The (Waning) Dog Days of Summer

Hi dearest reader! So you already know that I am a dog lover. Literally, I can be walking and once a dog comes into my line of sight, I bee line right toward it. I've never met an ugly dog. Even the ones that really are ugly are cute to me.  I have two little dogs and I would have 10 if I could. Wherever I am sitting at home, one or both of my dogs are sitting next to me, leaning against me or sitting on my lap. Dogs (animals, really) just make me happy. So imagine my thrill when this little fella Lou came walking by and his (astute) owner said "My dog matches your outfit. You want a picture?" Why, yes! Yes I sure do!  He was so good. I took the leash, talked to him (in a high-pitched, probably annoying way, but Lou didnt seem to mind!) and we snapped off a few pictures.

This dress is another Nordstom find and I  love it. Pleione makes the cutest, most affordable separates and dresses.  It's one less thing to think about in the morning if I can throw on a pretty dress and heels and go. I am going to wear tights and boots once Fall rolls around (I have my fingers crossed that we actually get some fall weather!)  Hope you have such an incredible day and thank you thank you for stopping by! Xx Michelle

Oh Just Give it a Twirl Tuesday

Hello and happy Tuesday to you!  Poor Tuesday. It's the forgotten day of the week, you ever notice that? We all dread and discuss the horror that is Monday, Wednesday gets the honor to be mid-week, a 🐪 and its own hump hashtag, Thursday is Friday eve (and #tbt), Friday (#fbf)  and the weekend are in a category all their own but Tuesday? #ShoesdayTuesday?  Its just sad  (There is no real point to this rambling, by the way. It just struck me as funny. Lets go on, shall we?) :)

I love a dress than can give good twirl. Not a wussy little fluff when you spin but a real, solid, skirt-outstretched-and-spinning-twirl.  And pockets. Pockets you say? Yes. Yes, pockets are most certainly important too and this Betsey Johnson dress has both. First, its heavy. It feels wooly and substantial. If, by chance, it ever dips below 90 degrees here in CA (and it sure doesn't feel like that is happening anytime soon), this will come in handy. I love it. You feel like a lady in it, and I love anything ladylike and Jackie-O esque.  I paired it with some Banana Republic heels that I have had for a few seasons ( I bought them in camel and black too-- and when I wear either pair I get compliments every time) and it is so cute.  I walked outside after I put this outfit on and I got stopped by a few people, commenting on this dress. Its so nice and its in my favorite colors.  I don't wear too many accessories because I like things really simple but this look could be jazzed up big time.  It is at Nordstrom right now (its not on line though, but here is one that has a similar fit) If you aren't already, follow me on Instagram and Snapchat (golddustandsugarlustl) . You may only see my dogs and my family though, so be forewarned!! Thank you for stopping by, sweet reader!! ❤️ Michelle

All Tied Up With A Bow

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

Whispers of Blue 💙











Sometimes I just love the simplicity of a pencil skirt and a blouse.  Not a lot of accessories or fuss-- just simple, sleek and out-the-door I go. I actually consider pencil skirts one of the staples in my wardrobe. In the summer, I can tuck in a button down for the office and when it starts to get cooler, a little cardigan twin set is just perfect. Along those lines, a pencil skirt looks just as cute with some knee-high boots in the fall as it does with strappy sandals or heels in warmer temperatures.  You can get your money's worth out of these guys.  This Zara blouse is just a dream – – it is whisper thin and such a beautiful color. My skirt is from Nordstrom and it's the first time I've tried this line called Halogen. I really like it so far.  And it is super reasonably priced. If you don't have a few pencil skirts in your closet, you should consider investing in a few. 

 I am getting ready to head back to Chicago this weekend for a wedding and I'm having such a hard time deciding what to pack. The forecast calls for thunderstorms, which would make me think to pack warm clothes, except it will be in the 80's, which is just confusing!  In the best circumstances, I am an over-packer but with a wedding and rehearsal dinner and my daughter to worry about, I might just have six suitcases! Even though I've read the articles and seen the YouTube videos about how to pack lightly, I'm just not the kind of person who will bring four articles of clothing and make them work for a week. Are you? Do you like to bring everything you own or pack just the necessities? 

 I hope your week is off to a wonderful start and as always, it means so much that you stopped by. Xx Michelle