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Happy New Year + Polka Dot NYE Look

December 31, 2016

Hello, loves!
This year of ups and downs (a lot more downs as of late), is coming to a close, and I for one, am looking forward to what the new year brings. This is, of course, the time to start making resolutions and personal promises about being more healthy and spending wisely, etc… I’ve heard two schools of thought on resolutions. One is that you shouldn’t be waiting for a certain time to make positive changes, why not start today! Another is that the new year is a great starting point for a clean slate. Personally, I’m somewhere in the middle. I think that if you want to start a workout routine or financial restrictions, you should dive in as soon as you have a game plan, not wait until Monday or the beginning of the month (or year). At the same time, there is something restorative about a new year beginning. It’s a chance to definitively draw a line and say “this is where I’m starting over.” A deadline to finish up with things you don’t want following you in to a new year, like toxic relationships, unhealthy habits and so on.
For some reason, it really does feel “easier” to maintain a resolution when you’ve told someone what you’re hoping to accomplish. For that reason, I’m sharing a few of the things that I hope to start/maintain/back away slowly from..
I’d like to renew my commitment to practicing yoga. I sustained an injury to my knee about two months ago and had to stop going to my favorite yoga class because of this. I’m almost healed, so I’m striving to attend at least two classes a week. I also love to run, but I find myself making excuses to not wake up (suuuuper early, like 4:30), to get outside and just go. An extra glass of red wine the night before is usually the main culprit, haha! Which brings us to…
A two drink maximum at home and socially. I can hear Patti Stanger in my head when typing that, but it actually makes a lot of sense. It’s hard to interact with intention, not to mention, remember half the night, when over-imbibing. I like to wake up and think back fondly to hanging out with friends, celebrating a birthday, or spending some time with my honey at home, not feel the lasting sting of a hangover. Looking back over the past year, I’ve had a couple of nights where I took it a few too far, and my head paid the price the next day.
As far as relationships go, I’ve been with the love of my life for almost 4 years now, and I think we’re in a pretty great place. I would like to work on communication more, because I think it’s something that can always use improvement, but I’m looking forward to all of the fun things we’ll do together in 2017.
I’m not going to make a blanket statement about dieting, because if there’s one thing I will never deprive myself of, it’s food. I would like to be more attentive to how many starchy foods I’m taking in, and also recognizing when my hunger is actually a cry for liquids. I think I confuse the two quite frequently, so pouring a glass of water before eating a snack seems to be a good solution.
I’d love to hear.. What are your resolutions? What do you think of making them?

Side note, this was one of my favorite shoots to date, featuring this DIVINE polka dot dress from Maggy London. It’s called the Abigail Flare, if you look for it! I couldn’t decide which to cut, so you’re getting more shots than usual, I hope you enjoy! 😀

Dress c/o Maggy London // Bag / vintage // Heels / SJP // Geometric ring / Slate from Rocksbox (purchased) // bracelet / Wilson’s Jewelers // Midi & other gold ring / Forever 21 // Necklace / LA find // Sunnies/ Amazon

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

This post is sponsored by Maggy London. Items in this post were provided to me for reviewing purposes. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

How to Dress for Holiday Parties Without Freezing

November 30, 2016

Hello, loves!
Well, typical Southern California, we skipped fall and headed straight on in to winter! Mark and I just returned from the East coast, visiting family, and I thought we would be coming back to moderate temps and sunshine! The temps are actually about the same, but it just feels so much colder here today. With all of the festive events coming up, I wanted to share a couple of tips on how to dress for holiday parties without freezing, because of course we all want to look cute (and/or sexy), but also don’t want to be distracted by how cold we are!

First and foremost, consider outerwear. I flash to any of the wintery episodes of Gossip Girl for inspiration. Some of their coats and jackets were more bedazzled than the dresses underneath! I love this idea, because some places you’ll end up will require you actually keep your outerwear on, so why not treat everyone to some extra glitz? Another idea is to add a lovely cluster of brooches to the lapel of a simpler coat to give it a sparkle boost. If the climate is more moderate, opt for a cape, like I did here, to create interesting lines and still show off some of your outfit underneath.

Your bottom half.. No, I’m not suggesting wearing pants for all of your holiday festivities, but a nice pair of thick, opaque tights under a dress or skirt can really help shield you from the bitter cold. If you’re rocking a solid colored dress, consider patterned tights for an unexpected take.

For footwear, heels are lovely, and I still prefer them because they make me feel more “dressed-up”, but a classic pair of heeled knee-high boots or sleek ankle booties are another great way to add warmth and coverage. Just make sure you don’t wear a pair that’s scuffed/too plain or it makes the overall look much more casual. And please, for the love of everything, no UGGS.

Lastly, I love a pashmina or fringe scarf for keeping the heat in around your neck and shoulders. It’s something you can keep on after taking your jacket off that doesn’t look too bundled up, and I LOVE a bold pair of dangly earrings against an artfully folded scarf.

Check out how I’ve styled the gorgeous Vivian Sheath Dress from London Times, and see what other lovely new dresses they’re offering for this holiday party season.

Dress c/o London Times
Shot by Holli Zenko Photography

This post is sponsored by London Times. Items contained in this post were provided to me for reviewing purposes. This post also contains affiliate links and clicking on them or purchasing items through them may provide me with a small commission. This is part of what helps keep Dressed for Time going.

Dressing for Thanksgiving with Rent the Runway

November 26, 2016

Hello, loves!
My favorite family holiday has always been Thanksgiving, and I’m beyond excited that Mark and I are currently visiting family back east this year. I really don’t have to worry about the finicky “fall” weather, because I knew what we were getting in to.. Cold, chilly, and occasionally wet. As a southern California girl, my closet isn’t exactly brimming with puffer jackets and snow boots, but that’s why I’ve become a master of layering. Getting back to the main event, Thanksgiving dinner also happens to be one of my favorite events to dress for. It’s meant to be fancy, without being fussy. Dressing up with family and friends, not to impress, but to express how festive the occasion is.
I don’t have a large family, which makes me ever more grateful, and thankful, that Mark’s family has taken me in as one of their own. There are several like-minded fashion ladies in the bunch, and it’s always fun to see how they’ve styled themselves! Last year, I wore a flirty little lace and satin dress from Erin Fetherston to dinner, borrowed from Rent the Runway. I’ve been using their services for a couple of years now, and am frequently stunned at their vast selection of dresses and accessories and fantastic customer service. If a dress doesn’t fit, call them and they’ll send out a replacement. The dress you ordered was damaged by the last person who wore it? They’ll let you select another, free of charge, and even help you find the perfect alternative.
Rent the Runway asked me to style and share a few looks that I would wear to Thanksgiving dinner, and I had so much fun putting them together. I’ve linked to the exact dresses I’m wearing, feel free to check them out, and let me know.. Have you used Rent the Runway before? What did you think of the service?
I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

Dress / Indigo Coraline from Shoshanna c/o Rent the Runway // Camel coat / vintage Pendelton // Clutch / vintage // Heels / Nine West

A fancier take on Thanksgiving festivities for sure, this dress is flattering and leaves room for seconds (or thirds) and is a classy option for wearing to a family dinner.

Dress / Elliatt Black Verve Dress c/o Rent the Runway // Cardigan & booties / Forever 21 // Necklace & Bag / vintage

I love the idea of taking a fancier cocktail dress and making it more casual, while adding a bit of warmth at the same time. This LBD would also look great with a little moto jacket or lightweight trench thrown over it. This is a perfect look for Friendsgiving.
From my family to yours, happy belated Thanksgiving!! I hope it was a fantastic time, spent with loved ones and enjoying yummy food!

This post is brought to you in partnership with Rent the Runway.
Contained in this post are affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing items through these links may compensate me with a small commission. This is part of what helps keep Dressed for Time going. I would never recommend brands or products I don’t personally love!