And just like that, I made it another trip around the sun! It was such a fun week full of family, friends, and birthday celebrations, and thank you to everyone who wished me well on the big day. I kept my outfits pretty simple since so much was going on, so lots of casual looks with jeans and sweaters… Thankfully, the weather was surprisingly nice the last few days—my first Colorado birthday where it didn’t snow!
Monday, November 7
I took today off work since my parents and I were enjoying a long weekend in Colorado Springs. We checked out of our hotel and then went to the nearby town of Manitou Springs, wandering through a few stores and drinking from the sulphury spring fountains that are the town’s namesake. It was so chilly though! Thankfully, it warmed up a bit and the fog broke as we made the drive back to Denver. My mom and I had a lazy afternoon while my dad ran some errands, before we all grabbed dinner with my aunt’s family.
Striped Tee: Down East, $18 ($0.58 per wear), last worn here | Beige Jacket: Francesca’s, $60 ($1.50 per wear), last worn here | Skinny Jeans: Express, $42 ($0.82 per wear), last worn here | Beige Booties: Sam Edelman via DSW, $70 ($0.82 per wear), last worn here | Leopard Belt: Francesca’s, $9 ($0.75 per wear), last worn here
Tuesday, November 8
My parents chauffeured me to and from work, and then we met up with my boyfriend to grab dinner together near his apartment. I was excited for my parents to spend some quality time with him because they don’t really know each other yet. Afterwards, we went back to his apartment to play Heads Up, which is a fun charades-like guessing game.
Striped Sweater: Gap, $16 ($0.89 per wear), last worn here | Black Skinny Jeans: Express, $42 ($1.40 per wear), last worn here | Fuzzy Sneakers: Thrifted Steve Madden, $20 ($4.00 per wear), last worn here
Wednesday, November 9
My b-day!! My parents came over to my apartment to make pancakes for us while I did my hair and makeup. I didn’t plan out a birthday outfit the night before, which was a mistake because I ended up trying on a ton of different things… leaving clothes all over my floor and closet. I landed on this white sweater (which I wore on my 22nd birthday, too) and this pretty blue skirt. I also tried a subtle blue eyeshadow look for something fun and different. I liked it, but I don’t think blue does anything for my face—it kind of clashes with my brown/hazel eyes.
I went into work a little later than usual and stayed later too, so my parents could pick me up and take us to my favorite restaurant for dinner. My aunt and her family, my older cousin, and my boyfriend all joined. It was such a fun evening! My parents and I went back to my apartment afterwards to open presents and then called it an early night. Another great birthday in the books.
White Sweater: Bohme Boutique, $30 ($3.00 per wear), last worn here | Blue Skirt: Francesca’s, $38 ($2.24 per wear), last worn here | White Mules: Rebecca Minkoff via Saks Off Fifth, $70 ($1.89 per wear), last worn here
Thursday, November 10
I had to drop off my parents at the airport really early this morning and decided to go straight to work from there, so I got to the office at 6:45! It’s one of our busiest times of year in terms of project deadlines, so I had a lot to do today. I dipped in the early afternoon, took a nap, and then watched TV with the boy for the rest of the night. I don’t love these sneakers with the cropped jeans, but I wanted something casual and comfy since I was so tired.
Lips Sweater: Banana Republic, $50 ($4.55 per wear), last worn here | Cropped Flared Jeans: Express, $25 ($1.19 per wear), last worn here | White Sneakers: Primark, $10 ($0.91 per wear)
Friday, November 11
I worked from home today so that I could swing across town in the afternoon for a fun opportunity—modeling new arrivals at a local boutique! I didn’t know what to expect from the photoshoot, and it ended up being very different than what I imagined. Firstly, I thought there would be a handful of girls there to model, but I was the only one. And secondly, I was told I would get professional photos out of the deal—except they were taking photos with an iPhone, lol. It was still really fun though, and the store, Apricot Lane Boutique, has SO many cute pieces. They’re just too expensive for what I would usually spend. I also didn’t get to pick my own outfits (I didn’t love all the items they chose for me) so I’ll be interested to see how the photos turned out. It was a unique experience either way, and I’m glad I did it.
Tie-Dye Sweatshirt: American Eagle, $18 ($4.50 per wear) | Cropped Flared Jeans: Express, $40 ($1.38 per wear), last worn here | Blush Sneakers: Steve Madden via DSW, $60 ($0.51 per wear), last worn here
Saturday, November 12
My boyfriend and I got brunch this morning and then finished watching “Bly Manor”, which we started last week (he’s already seen it but I hadn’t). In the evening, we met up with some of my friends for dinner and then went to the Grizzly Rose to celebrate my birthday! The Grizzly Rose is the country bar/venue in town, with line dancing and mechanical bull riding. I finally rode the bull (even though I was quite scared) and did surprisingly well! Until, of course, I tried to willingly fall off to minimize the damage… the mechanical bull company is called The Widow Maker, after all.
I wore this grey ribbed cropped top that I bought yesterday at the boutique with the 50% off discount they gave me for modeling. I wasn’t sure about the look at first, but I ended up loving it! It was the perfect vibe for the bar (especially the jeans). I also repurposed some old necklaces by removing the pendants to try to get that trendy layered chain look.
Grey Ribbed Crop Top: Apricot Lane Boutique, $20 | Straight Leg Jeans: Express, $15 ($3.75 per wear), last worn here | White Sneakers: Primark, $10 ($0.91 per wear)
Sunday, November 13
The boy and I are just having a lazy day today, with our chestnut praline lattes from Starbucks and football on the TV. I’m not usually one for loungewear, but I do think this slightly oversized tie-dye set is perfect for days like this.
Tie-Dye Sweatshirt: American Eagle, $18 ($3.00 per wear) | Tie-Dye Joggers: American Eagle, $16 ($5.33 per wear) | Blush Sneakers: Steve Madden via DSW, $60 ($0.50 per wear), last worn here
. . . . .
Thanks for stopping by the blog today! Which of this week’s outfits was your favorite? Oh, and let me know in the comments… have you ever ridden a mechanical bull?!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Can’t wait to see your modeling pictures! You have a great figure and I’m sure you wowed them! Glad to see you so happy (like always haha) Kathy E in Iowa.
Thank you so much, Kathy! That’s so sweet.
Belated birthday wishes to you. It sounds like you had a wonderful week. Love your tie-dye set.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks so much, Lovely!
Wow you do sound like you had quite the busy Birthday week and Happy Birthday. Loving all your looks here in particular the striped top with the lips. How great your parents got to meet your boyfriend. I am glad they flew in for your Birthday. And good luck with your projects at work!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you so much, Allie!
sounds like you had so much with your family. all your outfits are perfect on you, youre absolutely gorgeous.
JULIE ANN LOZADA BLOG
INSTAGRAM: @julieann_lozada
Thank you so much! That’s so sweet of you to say.