Lace & Pearls Test

A Seattle Life + Style blog

Girl’s Best Friend

DSC_0014 DSC_0049 DSC_0084 DSC_0100Sweater: Brooks Brothers (sold out) | Shirt: J.Crew | Jeans: Zara (old) | Necklace: J.Crew (old)| Bracelets: J.Crew  (old)| Ring: Oscar de la Renta (old) | Watch: Marc by Marc (similar) | Shoes: Ecco (old) | Lip Gloss: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear (Endless)| Lipliner: NARS color Rosebud

You may have already guessed it but I love a cutesy sweater. When I spotted this one I nearly died. I also love dogs!

I  styled this look with a statement ring, a sparkly necklace, and two bracelets. I would normally keep other accessories minimal but today I decided to go all out.

It can be fun to take a fashion risk. Nothing crazy, just something that is outside of your comfort zone. It doesn’t matter if it’s the norm for everyone else (bright lipstick, statement necklace, or sky high heels). If it’s something you’ve wanted to try and haven’t, give it a go. You’d be surprised by how empowered you may feel or what other things you may try after starting off with something small.

Peplums & Brooches

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Peplum Coat: J.Crew Factory (similar) | Shirt: Loft (old) | Jean: AG (similar) | Shoes: Vince Camuto (similar) | Necklace: Dogeared | Bracelet: J.Crew (old) | Brooch: Lulu Frost for J.Crew| Earrings: J.Crew (similar) | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs |  Lip gloss: Giorgio Armani color 519| Lipliner: NARScolor Rosebud

Growing up I always wore earrings. Then one day I stopped. No particular reason. After seeing a handful of earrings that I liked, I decided to make an effort to start wearing them again. Two hangups I have with earrings:

  • They are not visible when I wear my hair down
  • I feel like I have to tone down my other accessories when wearing them

Another exciting item that I would like to highlight is this amazing bow brooch!  I picked out this beauty during a J.Crew 30% off promotion. I love brooches and have acquired quite a few but need to push myself to wear them more often.

I love a feminine sweater jacket and this peplum one fits the bill. It’s dressy enough for the office but still casual for the weekends. Another way to wear this look is to swap out the jeans for navy cords, change the top for a different color, and swap the wedges for riding boots.

I can’t believe we are mid way through January. Time is passing quick. Have a great weekend everyone and see you Tuesday!

Post Vacation Stress Disorder

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Sweater: Loft (similar) | Shirt: J.Crew (similar) | Cords: Loft | Boots: Corso Como (old) | Purse: Michael Michael Kors (similar) | Necklace: J.Crew (similar)|Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Bracelet: Stella & Dot (old)| Lipstick: Bobbi Brown (Warm Beige) | Lip Gloss: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear (Endless)

Last week was my first day back in the office after the holidays. I can’t recall ever being away from work for that long. It was so relaxing. I now understand the importance of time off and can’t wait for my next vacation.

Going back to work was rough. I found it difficult to adjust to my normal routine. My sleep and workout schedule were completely out of whack.

I purchased this sweater a couple years ago. I normally wear it with cranberry cords and ankle boots, but decided to change things up and wear these rose cords with riding boots.

Hope you’re all having a good week. Thanks for reading.

Interior Style

Rustic Chic

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My husband and I bought these dining room chairs (1) this summer but held off on getting a new table.

I found this table (2) at West Elm. I wasn’t sure about the color, but this inspiration photo piqued my interest. The other table (3) is from Ethan Allen. Not sure if we will purchase either but I thought I would share.

Growing up I loved shabby chic decor, but now that I’m older I prefer a more rustic look. If I were to decorate our home it would be elegant but rustic.

On a side note, I’ve decided that I am going to change my posting schedule from Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Tuesday and Thursdays. This will hopefully allow me more time to create quality content.

Have a good weekend everyone and see ya Tuesday!

Liebster Award

liebster-award

I was nominated for the Liebster award by the lovely Nadine of Ladies and Lace a while back. If you haven’t visited her blog, do stop by and check it out. Thanks Nadine for the nomination.

The Liebster award was created to recognize new bloggers and welcome them to the blogging community.

The rules 

  1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
  2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
  3. List 11 facts about yourself.
  4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award.
  5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

11 facts about me:

  1. I own two guitars
  2. I like to sing
  3. Growing up I wanted to be an actress, singer and songwriter
  4. I took choir in high school
  5. I also did theater in high school
  6. I rarely wear the color black with the exception of black pants, coat or shoes
  7. I love Taylor Swift
  8. I love staying up late
  9. I worry about everything all the time
  10. I’m a perfectionist
  11. I don’t like taking risks

Nadine’s questions to me:

  1. What is the one song that always makes you feel like dancing? Anything Britney
  2. What’s your favourite book and why? I don’t think I can pick out one book, but I love Sophie Kinsella
  3. What’s your favourite perfume? Flower bomb by Viktor and Rolf
  4. What is your go-to method for feeling a bit of extra confidence? Organization
  5. Is there a song that reminds you of your childhood? What is it? Bad – Michael Jackson (the whole album)
  6. What is your favourite flower? Pansy
  7. What is the make-up product on the top of your wish list at the moment? NeuLash
  8. Would you rather splurge on clothing or shoes and why? Clothes, I find I get more bang for my buck with clothing,  more versatile.
  9. What is your favourite place to be? Home, bundled up on the couch
  10. What is your favourite thing about blogging? Interacting with readers
  11. If you were given the opportunity to have anything you want in the world, at this very moment, what would it be and why? Good health. The possibilities are endless if you are not limited by your body.

My nominees:

Brown Beauty Beat

Camellda Lynn

South by Northwest

Somebody’s Baby

Very Erin

 My questions  to my nominees:

  1. How long have you been blogging?
  2. Do you work outside of blogging?
  3. Who does your photography?
  4. How do you pick the topics for your posts?
  5. What’s your dream job?
  6. Favorite drink?
  7. One of your fears?
  8. One thing from your bucket list?
  9. Favorite local restaurant?
  10. Dream vacation?
  11. Worst habit?

Pacific Galleries

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The holiday staycation is officially over. It took me a few days to decompress and switch from work to vacation mode. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to unwind but I eventually did.  I hardly accomplished anything on my to-do list, but I still had a lot of fun and even ended up taking a quick trip to eastern Washington to visit my in-laws.

During my vacation my best friend and I visited the Pacific Galleries Antique Mall in Sodo. It was our first time checking it out. The space is 30,000 square feet and includes an auction house. Styles range from French provincial, Danish, Mid-Century Modern, Victorian, and industrial chic.

My favorite part of the mall was towards the back. In this space there is elaborate furniture and unique chandeliers made out of unusual materials – very inspiring for an interior decorator or someone who is furnishing a home.

Happy New Year

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Sweater: J.Crew (old) | Blouse: Equipment (old) | Jeans: Loft (similar) | Bracelet: (vintage)| Ring: (thrifted)| Shoes: Jambu: (similar) | Bag: Foley + Corinna (similar) | Lipstick: Bobbi Brown (Warm Beige) | Lip Gloss: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear (Endless)

I can hardly believe it’s 2015, it feels like any other day. I am on vacation in eastern Washington visiting my in-laws. I go back to work on Monday. I’ve enjoyed spending time with friends and family while overindulging in lots of home made meals. I have ate more food then I care to admit and I’m looking forward to getting back on track.

These photos were taken last weekend on a very cold and windy day, so excuse the wild hair. I’m wearing one of my favorite sweaters with an adorable cat critter. This is one of many J.Crew novelty sweaters in my closet. I styled this sweater with a bow blouse.

The bag is by Foley + Corinna and can be worn two ways. I was excited about this purse when I purchased it on sale last summer, but this is the first time I’ve used it. I am terrible about rotating my bags – something I need to get better about.

Have a good weekend and see ya Monday! 😀

2015

DSC_0170It’s almost 2015 so I thought I would revisit this post and share my progress. The two goals that I shared were:

  1. Get 7.5-8 hours of sleep per night
  2. Workout 4-5 days a week

The month of November was ok for working out, but in December I really tapered off. Getting to bed early was the most challenging. I will be working on both for 2015.

Here are some more 2014 goals that I didn’t share.

  1. Start blogging. 🙂
  2. Lose 18 pounds – I’ve already lost 11 pounds through diet and exercise. I still have 7 more to go. I fell off my routine over the holidays but plan to get back on track in the new year.
  3. Get out of debt – I am slowly making progress on this one and I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. I’ll go into more detail in a future post.
  4. Worry less – this is an ongoing goal. I hope to keep things at bay through diet, exercise, adequate rest, massage and acupuncture.

Did you cross off any resolutions from last year?

Tennis Time

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Sweater: Brooks Brothers | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Necklace: Madewell | Necklace: Nordstrom| Bracelet: J.Crew (old) |Rings: Stella & Dot | Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (similar)| Boots: Jambu | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) |Lip gloss: M.A.C in color Sinnamon

Confession time – I used to hate on Brooks Brother because I thought their clothes were too conservative. But after seeing the Red Fleece collection mentioned here, I quickly changed my mind.

When I spotted this tennis sweater I nearly died. I loved it so much. The cable texture and gorgeous three color tipped neckline was superb. It’s super soft and not itchy. I ordinarily don’t like v necks, but this one lets you show off your necklace pairing.

Duck Hunt

DSC_0025DSC_0039DSC_0029Sweater: Ann Taylor (similar) | Denim: J.Crew (old) | Necklaces: J.Crew (similar/similar) | Bracelet: J. Crew (old) | Ring: (thrifted) | Boots: Hunter | Lip gloss: M.A.C in color Sinnamon

These jeans have become a staple in my closet. I bought them a few years back and continue to reach for them every season. In warmer months, I wear them with a pair of silver flats or sandals, and swap out the sweater for a white blouse with some delicate jewelry.

Thank you everyone for reading Lace & Pearls.  I feel grateful for the support I have received from bloggers, friends, and family.  I really do appreciate every comment and you taking the time to visit this blog.

To those who celebrate Christmas, have a good holiday and enjoy this time of the year with friends and family.

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