Featured! on Roxalne

Apologies for my absence last Friday! If you follow me on Instagram, you know I was off in the desert celebrating my bff's bachelorette party :) We had a blast and I will certainly share photos later this week, however I am now totally dead to the world and want nothing more than to be on the couch with a bowl of Mac n' Cheese and Legally Blonde on the telly. 

I neglected to share the exciting news above last week that I was featured on the Roxalne website on their Encyclo Fashion page. I was truly honored to make my internet debut in this black and tan outfit from this post. If you follow Roxalne on Facebook, then please "like" my post on their page! To view the full feature, see here. Special thanks to the Roxalne Sisters for their shout-out. Happy Monday!

 Check out that chick in the right bottom corner! :)

Dancing on The Table . . .

I indulged in both things written above this weekend . . . one, more than the other, however, each were equally fabulous and today I am simply worn out with no voice as a result. Hope you had a fab Labor Day weekend! Check out Instagram for some updates from over the weekend!

Boho Professionalism + VIP Dolce Vita Sample Sale

Poncho: Dolce Vita; Skirt: J. Crew; Sandals: Dolce Vita;

Hair Piece: J. Crew; Earrings: J. Crew;  Ring: JewelMint;

Bangles: Ocean Leather, F21, Nordstrom 

I was going to call this post Professional Boho . . . but then I wrote it. And it looked bad. So here I am bringing a boho look to the work place! Hence, "Boho Professionalism." Plus, my nails look total crap right now so boho works there too. I am completely addicted to this new poncho that I purchased at the Dolce Vita Sample Sale for $10 (10. DOLLARS. omg.) It is silky smooth, lightweight, AND has pockets! It also has the most adorable little hood on the back that has a strip of lace down the center. i die. 

Anyway, as promised, here are some images from the VIP Dolce Vita Sample Sale last Friday. Aside from the mad sweatiness I incurred (small space, lots of fashionistas, no fans), the event exceeded my expectations. I mean, the sandals I'm sporting above retail for $125. Guess what yours truly got them for? $25 buckaroos! Which is part of the reason why I ended up walking out of there with 2 bags packed full of goodies and only $130 poorer. The champagne was flowing and the sales ladies were very helpful. I have to commend them on handling the large crowd because they truly did a fantastic job in the customer service arena, while also managing to advise on shoe size, fit, and if something looked good or not. I was honored to be invited, thanks Dolce Vita!

   Left: Object in Belltown

Right: Dolce Vita Sales Rep Pouring Champagne (don't forget the shout-outs and hashtags!)

 Two of My Favorite Things: Champagne and Shoes

 My Shoe Loot from the event

 Bottom Row = My Clothing Loot! (Left to Right): 

White Silk Poncho @ $10, Coral Strappy Dress @ $25, Ultimate Winter Poncho @ $10

Even Jubie got into the action when I got home!

Peacock

Top: Soprano; Skirt: Express; Blazer: Gifted (Nasty Gal);

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini; Bangles: Ocean Leather, F21, Nordstrom;

Necklaces: Stella&Dot, Florence, Italy

Though it's casual Friday here, I glamed it up today because not only is it going to reach 80 degrees, I'm also headed to the Dolce Vita VIP Sample Sale Event tonight and then off to meet one of my visiting besties afterward for dinner and drinks. Such fun! I might be committing a crime here by wearing Enzo to Dolce but I hardly think my coveted "mermaid shoes" by DV fit the bill and I didn't want to be boring by wearing the brown ones either . . . so I guess I'll just have to purchase a new pair for this outfit at the sale tonight ;)

Are any of my Seattle readers headed to the event tonight?! If not, no worries! The sample sale is occurring all weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Object in Belltown. According to the press release they sent me, this is Dolce Vita's largest sample sale event in their 11-year history! SS12 shoes and apparel will be offered at between 60-85% off . . . Ummm, YES PLEASE! Hope to see you there! XO

Pinstripes + Green

Top: J. Crew; Skirt: Express; Belt: Unknown; Shoes: Dolce Vita;

Bangles: Ocean Leather, Nordstrom, F21; Sunnies: Karen Walker

This is still probably one of my favorite outfit combos. Despite my love for the No. 2 J. Crew pencil skirts that I've had on consistent rotation, this Express skirt is a bit softer and stretchier in material than the aforementioned. I'm trying out a new Food Network obsession tonight with G called Lunchbox Laboratory and figured this outfit was both professional enough for the office and playful enough for burgers and shakes :) I'll let you know how it is! 

Quick side note: interested in the Ocean Leather bangles that I've been sporting since Costa Rica? Check out Instagram for the deets here!

 

Ocean Leather, Costa Rica

Tickled Pink + The Liebster Blog Award

Top: Sunny Leigh; Skirt: Forever 21; Shoes: Zara; Headband: J. Crew;

Sunnies: Versace; Clutch: Hobo; Bangles: Nordstrom, F21, Ocean Leather

I'm not just tickled pink because I'm wearing the color today . . . I'm TOTALLY tickled pink over the fact that Ms. Jill over at Classy With A Kick has nominated me for the Liebster Award! After reading about what this award represents, I am very honored to receive it and hope to continue doing it justice well into my blogging future. Thanks to Jill for the nomination!

 "... The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: 'Liebster' is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. "

 

 Without further ado, I will answer the questions from Jill as a result of the Liebster . . .

1. Why did you start your blog? If I'm being completely honest, I started this blog more as a diary of sorts after having been inspired by my friend G, who had the most hilarious blog ever. Sadly, G has since removed her blog because she is now a teacher . . . and you can't really have stories of you on the web about the time you were drunk and eating other people's pizza while barefoot in San Fran when you're teaching 5 year olds). If you want more details on my story, you can read them here.
2. What are your favorite type of posts? Having recently transitioned this blog into a more fashion-focused one, my favorite posts are the outfit ones. If I have the opportunity to relay an awesome story along with a fab outfit then those posts are always an A+ in my book!
3. Why do you choose to follow a blog? I follow a blog if I connect with that individual's style and personality. I find that it's pretty easy to tell what a person is like based on writing style and clothing choice. My favorite types of blogs are those that incorporate fashion with personalization. If I'm looking at your outfits everyday, I want the opportunity to know who you are as a person. Adding tidbits about your life is a great way to spruce up any type of blog post.
4. What does "fashion" mean to you? Fashion means taking risks. My family will tell you that I am the most fashion and clothing obsessed in our family (with a dangerous shopping addiction), which means that a lot of the time I put outfits together with no guidance from others. Since my roommate joined the Peace Corps 2 years ago, and my family is all in CA, I now live alone (which I love, but it's not super helpful when you need advice on an outfit). Unfortunately, my cat doesn't always respond when I ask him what his take is on an outfit (I guess catnip is more exciting?). As a result, I take a lot of risks sometimes in putting outfits together, but I enjoy the challenge and seeing my personal style evolve through the process.
5. What is the #1 way you gain followers? Instagram
6. Can you name 3 clothing items you could not live without? No.2 J. Crew pencil skirts, cable knit tights from Banana Republic, and 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Denims in white.
7. Which blogger do you consider your biggest inspiration? Blair from Atlantic Pacific
8. If you could only shop in one store for the rest of your life, what would it be? J. Crew
9. Heels or flats? The answer will ALWAYS be heels!
10. What is your biggest blogging challenge? Coming up with fresh outfit ideas for posts that are both fun and functional and that will also inspire my readers.
11. What is your favorite social media channel and why? Instagram. I have always loved photography and one of my favorite things has become sharing my photos on Instagram to swap and share ideas with my followers!

Mini Costa Rican Recap

Though the quality of these photos is not stellar (see: macbook pro camera, facebook photo-stealing, etc.)- I thought I'd give you a little insight as to what I've been doing for the past week and a half. Today is our last full day here and it'll be hard not waking up to our gorgeous view every morning, however I am pretty stoked to head back to Seattle tomorrow and see my two main men (see: Nick and Jubie). I'll have more Costa Rican updates next week! Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine :)

 We are staying in a home that overlooks Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica.

This infinity pool is located in our backyard and looks right out at the ocean.

SWOON!

Just one snapshot of the many gorgeous sunsets we witnessed during our cocktail hour

at "home"

Me and Bum paddle boarding for the first time in Coco Beach, Costa Rica

Taking a break while paddle boarding in the middle of the Pacific Ocean

Summer Essentials Series: What I Can't Live Without by L

Hi kids! I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lacie (aka: L) of Leather and Lace as my second guest blogger for the 'Summer Essentials Series.' L and I went to college together and have been following one another's blogs ever since. L is probably the most hilarious blogger you'll find on the blog-o-sphere. She is seriously hilarious and honest which makes for the best kind of blogging. I'd be lying if I said that L didn't serve as an inspiration for me to start my own blog. Here's what L can't live without this summer . . . . 

black. maxi. skirt. omg. the most wonderful effing item of clothing ever invented in life. i'm 100% obsessed with mine. it may not be the most "summery" item, but Seattle weather can be so annoyingly unpredictable, and this skirt is perfectly versatile. it's long enough to cover your legs on a cold rainy day, but light and breezy when the sun decides to come out. not to mention it's so stupidly comfortable--like wearing pajamas! it also has a stretchy waistband. and i just had a baby. stretchy waistbands don't require wrestling into spanx as a prerequisite, which is entirely amazing. if you don't have a black maxi skirt, get your ass to Target and buy one (purchase here). that's where i got mine! here's just four of the infinite ways to style it . . .

striped tee: Gap; bow headband: Nordstrom

grey tank: Target; white tank sweater: Old Navy; necklace: Anthropologie; sandals: Steve Madden

blouse: Nordstrom; wedges: Old Navy

grey tank: Abercrombie; sweater/sunglasses: Target; sandals: BCBG

I hope you enjoyed this post! Special thanks again to L for sharing her favorite summer essential. Be sure to follow L on Leather and Lace! XO 

Summer Essentials Series: What I Can't Live Without by Abby

Hello lovelies! I'm thrilled to introduce you to (my first ever) guest blogger, Abby for the 'Summer Essentials Series.' Abby and I connected via Instagram (so crazy!) after consistently "liking" one another's photos. Though Abby is not an official blogger, I reached out to her because the girl's got total style. Check out Abby's summer essentials below . . .

My summer essentials are basically everything in this outfit...leopard print, a chambray shirt and a lot of gold! I had no problem throwing together this outfit when Elise ask me to be a guest on her blog! As a Stella and Dot stylist I try to keep my outfits simple and let the jewelry speak for itself! I'm not an official "blogger" but if you want to get in contact check out my instagram @mrsstrock, email me at abigailstrock@gmail.com, or check out my website: www.stelladot.com/abigailstrock

 Top: J. Crew; Shorts: Loft (recent); Bow Flats: Me Too; Bag: Tory Burch;

 Jewelry: Stella and Dot; Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Farmer's Marketing: A Guest Post

Top: J. Crew; Denim: J. Crew; Belt: Francesca’s Collections;

 Flats: Me Too; Bag: Kate Spade; Earrings: J. Crew; Ring: JewelMint;

Bangles: Alexis Bittar, Juicy Couture, Nordstrom, Forever21;

Necklaces: Stella&Dot, and Florence, Italy; Aviators: Ray-Ban

Ciao chickadees! I am super excited to be guest blogging over at Classy With A Kick today! Jill is a Washington native who now lives in San Diego . . . so we somewhat swapped places, if you will :) I connected with Jill via IFB and must say that I am a definite fan of her style! Click here to view my full post- special thanks to Jill for having me post while she's away enjoying the Aloha state! Happy Tuesday!

Dressed Like Independence

Tank: J. Crew; Shorts: J. Crew; Sandals: Steve Madden; 

Head Scarf: Purchased in Italy; Aviators: Ray Ban;

Bangles: Alexis Bittar, Juicy Couture, Nordstrom, F21; 

Necklaces: Stella&Dot, Florence, Italy; Bag: LV

This is what I wore yesterday to celebrate America's birthday. N and I celebrated with friends in the best way possible with beer, baseball, bbq, and a little poolside lounging. I am definitely worse for wear today, however yesterday was an absolute blast! I don't think I'll be drinking beer for a while now . . . at one point I was wearing a thrifted denim jacket with an American flag safety pinned to the back. So classy. The heat wave from the east is finally coming to the west coast! It was 70 yesterday and is only supposed to climb into the 80s in the coming weeks. SO EXCITED! I anticipate a lot of pool action this weekend. Hope you had a lovely 4th!

Dark Denim + Sheer White

Top: Gifted; Denim: Hudson; Shoes: Vince Camuto;

Necklace: J. Crew; Bangles: Nordstrom, Alexis Bittar, Juicy Couture, F21;

Sunglasses: Versace

So I wasn't really planning on doing an outfit post today, but I took these pictures this morning anyway. Then, I read Miss Crystalin's post here and thought, "it's so true!" And it inspired me to post what I feel is not the most worthy outfit, but an outfit nonetheless.The girl's got a point when she says:

"Sometimes I think an outfit isn’t ‘worthy’ enough of snapping a few photos to go up on the blog (like this one), but then I go back to the authenticity of this blog… this is what I’m really wearing. At the end of the day, I think the reason we read and follow fashion/style blogs is to find real life inspiration in any and all forms."

- Crystalin of ITCWC

By the by, the only reason I'm happy about wearing jeans in July is that my legs look simply horrendous as a result of my Crossfit WOD last night. I totally ate shit on a box jump (just barely missed crashing into the cement wall) and had to drop weight on my push press halfway through the workout. Crossfit FAIL. I also officially cancelled my gym membership yesterday . . . maybe I was being punished by the gym gods for doing so? Whatever. I was left totally breathless, achey, and sweaty after the workout so something must be working (fingers crossed!). 

Bold Stripes + Bit of Sparkle + Wacoal Event

Top: J. Crew; Skirt: Francesca's Collections; Flats: Via Spiga;

Bangles: F21, Nordstrom, Alexis Bittar; Sunglasses: Electric

Lara and I had such fun at the Wacoal event last night! Aside from the healthy pours of wine and delectable appetizers (including garlic cheese spread and prosciutto - NOM!), I finally got to meet a few of my fellow Seattle Style Bloggers! Lindsay of Lindsay Living was there, as well as Miss Bella Q of The Citizen Rosebud, who I will be doing a photoshoot for on Sunday with her vintage clothing line. Quick shout-out to these two: You guys are fabulous and I look forward to planning our next get together along with lots of wine and cheese :)

Here are a few snapshots from the event: Apologies: if you follow me on Instagram, you have seen most of these already ;)

Adorable Invitation to the Wacoal Event

 View from the Space Needle Suite at the Pan Pacific Hotel

 Pretty Intimates from Wacoal and their b.temptd line

(which is where I chose my free bra from)

 Photo c/o The Citizen Rosebud

Left: Lindsay of Lindsay Living, Front: Bella of The Citizen Rosebud