a sweetie of your own off to hers!

Tee / Jeans / Jacket / Shoes / Hat / Earrings / Watch / Backpack / Brown notebook / Floral notebook

Sweater / Jeans / Loafers / Necklace / Bracelet / Ring / iPad case / Feather notebook / Map notebook

Dress / Shorts / Socks / Boots / Bow // Sweater / Jacket / Skirt / Headband / Sneakers

What are you going to wear on your first day of school?

P.S. Not a student? Tune in tomorrow to see what I've got in store for you! ;)

Pinteresting Pattern Mixing: Part 2

Did you all happen to catch my Pinteresting Pattern Mixing: Part 1 last week? I showed you some easy-peasy ways to mix one of my favorite patterns - stripes! This week, I'm showing you a few more ways to mix patterns.

Have you tried mixing patterns yet? I'd love to see your fabulous results!

Pastels

{Top: Sheinside | Pants: Forever 21 | Wedges: Steve Madden | Necklace: Anthropologie (gift) | Rings: Luna & Vintage | Watch: Nordstrom | Purse: Rachel Nasvik Collection}

Nothing like a fully pastel outfit for a nice summer evening. I wore this over the weekend for a delicious dinner in Hermosa at Abigaile followed by drinks out in Orange circle. Even though I dubbed this the no-pants summer, something about a soft pastel pant feels like a worthy exception!

Wooooo!

{Sweater & Necklace: Forever 21 | Leggings & Watch: Nordstrom | Boots: Steve Madden | Chain bracelets: Derng | Red bangle: Target}

I've had these leggings since last September, but I've never worn them. I'd eyed them for a few months before Holly picked them up for me, but I was always unsure of how to wear and style them. I tried to get them hemmed in hopes to to avoid the odd wrinkly lumps that appeared when I wore them, but my tailor said she couldn't sew normally through the leather-y part. So, result: lumpy legs. Any tips on how to de-lumpify? Nevertheless, I really liked this outfit. I wore it out for drinks with some old friends from high school over spring break. Spring Break! Get wild! Wear leather pants! Wooooo!

Sunshine, Lollipops, & Rainbows

{Top: StyleMint | Pants: Forever 21 | Sandals: Old Navy | Necklace & Watch: Nordstrom | Coral bracelet: J. Crew | Pink bangle: Betsey Johnson | Chain bracelet: derng}

Everyone's posting their Easter outfits, so I shall post my Passover outfit! Something about springtime just requires pastels, and I love these pale yellow pants! I had a lot of fun posing for these photos, and being totally ridiculous with my mom prancing all around our complex.

We had a lovely Seder meal, complete with brisket, matzah lasagna, noodle cougel, and (the piece de resistance) bacon-wrapped matzah balls! YUM. I had a lot of fun eating (because how couldn't I?), spending time with my family, and hanging out with my 2- and 3-year-old silly and stinking adorable cousins.

And let's not forget, I did say bacon-wrapped matzah balls.

Trailblazer.

{Tee: Grateful Dead | Blazer: Forever 21 | Pants & Southwestern bangle: Nordstrom | Flats: Jessica Simpson | Watch: Shock Boutique | Tortoiseshell bangle: J. Crew | Pink bangle: Betsey Johnson (gift)}

This was a total last-minute thrown-together morning-of outfit, and I totally love it! I may have mentioned this before, but I am so not a morning person! I tend to hit snooze 2-5x every morning, and am always rushing to get dressed! I have been planning my outfits ahead of time for the past year or so, but lately it's been tough because the weather has been so bipolar! Low 60s all last week, pouring rain this weekend, followed by high 70s this week? RiDONKulous! Hmph.

I tend to just want to be super comfy at work, but I don't want to look like a slob! This outfit began as a simple t-shirt and utility pants, and became an actual look! I love how a blazer can take a totally casual outfit and give it just the right amount of polish! Plus, never underestimate accessories! I must have had a few extra minutes this morning, because I actually accessorized! A good arm party can just jingle-jangle and make me smile all day!