Inspired by: Blush Moto Jackets

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access is here!  I've been scooping up great staple peices!  I'm always inspired by simple, timeless fashion.  I like to find a piece and work a look around that special piece to create multiple looks.  I've created this series to help you put together looks all from pieces on major sale right now at Nordstrom!  

I love a moto style jacket and find them so versatile.  Blush has quickly become  a neutral shade and can be paired well with light or darker tones.  The feminine color mixed with the edgier style of a moto jacket is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy.  I love these two takes on styling a blush pink moto jacket.  

Look one is a monochromatic grey look of grey skinny jeans and chunky grey sweater with a pop of softness in a tan bag and blush jacket.  Pair this look with an animal print flat for unexpected twist. 

Look two is using the feminine color of the jacket with a flirty floral dress like this , this, or this.  underneath.  The structure of the jacket will edge up this look just perfectly! Add a sweet blush pink block heel to finish off the look. This is a great look to take you into Spring as well. 

Off the shoulder ruffled gingham

Gingham is my all time favorite warm weather go to!  It's fresh and flirty!  I love this off the shoulder, ruffled dress by Tobi.  It's flattering silhouette nips in the waist to be oh so feminine.  I paired this easy breezy dress with a wide brimmed sun hat, leather belt, comfy slides and straw bag for a day at the park with some friends. 

Spring Sunday whites

Spring has sprung and nothing gets me more excited that outdoor fun on a sunny day!  I grabbed my favorite new book and something sparkly and planted myself for an afternoon of lounging this weekend. It was heavenly!  

Since our weather has been so nice I decided for a fresh white look for the day.  I paired my new favorite off the shoulder top from Tobi with a crisp white denim skirt.  Topped my look with a hat and off I went. 

I love whites for any occasion.  This Tobi off the shoulder blouse is just the perfect top!  I could pair it with denim cutoffs for a super casual look or  a flow midi skit for something a bit more dressy.  It's so versatile.  

How to pack a capsule wardrobe for vacation

We are off to a couple big trips this year and I am the self proclaimed queen of packing practical and light.  I am a firm believer in a capsule wardrobe and think this premise is super helpful when it comes to packing for a getaway. Let's be real ladies we don't need all the options! Save your sanity and keep it light.  Here is my go to method and some tips and tricks I've found tried and true when it comes to packing with the capsule mindset.

Tips to get you started: 

1.  Plan your itinerary.  Will you be walking all day, everyday? Lounging at the beach? Enjoying dinners out?  What will be filling your days up? 

2.  Check your destination's weather for when you will be there.  Rainy? Don't pack your leather shoes or jackets that aren't waterproof.  Gloomy? Layers will be key.  Windy? Plan on no hats and chic hair situations to not look crazy windblown  Hot? Think loose fitting and light fabrics. 

3.  Check out your destination's color pallet.  This may seem odd but if you dress with the pallet of your location in mind you will always look perfectly chic in every photo.  This will also help you keep on track with a cohesive packing color pallet to allow to mixing and rewearing items. 

4.  This is always something I think about too... I like to eat and enjoy myself on vacation so I purposely avoid tight fitting outfits so I can be as full and comfy as needed.  I may add a belt to cinch in my waist for some shape or a fitted jacket but I keep my outfits loose fitting for the most part for my eating!  

5.  Decide on hair looks.  I wash my hair about once a week so I plan accordingly.  I usually start my trip with fresh hair then plan for hats and accessories like headbands and clips for the rest of the trip so I can avoid traveling with a million styling products.  Dry shampoo is the best and plan for wash and wear styles like cute braids.  If you must, plan on one curling iron to touchup any simple styles.   

I have sort of a fool proof science when it comes to my packing.  I go day by day and pack for the whole day each day at a time so I don't forget something.  I visualize the day from start to finish and pack literally each item as I would envision using it per day. 

With this structure, I rewear a lot of items. I pack two pairs at maximum, one jacket in a neutral color, one pair of sunglasses and one hat. One beach tote that I use as my carry on and one crossbody bag to keep hands free. I also try and pack my swimsuit cover to double as a shawl for chillier evenings. 

This is how my packing would look for a beachy vacation with mulitple different additional outings: 

Swimsuits can be worn under denim shorts, green shirt or sarong for beach days.  Breezy sundresses and rompers for exploring local areas or dinners out.  White blouse and denim cut offs or crisp white jeans for more comfy options.  

Spring J.Crew sale for little girls

You guys know I lose my mind for J.Crew's kids line Crewcuts!!  It's the perfect time to snag some major deals on all things spring for the little ladies.  Use code ZMTWKIP for up to 40 % off!  Just in time for Easter! 

1.  Buffalo check blouse 2.  Chambray ruffle dress, 3.  Pink heart shirt, 4.  Chambray knot jumper,

5.  Distressed skinny overalls, 6.  Navy and blush floral dress 7.  Seersucker ruffle dress,

8.  Pink sunglasses, 9.  Blue striped blouse, 10.  Chambray scalloped bell sleeve dress, 

11.  Tie die one piece, 12.  Blush sparkle sandals

Best Valentine's gift for him or her

Erik and I aren't really big gift givers so Valentine's gifts are really nonexistent most of the time. I always love time together or a simple dinner at home with the girls.   I know Vday is usually splashed with jewelry and flowers. I  have never been  a huge jewelry person and really love simple classic pieces that are timeless and have some meaning.  Now give me some chocolates and we are talking another story.  

 When I came across this Jord watch I fell in love immediately. I planned to give it to my hubby as a little surprise for Vday but the wood watch was just too gorgeous that I stole it for myself.   I loved it's classic frame and nautical feel with the wood frame.  You know I live for that timeless, coastal feel.  The design is so unique yet still feels lux.  The part that stole my heart is the watch personalization option.  I had it enscribed with my favorite verse.  Jeremiah 29: 11.  I know this is a very popular verse but it bears repeating.  "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  So good right?!  I chose this message because I feel like time moves so fast.  We all find ourselves rushing through our time, hurriedly to the next thing on our to do list.  Worrying about having enough time with our babies before they grow older.  Spending quality time wiht our spouses.  My whole life revolves around time and how to best lay it out each day.  Such a silly thing to fret about when God already knows our plans.  He has our whole life planned and all for good.  It's my favorite reminder to relinquish my stress about time and let God take it.  

I feel like this is the perfect gift not only for your spouse but for yourself if you are single!  The styles are unisex and are so versatile.  

Just in time for Valentine's day, I've partnered with Jord to giveaway $100 code towards a Jord watch of your choosing!  

Here are all the details on how to enter!  

Giveaway link: https://www.jordwatches.com/g/lifewithlipstick

The giveaway will close February 9th at 11:59pm. As a reminder, winner receives $100 Coupon Code. All other entrants receive a 10% off Coupon Code. The $100 and 10% off Coupon Codes will expire February 23rd.

Watch Gift Ideas

Best red dresses for Valentine's day

It's time to pick out that perfect red dress for Vday!  I've rounded up all my favorites in all the styles.  We have off the shoulder, frilly lace options and comfy shift dresses. 

Leopard flats

I wear my leopard flats with nearly everything!  They elevate any outfit and add an unexpected element to any look.  Here are some of my favorites! 

Like to Know it-Why You Need To Use It

This week I asked you guys how many of you know what Like to Know it is and how many of you have no clue.  The polls came back 50/50.  Some of you know what it is and use it in different ways and some are missing out the awesomeness of the tool!  I'm here to demystify it all so you can easily find all the fab pieces I am curating ! 

 Let me give the skinny on why you may want to use Like to Know it!  You may already use it, but there are so many ways to maximize your shopping with different Like to Know it tools you may not be familiar with.  

Like to Know It is here to save your life, well not really, but it is definitely here to save you tons time! It is an easy way for you to shop via Instagram. Once registered, you only have to ‘like’ my photos and Like to Know It sends you an email (usually within 5 minutes) with the links to every item I am wearing or showcasing!

1. Go to www.liketoknow.it and watch the tutorial video that pops up (under the sign-up button).

2. Register (takes 2 minutes, and it is completely free)

3. Come to my Instagram and ‘like’ one of my photos. Within 5 minutes you will have an email that has all of the outfit details in it!! It will have pictures of the items that, when clicked on, will send you straight to the store that I got it from to check them out!

4. If someone doesn’t have the exact item they are wearing linked, it is because the store doesn’t work with rewardStyle. You can usually check out their blog and they will have a link there to the exact item!

5. You can also shop directly from the LiketoKnow.It website itself! You can keep track of everything you have liked on Instagram under the ‘My Likes’ tab, that way you never loose the outfit! You can also shop all of your favorite blogger’s posts, but adding their Instagram handle at the end of the URL. For example, you can shop all of my posts here: www.liketoknow.it/LifewithLipstick.

By taking two minutes to register, you will save yourself hours of time! You can also use the app.  

1. Download the Like to Know it app. 

2.  Screenshot any of my images.  The heart symbol is a giveaway that the image is Like to Know it enabled.  Not all enabled images will have the symbol but most will.  

3.  The images you have captured will all be collected in your app for you to shop. 

Boots under $100

Christmas picture outfit inspiration

If you are a "Classic Christmas" fan and love all things green and red for Christmas you may lean towards this timeliness option for your pics.  We did a play on this look last year amongst the trees and it turned out so festive. You could also shoot this look next to your Christmas tree at home.  

Tip: Don't be afraid to introduce sequins and navy blue into your classic feel.  Navy adds some dimension to the traditional red and green and there is nothing more Christmassy than sparkle! 

His: Red Sweater, Plaid Button up shirt, Dress Pants, Dress Shoes

Hers: Drop Earrings, V-neck Sweater, Sequined Skirt, Nude heels

Little lady: Pearl headband, Plaid dress, Glitter flats

Little man: Blazer, White button up, Tan courdory pants, Suede boots

Our 2015 Christmas pictures ore my favorite to date!  We were barefoot and casual.  These pics turned out so dreamy!  I wore a flowy navy blue dress which caught the slight breeze perfectly.  The girls wore soft cream dresses and Peyton topped hers with a faux fur vest.  The added texture and color was unexpected but just right.  I loved our clean pallet that just lent itself perfectly to the coast. 

Tip: Mix and mingle textures in neutral colors for beach shoots.  I always aim for coastal colors when shooting at the beach. Think creams, tan and blues for the perfect soft pallet.  Bright hues tend to detract from the gorgeous coastline.  You want to pop against the waves but organically so. 

His: White button down shirt, Dark denim jeans

Hers: Gold hoop earrings, Blue maxi dress

Little lady: Faux Fur vest, Lace 3/4 sleeve dress

Little man: Chambray button down shirt, Tan corduroy pants

Think crackling fire, snow covered trees and snuggles!  This theme is so fun and totally casual!  Go all out with your plaids, beanies, vests and fur!  All of it works!  

Tip: Classic red and greens are super festive for this sort of theme.  I like to play the outside of the obvious choice and go with neutrals and deep jewel tones.  Layer colors and fabrics to create something interesting and different. 

His: Fur lined denim jacket, Plaid flannel shirt, Khaki pants, Brown leather boots

Hers:Cream fur lined coat, Cream turtleneck sweater, Highwaisted jeans, Tan suede booties

Little Lady: Fur Lined puffer vest, Polka dot blouse, Burgundy skinny jeans, Fur boots

Little Man: Olive green puffer jacket, Cream cowel neck sweater, Jeans, Brown leather boots

Colors of Fall: Burgandy and Olive Green

Fall booties under $150

Our weather has been so gorgeous lately.  It's been crisp in the mornings and a perfect 75 with a breeze in the evenings.  I am dreaming of hot apple cider on a rocking chair on our porch.  Dreamy right?!  I'm starting to slowly bring out my cooler weather pieces in my closet.  I love the way a chic boot can change the whole feel of a look.  Floral dresses paired with suede booties or skinny jeans tucked into slouchy bootie styles.  I'm always partial to a pointed toe style.  I feel like it elongates any leg and keeps the look feeling chic and elevated.  I've collected my favorites for this fall all under $150.  

Summer to Fall transitional outfits

Were we live, summer hangs on for quite some time.  Our summer wardrobes need to stretch a little longer yet have a transitional feel for when nights get cooler.  I have been eyeing some great classic pieces that will get me through summer, the cooler seasons of Fall/Winter and even into spring.  I love all these picks because they can be layered, mixed and mingled or worn separately and work seamlessly together. This is my method of shopping always.  I only like to add pieces into my wardrobe that can be worn at least 3 different ways.  Here I have slightly paired everything in outfit suggestions in each row to help you envision how I saw each piece working as an outfit. 

Look 1: Striped sweater, Navy bow tank, distressed denim

Look 2: Blush sunglasses, rust sweater, white denim shorts, tan strappy sandals

Look 3: Blush trench, White embellished peplum top, distressed denim

Look 4: Beaded earrings, Striped peplum blouse, white skinny jeans, tan loafers

Styling Series: Christina from Hello Blue Photo

My dear friend and Orange County fine art photographer Christina of Hello Blue Photo works with me in the wedding industry. When I say this girl is a girl boss, I mean girl BOSS.  Her work has been featured on top wedding blogs like Style Me Pretty, Grey Likes and Brides along with major print publications like US Weekly, People and Instyle.  

 Our wardrobe for wedding days and meetings with clients has to be fairly specific.  With the work load of a photographer on a wedding day you have to look chic and polished but be able to be on her feet all day, bend, sprint and get all sorts of athletic all while blending in perfectly.  Tricky right?!  When Christina reached out for some advice on work looks I jumped right in!  There is nothing more fun for me than to play dress up with my fab friends.  Christina is a major babe and has a super cool, feminine and boho look.  Very different than mine so I thought picking looks for her would be a super fun challenge.  When we discussed her likes and dislikes, we ruled out form fitting, anything off the shoulder ( not so practical for wedding days) and of course anything overly patterned or white. 

Taking full advantage of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I curated a large selection of dresses, jumpers, jogger pants, shoes and bags to piece together for a closet full of chicness.  

Here are a couple of my favorite pieces that I've created looks around.  I like to aim to create capsule collections so every piece in your closet can be mixed and mingled and worn multiple different ways.  Add a blazer or chic suede moto jacket over any of these looks to change the whole feel of the outfit.  

From left to right: 

Floral Blouse, Black Joggers, Metallic loafers, Navy Blue Jumpsuit, Pom Pom suede flats, Olive Green brocade shift dress, Tan suede sandals, Black floral blouse, Leather leggings, Black bow slides

Here is the whole round up of pieces I curated for Christina.  All can mixed and mingled with each other and paired with heels or clutches to take the look from day to night.  

Nordstrom Anniversary SALE Early Access

It's that time of year! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is the by far the biggest sale of the year!  Thousands of staple pieces, sweaters, boots and coats are all on major mark down!  It's the perfect time to snag all the best Fall and Winter pieces for when the weather cools down.  I love winter dressing!  

All these picks are shopable with your Early Access to the sale.  In order to be able to shop early, you will need a Nordstrom Debit or Credit card. 

I've rounded up all my most favorite pieces for the chicest winter wardrobe!  

Sweaters

Pants

Coats

Shoes

Cozy night in

Fourth of July outfit inspiration

We are headed to Hotel Del Coronado for the Fourth of July!  We love it there and they know how to do the Fourth right!! Coronado Island has a annual Fourth of July parade honoring veterans and those in active duty. Back at the resort they host outdoor movie, smores, crafts and the biggest fireworks show we have ever seen all to music! I rounded up my favorite eats at The Del the last 4th of July we visited for the foodie!  I love dressing for the Fourth!  So festive! I've rounded up all the pieces I plan to sport on our trip!    

Romper, Sunglasses, Bow tank, Red striped one piece, Red ruffled tank, Blue striped one piece, Red ruffled eyelet dress, Blue gingham off the shoulder dress, White denim skirt, Straw tote, Red sandals

4 ways to style collared button ups

I love the classic look of a clean button up!  The sillouette is so flattering and feels so timeless.  Here are 4 ways I love to style a collared button up look.

Shirtdress

This sweet shirtdress is one of my faves!! I've been finding so many fun similar options this spring!  How cute is this dress and this simple white midi option? I also love the ruffles on this one, the sweet bow on this option and the super on trend tie on this striped number

Tied up

Tying up a structured blouse nips in the waist immediately and look so cute with skirts and jeans for both spring and summer!  Just so effortless!  The bow on this chambray top is so cute and I adore the little cactus on this.  

Layered

This trench doubled as a vest here but I love it alone too.  I collared vest is an uber chic topping to make any outfit more interesting. The tan utility dress is so cute, love this luxe white vest and this flowy olive green trench is perfect on top of any sundress. 

Blousy

This easy breezy striped blouse is just so perfect!  I love that it's classic yet still feels casual. I love the little anchors on this blouse , the buffalo check on this one, and the pink stripes on this one are just perfection! 

Spring break must haves

We are headed to Palm Springs again this year for spring break!  I'm so excited to blob it out by the pool under the desert sun!  We typically stay at the Omni Las Palmas but due to not knowing my hubbies schedule we got in on that gig a little late.  So we are changing it up this year and trying out La Quinta Resort and Spa. 

With all the lovely weather ahead of us this spring it was the perfect excuse to pump up my spring essentials.  Enter sundresses, sandals, sunnies and swimsuits.  I mean check out that alliteration!  

Pretty pink must haves

I feel like spring is upon us and I'm obsessing over the sweet blush pink tones floating in! From home decor, swim, sundresses and athleisure you can find me in this cotton candy pink for the next handful of months!   Here are a couple of the prettiest pink must haves I have found for Spring!  

Knit Sweater, Canvas tennis shoes, Hooded jacket, Striped throw blanket, Wall art, Floral swimsuit, Seersucker off the shoulder dress, Coffee is my BFF travel mug, Striped capri workout pants, Cali girl wall art, Nike blush pink sneakers, Woven rug, Flamingo throw pillow