BOWW LOVES (HATES) WEDDING PLANNING

Wedding planning..ahh yes. It is a love hate relationship. Between all the contracts, e-mails, deposits and pinterest pages I sometimes have a hard time enjoying this whole process. I know I should enjoy this because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity but the possibilities are endless. I am just looking forward to when the bigger decisions are finished and I can just relax. With so much inspiration, the entire process has become overwhelming. I take wedding planning breaks whether it be a day, week, or even a month. Well cheers to our marriage and this crazy year, 2015 is going to be a great one! 

BOWW LOVES ZARA COAT

 Top - Similar // Coat - Zara (last year) // Skirt - Similar // Shoes -Similar 

A little outfit action from my brother's birthday dinner last week! Thank goodness it's a short week! I have family and friends coming into town and I'm wedding dress shopping this weekend. It's going to be a great one! Woohooo! xx

BOWW LOVES PORTLAND

Nikes // Leggings // Sweater // Purse

Brace yourself, this is long...

I'm pretty sure the earth started to shake when I was running at the gym today. Yup, you can tell that I had a good time in Portland last weekend.  Portland surprised me because it wasn't what I was expecting. But really, I didn't know what to expect. A bunch of hipsters walking around drinking coffee? ...Okay, ya I saw that. I even saw a whole store just for men's underwear. A WHOLE store?! 

I did a bit of research before we arrived in Portland from friends and other bloggers so I had an idea where we wanted to go. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco which was awesome. The decor is unique, they are pet friendly, and even have a free wine hour (come to mamma). Our hotel also had a free rental bike program which helped us bop around the city. 

If you're in Portland, check these out: 

Vooodoo Doughnuts // This is a must in Portland but be ready to wait in line. Also, there is a homeless shelter near by so there are a lot of homeless people around the shop.

Bijou Cafe // This is located near Voodoo Doughnuts and it is amazing. There will be a wait on the weekends, but its worth it. Fresh ingredients & the best biscuits & gravy I've ever had.... (queue the drool from my mouth)

Imperial // Located in downtown, we stumbled in here for breakfast one day. The corn cakes were so yummy it's silly.

Salt & Straw // All I have to say is that I am very upset that there isn't a location in Arizona. --You need to try this, enough said.

Ace Hotel // Shown in the photos above. A funky boutique hotel that is a must to see. People are lounging drinking their coffee and reading the paper. Also, there is a photobooth located in the lobby of the hotel that is a perfect excuse to take funny photos.

Stumptown Coffee // Portland has great coffee but this is the signature brew that you shouldn't miss. They have locations throughout the city but we stopped by the one right next to the Ace Hotel. 

Zenny & Zuke's // This is located right down the block from the Ace Hotel. We were hangry the morning we stopped by the Ace Hotel and we picked this place on a whim. The fresh ingredients didn't disappoint and I would love to come here again. 

Portland City Grill // This has a great view of the city! We stopped in here Friday afternoon for drinks and appz.

Deschutes Brewery // My dad loves their beer so we were happy to find out that they are located in Portland. Also, their food is pretty tasty and pairs perfectly with their brews.

Yo Vintage // Just one of the cute vintage shops we stumbled upon on Burnside St.

Henry's Tavern // A perfect spot to grab great lunch and watch Sunday football.

Imogene + Willie // Denim lovers haven.

Tanner Goods // Not quite like Jimmy Fallon's leeeattthherman but it's pretty good. ;)

Also, every where we had breakfast was amazzing. I couldn't get over the food...hence the earth shaking when I got back home. I would recommend anyone to head to Portland for a weekend getaway. It's a perfect excuse to eat, drink, and create memories. 

DATE NIGHT

Sweater // Trousers // Clutch // Mules

Brandon and I have been engaged for a month now! Wheww it already flew by! We try to go on at least 1 date a week and that means I need to get my Date Night wardrobe updated. Now that the weather is finnnally cooling down (a little) I've slowly pulled out my sweaters. The red trousers add a pop of romance and you can even wear this at the office straight to happy hour. Also, if ya follow me on insta you can tell that we just went on a date last night. 

Since Halloween is only a few days away, have you decided what you are going to wear? I've changed my mind, ohhhhh about a million times! I think I have my Halloween costume confirmed but if things change I might just reach for my quick/simple costume ideas here. 

Happy hump day boww-utiful babes and thanks for reading. xoox

JOE'S BOOTIES

Booties // Pants // Top- Zara old (similar here)

Provide people with the unexpected. 

SNAKE BOOT & TOOT

Blouse (Zara-old) // Trousers // Booties- (Sam Edelman-last year) Similar booties here & here // Purse - (Coach-old) 

Short booties are going to be my jam this fall. I love that they are comfortable and not bulky for travel. I got these Sam Edelman snakeskin booties at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year but I know I will get use out of them this year. It's always risky picking out statement booties like these, but you'll be surprised with how much they go with. I am looking forward to slowly incorporating my ankle booties back into my wardrobe. Arizona still has over a month until it actually 'cools' down so ankle booties are a perfect happy medium. 

What are you doing to transfer into fall? Spill the beans, please! Ha!

xoxo

RED RED WINE

Tee // Shift Dress // Flats // Jumpsuit // Lips // Bag // Blazer // Trousers 

Red has never been a color I've been drawn too. My skin tone has red and pink tones already in it so I never found red to be a good color on me. However, I am slowly incorporating the color into my wardrobe. It all started with this Asos Jumpsuit. When I saw it online I knew I had to pick it up. The structure and color will be a perfect transition piece into fall. I see myself wearing this at a holiday party or in the office with a blazer. Also, this Burberry cross body is a great accessory to add a bit of red into your wardrobe. 

Talk to ya later, I'll be adding some red into this chicks closet. 

Thanks for stopping by! xox

CONSTRUCTION CHIC

Sweatshirt // Tan Booties // Flannel // Striped Shirt // Tools // Shorts // Neon Booties // Jeans

Construction Chic? Never thought you would hear that did ya?! Welp, for those who don't know, I work at my dad's construction company therefore I have a little bit of experience on what you need to wear while using a hammer. Key word: A little bit. I've never actually worked out in the field with our employees because I'm far too whimpy and I know I couldn't handle it. I give our employees a lot of props for handling the heat, the hours, and providing all the heavy lifting while producing the work. Construction has a big place in my heart because most of my family works in the industry. 

So while I've never actually swung a hammer, poured concrete, or built anything I at least know how to look the part. When I saw these Caterpillar boots I about fell off my chair! Neon pink and orange on a rugged boot, ahhh yes please.  I love when clothing adds different texture or color to an unexpected item, like the contrast between the bright girly colors with a rugged manly boot. Jeffrey Campbell, known for their very understated shoes, has hopped on this construction trend. Slap on these booties, a pair of cut off shorts, a graphic tee, add a flannel around your waist and call it a day. 

So I've heard (because I've never done it...) if you're working outside, especially in the Arizona heat, you should wear long sleeves. Long sleeves keep you cool while you sweat versus wearing that cute little tank top of yours. & I don't want to state the obvious but remember to keep hydrated! 

Your daily style shouldn't stress you out but you can't be afraid to take a few risks! 

Thanks for stopping by and stay boww-utiful! xoxo.

MODERN

Shorts // Top // Sandals  // Shades

How was your weekend? I had a fab time being productive. One of those weekends that just feels so good because you actually get stuff done. It was minor things, like going grocery shopping, cleaning the house, and getting some exercise in but sometimes I need those productive weekends to make the lazy ones taste so much sweeter. 

Lets talk fashion. I love these high wasted Zara shorts. Remember this post? (It is one of my favorites!) The cut of the shorts make my legs look thinner and I'm all about that. Also, it gave me a chance to style this Topshop crop top with it. The top and the bottoms are very structured but they work well together. 

Oh and did you see these Zara shorts are on sale & they have them in Navy. Eekk my fav! 

NAVY BLUE

Heels // Jumpsuit // Blouse // Matching Set // Watch // Bikini // Eyeshadow 

Navy is one of my favorite colors to wear any season.  Navy reminds me of my dad's construction company because that is the color of his logo. The color reminds me of all the work he has done for the company and our family. Navy also represents strength and valor in our American military. I never noticed how much the color meant to me until I just wrote down all the reasons. In fashion, the color is chic and sophisticated but also likes to have a little fun.  Navy is Black's crazy step sister. If you pay attention closely you'll be surprised how many combinations you can do with the color Navy. Just like this eyeshadow palette, you can mix mustard (ahh love this color for fall), green, and silver with navy. As we transition into fall... Okay scratch that. Arizona has at least two more months of heat so I'm not pulling the knit sweaters out anytime soon. However! I still like to get in the spirit of pumpkin spiced lattes and booties. For a smooth, Arizona fall transition, I will be focusing on Navy instead of that boring old black. Get a little crazy, and add a little navy into to your life-- trust me she won't disappoint. 

BUSINESS CASUAL

Shoes // Pants // Blouse // Notebook // Tote

Do you see what is going on in your office? We are no long restricted to pencil skirts or matching pant suites, we are free. Free to mix and match our blazers, free to wear flats without feeling under dressed. 

Let me tell ya a little story... Out of college I worked at an insurance company. I worked in a cube and was on the telephone all day long. The dress was business casual so I stocked up on pencil skirts, blouses, and invested in a pricey pair of black slacks. A few weeks at the new job go by and I realize that I'm way over dressed compared to my coworkers. Yet, I wasn't going to toss all my new clothes just because I didn't really "fit" in. My dad always told me to, "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." If you want to succeed, look like it.

However, the whole experience was liberating because I was no longer constricted to the pencil skirts or black slacks. I mixed up my closet by wearing more casual items with my dressier ones but I never lost that professional look.  

It is a slippery slope, so beware if you're going down this track. I always ask myself, "If I saw a potential client or customer in this outfit, do I present myself well?" If the answer is no, change the outfit. 

What do you wear to work? 
xoxo

BLUES

Pants // Top-Zara -Old // Heels // Necklace - old

Did you miss me? because I missed you. This past week was rough and it seemed like everything was going wrong. I was feeling just a wee bit stressed so it was no surprise that I was drawn to the color blue in my wardrobe. I remixed my blue H&M wide legged trousers and paired them with my boxy Zara top. This outfit works because the bottoms are loose fitted and the top is structured. I could have gone with a blouse again, like I did in this post however I decided to mix things up. 

If you can't tell, Brandon and I like to travel and we are already counting down till our next trip. Next we are headed to Colorado to visit friends and family and to see the Dierks Bentley concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. I heard the venue is amazing so we are pretty excited about it. I also heard there is a beer festival going that weekend and all of sudden I'm not feeling that blue anymore? 

Hope you all have a great week & I'm glad to be back.

xxoo

WACKY WEDNESDAY

Hope my funny faces brighten up your day! 

Task for the day: Make someone smile :) 

xoxo

NEUTRALS

 Top // Shorts // Heels

I wore this for Father's Day Brunch in Newport Beach over the weekend. Stock up on neutral colors such as black, white, and navy to make choosing outfits easy. I guarantee that your morning routine will be easier if your closet is packed with some basics. Also, just like yesterdays post it is easy to mix up neutral prints. If you are intimidated to mix prints, I would start with choosing two black and white prints to work with. 

For awhile I was a person who was afraid to mix silver with gold or black with navy but now I mix basics all the time. Such as these neutral Halogen heels with this Zara top. It reminds me of a L.A.M.B purse my mom had years back. It was black, cream, and brown and at the time I would have never wore black and brown together-yet now I can't get enough. 

xxoo.

STRIPED BLACK AND WHITE

 Dress // Shoes // Sunnies // Purse (Céline)

Howdy there! We are back from California and I'm sad that we have to get back to the grind. I'm super busy at work since I missed just a few days last week...woops! We are headed back to California for 4th of July so I have something to look forward to. I can't believe the 4th is just around the corner--I smell a 4th of July inspired post coming soon... :) 

Lets talk wardrobe. I love this shift dress I picked up from Zara. It is so comfy that I even wore it on the ride home to Arizona from California. I'll admit most of my driving home outfits tend to look a little... "homeless chic" but yesterday I actually pulled myself together. Easy dresses have been my go-to this spring season and they will probably carry me through the summer.  

Also, this Céline bag is my mothers. As much as I would love to admit that this beautiful structured piece is mine...it's not. I'm just waiting until my mom is 'over it' and on to the next one...  :) 

Thanks for reading. xoxo 

FRIDAY FINDS: BLOGUETTES

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Top -- Zara (old) // Shorts-- Target--Similar  // Sandals 

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I am excited to share with you guys my experience at the Bloguettes workshop this week. The 2 day workshop took place at A Bloom Salon in downtown Phoenix (just a few minutes away from my house). It was really cute venue to get our creative juices flowing. The branding workshop applies to both bloggers and business owners to help create a brand through your online presence. My mind is overloaded with all the information they gave us, but it was worth it! The program is heavily based on Photoshop because it is such a powerful tool to help create your brand.  Photoshop will help me edit and create graphics that I wasn't able to do before. This way, I can save both time & money! (woohoo) However! I'm now swamped at my 'real' job trying to catch up from the two days I missed! & I'm missing more time away from work because I leave for Cali for the weekend! Whew--trust me, it was worth taking that time off but I'm now paying for it! 

Some of my fav moments from the last couple of days... 

1 // Lusting over everyone else's outfits (duhh)

2 // Learning tips & tricks in Photoshop

3 // Eating ChopShop everyday 

4 // Goodie Bags 

5 // Making friends & meeting a few that I've Instgramed stalked a few times... (guilty) 

6 // Becoming a part of the Bloguettes community 

I love that these girls are helping build the Phoenix blogging community & I look forward to going to some of their mini events in the future. 

WHITE ON WHITE

Top // Swimsuit Cover // Jeans // Skirt // Eyeliner //  Bag // Heels // Necklace

There is something about the color white. It reminds me of feeling fresh, clean, and dreamy. It also reminds me of your wedding day and all the new beginnings you face. I haven't had a wedding day but I can image how that day will feel! The other day I was shopping with my mom and I couldn't help but gravitate toward the color white. While other times I have been pulled toward pastels or florals for summer I found myself reaching for those fresh whites. 

Okay, I'll admit it...I love the idea of white jeans but they just haven't worked for me. I've purchased them, they look great in the store then when I get home I'm like "uhhhh why did I do that again?!" As much as I would love everything to work on my body type, it just doesn't. If I wanted to try a white pant, I would go for a wide leg trouser and that way my waist appears thinner.  However, if you can pull off the skinny white jeans above--more power to you & I may just be a little jealous. :) 

Also--don't be scared of this white eyeliner above. Trust me... it's a game changer.  I place the eyeliner in my waterline to give my eyes a little pop. You can also use nude eyeliner. I have bad bags underneath my eyes and when I look extra sleepy I put this white eyeliner to use. 

Have a great Thursday! xxoo 

FLARED ROMPER

Romper--Zara // Heels--Similar // Sunnies

Remember this post? I wasn't lying when I said that I loved rompers. They are the perfect summertime outfit. When it reaches 110 degrees it is easy to throw all fashion sense out the window. Trust me, I know--I've seen it and I've done it. However, rompers are the best way to defeat that summer time beat down. Not only are rompers comfortable but they are so simple. If you're lazy..which I'm going to take a guess and suggest that at least SOMETIMES you aren't really feeling IT in the morning. Welp, throw on your summer time romper and I can guarantee you'll start feeling a lot better. 

Today I am going to the 2nd day of the Bloguettes workshop. I am learning a lot from these girls and I am glad I took the leap to go. It took me a while to decide whether or not to go. I can be a very decisive person whether I'm deciding what I'm wearing for the day, what I'm going to eat, or what to do with certain challenges at work. Yet, with this I found it difficult.  Not really sure why I found the decision so challenging because I tend to the find the silver lining in everything. Going forward, I am going to try very hard to make decisions with my gut. If it ends up being the wrong the decision, well, there is always a silver lining (and a cocktail...). :) 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week & if you find that certain things are going wrong in your life...always look at the silver lining. It has been a busy week for me and I'm headed to California this weekend to spend some time with family--I can't wait! Eeek