Black + White + Color Block

July 31, 2014



 
{Black and White Color Block Silk Dress ~ Thrifted / Gold Tote and Statement Necklace ~ H&M / Fringe Sandals ~ Daffys {old!} / Gold Cuff Bracelet ~ Forever21}
 
I adore this {completely forgotten about} dress and was so mad at myself for not wearing it more when I found it hanging in the back of my closet. Lol! Truth moment: my closet is a complete mess right now.  I haven't even removed the fall and winter things for storage – I never got around to it this year.  I have an overstuffed closet with all four seasons' wardrobe mixed in.  Vacation cover-ups are mingling with sweatshirts.  My boots are still taking up precious space where my sandals could be neatly lined up instead of being tossed in a pile.  Needless to say, it can be a nightmare deciding what to wear.  But! The good news is, I have been too busy enjoying the summer to even care.  :) Oh well, it's way too late to do anything about it now; before we know it, we'll be pulling out sweaters and tights. Noooooooooooo! LOL!
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 
 



Boyfriend Jeans + Strappy Sandals

July 30, 2014







 
{Destructed Boyfriend Jeans ~ Target / Black and White Polka Dot Blouse ~ Target / Black Strappy Heels ~ Nine West / Red Leather Fringe Bag ~ Random Boutique / Red Sunnies ~ ZeroUV}
 
I have a confession to make: I have worn these pants twice this past weekend.  On Friday to work with a blazer and tank and on Sunday to brunch, as seen above with heels and this cute blouse.  These pants are pretty perfect.  I love the slightly slouchy fit; they manage to look pulled together even though they have a relaxed vibe. They are cute with heels or with flats, but pairing rolled up boyfriend jeans with heels may be favorite thing to do now. :)
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 

Thirty-Five!

July 29, 2014

{I turned 35 on Saturday and had an amazing day {and weekend!} with my family.}
 
{I am thankful that I have my health as I enter my 35th year.  I think this is the best I have ever felt in my skin.  I have come into my own, creating a life that I am PROUD to have.}

{I have never made a big deal of my birthdays; I prefer to keep things low key and enjoy a nice meal and a cocktail or two. I don't think I have ever had a party. And that's perfectly fine with me.}

{My big sister took me to get a gel manicure and pedicure, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I am so picky when it comes to my nails so when I can find someone who does everything perfect and to my liking without complaints, I am a happy woman.}


{I love that I get to celebrate my birthday in the summertime.  Al fresco dining with an icy cold or frozen cocktail. A warm summer evening walk in the city.  A nice cold celebratory dessert to end the day.  Those things are basically all I ever want for my birthday. :)}

{This has been a great summer so far; I have been taking a moment to stop and appreciate how happy and blessed I am. Cheers to another year of happiness.  I hope you are having a great summer too!}
{Denim Longline Tunic ~ Asos / Beaded Collar Necklace ~ The Vendors Boutique / Pale Pink Patent Sandals ~ Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack / Acrylic Clutch ~ Vintage.Thrifted}
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 


Candy Stripe

July 22, 2014





{Chambray and White Striped Dress ~ Forever 21+  Hot Pink Silk Blazer ~ Thrifted / Color Block Sandals ~ Dolce Vita / Gold Stretch Belt ~ Thrifted}
 
Happy Tuesday!  I am back from our amazing anniversary vacation in Cancun, feeling quite refreshed and loving my golden tan. What better way to celebrate the summer than with stripes and bright sandals? This was the perfect outfit to wear on the first Monday in the office after vacation; it made me happy!
 
Speaking of happiness, after a week of pure bliss at an amazing all inclusive adult-only resort, and reflecting on our relationship and how important family and happiness is to us, our energy has shifted quite a bit.  With being so busy with life, work, schedules, housework and the day-to-day stress of keeping everything together, it can be easy to forget to smile and gripe about the smallest of problems.  We will no longer complain about things that don't matter but instead will focus on appreciating the beautiful life that we have.  I am looking forward to savoring these last few weeks of summer – especially our upcoming family vacation to Myrtle Beach. :) 
 
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 

Ten Years // Wedding Anniversary Photo Shoot

July 18, 2014

















 
 
Photo credit: Tifini Gilliard
 
Here are a few shots from our tenth wedding anniversary photo shoot.  I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to be married to the best husband, father, friend and life partner I could ever wish for. Ten years down, a lifetime to go!
 
We had so much fun shooting these.  I want to send a huge thank you to my big sister Tifini for capturing these moments and so many more!  She took well over 1,000 pics and they are all amazing! I can't wait to sort through them all and order a coffee table book and canvas. 
 
Style notes: this amazing sequined trimmed peach kimono is K-Dash by Kardashian and was purchased from QVC. Get it here! // The pale peach tulle skirt was made by me, by following this tutorial.
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 

Tuxedo Stripe

July 2, 2014




{Black + White Tuxedo Stripe Pants ~ Old Navy / Chartreuse Drapey Blouse ~ Zara /  Bib Necklace ~ H&M / Black Simple Sandals ~ Nine West}
 
I am rocking three of my favorites in today's outfit. 
 
These simple black sandals are so comfortable! And insanely easy to throw on with pretty much everything.  I don't teeter with them on and the ankle strap take these up a notch and feel so sophisticated.
 
This bib necklace literally looks good with everything. LOL! I love the addition of white to my summer outfits.  I also love that it features gold, which is my go-to metal.  I get the most compliments wearing this; statement necklaces are such an easy way to take your outfit to the next level.
 
This gigantic turquoise ring was purchased at a street vendor in NYC and hasn't left my finger since I bought it on Father's Day. It's a chunk of real turquoise, carved and made into a ring and adds the perfect summertime pop.  I look down and smile when I am typing at work every time I wear it.
 
I love how easy and breezy my work outfits are in the summertime. :)
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥