California Girl

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How do you decide where you’re from? Is it where you live the longest? Is it where you were born? Is it where you enjoyed most of your formative years? Is it where most of your family lives?

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I’ve lived in Arizona 17 years now. It feels like home for now, but one day I know I’ll be back in the state in which I was born - California. I say I’m from Arizona, but when I step foot in California it always feels like I was meant to be there. Do you have a place that feels like that to you?

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So, that’s why I bought this Top Shop t-shirt. I’m a California girl at heart. Born there and will be back one day. I think this little Arizona girl just might feel the same way. She keeps talking about going back to the ocean. =) Time to start planning our family trip.

Get the look:
T-shirt from Top Shop at Nordstrom
Skirt by Reformation (similar)

WRAP IT, KNOT IT, WEAR IT

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One trend I found myself drawn to without even realizing it is "the knot." Ruched dresses, boxy skirts, and sleek blouses are all being tied up into knots. The soft gathering of fabric this creates is ultra flattering, no matter your body type. The gathers typically accentuate the waist, but some are placed to create more volume on top, while others are fitted and flare out into a peplum.

My search for the perfect new spring dress came to a halt this past week at GAP, and the dress just so happened to be in line with this new trend. The vertical stripes and dark navy are a slimming combination, while the tie sits comfortably around the waist creating a flattering silhouette. By now you know I'm a fan of shirt dresses, but the wrap waist and knot detailing take this closet classic to a whole new level. 

For more ways to wear this trend, here's some inspiration: 

Merry & Bright Christmas

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Christmas is almost here. Only four more days until the family is together eating delicious food, laughing at each other, watching kids open gifts...I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year mostly because it's the season of hope, and where would we be without hope? MelissaJill_15blog

New beginnings are just around the corner, and 2015 will be a new year of peace and simplicity. More on that soon, but for now may your Christmas be merry and as bright as this neon skirt.

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Get the look: Neon skirt from Nove Boutique, leather top from Bailey 44, boots by Matt Bernson.

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Photos by Melissa Jill Photography

Easter Outfit

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Easter is coming this weekend. As a Christian, it's probably the most important holiday to me. I'm looking forward to wearing my Sunday best and celebrating that day Christ rose from the dead with my loved ones. Since it's so hot in Arizona already, wearing a dress or skirt is definitely my choice. I love this light-weight skirt from Frances Vintage with a picture of a field on it. It captures the essence of spring, and I added a polkadot chambray because it's my signature Alex piece.

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To check out more Easter outfit ideas, head on over to The Girls with Glasses blog. Some pretty amazing bloggers are sharing their picks for the special holiday.

Photos by Liz E. Studio

Leather Skirts

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leatherskirtDo you remember when leather pants were popular in the late 90's and 2000?! Oh man, I remember 'NSYNC was all over those. haha. Well, leather skirts are back this fall, and I'm actually liking it a lot. I think leather is a material that has a masculine quality, but when made into a skirt, brings a great balance of femininity. What do you think?