Middle of Somewhere

May 26, 2014

Desert Rain

The smell of New Mexico rain is something that is so hard to describe, and it is definitely not something I have experienced in any other state I have been to. When my husband and I lived in the Bay Area we would get a ton of rain, but it was always missing that special something. Maybe it’s simply the combination of rain and dirt, but it seems like it is something unique to this area. The smell is one of my favorite things, especially as the weather gets warmer. We don’t get a lot of rain here, but when we do you always know it’s coming based on how it smells outside. A light jacket is all you need this time of year in Albuquerque, and I love this polka dot blazer I found at Target earlier this year (on clearance for $10!). Paired with some boyfriend jeans, the softest tee I own, and one of my favorite Baublebar necklaces, I was ready to brave the desert rain for a night out with friends.

Wearing:

Madewell Tee

Blank NYC Distressed Jeans

Target Polka Dot Blazer (similar stripe version)

Target Wedges

Baublebar Iced Lariat Pendant

Essie Nailpolish in ‘Blanc’

Linking Up With: Meagan & Jalynn

May 21, 2014

Party Skirt

How incredible is this skirt? I was lucky enough to win it from Bel & Beau (via O My Darlings Blog on Instagram), and loved it even more in person when I received it! It came in the mail just a few days before my husband’s 30th birthday party and I knew I had to wear it for the festivities. To make sure the skirt was the star of the show, I paired it with a simple navy tank (that I realized was semi-sheer only after editing these pictures) and nude accessories.

Wearing:

“Ms.” Midi Skirt c/o Bel & Beau

Target Tank

Marc Fisher Pumps

Aldo Clutch (old, also loving this one)

Viva La Jewels Necklace (no longer available, other options)

MAC Lipstick in ‘Candy Yum Yum’

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Here are a few pictures from the party. Cory’s parents set the whole thing up and I loved all of the attention to detail with the decorations and desserts.

May 20, 2014

Transparency & A Twist

When I found out that I had won a blog design, my hopes of one day starting a blog were immediately propelled into action. Before the design was complete, I was feeling antsy and ambitious because I was so excited to get started. I began thinking of content and enlisted the hubs to take pictures. These photos were actually taken on Easter on the way to my parent’s house. In the spirit of keeping it real, you will probably begin to notice that I don’t wear many short dresses. Nice legs are something I believe you are either born with or without, and unfortunately for me, I am not one of the lucky ones. I love the tulip hemline on this bright blue dress because it is a little more playful and interesting than your run of the mill maxi dress, while still allowing me to feel comfortable and not too exposed. Old Navy maxi dresses are also perfect for me and all of you 5’8″+ girls because they come in tall lengths!

Wearing:

Old Navy Maxi Dress

Target Booties (not available online, similar)

Urban Outfitters Scarf

Gap Clutch

Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (old, also loving these)

Urban Outfitters Ring (not shown online, similar)

Baublebar Bracelet (similar studded version)

Essie Nailpolish in ‘Blanc’

May 17, 2014

Happy Birthday

Today is a very special day… it is my husband’s 30th birthday! My life is infinitely better now that you are a part of it and I don’t know what I would do without you. The past 8 years have been wonderful and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you! Here is a look back at some of my favorite memories with you, birthday boy… 30 looks good on you.

May 15, 2014

Weekend Getaway Essentials

This weekend I am lucky enough to be going on a trip to Arizona with my husband and his parents to celebrate his 30th birthday. I am very much looking forward to getting out of town and enjoying one of our favorite cities! I almost always over pack (who doesn’t?), so I am really going to make a conscious effort to only pack the essentials this time because the trip will be so short. Here are some of my must-haves for my weekend getaway:

1. Straw Fedora: To protect myself from the intense AZ rays

2. Wallet/Clutch: I can’t live without my Lauren wallet from Hobo International, especially because it can double as a clutch if needed.

3. Casual Dress: I love this simple black dress from Gap because it can transition from daytime with sandals to nighttime with wedges and some statement jewelry.

4. Fresh Mani/Pedi: I can’t go on a trip without one, especially in a bright hue when it’s warm out (it will be over 100 degrees there this weekend!)

5. Sandals: To stay comfy while walking all day

6. Water: I am currently taking the Blossom x BKR water beauty challenge (stay tuned for details) and am determined to stick to my 5 bottles a day, even while out of town!

7. SF Giants Shirt: To wear to the baseball game we will attend on my husband’s birthday. Even though it will be the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks, I have to rep my team.

8. Statement Earrings: To wear day or night, depending on where we go

May 13, 2014

Heat Wave

New Mexico is very random in the spring time… some days it is in the 70’s, and others it’s back down to the 50’s. The day we took this pictures it was somewhere in the mid 70’s, otherwise known as the perfect temperature for me. My husband and I were on our way celebrate my grandma’s 88th birthday and we couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. Ok, I take that back… I wish it could have been a bit less windy, but who am I kidding? That is the name of the game in the springtime here. Given the rise in temperature, I figured it would be the perfect day to bust out a maxi dress and try out my new cult-classic lipstick – Nars ‘Heat Wave’. I don’t typically wear such bright shades, but figured I’d go for it after seeing it on so many of my favorite bloggers and IGer’s. I also have to poke fun at myself for a minute here. You know how sometimes you hear people say that they have held on to something since high school? I am in no way a part of that club, aside from this jacket. I have literally owned this (wait for it…) Hollister denim jacket since I was in high school. I can’t believe I have held on to it for all of these years, but I just never have the heart to get rid of it. Now I am glad I have kept it around because it is the perfect lightweight jacket to throw on in the spring and fall.