Miami Vice Made Nice









I bought this blazer with the sheath (and matching pants) from Benetton. If you live in Orange County like I do, you will remember that there used to be a store in Fashion Island and one in South Coast Plaza right across from the carousel. I was obsessed with this store. I have been wearing their suits since law school and I just find that they have a really nice corporate aesthetic and are very reasonably priced--cute suits, cardigans and pencil skirts --and winter coats that always have a pop of faux fur on the cuff or collar (this girl is a sucker for faux fur. And feathers!)  When the South Coast store closed down, it was a dark day indeed, but it was replaced by Sugarfina, so the day brightened up in a hurry (because I am a candy-aholic!)! Now, I shop online and I still love everything I get!  The jacket is HERE the dress is HERE and the pants are HERE.  Everything is Italian sizing, so you will need to convert and figure out your size but there is a handy little chart on the website: www.us.benetton.com I really like this all white look, but you have to use caution for work (and not just when you are eating. Or drinking. Or using a blue pen!)  Bright neon shoes? Um, no. Way too Crockett and Tubbsy (names I had to Google, by the way!)  All black heels? Probably a better choice. I gave these floral guys a go and its a good pairing.  The pants looks great with this blazer for dinner or drinks with maybe a white tank underneath and strappy heels.   While I did not take my own advice ( I was busy last week, sheesh!), a spray tan or self tanner is probably a good idea with this color.  Anyone else obsessed with this all white look? Have any cute outfit ideas you'd care to share? I'd love to hear them all!  Hope you are all having an amazing week! xo Michelle

All That I Am....

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother. - Abraham Lincoln

I just love quotes. And this one up there is one of the best. Is there any more important job in the world than being a mom? It is one that begins when you have your child and never ends, no matter the age of your child. I will always be my mom's little girl (and apparently require reminding to bring a sweater when it's cold and to wear sunscreen when it's warm!) My mom is my closest friend and cheerleader and has been my entire life. I tell her everything everything EVERYTHING and we talk like, 9 times a day.  I never went through a rebellious phase or a "I hate my parents phase". I am praying that my daughter and I will share this same kind of relationship.  It's a blessing and one that I am so grateful to have.  I am a person that treasures my family- I have a big extended family and truly, they are my world.  I've kind of learned the hard way that it's all that really matters in this life- health and people you love and who love you. Its everything.  Not the shoes or the clothes- but people. People that matter. There is no place I would rather be than with my family.  And Mother's Day is no exception!

It's pretty easy to shop for my mom for Mothers Day because I basically just think about what I might like.  I put together a couple of suggestions so that you can create a special day for your mama too. Here goes:

1. Pamper her:  if your Mom had an hour to spare just for herself, what would she love to do?  Take an exercise class, maybe have a facial or massage, grab a quiet moment to read? Whatever it is,  try to make this happen. Maybe plan out a little excursion for her (bonus: maybe you can go too!) or get her a gift certificate. With my mom at least, she tends to just squirrel away those gift cards and never use them (me? Those puppies are put to use immediately!) I usually plan a day for my mom and just make her relax!

Christmas with my girl!

2. Buy her something splurgey that she might not buy for herself: My mom would never go out and spend $300 on an amazing Dyptique candle like this (do not pass judgment on those of us who do!) or buy fancy perfume or skin care. Mother's Day is a perfect time for you to buy that little something for your mom that she might not splurge on for herself. This would be a great time to get her started on that skincare routine (see my post about Arcona) or maybe a new color palette for spring or summer (like this or this).  (Side note:  My best friend and I do this for each other on holidays.  We will pick out something that we would not otherwise splurge on-- like shampoo that costs $100 or whatever anti-aging product we are currently obsessing over-- and just buy it for each other. Genius! Try it! ) (side side note- These suggestions are meant to be a splurge. You need to be sure of the scent of candle she will love or what Bond fragrance she prefers before you drop major cashola on it. A gift certificate or a trip with you to Nordies to choose one might be a fun little excursion too)

Addison's 5th birthday, February 2015- where does the time go?

3. Can you ever go wrong with a monogram, I ask you?: This is the perfect holiday to get mom that necklace (here) or bag (here) or maybe cashmere robe (here) or whatever other initial bearing gift your mom will love!  Even cute stationary is a great idea (like here).  I always get her something personalized if I can.

My greatest achievement by far.

 4. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

I think a beautiful framed picture of you and your mom together makes a lovely gift. Especially since who even prints pictures anymore? No one. Save mama the effort and take the opportunity to have another picture of you in her house!

My beautiful mama--the greatest mother and grandmother EVER-- and Adds.

I have a habit of octopus- like squeezing the people I love! What's wrong with warm hugs, right?

At the end of the day, if all you can manage is a heartfelt card or phone call-guess what? It will be enough.  It will be perfect in fact. Take it from this mom right here- anything you do is amazing in the eyes of your mother. Hope your day with your mama and /or your own child is just wonderful! Xo Michelle

Four generations of strong, smart, loving women.  I am truly blessed to have my mother and my grandmother as such big presences and support in my life. I love them hugely.

All Tied Up With A Bow 🎀







Okay, I am officially in love with this shirt. I saw it on-line at Nordstrom (You can get it here) and wasn't 100% sure of it but I gave it a go.  I love buttoned up, conservative looks at work. I usually don't like too many layers (I would not survive for a single winter outside of Orange County) because sometimes, it just feels too constricting.  When I am in the office, I am dictating or typing and I need to have good range of movement. (Not that I am whipping my arms all over but you know what I mean!)  Usually, I wear thin camis under my blazers but this shirt is whisper thin.  For full disclosure, it's pretty sheer and if you are planning on wearing it alone, you will need something under it.  If I wore this to court, I would probably pull my hair back in a ponytail and leave the headband at home. I think low sleek pony tails are so chic. The suit is from Banana Republic - I wear a ton of their things to work. It doesn't wrinkle and its great quality- win win. Ok loves, hope your week ahead will be fantastic! Xo Michelle 

Denim + Denim













For the most part, we want #GDSL to showcase anything and everything that appeals to our lives and the many hats we wear- attorneys, mommies, yogis, runners, friends, daughters, wives and everything in between.  A big chunk of my daily life is in the office so professional-attire will be a focus for me but every now and then, we may throw a cute casual outfit here on the blog. And guess what? Today is one of those days!  

What do you do with left over Saturday night hair and an early Sunday morning park play date (besides heavily caffeinate)?   You throw on a cute flower headband (I am bananas for big flowers--and feathers, as long as we are on the topic!), jean shorts and a loose, lightweight button down.  I also got to use my new Stella and Dot clutch, which gives this outfit (and any outfit I bet) a nice little pop of color.   Perfect!  Happy day sweet reader! Hope your day is wonderful and thank you so much for stopping by! Xo Michelle