Spa Day at Mr. C Hotel

While I can attest I'm not one to regularly schedule me-time pampering, I easily realized from just this one opportunity to go get a massage at The Sand Spa inside Mr. C Hotel that it's something I need to do more. Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills is a new-to-me luxury hotel that opens up it's private spa to those who aren't guests of the hotel. But I mean this is their lobby and just from that couch I wouldn't mind a staycation there.

Their spa is run by The Sand Spa, which is nicely tucked away on another level of the hotel. The privacy was an appealing element that added to the whole experience. If you saw on Stories, then you know I was with Jessica and they gave us the whole spa to ourselves. SO BLISSFUL! There are only two private rooms, so as you can imagine it really heightened the privacy I didn't realize I would love. Our masseuse was also managing our entire experience from check-in to the massage. She was a complete dream! She thought of every detail and hands down gave me an incredible massage.

During the time Jessica was getting her massage, our masseuse made sure I would be comfortable. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was going to do for an hour. She proceeded to show me all the amenities-a shower steamer in my room, the tray of treats and tea, and their peaceful relaxation room at the end of the hallway. Let's just say I took advantage of everything and my hour to myself was underestimated luxury.

 Do you frequently get massages or go to the spa? It was a treat for me, but one I can see me doing more than every few years. 

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Simplifying

top (size 00) // jeans // sandals // sunglasses

As I stand here (my current place in life), I can stay this is what I longed for and it's a good place to be in. Is it perfect? No, but there is a lot of good and for that I'm grateful. The funny thing is during that time that I was longing for presently, I can't help but realize how I miss that period too. That period that was somewhat mundane and rocky. It is where I learned so much about simplifying how I filled my time. I took time for myself and developed myself from within. As I reflect back, it's so much of the simple things in life that really are what fill us up. It's not our status. It's not our jobs. It's not our titles. And now that I have less time, I still tap into that time where I learned so much about who I am and making time to keep developing myself in ways that truly satisfy myself. Sometimes I think all that's going on in my mind stays there. But then I have these images staring back at me with an outfit that reflects exactly my mental state. 

Are there times where you unintentionally have outfits that match what's going on mentally?

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Madewell Girl

top (size xs) // jeans (size 25) // sandals // purse // sunglasses

To say the past month has been nothing but go-go-go would be nothing short of the truth. After having work weekends back to back, it was nice to enjoy slowing down and really soaking in the ease of Saturday. Truth is, I'm a morning person by nature and love getting up to go out for a fancy matcha or brunch. I figured it also a good excuse to catch up Jessica, do what we do best-pictures and chatting (and eating). 

I'm usually a creature of habit with my brunch spots, but we ventured out to Echo Park, a hot spot right before downtown, to a place called Ostrich Farm. It's really charming and by that I mean make reservations. The dishes were very flavorful and one of those special spots you take someone you're trying to impress. 

While we all know my mad love for some Madewell, I never thought I would have a full head-to-toe look going. But I finally embraced their jeans into my closet and can tell this is a slippery slope I'm going down. I love the look of "mom jeans" on others, but with my short torso it's not easy to find the most flattering pair. These light wash pair are more relaxed, the perfect entry pair. 

Are you a mom jean lover? Let me know your faves because I may or may not need more in my life ;)

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Madewell Sale on Sale!

top (now $29.99; org $62)

Drop what you're doing! My big tip for shopping at Madewell is ALWAYS shop their sale on sale. The last one was about a week and a half ago, so you can imagine how surprised I was to see them do another one. And this has to be the best deal of all-EXTRA 40% OFF (code: SHORETHING). So many pieces are marked so low and it's a mix of newer Summer and some of their older pieces. Trust me, things are going to sell out and I wouldn't hold back now.

Below are pieces I've been waiting to pull the trigger on (already got this tee, skirt, and adorable dress): 

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The One Thing I Still Wear from the #NSale

top (black version) // jeans // shoes c/o // purse

Half of me loves the concept of the Nordstrom Sale. Half of me wants nothing to do with it. Maybe it's the overload of every fashion blogger sharing all their picks (only all the picks are the same). Then there's that part of me that really loves getting new clothes ON SALE! Last year, I felt the pressure to give it a try, like seriously try to make an effort to create content around it. It was, also, my very first Anniversary sale, so maybe I would just be open about it and might like it. You don't know if you never try, right? It's the optimism in me. Since I was working by a Nordstrom, I figured it wasn't inconvenient to drop by before work and check it out. And it was convenient because no one is up driving even those typically congested areas of LA. I even got there so early that I could grab an iced honey latte and make sure I had all my picks to look for when I was in store. 

Then it was time and those doors opened. Me and all the seasoned shoppers eagerly made our way in. I basically had bee lined straight to the Madewell section. Hello, Madewell on sale before it hits anywhere else. It felt so exclusive. I picked up several pieces that seemed to be deals. Then, I found a couple of other staple pieces, including these jeans I'm wearing. While I didn't think much of them at the time (other than I'm getting them on sale), they were an immediate yes after I tried them on. 

Fast forward to this year, the only thing I actually got my money worth on were these jeans. Six pieces and only one was worth it. That left a bitter taste that I can't exactly shake this time around. I was a newbie to it, so maybe I did it wrong? But once I got to that Madewell section the adrenaline took over and I grabbed more than normal because it will sell out. Plus, I had to do it for the content and the potential for affiliate commissions. Yeah, I fell into that trap.

After all the dust settled, I was hit with another blow. No, it wasn't the low commissions or not all the items selling out. It was the feeling I was duped. The Madewell items I thought I was getting to shop early never made it to the actual Madewell stores. I kept waiting and waiting for the tees and the dress I got to be apart of their Fall collection. So so wrong. Were these pieces just outlet? Did I miss the memo? 

While I kept a slim opening to consider shopping the sale this year, it looks as though I'm not shopping it early. I know myself well and don't want to put myself in a situation where I end up buying things because they are on sale and will sell out. For those that have more self control, I say go for it! This year I'm going to sit it out until it opens up to the public. 

BUT it's still linkup time! Our picks from last week's link up are Ruth from My Little Nest and Tilden from To Be Bright!

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Casual Friday

Jean jacket // jumpsuit (size down) // slides // hat

Confession: I have worn this jumpsuit more times than I could count and even here. I'm a big outfit repeater by nature and sometimes I feel this weird pressure to not wear things again on the blog. Am I the only one? I mean it's ridiculous, right? Don't we buy clothes so we can wear them more than once? I know I do. Heck, I often wear something twice in one week. If no one saw me wear it, I might just put it back on the next day. I'm certainly not going to waste a good outfit. I really didn't intend to rant, but as much as I love this blogging world there are some unrealistic things going on. And well, I'm just want to say that as much as I love buying new clothes I love to wear those clothes over and over. And this jumpsuit is a prime example of a great purchase to support my repeating ways.  It's been my travel outfit, interview outfit, casual Friday outfit, and everything in between.

And now it's time for our weekly flashback Friday featuring this look here. Basically, it's more items I wear on repeat now that it's warmed up. That top has been one I still can't get enough of to this day!

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Finding My Bliss Again

top (wearing xxs) // jeans // espadrilles (go up 1/2 size) // sunglasses // earrings // purse

It's funny to see these pictures and realize you can see a difference in yourself. No, I'm not talking about getting fit or anything like that. It's deeper. It's something I've been working on for a really long time. ME. That mental and spiritual me. And to be honest, it's been a roller coaster to get here. I fought for it every.single.day. If you don't remember (or missed my post), I was laid off 9 months ago to this date and I haven't talked much about it here since. Probably one of the hardest and longest battles I've had to overcome. It's the closest thing I know to an unexpected breakup. Not only was it a punch to the ego, but for every interview that turned into rejection or even worse being ghosted pushed me back to what felt like the beginning of the starting line. There were so many no's and so many tears. And you have to pick yourself up and try again and again and again. But I can say I made it through. I actually made it. I landed the right job. I'll tell you about that another day. 

If you're in that tough spot of looking for a job, know that you can find the right job for you. It might be so hard now, but it really is just a season. No season can last forever. If you need someone to talk to about it or advice, please email me! I know how lonely that road feels.

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Circle Bag Obsession

wrap top (size xs) // jeans // shoes (spring edition) // purse // sunglasses

Well I finally got a new purse, but lucky for you it's pretty much the same purse just in a bright fun color. You don't even want to know how long it took me to decide on finally pulling the trigger on it. My longtime friend actually bought it first and when we were in San Diego she would let me use it for photos (talk about friendship!). So I guess you can say she gave the final push to buy it. I know purses are something we use everyday and can be an investment, but it takes me so much thought and debating before I buy a new purse. Is anyone else like that? In all fairness, I will wear a purse everyday until it's done. Buying a bright colored purse is out of my comfort zone, but in the words of my friend "it's a nice way to elevate even yoga pants." That girl. She knows how to sell me. I haven't tried it with my yoga pants. Will report back soon ;)

Now, let's flashback to last year's look here. Of course, it has my old circle purse when it was nice and pristine. I'm really hoping the circle bag trend stays around a couple more years because it's so cute! Anyone else obsessed with circle bags? 

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Katie from Hello Katie Girl and Lee from Legallee Blonde!

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What I Wore In Tulum

After 5 days in paradise, I'm back and ready to share everything (in bits). While I had every intention of sharing on Instagram my trip to Tulum, I was in for a reality check with the spotty WiFi. Other than stories, it just was not happening. So I guess you can say I got a bit of a phone detox. It was actually quite nice. Anyway, I'll be sharing more, but for now I'm starting with my outfits. All are snapshots from my phone because I quickly learned lugging a camera was not going to happen in the humidity. 

DAY 1 // EXPLORING & EATING

Quickly realized what hot and humid meant, but it could have been I'm not used to the heat lately. It was all about breezy tanks (this one has become a favorite!) and shorts. Also, you will want a good hat. It's great for sun protection, but even better for bad hair days (as I learned). 

tank // shorts // espadrilles // hat // purse // sunglasses

DAY 2 // WELCOME DINNER

The main reason for our trip was for a friend's wedding (and I'm not complaining). For Friday evening, they planned a special dinner for all the guests. A fun flirty dress was in order, which would make for a great Wedding Guest dress as well. It was light and airy, but certainly will be worn throughout summer-that was the biggest criteria for purchasing this dress. And shoutout to these basic sandals because they go with everything and are so comfortable!

dress // sandals // earrings // purse

DAY 3 // REFUELING

If you been following me for sometime, you know I love me some matcha! When I was trying to figure out where we should go, I found Matcha Mama and there was no question I was going to try it. We didn't have much time, so I threw on an easy dress and rocking my new accessories-the bug repellent bands! You guys the mosquitoes were eating me up. I don't think they worked, but I was desperate and didn't take them off. 

dress (old, similar) // sandals // hat // purse // sunglasses

DAY 4 // BEACH WEDDING

The wedding was absolutely amazing! The ceremony and reception were right on the beach. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to wear with the invite saying beach formal. I went with my trusty black dress I've owned for sometime. I could have worn any beachy dress, but this dress worked just as well. 

dress (old, similar, good option, fun classic) // sandals // purse // sunglasses

DAY 5 // LAST DAY

Well we had a 4 pm flight, it takes 2 hours to get to Cancun Airport from Tulum, so we only had the morning to enjoy on our last day. At this point, I wanted something that would work for the heat and comfy to travel all day in. I had brought along this jumpsuit just in case and so glad I did. It was just right for what I needed. Plus, it has pockets and you need all the pockets when traveling. 

jumpsuit // sandals // hat // purse // sunglasses 

Anyway, if you can't tell I made sure everything went with each other. I was successful and packed everything in my carry on. Have any of you visited Tulum?

Now, it's time for our linkup! Our picks are Christine from Bon Chic Style and Lydia from Chic on the Cheap! 

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