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

Transitional Outfit

cardi // tee (fit guide here) // skirt (40% off!) // shoes // hat // purse // sunglasses

To be honest, my transitional look wasn't meant to describe my life right now. Only after trying to figure out a title for this, it hit me. I'm transitioning again and again. And if you haven't noticed around here or Instagram, I've been pretty MIA. This season has been full of twists and turns and really little time to rest. I started a freelance job just under two weeks ago and it feels like it's been a whole month. My brain is being used in ways it hasn't and it's a good thing. But I guess just like any job, the beginning can zap all your brain power. One thing I'm grateful for is the ability to work from anywhere. Traffic in LA is another thing that can suck out that last of your energy. The craziest thing is we're heading to Tulum in two weeks, too. Totally not a complaint, but trying to get settled into a new routine and then also finalize our itinerary makes me feel as if I'm being pulled in the opposite direction. So if anyone has tips for Tulum, help a girl out, k?

And now it's time to flashback to last year's look here. It's funny because I just was around this location a couple of weeks ago and it's completely different. It was a spot that was mostly deserted and made for a good photo op. 

 Thanks for linking up with us! Our picks are Elise from Sparkle and Slippers and Stefanie from The Style Safari!

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The Brand That Has Me Cheating on Madewell

top // jeans // espadrilles // purse // sunglasses // earrings (similar) // lipstick (color: mojave)

Maybe I was living under a rock, but the second I stepped into Target a few weeks ago I had to stop and stare. We all know that's really easy to do there. Normally, I do that in the home section. This time it was for their new clothing line called Universal Thread. Um when did Madewell land a deal with Target? From bandanas to all the stripes, it's nailing the effortless, cool girl style Madewell is known for. The major difference here--the price! I did try on this and this tee, but fell in love with this mustard off-the-shoulder top. It's going to be perfect for my upcoming trip to Tulum. Guys, I just booked our tickets today and I'm SO excited! It's going to be our first time, so if anyone has any tips please share. But back to clothes. I definitely think Target did good with this line, especially if you're on a budget. 

Now, let's flashback to last year's look here. Gosh! Look at how short my hair was! Maybe it's not that short, but in comparison to now it is. Should I chop it? 

Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Nicole from What Nicole Wore and Katie from Hello Katie Girl!

An InLinkz Link-up

When You're in a Funk

cardi // stripe top c/o // jeans // espadrilles // purse // sunglasses

It's was one of those weeks, guys. You know the kind where it's one hiccup after the other. The kind that well, you know your are fine in this moment (when you step back from it all), but things are not happening like you imagined or planned. It's hard to catch your breath because you just caught it two seconds ago. I know, it's not really peppy Friday talk. But I couldn't sit here and chat about my outfit. That didn't seem real. Plus that brings up a discussion I had earlier in the Instagram pod (yes, I do that) I'm in about sharing more than just surface stuff. So how much does one share of their life on the internet? Life is more than shopping, cute outfits, and all the rosy things. While I can't get into the nitty gritty of this week, I can tell you the things that have helped me when I'm in a funk:

1. Talk it out with you're biggest cheerleader in your life. Seriously, you'll feel tons better. 

2. Grab a book! For me, it's a self-help book. It's always the best way to realize how amazing you are. My current read is the Judgement Detox, which I'm close to finishing and savoring. Another one, I love is this for an honest kick in the pants.

3. Treat yo self girl! Depending on your situation, that could be getting a massage or grabbing a fancy latte. For me, it's reaching for a glass of wine and putting on that special occasion face product.

4. Journal it out! Whenever it seems things are not headed the right way, writing down what I actually want flips a switch and puts all your focus on what you want.

5. Get up (or out) and move! It seems to be the perfect time to want to do nothing, but going on a walk or your favorite workout class will get you out of your head.

6. Do something nice for someone else. While you might not be in control of what's going on, but you can deliberately put some good energy out with a good deed. Speaking of good deeds, make sure to check my Instagram later for a giveaway!

What's the one thing you do when things get you down?

Anyway, it's still our weekly linkup! Thank you for linking up with last week! Our pics are Lee from Legallee Blonde  and Cheryl from Cheryl Shops!

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Fall Layering for Warmer Climates

cardi c/o old navy // top // jeans // espadrilles (on sale!) // purse // sunglasses // earrings

Let's be real, LA is one of last places that gets actual fall temperatures. It usually starts out cooler in the mornings and by midday you're regretting your outfit choice. Rather than packing away all my summer tops and dresses, they're getting the chance to mingle with my cardigans that I've picked up oh since July. Somedays I'll even venture and swap my espadrilles for booties. But if there's one cardigan that I reach for every season it's this one! They keep bringing it back each season and this year I picked it up in two colors. If you love having pockets, it doesn't get better than this for the price! And if you worked with me at my last job, you probably thought this was the only sweater I owned (last seen here). 

Now, it's time to take a look at last year's outfit here. The jean culotte is something I still find hard to wear, but a fun way to change it up from the typical skinny jean. What do you think?

Thank you for joining the linkup! Everyone has great posts! This week we are featuring Shauna from Lipgloss and Lace and Jules from Scorse of Styles! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Embroidered Jean Jacket

jacket c/o // dress (just $25!) // espadrilles // purse // hat // sunglasses

The calendar might say September, but it sure doesn't feel like it here! LA is having a major heat wave (upwards of 100 degrees) and that was before these pictures were taken. Truth be told, I caught myself wanting to complain about it. But with everything going on in Houston, this heatwave is not that bad. Sure, it's uncomfortable. Sure, I'm sweaty and sticky. It's not pretty, but my life and home is intact. I can go on with my day-to-day schedule something easily taken for granted. Even though it's blazing outside, I still can dream about wearing this adorable jacket in the coming months rather than worrying about rebuilding my home. It's certainly changed my perspective.

Okay, and on to regular programing with last year's look. There's nothing like a good neutral look with a pop of color! Those flats need to be brought back out asap!

Thanks so much for linking up! There always is so much inspiration with your posts!

An InLinkz Link-up

Casual Weekend Stripes

top c/o tobi // jeans (my favorite high waisted pair!) // espadrilles (go half size up) // purse // hat // rings

The thing about my style over the years has become rather casual. Maybe it's my go with the flow attitude. Maybe it's just the LA vibes. But it comes down to knowing what I feel best in and repeating that formula over and over. So you can say I've grown my collection of stripe tops and jeans this summer. While it might seem redundant to keep buying stripes, I know that those are the pieces that will get worn. It's about finding different variations that keep it interesting, even if you're actually just wearing a stripe top+jeans+espadrilles practically everyday. Needless to say, the second I saw this stripe cold-shoulder number from Tobi, it was a must! It made for the perfect top to throw on right because of course my other half gave me a time limit to get ready this weekend. So maybe that's really why I have an outfit formula...jk!

Do you have an outfit formula that you constantly go back to?

Simple Summer Outfit

top (runs large) // jeans // espadrilles (go up 1/2 size) // hat // purse (love this version too) // rings c/o mejuri

So I kept going back to this shirt trying to decide if it was me or not. But it grew on me and my love for cactus has been a it's peak. The oversized fit is just spot on and makes for a great summer piece. Plus, if you know me, you know I'm mostly a tee and jeans kinda gal. I have to say I just picked up a newer version of these jeans and it's the first high waisted pair that I actually feel like I can eat in. This girl needs all the stretch. And you guys I've slowly been adding to my jewelry collection with these rings. When it comes to rings, the daintier the better, which is why I'm obsessed with Mejuri. They go with everything and each piece works seamlessly together! That's exactly how I like my clothes, so makes sense why I love their pieces.

And I know Jessica and I typically have our Flashback Friday Linkup today, but Jessica is in the home stretch of her pregnancy so she's taking some time off. Really can't believe how fast that went! But she nailed making her bump look so easy to dress, riiight?

Anyway, what's everyone doing this weekend?