All Tied Up With A Bow 🎀







Okay, I am officially in love with this shirt. I saw it on-line at Nordstrom (You can get it here) and wasn't 100% sure of it but I gave it a go.  I love buttoned up, conservative looks at work. I usually don't like too many layers (I would not survive for a single winter outside of Orange County) because sometimes, it just feels too constricting.  When I am in the office, I am dictating or typing and I need to have good range of movement. (Not that I am whipping my arms all over but you know what I mean!)  Usually, I wear thin camis under my blazers but this shirt is whisper thin.  For full disclosure, it's pretty sheer and if you are planning on wearing it alone, you will need something under it.  If I wore this to court, I would probably pull my hair back in a ponytail and leave the headband at home. I think low sleek pony tails are so chic. The suit is from Banana Republic - I wear a ton of their things to work. It doesn't wrinkle and its great quality- win win. Ok loves, hope your week ahead will be fantastic! Xo Michelle 

Denim + Denim













For the most part, we want #GDSL to showcase anything and everything that appeals to our lives and the many hats we wear- attorneys, mommies, yogis, runners, friends, daughters, wives and everything in between.  A big chunk of my daily life is in the office so professional-attire will be a focus for me but every now and then, we may throw a cute casual outfit here on the blog. And guess what? Today is one of those days!  

What do you do with left over Saturday night hair and an early Sunday morning park play date (besides heavily caffeinate)?   You throw on a cute flower headband (I am bananas for big flowers--and feathers, as long as we are on the topic!), jean shorts and a loose, lightweight button down.  I also got to use my new Stella and Dot clutch, which gives this outfit (and any outfit I bet) a nice little pop of color.   Perfect!  Happy day sweet reader! Hope your day is wonderful and thank you so much for stopping by! Xo Michelle

Moody (Navy) Blues

 

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!?)  😊

We hope your day and your week are just lovely and hey! Thank you so much for stopping by!  Xoxo 🎀🍭Michelle

Blush Crush

I love all of the Coachella inspired fashion that comes out around this time each year. But I feel like a lot of it is just not practical for my lifestyle- I am crazy about this hat but seriously. Could you imagine me in a flowy sundress and a fringey bag, wearing this hat and walking with a client (assuming I still had one) into Court? "Your Honor, let me take off my flower crown before we begin".  Riiigghhht.   I am always trying to take whatever the trends are and adapt them to my lifestyle. 5 days of the week- I am in lawyer mode. Weekends? Mostly yoga pants and anything that lets me move and do mommy things!  When I saw the hat at Nordstrom, I wanted something a little more versatile than a festival type sundress to wear it with.  I spotted this white eyelet skirt (also at Nordstrom) and was sold.  I think it will also look so cute with a graphic t and some Chucks, or maybe a zip up hoodie and some flat sandals.  And this little leather bag... I got it on Etsy ( I am a HUGE supporter of small businesses, especially those run by women) and the monogramming. I am UHbsessed with it. Everything I own that can be monogrammed... is. I love it. Its sort of unhealthy, how much I want to monogram things. Almost everything my daughter wore until age 3 was initialed.  I was trying to talk my husband into giving our dogs a middle name so we could get them monogrammed collars (totally normal, right?)

This was such a fun shoot. First, I am outdoors and I love anything that gets me out of the house and into the sunshine.  I am a high energy gal and prone to skipping, leaping etc at the drop of a (floppy, blush-colored) hat.  It doesn't take much to make me happy :) Plus, it was the magic hour- that dusky time of the day when its not yet night, but no longer day- you know? I love LOVE this time. Dusk is my favorite.  I feel like anything can happen- and (judging by my leap) - it did!   It's the dancer in me (or in my head)! Thank you so much for stopping by and we hope your week is amazing! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @golddustandsugarlust. xoxo Michelle