Best Outfits of 2017

Bell-Sleeves Stripes

Anyone else still trying to figure out what day it is? You just kinda have an idea that it's the last week of 2017! I'm right there with you. But hope you had a great holiday with family and friends. Unfortunately, Santa gave me a nice cold or flu to end the year. So 2018 I'm ready for you! While this year was filled with many ups and downs, one thing that keep me going was YOU coming to linkup with Jessica and I for our Flashback Friday's. Really--thank you for coming to our blogs and joining us! We thought it would be fun to flashback to our linkup outfits of 2017 and I have to say I'm honestly not cringing. This year, I learned to hone in my style with a lot of neutrals, hats and denim for sure.

It's in the Details

While the open shoulder trend might be one that isn't for everyone (personal preferences), I scooped that sweater up for under $10 and figured I wouldn't freeze in LA. Pairing blush as a neutral is one style tip coming with me to the New Year.

Bundled in the City

This look has me so excited to see! We'll be heading to the Bay next week and this coat never lets me down. The texture makes it fun to pair with stripes, too! 

Only the Essentials

Oh my goodness, can you tell I lived in these black jeans?! They were another random sale find and fit like a glove-WIN! But you can say the jacket, espadrilles and hat got so much wear. Basics are where it's at!

Subtle Prints

It was up until this point, that I started to incorporate prints back in (not counting stripes). This top is still one of my all time favorite purchases from Madewell. And how well does it go with my favorite jeans? ;)

Casual Black Outfit

It might have been Summer, but I wasn't going to stop wearing almost all black! From the hat down to the sandals, these accessories carried me through the season.

Styling a Denim Skirt

In case you were getting worried I only wore those black jeans, here you go! This wrap denim skirt was actually returned and then rebought on major sale. It's very forgiving when you eat too much (and what girl doesn't need that?!).

Denim Midi Skirt

And because one denim skirt isn't enough, I went and got this longer style. Pairing it with a simple white tee gave it that casual polished look I was going for. 

Fall Layering for Warm Climates

Besides my black jeans, these ripped jeans got so much wear at the end of the year. I probably could live in these now. Also, this cardigan was the perfect affordable piece to wear in a cold office. The pockets are so convenient! 

Cute Sweaters Under $100

Never would have reached for this mustard color, but so glad I did! This sweater is one of my favorites and couldn't resist adding the neck scarf (now under $7!). The real staple here are the booties. They've been going strong for 3 years now! They're on sale (+free ship) and thinking I should get a backup pair. 

Again, thank you for coming along this year! We want to see one final outfit post from you below! Have a safe, wonderful New Year's! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Simple Neutrals

moto jacket // bodysuit (on sale!) // jeans // mules // hat // earrings

We've hit that point in the holiday week or day where I don't even know what day it is any more. All the while, I still feel the need to continue buying Christmas presents and stopping at Starbucks one too many times. Tis' the season, riight? I'm just hoping all the caffeine isn't fogging up my brain because I am starting to think I've forgotten someone on my list. This is the first year I feel this way. Does anyone else ever think that? Trust me, I've done the list and checked it a million times. While I might be pulling my hair out for no reason, I can say I'm keeping my looks simple these days. Just reaching for all my favorite basics and adding in this bodysuit for a change. What have you been reaching to wear during this holiday season? 

Thanks so much for linking up with us! Our picks are Marta from Sweaters, Stripes & Sweets and Alina from Alina Ermilova!

An InLinkz Link-up

Casual Stripe Sweater

stripe sweater (25% off) // jeans // mules // hat // purse // sunglasses

What a difference a week can make! Last week's fire situation in Southern California, not only created an actual haze, but moral just wasn't there. Directly or indirectly, there were so many effected by the fires. Everyone was on edge. And I know how insanely lucky I am when both my sister and nieces (they're from different sides of the family) have homes to come back to. While the fire is still not in the clear for Santa Barbara County, the blue skies have returned and what LA finds suitable air to breath (hello grimy polluted smog) feels so refreshing. Being out and about just feels so good. There's so much more you can appreciate after an unimaginable week. 

Let's flashback to last year here! It's a good one! While reds are not a color a wear often, this deep shade is one I still can come around to during the holidays. 

Thank you for coming each week to linkup with Jessica and I! Our picks are Christine from Bon Chic Style and Katie from Hello Katie Girl!

An InLinkz Link-up

Oversized Grey Coat

coat c/o (size XS) // velvet tee (comes in 2 other colors) // jeans // mules // purse

No matter the year, I always find myself investing in a good coat. While the weather in LA might not reach blizzard temperatures, I cannot handle even the slightest chill. This coat is a happy medium. It's perfectly oversized, so you have enough room for chunky sweaters or layering. But in my case, just tossing over a velvet tee and having enough warmth. Does that make sense? It is a wool-blend, but lightweight so you don't look completely ridiculous. I just ignored the fact that there was a guy in a t-shirt and shorts walking around as I snapped these. I like to be comfortably warm (or will find the slightest excuse to wear winter clothes). Do you pick up a coat each year?

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks this week are Shauna from Lipgloss and Lace and Tilden from To Be Bright!

An InLinkz Link-up

How to Wear Velvet During the Day

cardigan // velvet tank (on sale!) // jeans // mules // purse // lipstick (color: blush basin)

We have those trends we see, love and then think that it's just never going to see the light of day (outside of our closets). Raise your hand, if velvet fits into that? Yup! Well, it just doesn't seem appropriate for anything that isn't a fancy holiday party. It was slim pickings I would be going to any fancy party this year, so I made it my mission to not let that stop me. The things that motivated are questionable-I know. But the chances of something being able to be worn casually means it will A) get worn more and B) read A again. 

So here are a few tips to making velvet work for day time:

1. Don't invest too much money. Velvet is one of those fabrics that doesn't work all year long, so find a quality piece that's budget-friendly. This tank is under $35 and this tee is just $38. The quality for price on these cannot be beat! 

2. Try a color besides your typical holiday colors. Velvet in blush is less flashy due to it's soft hue (and I'm obsessed). The eye just notices another texture to your look, rather than the type of fabric.

3. Pair it will your basics. Grab a cozy cardigan or moto jacket and jeans=outfit complete! 

How do you feel about velvet worn casually?

The Best Madewell Gifts

top (major sale!) // jeans // shoes // clutch c/o (under $20) // sunglasses

UPDATE: Madewell is having a huge sale with 30% off! Everything but jeans and their transport collection is included. Code: LATEBIRD

We all know I'm a die hard Madewell lover and with all the trying on and shopping I do there, I felt inclined/highly qualified to put together a list for you (or maybe it's secretly for my family). And, yes, Madewell can be a little on the pricier side, but you'll find something at every budget here. Trust me, anyone obsessed as I am will appreciate the time you put shopping at her favorite store. I might have these already or items that any gal would love to unwrap (and keep for years)! 

And don't forget to linkup with us! We love seeing your latest posts and connecting with you! We are obsessed with Kate from The Student's Wife and Kristina from The Kontemporary!

An InLinkz Link-up

Holiday Sales Worth Shopping

Let's face it, our inboxes are flooded with all the sales going on. It's exciting. It's exhausting. It might be a little too much. But then again there are some really good deals! And if you're anything like me, you might find these prices so good, you buy one as a gift and for yourself. So here's the sales that I'm actually shopping and think are worth your time:

MADEWELL (I mean how could I not?) // 25% OFF SITEWIDE except their leather transport line and third party items CODE: DONTSTRESS

TIP: This is the perfect time to shop the sale section because you get that additional 25% off. Normally, this sale does not include denim, so this would be the time to pick up some jeans for yourself.

ABERCROMBIE (dare I say this is Madewell's cheap sister) // 50% OFF SITEWIDE no code needed + FREE Shipping

TIP: Stock up on their basics like their cardigans, sweaters and tanks! Trust me, the quality is so good for the price!

LOFT // 50% OFF SITEWIDE CODE: THANKS

TIP: If there's a time to stock up on Lou & Grey, it's now. Their leggings are gold!

OSEA MALIBU (My go-to skincare I'm obsessed with and non-toxic!) // Get a FREE full-size cleanser of choice (value $48) + a large sample of the Vitamin C Polish when you spend $125 + Free Shipping

TIP: There sets are a great way gifts under $50 and a nice way to test the line, too!

Hope this helps you navigate the sales and gives you more time to spend with family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.s. We still have the linkup going! Hope you'll join us!

An InLinkz Link-up