Things are starting to brighten up in the world! It’s PRIDE month, it’s summertime, lockdown orders are lifting, restaurants, stores etc are beginning to re-open + I’m beginning to feel a sense of normalcy again (hallelujah!) Last week was a heavy week, not going to lie. America is undergoing a lot of changes + growing pains hopefully leading to a stronger nation + unified people. Because last week was pretty emotional for us all my fiance + I decided to venture out for a little road trip + headed to Santa Barbara where we found this gorgeous photo moment!
I thought this spot was so cute to shoot this new Lovers + Friends dress I got from REVOLVE because who doesn’t love a rainbow. I also love this spot because this beautiful piece of artwork is made up of various colors, like our country. It takes different colors coming together to make up a beautiful rainbow, something we should always remember, when we come together beautiful things can form.
I paired this dress with my new RAYE wedges that are sure to become a summer staple for me because they match with every type of look + are super comfortable!
I also felt this look was the perfect time to bring out my new Louis Vuitton Escale Toiletry Pouch that sold out within days. Tie Dye is such a trend this season so I am loving this print from Louis Vuitton…how can you not!
Embracing color is something you should always do, especially this season…be BOLD, be YOU!
We are experiencing something unexpected, something we haven’t dealt with before, a time of uncertainty + at times depressing, stressful + overall exhausting. From the unpleasant news of unemployment numbers, to big life milestones being put on hold or postponed, to worrying about the health + well-being of yourself, your friends + your family, we are all looking for the bright side, an end date + some sign of hope for the future.
While I am far from an expert on positivity, I myself have been in a bit of a funk + found some things that have been able to cheer me up, brighten my day + spread some good vibes all around! Let me know if these help ♥
1. Take A Deep Breath + Find Your Peace + Calm
We are all overwhelmed + sometimes you need to take a moment to take a deep breath + realign your mind. Whether it is doing some meditation with an app like CALM or enjoying a peaceful walk in the mornings, take time to breath and find your inner peace.
2. Do A Daily Workout
While I am usually someone who is not a fan of working out, I have found that 30-60 minutes of exercise a day has helped de-stress me + keep me feeling good, I suppose what Elle Woods said is true…Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t. hehe :p We’ve been going for walks daily, doing Yoga on some free apps in the app store and some HIT workouts also on apps from the app store.
3. Take Time For Self-Care
Whether it is setting up a little at home spa day, taking a long shower, enjoying a bubble bath, doing a little face mask or simply taking time for yourself to re-center and relax, even though we are in a time of social distancing and may be home with kids and family members or your significant other, make time for yourself to be alone + care for yourself.
4. Be Grateful + Thankful
This one can be tough especially with everything going on but we all have something to be grateful + thankful for. While I often have thoughts during the day of being upset about things I am missing out on or am uncertain about, I at the end of the day think about what I am grateful for which for me is my health, my fiance + keeping busy with my work + creating content. Take a few minutes each day to write down in the notes app on your phone or say out loud what you are grateful for, it definitely helps put things into perspective and not feel that bad.
5. Keep Yourself Busy + Occupied
Whether you recently got furloughed or you are home all day with your kids homeschooling etc, be sure to keep your mind active + keep busy. Even when you feel like binging Netflix all day or lounging on the couch, Im personally finding its important to keep myself busy with things that stimulate my mind + make me feel like I am accomplishing little goals each day. Since I normally work from home I am constantly setting daily goals for myself to assure I keep myself on track whether its writing new blog posts, shooting new imagery, replying to e-mails, brainstorming whats next for my agency etc.
If you were furloughed begin redesigning your resume, amp up your LinkedIn, create a blog, Youtube or social media channel for better showcase who you are and your work abilities etc. This will keep you busy and put you ahead of the game once the job market is looking a bit better. If you are at home with your kiddos focus on some new lessons you can teach them, activities you can enjoy together, a book you can read etc!
6. Learn Something New
Whether it is a DIY activity, reading a new book, taking a online class, cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen etc. Use this downtime to your advantage and see it as a positive instead of a negative…more time to better yourselfand come out of quarantine with some new knowledge than before you went in!
7. Think Of The Future
This one is tough for me especially because for us in LA there isn’t a specific end date for when things will resume and get back to normal. While there is a lot of question marks on the future, think of happy times ahead like your next vacay destination, being back to work, being able to reunite with friends and family etc. Having something to look forward to gives a little light at the end of the tunnel.
8. Dress Up + Get Ready
I know it feels easy to lounge in sweats + PJS but something I’ve found that cheers me up is doing my hair + makeup, putting on a cute outfit + feel like I would if I was going out + about. The saying goes when you look good, you feel good + I definitely agree…while I love being in comfy clothes, something feels better in my day when I feel pretty when I look in the mirror! It may seem like a lot of work for no reason but trust me…it helps.
P.S. I find wearing bright colors + prints brings some joy + happiness to your day. The bright colors bring on good vibes.
9. Be Kind + Smile
Even when you want to scream, cry, or just feel helpless, take the time to be kind to those around you – the grocery store clerk, doctors, delivery people, those in your home etc. SMILE, think happy thoughts + be kind. Kindness spreads joy to those around you.
10. Remember Things Will Be Back To Normal Soon
Even in those helpless moments remember its ok to not be OK + that things will be back to normal soon and we ALL feel this way…unsure, uneasy + craving some answers.
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!
I am so excited about today’s post ya’ll for SO many reasons! Not just am I obsessed with this WAYF floral wrap dress, BUT I can’t get over how gorgeous these Cherry Blossoms are at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I have been holding on to these photos for a little bit since I got so swamped with some other content but now FINALLY I get to share this gorgeous shoot I did in NYC!
All of my years living in NYC I never visited the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, let alone heard of it (I know, I know I need to get more cultured) but in reality I was so busy with my day to day life, I never took time in NY to fully explore everything the city that never sleeps has to offer!
Anyways, I finally got to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom + I paired the perfect dress with my surroundings, this WAYF floral wrap dress. Not only is this dress chic + affordable, it is beyond flattering on so many different figures!
I have been obsessed with WAYF for a while now (their spring + summer dresses have been at the forefront of my closet hehe :p) + their lightweight dresses are ideal for warm summer days, especially humid, hot NYC days (although these photos were shot in the dreery mist of an NYC day, not the hot, humid weather NYC is experiencing now), still looks amazing though right?!
I love neutral pieces paired with bright, bold colors, they make for the best combinations when it comes to chic style.
If there is one thing you should invest in, it is a great pair of nude pumps (I personally love these patent leather ones since they look chic, clean + stylish with every outfit).
Living in LA I don’t wear pumps for my day to day schedule anymore (unless I have business meetings or events) and being back in NYC, wearing my pumps it felt like home. When I was living in NY everyday I dressed up, everyday I felt like Carrie Bradshaw + everyday I opted to walk around NYC in pumps. Wearing these beauties surrounded by Cherry Blossoms on a gorgeous spring day in NY couldn’t have felt better ♥
A lot of people ask me which I like better, NY or LA?To be honest, both cities are polar opposites + I love each in their own way but no matter how far away I may be from the city that never sleeps, it will always be my home.
Summer is in full swing + that means time to stock up on some cute new pieces! My go to boutique? Pink Lily! They have such great styles at affordable prices from pretty dresses to the perfect 4th of July gear to great swimwear + more. I’m rounding up some of my fav picks below so you can stock up on your summer must-haves (ya’ll will LOVE these I promise ya)!
