Garden Party

It's the time of year where flowers start making their appearance and butterflies and chirping birds put us in such a good mood (well it does me anyway).

In today’s busy world people have rarely have time to stop and smell the roses so by incorporating a floral print in your wardrobe can give you that little extra something you may need.

My dress today is making feel fresh and happy.  Another thing to make me happy today, margarita's with friends after work!

Dress- Simply Vera Wang
Shoes- Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

What I Want Wednesday- Neck Tie Blouses

Neck tie blouses are everywhere this year and gone are the looks that were conservative and stuffy.  Wear your neck tie top with a pencil skirt or slacks to work for a classic look and then to take it up a notch and pair your top with leather shorts or a cute miniskirt outside of the office. What is your favorite way to style a neck tie blouse?

Here are a few tops I am eyeing:

 

1. Modcloth - Amour, Amour Top
2. Asos- Tie Neck Military Blouse
3. ShopBop- Tucker

Come Fly With Me

Spring is here, but it still can be a bit chilly out there. Nothing comes in handier than a chic scarf. My favorite thing about scarves is their ability to make your outfit, not just add to it. A basic dress or a tee, jeans, and cute shoes are all you need to make your scarf really pop.

Dress- Banana Republic
Scarf- H&M
Shoes- Target

Go Go Go

I always have the best intentions to get IT all done over the weekend, I was in a Go Go Go mode and I still did not cross everything of my list, oh well there is always next weekend.  Sure wish they sold little helpers in boxes that you could just pick up from Target.  

Speaking of Target, I did get a couple of dresses from the Go International Designer Collective. As many of you know they re-released some fabulous dresses from the last 5 years.  I got this little Thakoon number and the green and blue stripe Libertine that I missed out on the first time.

Dress- Thakoon for Target
Shoes- Jessica Simpson
Belt- Purchased at Therapy in Campbell


Dinner on Saturday night with the hubby and parents
 to celebrate their 51st anniversary



Frugalista Find- Teal Wedges

A super frugalista find in these Lela Rose wedges.  I have never been one to shop at Payless shoes but saw this teal colored treasure and thought what the heck. 

Happy Friday!

Bolivar Wedge - Payless

Stormy Weather

Storm Like Conditions + Crazy Busy with Work and Social Engagments = J Crew Sweats Loungewear

I may be washing away soon as it has been a constant down pour all day today.  These boots may not help me stay afloat but at least my top is super comfortable!  Hope everyone is staying sunny and dry. If that is the case, I am super jealous and going to aim my boat your way.

Skirt- Gap
Top- J Crew
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Necklace- Banana Republic
Boots-REPORT (Nordstrom)

What I Want Wednesday- Shades of Lilac

This nailpolish by Essie I picked up SCREAMS Springtime. I am expecting Peter Rabbit to hop by anytime! Now, I am currently wanting a few lilac colored pieces added to my wardrobe. What are you wanting these days?

A few things I have my eye on:

1. Essie Nailpolish in Lilacism
2. J Crew - Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt
3. Modcloth- Lilac Layercake Top
4. Shopbop- Aria Slingbacks

Watercolors

I was determined to wear spring like attire today even though it is quite chilly out, hence the boots. Picked up this dress from Anthropologie a while back as I really liked the pattern. It reminded me of a watercolor painting. I think it needs a belt. What do you think?

Dress- Anthropologie
Boots- Steve Madden
Tights- Target
Necklace- Jessica Simpson

Something Lovely for the Lips

With having the first day of Spring happen on Sunday I have throughly been obsessed with spring like colors for the lips and nails. Here is a little something lovely I picked up over the weekend. This color by MAC "Up the Amp" is just what the doctor ordered for a dash of spring in my life, now if only the crazy rain will move along so spring like conditions can move in.

Friend Friday- Lessons Learned

A special Friend Friday for me today, my best friend since kindergarten is coming to visit for the weekend (bummer it is going to rain the whole time). Look out honey you may want to hide in the garage because a lot of shopping, wine, snacks and giggling is headed your way. 

BFF's posing before prom (May 1986)

Her last visit, a day of fun in Napa (October 2009)

Also today is Modly Chic's Friend Friday:

Question: What have been the 5 hardest blogging lessons you’ve learned during this process that have helped make you a better blogger?
Answers: (I am doing only 4, hope that is ok)


1. Technology- I would say thus far the technical piece of having a blog is by far the hardest lesson. When I started I had no idea what html code even was?  add a link?  how the heck do you do that?  I still have a long way to go on learning this stuff, but proud of what I have accomplished so far in my blogging journey.

2. Perfection- Every post is not going to be perfect or interest others out there in the blog world (I need to remember that!)  I tend have high expectations and pressure myself to make it perfect.  I do this blog for myself as a creative outlet, having comments and friends is such a wonderful bonus.  

3. Photos- Taking photos of myself as to be one of the most akward parts of doing this blog.  I always have to tell the hubby... "This is my signatutre move".  Come on, who am I kidding, it's just bad, I can't pose!  Oh well, something to work on. Maybe I can get Tyra Banks come to my house and give me posing lessons?  Practice, Practice, Practice. 

4. Promoting- I am not very good at promoting my blog on Facebook or Twitter.. I don't even know how to tweet? Someday I hope to step outside my comfort level and get out there.... but for now, I am happy with all the lovely blogging friends I have made...... such a treat having you in my life!
HAPPY FRIDAY!

Luck of the Irish

How could I not be lucky in this cute pair of green t-strap shoes? 

Looking forward to a tradtional dinner tonight of cornbeef and cabbage with good friends. Hope everyone has a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Miz Mooz "Salima" Nordstrom

Unfortunately my cute little shoes did not come in time for today, so I pulled out this vintage green skirt to avoid from being pinched.

 

Top- J. Crew
Skirt- Vintage
Shoes- Target
Belt- Purchased at Nordstrom ages ago

Blitz decided that I needed to get off my computer so he could use it.

Birchbox of Goodies

My first little Birchbox of goodies was delivered last night and was excited to see what was inside.

What is Birchbox you ask?

Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into in our day-to-day routine.

What a fun idea! 

Here is what I found in my Birchbox:

Ahava Bath Salts
Cargo Lash Activator Mascara
Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste
Brow Brush

Latest eBay Purchase

I am on a huge midi skirt obsession right now, and found this great Anthropologie skirt for next to nothing. It's going to be perfect the spring and summer months. Can't wait to wear it!

What is your latest obsession?

30 for 30: Outfit Number Thirty- That's a Wrap

Now that's a wrap! I have successfully completed Kendi's 30 for 30 winter challenge.  I am looking forward to a few more choices tomorrow. I decided to wear my Tucker for Target dress in honor of the Go International Collection at Target that was released yesterday.  To see some fun pieces in the collection take a peek here.

Jeans- Miss Sixty
Belt- Vintage
Top- Tucker for Target Dress
Necklace- Forever 21
Booties- Jessica Simpson

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Nine- Oh a Wine Tasting We Will Go

I am off to do a bit of wine tasting in Santa Cruz on this blustery day. 

One more outfit to go in the 30 for 30 challenge, Woo Hoo!

Jeans- Gap
Blouse- J. Crew
Sweater- Viridis Luxe
Swing Sweater- Simply Vera Wang
Necklace- H&M
Boots- UO

Hope everyone remembered to spring forward, I hate to lose an hour of sleep but it is so worth it.  I love the longer days.  More play time!

Have a great day.

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Eight- FBFF (Finding the Balance)

Short and sweet today, not much to say other than..... TGIF!  It was a busy week for me, so I will be taking it easy this weekend.   Only have 2 more outfits left on the 30 for 30 challenge (hooray) I am ready to meet up with the closet once again. 

Happy Friday to all my lovely blogging friends out there! 

Outfit number 28 includes:

Jeans- Miss Sixty
Blazer- Hinge
Tee- J. Crew
Necklace- Simply Vera Wang
Booties- Jessica Simpson
Belt- Anthropologie

Also, participating in Modly Chic's FBFF.  Today's topic is Finding the Balance. Here are my responses:

1. When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does blogging fall?


Must admit, it is pretty high on my list during the work week. I have a routine I follow...Picture in the morning before I leave for work (If I am doing an outfit post that day), write something late morning or afternoon and done. I tend to just be more lazy on the weekends, but I am always thinking about it.

2. We all wish we had more free time to dedicate to blogging and all it entails. What are your tricks for taking advantage of the time you do have to be as productive as possible?

Organization, Organization, Organization. I can't stress that enough for my world. I work in a job that I have to be able to multi-task and prioritize so that tends to carry over in my personal (blogging) life as well. If I stay organized and focused I can get it all done and be able to do everything with ease. (Another secret, I don't have kids, so I am a bit spoiled when it comes to me time... its always me time.)

3. Have you discovered any short-cuts that makes blogging easier or more time efficient?

Have not discovered anything that works yet for me. I am technology challenged!

4. Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead?

I don't have any master plan on this one. I am a little old school and write things down in a notebook when something comes to me. I do have ideas that I come up and may post something right away or use it later down the road.

5. If time wasn’t an issue what you would be doing on your blog/for your blog that you aren’t doing now?

I would definitely spend more time on graphics and photoshop. I am not proficient with those programs and find that it takes me longer than most. If I had more time, I would spruce up my blog a bit.

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Seven- A Small Treasure

How adorable is this little gem of a ring? I received this small treasure as a birthday present from a lovely friend of mine (What a doll!). I have a feeling this little guy will be going everywhere with me this spring.

Nordstrom $48.00

Outfit number twenty seven includes:
Skirt - J. Crew
Top- Kenneth Cole Dress
Shoes- Target
Belt- Simply Vera Wang

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Six- Another Day, Another Outfit

Another day and another outfit for the 30/30. Is it me or am I overly matching today? I guess I was in the mood for a little black and tan (no, not the beer, well if there is wine, I'm not going to decline).   

Jacket- Simply Vera Wang
Skirt- J. Crew
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Necklace- Anthropologie
Tank- Old Navy

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Five- Love Letter

Dear Closet,
Just a love letter letting you know that I have been missing you and for you not to worry as we will be together again soon. I have been away for a little while, but do not fret as in a mere 5 days we will be reunited. To hold me over until then, I am dreaming about all those good times where I play with all the articles of clothing you hold for me. See you soon!
Love,
Carla

No your eyes are not deceiving you, my legs are that white.

Jacket- Gap
Dress- Tucker for Target
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Belt- Vintage

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Four- Signs of Spring

Spring is slowly begining to show itself and I couldn't be happier as I am ready for old man winter to move along his merry way. The cherry blossoms are starting to peek through and I just had to by myself a bouquet of tulips. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend filled with all things fabulous.

Daffodils in the yard.

Blossoms peeking through, can't wait for those cherries!

My favorite flower.

Outfit number 24 includes:
Pants- Anthropologie
Sweater- J. Crew
Scarf- H&M
Booties- Jessica Simpson

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Three and FBFF (Beauty Products)

Hello all my lovely blogging friends so glad that today is Friday (well who isn't?).  A lot of fun plans this weekend so I must say that I am ready to get to it!  Plugging along in my 30 for 30, but really excited that some of you are finished or nearly finished...You so rocked it!  I have loved following along to see what you have come up with.  I still have 7 more outfits to create and really hope that I can pull it off. Without further adieu here is outfit number twenty three:

Skirt- H&M
Sweater- Simply Vera Wang
Top- Target
Shoes- Target
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Necklace- Lee Angel

Also, I am participating in Modly Chic's Friend Friday.  Today's topic is beauty products, see questions and answers below:

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

There are a few that I love in the high end department, Benefit, Laura Mercer, Chanel and MAC.  As for drugstore,  I tend to go for L'Oreal or Maybelline and I have quite a few eyeshadows from Flirt which I can pick up at Kohl's. Where does Sephora's line fit in?  I have a lot of eye pencils and shadows of their's as well.

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

Bloom or Benefit Lip Stain, I never leave home without it. 

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

Bumble and Bumble is my absolute favorite! I have been using it for years. Just seems to work for me.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

SunIn Hair Lightner.   I was going for lovely natural highlights and instead I rocked orange hair. 

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality? 

I always have a brightly colored pedicure. That's seems to be my thing.  I own so much Essie nail polish I could open my nail salon.  (Well I could lend you the polish and you can do your own toes).

30 for 30: Outfit Number Twenty Two- Kentucky Derby

Today I rsvp'd to my friend's Kentucky Derby party at their winery in May.  Last year the hubby and I had so much fun that we could not possibly miss this year.  Now, I just have to find the perfect derby hat!  If anyone has suggestions I am all ears as last year I just wore a headband with feathers. It was fun but a hat would have been much better.

In honor of the derby I pulled out my favorite top with a cute horse pattern that I chose as part of my 30/30.

Skirt- J. Crew
Vest- BCBG
Blouse- Purchased at Hallelu
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Booties- Jessica Simpson

If ever in the Paso Robles area, must stop by Thacher Winery.

Hubby and I at last year's derby party.