Watercolor & Bernadette Pascua

Watercolor prints have become a big trend in fashion and home decor. Something about the fluidity of watercolor makes me feel relaxed. I'd love to try my hand at it again soon. I don't think I have painted with watercolors since I was in elementary school. If you are on the watercolor bandwagon, you are going to become obsessed with Bernadette Pascua like I am. She combines her art form of watercolor with the fashion world to create beautiful imagery for textiles and the pages of Harper's Bazaar.

If I could have a piece of clothing turned into a watercolor painting I would be a gingham oxford shirt. It's like my second skin - something I can always put on and feel like myself. It's also timeless and something that I will wear when I'm 80.

What about you? What article of clothing would you turn into a painting and why?

*All illustrations by Bernadette Pascua.*

30 & Thriving Challenge

In exactly two months and one day I will be kissing my 20's good-bye and embracing my 30's. I'm am really excited about this new season of my life. My 20's have been great in many ways, but it was definitely a decade of figuring myself out. I went from single to married to a baby in a ten year span. I also graduated college, bought a home and held five different jobs. I have learned a ton about myself, and I can't wait to learn more. There's one thing though that I really feel like I have failed at my whole life, and that's taking care of my body. I wrote a post a couple of months ago about my journey with self image, and in it I shared that I have really come to a place of accepting and embracing my body. However, I am not doing the best job right now by keeping it healthy. There's a saying that I saw on Instagram that has stuck with me, "Friends don't let friends get skinny fat." I'm skinny fat. On the outside I might look great, but I don't exercise AT ALL. I have not even attempted to exercise since 2011. Three years ago!!!  The truth is I feel really weak and I want to feel strong. I want to know that my heart is in shape and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes that plagues my family. I want my 30's to be a time of thriving and strength now that I have discovered what kind of man I like, what my passion is, etc. It's time to thrive!

To help me, Mountainside Fitness is sponsoring my wellness challenge for three months. I will be sharing weekly updates on what I am learning and doing to start my 30's off on the right foot. You can follow along via the blog, facebook and Instagram, as well as the hashtag #30thrivingchallenge

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Photos by Liz E. Studio. Satin headwrap by I Wear the Headress

Easter Outfit

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

My Festival Style

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I like the idea of the bohemian style and I really gravitate to the relaxed comforts of it. However, most of my life I've dressed pretty preppy.  Now that I have lived in the southwest for 11 years I think this west coast vibe is starting to rub off on me. I still don't have many Free People clothes in my closet, but I'm reaching for them more and more and for the cardigans less and less.

I have a Pinterest board that I call "desert style," and it's completely devoted to this hippy chic aesthetic. Lately, I have found myself adding to this board quite a bit as I find content about how to dress for Coachella and music festivals. So, I thought it would be fun to share what I would actually wear if I were to go to a music festival.

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I think I would live in dresses. They are so comfortable and have such elegant movement when you walk. I am especially loving this trend of deep slits and double slits.

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I also love that crocheted pieces and cropped tops are back in style. I put this cute little top over my maxi dress because it added a bit more modesty. I can bend down and not be self-conscious. I would also live in sandals if I could. Good thing I live in Arizona where it's summer all of the time.

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Nothing makes me feel more like a hippy than wearing my hair naturally curly and big bell sleeves. I'm OBSESSED with this Free People dress from Frances Vintage. I paired it with my Matthew Bernson boots that Frances also sells.

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What would you wear if you went to a music festival? Distressed denim? T-shirt?

Photos by Liz E. Studio.

Get the looks at Frances Vintage.

Warby Parker & Architecture for Humanity

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Before I was a stylist, I was in the architecture world as the Communications Director for the Arizona chapter of American Institute of Architects. It was my first real job out of college, and I learned so much about the importance of good design. It's amazing how much a space effects your emotions and creativity let alone just having something that keeps the elements at bay. I also learned how much architects love a good pair of glasses.

Warby Parker has teamed up with Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect architecture and design professionals with people critically in need of design services, to celebrate the organization's 15 year anniversary. Warby is reinforcing the importance of good design by adding two new styles to their collection - the Aslin and Fowler. A portion of the profit from these glasses will go to Architecture for Humanity. Plus, for every frame your purchase one is donated to someone in need. It's a win, win and then some.

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If you're thinking about getting new glasses, please consider these frames. They are so stylish and benefit a great cause.