Since 2019 is in full swing, I wanted to kick off the new year with some new year’s intentions of staying on track + keeping organized! I don’t know about you but I am a visual person + even more so, I love writing. Writing things down whether it is a list of things to do, helpful reminders, little notes…they all make me feel organized, clear my head + give me clarity on what I need to accomplish. Nothing is more satisfying to me than making a list of things to do or accomplish + then I cross them off (or highlight them hehe :p) one by one as I complete them. It leaves me feeling a sense of accomplishment along with staying on track to complete my daily, weekly, monthly + yearly goals!
One of my favorite brands for all things organization is Erin Condren. I had the pleasure of meeting her over the summer for the launch of her collab with Oh Joy + when I got my hands on her colorful planners + accessories I instantly become OBSESSED.
Love is in the air+ so is a little lace…I am swooning over lace tulle skirts at the moment, so when I snagged this skirt I knew it made for the perfect fairytale ‘esq‘ date night ensemble!
I love a great feminine moment + lace tulle skirts are as girly as it can get in my opinion. I find that when you wear them you should let them take center stage so I paired them with some neutral colors, making it a look perfect for date night (I know sometimes tulle skirts can be a bit intimidating for everyday wear).
An added bonus? Every time I wear a tulle skirt I instantly feel like Carrie Bradshaw ♥ Not a bad way to feel, right? 😉 hehe
I highly encourage every gal invest in a little tulle moment – getting a tulle skirt in a neutral color is easier to style for wear on a regular basis (think pairing it with a white tee, a cropped sweater or simply body suit + moto jacket etc).
I am linking to some of my favorite tulle skirts below:
I styled the skirt for Valentine’s Day with a simple chiffon camisole + tweed white jacket (another great piece to invest in for work or play).
Here are some of my favorite tweed jackets:
The detail on this skirt is amazing since it isn’t just tulle, it also has lace detailing adding an extra feminine touch.
Hey Ya’ll! Can you guess what today is?! Well…you guessed it (I think the balloons kinda gave it away haha)…my BIRTHDAY!
Since I am another year older+ another year wiser (hopefully hehe) I decided to share my 27 wise wishes with ya’ll which is basically 27 things I learned over the years + I am sharing those lessons with ya’ll (hopefully my life experiences can help you all on your journey)!
1. Never Let Doubt Get In The Way Of Achieving Your Goals
If every time I felt a little doubt I gave up on what I was striving to do, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I was doubting myself when I was trying to loose weight (and here I am 40 pounds lighter), I doubted myself when it came to finding a life partner (and here I am in a happy + loving relationship) + I have doubted myself multiple times with career decisions (and here I am running things like a boss).
2. Don’t Shy Away From Certain Styles Or Trends Because You Are Afraid Of ‘Pulling It Off’
This goes without saying but I see so many people shy away from wearing color or a certain trend or silhouette etc because they are afraid of being able to pull it off. Take the risk, go for it + you may just surprise yourself! I was like that with maxi dresses, leather leggings, button front skirts + more and now I love them all!
3. Save Your Money
Ok, this one I am still working on but my mom your typical jewish accountant has been begging me to save my money for years + instead I shopped, shopped, shopped. Luckily my boyfriend has finally convinced me to be financially responsible so now I am conscious of saving my money whenever I can.
4. Invest Your Money
This is another lesson I pretty much cared nothing about till this past year thanks to my boyfriend. He is really into mutual funds + investments (he even watches CNBC every AM before heading to work to check the market etc). I guess his investing interests (haha) rubbed off on me so I began investing in my retirement + mutual funds so I plan ahead for my future. (Before my investment plan was retiring on CHANEL haha :p)
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Yourself
For years I was so insecure about being myself, letting others see my vulnerabilities, certain physical attributes I was not thrilled about etc. As you get older I truly believe you care less, the only opinion I worry about now is that of myself, my bf + my family – who love + support me no matter what.
6. Invest In Staples (fashion staples that is :p)
When I was younger I was all about buying affordable clothes + I wasn’t so concerned about quality. As I have gotten older I saw what pieces I tend to wear a lot of + began investing in those so the quality would last for years to come. Think blazers, black pumps, designer bags (not trendy ones – more legacy bags) etc.
7. Make Time For Fun
Although life gets crazy, I always find it important to make time for fun. Whether it’s heading to a theme park, playing a board or video game, laughing at a good movie or show…life it too short to not have fun!
8. Think Things Through
I am impulsive at times but before making decisions I really try to think things through. This is something that I have gotten better at overtime. I try to be more cognizant about how a decision impacts others, my future self etc.
9. Smile More
I am truly convinced that when you smile, the world does smile back with you. If you are friendly you will most likely get a friendly response back.
10. You Get What You Give
Whether it is work, relationships, dieting etc. You get what you give. The more effort you put in, the better results you will receive!
11. Take Care Of Yourself
Whether it is going for your doctor visits, following a healthy diet + workout plan or taking time to rest + reset, take time you need for yourself so you can be a better you!
12. Always Strive For More
I think life is all about being the best you you can be. If to you that means growing your career, reaching your fitness goals or just being a better person in general, always strive for more – you’ll be shocked at what you can achieve.
13. Never Settle
I have been saying this for ages but I truly believe you shouldn’t just settle for the sake of settling. Whether that is finding a partner, a job or anything else for that matter, don’t just settle out of fear of being alone or not being able to achieve your goals etc…settling out of fear is no way to live. Settling because you love where you are or who you are with or the person you are is a different story however 😉
14. Be Open To New Experiences
I am definitely a picky person + before a few years ago I was nervous about everything. I wouldn’t try new foods or go to certain places, heck I was terrified of leaving the country…but as I got older, I got a little better with being open to trying new things + having new experiences which helps me find what I truly love + enjoy.
15. Be Accepting Of Feedback
I am totally someone who tends to get a little defensive when given feedback but over the years I have gotten better with this + really welcome feedback so I can improve myself, my work etc. Without feedback, you may not know how to be a better you!
16. Find Your Skincare Routine
Over the past few years I have gotten really into my skincare routine. I always thought since I struggle with acne the only skincare I needed to worry about was anything to zap zits away but now I also incorporate anti-aging, moisturizers, etc – I tested out different products, saw how my skin reacts to them + now I have a routine I follow daily to keep my skin (for the most part) as healthy as I can.
17. Always Carry Extra…
I am the queen of carrying extra hair ties, clips, pens, shoes, tampons, medicine etc. I try to always be prepared for whatever life throws my way + I have found it to be really helpful (I learned this when I was living in NYC + had to commute constantly + couldn’t just live out of my car like you do here in LA).
18. Take Some Risks
Whether it is fashion risks, job risks or personal risks, sometimes it is worth taking the risk – weigh the risk + if it feels right go for it! You only regret the chances + risks you didn’t take.
19. Invest In Yourself
Whether it is continuing your education, working on a project you’ve been wanting to do for a while, hitting the gym or trying a diet plan, invest in the things that will help you be the best you you can be.
20. Have An Open Heart
When it comes to living a happy life, I feel the most important thing is having an open heart. Understand others, be open to learning more + hearing people out + always be open to making some changes if it makes you stronger in the long run.
21. Be Open To Change
When I was younger I thought I had all the answers + there was nothing about myself I should change but over the years I learned change can be good + by changing you become a better person.
22. Travel More
I didn’t really start traveling a lot till I began dating my boyfriend. Whether it is short weekend road trips or international trips, traveling gives you a chance to break free, experience something new + expand your horizons. Even if you are worried about funds when it comes to traveling there are so many affordable options on Groupon, Living Social, Gilt City etc.
23. Treat Yourself
While I am focusing on being frugal + saving money + investing I still treat myself every once in a while whether it is a handbag or dinner or piece of jewelry etc. If you indulge every once in a while it is a lot more special than spending tons of money all the time. Each of my bags I splurge on tell a story + have memories behind them and they feel special to me since they were treats!
24. Cook More
I am far from the next Top Chef but when I cook with my BF and make the final dish, I feel a total sense of accomplishment. I love baking as well, I find it relaxing + also satisfying when my treat comes out tasty + insta-worthy.
25. Live In The Moment
It is so hard to live in the moment now-a-days when everything has to go directly onto instagram, especially with what I do sometimes I get so focused on getting the perfect shot for the gram I forget to actually enjoy myself so something I am really focusing on this year + moving forward is to cherish the moment + think about instagram after haha :p
26. Create A Space You Love
Whether it is your home, your office or anywhere else, if you are spending a lot of time there, embrace it + make it a space that keeps you happy. Designing my office was amazing + I enjoy spending hours on end in it.
27. Love The Life You Live
If you aren’t loving the life you have, you should do everything in your power to make it a life you love! Life is too short to not love where you are or who you are with or what you are doing. Anytime I feel sad or anxious or not thrilled with where I am in life I evaluate it + see what I can do to make it better + make myself + my life better and in turn one I love!
I am off to Florida for a long overdue vacay! That means logging off, relaxing + enjoying some time with my boo. We are heading to Disney to celebrate my birthday + our anniversary! We are making it our tradition to head to Florida to kick off a new year and celebrate these occasions so that means I am usually prepping beginning in early January for all of the goodies I want to bring along on our trip. From colorful swimsuits to durable luggage to the perfect pair of sunnies + floppy hat, I rounded up my favorite vacay must-haves below!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner + I am taking time to soak up every little bit of love around me. One of my favorite types flowers are roses, makes sense since my middle name is rose (fun fact) so it made sense I had to style this Tadashi Shoji Rose Print Tea Length Dress for Valentine’s Day (can you get any more romantic?) ♥
I love the romantic print of this dress. I think it is great to wear to for date night, a winter wedding or any special occasion. The rose print just gives it an elegant + classy feel for my + to let the print take center stage, I paired this gorgeous dress with neutral shoes, bag + accessories.
The length of this dress is great to dress up + make a statement. When I slipped it on I felt like I was heading to the Met Gala haha That is what I love about Tadashi Shoji…his designs are impeccable + are just the right amount of glam.
I invested in this Gucci mini bag a few years back + wear it all the time when I go out. It is the perfect size for when you are heading out or going to a special event.
These black patent leather heels are a must-have for every gal’s wardrobe. They are classic, match with everything + will last you years!
