A Little Bit Country

Romper - Target, Necklace - Gifted from Banana Republic, Shoes - F21 

When we're kids we learn that 1 plus 2 unequivocally equals three. It's got to be the most common example that people use of a simple equation. Well, I've got another one for you. Floral (of any kind) plus a braided tan belt equals just a little bit country. Simple, right? I've found that whenever I add a braided brown belt to a floral piece (even a black floral piece like this one), that my outfit gives off a distinct country flavor, and who doesn't want that sometimes? Throw a jean jacket over this outfit, and I'm ready for a hoe down. Or a square dance. Or a date to the movies with the mans, which was where I was actually going. And no, it wasn't a Western. This is 2013, and we can be a little bit country whenever and wherever we want. Right, ladies? Just don't go too overboard with the country theme. Like pairing this outfit with cowboy boots (I actually own some). That kind of an outfit probably really would only be okay at a hoe down or a square dance. Of course, if that's where you're going...go for it, you've got yourself a darn cute outfit.

This labor day weekend promises to be full of great ways to end the summer (tear!) with a bang. I'll be rolling out to watch a college football game of my old alma mater Northwestern University (go CATS!) take on Cal in Berkeley with a bunch of friends, and then I'm jetting off to Monterey for a little weekend getaway to celebrate another anniversary with the mans. Hope you all have a safe holiday weekend! 

Walking Backwards

Top - F21, Shorts - Banana Republic, Shoes - F21, Necklace - Lulu's

Lately, I've been drawn to tops with surprising details in the back, and this top doesn't disappoint. I love the gold buttons and the way it opens at the bottom. Such details keep the top from being boring (as boring as a bright coral-pink top can be anyway) and allow you to rock a fun statement necklace since the front of these types of tops are usually pretty plain. Now if I could only learn to walk backwards without falling over, I could give the backs of my new tops the attention they deserve. I know you don't want to, but you're now imagining we walking into a room backwards and waving "Hi, guys! Like my top?" And come on, admit it, it's funny. 

Happy Hump Day! 

Mint & Navy

Dress - Calvin Klein via Marshalls, Heels - F21, Bracelet - JCrew

Recently, I went to a wedding and finally got a chance to rock this gorgeous colorblock dress that I've had sitting in my closet, waiting for just the right occasion. I love the details of the dress, like the draped bodice, sash, and tulip skirt...but I absolutely LOVE the color scheme. See how I recreated the scheme with another outfit here. Sorry for the weird glare in the photos, by the way. I was jetting to take these quickly before the reception began, and the lighting was not great.

I don't know about you, but I adore weddings. I love the detail that goes into them, like the beautiful flowers and linens and table centerpieces. Of course, I also love the (extremely) free-flowing booze and the fun that is always had when you get together for a party with your closest friends. Oh yeah, and all that marriage stuff is great too, but let's get back to the PARTY part. One of the things I love about weddings, as a self-proclaimed girly girl, is the chance to dress up (and dress the mans up) and wear things I wouldn't normally wear. Like lipstick. And fake eyelashes. And a dress that I have to justify keeping because I bought it without really having an occasion in mind to wear it to. This wedding allowed me to do all three, and I loved every minute. See below for how I forced asked the mans to color-coordinate with me, like I did last time. And the time before that.

Those Summer Nights

Dress - H&M

So it's summer here in Cali, which means it is hot hot hot during the days. But in the evenings, the temperatures dip down a bit, and I'm always looking for something to wear that is still summery but won't make me feel cold. Enter the maxi dress. I adore maxi dresses, as you can see here, here, and here, and they are the perfect summer night go-to look for me, especially with a jean jacket thrown on top. This tie-dyed one from H&M is simple and comfy (read: stretchy!) and best yet, it only cost like $13. 

I also did something a little out of my comfort zone with this one, which is to belt it at my natural waistline, as opposed to higher (right below my rib cage) like I usually do. As a curvy girl, I usually wear my belts higher because I'd like to accentuate the smallest part of my waist...and as a petite girl, I usually wear my belts higher to lengthen my legs (sheesh, it's so hard being me!) but I kind of like how the belt-at-natural-waistline look turned out. It looks like a completely different dress with the belt dropped lower, and now I'm thinking I might try it with a lot of my other dresses. BAM. See what I just did there? I just doubled my wardrobe. 

I'm doing my darndest to try and keep this weekend a relaxing one by not committing myself to much. I'm in desperate need of some quality time at the park with my pup and some relaxing time with my Kindle by the pool, so I can soak up the last bits of summer before its gone. Happy Friday, loves!  

Laser Cut

Tank - F21, Shorts - Nordstrom, Shoes - JustFab

Lately, I have been finding myself more and more drawn to the gorgeous laser-cut pieces that I've been seeing out there. This particular black tank top was irresistible to me, with its flattering cut and high-low hem. I particularly love the detail in the back, right down to the gold button. There's just something so chic and sexy about this lasercut pattern, and I love that it shows a little bit of cleavage without really showing any cleavage, if that makes sense. As I get older, I find that my necklines get higher and higher, and this pretty laser cut pattern was an easy way to keep the neckline high and the cleavage subtle without looking like a total grandma. Because, hey, just because I sometimes fall asleep in front of the TV in my PJs shortly after drinking a nice warm cup of tea (and long before Conan comes on) doesn't mean that my outfit has to belie my grandma status, right?

My INSTA-Life

From L to R -
Row 1: New booties; My dinner of fruit and fro yo (don't judge); I heart chevron!; House of Prime Rib in SF (yum!);
Row 2: Black-cobalt-leopard for work; Arm party; I'm a HUGE horror movie buff and The Conjuring rocked my skirt off; Tip for gel nails growing out: glitter ombre!
Row 3: Strawberry shortcake from Bakesale Betty's in Oakland; Bay Bridge; Pastels and MJs; My baby girl
Row 4: Grandmother's jade ring; Peacock print for work; Addicted to green tea lattes; Obsessed with ankle straps  

I love looking back at the instaneous snapshots of my life and having such a readily available log of my recent experiences. Sometimes, I hate technology so much (the fact that I can't make it through an hour without looking at my phone drives me nuts or the fact that I can't get away from the office even on vacation), but when it comes to Instagram, I'm pretty thankful for the memories it allows me to document. Well done, technology. Well done. Follow me, BSMMH, if you want to share in my Insta-life.

This weekend is going to be another relaxing one. I'm planning date night tonight for the mans, and I plan on sleeping in tomorrow and making breakfast in my pajamas (one of my absolute favorite Saturday morning luxuries). I've also got a work summer baseball game picnic, and I'm hoping to squeeze in some pool time since the temperatures are expected to hit the three-digit mark again. Oh, summer, I will make the most of you while I can!

What are your weekend plans? Have a great one, and stay cool!

Freedom

Top - F21, Skirt - Nordstrom

I came to the disturbing realization over the weekend that summer is almost over. And I nearly cried. If you're not new to this blog, then you know that I always have a hard time dealing with the end of summer. It's probably just a left over Pavlovian response from being a student and feeling that the end of summer marks the end of relaxation, irresponsibility, long days, and warm weather activities. But it also means the end of super cute summer outfits. I know there are so many bloggers out there who crave fall weather and the outfit possibilities it brings, but not me. I love skirts and tank tops and dresses and sandals. And I'm just not ready for scarves and boots and jeans. I have a lot of cute summer wear to get through before cold temperatures force me to bundle up, so I'm on a mission to squeeze them all in while I can! 

Yes, I fully recognize that this crisis of wanting to wear all my cute summer clothes while I still can is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. You'd think binge watching six hours of Orange is the New Black over the weekend (can I just reiterate how awesome this show is?!) should have given me a whole new perspective on what I consider problems. But I figure that's part of what freedom is, right? The freedom to sweat the small things or the freedom to find joy in rocking a cute new outfit. In my case, it's probably also the freedom to sit on my couch eating frozen yogurt and fruit and watch multiple episodes of OITB on a Sunday afternoon without feeling like a sloth. Freedom is freedom, yo. (That "yo" is my tribute to Tricia's character on the show. Yes, I might be getting a bit obsessed.)      

Sail Away

Sweater , Shorts - F21, Bracelet - JCrew, Sunnies - RayBan

There's something that just seems so wrong about wearing a light sweater with shorts...and yet, it can be so right. I think one of the fashion rules I unconsciously adhere to is pairing short sleeves with shorts and long sleeves with long pants. But I really wanted to do a nautical/coral look, and the only blue and white striped item I had in my closet was this sweater, so I went for it. Rules, schmules, right? I actually kind of love how it turned out, and it was a surprisingly perfect outfit for an early morning summer breakfast where I was afraid I'd be a bit chilly. I love the nautical + coral color theme, although I think this sweater would also look great with my mustard yellow shorts or my red mini skirt. A nautical stripe top is just so versatile, and pairing it with shorts is so much more fun than just wearing it with jeans like I did here. 

What are all you lovely ladies doing for the weekend? I'm looking forward to taking it easy, and getting some much needed R&R. I plan on spending the weekend celebrating a friend's birthday, sleeping in when I can, and sneaking in as many episodes as I can of Orange is the New Black (I'm hooked!). Have a great one, lovelies! 

Color Combinations

Top - Marshalls, Skirt - Nordstrom, Belt - F21, Shoes - Zara, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelet - Gifted

I mentioned last week that I've recently become cuckoo for watercolor prints, and here's the proof that I wasn't lying. I. Just. Can't. Get. Enough. They're so versatile and fun and, well, just...pretty. I picked this cute tank top up at my local Marshalls for a steal, and I can't wait to style it with all sorts of outfits. I paired it with a black skirt and heels here for a yummy lunch with some friends, but I can see myself wearing it more casually with white cut offs and sandals or even to work with some navy slacks and pumps. With something so colorful, the possibilities are really endless. It's like putting together toppings at a Yogurtland. Endless. Possibilities. 

Mad Hatter

Fascinator - DTLA, Dress - H&M, Shoes - F21, Bracelet - JCrew

When I was in junior high, I saw the movie Heathers for the first time and immediately became obsessed with hats. I would raid my mom's beautiful scarf collection and wrap them around the brim of my trusty black felt hat, which I would wear at least once a week. Now that I'm older, I still find that I'm obsessed with headgear, and I'm sad that there aren't very many occasions to rock hats anymore. This is why I love the Brits and their awesome fascinators. I never miss a tea party, purely for the chance to wear some feathers and lace on my head. (It's all about the hats). 

I wore this to a recent bridal tea and planned the whole outfit around the great fascinator I found for a steal in downtown LA. It's hard to see in the photos, but the fascinator has these gorgeous metallic green/black feathers that I just had to have it. Everyone deserves the chance to play Kate Middleton every once in a while, right?

Crayon Colors

Top - F21, Shorts - H&M, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelet - JCrew

As a devoted colorblocker (see here, here, and here), I'm always looking for untried combos of color that I can find in my own closet (which is organized by color, yes). I'll do this by literally grabbing a shirt I want to wear, and then moving it slowly down the line of my hangers to see if any color combos pop out at me. Teal and blue is such an easy combo, I don't know how I ever missed it before. It reminds me of one of my favorite Crayola crayon colors as a kid: blue-green. I really need to pick up one of those 64-crayon boxes and see just what other fashion genius Crayola has come up with.

How do you pick out the colors to colorblock?

Watercolor Wear

Dress - Calvin Klein via Marshall's, Belt - Lulu's, Necklace - Gifted, Shoes - Rachel Zoe, Watch - Michael Kors (gifted)

Lately, I have been finding myself obsessed with watercolor prints when it comes to my clothes. There's just something so gorgous about the haphazard mixing and meshing of colors that just makes my eyes light up. I was recently shopping for a dress to wear to a dear friend's baby bash (not a shower, to be clear), and when my eyes fell on this gorgeous chiffon maxi, I knew this baby was coming home with me. I love the bright colors and the layered cut of the dress. I've said before that I love movement when it comes to skirts, and this dress was just so fun to move in! For accessories, I decided to go with a thin, stretchy retro gold belt and a colored necklace to finish the look. OH! And how could I forget to mention the most important accessory of all...my brand new ceramic Michael Kors watch, a birthday gift courtesy of the Boyfriend.

I have been searching high and low for the perfect white watch for about two years, and I couldn't be happier with the one I finally got. A white watch is such a great statement accessory. It adds a pop of exciting to any outfit, it's flashy, but not too flashy, it looks girly or sporty depending on how you style it, and most of all, it's just...well, PRETTY. I love, love, love it, and have planned numerous outfits around it just because I can't bear not to wear it.

The Hunt

Top - F21, Heels - Zara, Necklace - BaubleBar

I think it was last spring when Zara released a gorgeous pique short-sleeved white peplum top. But as with so many things that Zara releases, the top was quickly sold out, and I cried. Okay, so I didn't really CRY cry like the way I do at the end of Karate Kid I when Daniel wins the tournament with the crane kick and yells, "Mr. Miyagi! We did it Mr. Miyagi, we did it!" as Mr. Miyagi smiles proudly (gosh, that scene gets me EVERY time). But I did weep a bit on the inside. Like when I found out that Channing Tatum had a baby and my master plans for stealing him away from his girl evaporated. But I digress.

I'm not one to give up when I'm on the hunt for a fashion acquisition (remember this?), so I wasn't going to give up searching for a short-sleeved white peplum top. Well, unfortunately, Zara never re-released the top, so I wasn't able to buy the original, but I found a very similar version at a GIANT new Forever 21 in San Luis Obispo, of all places. I snatched it up right away and couldn't be happier with the results of my tenacity and persistence. Now if only I could channel this never-give-up-never-surrender attitude toward something more productive...like work or the gym...

Resurrected

Dress - Target, Necklace - F21, Shoes and Cardigan - ModCloth

Hm. Where to begin? I guess first off, I have to apologize for my lack of posting for the last (could it be?) nearly two months. It's definitely the longest hiatus this blog has ever taken, and I am so sorry for my military silence. The cause of my absence was multi-fold, attributed partially to work, partially to a lot of travel, and partially to helping a good friend cope with the loss of a loved one. But if I'm being totally honest, which I admit I'm sometimes a bit afraid to be on here, a large contributing factor to my absence on this blog is that I just haven't been feeling very good about myself over the past several weeks.

I started this blog almost three years ago because I felt like I had finally reached a point where I felt confident and happy and content with who I was. It took a long time for me to feel that way because being a petite and curvy is just not something I grew up thinking was acceptable in my culture/community/family (have I mentioned that my mother and sisters are my height but each weigh less than 100 pounds?!). When I finally reached the point where I felt like I could happily accept that not all petites are cut the same, I started this blog because I knew there were other amazing women out there who maybe needed help learning to be comfortable in their own skin.

But I guess carving out my own little space here on the Internets doesn't mean that I don't sometimes need some support in feeling good about myself too. Several weeks ago, I noticed that I had gained a bit of weight. Not a lot, but just enough for me to notice it, and it wasn't until I had been absent from this blog for weeks that I realized that I was feeling pretty low in the self esteem department. I just didn't want to have my photograph taken, and the photos that I did take made me unhappy. I didn't even want to shop because I didn't like how clothes looked on me. Let me repeat: I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO SHOP. Clearly, something was very wrong.  BSMMH's mantra from the beginning was "look good, feel good," and I realize now that the mantra can go the other way too: when you don't feel good, you don't think you look good. 

So there I was, about to drown my troubles in...I don't know...a pint of Ben & Jerry's when I realized that I needed to get out of my funk, not just for myself but for BSMMH. That's right, you anonymous readers of my little blog here motivated me to take control of my sinking psyche and do something about changing my outlook. Because it's one thing to let myself down, but a whole other unacceptable thing to let you all down. So here I am, back and feeling better (although not yet the best). I've decided that feeling healthy is a part of feeling good about yourself, so I've started exercising and eating better, and just taking that proactive step has done wonders for my mindset. I'm sure I haven't lost a pound (and that's not my main motivation), but I feel so much happier and that has put me back on track with my "look good, feel good" philosophy.

If you've read this far (sorry for the novel!), I just want to apologize for the abandonment and to say a big THANK YOU so much for being a supporter of BSMMH...you don't know how much that means to me! If it wasn't for you, I may never have gotten off of the couch and out of my funk. I promise not to leave you again without explanation like that, BSMMH followers...here's to looking good and feeling good!