Weekend Trip to Palm Springs

top (on sale) // jeans // sandals // purse // sunglasses

There's no question that California has a lot to offer-great weather, mountains, beaches, deserts. I really could go on and one about my home state. But with so much to see and do, it's true that I haven't made it to some of the most visited spots. One of those was Palm Springs. I've spent plenty of time in the desert in Arizona in the past, but somehow never found a reason to make a trip to the very Instagrammable Palm Springs. A few months back my girlfriends and I got exciting news about one of them telling us she was pregnant! MY FIRST GOOD FRIEND IS MAKING A HUMAN! So we decided to celebrate with a girl's trip in August to Palm Springs. Did I mention Palm Springs is a desert and it's Summer still? Clearly, we were overcome by the baby announcement. Life lesson: don't start booking things after your friend tells you she's pregnant. The chances are no one is thinking straight.

Because I was mostly hopping from AC to car to hotel to car to food (aka I was not ready for that heat) I'm listing this out for you. Possible tips:

-Palm Springs is good for those who enjoy lounging by the pool with a drink or book in hand.

-Don't go in the middle of the Summer if you're not into sweating much

-Whatever you do, make sure your rental car has tinted windows because hot desert heat and no shaded parking.

-Do go to the Moorten Botanical Garden! And don't be scared off by their less up-to-date looking website. In person, it's a beautiful cacti and succulent dream. Not very big, but nice in the morning before it's too hot.

-Most of the hotel pools you see on Instagram are either for guests or some are possible to pay a fee to use.

-The downtown strip does have it all, but unless you do your research of where to eat you can easily fall into mediocre spots.

-You can forget about trying to take your picture in front of that house with the pink door. The owners have put up signs prohibiting photos.

-So many of the good bars and restaurants that were recommended were closed for vacation. Another reason not to go the end of August.

-Do NOT order a margarita at The Parker. That's $17 for a margarita that I'm sure was premixed. It will go down as the most unsatisfying and overpriced drink of all times.

While I learned a thing or two of mainly what not to do in Palm Springs, we had plenty of laughs at our decision on the timing of this trip. Would we do it again? Yes! Will it be in August again? Not a chance! But there's already talk you'll see us visit early Spring or Fall (with a baby!)

Have you visited Palm Springs?

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?

An InLinkz Link-up

Black Summer Dress

dress // sandals (old, cute option) // purse // sunglasses

Well it might be a confusing work week, but slightly nice with it being Friday already. Who else can appreciate a little break mid-week? I think I can take the confusion. Hopefully, you had a nice 4th of July! While this wasn't my 4th outfit, I actually wore this top and jeans. But this black dress is one I couldn't say no to. You might have seen it around in blogland lately. It gives me that French chic vibe and I'm completely okay with that. It's made of a linen blend, so it's very breathable for black in the Summer. I'm really tempted to buy it in white. Anyone else buy their favorite pieces in multiple colors? It's so flattering (even if you're not the tallest). 

Thanks for linking up with us! Our picks are Stefanie from The Style Safari and Tatiana from My Fabulous Forties!

An InLinkz Link-up

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!

An InLinkz Link-up

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.

An InLinkz Link-up

Madewell Try-On's: Early Summer

Nothing makes my week better than Madewell dropping some new arrivals! And to be honest, it's been awhile since I've done a try on session on the blog. I have to say that the past couple of collections haven't been as good, but this one is giving me all the feels! It confirms my reason I initially fell in love with Madewell-updated basics and fun pieces you can wear over and over! Now, the question is when will summer arrive? Suddenly, LA has become gloomy. 

Sidenote: all dresses and jumpsuits are currently 20% off with code: PRETTYPLEASE

EYELET SUNDRIFT RUFFLE TOP $74 // SIZE XXS

If there's one thing I can't resist, it's white eyelet for summer! It is oversized and I went with my smaller size. It's not lined, but with a nude bra on (like I have) it's an easy top for hot days. It passes the tuck in test. I styled it with their Perfect Summer Jeans and love the ease of this whole look! 

EYELET BELL-SLEEVE TOP $74 // SIZE XXS

Okay, I also cannot say no to black eyelet! This top is back from last year and totally need to grab it this year. Again, it's not lined. It is oversized, but couldn't see a difference from the next size up. I would only advice sizing up if your shoulders are broad. This is one of those tops you can easily wear to the office with a cami under and on the weekend. It is on the shorter side (not cropped), so best with high waist bottoms.

DENIM PINTUCK CAMI DRESS $128 // SIZE 0

One category Madewell hasn't been winning me over with is dresses. And the 5 year-old in me loves dresses! I had seen several bloggers post wearing this denim one and gave it a shot. I get it now. It's enough shape at the top, but flowy in the body (exactly what you want when it's so hot out). Again, I would size for your chest. I probably would have bought this if they had a smaller size. There is a black strawberry print one. Oh, and dresses are 20% off right now! Use code: PRETTYPLEASE

TEXTURE & THREAD BUTTERFLY SLEEVE TOP  (SHERBET STRIPE) $52 // SIZE XXS

OH-M-GEE! This top is mainly the reason I had to come in the store. It doesn't disappoint! The colors scream summer! There is texture to the material, which I can see some people not liking. It does make it casual, which fits my style 99% of the time. There is a blue/white option. The best part is it looks great out and tucked in, with blue or white jeans-SO many options! I tried it with these button front white jeans and the Perfect Summer Jeans. 

CHAMBRAY TIE-FRONT KEYHOLE CAMI TOP $58 // SIZE 00

I really didn't think I would love this top, but I was wrong. The fit is on point, which doesn't happen that often with my smaller bust. I did have to size down, because of my bust. Even with the cutout, you can still manage to wear a strapless bra. The adjustable straps and side zipper are all details I contribute to the good fit. So I would say size for your bust on this one. I couldn't resist pairing it with a good white jean. Again, I have summer on my mind.

Hope this try-on was helpful! Let me know your favorite!

An InLinkz Link-up