:: Product Review- See by Chloe Glyn Wedge ::

::dress/shein {similar}, bag/target {similar}::

Hey pretties!! I've been noticing a certain pair of wedges getting A LOT of attention from other bloggers due to the Shopbop sale and I ordered them last year for my trip to Mexico so I thought I'd share a review after having them for an entire season!

The first thing I love about these wedges is how lightweight they are! In general, wedges are extremely easy to walk in despite the heel height because your foot is essentially flat so there is no awkward balancing act happening! Sometimes though, wedges can get heavy so you feel like your clomping around but with these you never feel that way! They are so comfortable and easy to walk in you'll feel like you're wearing flat sandals. Also- they are so versatile because of the neutral tones you can wear with jeans and an eyelet tank or with a ruffled sundress so whether on vacation or going out with friends, these shoes make getting dressed easy!

WARNING- these wedges are TALL!! If you're already a little insecure about wearing heels because of your height, be aware the wedges on these are no joke high. I would recommend for my tall soul sisters the flat sandal version instead because at 5'5" I get a little awkward about just how tall these make me! And I'm on the short side of average height.

I would HIGHLY recommend these shoes, especially now during the Shopbop sale because they are a bit of an investment but I'll tell you that they're worth it because you'll be living in these all season!

::pardon the blister, NOT from these sandals!!! Insta from our Mexican getaway:: 

Shop See by Chloe Sandals

Images by Nicollette

xx

:: Shopbop Sale Picks ::

The Shopbop sale is here any there is so much great stuff to get you ready for the new season! With this sale it's important to remember that the more you buy, the more you save. It's a nod to that saying, "you have to spend money to make money", right? Below are some of my favorites but be advised that there ARE some exclusions!

Shopbop Sale Picks

xx

:: Current Obsession- Mellow Yellow ::

I have been OBSESSED with the color yellow lately, every time I go to shop online I find myself filtering down to the color!


I recently posted this sweater and it's been one of my most viewed posts!! I think generally the idea is that blondes don't look good in yellow but honestly I have found that I really love the color! Below are a few yellow items I am currently coveting!

xx

:: Spring Ahead with Warby Parker ::

::warby parker::

 

One thing I don't showcase on my blog very often is the fact that I wear glasses most of the time. I am near sighted and I need glasses to work on my computer all day and driving at night but for blog shoots I don't need them so I forego wearing them. But Spring is coming and there is no better way to transition into the new season than with a brand new pair of eyeglasses!

 

::warby parker {puppy not included unfortunately}::

 



I LOVE the way a pair of glasses can change up a look and Warby Parker is one of my absolute favorite brands for eye glasses because they offer so many different styles, their at-home try on service is so fun, and uploading and ordering your prescription frames online is extremely easy! With Spring on the way, getting a new pair of frames to brighten up your face  is necessary and Warby Parker is the best place to do it! I've rounded up a few of my favorite new pairs from their Spring collection and how to style them for the new season!

 

::bell eye glasses::

 

 



::sweater/revolve, denim/express, white tee/nordstrom, loafers/nordstrom, necklace/gorjana, earrings/net-a-porter::

 

I love the soft color of these frames and they pair nicely with blush & gold!

 

::bell eye glasses::

 



::sweatshirt/saks fifth avenue, leggings/nordstrom, flats/anthropologie, backpack/nordstrom::

 

Spring is going to see a resurgence of bright, bold, saturated hues and clear frames compliment them perfectly.

 



 

::hyde eye glasses::

 

blouse/new york & co, skirt/nordstrom, slides/net-a-porter, lips/charlotte tilbury {nude kate}::



 

2018's Color of the Year is ultra violet but we'll ease into the bold hue this Spring with lavender touches and these glasses pair nicely! (pun intended)

 

 



::louise eye glasses::

 

::dress/nordstrom, flats/dsw, necklace/gorjana, bracelet/gorjana, watch/marc jacobs, polish/essie gel couture {off-duty style}::

 

 

Nothing is more chic than a black dress with metallic accents and these Louise frames are amazing! Whether work or play, this outfit will never go out of style. 

 

::warby parker::

 

 

Enjoy browsing all the new styles introduced in the Spring collection and if you order multiple pairs that's ok because the at-home try on service allows you to try on frames with your wardrobe so you know they'll all match! I'll definitely be giving a few of these frames a whirl!

 

Thank you to Warby Parker for asking me to help announce the launch of their Spring 2018 Collection!

 

xx

 

 

 

 

 





:: Ruffle Sleeves & Check Print ::

::top/zara {similar}/ denim/articles of society {via wantable}, sunnies/zaful, earrings/zara {similar}, heels/nordstrom, monogram bracelet/moon & lola::

 

You've seen this outfit before, linked here but I wanted to talk  about the girl in these images and the recent changes she has made to her morning routine.

 

My entire life I have been thin with very, very little effort! I was born with a metabolism that can withstand 4 years of eating a bagel with nacho cheese, Doritos, and a Mountain Dew for lunch everyday in high school and still fit into a size 2 with next to no exercise. Gross! The poor thing was put thru even worse in my early twenties as I went out until all hours of the evening with my friends only to fourth meal it before dozing off but thanks to a retail job I walked it off most of the next day. And then one day, I got an office job and suddenly I was putting my metabolism thru the greatest work of its life which was not changing my eating habits and sitting all day.

 

When I was preparing for my wedding I started working out a few days a week just to tighten up because my dress was very form fitting and honestly I knew I needed to be more active. I LOVED the way I looked at my wedding, I felt great and when I look back at pictures I don't cringe at my exposed arms or bloated belly from too much champagne in the pool the entire week before. Oops. But then I saw these images and while I understand a ruffle sleeve tee and boyfriend jeans add volume I also know how I felt about myself the entire year leading up to these pictures being taken. I had a constant inner monologue with myself about how I don't want to obsess over everything I put in my mouth or constantly wonder how many steps I got in, I just wanted to live my life. But everyday when I got dressed I would feel instantly TERRIBLE! Some of my favorite jeans were uncomfortable, jackets felt tight on my arms, and black became my favorite color and to be honest will always be my favorite color to wear because I'm blonde it just looks chic AF. I was making excuses for being lazy and my self esteem imploded. Yes,  I added yoga to my routine in 2017 and I absolutely adore what yoga has done for my mood, my back, and my anxiety but it's not the strenuous work out I need based on my activity levels the rest of the day.

 

Well, my sweet baby angel kitten Win wakes me up promptly at 5a to be fed because she's a princess and most days I would throw food in her bowl and head right back to bed for an hour (sigh I miss that extra hour) but then after seeing these pictures I decided I needed a change. I would stay up at 5a and go down to our treadmill and do intervals, walk, power walk, or some kind of cardio followed by light strength training. There are so many apps out in the market that it's insane not to work out, you have a profesh trainer right in your phone! I've listed a few of my favorites below. I told my husband about my new routine and told him to gently keep my honest by encouraging me when I didn't miss a day and he has done such a great job! And a huge thank you to technology for making watching TV on the treadmill possible.

 

Be advised that all cardio is accompanied by an episode of The Office, New Girl or Friends.

 

Monday- brisk walk followed by light leg & butt strength training

Tuesday- intervals using the Running app, followed by chest and arms strength, and then after work 45 minute Flow Yoga class

Wednesday- depending on how I'm feeling I'll do running intervals or back to a brisk walk with back and shoulder strength training. Sometimes I go to Yoga

Thursday-intervals using the Running app, followed by butt, legs, and ab strength training and usually after work go to a 45 minute Relax Yoga class

Friday- intervals or brisk walk followed by a "trouble spot" strength training, so I work on an area of the body I think needs a little extra love which ends up being my arms most weeks 

Saturday- brisk walk followed by a Flow Yoga class in the morning

Sunday- rest but  I usually clean this day so I'm burning calories anyway

Favorite apps for iPhone

Running App
Fitness
Map My Run
MyFitnessPal

Another great motivator is my Apple iWatch Series 1 my Dad got me for Christmas!! For whatever reason, much like impressing a class instructor I am highly motivated to impress my watch. It gives me little celebrations when I complete a goal and positive reminders that I still have work to do, I love it!! I intend to do a full review on my (non technological, regular person) impression of the iWatch once I've had more time to get used to it.

So far, I haven't noticed a huge difference in a physical weight loss but the way I feel in my clothes has certainly gotten better and I REFUSE to let go of pieces in my closet that I love because I can't get active and be able to fit into them anymore. And I want to be clear this isn't about being a number on a scale or a certain size on a tag but feeling good about myself. Additionally- I love my photographer and she does an amazing job capturing not only my style but my personality as well so none of this has to do with her!! So there is my super chatty, recent changes that are kind of in the spirit of New Year, new me but since I started in 2017 I'm not really that different.

Images by Nicollette

xx



 



:: Coffee Talk with C&C- Staple ::

Happy Sunday ya'll! It's so crazy that just a week ago I was traveling back from Mexico after a trip of a lifetime! From spending time with some of the most loved people in my life, to getting married to the man I have been in love with since I was 15 there are no fonder memories! But alas, all good things must come to an end but what I'm talking about today doesn't necessarily have to! 

I'm talking about my staple accessory! These shoes started as a huge trend in Spring of 2014 but they have become a constant go-to! 

::white heels/guess::

My white pointed toe heels from Guess! I've had them forever and they're only NOW starting to turn on me and by that I mean the lining is starting to wear & the leather along the toe is starting to pull up. I get so many compliments on them & when in doubt just white it out! Sometimes you have those outfit where you're not sure if black, brown, or tan is the right neutral to pair with and for me, my answer always turns into WHITE! 

What are your staples??

Images by Nicollette

xx

:: Beauty Talk- My Wedding Look Inspiration ::

When it came time to start making decisions about how I wanted to look on my wedding day I used my dress as serious inspiration. The vibe of my dress is vintage inspired romance and has a very soft look and feel, so I wanted my hair and make up to feel and look the same way. It was also really important to me that when I came down the aisle my groom actually recognized me, and I wanted to feel pretty looking like myself. I took my inspiration for my entire look from Julia from the blog Gal Meets Glam, her wedding has a similar look to mine and while her dress is different her hair and make up were just what I was looking for!

Obviously we have different colors in our hair & skin tone so I had to adjust to what works for me but I loved that she looked like herself! Her hair is the perfect soft romantic curls which is exactly what I want and will make it easy to put up once the reception starts. I am planning to have my hair done at the salon on the resort but chose to do my own make up. Please do not think I'm crazy but I have always found doing my own make up relaxing, and when I take my time it always works out. When I've gotten my face done for friend's weddings I don't think I look like myself and the colors are all wrong, it's weird I know! 

::palette/it cosmetics, blur perfector & lip gloss/ysl, foundation/laura mercier, heels/manolo blanik::

I received the it Cosmetics palette for Christmas and fell in love because it's all matte colors and the pigmentation is perfect! I realized after years of trying to make eye shadow with shimmer work that it just makes my eye lids look heavy & not very complimentary, so this palette is great & it's just plain pretty. I don't want to know a girl who doesn't love a pink crushed velvet! 

I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer daily but wanted more coverage for my big day so I went with their Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid because it's a medium coverage foundation so it wouldn't be a huge change from what I'm used to but gives me a little more cover. My skin loves Laura Mercier, I've been using it for years and while it is a bit more expensive to me it's worth it because I'm smoothing the product all of my FACE!! Nothing should be taken care of better than your skin, especially the sensitive skin on your face. 

Preventing shine was another concern of mine due to the weather in Mexico, being right on the beach I wanted to try and prevent as much as possible so I invested in the YSL Touche Eclat Blur Perfector. This product will be great because it can be used as an alternative to foundation, it'll just blend over your nature color or as a finishing product to reduce shine. I've used it a few times since buying and I love it. 

The gloss is the Gloss Volupte in #202 Rose Jersey, I find the majority of the YSL lip colors I love have "rose" somewhere in the name which is interesting because my favorite fragrances have notes of rose and my favorite lip balm is Christian Dior Creme de Rose. Do we notice a beauty trend here? This gloss is a beautiful shade of rosey pink that still looks very natural! 

The shoes...well you get the shoes! 

xx

:: Showered with Love ::

:: my MOH & I before all the craziness began::

::the centerpieces were made from my mom's tea cup collection & she did them herself::

::gifts & flowers after the shower was over::

::my MOH, my mom, and my soon to be mother in-law::

{skirt/chicwish, sweater/target, necklace/via wantable}

What a day it was! My best friend & MOH came in on Friday afternoon to stay the weekend from North Carolina and Sunday was the perfect cap to the perfect weekend. These 3 women worked together to put on a beautiful party and everyone who came was so sweet sending Kyle and me such warm wishes for a loving and happy marriage. Not to mention all the beautiful gifts we received. 

My mom made the centerpieces herself, with help from my Dad & brother which makes them even more special. I have always loved my mom's tea cup collection which she inherited from her mother and I had the idea to use the tea cups in some way when the conversation about my shower started. My mom created them all her own and I absolutely adore how they turned out, I couldn't have pictured a more beautiful way to incorporate a piece of our family into the shower! 

I was dreading opening gifts in front of people. Despite what you may think, having that much attention on me made me so nervous and the thought of offending anyone by something I said or any lack of attention I paid to the graciousness of their gift (and their presence at my shower on a Sunday afternoon) made me sick to my stomach. But once I got started it got easier. To all you brides out there who love the attention, I envy you because all those eyes make me so nervous! 

And of course, to the 3 women who planned my shower THANK YOU!! It was a wonderful shower & it's amazing how much love I felt! Now on to becoming a Mrs. 

xx

:: Close to the Vest ::

::vest & shoes/target {old- similar, similar}, turtleneck/h&m, denim/rag & bone, quilted backpack/zara {old-similar}::

It has been a long while since I've done an outfit post, or any post for that matter. Life has been taken over by wedding plans & other showers, I had my bridal shower on Sunday and it was so beautiful and of course I'm putting together a post today all about it! 

We shot this outfit a while ago, my hair was still rose gold which I absolutely loved the color but after the wedding my hair will be cut into an asymmetrical bob again. I cut my hair a long time ago this way and felt that it was more chic and made me look more my age. Super short & super blonde & so chic. For all you Bachelor lovers out there, since my hair is now long and blonde I've been told repeatedly I look like Lauren B. and so much so that I started following her on Instagram. It's a compliment because the girl is gorgeous & of course the winner so go you Lauren B.! 

After the wedding I will return to posting outfits but life has gotten out of control within the last few months! I miss talking to you, sharing my style & shooting with my photographer who is always so much fun!  It feels like May marks the new year instead of January because the wedding will be over & life can return to normal... it makes me really sad actually! 

Images by Nicollette

xx

:: A Look Back- 2015 ::

::here::

::here::

::here::

 ::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

::here::

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::here::

::here::

::here::

It's been a very fashionable year, cheers to 2016 & a lot more looks to come! 

Images by Nicollette

xx