All Tied Up With A Bow

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Hi you! It's a little gloomy here today but much better than the weekend. How strange was all of that rain and humidity? I can't remember the last time it rained like this in the summer. (Note: This is not a complaint.) We need lots and lots of days just like this!  

I had a weekend like every other weekend lately - -packed with events and not a minute to myself.  It was fun though. It was my mom's birthday on Saturday and my whole family celebrated and I was busy making the party preparations.  Have I mentioned that I am a closeted event planner? I LOVE to plan parties, weddings, showers, you name it. I usually start kicking around ideas for my daughter's birthday party around 6 months in advance. (I know, I know) It drives my husband absolutely nuts. He would be fine if we ate pizza off of plates at every party (insert me recoiling in horror here!)  I don't know why it is so enjoyable and satisfying for me to plan little parties and things but it just is-- I like thinking of themes and colors and menus and games-- maybe this is my creative outlet? Or maybe it has something to do with me being a Libra and liking pretty things but probably, it's just that I love planning fun times for my family and friends.  I think life is this precious blessing and I try to celebrate every moment I can. We have so many fun times together!  I will throw a party at the drop of a hat-- game nights, neighborhood BBQs, finale watching parties and book clubs-- I just love a crowded house and noise and laughter and fun! Anyway, I hustled around on Saturday making sure everything was just right for my mama!

Okay, that was a tangent....So this outfit is part of my Nordstrom sale shopping efforts.  I liked a lot of things but I wasn't crazy crazy for a ton this season...am I just missing stuff?   However, I really do love this top for Fall. I love anything that is buttoned up and demure and if it also has a bow? Well, that makes it just about perfect in my book! It really is a great choice for a day in the office, don't you think? And this is about the fourth pair of culottes I've tried on. These are from Banana Republic and they are fitted, which seems to work for me. Some of the others I've tried on were so loose and flowly that I kind of got swallowed up.  I think for the office, you need a more form fitting, crisp cut and for the weekend, you can go all flowy culottes and gladiator sandals.  So if you are feeling discouraged, keep trying them on- you might find a pair you really love!

 I decided to wear my glasses because I felt like they were such a cute look with this outfit.  I wear contacts during the day because I need them to see distances. But as soon as I walk in the door, and right after throwing on a pair of comfy sweats, I take my contacts off, put my hair in a ponytail and on go my glasses.  Sounds super sexy, I know! :)

These shoes are also from the Nordstrom sale and are by Kate Spade. I love Kate Spade heels for the office.  They are the perfect height and so durable. And that's my little culotte look! (Second tangent--I think it would also be so cute if there was a little fitted  blazer to wear with these culottes ... I will keep my eyes peeled!) Thank you so much for stopping by dear reader! Xx Michelle

Moody (Navy) Blues

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Well hello there! Let me tell you about the crazy weather that was going on when I was taking these pictures-- it got cloudy and rainy really quickly and COLD (Southern California cold. So like, 69 or 70. Freezing, in other words) The good news is that even though it was windy (read: hair flying everywhere) and my teeth were chat chat chattering, the sky turned an amazing pink. We've been over this before but I am practically dumbfounded over sunsets. Actually, the sky in general. My phone is full of pictures of great big clouds and beautiful skies full of pinks and red.  I look up at the sky all of the time and it rarely disappoints and really, how can you have a bad day with all of that beauty surrounding you?  Answer: You can't!  Take my word for it. Look up.

I would have to think about whether I would wear this outfit to work because it might be a little short for a law office (for me anyway). I am really particular about the length and silhouette of pieces because dressing for the office as a woman is (for better or worse) establishing credibility and nothing undermines that faster than a too short hemline or too much cleavage.  Maybe someday, we can all be judged by what is on our inside but until we stumble into that Utopia, I'm not taking any chances!!   I think this little set is perfect for an after- work function or dinner and a show. The skirt and shirt are both from Zara and are a really nice quality- heavy and textured.  It's a deep, beautiful shade of navy, too. In the summer, it would be really cute with a neutral strappy sandal and an arm full of bangles.  I pulled this bag out of the closet for the first time in a long while. I love this bag. Wait, I love all bags.  I have every Gucci bag I've ever purchased going back maybe 15 years and I never sell them.  They are like family to me.  I'm a Gucch-a-holic (we all have our problems though, am I right!?)  πŸ˜Š

We hope your day and your week are just lovely and hey! Thank you so much for stopping by!  Xoxo πŸŽ€πŸ­Michelle