Lace & Pearls

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

Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog

When you follow a lot of blogs, you become curious about the person behind the blog and wonder about their background and lifestyle. I thought it would be fun to share a bit about myself and what inspired me to create this blog.

I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our two cats; we adopted them last year when they were four months old. It is my first time being a pet owner and I love it! Full disclosure, my husband and I are both dog people, but with us both being away from home for so many hours a day, it just didn’t make sense to have a dog yet. Last fall, my husband talked about possibly getting two cats and I was tickled with excitement! I still remember the first day we brought them home. We are literally smitten with them.

My husband and I met in college and have been married for seven years this July. He was my first boyfriend, and after dating for four years, we got married. We bought our first home last March and are having a blast buying furniture, planting vegetable beds, and doing other projects. He works in Marketing & Communications as a web developer and is wise beyond his years. Seriously, is there anything this man can’t do? He’s truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and our love for one another grows each and every day.

Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog

In college, I majored in communications and got a job at Nordstrom in their corporate office when I graduated. Before school, I worked at Nordstrom Rack full time and continued doing seasonal work during breaks. When I graduated from college,  I worked in the Brass Plum buying office as an administrative assistant. I mostly managed purchase orders and got to make sure our vendors shipped products to us on time. Towards the tail end of things, I made the transition to Nordstrom.com and worked on the front end of the site, loading images and curating style suggestions to customers.

After trying to move up in the company, I applied for work externally and got a job in healthcare. I have been promoted a few times since and am now a project manager. When I switched over to healthcare I really missed being immersed in fashion and hearing about the latest trends. I wanted so badly to have that part of my life back and so Lace & Pearls was born.

My first year, I blogged under the radar, I was scared that if people found out, they would discourage me from what I was trying to do so I only told my mom and a few family members. It can also be tough to balance work and the blog, and there have been so many times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, but what has kept me going are the relationships I’ve formed, getting to improve my writing skills, and having something that allows me to be creative on a weekly basis.

Well, I think that covers the basics. If you’ve stuck around this long, thank you! If you have any questions for me, please leave them in the comments. I always love hearing from you. Thanks for reading.

Shop the Post:

Chambray: Old Navy | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: J.Crew (sold out)| Ring: Happiness Boutique (silver version) c/o | Boots: Hunter | Tote: Ralph Ralph Lauren (similar) | Lipstick: Burberry ( No. 49 – intense plum)c/o

Photos by Jenn of Hello Rigby.

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Up-and-Coming Designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry + A Giveaway

This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st. This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st. This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st. The color blush is big for spring and I absolutely love it. Along with my blush crush is my never-ending obsession with jewelry, so when these two collide, it’s as though the stars have truly aligned for me. This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st. Be sure to check out her site and Instagram and say hello!

Monifa Kincaid Jewelry takes inspiration from geometric patterns in architectural design. Her pieces are made to order with the option to choose argentium sterling silver or 14-karat gold-filled metal. She also uses semi-precious stones to accent her designs.

This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st.

Monifa Kincaid Jewelry

I am wearing the Claire necklace which is also available as an earring. I fell in love with this piece right off the bat! I really like the juxtaposition of the minimalist design with the rose-colored stones. This will definitely be a piece that I wear often.

I love how this outfit complimented the necklace so well. I am a big fan of this blush faux leather jacket; I’ve been on the hunt for one since last fall and finally found the perfect option at Marshalls. The ruffle blouse balances out the texture of the jacket and the gray denim is perfect for spring. I have a feeling you will be seeing these jeans quite a bit this season. I am guilty of wearing them on a weekly basis.

This gorgeous necklace is by Brooklyn, NY designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry. Monifa, designer and owner, launched her debut line on April 1st.

Now for the fun part – the giveaway! Monifa is graciously giving away the Claire necklace to one Lace & Pearls reader (US readers only). To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway ends on 5/9 and the winner will be notified via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out Monifa Kincaid Jewelry and sign up for her email list to receive 10% off your order. The code is valid until May 15th.

Thank you Monifa Kincaid Jewelry for sponsoring this post and gifting me this necklace. All opinions are my own.

Jacket: Marshall c/o (similar)| Blouse: Nordstrom (similar) | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: Monifa Kincaid Jewelry c/o | Pure: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Flats: Jessica Simpson (similar) | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick c/o

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

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Jump Start Spring with Stitch Fix

To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. Last month I partnered with Stich Fix in the My Body, My Style campaign. Part of my collaboration meant placing an order. If you’re new to Stitch Fix check out my style guide.

Now that Spring has arrived we should start thinking about transitioning our wardrobe. If your climate is on the cooler side it might be a while until you get to wear those lightweight items. My solution: color denim.

To jump start Spring, add a pair of colorful denim to your repertoire. By adding a pop of color to your look, you will brighten your mood and stay warm. These pants are comfortable (hello elastic waist), and the perfect transitional piece. I can’t wait to style these with my favorite nude sandals and lightweight blouses.

I wasn’t too impressed with my first Fix, but the second one was a bit closer to my personal style. Still, I only kept one piece. I love colored denim and did not have a green pair. The cut is perfect and I love how the elastic waist eliminates the bulge of a belt.

Jump Start Spring with Stitch Fix

To help you prepare for Spring, grab a Spring Fix and get ahead of the trends. Stitch Fix has partnered with Good Will for you to donate your gently used clothes. Just use the box and provided label from your last Fix to send out your items.

If you like the pants in today’s blog, pin an image from this post to your Pinterest board and share it with your stylist.

Sweater: Ellen Tracy via Marshalls| Denim: Liverpool via Stitch Fix c/o | Bracelet: J.Crew (old) | Booties: Bare Trap (similar)| Purse: Old Navy (identical) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

*Stitch Fix provided me with a shopping credit to purchase these jeans and other items, but all opinions are my own.

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

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5 Tips for Achieving Effortless Style

When I think of effortless style, I picture that cool girl. You know, the one with the perfectly imperfect hair and the confidence to match. She doesn't care what others think (or at least appears that way).When I think of effortless style, I picture that cool girl. You know, the one with the perfectly imperfect hair and the confidence to match. She doesn't care what others think (or at least appears that way).When I think of effortless style, I picture that cool girl. You know, the one with the perfectly imperfect hair and the confidence to match. She doesn't care what others think (or at least appears that way).When I think of effortless style, I picture that cool girl. You know, the one with the perfectly imperfect hair and the confidence to match. She doesn't care what others think (or at least appears that way).📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Top: Loft | Denim: Ann Taylor | Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (similar) | Bracelet: Tory Burch for Fitbit (now on sale!)| Ring: Stella & Dot | Shoes: Josef Seibel | Necklace: Rebekah J. Designs| Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

When I think of effortless style, I picture that cool girl. You know, the one with the perfectly imperfect hair and the confidence to match. She doesn’t care what others think (or at least appears that way).

Here are 5 tips for achieving that effortless style.

Plan Outfits the Night Before

Growing up, I would always plan my outfits the night before. Getting up early is hard enough, so why not do yourself a favor and make getting ready simple. Save that energy for something else.

Have a Dress That Works for Most Occasions

Whenever a special occasion rolls around, I am always scrambling for the perfect dress. My solution – shop the sales. Even if you don’t have an event coming up, it’s much better to have a dress in your repertoire rather than starting from scratch. Be sure to look for ones that work for the office, formal events, and weddings.

Invest in a Good Shoe

Shoes will make or break an outfit. I have the worst time finding a comfortable shoe.

One time when I was working retail, I had the cutest outfit on, but my shoes had seen better days. My manager took one look at me and demanded that I buy a new pair or go home. It was so embarrassing, but from that point on, I knew that shoes were important.

The lesson – invest in a good pair of shoes. Even if you can’t afford a high-end pair, make sure the ones you do buy are comfortable and look nice.

Repeat Your Favorites

This is always a good idea. I love repeating outfits and finding new ways to wear them. When you wear the pieces you love, you will always look more confident.

Look to Pinterest for Style Inspiration

I can’t stress this enough: Pinterest is the answer to all your style needs. From curating your dream closet to studying up on the latest trends, there is no style task too big for Pinterest. Create some secret boards and get started.

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7 Reasons to Love White Denim

White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round.

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Blouse: Loft (similar) (dress version) | Denim: NYDJ (similar) | Necklace: (similar) | Bracelet: via Rocksbox use code laceandpearlsblogxoxo at checkout to receive your first month free | Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar) via thredUp |Sandals: Josef Sebiel |  Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Smokin Hot Pink)

White denim is one of the best closet staples. It goes with everything and makes getting ready super easy. I wear mine at least once a week and love the versatility. Even better you can now get away with wearing them year round. Yes, that’s correct, even in the colder months. If you need some style tips, I’ve included a link to my white denim Pinterest board later in this post.

7 Reason to Love White Denim

Timeless

White denim has been around since forever. I recently received a marketing email from Millard Drexler, the chairman and CEO of J.Crew. He was reflecting on past summer catalogs and trends. One of the items he mentioned was white denim. This is one reason why J.Crew has staying power. Sticking to the basics is what they do best. A lesson we can all apply when it comes to fashion. If you don’t know what to wear, reach for the items that have worked year after year.

Wear Year-Round

You can wear this classic staple year round. It used to be a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day, but now Fashionistas everywhere have changed that. Check out this Pinterest board for endless inspiration.

Transitions Well From Day to Night

The best thing about white denim is it transitions well from day to night. You can wear it with sandals and a classic stripe tee (for day), and at night swap out the sandals for heels and a flowy blouse. This makes being social during the work week simple, allowing you to meet up with your bestie for a few drinks.

It’s Versatile

By now you’re seeing a pattern. White denim is super versatile and not only goes from day-to-night but it also works well for the office (business casual). You can wear them with a blazer or blouse. Swipe some color on your lips and pile on the jewelry.

Easy to clean

I usually steer clear of white clothing, I only have a few white items in my closet since I’m such a clutz. I’ve been lucky when it comes to this pair of denim. I simply throw them in the wash with regular detergent, and they are good as new.  To remove a stain, I recommend a few shaves of Fels Naptha. My husband turned me on to this stuff and it works every time.

On Trend

White denim is classic and is still going strong. Plus it’s super on-trend and plays nice with others. Making it one of your best closet staples that you will reach for again and again.

How do you wear your white denim? Have you tried wearing in the colder months?

Shop the Post:

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