I figured out a way to solve my being a bad blogger problem. You see, I always wait to post until everything I’m wearing is completely sold out. It’s never on purpose…I just don’t get around to sharing until its too late. BUT you are in luck because now this chambray dress and the sandals have been restocked! Just call me the “Back in Stock” blogger from now on! Ha! Unfortunately the bag and hat are completely sold out but you know I’ll be on the lookout for a re-stock. The dress has a slightly different print, but its just as cute. This is the perfect Fall transition dress. Wear it now with sandals and pair it with a cardigan and booties if when Fall weather returns.

P.S. I just had a laugh…to let you know how bad I am at posting…I originally snapped these photos back in APRIL! #procrastinator

Outfit Details: Anthropologie Chambray Dress, Steve Madden Sandals (on sale through 9/3), Rebecca Minkoff Bag (similar), Madewell Hat

TWO BLOG POSTS BACK TO BACK?!?! What is going on around here? Today I’m sharing another trend I love…the gingham trend. I also have a bit of an obsession with wrap dresses. It is probably the most flattering shape/silhouette for my body type. I have hips and small shoulders so this style seems to really balance that out. This dress is actually a faux wrap dress but I love it just the same.

Unfortunately I bought this dress several months ago so I couldn’t find it anywhere online to link it for you guys. But it is by the brand Saylor which I had never heard of until I bought this dress. I really love their feminine styles and I found the best selection here.

For more gingham inspiration, visit these lovely ladies: Chasing Daisies, Moderately High Maintenance, Straight A Style, Style My Dreams and Miss Moore Style.

SHOP MORE OF MY FAVE GINGHAM PIECES BELOW:

Ok guys, I am taking it back to the old school. Well, old school of blogging that is. Today I am linking up with a few bloggers to showcase how each of us is wearing the same trend…millennial pink. I used to do these link-ups all the time when I first started blogging. It’s a great way to get new eyes on your blog and to introduce you guys to some new blogs too!

I know that most of my readers are not bloggers themselves and some of you don’t use Instagram. So for those of you who don’t, millennial pink is a pale pink color that is very popular in Instagram-land. Many IG’ers also use a pink filter so their entire feed has a pink hue and looks cohesive (Elizabeth of Lizzie in Lace does this very well). Which is similar to how I’ve edited the pics for this post. Although I always have greenery in my background so the pink is a little more muted.

When I signed up for this link-up, I thought I had a lot more pink in my closet than I actually do. So on a recent shopping trip, I picked up these millennial pink printed paper-bag shorts from H&M. I loved the print and the paper-bag style brings me bag to the 90’s so I had to have them. There is also a matching blouse but I decided to just get the shorts.

Be sure and stop by Kier Couture (she is styling a millennial pink menswear inspired look), Glam Karen (will be showcasing ways to incorporate millennial pink in your home decor) and Covet by Tricia (is styling a millennial pink moto jacket as part of an outfit made up entirely of pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale).

SHOP MY LOOK:

Well friends, it’s official…Opening Day at Del Mar is my favorite day of the year! Last week Del Mar kicked off it’s 2018 racing season and opening day did not disappoint! It’s the biggest & best party of the year if you ask me. Each year my hat has gotten bigger & bigger and I am not mad about it one bit. In fact, next year I may even enter the official hat contest and create my own!

Every year we start off with a little pre-party at The Brigantine in Del Mar. It’s the perfect location to meet up with friends beforehand and there is a great view of the track behind us!

Of course we had to snap a few photos in the paddock!

I also got lucky this year and was able to snap a quick photo with a jockey before his race!

But even cooler than that…was getting to meet Les Kepics who has been playing “The Call to Post” before every race since 1985! He was so kind and even played “Happy Birthday” for an attendee.

Opening day is a day to see and be seen. Obviously, I HAD to take a pic with this guy!

My #OOTD details: Self Portrait Dress (It runs small so I recommend sizing up! I went up two sizes!), Deux Lux Clutch, Jeffrey Campbell Heels (similar), LAGOS Cuff Bracelet, Tom Ford Sunglasses (on MAJOR sale) and my hat is by Carol Bader Designs.

So exciting to be able to watch the race right on the track!

And the fun doesn’t end at the track…there are several after parties. Most notably is the Hats, Heels & Hooves party at The Inn as well as at L’Auberge.

Be sure and visit www.dmtc.com for a full list of all the events going on this racing season. I’m looking forward to the Pacific Classic, Craft Beer Festival and I definitely plan on being there for the Warren G / DJ Quik concert!!!

P.S. You can see what I wore years previous here and here. I guess I have a thing for dresses with stars on them!

Thank you to Del Mar Racing for providing me and my guests tickets to all the opening day fun! We made memories to last a lifetime and already can’t wait for next year!

WARNING…SOME MAY FIND THESE GRAPHIC PHOTOS DISTURBING.

It’s taken me a while to decide if I wanted to share these pics or not. But I did another poll recently on Instagram and I got an overwhelming response that you guys would like to hear about my experience with CO2 laser. I know we are supposed to be grateful for every wrinkle (we earned them, dangit!) and every day above ground is a gift. BUT I am not going down without a fight. Call me vain if you like but if I see something I don’t like and there is a way to improve it…SIGN ME UP.

I’ve been getting Botox since I was 25. But Botox can not help wrinkles UNDER the eye area (only crows feet and forehead lines really). I am also a side sleeper so am getting even more lines from having my face smashed on a pillow every night. BTW…I am aware that the lighting in all of these pictures are different. I took pictures morning, noon and night in different lighting to track my recovery/progress for myself. This is not a sponsored post nor am I promoting the Dr I paid for this procedure. But while I was researching the CO2 laser, I could only find a couple of people who treated their eye area only. So I hope this helps anyone out there who may also be considering the procedure.

The day before my treatment, I started taking antibiotics and antiviral medication to prevent infection. As soon as I arrived at the Dr’s office, numbing cream was applied all around my eyes and I was given anti-anxiety medication. Patients are sometimes given a Demerol injection for pain but because I was just doing my eye area, I decided to pass on it. I am weird about taking medication anyway so just the idea of taking a Valium was causing me anxiety! But about 10 minutes later I felt like jello and was ready to get the procedure going.

After the numbing cream took effect, the Dr came in and gave me numbing injections (I think they are called nerve blocks?) and even with the numbing cream, the shots hurt. Then I had numbing drops put in my eyes. And finally came the metal eye protecting contacts put in my eyes! I mean, it was one anxiety inducing thing after another so no wonder they give you anti-anxiety meds! The contacts make everything pitch black which was SO bizarre.

I’m not going to lie, the first laser hurt. It feels like your face is being burnt off (and well, it is). I only did my eye area and upper lids and a little above my brows. Some parts hurt more than others. And then came the 2nd laser (or maybe a different tip) that felt like my face was being pepper sprayed with shrapnel. LOL. That’s the best way I can describe it. But a tolerable pepper spray if that makes sense. Then I was slathered in laser ointment (basically aquaphor) and SPF and my hubby picked me up. Then came the burning. It feels like a really bad sunburn so all I wanted to do was fan my face. But as soon as I would stop, it would burn worse. That lasted for about an hour.

Following the procedure, I did distilled water & white vinegar soaks followed by a laser ointment application several times a day. After about a week, I could almost completely cover the redness with makeup. But my skin was SUPER sensitive to any lotions and/or creams and the redness would flare up on/off for probably close to three weeks. The healing process did not hurt at all and I never had to take any pain medication. It looks MUCH worse than it feels.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Immediately following the treatment I was AMAZED by the results. There wasn’t a wrinkle in sight…even when I smiled. Then the swelling went away and natural lines started showing up again when I smiled. BUT the permanent wrinkle I had from side sleeping is almost completely gone and a scar I’ve had under my eye since I was a child is MUCH less noticeable. Overall, I am happy with my results and glad I finally did it!