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Middle of Somewhere

An Albuquerque Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

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’

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. 

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

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.
Wearing:
Gap Maxi Dress (old, similar) 
Hollister Denim Jacket (old, similar)
Baublebar Monogram Necklace (on sale!)
Shy by Sydney Evan ‘Love’ Necklace
Baublebar Triangle Ring
Alimonada Arrow Knuckle Ring
ZeroUV Sunglasses (similar)
Nars ‘Heat Wave’ Lipstick

Shades of Spring

When I ordered these jeans, all I could do was cross my fingers and hope that they would be the perfect distressed boyfriend jeans that I had always wanted but could never find. Shockingly, they were even better than I imagined! I mainly reserve these jeans for the weekends because they don’t feel work appropriate, due to the placement of the distressing and light wash. I usually struggle with finding jeans that I love and fit well, and when I find a pair I wear them to death. Standing almost 5’10” tall and far from a sample size, pants/jeans have not always been kind to me. As you will notice in future posts, I have multiples of my favorites (enter the dark wash Gap Always Skinny fit). Since I typically wear a darker wash, it is nice to add these boyfriend jeans to the mix, especially for the upcoming warmer months paired with light fabrics and accessories.
Wearing:
Blank NYC Galaxy Jeans
Splendid Essential Rayon Top
Old Navy Floral Scarf 
Urban Outfitters Heels (old)
Warby Parker Eyeglasses – Holt
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Purse (old)
Michael Kors Bradshaw Watch
LC Lauren Conrad Pyramid Earrings
Baublebar Bar Bracelet
Zoya Nailpolish in “Elodie”

Hello…

When I wore this outfit to work, one of my first interactions of the day was being asked by a co-worker “Is it Valentine’s Day?” (insert Emoji side eye face). I absolutely love this shirt and was lucky to snag it during one of Hello Apparel’s sales a few months ago. The next item on my wishlist is definitely the I’m So Tired pullover! Also, can we talk about this gorgeous necklace from Viva La Jewels? It is the perfect statement necklace to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. Considering my job and where I work, jeans, casual tops, and statement necklaces are my go-to pieces on a Monday through Friday basis. What are your weekday/workday staples?

Wearing:

Hello Apparel Valentine’s Day Tee

Gap Always Skinny Jeans

Sugar Love Boutique Jacket (sold out, similar)

Target Booties

Viva La Jewels Sunrise Statement Necklace

Michael Kors Bradshaw Watch

I also must give credit to my husband for coming up with the idea for the location of this shoot. If you are a Breaking Bad fan, this house may look familiar to you. We love being tourists in our own city!