Made to Inspire

current wishlist

2011-02-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

do you ever feel like you are just in a clothing rut? i have an entire closet bursting of clothes, but i still feel like i have absolutely nothing to wear some days. haha. my husband has this famous line he always tells his friends when he talks about women and shopping. he says "when a man says he has nothing to wear, it's because nothing is clean but when a woman says she has nothing to wear it's because she has nothing new to wear." haha or something like that. i might have completely messed that up but you get the point ehh? haha.. here's what im currently wanting for my closet!

AE Jeggings $49.50

Floppy Hat-$40.00

Meadow Dress by BB Dakota- $66.00

Rely on Me Dress by LA Boutique- $55.00

Grey Antics Zip Front Jumper- $122

Miz Mooz"King" Riding Boots- $135

Forever 21 Finds

2011-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

I must admit I have a love/hate relationship with Forever 21. I absolutely hate rummaging through racks trying to find things and I also hate that not all of their clothes are good quality, although I must admit they are definitely getting better. i loove that every so often i go in there and hit the jackpot and come out with tons of clothes for a fraction of the cost. forever 21 is my go to store when i am trying out new trends that i am not 100% sure about yet. because clothes there are so inexpensive, if you end up hating the trend you do not have to feel guilty and give up shopping for a month or two.

here's what i'm currently crushin' on at forever.

new hair inspiration

2011-01-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

so let's face it. i'm one of those people who doesn't really like to change my hair too often. scratch that, it's not that i don't LIKE to, it's that im seriously scared of hating how a new style might look on me. i've pretty much had the same hair color for almost 6 years now and the same style too! i know, i know...but seriously i was loving dark brown hair with sideswept bangs..haha..i've been growing my bangs out so that i can decide what i really want to do. i'm all over the place right now..too bang or not to bang..darker or lighter..middle part or side part..so many decisions!!here's some of my hair style inspirations right now..

celebrity style: minka kelly

2011-01-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

minka kelly is the quintessential girl that every guy loves. she has that exotic, always-gorgeous look that really makes her stand out from a crowd, but also has a little sporty side...i mean she is dating derek jeter so she must at least love baseball right? her makeup is always soft and toned down. she wears a healthy does of pinky-peach blush, glossy lips and always has amazing hair to go with it. this girl seriously has an amazing face and from the esquire photoshoot an amazing bod to go along with it.

Topshop Finds

2011-01-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

when i was studying abroad in Cyprus (a little island near Greece) i came across topshop and fell in love. first of all, the shopping in cyprus is not soo good..there are really only super expensive stores or super cheap stores...no in betweens, which is usually where i do most of my shopping. but then i came across topshop and all was right. haha. so now being in california where there is no topshop, i have to settle for online shopping, which still does the trick. here's what i'm currently crushin' on.

Snoopy PJ Stripe Short Set- $36

Cutout Bustier Bodycon Dress-$100

Terracotta Pintuck Button Front Tank-$48

Taupe Ruched Shrunken Sleeve Biker Jacket-$125

Navy Silk Multi Layer Shift Dress By Boutique-$200

Sailboat Pendant-$20

Going to see the LION KING!!

2011-01-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

woohoo. we just booked our tickets for a last minute trip to vegas to see the Mandalay Bay production of LION KING!! i am so so so excited and have been wanting to see this play for months now. i've heard so many great things about this production and cannot wait to see if it is as amazing as it sounds! the current weather situation in vegas is snowing and is freeeezzzzzing weather (brrrrrr....) i can't say that i am looking forward to that, but i will remember to dress ultra warm and it will give me an excuse to grab a starbucks too ;)

i'm still debating on what kind of outfit i want to wear. i for sure know i want to be warm and toasty! i heard they crank up the air in broadway shows so that the actors wearing costumes don't overheat with the stage lights. and i also definitely want to be comfortable. i know i'll be sitting for a long time and comfort is key in enjoying yourself and having a great time. i guess this means i have an excuse to go shopping now :) woohoo!

top knots.

2011-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

i hate straightening my hair or blowdrying my hair when i know it's going to rain. as soon as the rain hits, my hair is going to lay flat on my head anyways. so right now i am definitely loving the top knot hairstyle.it's super easy to do and it literally takes maybe 3 minutes total. quick and easy and you can leave your hair its natural texture and not have to blowdry, straighten or curl! amazing right.i like my top knot to be casual and slightly messy.here are a few celebs wearing the oh so popular hairstyle right now.

here are two really cool tutorials to teach you how to do the top knot: perfectly messy bun and the braided top knot.

style inspiration: olivia palermo

2010-12-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

i have to admit. i was sooo not a fan of olivia on the city. im giving her the benefit of the doubt and hoping that's just the role that mtv put her in, but dang has this girl got style! she can really work her clothes. she has found the perfect way to mix high end and low end brands together to create an amazing drool-worthy outfit. i wouldn't mind her closet right about now! i also looove her hair and makeup. she never looks to done up and her makeup gives her an au'naturale look.

15 Fashion Questions

2010-12-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

i have a guilty little pleasure, besides reality tv, and that is definitely surveys. haha i know kinda dorky right. but ever since high school i have loved filling them out and loved reading what other people answer too! so i found a fashion survey (combination of two of my favorite things) and i decided what the heck! let's do it!

1) What is your favorite style to wear? if i could best categorize my style it would probably lean towards california casual with a mix of bohemian thrown in. i live in denim shorts and flowy bohemian tops in the summer with some turquoise jewelry thrown in the mix. i love long maxi dresses that have a nice flow, v neck tees, scarfs, skinny jeans and gold sandals. this year my goal is to break out of my comfort zone a little bit more and try new things so hopefully i'll be featuring that soon.

2) Who is your fashion role model? my fashion role model is definitely lauren conrad, as you probably know. my husband gets so tired of me always talking about her and her fashion sense and im sure he thinks i have a girl crush on her. but she really is such an amazing fashionista. i loooooove her casual style, but admire that she really knows how to dress it up. she has the california cool down to a tee. i also really admire some fashion bloggers out there and loove there style. my three faves are definitely the Honeybee, Nicole from nicole's guide to style and the little brunette mermaid. they have such amazing styles and are my go to blogs when im looking for some inspiration. the funny thing is that i think they all live in southern california too!

3) What do you always have on? let's see. i always always always have my engagement ring and wedding ring on and i don't even take it off in the shower. i just get it cleaned very often. but without it i feel completely naked. besides that i usually always have stud earrings on, unless i am dressing up a bit and then i put on some cute chandelier earrings or some silver hoops. but my ears always have to have something in them. my favorite place to get studs is nordstroms bp. they probably have hundreds of different stud earrings and the prices range from 3-8$, so i buy tons and tons of them!

4) What are your favorite jeans? vigoss jeans. i probably have almost every pair made and i really really love them. they are perfect for tall girls with long legs (i'm 5'10 and i hate when jeans are soooo short, but if i buy long they are swimming on me) vigoss jeans fit perfectly. i used to have to buy jeans in bigger sizes for the length and get them taken in at the waist and thighs to fit just perfect, but with these i can wear them straight off the rack.

5) What are your favorite sunglasses? i actually don't like to wear sunglasses. they annoy me. but since i just had lasik eye surgery two weeks ago, i have to be very good about wearing them. i'll have to keep you updated on what kind i decide on, but more than likely, they will have big bug-eyed frames! haha.

6) What are your fave shoes? my favorite shoes..eeeek. that's a tough one. i don't think i can narrow it down. my fave shoes now are probably my steve madden cowboy boots. they are so comfortable and when i wear them, i just feel "fun" haha.

7) Who influenced you to write about fashion? i love fashion. i was a pretty big tomboy growing up. basketball was my life and on top of that i went to a catholic school and wore uniforms. so college was a big awakening to me. i really started to looove fashion and enjoy looking at different clothes. i think other fashion bloggers are what inspired me to start my own blog. my husband always encouraged me to start one also and to share my love of fashion with others out there! so here i am!

8) What is your fave store? favorite store.hands down. NORDSTROMS. im a nordies girl for sure and love their mix of styles there. i always run into my best friend there and we usually end up with similar outfits in our bags.

9) Who is your fave fashion person on YouTube? i really love these two sisters, Elle and Blair. they are super cute and down to earth and blair especially makes me laugh. they do really cute hair and makeup tutorials and also have awesome fashion hauls. their links are: Elle's and Blair's.

10) What is your favorite fabric? hmm..i love soft things! cashmere, chiffon and super-soft cotton are probably my faves right now. i would never wear anything that itches me and makes me want to scratch all day long, so some fabrics no matter how cute are just out of the question!

11) Who is your favorite model? heidi klum! i looove her. the woman has had a couple kids and still looks amazing. she's not stick thin either and has some curves. i looooove her!

12) If you had $ 5,000 to spend on any one item, what would it be? haha.on one item. i wouldn't.there is no way, i am going to spend 5,000 on only one item. even if i was a billionaire!

13) Heels or flats? well since i am sooo tall, i usually don't wear heels. but i looooove them. i wear flats or boots most of the time, but if im getting dressed up, i'll put on some heels and embrace the supermodel height for the night.

14) What purse do you currently use? currently, i am using this crossbody brown satchel purse that i got at nordstroms a couple of months ago. i loove how it's so easy to wear and it goes with a lot of different outfits.

15) Is fashion in your blood or your jeans? lol.i have four brothers and my mom hates shopping. it's definitely in my jeans. haha.but maybe one day, i can pass it on to my daughters if i have any!

wish i was here: turks and caicos

2010-12-29T19:04:00.001-08:00

right now, it is freezing cold and i just want to be somewhere warm and tropical. i want to wear bikinis, cut off denim shorts and cute little coverups. if i could go anywhere in the world right now, i would definitely visit turks and caicos. i mean what's not to love; white, sandy beaches, crystal clear water and sunny skies. hubby, please take me there!! ;)

Vanessa Hudgens has the perfect beach hair. i would seriously die for some waves like that. well, not die but i definitely loooove them <3

my winter must have: Hunter Rain Boots

2010-12-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

i've been crushing over these boots forever now and i really really want them! i live in sunny southern california, but with our almost two weeks straight rain fall, i really do need some rain boots. so today while i was at the mall, i finally caved in and tried them on. aannnnnddd the verdict: i loooooove them!! nordstroms was out of the high gloss black so they are ordering them for me and i cannot wait until they get in. i normally wear a size 8 or 8.5, but i liked the way the 9's fit with the hunter wellie socks underneath better. i've read a thousand reviews and they all say to order a size down, but i disagree. they fit pretty true to size, especially if you wear thick socks underneath to keep your lil' feetsies warm! they can't get here soon enough!!

Hunter Wellies $125

here are just a few ways i've seen them worn before. while they are a bit expensive, it's definitely an investment that i would make. i mean how often do people really get new rainboots anyways? this would actually be my first pair since i was a little girl, so i'm definitely planning on keeping these for a while!

cutie on the elliptical.

2010-12-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

let's face it. being fit always makes you feel more confident. and confidence equals sexiness. i found that if i dress cute to the gym, i feel better while i'm there. i mean why would anyone want to continue going somewhere where most people wear oversize shirts and baggy sweatpants. here are some of my favorite workout clothes that inspire me to get that lean, toned beach body all of the supermodels seem to be born with ;) you'll have everyone wondering who the cutie on the elliptical is!

Daily Inspiration

2010-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

these things just brighten my day :)

love the unexpected glitter on just one nail

i love looking at clouds and trying to figure out what they are.

this one just happened to pop out at me ;)

Holiday Bike Ride Anyone?

love the movie Holiday and i love this cute little cottage

in the middle of nowhere

trapped with my hubby

with nothing to do but drink

hot cocoa and snuggle

by the fire <3

Birchbox LOVE!

2010-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this new company called Birchbox and I love it!! Birchbox offers samples of amazing high end beauty products! All you have to do is pay $10 a month and you will get an adorable box deliverd directly to your door! I jumped on this opportunity and got my first box about a week ago and am loving it! The packaging is beyond adorable, the products are amazing and every month you get points and can use them as a discount for future purchases.

December's box included some really cool samples that I have actually been wanting to try.

Stila, Lip Glaze in Kitten
Blow, Heat is On Protectant Spray
Jouer, Luminizing Moisture Tint
Serge Lutens, L'Eau Perfume

i actually really loved all of these products, except for the perfume. the scent was very clean, and i would wear it occasionally. but it definitely would not fall under my faves. the Stila Lip Glaze in Kitten is perfect!! it's described as a pink-toned champagne color and it seriously looks good on a variety of skin tones. my friends and i have all applied it and it looks equally good on each of us! the Jouer luminizing moisture tint is actually one of my favorite products that came in the box! it's very lightweight and moisturizing and i wear it to the gym or while running errands and have been told my skin is glowing! i might purchase this in the full-size! and lastly, the Blow Heat is on Spray! I looved it! it made my hair so soft and silky and I have seen this product around before, but never got around to try it. i would definitely recommend this product as a way to keep your hair strong and healthy.

i'm so excited for my next birchbox to arrive! it's like getting a little present every month and who doesn't love that!!

my favorite things Christmas Edition

2010-12-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

i looove looove loooove the holiday season. christmas has always been my most favoritest holiday of the year ever since i was in diapers. i love everything about it. even the crazy crowded malls (prime time for people watching). my family has never really been big on gifts since we entered our adult years, which i love by the way. we've done white elephant, pick a person out of the hat, and gifts under 20 for each person in the family. but this year's theme is probably going to be my favorite! everyone has to bring their favorite board game and keep it at my mom's. this way whenever we have family over, we can unite in some good ole fashion fun!! my favorite game is apples to apples but since my mom bought it (YAYY!!!!), my husband and I bought catch phrase. i'm sooo ready for family game night.

my husband and i really want to start a tradition now and when we eventually have a family of our own continue to do so. we have been thinking about adopting a family and giving them a christmas or maybe sponsoring a child for Operation Smile. we both realize how immensely blessed we are and since we have an amazing life in California, we figured we should due our part to help out in the world! i'm excited for this tradition!!

here are just a few of my favorites things that i love about the holidays. mariah carey christmas album (classic), white hot chocolate from starbucks (my new current obsession), red nails with snowflakes on them (my snowflakes didn't turn out as good, but i love it nonetheless) and tamales (my favorite family tradition)

Lauren Conrad: the epitome of California Cool

2010-12-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

i first set eyes on lauren conrad when she was just a lovestruck teenager on laguna beach fightin' over stephen with the bad girl kristin. by the way, i always rooted for lauren or LC as she was more commonly known back in her Laguna Beach days. she just seemed so sweet and down to earth. and then she moved to LA and this is when her true style started to emerge. she really became a style icon while on the Hills. i love that she knows what she likes and sticks to it but at the same time isn't afraid to try something new. she is so effortlessly put together at all times, whether it be running errands, going to the gym, attending red carpet premiers or catching a flight.

here are some of my favorite Lauren Conrad looks.

Crushin' Hard

2010-12-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

it's true. i am an online window shopping addict. i could literally spend hours and hours going to different websites and filling my shopping cart full of clothes and then exiting the page before my self-restraint starts to fade away. here is what i'm currently crushin' on.

J. Crew Wellies

it's been raining for about 4 days here in sunny california. but it feels like an eternity. i think it might be time to add some rain boots to my shoe collection and these J. Crew Wellies are perfect. i spotted them on lauren conrad a couple of weeks ago and it was love at first sight!

Free People T-Shirt

i love love love stripes and slouchy shirts right now. i usually wear them with a brown belt, some skinny jeans and a cute pair of sandals but now that southern california has finally had a weather change, i'm going to have to switch the sandals to some boots!

RVCA Plaid Shirt

RVCA seriously makes the best plaid shirts ever. these shirts are long and comfy and can easily transition from summer to fall. in the summer, i pair these shirts with cut-off shorts and some flip-flops. perfect as a coverup for the beach or a way to stay warm while riding your beach cruiser around the boardwalk. in the winter, just add some denim skinnies and a pair of boots and your good to go!!