Sequin Dress.

I'm a big advocate of sequins-- especially during the holidays!

Of course by "holidays" I mean anytime between November and March. ;)  

But, a dress covered in gold sequins? I die!

I've already gotten a couple of wears out of this gorgeous Catch Bliss sequin dress*. 

I may even pull it out for New Year's Eve!

*This dress also comes in blue and red!

Sequin dress c/o Catch Bliss Boutique (exact)
Red blazer- Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Faux fur stole- Forever 21 | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Black & gold belt | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Bow pumps- Shoe Dazzle | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4
Rhinestone watch- Fossil | Similar 1, 2, 3, 4

Blue Maxi.



When J and I got married exactly five years ago (tomorrow!), many of our friends and family members had either already tied the knot or were in the process of planning their upcoming nuptials. But, after our wedding, there seemed to be a relative lull in wedding celebrations (which had quickly been replaced by baby showers). 
The wedding hiatus came to a screeching halt this past year when we received not one, not two, but SIX wedding invitations for the summer of 2015--four of which were going to be held out of state (Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, and California). So, after we got through the initial chaos of planning out vacation hours, plane tickets and hotel rooms, we put on our dancing shoes and decided that we would spend the next few months burning up dance floors and teaching the youngins how it's really done. Because, as my favorite Colombian blonde once proclaimed: these hips don't lie. ;)

Since posting the above pic on Instagram (from our Colorado trip/wedding), a number of people requested outfit details. Given that I had just bought the dress from Macy's a week or two prior, I thought that I would be able to easily find it online and share the link with you. But, the dress turned out to be my unicorn.
I couldn't find the exact dress anywhere, even when I searched for it by brand name. So, I did the next best thing and put together a few lists of similar dresses and accessories that I love just as much as the ones that I wore to the wedding. For those looking to purchase this exact dress, I suggest hitting up your nearest Macy's.
It might be hiding out in the clearance section!

||Blue Maxi Dresses||

||Black & Gold Belts||

||Chunky Gold Necklaces||

||Gold Cuffs||

||Purses/Clutches||

||Black Pumps||

Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane Boutique Exclusive Look: Summer Weddings.

Every summer, hubs and I have at least a handful of weddings to attend.  And each time a wedding rolls around I find myself asking the same question: "What the heck should I wear?!" 
There are so many suggested 'dos' and 'don'ts' when it comes to wedding attire.  Don't wear white. Or cream. Or anything light. Don't wear red! Don't wear black, it's not a funeral.  So, part of the reason that I'm always a little flustered with what to wear is because I feel somewhat restricted on what is appropriate.  Because the last thing that you want to do is wear something that the bride finds offensive.  It is her biggest day, after all.  
So, what's a girl to do?? Wear something somewhat neutral, but with a flare!  My favorite 'wedding attire' lately has been a dress in a neutral color.  But, one that has something that *pops* and catches the eye.  This way, you're playing it safe, but you're also having fun with your look.  A perfect example of this concept is this absolutely fabulous dress (and oh so pretty jewels) from Avery Lane Boutique-- handpicked by yours truly!  The gorgeous "Midnight Memories" dress and the "Frost Me" bracelet and earrings are this month's Hello Gorgeous/Avery Lane exclusive look-- and all of the pieces can be purchased right here!      

I wore this ensemble to a friend's wedding last week and the dress and jewelry were a huge hit!  And I just have to say, the bottom of this dress is incredible and so faboosh!  This look will leave you feeling appropriate, perfectly polished, and beyond fabulous!

"Midnight Memories" dress, "Frost Me" bracelet & earrings c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Silver open-toe pumps (Exact old; Love these options here, here, & here)

"Midnight Memories" dress, "Frost Me" bracelet & earrings c/o Avery Lane Boutique (Exact here)//
Silver open-toe pumps (Exact old; Love these options here, here, & here)

coral crush.

I wore this beauty c/o the super cute Sugar Love Boutique to a wedding this past weekend and I couldn't have been happier with my outfit choice.

I fell in love with the Lily dress the second I put it on.  How could I not?  The color is to die for and just look at the detail on the back of the dress!  And I'd be lying if I said I didn't cause a ruckus on the dance floor with that swooshy hi-lo skirt. ;)

And there's more where this pretty dress came from.  To get your own and peep the rest of their pieces check out the fab Sugar Love Boutique and use

coupon code "HELLOGORGEOUS" for 30% off!

work hard, play hard.

Hey, Loves!  Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

I'm spending my long weekend relaxing, shopping for home decor, and seeing a couple of movies I've been wanting to see for a while.  (I saw The Great Gatsby today and loved it!)

What are you guys doing this weekend?

Enjoy it!

F21 striped sweater, Charlotte Russe boyfriend jeans, Target Mossimo Ona flats, Cynthia Rowley shades via TJMAXX 

F21 Sheer Contrast Trim Shirt, F21 faux leather skirt, BCBG pumps, Chanel quilted  classic flap bag

F21 Studded Tweed Jacket (in cream/gold), Express Ombre Metallic Crochet Tank, LOFT Boyfriend Jeans (in very vintage blue), F21 Geo Cutout Cuff, heels via Kohl's

F21 Studded Tweed Jacket (in cream/gold), Express Ombre Metallic Crochet Tank, LOFT Boyfriend Jeans (in very vintage blue), F21 Geo Cutout Cuff, heels via Kohl's

F21 polka dot top, Banana Republic pants, F21 pearl necklace, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in red), NY&CO watch 

F21 polka dot top, Banana Republic pants, F21 pearl necklace, Target Mossimo Pearce Pumps (in red), NY&CO watch

Top via JCP, LOFT skirt, necklace via Burlington, heels via Kohl's, F21 Geo Cutout Cuff

Top via JCP, LOFT skirt, necklace via Burlington, heels via Kohl's, F21 Geo Cutout Cuff

LOFT top, F21 skirt, F21 Geo Cutout Cuff, F21 Dimpled Geo Necklace, Jessica Simpson pumps

LOFT top, F21 skirt, F21 Geo Cutout Cuff, F21 Dimpled Geo Necklace, Jessica Simpson pumps

life in pictures: the Persian new year!

Hey, Loves!

In my last post I mentioned that my parents were visiting.  What I didn't mention was that this week is also the Persian new year!  The Persian new year (called "Norouz") takes place on the turn of the Spring Equinox and usually falls on March 20th or 21st.  It's a wonderful 13 day celebration filled with family, food, dancing, and lots of eating!  

Every year we go to a Norouz party in the area and celebrate.  This year our celebration was taken to a new level since my parents were here.  Party people in the house--I'm telling you! ;)  

So, to everyone celebrating Norouz, happy new year!  

And to everyone else, happy Spring!

 Dress: Cache'

Pumps: Prabal Gurung for Target Nolita Print Pump

    

"date night", lately.

I love occasions that allow me to dress up and put together fun ensembles.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm loving jackets lately?

;)

Express jacket & belt,  vintage leather pencil skirt via eBay, F21 faux fur scarf, BCBG pumps 

Express jacket & belt,  vintage leather pencil skirt via eBay, F21 faux fur scarf, BCBG pumps, earrings & cuff via Francesca's

Old Navy Women's Roll-Cuff Blouse (in fuchsia), H&M peplum jacket, vintage leather pencil skirt via eBay, Candie's fuchsia leopard print pumps via Kohls, zebra print bib necklace via Charlotte Russe

Old Navy Women's Roll-Cuff Blouse (in fuchsia), H&M peplum jacket, vintage leather pencil skirt via eBay, Candie's fuchsia leopard print pumps via Kohls, zebra print bib necklace via Charlotte Russe

LOFT jacket, F21 skirt, BCBG pumps, Chanel quilted classic flap bag

fearless fashion.

My favorite thing about fashion is that you can change your outfit to reflect your mood or your style for that day.  Playing with clothes should be just that-- FUN!  Even if later on you end up realizing that your outfit looks ridiculous, who cares?!  You can wear a different one tomorrow.  Plus, unless you mess up, you won't learn what works and what doesn't.

Be fearless--Mix it up! ;)

  

Express button-up layered under H&M peplum shell, Express pencil skirt, belt via Francesca's, NY&CO watch, gifted pearl bracelet, Jessica Simpson pumps

Blouse via TJMAXX (in cream), Target Mossimo Ankle Stretch Pant (in pink), belt via Francesca's, Jessica Simpson pumps, bubble necklace via eBay

JCrew Corduroy pencil skirt (in moss green), Old Navy Button Front Stretch Cardi (in black), Etienne Aigner Chip riding boots (in Banana Bread), gifted leopard print scarf, watch via Kohl's  

H&M button-up (in blue), Old Navy sequin tank, H&M peplum jacket (in black), The Limited Exact Stretch skinny pants (in black), Etienne Aigner Chip riding boots (in Banana Bread), watch via Target  

H&M button-up (in blue), Old Navy sequin tank, H&M peplum jacket (in black), The Limited Exact Stretch skinny pants (in black), Etienne Aigner Chip riding boots (in Banana Bread), watch via Target 

Old Navy chambray shirt, F21 polka dot sweater, The Limited Exact Stretch skinny pants (in black), Etienne Aigner Chip riding boots, F21 necklace, NY&CO watch

LOFT jacket, F21 skirt, BCBG pumps, Chanel quilted classic flap bag

double peplum.

I've had several e-mails about posting date night outfits.  So, here you go, Loves!

My best advice is to wear something that you'll feel sexy in.  Structured jackets, interesting tops, and unique jewelry are your best bets.  Oh, and the sky high pumps!

Vavavoom! 

__________________________

Sequin Top: JCP

Peplum Jacket: H&M

Peplum Skirt: F21

Shoes: BCBG
Bag: Chanel classic quilted flap bag

Bib Necklace: F21

Bracelet: Francesca's