Does this dress make me look like a flamingo? hehe :p ICYMI the latest Instagram pose that all the gals are doing is a little something called the ‘Flamingo‘ (no joke it’s a real pose see HERE hehe). Anyways between rocking this stylish flamingo print dress to rockin’ this flamingo pose, I am never wanting summer to end. Honestly this IG pose craze is pretty great since it helps make you look sleek + tall…just like a flamingo haha get it? 😉
Since summer is coming to an end I wanted to get my last licks of summer in by sharing my flamingo look. This cute dress instantly makes me want to head on vacation (in fact we are planning our next getaway now…we are thinking Hawaii! Watchya think?) This dress is actually on MEGA sale from Red Dress Boutique (one of my major favorites as you may know by now haha I do hauls of their great styles basically weekly honestly) so I highly encourage you to shop it + snag it for 50% off!
Ever have one of those really amazing hair days + just feel on top of the world? This shoot day was definitely one of them! Ever since I began my Jenny Craig journey a year ago, my confidence has been through the roof and then a good hair or makeup day is an added bonus. It is crazy to think this time last year I was 60 pounds heavier and look at me now hehe :p
I was on the hunt for a hot pink bag + when I spotted this pink YSL bag I knew I needed to have it! It’s a great size + the color really makes a statement.
I am seriously crushing on pink accessories like these that scream summer BUT are also great to wear year round for some bold moments. I am linking to some of my fav pink heels and bags below!
Pink on Pink on Pink…that is what I am all about this summer! While I love wearing bright bold colors like pink year round, summertime is the perfect time to add color in your wardrobe so I figured what better color to do it with than PINK!
I love wearing pink not just because I am a girly girl, but also because it is just such a cheery happy color. One of my personal favorite pink pieces right now is this pink striped maxi dress from Red Dress Boutique.
Another pink obsession of mine? This hot pink YSL bag! I had been on the hunt for the perfect pink bag + finally I found it in this YSL bag! The size is great for going out and the color really POPS + makes a statement.
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!
Whether you are heading out for a romantic dinner with your boo, a fun night on the town or a little galentine’s get together, one thing is always essential – the perfect look! I have always loved dressing up for Valentine’s Day, whether I was single or now being in a relationship – I love the decorative + feminine elements of Valentine’s Day…the hearts, the pink, the red, the roses etc!
From the perfect dress to a chic skirt or heart shaped bag (can’t get more Valentine’s Day than that :p), I rounded up my favorite styles perfect for Valentine’s Day so you can look like the perfect rose ♥
I hope you all have a fun weekend ahead! My boo + I are heading to San Diego for a baseball game + some relaxation…and you know I already researched for all the fun colored walls + murals to shoot outfits in front of 😉 hehe While we are there, I fully intend on having a romantic date night + that means I need a cute date night look that will also keep me cool with the hot temps this weekend. My solution? This blue halter dress from Venus! I am always up for a bold pop of color + the halter style fits me perfectly so when I found this dress, I was IN…hook, line + sinker!
This dress is lightweight, flowy + fits perfectly for any occasion. While I LOVE a bold cobalt blue, this dress is also available in red + black. Honestly, I love this dress so much I think I need to buy it in the other colors as well haha :p
My fun flamingo print straw tote is also from Venus. It is a great little go-to for beachy or tropical destinations, and when I wear it I instantly feel like I am on vacation! It retails for under $30 + is a total essential for every gal’s wardrobe.
As for my shoes, I went with this fun pink ankle strap heel to match the pink of the flamingo’s on my purse. What gal doesn’t love a good pink shoe…am I right?!