look book: stripe attack

I shared this post yesterday over on The Delightful Dozen but I wanted to share it here as well. I'm a big fan of stripes {I have countless striped tees in my closet that somehow become "necessary," when they're basically the same}. But striped skirts are something slightly new to me. This skirt, slightly reminiscent of Beetlejuice with the thick black and white stripes, is fun and bold, yet still a neutral. I thought it would be nice to add a pop of red to make the outfit really stand out. Oh, and the most amazing necklace I ever did own!

 tee Gap {similar}, skirt borrowed from The Delightful Dozen, necklace Lauren Elan, flats Blowfish

This week seems to be kicking my butt and it's only Tuesday. I had a jam packed weekend in San Diego, LA, and Riverside, a rain-filled yet amazing photoshoot for Ruche yesterday, and now I'm playing major catch up, while trying not to get sick and not use my left hand which is in serious pain. A girl's got to rest but there's not enough time! 

Happy almost Wednesday!

xox

look book: a purple party

I remember back in elementary school purple was one of my favorite colors. I loved coloring with the hue, staring at it, and of course dressing in it! Now, I inadvertently shy away from purples all together, which is just silly because it's probably the most universally flattering color. It really looks good on everyone! So in honor of my 8 year old self, here's an outfit celebrating that color I loved so much, and will try to love more! Promise!

 

dress c/o 11 Eureka, shoes Seychelles, sunglasses 80s Purple, ring Banana Republic, tote Brahmin

What was your favorite color growing up? Is it still number 1?

xox

giveaway: Stitched + Adorned- CLOSED

To celebrate the middle of the week, here's a sweet giveaway from Stitched + Adorned! The online boutique is so kindly giving one lucky reader an item of choice from their lovely shop.

To Enter:

1). Must be a follower of M Loves M

2). Visit Stitched + Adorned 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" Stitched + Adorned on Facebook or or follow on Twitter {tweet tweet!}

I'll be picking the winner at random next Wednesday, February 29th (Leap Day!)

 Good luck!

xox

UPDATE: The lucky winner is Shannon! Congrats!

the little things

Some little things that have been making me happy

 Lounging around in my comfy Jacques Levine slippers

 Finally got these vintage iris prints framed and hung in our bedroom

Valentine's Day is still going strong

 a monogrammed jewelry bag from my Godmother!

savoring my favorite roasted almond truffles

Happy Tuesday!

xox

look book: a little less conversation

After a very cold couple days in Las Vegas {who knew?!}, I was ready to get back to a sunny Los Angeles and unthaw a bit. I thought the 100+ degree heat was the ultimate evil, but desert cold and wind is right up there. This jacket is perfect for springtime. The stripes are refreshing and it's nice and lightweight. I'm going to love pairing it with dresses and skirts in the coming months!

dress c/o Stitched + Adorned, jacket BB Dakota c/o Lulu*s, tights Nine West, shoes Jessica Simpson via DSW

I hope you all had a great weekend! Matthew and I were busy and productive. He's leaving for New York tomorrow for a business trip and I miss him already. All this traveling we've been doing recently has not been fun. I only like it if we're together! I think it's high time to start planning a vacation!

Have a great Monday everyone!

xox

diy: the doughnut bun

Looks like any old bun right? Wrong! I learned a little secret from my sister-in-law Rachel and I thought I'd share it with you. It's this thing called the doughnut bun, or the doughnut sock, or the sock bun. You can choose any name you want but basically it's a trick to creating the perfect full bun! I tried this in December {for this outfit post}, but forgot about these photos until now. So if you're seeing this tutorial for the millionth time, I'm sorry! But if you're seeing it for the first time, yay! Get ready to learn something new!

Have you heard of this trick before? Has it worked on your hair? As my hair has gotten longer it's harder to hold a bun style, unless I use a ton of bobby pins, so this idea has been helpful! I love buns that will stay put all day with no maintenance. I hope my steps make sense. If not, leave a comment and I'll address it!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

xox

Please ignore my wrist brace! It's the result of too much computer use :(

look book: happy valentine's day!

I love Valentine's Day for many reasons. The main colors are red and pink {my favorites!}, chocolate and candy are the traditional gifts {my ultimate favorites!}, and most of all because it's about celebrating love! Love for family, friends, furry friends, or a special someone. Make sure to give hugs, kisses, high fives and handshakes today!

dress Zara, necklace J.Crew, belt vintage, shoes Alexander McQueen

This is kind of a strange Valentine's Day because Matthew and I aren't celebrating it together. If you read my post last week, or are following me on Twitter, you know that I'm in Las Vegas for work. Not the most romantic city, I have to say! I'm sad to be missing our first married couple Valentine's Day, but I'm glad it's not our anniversary. I'm getting in tomorrow evening so we're going to have a belated celebration! I'm thinking Italian food and chocolate--there's nothing better!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xox

look book: pastel paradise

 I can't help but smile when I wear pretty pale colors. I felt a little bit like a giant Easter egg, but in a good way! 

I'm ready to welcome spring in head to toe pastels! Who's with me?

top J.Crew, sweater Madewell {similar}, pants Zara {similar}, shoes Jessica Simpson, bracelets 1). vintage from Matthew & 2). c/o Poshlocket, clutch c/o Heather Belle

Here's to a happy Monday and a great week ahead!

xox

look book: never neverland

 I love tops and dresses with collars! This lace crochet one is extra pretty and it's a nice touch to this little blue dress.

dress c/o Electric Frenchie, sweater Ruche, belt thrifted, shoes Nine West, bag Lodis {similar}

I'm ready for the weekend! Mine is going to be a little short, though, since I'm flying to Vegas on Sunday for work. 

I'll be gone until Wednesday night but I'll have some posts scheduled! 

I hope you all have a great weekend! 

xox

giveaway: Dessine-moi un Soulier Giveaway!- CLOSED!

Unless you know French, you might not understand the name of the sponsor hosting today's giveaway. Dessine-moi un Soulier, meaning "draw a shoe," is a unique company out of France that allows you to design the shoe of your dreams and then they'll make it for you! Juliette and Alma are the cutest two French girls ever {see!} and they're so excited to bring you today's giveaway! You can pick the style of shoe, color, height, material and any other add ons. So fun! 

To Enter:

1). Must be a follower of M Loves M

2). Visit Dessine-moi un Soulier, design your perfect shoe and leave a comment describing it!

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" Dessine-moi un Soulier on Facebook

I'll be picking the winner at random next Wednesday February 15th! Good luck!

xox

UPDATE: The winner is Ashley! Email me for more details :)

look book: sun glow

I thought hot pink and mustard would be a fun color combo to try! I love these high waisted shorts and tucking a sweater into it was perfect for a California winter day. 

sweater Forever 21, shorts & purse Lulu*s {similar}, necklace Chico's {hehe}, boots Old Navy {similar}, 

sunglasses Ray-Ban, ring c/o Poshlocket

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother putting my "summer" clothes away. I always end up looking for them! And then around March/April each year I get really sad when I have to put away my winter clothes, and realize that I maybe wore them once, if that. I've fallen in love with so many cute coats recently but I know they're not practical. I'm thinking next winter Matthew and I should plan a snow trip! I've only been skiing once and I loved it! I was in high school and even though I wanted to be the cool kid snowboarding it just wasn't for me. Also I fell down..a lot. Skiing was a little easier and the bunny slopes were the best playground! 

Are you a skier or a snowboarder? I'm curious! 

xox