Beach Babe.

I'M BACKKKK.

 

Life has finally settled down a bit and I'm so ready to get back to my blog. I have missed all of you and I hope you missed me, maybe even just a little. 

Although its three days away from the first day of summer, the heat has been overwhelming here in Colorado and I'm actually quite enjoying it. I've always liked warm weather over cold but when it's been hitting 95 degrees, there is nothing I wouldn't do to get my booty to a beach. Unfortunately, that's where living in a landlocked state is not ideal. No beaches, no ocean, so the pool will have to suffice, which is where I've spent plenty of time. 

I came across this editorial this morning and knew it was the first post I wanted to do coming back. If this editorial doesn't say summer, I'm not sure what does. I absolutely love the boy-ish yet kind of sexy looks. Pairing a loose t-shirt with high-waisted swim shorts, amaze. Leather ball caps and reflective sunnies, so chic. Oh, and don't forget a Chanel surf board to top it all off.

 

Refugee.

As the snow softly lays on the ground, I can officially bid this Indian summer farewell. Although I thought I was ready to let it go, I'm going to miss the warm breeze and the beautiful changing leaves. Now, my final goodbye is set with this stunning photo shoot I found over on the Ben Trovato Blog (never one to disappoint). The location, the clothes, the styling, so natural and minimal with some dark undertones. Stunning, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Now and Later: The Black Leather Pencil Skirt.

I can very confidently say us women absolutely love transitional pieces. The glammed up staples that every lady needs in her wardrobe that will work just as great in summer as it will in the fall with some revamping. In my opinion the most important factor is...? The color. Going neutral is the best way to ensure that this piece will go with anything in your closet. My preferred is obviously black because not only can it go from season to season but from day to night as well. 

I am a huge fan of leather. It is ridiculous how many leather jackets I have accumulated in my closet so I was excited to see a trend of leather skirts going on. Worn correctly, a leather pencil skirt can look very sophisticated with the perfect amount of edge. Be very very cautious though because it can easily turn into "sexy secretary" territory if worn with the wrong pieces. So unless it's a tacky joke or your next Halloween costume, steer clear from any styling that you even have the slightest questioning that it might turn you into this. 

First, here are some ideas on how to wear the black leather pencil skirt right now...

Simple tops make the leather skirt perfect for day time. Throw on a silk cami and some colorful heels and you have a really great outfit for a night out. 

Now, to transition it later for when the temperature starts cooling down...

Lots of layers and this skirt is great for Fall. The more the temperature drops, I say the more layers you add. Undershirts and tights work great against the leather and for a night out, don't count out your silk cami. Just add a heavy wool coat and some booties. Another option? A plunging v-neck cashmere sweater, closed toe dark colored heels, and the perfect red lips. BAM. Hello hot stuff. 

Work hard, play hard.

Summer has really treated me well so far. I have enjoyed being able to do activities that I don't usually have time for. I've picked up some new books and caught up on old ones (just finished the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, such a great book, can't believe it took me so long to read it!). Well for how much time I seem to have, it's crazy how quickly it seems to slip away. The date is already July 17th and I can't believe that I will be headed back to school in 6 weeks! Where has the time gone? I still haven't cooked recipes that I have stored in my notebooks since last Fall semester or taken pictures that I told myself I would do. Ah!!! However, I have spent so much quality time with my good friends and family that those things have been put to the back burner as of now but I hope to make time for them soon because my check list is getting a little bit too long!

Hope you all are having a great summer so far, I know I have even though I need to remind myself to enjoy every minute in the moment and not always be planning ahead. I guess it's something that I need to work on since my ocd tends to be on overload most the time. *Sigh* C'est la vie. 

XX

M.E.

(PH: tumblr)

INSTA-vacation.

I apologize for my lack of updates! I have been on vacation in Hawaii for the past week and still have a little while to go. It's been such a great time just relaxing with a good book on the beach or poolside. This seriously has been the only summer that I decided not to take college courses and it feels so good to not have any obligations. Oh, and probably the greatest part of my summer is that I finally get to read books that aren't school related, so thrilled! Hope everyone is having a fantastic summer so far and I'm hoping to get a couple more updates in before I head back home. 

XX

M.E.

(PH via my Instagram - @mindy_erazo)

Want. Need. Must Have.

Dear Santa, 

I know Christmas is more than 6 months away but I would do anything to have this handbag in my possession. I know you can make some calls to Phillip Lim. k? Much appreciated!

Please oh PLEASE! 

Love forever and always....( and yes, I would like it in pastel)!

XX

M.E.

 (PH: via M'oda O'perandi; Shop Here)

Wardrobe Essential: The Linen Shirt.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

THE LINEN SHIRT. A really great wardrobe essential for the summer time. Linen material is fantastic for hot weather because it's breathable and light weight. Perfect to wear with a pair of jean shorts or white skinny jeans. Formal enough to wear out and about or to use as a cover up top at the beach. I love the colorful choices from J•Crew but nothing can compete with a classic white long sleeve top with the sleeves rolled up. So perfect!

Here are some other great options from MATTEO and Ralph Lauren. 

I have some really great linen pants that are my go to for a casual summer look but I'm definitely trying to invest in a white linen top. What do you think of the linen look?

XX

M.E.

(PH: tumblr; M.E.)

Surfs up.

Can't say I have any knowledge what-so-ever on surfing or surfboards but if someone handed me one of these bad boys, I wouldn't hesitate. Possibly adding a shriek of excitement. I mean, double Cs in black and white out in the ocean? What will they come up with next!

XX
M.E.

(PH: umblr, Tommy Ton, google. Edt: M.E.)

Essentials: Beach Day.

 Whether you are headed to Saint Tropez or staying stateside in Cali, the beach is where we all want to be. I absolutely LOVE being on the beach and near the ocean. Unfortunately while everyone is currently on Spring Break and mostly at the beach right now, I got stuck here in Boulder doing mad amounts of studying for a midterm I have next week. (Thanks Professor Albert!) Regardless, the sun and sand are still on my mind so I wanted to share some great essentials for your next vaycay, beach side. 

First off, you can never have too many swimsuits. I love these two because they are super feminine and flirty. The one piece is Miu-Miu in a light pink and the two piece is Chloé. I love the scalloped edges on the Chloé swimsuit and it's a great size for tanning. 

Next, bring a pretty cover-up for when you want to head for a lunch somewhere in between coats of sunscreen. I'm a huge fan of prints when it comes to beachwear so of course I have to lean towards the queen of all prints, Diane Von Furstenburg. This blue print beach dress is great for just slipping on. I love the long-in-back, short-in-front design. It's also pretty versatile, you can dress it up if you add a nice leather belt around and tie it in a bow.

Minimale Animale.

Talk about super scandy.  

It's that time of year again. When we shed our winter clothes and everyone is itching to frolic on the beach and turn our pasty white skin golden. Of course, you need the perfect swimsuit to do so. Minimale Animale Swimwear makes beautiful swimwear in provocative silhouettes. Sexy and edgy, a perfect combination of both.