29 Things I've Learned About Beauty & Style in 29 Years

29 hit me hard. Hard. The fact that it was my last 20s birthday did not go unnoticed. Trust.

While I still get a little sad thinking about it, I've had about a month to get used to the idea that I'll be 30 next year. And that's not all bad. I mean, I've had time to get comfortable in my own skin. Let me tell you, I'm much more comfortable at 29 than I was at 21. So if we're being 100% honest, I do not envy those 21 year olds that still live in naiveté.

Now I'm not claiming to have my shit completely together, but suffice it say that I've learned some things that make getting through life a lot easier on me than when I was in my early twenties. A hell of a lot easier.

1. Getting enough sleep is the key to looking great. If you only get 4 hours of sleep, everyone can tell. No amount of designer clothes in the world can hid it.

2. Size is just a number. It doesn't define you. Just go ahead and get over it.

3. Know when to put on the yoga pants. Nights at home with my husband beat nights out partying every single time. Period.

4. The higher the hair the closer to God. Go ahead and tease it up, baby!

5. Being more like your mother isn't really a bad thing. She's been through a lot and can help you along the way. Chances are, a lot of your beliefs about clothing and style came from her.

6. If shoes hurt your feet in the store, they will hurt your feet in real life. Except multiplied by 1000.

7. If you're going to be on your feet all day, change your shoes every couple of hours.

8. Just say NO to acrylic nails. Unless you're a mob wife, then work it, girl!

9. Never underestimate the power of a bra in the right size.

10. Lingerie is overrated. It always ends up on the floor, so you're better off saving your money and just going to bed naked.

11. Tanning beds are the devil. Spray tans are the only way to go.

12, If you're uncomfortable in a outfit before you leave home, you'll be uncomfortable in it after you leave home. It will literally ruin your day.

13. Be a girls' girl.

14. Dressing for your body type is crucial. If you have thunder thighs (like me), then those body con dresses aren't for you, honey.

15. If you know about a good sale, share the love.

16. Almost everyone has cellulite. There's no need to tear yourself up over it. And those who don't are probably not the kind of girls you want to be friends with anyway.

17. Dry shampoo is your friend. Washing your hair every day is so 2003.

18. Tell yourself the truth. Yes, you are too old be shopping at American Eagle.

19. J.Crew Factory is better than J.Crew.

20. Target will get your through your darkest days. When you're starting your career, i.e. you have no money, Target will be your BFF.

21. That being said, you get what you pay for.

22. Don't believe the "last season" hype. Who cares if something if last season, wear it if you love it.

23. Trust your gut. If you don't love something in the store, you probably won't love it when you get home. Not sure what you'll wear something with? Well, that's probably because it doesn't go with anything you own. Your intuition about things will almost always lead you in the right direction.

24. Sign up for Kate Spade emails. Her sample sales are the best ever.

25. Buy a pair of Spanx. Do yourself a favor and get the ones with a slit in crotch. You'll thank me later.

26. Expensive hairspray usually isn't worth it. But, when you find a hairspray that is, buy that shit in bulk.

27. Wash your face before  you go to bed. If it's the only thing you do, wash your f**king face!

28. Leggings are not pants.

29. Confidence is the best accessory. But, a Chanel bag never hurt anyone.

5 Pairs of Shoes That Should Be In Your Closet

Shoes are so much to shop for. I mean, a) they always fit no and b) they are great way to finish off your look. Seriously, you could literally go broke buying a shoe for every outfit. But, you don't have to spend a fortune to make sure you have a shoe that goes with everything. Here are 5essential shoes that should be in your closet.

 

 

I'm linking up with Style Elixir.

Everyone likes free

Nothing like a dose of the flu to bring you down when you have every intention of being super productive. Sorry guys.

Mix It: The Vintage Tee

I've defined my style as Classic Casual. What is more classic or casual than the t-shirt? Today, I'm linking up with Lauren from Fizz and Frosting to show you 2 ways to style a vintage tee.

 

 

I wore this the other day to run errands and to the salon. The heels weren't the best choice for running around town; flats would have definitely been better.

 



This look would be more appropriate for drinks with girlfriends, while the other is more of a day look. The addition of the blazer gives it a more pulled together appearance. You can see the original post here.

What to Wear: Dreaming of Spring

It has snowed here no less than 3 times in the past month. I'm over it. This is the coldest winter since the 80s. I'm over it. I've been wearing flannel shirts and puffer vests like it's my job. I'm.over.it.

But, there is good news. The forecast this week includes 3 days in the mid 60s. I'm so excited about the possibility of being warm(ish) that I can't contain myself. I've looked through the L&L archives to find some of my favorite warm weather outfits.

This look is one my favorites. It combines my love for layering with my love for pastels.

This look is may be my favorite L&L look of all time. I'm a sucker for polka dots and hot pink.

This look makes me think about how awesome it is to wear skirts and sandals. Ah, to dream.

This look I love because I love sheer, flowy tops. It's my MO for spring.

What are you dying to wear this spring? Do you have a go to look? I'd love to hear about it! Until then, keep warm! I'm linking up for What I Wore Wednesday here.

How To: Modern Thanks

A true southern belle knows the importance of a expressing a proper thank you and my birthday was last week, so sending thank you notes is on my priority list. That being said, I want to say my thanks in a modern way without sacrificing significance.

I've teamed up with Tiny Prints to provide some tips on how to say a modern thank you.

Handwritten notes tend to make the best impression, but only if they're heartfelt. I can't even begin to say how important it is to write from the heart. You can click here to see Tiny Prints' selection of thank you notes.

Be sure to express what it is you loved most about the gift, gesture, etc., and specifically mention it. A generic "I really loved it" won't do. Go with something like "I loved the blender. I have a margarita recipe I've been dying to try. Now, I can!"

Unless you're super fancy (or just really like it), skip formalities like spelling out "Doctor" or "Avenue", for example. It's perfectly appropriate these days. For my closest friends, I use first names. That brings me to my next point...

Know your audience. A note to your best friend thanking her for a gift will look, feel, and sound totally different than a thank you note to your boss's wife for hosting the office dinner party.

Thank you notes should be within a week to two weeks. However, the sooner the better, in my opinion. So sit down with a cup of coffee and get to writing!

30 Before 30 Update

Wednesday is my 29th birthday. It makes me a little depressed; my last 20s birthday. Cue the dramatic music... Spare me the "you're still young" bullshit and just let me be a little bit sad. It's my birthday (almost) and I'll cry if I want to.

Last year, I made a 30 Before 30 list, and I updated it in August. Well now, I'm updating it again. I'm finding that the more I think about things I want to do, the more I want to adapt my list. But that's ok, because it's my list. So here we go, new items are bolded.

1. Travel to Europe
2. Take a cooking or baking class
3. Go back to Napa 4/26/13-4/30/13
4. Fill my house with items I love
5. Do a spending freeze for a month Done January 2014
6. Organize my closets UPDATE: Cleaned out master bedroom closet, linen closet
7. Go without television for a week
8. Call people instead of text or email for 2 weeks Done 6/4/13-6/18/13
9. Invest in a LV bag
10. See a show on Broadway
11. Print and organize my wedding photographs
12. Buy coffee for the person behind me in the Starbucks drive thru
13. Lose these dang 10 lbs I've put on
14. Attend a beyond fabulous event Dry Creek Valley Passport Festival 4/27/13-4/28/13
15. Go on a 'blate' Done 7/1/13

16. Grow an olive tree

17. DIY an ottoman DIYed a coffee table 5/12/13
18. Take a risk
19. Do canine good citizenship certification with Five
20. Commit to exercising at least 3 times a week for one year UPDATE: Started August 2013
21. Organize our wine collection UPDATE: Hung wine racks in November 2013
22. Send a card to a friend just because Done in September 2013
23. Do something I don't feel like doing just because it's good for me Gave up sodas on 5/30/13
24. Do a blog redesign Done 8/3/13
25. Go on a spur of the moment trip
26. Make my own laundry detergent Done 6/1/13
27. Send flowers to someone anonymously
28.Write a letter to myself to open when I'm 40.
29. Surprise my husband with something fabulous
30. Skinny dip (can you believe that I have never done this?)

Not tons of changes, I'm just trying to be a little more focused so I actually make myself do more of these. I've completed 10 of these and 3 more are in the works. I'm a little behind schedule.

What about you? What items are on your "to-do" list?