Falling for Pink

I broke out the wool this week!  I was so excited to wear my J.Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in the pink color because I had set it aside all summer due to the fabric.

Oh how I've missed you!

Blouse- J.Crew (similar, similar) 

Blazer- Nordstrom (similar)

Skirt- J.Crew (buy here in other colors)

Shoes- Zara (similar)

Necklace- Banana Republic (similar)

Wishing everyone a great week!

Emily from The Jacksons Shares Her Beauty Routine

So many of you ladies enjoyed Emily's guest post on how to have style when you're a mom that I asked her to come back and tell us a little about her beauty routine. Please welcome Emily from The Jacksons, as she shares her favorite beauty products and insights into her daily routine.

What is your beauty philosophy?  Do you like to try new looks a lot or do you tend to stick with a signature look?

I believe that all women are beautiful. I also believe that makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. Basically, makeup shouldn�t be taken too seriously.  With my makeup I tend stick to the same basic products. I figure if something is working, don�t change it. I like to play with my lip color and eye shadow depending on the occasion. For a formal occasion I love adding � lashes.  They add a bit of glamour without being over the top. 

What is your skincare routine like, morning and night?

I wash my face morning and night with THE best facial cleanser around. Its called Vital C and it has changed my life since I started using it. After I wash my face I use the Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer.

What are your favorite makeup products and what products do you use daily?

• Bobbi Brown bronzer
• YSL highlighter pen
• MAC duo fiber face brush for foundation

You have really beautiful hair!  How do you style it?

Thanks! I love my current style because it is so easy and only takes me about ten minutes start to finish. I just blow dry it, not any special way, and then I curl it with a 1.5 inch size curling iron. I will do a tutorial on my blog on Friday on how I curl my hair so stay tuned!

What are your favorite hair styling products and shampoos/conditioners?

• Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum Shampoo and Conditioner
• Pureology Miracle Filler

When you are short on time, what's your go-to look to look polished but in less time?

If I am in a rush I throw my hair in a ponytail, add mascara and my YLS sheer candy lip balm (#9) and I�m off. 

Thank you for sharing some of your beauty tips and tricks Emily!  You can go visit Emily over on her blog to follow her entire beauty series this week!

Sunday Brunching

This Sunday, a group of us blogger gals got together for some brunch at Cuchara Restaurant. I can't say I loved the food and tiny menu, but the amazing company more than made up for it. 

From left- Bethany, Jamie, Magen, Mishelle, Meg (with baby Kennedy) and moi.

Also, I got to look at this adorable face all afternoon:



Kennedy is seriously the best baby.  She was so good the entire time and eats like a champion.  Yay for awesome babies!

It was a little cooler in Houston today (thank God) so I opted for dark jeans, a dress shirt and cardigan for warmth.  Of course I had to add a bubble necklace for good measure.

 It was SO windy when we shot these. Hello crazy hair!

Cardigan- J.Crew (buy it here)

Shirt- GAP (buy it here)

Jeans- 7FAMK Dojo (buy them here)

Shoes- Ivanka Trump (similar flats)

Bag- Kate Spade (buy it here)

Necklace- c/o Groopdealz

Hope everyone had a great Sunday!

Shaping Up on Saturday: Bella Shares Moves to Tone Your Muffin Top!

A few weekends ago, I met one of my readers, Bella, who happens to own a fitness studio here in Houston called Bella Body Fitness.

I asked Bella if she could contribute to my blog once in awhile because I know you ladies are always looking for new workout moves.  This one is called "Tone Up Your Muffin Top Workout," and I love it because your love handles can be a tough area to target.

Move: the Mermaid 
1. Start on your side, arm extended, hand behind your head and ankles crossed.
2. Raise legs and squeeze your oblique at the top. Lower legs and repeat
10-15 Repetitions

Move: Hip Dip 
1. Start in low plank position on your forearms
2. Tilt your torso to the right, lowering your hip down until hovering slightly above the mat
3. Return to plank position and repeat on the other side.
10 Repetitions on each side

Move: Starship 
1. Start on your palm (to modify: start on forearm) legs stacked, top knee slightly bent
2. Tap the top knee to the mat, keeping your hips up, balancing.    Careful not to put any weight on your knee
3. Bring knee up to starting position
4. Extend top leg
5. Bend knee back to starting position and repeat.
10 Repetitions and switch sides.

Let me know how it goes for you and thank you Bella for contributing!  If you're in Houston, check out the classes Bella Body Fitness offers here.

UPDATE FROM BELLA FOR ALL OF THE HOUSTON GALS: Veronika's readers, I'd like to give you a week of free classes at my studio! Just email me and say you saw this workout on Veronika's blog. If you have any questions about any of these exercises or would like me to create a workout for your trouble zones, email me at Bella@BellaBodyFit.com. Your feedback is always welcome!

xo.Bella

A Sweater (In September)

Thought I absolutely love it, I felt weird about wearing my polka dot Tippi sweater because it was still so hot here. But it's so freezing in my office that I decided to go for it this Friday.

Sweater- J.Crew (buy it here)

Skirt- J.Crew (buy it here)

Belt- J.Crew (similar)

Shoes- Nine West (buy them here)

Necklace- c/o Stella & Dot (similar)

Happy Friday!  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend :)

The Navy Pencil Dress

Every time I take photos outdoors, I'm reminded by how much better they look. I'm contemplating stationing my tripod at the front door so I can quickly bring it outside, snap some shots and tuck it back into the house. I'll try it next week and if it's feasible.

This navy blue dress is one of my favorite, classic pieces. The best part is that my friend Kari gave it to me so I think of her each time I wear it!

Dress- Banana Republic (similar, similar, pretty peplum version)

Blazer- Artizia (similar)

Belt- J.Crew (similar)

Shoes- Nine West (buy them here)

Necklace- c/o groopdealz.com

Have a great night!

Polka Dot Parade

I just can't get enough of polka-dots. Please don't go out of style ever.  The pattern is versatile and feminine without being too child-like. It's perfect.

Blouse- GAP (buy it here)

Skirt- J.Crew (similar, similar)

Blazer- Aritzia (similar, similar)

Shoes- Nine West (similar)

Necklace- Banana Republic (love this!)

What's YOUR favorite print? Happy Wednesday!