sparkle

30, Flirty, & Thriving

It’s my 30th birthday today!

AHHHH! How did that even happen?

I’ve learned a lot in my 30 years and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this new era in my life!

To commemorate this big birthday I want to share some of the biggest life lessons I’ve learned so far. As someone who feels like I’ve lived through several lives, lost people, loved, been hurt, made my dreams realities and everything in between there are a few big things I’ve learned so far!

Lesson 1: Love with all your heart.

Yes this could hurt you later on but loving with your whole self could be the best feeling in the world! I have the most amazing husband that I love with all my heart. I only found him after loving the wrong guys but I never felt like I didn’t try. As far as family, same thing. I never don’t tell my parents I love them, they are beyond the most special people to me. Always tell people that you love them!

Lesson 2: Be true to who you are.

I mostly understood this early on. I grew up ballroom dancing, living in a world that kids my age didn’t understand. Dancing was my first true love, something that was always true to who I am. As I’ve gotten older I’ve grown more to understand it’s ok to not like everything that everyone else likes and make the decisions that best serve you. Be you and do what you want to do!

Lesson 3: Follow your dreams, make them a reality!

Within the last few years I’ve really understood what it’s like to turn your dreams in reality. I’m living a life I never thought possible. I never thought I could work for myself and live a life I created, but here we are a little over a year into and I could never go back! I took a leap and it paid off! Make your dreams a reality, anything is possible!

Just some food for thought! Now I’m off to celebrate this day!

My Golden Birthday!-Turning 28 On The 28th!

Today is my Golden Birthday! 28 on the 28th!

I had the idea about 6 months ago that I really wanted to celebrate this huge milestone and special birthday! My man made my dream a reality and set up a gold shoot with my photographer Kate for me! Thanks babe! I’ve been reflecting over the past several months on my life and how I’ve evolved and grown and I’m so proud of who I am and have become!

I’ve learned several things over my 28 years and my biggest one is love yourself, it doesn’t matter what others think! No matter what size I’ve learned to love myself in that moment! Embrace who you are and enjoy where you are in life right now! Don’t wait to enjoy things!

I’ve learned it’s quality over quantity. I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve built, my family and I are the tightest bound unit along with my relationship with my fiance, he’s my biggest supporter next to my parents, and the amazing friends I have in my life, I’m blessed! I have people that would do anything for me and me them I don’t need tons of friends I need a few AMAZING friends and I have some of the BEST!

I’ve learned to take care of myself, I don’t need to go to every event, please everyone, it’s my life and I need to make myself happy, I can’t make everyone happy all the time. It’s helped me learn balance, I’m still working on it but it’s key.

Lastly one big thing I’ve learned it to let go of negativity, someone is negative you don’t need them around. Someone is rude to you, leave. You don’t need to subject yourself to something that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable. Life if to short to be be unhappy so I’m making choices in my life that are providing true happiness and positive moments!

28 is going to be so so good to me I can feel it! Big changes are coming and I can’t wait for it!

xoxo

London Times November Collection & Special Sale!

Happy Wednesday Friends!

Special post today, we are talking about the November London Times Fashion Collection and a special sale! Make sure to keep reading for all the details!

First off let’s talk about this first look! Y’all I love an animal print and this one is in a completely different way than any other! I love the Vargas white and tan leopard print on this silk it gives such a classic feel to a trendy print! I love the cut and style of this dress with the faux wrap waist and the neckline! So great for the holiday and all year long! A must!

Now let’s talk sale before I share more looks! The sale starts today 11/27 and goes thru 12/2 at 11:59pm. There is 40% off site wide and with code: SHIPFREELC you can get free overnight shipping! How awesome is this?! Such a great deal for timeless pieces that are great quality and are great for year round! Check out all the deals HERE

If you have been looking for the perfect holiday/New Year’s dress look no further the Tucker Dress is the one! I love that the sequins aren’t scratchy and this is totally wearable! The cut again with the faux wrap and gathers gives that ideal illusion of a smaller waist that we all want! This look is one of my favorites, super glam and just such a great festive party look! I made this my own black and white look with the white heels and the sparkly bag and earrings it just screams holiday to me! Cheers!

What would the holidays be without a red dress?! I feel like a red dress is a classic staple to have in your closet and the Andre in Merlot is perfection! Again a great cut for any figure with the detail at the waist! This is glittery deep red and perfect for holiday season! I love the length of all the dresses how they are great whether short or tall, curvy or slender, the cuts and style seem to really work for everyone! I also love the sleeves on this dress, I’m a sucker for a dress with sleeves! The red also is a great shade and tone for any occasion!

Saved my favorite for last! The Jinaan in Navy is my ideal dress! The fit and flare cut and the 3/4 sleeves with the detail and the neckline is something I would wear everyday! I absolutely love the fabric and how it’s easy to style with a fun bag or accessory it’s easy to make your own! Y’all know I love blue too so I naturally love this dress! I definitely channeled my inner Blair Waldorf for this look with the pearl and velvet head band and the bold silver heel and silver bag, again a look great for holiday and year round whether going to the office or out to dinner this dress is a MUST HAVE!!!!

Wedding Wednesday: Saying Yes to The Perfect Dress!

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Travis and I are officially less than a year away from saying I DO, so I wanted to start doing Wedding Wednesdays on the blog! A few weekends ago I went dress shopping at The Perfect Dress Bridal Boutique in Sarasota, FL. I had no expectations going in, just expecting to look around and try dresses on. I didn’t have anything in particular I was looking for at all….I mean NONE AT ALL! I tried on a total of 7 dresses, of all different styles and sizes. On a side note, when you go wedding dress shopping your size doesn’t matter as wedding dresses run super small in size, don’t even look at the size…just my opinion.

Anyways I had the best bridal consultant, Sue, she tried everything from different sleeve options, to veils, headbands, you name it she did everything to give me the best dress shopping experience and that she did! I highly recommend The Perfect Dress for all your wedding needs! Sue helped me narrow the search down to two dresses that were similar in style but very different feels! I did end up saying YES to The Perfect Dress and couldn’t be happier with my choice! I’m sharing some of the dresses I tried on below along with some photos from the bridal boutique. Check out The Perfect Dress HERE

Top 5 Everyday Jewelry Pieces!

I don't tend to wear a lot of jewelry on an everyday basis, however I love collecting pieces that are classic and can be worn for several different occasions! I am featuring a few of my favorite pieces for everyday looks below! I mostly stick to earrings and necklaces on a day to day basis, which is what you will see in this post. I will tell you the hands down best time to purchase otherwise expensive pieces for a steal is from Black Friday through the holidays. On the hush hush Dillard's has the best clearance section all the time but especially during the holiday season! We are talking Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors and so many other name brands are on sale for amazing prices! I strongly recommend stopping into Dillard's next time you have the chance and glance at the jewelry section! 


Without a doubt you will never see me without earrings! Whether it be a simple pair of studs or a fun pair of ear jackets I always have earrings on. A look is not complete without some earrings to me! The two pairs below are Kate Spade and are so simple and elegant I adore them! I love a great simple stud earring that can go with any look. On the other hand I love when a piece can give you a pop of color and earrings are a great way to do that also!


The same thing goes for necklaces, I love ones that go with everything and are just silver or gold! I also have a huge obsession with long necklaces especially, because I think they are perfect for all seasons! They go with that summer maxi dress or that turtleneck sweater in the winter time. I'm showcasing two of my favorite long necklaces below, one colorless and one with a pop of color! Along with those I have one regular necklace that is the definition of dainty which I think every girl needs in her closet, don't you agree? We all have that one or two necklaces that makes you feel like a princess and the last piece is just that! 


Please let me know what your favorite jewelry pieces are in the comments below! Also I would to hear what your favorite shops are to find great deals on jewelry pieces!

Dressed for the Holidays!

I don't know about you but I am already in full on holiday mode! Work parties, gatherings with friends, and holiday happy hours are in full swing. This is one of my go to holiday outfits for the season! Almost the whole outfit was purchased on Black Friday and comes out to be under $100! This look is great for the office or going out, just throw on a pair of flats and your good to go to work! I hope you all enjoy, and please let me know what your favorite holiday looks are in the comments below! 

Outfit Details:

Pants: OldNavy

Top: Banana Republic

Jacket: Target (from last winter)

Shoes: Nine West