top ten from 2011

To say that 2011 was an amazing year would be a major understatement. It was life-changing, emotional, and full of memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life! In chronological order, here are my top ten from 2011:

1. Matthew surprised me at my bridal shower with a book of photos secretly taken during the proposal

2. Going to Miami with my best friend Lizzie and meeting the Refinery29 team

3. Getting married to Matthew in May!!! {This one obviously takes the cake for a lifetime!}

4. Going to Italy for our Honeymoon!

5. My 24th Birthday

6. Matthew's 30th Birthday Surprise Weekend in Paso Robles! {This photo cracks me up!}

7. Taking Ginger to the dog beach for the first time

8. Becoming ModCloth's Blogger of the Moment!

9. Getting an incredible job and then being featured on Ruche's front page

10. Going to Santa Ynez with two of our closest friends in December

Here's to a new year, full of more adventures and precious memories! 

I hope you all ring in the new year tonight surrounded by the ones you love. 

Happy New Year's Eve!

xox

You can see my highlights from 2010 here, and 2009 here!

2011 outfits in review

I really had fun getting dressed this past year. In some ways it was a challenge because I didn’t buy many new things because of wedding expenses, but I liked that I was able to rework different items into multiple outfits. Sometimes Matthew would be like, “Didn’t you just wear that the other day? and other times, “I’ve never seen that skirt before!,” when, actually, yes, he had! I experimented a little more with colors and different prints, yet I feel like it all reflected my personal style. I’m excited to see how this next year will affect me sartorially. 

one in a vermillion, i'm a scalloped potato, lady steps

pop of color, tea time, star of jasmine

funny valentine, hot pants, copycat, 

pumpkin patch, big girl mary jane, sequence of time, 

Here's to a new year of clothes, fashion, and playing dress up!

xox

Check out my favorite outfits from 2010 here!

look book: golden hill

It's crazy to think I'm wearing short sleeves, a somewhat exposed back and no jacket {or tights!} in December! That's the California winter for you. I was seriously crossing my fingers that it would at least rain on Christmas, but no luck. If we can't have snow, rain is the second best thing. Maybe for New Years, though. I'm seriously hoping! 

blouse c/o Simply Audrey, skirt Zara, necklace Forever 21, shoes Nine West

I hope you're all having a great week!

xox

giveaway: $50 Credit to Simply Audrey- CLOSED!

Simply Audrey is one of my sponsors and they sell some of the cutest clothes online! I love that Christy the owner named the shop after her daughter. How sweet is that? Some of my favorite items are this polka dotted dress, this pretty blue blouse, and this comfy cocoon sweater. Today they're offering $50 to use in their online store.

To Enter:

1). Must be a follower of M Loves M

2). Visit Simply Audrey and leave a comment with the item you'd pick!

For extra entries
3). Blog/tweet for extra entries!
4). Become a Facebook fan of M Loves M or follow me on Bloglovin'

5). "Like" Simply Audrey on Facebook or follow them on Twitter {tweet tweet!}

I'll be picking the winner next Tuesday January 3rd! Good luck!

xox

UPDATE: The winner is Kaycie. Congrats!

Happy Holidays!

For those that celebrate, Merry Christmas! 

Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday filled with lots of happiness and love!

xox

a christmas story

Matthew and I did a fun Christmas-themed shoot a couple weeks ago and it was a lot of fun. 

It's nice to have these photos to remember our first Christmas together!

coat vintage Bonnie Cashin, dress Cynthia Steffe, skirt Lulu*s, top vintage, bracelets Forever 21 and Madewell, earrings Heather Belle, tights, shoes Stuart Weitzman, purses vintage

Matthew and I are having a fun Christmas Eve with my parents, and of course little Ginger! I'm so ready to watch White Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie of all time! Have any of you seen it? If not, please do. It's such a cute and romantic musical and I look forward to watching it on Christmas Eve all year long! It's the best tradition!

Merry Christmas Eve!

xox

Photography: Alexandra DeFurio

Hair & Make-Up: Paul Anthony Castro 

Stylist: Michelle Fiordaliso

giveaway: JewelMint Pomander Pendant- CLOSED

It's always so hard for me to throw clothes away {ask Matthew!}. I guess it's because I think fashion trends are cyclical. So while something might not be in right now, in a couple years they'll be back. I think it's also because I love the idea of giving my future daughter {if I'm lucky!} my clothes one day. There will be stories that will go along with each piece, and she'll be carrying a little bit of me with her. This skirt is the perfect example! My mom gave it to me a few weeks ago hoping I'd like it. Well, I love it! It's wool, color blocked, and has fringe! And the fact that it's from her is even more special! Thanks Mommy!

sweater Banana Republic, button up and boots J.Crew, skirt Max Studio {hand me down from my Mom}, purse from our honeymoon in Italy, necklace c/o JewelMint

If you're looking for a great last-minute gift idea I would definitely recommend doing a gift card for JewelMint. They just launched an awesome promotion where you can receive up to 2 free pieces by giving a gift card. You can give this necklace or get it for yourself! The pomander pendant necklace is seriously the coolest! I raved about it in this post and I still love it. And because JewelMint is so amazing they're giving away a Pomander Necklace to one of you!!

To Enter:

1). Must be a follower of M Loves M

2). Leave a comment below telling me which perfume you'd put in your Pomander Pendant necklace!

For extra entries

3). Blog/tweet for extra entries!

4). Become a Facebook fan of M Loves M or follow me on Bloglovin'

I'll be picking the winner next Wednesday December 28th! Good luck!

UPDATE: The winner is Chic 'n Cheap Living! Congrats :)

day trip to santa ynez

One thing I love about living in Los Angeles is how close we are to so many great cities and towns. Two hours from San Diego and two hours from Santa Barbara is not bad at all! The other weekend Matthew and I decided to go on a little day trip to Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez with our friends Eden and Zan {who we love soo much!}. We had the best time going to some wineries and exploring the cute little towns. We also had the best dinner ever at Eden's favorite place American Flatbread. She's been telling me about it since last year so I was so happy to finally check it out. They have the best pizza ever!! They source the freshest ingredients and it's made in a wood fire oven. Delicious! Here are some photos from our little getaway.

 Matthew and Zan were accidental twins :)

We had the best time and are dying to make another trip up there! Love you Eden and Zan!

xox

photos by Zan Passante