Oh My Maxi

{Blogged over chicken bowls, because Taco Wednesday is a thing. Kinda} Happy Wednesday night friends!!  It was love at first sight when I saw this dress, but I circled around it for a while because I was afraid that everyone would have this and be wearing it.  And when you wear an animal print maxi dress, you don't exactly blend, amiright?   But then I decided I didn't care-- and I'm so happy with this decision because when I put it on, it feels like a throwback to the 70's or something. It's flowy, it's caftany and just glamorous.  And it has a built in bow that ties around your neck. I mean, could it get better? (and if your answer is " Yes, if it had pockets" well, guess what? It has those too!) I have never purchased an article of clothing in an animal print- I usually just do it as an accent piece in shoes or a clutch.   I feel like everything else should be subdued when you wear a busy print-- understated jewelry, soft curls or a pony tail, and simple chic heels.  My sandals are from JCrew and I love them. Speaking of JCrew, do yourself a favor and peruse the spring line.  Almost everything is sold out (but of course) but it is outstanding.

It's an exciting night over here.  The kiddos are asleep, the kitchen is clean and I am on my way to finishing up the OJ series ( we are 2 episodes away from being finished).  We need something else to binge on...any suggestions? I will take 'em!  Hope your night is a great one! Thank you for stopping by, dearest friend. Sweetly, Michelle

Photos by the amazing www.bleudogfotography.com

Dress and here|| Shoes || 

I've Got You Covered

{Written while nibbling at what is hopefully the last box of holiday See's Candy!} Well, if we are talking about resolutions (and I'm not, but if we were), keeping up with this blog right here might be part of mine in 2017.  It has been a rough 4 months, my friends.  In this span of time, I gave birth to my son and lost my father.  The world is minus one amazing, shining soul and my own world gained a bright shining light.  I will never be able to put into words how it felt to watch new life develop and grow while simultaneously watching a life falter and end.  It was excruciating and heartbreaking and painful and I think it is going to take me a while to recover.  Anyone who has been through a tragedy can relate to this.  We lost my younger brother--my only sibling--before my daughter was born and because there was only me to worry about, I was able to come home from work, lay on the couch and grieve.  I think I did this for 6 months-- just existed in a weepy fog.  But now, I am a mother to two, and a managing partner at my law firm and I just don't have the ability to fall apart.  I have had to square my shoulders and create the magical festivities of Christmas (and that dang Elf on the Shelf) for the sake of my children.  I've had to come into the office and function because this is what is required of me.   I am looking forward to the post-Christmas slower pace of life so that I can, at least for a little while, pull the covers up over my head and grieve.   Which brings me to this post, and the title in particular.  While my life was falling apart, my friends and family had me covered.  I am humbled--truly humbled-- by the love and thoughtfulness and support I have received from everyone in my life (and even people who are not regularly in my life.)   Meals were covered, kids were covered, clients were covered and my heart was covered...and it got me thinking.  This connected-ness is contagious- this sort of belief I have that we are all responsible as human beings for each other- to look out and help out anytime we can.  I want my blog in 2017 to focus on ways that we can help each other out and I am not yet sure of what form this will take but at the very least, I want you all to know that no matter what comes your way, I've got you covered.   Thank you for stopping by, dearest hearts. I'm sure you can tell that I am not bothered by sharing my private life, but it is nevertheless not easy. So thank you again- Sweetly- Michelle

PS-The fur wrap that I use to cover up is linked below!  

Dress || Shoes ||  Wrap || Bracelets and here || Cat (I wish! Just kidding!)

Red + Pink = Yay

{Written while watching the very last episode of True Detective.  I know, I am playing catch up but this was a meh season for me. The first season? Outstanding. This one? Just meh}  We are in full holiday mode around here, aren't we? I am listening to Christmas music pretty much 24/7, wearing Christmas PJ's (yes, yes I am that person...), holiday shopping, holiday party-attending. Oh my goodness isn't this just the best ever!  And even though I have a kind of.. thing..for wearing black pretty much ALWAYS, there is something about wearing color that I am warming up to.  And if you cant  wear red in December, when can you? (well maybe February. But you get the point!)  These pants are corduroy (pretty awesome in and of itself), fitted, kind of stretchy and kind of zippery too. And this shirt is whisper thin, with the sweetest scalloped details at the cuffs and collar.    I love pink. Its my favorite color for sure, only usually not to wear.  But this might change because I now own these adorable pink shoes too! Yay! With tassels! Double yay!  They are really so cute. I linked everything for you, and a few different colors of these shoes because they are just. that. cute.  So thankful for each and every one of you! Hoping your day is just terrific! Sweetly, Michelle

Pants || Shirt || Sunnies || Shoes || Clutch (here and here, less than $15.00)

Windowpane, Wine (Color) and Ten Things About Me

{Written with a bag of Swedish Fish on my lap after a long day of Christmas decorating}  Well hi loves! Can you believe our holiday weekend is over?  I look forward to it for so long and on Wednesday afternoon, I'm like " I have four whole days off. FOUR whole days off" and then whoosh. Hello Sunday night...you are here.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families.

This little set just called out to me when I saw it.  The color is great, its roomy (the skirt has POCKETS!) and how about those heels? Strappy? High heeled? Patent leather? Um, yes please.   Everything is linked below for you so feel free to shop away (and it's all still Thanksgiving weekend 40% off sale)!

I felt inspired by a few people lately who have shared more about themselves and I loved it so much that it made me want to do the same.  I am a talker, so this list could easily stretch on forever, but here we go:

1.  The qualities I admire most in others are humor, compassion and integrity.  If you can laugh with me, we are pretty much guaranteed to be friends because I am extremely silly and I love to laugh.  The quality I admire most in myself is that I try really hard to be a great friend. I take friendship seriously and if we are friends, I will probably be your friend forever.  Once someone is in my circle, I am loyal and I will stand up for them and listen and care and just be there through the ups and downs of life.  I say find your tribe and hold them close.

2. Along those same lines, family is everything to me.  I have a big extended family and there is no place that isn't made better when they are with me.  My mom is my best friend, my grandmother my closest confidant and I am blessed beyond measure for the strong women in my life.   

3.  I am sunset and cloud obsessed. My phone is full of pictures that I take pretty much everyday. For some reason, these things really touch me. I am awed by it.  When in doubt, always look up.  Mother Nature rarely disappoints.

4. I am fueled by sugar. I know, I know. Its terrible. I get that. But there is apparently a long distance between my brain and my mouth because I just shovel it in.  I am all about gummi things and not so much about chocolate. Like brownies and really dense chocolate things? No. But peanut M&M's? Completely acceptable. Chocolate bars (dark or milk?) Yes and yes.  Frozen yogurt (with rainbow sprinkles), cotton candy, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies...all yes.  I have the sweetest sweet tooth ever! 

5. I love to read. I will literally read anything, but I like things that I can grapple with and think about. I also really like history- I read a lot of biographies (Winston Churchill is my BOY!) and books about the World Wars.  I am a believer that there is a lot we can learn from our past.

6.  I also love cities. I love the ability to toss on a backpack and a pair of jeans and just explore and see and learn.  I am a very curious person and I love seeing how people in other cities or countries live. I love America but I also love our world. If I could quit my job tomorrow (and like, still feed and dress myself - emphasis on dress😉) I would see everything I could.

7.  I have never been drunk. Can you believe it? I don't like the way alcohol tastes! Weird, I know but I am giggly and loose just normally. When you are drunk, chances are we will act exactly the same (which might say more about me than you, come to think of it)...

8.  I love Disneyland. I have had an annual pass forever.  I can go everyday and never get tired of it. I love fast rides and roller coasters, and the innocence and come on!!  See # 4 above.  Its a food bonanza every time!

9.  For some reason, song lyrics stick in my head. I can hear a song once and the melody and lyrics just stick.  Music and songs are a big part of my life. 

10.  This one is a hard one for me to write, because I don't really talk about it.  My brother-- my favorite person on the planet, the funniest, kindest, most handsome person I have ever known- passed away suddenly and it changed me forever.  When someone you adore is gone in a blink, your attitude toward what is important and what isn't is altered forever.  I embrace each day, I look for the good, I try to appreciate everything and I just try to remember that nothing is guaranteed, especially tomorrow. Take chances, follow your heart, forgive easily and laugh as much as you can, because this is a quick journey my friends.

11. (see? I knew I couldn't just stop at 10) I love dogs. I will pet and cuddle and grab for any dog I see. I love all animals but dogs especially.  Even mangy ones get big hugs and kisses from me.

12. (last one) Motherhood. The best thing to ever happen to me.  My heart has opened wide and filled with so much love.  It is an indescribable feeling and a love like no other.  

 That's all for now my loves.  As always, thank  you so much for stopping by.  It means the world...Sweetly, Michelle

Shirt || Skirt || Shoes ||