Summer Style

"It's important to find what really suits who you are, because style isn't only what you wear, it's what you project." - Carolina Herrera

Summer is in full swing - and I'm looking forward to these warm months ahead! During this season I love wearing pops of color and wearing super stylish pieces.

Today, I am sharing my summer must-haves that are in my closet!

Strappy Sandals

When the sun is out, I love wearing sandals! They are the perfect compliment to any outfit. Whether, the shoe has a heel or is flat, they are the summer staple I look forward to wearing around town.

The Perfect Purse

I tend to wear smaller purses in the summer to carry my essentials. Also, I love getting a handbag that has a pop of color or a neat embellishment or design to pair with my outfit. Purses can totally brighten up any look!

Daring Denim

I love jeans, and any time I can pair them with a t-shirt or bodysuit I'm thrilled. I'm loving mom jeans lately, they are so comfortable and have a relaxed feel. Also, jeans that are distressed and have a casual vibe to them are my absolute fave.

Short Shorts

Finding the perfect shorts can be a little bit tricky, but when you find the right one it's perfect! Shorts are the perfect alternative to jeans and dresses. They are ideal for casual weekends, and so easy to dress up or down.

The Ultimate Bodysuit

Bodysuits, are my new favorite thing. It is super important to find the proper fit that flatters you. This is my new summer staple that I'll be rocking on the weekends. Also, they are beyond comfortable!

What are some of your favorite Summer fashion staples? Happy Summer shopping ladies!

XO, Analise

Sunshine

"Putting on a new pair of glasses or sunglasses is a simple way to completely transform your look - just like a new hairstyle." - Brad Goreski

Happy SUNday everyone! The sun is finally shining, and it is the perfect opportunity to get some new shades for the season.

Today I'm sharing some of the key qualities I look for in my sunglasses, as well as my top picks.

1. Price - Shades can get pretty pricey! No matter what style you choose, make sure it is within your budget. It is never okay to have buyer's remorse, and so important to love the item you choose. Personally, I have a few designer frames, and adore them, but I'm all about what looks amazing on my face!
2. Quality - Make sure the shades you are buying will hold up for awhile. I take really good care of my sunnies, and will make sure they are in good care. I store them in their cases, and clean my lenses before and after wearing them. When trying on your sunglasses make sure the material is durable, and that they will last for awhile.
3. Design - It is important to find the sunglasses that fit your face the best. I love trying on a variety of frames to see how they look. It's very important to not buy shades that overpower your face, they must complement you.
4. Fit - Last but not least, ensure that the shades sit comfortably on your nose and ears. There is nothing worse than your ears or nose hurting from your frames! If you are buying your sunnies from a retailer that specializes in sunglasses, see if they can properly size them for you.

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

Shopping Habit

"Shopping is my cardio." - Carrie Bradshaw

Shopping is absolutely one of my preferred methods of cardio. I have a few stores that I'm in love with, and really enjoy going to on a regular basis.

Today, I'm sharing my favorite stores and why I like shopping there.

1. Nordstrom - This store has been my favorite for years! When I started my professional career in 2011, Nordstrom was my go-to for office attire. One of my favorite things that Nords offer are stylists. I'm super busy, and one of my least favorite things is going through the racks hunting for my sizes and different pieces. The stylists are able to pull any items of your choice, in your size and hold them for you to try on at your convenience - total lifesaver! Also, they offer in-house tailoring and alterations! This service is awesome, and their seamstresses are so patient and absolutely amazing. I have a curvy figure, and any time I purchase pants from Nords it's great I can leave them right at the store for alterations! Also, lets not forget that Nordstrom's return policy is stellar - you can return any item whenever you like, no questions asked! Overall, this store is amazing, and will forever be one of my faves.
2. White House Black Market - This has been a new favorite of mine within the past year! A former co-worker recommended I come into the shop one day, since she works there part-time. She pulled so many items for me, and I fell in love with the quality of the clothes and designs! Just like Nordstrom, WHBM follows an appointment based model with a stylist. You are able to make a reservation in advance to try on clothes at your preferred time. I absolutely love the variety that WHBM offers. I'm able to find a lot of clothes for work, weekend, and date night!
3. TJ Maxx - I really love this store. This is typically my go-to before I go anywhere else! The price point is phenomenal and I'm able to get a lot of bang for my buck here! I like discovering new and different designers at the store. Also, I experiment with different styles as well. TJ Maxx is where I get many of my staples, such as t-shirts, workout apparel, and accessories. There are so many gems in this store and I love going in and finding awesome pieces!

What are some of your favorite places to shop?

XO, Analise

Holiday Gifts for Him

Now, I am breaking down my top picks for the fellas! Of course, we are back at Nordstrom, because ... why not?

When shopping for G, I always try to re-up on things that he loves! Whether it be buying him new sweaters in various colors, or getting him his favorite cologne. Of course, I like to surprise him here and there with some of the things he's been wanting or that I know he needs! G is really into watches and gadgets so those items always stay on the list.

Below are some items that he already has and swears by, along with some things he's been wanting.

Top Picks

Home Voice Activated Speaker by GOOGLE, We fell in love with our friend's Google Home on our visit to their house for the weekend. G immediately went to the Best Buy right by our home when we returned into town, and got one for our main level. He loved it so much, I came home from work a few days later, and there was one set up in our master bedroom. Clearly he loves this device! We are able to connect to various apps like Spotify and iHeartRadio. Also, we got a Google Chromecast so we could connect it together! This device is legit and the speakers on this thing are phenomenal.

QuietComfort® 35 Wireless Headphones II by Bose, I got G similar headphones to these, and they work like magic! G works for an architecture firm, as a Design and Model Manager ... needless to say he has to stay focused in order to be creative. These headphones are perfect! He's able to play his music or podcasts and totally stay focused during the work day. 

L'Homme Set by YVES SAINT LAURENT, This is G's favorite scent, and he and I both love it! He actually wore this cologne on our wedding day, after I purchased it for him while we were in engaged. I absolutely love the cologne on him, and he always makes sure he keeps a bottle of it!

What are some gifts you plan on getting the special man in your life?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography