Breathing Space...

To say that life has been chaotic lately is the understatement of the century!  You may have noticed that it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything here... I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting! My hubby had back surgery which sadly didn't go as well as planned.  Thankfully, everyday seems to get a little better and he's on the road to recovery.  While it's going to be a slow one, we are happy that he is finally making progress.  Needless to say, traveling to NYC to visit him everyday for the first few days, working and taking care of the girls pretty much ran me down big time.  Holding down the fort has not been an easy task... especially this past week as i battled an upper respiratory infection!  But I'm here, feeling much better and excited for the last week of school! Yay!  I'm so fortunate to have a job that allows me to enjoy my summers with my girls!  I especially love that I'll be able to devote a little more time to my this little passion of mine.  I have so many things lined up to chat with you about!  I've been testing out a huge array of products that i can't wait to share with you!  I have some fun giveaways planned and of course some exciting fashion posts!  Also, I'm leaving for Aruba in a few short weeks (I've never needed a beach vacation more than i do right now)!!!  I will totally be sharing lots of pictures on my social media so be on the lookout for that too!

For today's post, i wanted to share one of my easy go-to summer looks! Thinking back to my vacation last summer in Cabo, i completely over packed as i always do.  I remember every night, all i ever reached for were maxi dresses.  All of my skirts and capri pants were practically untouched the entire trip!  This got me thinking about this year's vacation and how I'm going to try very hard to pack light! Maxi dresses are so comfy yet always look perfect for a day or night out.  While i love to wear fun colors, i actually really enjoy this black maxi because it can easily be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Or better yet, it can easily take you from day to night by simply adding a great statement necklace or kimono! One of my favorite features with this maxi dress is that it has pockets! How fun is that?!  One of the downfall, however,  is that it's very long so if you're on the shorter side, this dress is probably not for you! Still, i wore it out the other day while discovering this gem of a waterfront park that's only 10 minutes away from home!  It's so beautiful here and I'm thrilled to have discovered it!  Can't wait to be back with my little girls for a little picnic this summer!  I have no doubt they'll enjoy it as much as i did!

Dress: Nordstrom, Sandals/Slides: JCrew Factory, Bag: Zara (Similar here, here and here), Sunnies: From the Rachel Zoe Summer Box of Style (my favorite box to date... subscribe here and get $10 off).

Thank you so much for your patience and i look forward to sharing all kinds of wonderful things with you this summer... my beauty/style bffs!  Love you guys! Xo, Carla

Rachel Zoe Box of Style

I have a major thing for subscription boxes!  After all, it's like getting a present in the mail every month or in this case every season!  Needless to say, when style goddess Rachel Zoe launched the Box o Style, i simply could not resist!  Every season, i look forward to checking out all the amazing products and accessories that Rachel curates for me (ok for all that subscribe though i like to think she creates each and every item in this box for meeeee)!!!  The Winter box arrived at my doorstep on Christmas Eve (perfect timing don't you agree?)  Every item in the box comes individually wrapped in tissue paper which is fantastic because you have time to enjoy each little surprise rather than seeing it all at once.  The Winter box did not disappoint!  With each box, there is usually one hero item though i have to say, for me personally there were quite a few!  The Sunday Riley TIDAL Brightening Enzyme Water Cream is uhhhhhmazing!   I'm obsessed with the deep berry CLINIQUE lippie and the candle is so luxurious and smells incredible!  Oh, the winter hat came in three colors... white, black and burgundy.  The one i received in my box was burgundy and actually matches a scarf that my mom made me for Christmas beautifully!  The leather card case is so sleek and matches my Philip Lim Pashli bag impeccably. Lastly, the sparkly necklace (hero item) is a real show stopper!  It's truly a standout item! The overall value of the Winter box is about $450!  This is certainly a deal considering the box costs $100.  Pssst you can actually get $10 off of your first box so take advantage and purchase it here!  There are still some Winter boxes left.  Besides, aren't you the least bit curious to know what Rachel has in store for Spring?  I die.... or as Rachel might say... it's gonna be BANANAS!   Purchase your box here!

Note: The book shown in my photos is not included in the box.  This box was purchased by me.

Thank you so much for reading! Xo, Carla -FMM