Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See

This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

This post is a deviation from my typical fashion post and capsule wardrobe series, but I felt like I wanted to share something a bit deeper today. Hope you enjoy!

For the past few weeks I have felt incredibly uninspired and depressed. Last month I turned 35, but I don’t really think the age thing is a factor (although I didn’t realize it until I saw it listed somewhere about a week and a half later and thought that I was 34). Oh brother! I seriously didn’t know and neither did my husband.

Be the Change You Want to See

When it comes to my birthday, I don’t really like celebrating and feel super guilty asking people to. I’m an introvert in an extrovert’s clothing and do much better one-on-one. I thrive on deep connections rather than surface ones and struggle with anything else. If I don’t have a deep connection with the people I surround myself with then I’d rather just be alone. Does anyone else feel that way?

This year, my husband had to work late so my birthday was spent alone. Instead of having a home-cooked meal or going out, I stayed in and watched reruns of the Atlanta Housewives and snacked on whatever I could scrounge up. Between this and the last few birthdays I’ve had, I’ve realized that I want the next to be different, so my lesson here is to be the change you want to see. If you’re unhappy with something, change it. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

Here are two things I want to work on:

  • Plan my birthday early. This doesn’t mean that my party needs to be epic (who doesn’t want that), but setting aside time to reflect on what I want and how I want to feel is key. Other things I should think about is who to invite and what to do. Not planning my birthday in the past has worked out poorly, so making the time to plan ahead should really help.
  • My weight-loss journey. I’ve mentioned my weight gain in this post but haven’t really shared much details. Every week I do Orange Theory and try to watch my portions, but by the end of the week I’ve sabotaged things. Here are three reasons why I think this is:
    1. Treating myself to a cookie does not mean that my diet is ruined; I can still eat healthy throughout the day and balance things out. It does not mean that I get to binge on everything in sight because I’ve already made a mistake. I need to remember this, underline and bold it. So important! I would seriously be much further along if I did.
    2. Mindset is key. I’ve started Weight Watchers countless times and fail each week. For some reason, I think it should be easy, but deep down I know that isn’t true so I need to throw that idea out and get focused. I have always eaten healthy meals but have the worse time with portion control. I’m just going to have to suck it up and realize this is part of the deal.
    3. My favorite time to snack is at night when I’m on the couch. Since I know this, I try to drink a herbal tea or a high-protein smoothie to help with my cravings, but breaking the habit would be much more effective. I need to stop depending on food to feel content. Going to bed early or limiting the amount of TV I watch is helpful.

Hope this post inspires you to keep on thriving in all areas of your life! If you have similar thoughts on feeling lonely or know what changes you want to see in yourself, share them in the comments.

Shop the Post


Sweater: Banana Republic (similar here and here) | Camisole: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Shoes: Report (similar) c/o Famous Footwear | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

More From This Series:

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Pause & Reflect: Help! I Need My Beauty Sleep + Last Winter Outfit

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine! You know that person that nods off in the middle of a meeting? Yep, that’s me!  I didn’t even realize it until my co-worker mentioned it in passing. I was mortified and knew that my late-night tendencies were starting to take a toll. It’s just so hard to unwind from the hustle and bustle of a busy week!

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you’re tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you’ve mastered these things, you’ll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!
On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!

Help! I Need My Beauty Sleep

Read a book. Opt for a kindle or an actual book. The blue light from your phone is stimulating and will keep you from getting adequate rest.

PRO-TIP: Steer clear of education or skill-building materials. You don’t want to be reading up on social media strategies when you’re trying to get your mind in a relaxed state. A book light is also helpful if your partner is already sleeping.

Drink something warm and soothing. I like a good sleepytime tea, hot toddy (when sick), or cocoa drink. Did you know that all-natural cocoa has no calories and is fat-free?! You add 2 tablespoons of a plant-based milk (I like unsweetened vanilla almond milk) and heat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm. Add the cocoa, a calorie-free sweetener like Truvia, and you have a delicious and soothing, low-calorie drink that’s also good for the heart.

Aid your sleep. Now, I prefer a natural sleep remedy like melatonin or Emergen-zzzz, but sometimes you need something a bit stronger. Tylenol PM has been my go-to lately and gets the job done.

Get in a dream state of mind. Purchase a diffuser. I just picked up one similar to this and love heating up the lavender melts about 30-60 mins before I go to sleep. It makes the room smell heavenly and the lavender makes you feel relaxed.

Jot down your to-do list and any concerns in a notebook. Clear your mind and know what you need to prioritize the next day or that week. This will also keep you from worrying about forgetting something important.

Get 20-30 mins of fresh air daily. Even on your laziest days, you can benefit from some fresh air. I like to walk around my neighborhood or take a walk during my lunch break. It’s amazing how inspired and calm I feel during and after. On days that I don’t do OrangeTheory, a low impact walk helps me sleep more soundly.

Get up and go to bed at the same time every day (including the weekends). Sounds crazy, but it works! I’ve tried this in the past and was shocked when I began to feel sleepy around the same time every night. This is a great way to reset your biological clock and will most likely help your REM cycle, allowing you to feel like you actually slept.

For more self-care tips read:

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!

Last Winter Outfit

Now that we are midway through March, you probably aren’t going to see too many winter outfits from me so I wanted to share this cute ruffle sweater!

Although this look is great for cold weather, don’t think that the ruffle trend is going away anytime soon. I’ve been seeing a lot of lightweight options popping up all over. It’s a great look for spring and fall, and when the cold front comes around again, just add a blouse or tee underneath. If you’re looking for a cute spring option, check out this one. I definitely need to snatch this up!

What tips do you have for getting your beauty sleep?

Shop the post:

Sweater: J.Crew (here & here)| Blouse: UNIQLO | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearl Jewelry | Earrings: J.Crew | Bracelet (old): J.Crew | Boots: Naturalizer (similar) | Purse: Club Monaco (old) | Lipstick: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick (Rich Raisin) c/o

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Pause & Reflect: Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a downer. Either you don’t have someone to spend it with, you want to do something extravagant and end up disappointed, or maybe you’re like myself and don’t really care much about it. Instead of feeling down and out, I want this Valentine’s Day to be your best one yet and make it all about you!

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.

That’s why, for February, I challenge you to pause and do something thoughtful for yourself. It doesn’t have to be on the 14th, but anytime during the month.

Celebrate Yourself with Self-Care!

Keep in mind that treating yourself doesn’t need to be extravagant or cost a lot of money. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a bath. My absolute favorite form of self-care! I run the bath water, add in some Epsom salt, and tell my husband to pretend that I’m not there. If candles and wine are your thing, bring those too and give yourself 30-60 minutes to unwind with no interruptions. I personally like to watch Hulu when I’m in the tub, but closing your eyes and listening to soothing music or even nothing at all can do wonders.

Curl up with your blanket, furry friend, and a good book or show. I love snuggling on the couch with my heated blanket (the best gift ever) and my fur baby! It’s one of my favorite things to do and makes me feel so relaxed and loved. I always try to savor the moment and take a snapshot in my mind of that exact moment.

Pamper yourself at the spa or get a massage. I recently went to the spa and got my eyebrows waxed. They were beyond scary! Taking care of yourself, even when it’s something necessary, can provide an instant pick-me-up. Schedule your mani/pedi or that wax you’ve been neglecting and zone out for a bit.

Shopping date with your bestie or dinner and a movie. If staying in is more your thing (aka me), do a movie night at your place with popcorn and snacks. Party straws anyone?

Go for a walk and jam to your favorite tunes. This is probably my second favorite way to relax. I can’t even tell you the last time I listened to the radio because I’m always listening to a podcast or Spotify. Give your mind a rest and switch from a podcast or entertainment to some mellow tunes. On the flip side, if you’re always listening to music, change things up and find a good podcast. Whatever your interests are, I guarantee there is a podcast out there on the subject.

Learn something new. This one is huge! The primary reason that I stepped away from blogging was for health reasons. During the break, I began meal-prepping and learning how to cook. Eating healthy not only benefits my insides but also gives me a confidence boost. I highly recommend challenging yourself to try something new and get outside of your comfort zone!

If you enjoyed today’s post, leave a comment and let me know how you will be celebrating yourself this month.

Thanks for reading!

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: Madewell (similar) | Blouse: Vince (similar) | Denim: Jag Jeans c/o | Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar) | Ring: Fresh Tangerine | Booties: Report c/o Famous Footwear | Purse: Marshalls (similar) | Lipstick: Marc Jacobs Beauty (color Send Nudes) c/o

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Pause and Reflect: Keeping It Real + Blog Update

So I've been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one. So I’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one. I agree with this to a certain extent, but after talking with my blogger friends, and seeing a decline in Instagram engagement, it occurred to me that being unique and sharing more of who I am is the key to long and lasting relationships with my readers.

Keeping It Real + Blog Update

The blogging community is beginning to feel pretty stale and formulaic with the constant drive to sell and promote. Blogging used to be a means of sharing hobbies and interests rather than being so focused on business. These tactics keep things afloat and produce revenue, but it’s also important to remain authentic and mix in non-sponsored/brand-related content.

With that said, I want to be able to share more of myself and build upon our common interests. I know I can’t get behind a brand or person without knowing their back story so why should you?! I will still be sharing fashion and beauty posts but will be mixing in the occasional wellness or lifestyle post too. This new ad hoc series will be called Pause & Reflect and will be tagged under the lifestyle category.

The comparison game has been a hot topic in the online world lately. Remember, we are all unique and have so much to offer. It’s those who embrace their differences that stand out from the crowd and become the person that people want to follow, so be appreciative of your uniqueness and keep your head up.

If you’ve stuck around for this rant, thank you! And if you’re excited for more “real-life” posts, leave a comment. I love hearing from you and hope you will be inspired by this new series. And if you’re only here for the fashion, you can ignore these posts and just look at the pictures and shopping links. Win-win! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Shop the post:

Sweater: Todd & Duncan (similar) | Bow: J.Crew

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Top 10 Post of 2017!

Clockwise from left to right: Pixi Beauty Product Review | 8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips | Hate to shop or Need a Fashion Refresh – Try Stitch Fix | Up-and-Coming Design Monifa Kincaid Jewelry

I polled my Instagram audience and asked whether you wanted to see a reflection post or a top 10 post. It was a tie, so I decided to do both! My reflection post is here and keep reading for my top 10 posts of 2017!

Top 10 Posts of 2017!

Pixi Beauty Product Review + Giveaway

Any post with a giveaway ranks high. With that said, Pixi beauty is a well-respected drugstore brand that is affordable and effective. In this post, I share about the products I’m liking in addition to several other Pixi reviews and shopping links.

8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips That Will Change Your Life

I wrote this post in my first year of blogging and later updated it. What a timely post! It will definitely help you refocus in the new year and get things in order.

Hate to Shop or Need a Fashion Refresh – Try Stitch Fix

I teamed up with Stitch Fix in their My Body My Style campaign. For this collaboration they featured me on their blog and gifted me a shopping credit. If you’re in a style rut or need some inspiration, I highly recommend you read this post and sign up for Stitch Fix!

Up-and-Coming Designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry

One of the perks of blogging is that you get to partner up with small business owners. Monifa had just launched her line and approached me to collaborate. Her pieces are gorgeous and I was ecstatic to partner with a fellow female entrepreneur!

7 Fail-Proof Tips for Getting Ready in the Morning

This post is also a great one for the new year! Surprisingly, I had forgotten some tips and am finding them useful. This is definitely a must-read.

Invest in a Classic Wardrobe and Save Money

Do you have clothes in your closet with the price tag still on them? What about buyer’s remorse? If so, this post is for you! The key takeaway: invest in what you want from the beginning instead of cutting corners because it will ultimately save you money.

Wardrobe Building Blocks: Your Guide to a Cohesive Closet

In this post, I show you how to maximize your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed. It’s full of actionable tips that you can begin to incorporate today.

From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill

Toward the end of the year, I began partnering with J.Jill. This is my first post with them featuring three daytime looks that easily transition to night.

Comfort Shoes for the Stylish Fashionista

One of my biggest struggles when it comes to fashion is finding comfortable shoes! Even though this post was written in the summer, it’s a great resource for anyone who is looking to learn more about stylish comfort brands.

Lace & Pearls is Open for Business

It has been a long-term goal for me to launch my own jewelry line. As you might have gathered, I am a big fan of jewelry and all things girly! Check out this post to see where the journey began.

Thanks for a great year! Which post is your favorite and what would you like to see more of on the blog? Let me know in the comments. Your feedback is so important.

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