Happy Valentine’s Day ♥ Time for a sweet treat! A new heart felt look :p Ok, that’s enough for the corny Valentine’s Day related comments haha! Another year, another Vday and another cute date night look that can also be worn for any occasion to be quite honest. Whether you have a date for tonight with your boo or just your gal pals for a little Galentine’s Day celebration, a LWD (little white dress) paired with some pops of color goes a long way…
I have always been a fan of a chic little white dress, something about it makes it the perfect piece to treat as a blank canvas to really dress up with bright + colorful pieces like fuchsia pumps + a bold magenta GiGi New York clutch 😉 Even add some hot pink shades for even more added color!
I’m not sure about you but even if you aren’t spending V-Day with a significant other today, snacking on chocolates + treating yourself to some diamonds is always a pretty solid way to celebrate this day of love / romance ♥
H E L L O 25! I can’t believe I am officially a quarter of a century old…boy how time flies. As I write this post, I can’t help but think back to all that I have been through + accomplished the last 25 years…
From graduating high school a year early to working full time before even graduating college to starting my own blog and digital marketing consulting business to kicking ass in my career to moving cross country from NY to LA + creating a home and life for myself that I absolutely LOVE…these past 25 years have truly turned me in to the woman I am today ♥
They say with age comes wisdom so rather than just writing a celebratory post talking about my pre-birthday celebration in Palm Springs last weekend (where I hunted down the ever so insta-famous ‘Pink Door‘) I decided to take a look back at all I have learned leading up to turning 25!
Before I dig in to 25 things I learned now that I am 25, let me break down this birthday look!
I am not entirely sure where I snagged this green pleated dress but I found a similar style HERE.
Because I am so matchy matchy…the sunnies had to match the shoes haha 😉
Can’t celebrate my birthday without a little b-day BLING! Niceties & Nuptials sent me this gorgeous rose gold and CZ necklace that looks so expensive I had multiple people ask if it was a real diamond…now that is something that puts a smile on my face 😉
P.S. you can shop this piece + more from Niceties & Nuptials by using this code at checkout to get 10% off of ANYTHING on www.nandnb.com:
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The piece is honestly just stunning…I love it to wear for work or play and even layer with other pieces need be.
I got a little ahead of myself and they do say the best gifts are the gifts you give yourself…so Happy Birthday to me haha I decided I needed to upgrade my watch game + until I hustle even more to get a Rolex, a Michele watch will do for now 😉 Similar styles below (along with my favorite X Ring from Amazon).
Now to the most important part of any birthday…reflecting back on how you got here!
Here it is…
25 Things I’ve Learned By 25
1.Be Yourself – Ever since I was little I was so consumed with ‘fitting in‘ + being popular…since becoming an adult my priorities have completely changed. I feel confident in the skin I am in + I am perfectly content spending my weekends eating popcorn and watching Dateline without having FOMO about not being at the hottest club or on some vacation…once you are happy with yourself, everything else just falls into place.
2.Hustle Hustle Hustle – Ok, this has been my mentality since I was 14 when I got my first job scooping popcorn at a local movie theater (do you see a common trend here? I LOVE popcorn haha :p). Hustling never ends, in order to achieve success you have to bust your ass to get there…nothing in life is handed to you + if it is well I can assure you the experience isn’t nearly as thrilling.
3.Plan Ahead – Whether it’s what you are going to wear to work the next day, where you want to be in 5 years, what outfits you want to shoot…Planning Ahead is KEY! My friends make fun of me but nothing puts me more at ease than having a plan of action, maybe it’s a neurotic tendency of mine but having a sense of organization allows for a more streamlined approach for anything you are looking to do.
4.Dress for Success – No matter where you are off to, put yourself together! You never know who you may run into…whether it’s a potential client, employer or boo…dressing in a way that shows off your personality but also looking like you are ready to accomplish anything instills a sense of confidence to you + those around ya!
5.Go Nude – Ok…not literally but I honestly feel every woman should have nude pumps and nude ankle strap heels in their closet. Whether they are for work or play…they match with everything and are an easy no-brainer. I keep a pair of each in my car for last minute meetings or date nights!
6.Don’t Forget to Laugh – My basic motto in life…Laugh! I tend to do this all the time anyways, but no matter how stressful of a day you are having, a little laughing will do you some good…my goal is to come up with a workout that comes from laughing haha Can you imagine that?! Plus you have to laugh at yourself every once in a while…if you can’t laugh at yourself who can? :p
7.Don’t Forget to Smile – This is pretty similar to my point above but once again, you never know who is around and having a smiley demeanor really goes a long way and shows you as open to meeting and talking to new people. Plus when you smile the world smiles back with ya!
8.Go With Your Gut – Basically trust your instincts. My mom has been preaching this to me for years + always said my ‘vibe’ meter was off however I think with older age comes a better ability to seed through and get an accurate vibe on people + situations. This is crucial in business.
9.It’s Good to Be A Kid – Ok, so I know I am an adult, but I am totally guilty of having my childish moments every now + then (ICYMI, I am obsessed with Minions). Letting out your inner child gives you the chance to relax after a stressful day + keep your sanity haha
10.Save Up – I am guilty of knowing I need to do this but having an issue doing so haha My mom is a Jewish accountant + has been preaching for years that saving is key…I think this year is the year that I will begin to listen to that more, in order to get the things you want, you have to save!
11.Keep Learning – I have always been a fan of continuing education or learning more about the industry I am in. Whether it is attending conferences or watching videos online, I love to learn about every aspect of the field I am in so I can better kick ass at work!
12.Be Social – In person not just online! Although I work on digital marketing strategy + accounts, it is still so important to connect with those contacts in person, not sure online via e-mail. Having that in person connection helps!
13.Engage with Others – Whether it’s online (responding to comments etc) or engaging with others while you are out to dinner etc, living in the moment + engaging with the world around you is super important.
14.Take Care of Yourself – If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will. Whether it’s eating healthy, working out or pampering yourself…you must care for YOU!
15.Stand Your Ground – With all of the political turmoil happening it would be easy for me to keep quiet or refrain from speaking my mind considering it feels like the world is against me haha (perks of being conservative I assume), but part of being a strong woman is sticking to your guns + voicing your opinion whether in business or in personal life.
16.Always Be Networking – No matter what career you are in, continuing to network + socialize with those in your field is a great way to gain more knowledge about what you do + share ideas with like minded people. I LOVE meeting other social managers + influencers because we support each other in our endeavors!
17.Treat Yourself – Kind of similar to my ‘take care of yourself’ but I am a firm believer in if you work hard, you should play hard…my version of play just happens to be shopping haha! The best gifts are the gifts you give yourself because the story + blood, sweats + tears behind getting that treat makes that treat so much sweeter 😉
18.Be Strong + Independent – While I love having supportive friends, family + the occasional boo every now and then, my parents have pushed me ever since I was a little girl to be a Strong, Independent woman + to never rely on a man or anyone else for anything! I think this is SO important. When you support yourself + don’t have to answer to anyone, it makes life that much better + it makes you fully appreciate all that you have to offer when it comes to a relationship.
19.Be Frugal – While I like to buy nice things, having a Jewish accountant mother has taught me the art of sales + coupons. I am totally that girl who gets price adjustments, waits for a good sale + price matches across the internet and I am PROUD of it! I think when you are younger you are embarrassed by using coupons or only purchasing things when they are on sale, but if there is anything I have learned in life is that those who have money have it because they don’t spend all of it. Spend smarter 😉 New slogan, I need to follow this more haha!
20.Do What You Love – When you love what you do in life, everything falls into place. While I could make more money being a lawyer or working in the medical field, I am truly passionate about what I do each + every day which makes the hard work worth while. I have done a lot of soul searching over the past couple years + anytime I have doubts I remember how thrilled I get after a successful digital campaign or brand collaboration etc. Working crazy hours + maintaining this blog isn’t easy but I am passionate about it – that’s what matters.
21.Cherish Every Moment – When I was younger I was completely guilty of being unappreciative of certain things. Whether it was the moments I spend with my family or the opportunities I have received, it’s important to cherish every little moment. Everyone now says the little things thrill me – hearing that thrills me! Minions, popcorn, puppies all make me smile, light heartedness is hard to have in this day + age so I cherish those moments when I can!
22.Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help – Sometimes you can’t do it all. I try to be super woman, but I breakdown at least once a week…crying, venting etc. You need to have people you can emotionally count on in life to be there to pick you up when you are down or simply give you a pep talk. I was in a deep depression over the summer, I was trying to find my next step in my career , I was heart broken + I was questioning every aspect of my life. After exploring all of my medical options, I just realized the support of my family + my friends really cured me, while it’s a constant battle, every single day gets better and it comes and gos like waves of the ocean 😉
P.S. Props to my best gal pal Samantha…literally she has been my rock through everything + is such a kind hearted person who helps me each and everyday. Strong women supporting each other makes me one happy camper. Fun Fact…I had a full on breakdown during this shoot where I popped my balloon (no joke I am a toddler) haha + I began crying because I was so stressed over things not going according to the plan in my head…Samantha calmed me down + helped me pull it together, that’s what a strong friendship is all about!
Another group of ladies that help me be kick ass everyday, my coworkers! I have worked at various companies over the years and dealt with catty girls, cliques etc but what truly makes me smile is have a boss lady CEO who truly cares about me (she included me in her family’s Thanksgiving dinner when I had nowhere to go) + the gals on my marketing team who help me achieve my goals each + everyday…shoutout to Becca + Paige #Bad BitchesOnly They make everyday #VeryGood (apparently that is my catch phrase at the office haha)
And I can’t forget my blogger babes – one of the reasons I began blogging was to have a group of friends + colleagues who I have amazing qualities in common with! I love that we live in a day + age where women truly kick ass in business – Shoutout to my supportive LA gals who support me at every company + follow my journey each + every day:Sheryl, An, Sydne, Kier, Kristi, Rossana, Deniz, Ashley (my birthday twin), Natalie, Samantha, Solang, Alva + more! Thank you ladies for always supporting me + most importantly supporting each other!
23.Overcome Your Obstacles – I have been through it ALL. Breakups, career changes, moving away, etc+ I still strive to be the best me I can be every single day! Nothing is an obstacle unless you truly make it one, that’s my philosophy!
24.Take Chances – No one ever said life is easy. Everyday you have to decide on playing it safe or taking a chance…I always opt for taking a chance. While I write this I am thinking about all of the ‘chances’ I have taken + opportunities I may have missed if I decided to play it safe + let me tell ya…it would have been a shit ton! What if I never moved to LA because I was afraid of not having family here, what if I never left certain companies for fear of not finding something as good, what if I never took chances with dating….a lot of what ifs I will never have to think about because I turned those What Ifs into I Am Doing!
25.NEVER SETTLE…EVER – Last but not least my favorite motto ever in life…NEVER SETTLE! Whether it’s with dating, your career or beyond, settling is never an option, you should always strive to do the best you can do, be the best person you can be + not stop till you reach every single goal you have set for yourself! You only live once, but if you do it right…once is enough…never go to sleep with regrets, or resentment – strive to do more, be more + have more (emotionally, physically, etc)!
Happy Monday + Happy Martin Luther King Day! I have been a little swamped catching up with work, shooting new content + then took a little trip to Palm Springs with my bestie who I haven’t seen in foreverrr…when I say forever I actually mean forever – 5 months, no biggie, guess that’s what happens when you are adults who have demanding careers with a lot of travel haha :p Anyways, before I left for my most recent trip, I was visiting my family in NY for the holidays where I of course headed into my old stomping grounds…NYC!! Oh how I missed the Big Apple…until I went over to the west side to shoot some cityscape pictures + nearly froze to death…I became a bit of a wuss when it comes to the cold – does this mean I am officially a ‘valley girl‘? haha 😉
While I was in the city I of course had to shoot some new looks — gotta get those NYC scenes in, no yellow taxi cabs in LA…Just plenty of traffic filled with Ubers :p
I got this floral bomber jacket from She In right before I left and I have pretty much made it a staple in my wardrobe ever since. Whether you dress it up for a night out with skinny jeans + pumps or keep it casual with leggings + some sweet kicks, this jacket is going to become your newest obsession…trust me.
Fun Fact: I had to practically walk in traffic to get these shots in the middle of the day in Soho…Lydia (my fav NY based photographer) is quite the trooper…let me tell ya haha 😉
Luckily I was comfortable when shooting because I am sporting Slink Jeans. They are purposely designed for gals that are curvy and want a pair of jeans that will hug every curve in a chic way. The pair I am wearing is a legging like material and they are comfy enough to spend the entire day in without feeling like your jeans are digging in to you. Slink Jeans are just easy…they fit perfectly and let me feel confident no matter what I style them with ♥
I still have a soft spot for white pointed toe pumps (while I wear these babies for pictures and they are slightly big on me, I find nothing more chic than white pumps year round)! I am contemplating investing in a pair of white Manolo’s…very Carrie Bradshaw esq…stay tuned 😉
My little ‘Pop Of Color‘ matches this floral bomber perfectly…this Vera Bradley green crossbody bag – and it is currently on sale for under $100!!
Happy Fri – Y A Y! I am excited to be teaming up with one of my favorite online shops ‘All For Color‘ to share how I incorporate color into my fall wardrobe! Any of you that have been following me for a little bit have seen that I love a good Pop Of Color, so collaborating with All For Color made perfect sense for me. Whether you love a bold print, a bright hue or even just a subtle hint of color, adding a little something-something really ups your fall style!
I am LOVING this cozy blue cardigan from All For Color. It’s the perfect sweater to layer over a dress, a simple cami + jeans (like I did here) or honestly anything. What I think is great about this piece is that it makes it easy to add color to your fall look without overdoing it + feeling like summer :p
Another Pop Of Color I added to this look was these pink colored aviators. These are a ‘must-have‘ to add to your rotation!
My ankle boots are from Sugar Brand + they are super comfy, making them ideal for running errands, weekend adventures or just about anything. I am linking to two similar pairs from Sugar Brand below.
My Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag has been my trustee go-to ever since high school. It was my first of many Louis bags to come haha :p I may have a slight addiction at this point…oops!
On Friday’s I wear P I N K♥ I know the saying goes ‘On Wednesday’s we wear pink‘ but…sorry for the delay in posting, between playing tour guide to my little brother who is here visiting me from NY + coming down with a cold…I have been down and out for the count :p Plus now being sick sucks and kinda puts a damper on my LA tour festivities I had planned…hopefully I get better soon (at least before my brother heads home…what a lame trip that would be if I were sick the whole time lol).
Anyways, while I may be feeling glum, my outfit is far from it! Adding a bright ‘Pop Of Color‘ with this NordstromRack top is just what a sick Missy needed :p
Neon is a sure way to cheer anyone up. Wearing bright colors is a great way to stand out this summer! I LOVE this cami from NordstromRack because it’s perfect to pair with denim shorts for a BBQ or with white jeans + heels like I did here for a night out! Dressed up + ready to go…here’s how I got the look!
My white skinny jeans are from Old Navy (their Rockstar jeans fit me like a glove)…they are usually on sale + they have a little stretch so even if you ‘pig‘ out a tad at dinner, they are still comfy :p I have worn these to a few dinners at Craig’s while my brother has been in town hehe
I love this Shira Melody necklace because it is fun and adds color to any look (even a look that already has a ton of color :p) plus it is the go to accessory for gals on Instagram this summer and I can totally see why!
My gray suede pumps are from my boo Cameron Silver’s capsule collection with Nine West (Cameron owns Decades boutique on Melrose…aka my favorite place to shop for vintage designer pieces). While they are no longer available, the gray suede pointed pumps trend is perfect for work or play year round. They match with everything + the gray hue is timeless and classic.
My bag is from Nicole Lee. I love the structured satchel style because it reminds me almost like Chanel, classy, chic + very clean and neat. This satchel however has some cute details…perforation, floral embroidery etc.
