Maxi skirts are great for summer! They’re light and airy, and I really like how they blow in the wind. This maxi and floral top are from my Mother’s Day shopping spree. I was a little concerned about the color and whether I would be able to pair it with enough tops, but in the end I decided it was definitely worth it the risk because it’s so pretty. I wore this outfit to have lunch with Nick, and then go grocery shopping with Sebastian. Lately my days consist of playing with Sebastian, grocery shopping, and then going for after-dinner walks in the evenings. It’s really nice but I think I’m ready to get back out there into the working world. And this outfit is perfect for doing just that!

It’s my favorite shirt again. When I said I was wearing it all the time, I wasn’t joking. And I paired it with my favorite (and only) midi skirt because it’s such a cute combination. The length of the skirt, the style of the boots, and the stripes all scream “fall” to me so I’ve worn it pretty much everywhere since the season began. It’s one of those outfits that I have to talk myself OUT of wearing because I just wore it last week (or, more accurately, yesterday) but then I usually give in because it’s so darn stylish. In fact, I’m wearing it again to work today!

Plus, you gotta love a fun, playful skirt!

Life lately has been pretty busy. We went to my brother-in-law’s wedding in Georgia the first weekend in November and even though all that driving was exhausting, we had a great time. It was my father-in-law’s first time meeting Sebastian so he was ecstatic that we were able to come, and I loved seeing him interact with his grandson. The wedding was beautiful, and it was very nice spending time with family we don’t see very often. Oh, and we got this beautiful family selfie:

the Crews-Castillo family

Now I’m just looking forward to the holidays — seriously, how is NEXT week Thanksgiving? November is flying by — and counting down to my last day of work. In the meantime, I’m making all kinds of plans and goals for my time off, like working on my writing portfolio, taking some Photoshop and Lightroom classes, learning more about photography and blogging, exercising more, etc. I know I’m happiest when I’m creating content for my blog, so having more time to devote to it and learning more stuff to improve it will mean better content and a much happier Nikki. I really can’t wait, y’all!

Anyway, I hope everyone is looking forward to the holidays and living their best life. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Blouse: a new day from Target | Skirt & Belt: Modcloth | Shoes:  | Sunnies & Watch: Target

I’m taking a break from the rain and gloom of today by sharing with you an outfit that I wore last week when we still had some beautiful sunshine. I picked up this faux wrap dress from Target as the Mossimo brand is being fizzled out. It has a satin weave and a breezy silhouette, giving it a style that is perfect to take me from a casual day or the office to fancy formal events. If it were the weekend, I would’ve kept it simple by pairing it with sandals, but since I wore it to the office, I decided to dress it up by slipping on my new open-toe booties.

I love the pink and olive colors. For some reason, the colors, pattern and style of this dress reminds me of Miami. I’ve only been there once and I wasn’t really paying much attention to what folks were wearing, but it’s definitely what I picture Miami ladies wearing. Maybe I’m just imagining things!

Real talk: I had this dress altered for a better fit. I asked to shorten both the shoulders and the bottom hem of the dress and I think it turned out pretty well. However, there is a snap in the front that allows you to choose how deep you want the front V to go. I love this feature but since having the shoulders altered, it’s very easy to snap open with even the slightest pull so I have to be careful, especially while at work! Next time I’ll wear a thin cami underneath, just in case.

Dress: Target | Cardigan: Banana Republic (old) | Shoes: via Rack Room | Necklace: Old Navy | Watch: Target

I’m a little jealous of Nick because he gets to wear shorts to work. Like, every single day. And not just for his current job but the one before that, too. I guess I understand it. Their work is online so I suppose there’s no need to dress to impress… there’s no one to impress but each other.

Taking a page from his book, I decided to wear these shorts to my own office. I figured if any office would allow it, it would an awesome nonprofit and if any shorts would be appropriate, it would be these. They’re classy and fancy and about the same length as any skirt I would feel comfortable wearing. When you pair them with a bright top and heels, you get a nice, polished look. I think I look pretty darn cute, and no one at my office complained.

Also, I got a haircut! I love this length and think I’ll stick to it for a while.

Anyway, happy Friday everyone! It’s been a long week and I’m ready for the freedom of the weekend. We’re thinking about painting our bathroom tomorrow – a project we’ve been meaning to do for years. I’m not even kidding, we’ve had two paint swatches on our bathroom wall for several years now. Here’s to hoping we can follow through this time.

Shirt, Shorts, and Shoes: Banana Republic | Necklace & Bracelet: Old Navy | Watch: Target | Handbag: Anne Klein via Belk

P.S. I could be a walking ad for Banana Republic in this outfit. I didn’t plan it, but all the pieces are from BR. Hey Banana, please pay me to be your real-life model?

While everything I wear is a reflection of the style I like, this outfit is one of those that feels so quintessentially me. The cute top, the comfortable pants, mostly neutral with a pop of color in the shoes… these are the things that make me feel happy and confident in an outfit. Of course, happy and confident are the main feelings I try to achieve with any outfit (as well as comfortable!) but this one really hits the mark.

For all of my adult career, I’ve enjoyed dressing business casual. I’ve never really been the jeans and tee kind of girl because that’s just me. Once, in middle school, my gym/health teacher asked me why I was always so dressed up. I think I told him I just liked to look nice. Nothing wrong with that! And this outfit looks really nice. It’s simple yet elegant. The only thing missing in this whole ensemble is some color on my lips!

I mentioned in one of my posts last week that Target is retiring its Mossimo and Merona brands but will continue with its Who What Wear line (along with several new lines). This shirt is from that line and one of the reasons I ain’t mad about Target’s decision. It’s a great shirt! It’s cute and interesting, it can be dressed up (like here, or with a skirt) or down (with jeans), and it can be worn with just about any other color. That’s a win in my book.

Top: Who What Wear via Target | Trousers: Banana Republic | Shoes: Old Navy | Sunnies & Watch: Target

What outfit combinations or qualities make you feel happy and confident?

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