The “Oh, so Pretty” Midi

Wow, a 2 week break ended up being a 12 week hiatus from blogging. My apologies to all of you readers for my absence. Life sometimes just consumes you, you know? The past couple of months in just a few phrases — late nights at school, no shopping resolution, a bomb threat at school, and pumping iron. I won’t bore you with the details.

Anyways, for the first outfit back, I give you a look into this spring/summer trend of midi skirts. Sentimental reasons aside, this skirt literally needs to hop into your closet right now. The lively bright color, the feminine shape, and the way the fabric just makes you feel like you’re the amazing Julie Andrews frolicking in the hills. I mean, don’t you tell me you’ve never wanted to run around and break out into song…okay, okay, maybe I’ll have to stand alone on that one.

Why I like Midi Skirts:

Multi – seasonal 
Multi – occasional
Multi – generational

‘Nuff said.

Skirt: Anthropologie // Top: c/o Roe Blvd. // Shoes: Gift – Love these // Sunglasses: Sunglasses stand in SF  Belt: Anthropologie – Similar (Sale!)

And because I don’t mind sharing my dorky self with you all…..

If You Like it, then You Should Have Put a Sweater On It…

Sweaters have basically been my uniform the past couple of weeks. Sweaters over blouses, sweaters over plaid shirts, sweaters over dresses, etc. The comfiness and warmth that it brings to your outfit as you brave the outdoors this winter season  is the cherry on top. 🙂 So if you have that collared shirt or summer dress that you can’t bear to keep hidden in your closet, go ahead and put a sweater on it.

** Don’t forget to enter the Ora Delphine giveaway for your chance to win an amazing clutch {value $175}! 
Click HERE for the Rafflecopter page. ENDS FRIDAY.

And here’s another shout out to Kay and Kompany for another great pair of earrings. Can’t get enough of them!

Dress: Gifted – Similar // Sweater: Urban Outfitters – Similar // Hat: Cotton On via Crossroads // Rings: Nepal // Purse: Bijou Rowan Tote {now $100 off!} c/o Ora Delphine // Earrings: c/o Kay and Kompany

So I just realized that SWA has been around for over a year and I missed my chance for a “Blog’s First Birthday” post. Sorry blog, I didn’t mean to forget. 

But I want to thank YOU, for taking the time to reading, following, and encouraging. Cheers to many more years together! 🙂

Here’s a snapshot of my first post and my attempt today to recreate it.
{Apparently, I was a better jumper back then. :P}

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Storm’s Brewing

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the West Coast is experiencing some heavy downpour at the moment. As a teacher at an outdoor school, let me just say, it was quite an experience. Whelps, good thing I snapped some pictures before the storm hit!

This winter for me has been all about the mixing of textures and patterns and experimenting with different patterns. Who knew that tweed and dark florals mesh well together?

So here’s the challenge for you…take a look in your closet and mix and match 2 items that you have never put together before. It may surprise you. 🙂

And if you’re in need this holiday season for some stocking stuffers or gifts for yourself 😉 , check out some of Kay and Kompany’s new products! These statement earrings (sold out – similar) I’m wearing are perfect for your next holiday party. However, just a caution, they are a tad bit heavy.

Jacket: Gap – Similar Favorite // Trousers: Anthropologie – Similar Favorite {sale} // Earrings: c/o Kay and Kompany // Shoes: DSW // Purse: Juicy Couture via Crossroads Trading

Don’t forget about the Ora Delphine Giveaway! It’s going until Dec. 19th!

Click HERE for the Rafflecopter page to enter for your chance to win an amazing clutch {value $175}!

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Winter Crops – and GIVEAWAY

 Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but the weekend could not come any sooner! You would think that towards the end of the semester my teacher list of things to do would start to dwindle, but sadly no. It’s going to be a sprint to the finish line…well, I guess the half way mark.

Remember that crop top you bought during the summer? Well don’t put it away just yet! You can layer it up for the winter. I paired this silk crop top from Anthropologie over a sleeveless button down from Talbots. The key thing about layering is the fabric. I chose to mix similar loose and soft fabrics together to keep the romantic-esque feel , but then added a structured blazer to keep it professional at work. Lo and behold, I wasn’t mistaken for a student today. I call that a successful outfit. 

Oh and how can I forget my new favorite bag from Ora Delphine? The Bijou Rowan Tote is $100 off RIGHT NOW. Don’t waste another second! The quality leather exterior and impeccable details make this the perfect accessory to any outfit! The side accent zippers adds a little funky twist to the classic style as well as a great contrast gold color.

Note: The Bijou Rowan Tote is also available in other colors!

Keep scrolling for the giveaway!

Blazer: Urban Outfitters – Similar (40% off!)// Crop Top: Anthropologie – Similar // Blouse: Talbots – Similar // Pants: Gap // Bag: The Bijou Rowan Tote c/o Ora Delphine // Shoes: Nicole Miller via DSW – Similar // Necklace and Bracelet: Talbots – Love this // Watch: Michele

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

Ora Delphine was kind enough to give away a Mia Wristlet in Emerald Cheetah Calf Hair to one of SWA’s lucky readers!

This giveaway is from now until Friday, December 19th!

Click HERE for the Rafflecopter page!

Good luck!

Winter Love

Am I excited for four days away from the kiddos? Heck yes (despite the piles of papers I need to grade)! Anyways, the weather in the Bay Area has gotten quite crisp the last couple of weeks hence all the outfits with all my coats. Winter is definitely here! But for all you folks who can’t bear to put away your skirts and dresses….just get some high boots and a heavy coat and call it a day!

Stay warm and may you be filled with blessings, thanksgiving, family, and pumpkin pie this weekend!

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms. For the Lord is a great God…” Psalms 95: 2-3

           

Coat: Anthropologie – Similar // Top: Anthropologie // Skirt: Talbots – Similar // Boots: Loeffler Randal via Crossroads // Necklace: Anthropologie – Love this one! (use code SAACODE20 for 20% off your purchase!)  // Watch: Michele

Happy Thanksgiving! ❤

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How To: Get Your Curl On via KISS InstaWave

A lot of people have been asking me about how I get my curls, well today’s the day where I’m going to show you! Getting perfect curls is very simple to do when you have the right tools. Currently I am using the KISS InstaWave which is a fully automatic tangle-free hair curler that creates long lasting curls with ease! No need to be a professional!

Tools:
KISS InstaWave
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protectant Spray
TRESemme Tres TWO Extra Hold Spray

Go get your curl on! 🙂

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Hues of Gray

 Happy week before Thanksgiving! Gosh, time definitely does fly. I can already feel the pressure of the holiday rush breathing down my neck. Yikes! Well, it’s nothing that some deep breaths and pumpkin pie can’t cure! 🙂

Anywho, I’m continuing with my semi-monochrome theme again today by sticking with the different hues of gray.

Tip: If you keep all the colors in the same relative family, you can mix all the colors you want! 

Coat: Anthropologie – Similar shape // Chambray: J. Crew // Pants: Gap // Purse: Adele Satchel c/o Ora Delphine // Watch: Michele

 

I’ve realized that I haven’t been updating a lot about life outside of my outfits, and so here’s the scoop.

1. Still teaching math and super busy, but loving it.

2. Went zip lining for the first time.

 

3. Realized that I miss living 5 minutes from the beach.



4. I’m mentally training for the 8k that I’m running in December. (Key word: mentally)

5. Obsessed with the movie Big Hero 6.

6. Bible Verse that I’m currently meditating on: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” – Mark 8:35-36

Thanks for reading and have a blessed rest of your day! 🙂

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Monochrome – Camel

 

Ok, so technically this may not be considered monochrome but I would say the colors are all in the same family right? Here’s my tip on how to do the monochrome look: just stay in the same family of hues. Is it just me, or is the color camel in? Eh, whether it’s in or out, you can’t deny that it screams fall.

>> On another note, I was recently asked by Marin to do an interview for her blog QwertyGirl for the month of November. It was super fun getting a little more personal and behind the scenes about my blog. Do check it out! <<

Pants: Gap // Coat: Anthropologie – Similar // Shoes: DSW // Sweater: J. Crew Factory // Necklace: Anthropologie // Watch: Michele

Thanks for stopping by! And for all you teachers and students out there….

9 more school days till Thanksgiving Break! 🙂

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Fitness Week! – Fundamentals

I call this Fundamentals because what I’ve learned during my long 24 years of life thus far, is that fitness is not about all the gimmicks, quick-losing-but-not-healthy diets, or the soon-they’ll-say-it’s-bad-for-you fads, but it IS about changing up your lifestyle, attitude, and doing the little things to keep you movin’ and groovin‘!

You DON’T need all the fuss and buss of heavy machinery or contraption. My advice is to just go and get out there! God created this wonderful earth, let’s go and enjoy it!

—-

Here are my list of 5 small ways to be a little healthier:

1. Drink water. Period. (coffee is an exception 😉 )
2. Devote at least 20 minutes everyday devoted to movement at a speed that gets your heart racing.
3. Reach for the fruit.
4. Find an active activity that you like. (ex. hiking, rollerblading, sports, speed-walk-shopping….)
5. Lose the discouraging talk.

—–

In addition to those 5 ways, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Kenny — the super trainer. I first met him in Bible Study earlier this year and he has truly been such an inspiration — not only about fitness, but about faith as well. He is so energetic and encouraging that even though you’re sweating, groaning, hurting, and tired he will make you laugh and forget it all. Check out his YouTube Channel for encouraging words and that Kenny Smile.

So remember that Half-Dome trip I did this past summer? Well, little did you know, after a grueling 16-mile hike, my friend Kenny decided to make a work-out video on top of the mountain. Just proof that you can work out for 10 minutes, any time and anywhere. And yes, you may see a cameo of me. Just maybe.

Oh, and if you want to get tips on how to “Bring Sexy Back”….

 

Thanks for joining me during Fitness Week! 🙂

1. Fashion
2. Food
3. Fundamentals

P.S. I would love some feedback from you! Would you like to see more series or themed weeks on SWA?

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Fitness Week! – Grilled Chicken Over Vegetable Penne

Hello again! Thanks for stopping by during Fitness Week on SWA! Today, I’ve asked Gina from Pink Wings to help me out to share with you a healthy recipe to try out!

Grilled Chicken Over Vegetable Penne!

“I originally put together this dish to help me with my long-distance runs. It’s perfect because it has the lean protein that I need for lasting energy and also lets me carb-load the day before an extra long run. Even if you aren’t training for a race, this recipe is still an awesome healthy meal option.” – Gina

Click HERE to go to her blog to check out the full recipe!

I’ve been reading Gina’s blog for awhile — from her great fashion sense to her delicious recipes, you’re sure to love it. So go check it out now! 🙂

Thanks for stopping by SWA for Fitness Week! Come back soon for another post! 🙂

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