Date Night Look Details

"I enjoy getting gussied up for an event or date night." - Olivia Wilde

I love picking out the perfect look for date night! G and I take this special time very seriously, and really make it a high priority to spend quality time together. We will spend time at home, and cook a meal together, but some of our favorite moments are going out and doing something super fun! One of the greatest advice we received during our engagement was, "Never stop dating each other." So, with those words of wisdom, we plan a few date nights each week, and make it an effort to consistently communicate.

Today, I am sharing my date night look details, and some of my favorite items to wear.

The Dress

I'm a sucker for a little black dress (LBD). I think it's the absolute perfect item for a woman to wear. Also, I like to dress it up with bold accessories!

The Fragrance

As you guys know, I love perfume! Picking out my date night scent is so much fun. I will wear certain fragrances on special events, and switch it up sometimes.

The Accessories

For date night, I typically go with a smaller bag - just enough to hold my phone, lip gloss, and card case. Also, the shoes are key, and heels are my go-to for a nice dinner out. I love dressing up my look with hoop earrings and a dainty bracelet or necklace - these pieces really pull the outfit together.

The Look

I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup and hardly ever wear it. Yet, I do love a great lip color and it's a perfect compliment to this look. Also, I love find a bold nail color, and typically gravitate towards reds or soft pinks for a little pop!

What are some ways you dress up your date night look?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Wardrobe Essentials

"Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something you're going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs." - Edith Head

I'm always on the hunt for finding functional and great looking pieces for my closet. There are several items that I make sure are kept in my wardrobe. I love shopping at my favorite stores and finding inspiration for new looks. Also, some of the items I own are vintage pieces that were handed down by several women in my family.

Today, I'm sharing my top picks and wonderful items that I keep in my closet!

Clothes

• Denim | I love a great pair of jeans! Levi's and White House Black Market denim typically work best for my curvy frame. Not only is the quality amazing, but they are very affordable and last forever.
• Knit Sweater | This is a fall and winter staple for me. I enjoy throwing on a nice knit and chunky sweater, especially in the evening.
• Classic Tee | T-shirts are perfect for layering or running around the town doing a few errands. Tees can be used to dress up or down any look!
• Button-Down Shirt | This classic staple is perfect for the work day, it's very comfortable and chic!
• Ankle Pant | These pants are perfect to wear with flats or heels! Ankle pants are my go-to for the work day.
• Fit & Flare Dress | I have a hour-glass shape, and this dress is a perfect compliment to my frame. This dress is great for work or date night!

Shoes

• Flats | Personally, I love the perfect pair of flats. The style is great with jeans, pants, and skirts!
• Sandals | I absolutely adore a fun and cute sandal. They can dress up a look and are ideal for warm weather!
• Booties | Ankle booties are my new fave! They are so soft and comfortable.
• Boots | I have pretty big calves - from running and working out. It is super hard for me to find a stylish boot to fit my legs. These boots are comfortable and so wonderful!
• Heels | They are perfect for the office and a night on the town! I always try to find heels that are comfortable and can go with any outfit.

Accessories

• Purse | Purses are my weakness. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect bag. I have a purse to this and it fits all of my essentials!
• Belt | It is absolutely key to have a nice belt. I typically have belts that are black and brown, just to make sure options are available. 
• Faux Fur Scarf | This is one of my fave pieces. On a cool night this is perfect to have! It is such a fun item and wonderful addition to my closet.
• Watch | I truly enjoy this watch. The mixed metal tones, make it very versatile and easy to wear. Also, it is lightweight and so comfortable to wear.
• Ring | A statement ring is an absolute must. I have a lovely blue sapphire ring that I wear almost daily. It is one of my most treasured items.

What are a few of your closet staples?

XO, Analise

Shine Bright

Shine bright like a diamond ...

I have a few pieces of precious jewelry, that I'm always making sure are taken care of properly.  When I was a little girl my parents gifted me a pair gorgeous gold hoop earrings, and I took so much pride in keeping them safe. Over the years I was gifted jewelry, and purchased some amazing pieces myself as I got older. Yet, my engagement ring was one that was super memorable, and of course the most expensive thing I've worn on a daily basis. When I received my engagement ring from G, I knew I'd had to take care of this gorgeous piece! Below are some ways I take care of my delicate and precious jewelry to ensure that they always shine bright.

• Do not shower in your jewelry. This one is a biggie. I use soaps that exfoliate my skin, and those little beads can be in a killer on your jewelry! I do not shower in any of my earrings, or jewelry. Also, I am always super paranoid that something may go down the drain!
• Try not to apply any lotions, oils, or creams while wearing your rings. I'll never forget the time that I forgot to take off my rings, and my lotion got all in the nooks and crannies. It was a pain getting that lotion out, and it also create a haze over your jewels or stones. So, be safe and take off your rings when applying any lotions or creams.
• Remove your rings before you cook. You definitely do not want food particles stuck in your rings. Also, if you are using utensils and lifting pots and pans, be cautious to not bang up your rings in the process. Often times, I place my rings in a holder while I'm cooking up some goodies in the kitchen.
• Take off any jewelry when you go to sleep and put it in a safe place. I keep a ring holder on my nightstand, and are the last thing I take off before bed. Also, my father gifted me a 4 foot tall jewelry stand a few years ago, and it's one of my favorite items. It's perfect because it keeps all of my jewelry together and safe. I keep everything in there - bracelets, watches, earrings, etc., and it is stored securely.
• Make an appointment with a local jewelry shop, or where you purchased your item to have it cleaned and inspected regularly. My jeweler recommends that I come into the shop about 4 times a year (once a quarter), to have my ring inspected and cleaned. They check for loose stones, and ensure that the ring is secure and good to go! G will receive an email notification when it is time for me to get my rings inspection. Also, my jeweler will clean any of my items for free as long as I bring them in with my engagement ring and wedding band!

** Pro Tip: Can't make it to jeweler regularly? You can use white toothpaste, hot water, and a toothbrush to clean your jewelry! Or you can sub out the toothpaste, and use dishwashing liquid (AJAX or Dawn) and hot water. Works like a charm! Also, there is the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick Jewelry Cleaner and it is pretty amazing! You can even carry it on the go! :)

What are some ways you take care of your jewelry? 

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography