The Niktionary: April 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Doctor, Doctor

In high school I worked for a photographer who was the most sought after photographer for senior pictures. It was the best job, mostly because she was such a great boss. So when I started my blog, I reached back out to her to see if she would be interested in taking some photos for me and she was more than willing! I forgot how much fun it was to work with her, and she is so talented. So high schoolers in the Phoenix area... make your appointment with Lisa J Carter Photography. The best part, is she has a style closet FULL of Free People.

I am obsessed with my Doc Martens. As lame as it may sound, they really make me feel empowered, rather, like Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider. Not mad about it. I suggest all you ladies invest in a pair! I love wearing mine with leggings and high-waisted shorts as well. I'll stress the high-waisted shorts... they'll make your legs look longer. And there's just something about the simplicity and quality of Brandy Melville clothing that really draws my attention. Sadly, I will never walk into a store unless I move to CA. On my bucket list though...

Thank you for reading!

xx,

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Topshop It Off

Wow! I have to say I'm so proud of Nikki for launching her blog. She has wanted this for a long time and I'm happy to be a part of it. I am originally from Wisconsin, but I have lived in sunny Arizona for over 25 years, so I call it home. Due to the warmer climate, Arizona allows for very casual attire, although the social scene makes it perfectly acceptable to dress up any piece as well.

I love these boyfriend jeans as they go well with boots, heels or a pair of Chuck Taylors. They'd look perfect with a graphic tee and to dress it up, throw a blazer on. I'm all about keeping it simple and being able to mix and match what you have in your closet to get several different looks! On this day, Nikki and I were window shopping and having lunch with my husband so these boots by Lauren Conrad were a comfy choice. I am personally more comfortable walking longer distances in a small, chunky heel than a flat shoe.

We are just coming off Easter Sunday, and I hope you all had a very nice holiday spending it with your loved ones. I made dinner and had all the kids over, which is harder to do now as they get older and busy with their own lives. So it is always so much fun when we all get together. I really enjoy all the laughter and "noise" in the house again. It definitely brings back great memories of years gone by.

Until next time.......be happy, be kind, and don't forget to laugh!!!

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Friday, April 18, 2014

Mixing Business with [Print] Pleasure

This is how I like to stay true to my style and personality in a professional workplace. Still appropriate, but still fun. And this outfit totally works for a nice dinner or a night out - nothing is more satisfying that versatility.

Essentially, I got this entire outfit for a steal, except for the sunnies (which were obviously worth retail price). When I found this top and pants at Zara, it was right after Christmas during their way-too-good-to-pass-up sale so they were both reduced and part of last year's collection. Luckily, they typically carry the same style of pants year-round, just in different prints (links above). I found these Schutz pumps on Neiman's Last Call for 75% off before Vegas LDW last year. And I snagged this Vince Camuto clutch for about 70% off at a department store similar to Nordstrom in Dublin, Ireland. All great pieces that can be worn anywhere, anytime, any day.

It's Good Friday and I have the day off! I've already felt so productive - waking up at 6am every morning is a hard habit to break - and a little bit later I'll be off to the mall preparing for a shoot I have later today. I'm excited to see how these pictures will turn out because the location is so beautiful.

So next week, my mom is going to make her first debut on the Niktionary! I'm excited to introduce her, and this segment of the blog, to you. You will love her. I sure do.

Have a happy, family-filled Easter weekend! What are your plans?

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Saturday, April 12, 2014

The Right Chambray

It's finally done. After four months of conceptualizing, designing and refining, this blog is officially finished! And I couldn't be more thankful to Aubrey Kinch of The Kinch Life Designs and The Kinch Life Blog. You have done such a beautiful job!

In short, this blog is my personal style. I like to (well, have to) keep it affordable with that occasional statement piece. I thought it would be fun to include my mom as a monthly contributor so that my readers can share this blog with an older role model in their life, like my mom is for me. Each post will showcase several pieces I love individually, but obsess over when thrown together in one look.

This first one is a "go-to" for me on any weekend outing during the day. This Trouve chambray shirt is perfect for the Arizona heat because it's 100% lyocell. So it's light and cool; you don't get the effects of a cotton or denim material, aka sweat. A ponytail is necessary in AZ for weekend outings as well. And this Free People bag is beyond one of the best items I've purchased in 2014, and there are so many colors to choose from.

Thank you all for being one of the firsts to read my blog! I am so excited about it and really appreciate your support. Happy Saturday!

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