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Fall Florals & Rust Skirt

October 25, 2016

Hello, loves, and happy Monday!
I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mark and I had a lot of fun things planned, and I had every intention of posting some of them again on Instagram stories, but the rain kind of squashed that idea when the main event was outdoors! I know we need the rain and I actually enjoy it, even driving in it isn’t so bad, but not when an entire Sunday afternoon is supposed to be devoted to walking around a few city blocks viewing art crafted by locals. We ended up spending most of our time out of the downpour in the beer garden (surprise, surprise), and even though our original thought was to take some pictures while walking around like we did during the last art walk, I told my photographer Holli to leave her camera at home, and let’s just make the most of this super rainy day! It worked out pretty well; we dined at a phenomenal food truck called Fire Pizza, which I hope finds a brick & mortar location soon so we can indulge on their tasty pies more often. Holli and the other girls found some gorgeous handmade jewelry, while I restrained as I prep for an upcoming no-buy (I’m thinking until Black Friday).
The day before, Mark was a part of a nostalgic 80’s road rally, along with 30 other cars, while I hiked a 5k on a new trail in town, and then went to work (less fun). It was a nice re-set and I think I’m going to start mapping out nice little walks to take on future Saturdays. I got 14k+ steps that day, go me!

As you may know, I’m obsessed with fall florals, and have already worked them in to a couple of looks on the blog here and here. Spring florals are lovely; you know, the pastel, floaty petals on airy fabrics. But there’s something a bit moody and brooding about darker tones and bolder blooms on sturdier fabrics. I love working them in to pieces you wouldn’t expect, like this bomber jacket, similar to one I just purchased.

Blouse / StitchFix // Skirt / H&M // Necklace / BaubleBar // Clutch / Forever 21 // Flats / Louise et Cie // Cocktail ring / Alexis Bittar from the Box of Style

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

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Fringe Flutter

July 31, 2016

Hello, loves!
Today, I’m bringing the fringe! I love this “fringe flutter” look because broken down, it’s a super simple outfit recipe where the accessories really make the ensemble complete. I found these metallic crisscross sandals (from Seychelles) at the last Gilt City sample sale, and I’ve been pairing them with everything from jeans and a tee to a day dress to an LBD for a GNO. They were on super sale (around $30!), because the straps were about 6 inches too long. So random, but a quick trip to my favorite cobbler and they were perfect for about $8. Not a bad investment at under $40. If you’re ever in the area when these sales are taking place, I highly recommend attending. I’ve come home with amazing finds at about 80% off retail.
The fringe bag is from BohoCheri, a local boutique that I love. The long leather tassels are definitely part of what makes this a statement bag, because they swing back and forth as you move. I wanted to add a pop of color with my jewelry, and I’ve been OBSESSED with turquoise this summer. I love that turq can run the gamut from deeper greens to light blue, and I adore when the stone has that gorgeous veining in it, whether it’s real or not. I loved this beaded stretch bracelet from Jessica Simpson so much when I rented it from Le Tote that I ended up buying it! The little gold coins really catch the light without being garish.
On a little side note, I’ve just returned from the CA Gift Show, which is my semi-annual pilgrimage to the convention center in LA to see all of the upcoming trends in jewelry and accessories. I can’t wait to share with you all the gorgeous things I came home with!
😀

Blouse / H&M // Jeans / MaviUSA via StitchFix // Bag / at BohoCheri // Sandals / Seychelles // Necklace / Elysian & Grace (similar) // Bracelet / Jessica Simpson // Rings / Forever 21 // Sunnies / Amazon

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

One Vest, Three Ways – Working Class

June 8, 2016

Hi loves!
I hope everyone is doing excellently well. I wanted to mix it up today and try this sleeveless suede vest in not only a work look, but also as a layering piece. When putting together outfits that I would wear to work, the first thing I always consider is “how can I layer this?” In Southern California, it can jump from 60 degrees at 7 am to 102 around 2 pm. In my office, it can range from slightly chilly to comfortable to having to fan myself in the middle of the day!
I definitely have to think about having pieces I can remove or add on as the day goes on. I’ve made the mistake before of wearing a long-sleeved lightweight (or so I thought!) blouse and suffering through half of the day, so I try to stick with a pretty basic formula for dressing now. I almost always start with a slim basic tank or camisole, like these from Gap. They’re frequently on sale and I have about 10 total in white and black. Next, I’ll wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved top in either cotton or a sheer fabric for coverage, but also to stay cool. To top it off, I’ll grab anything from a barely there cardigan to a more substantial open sweater or blazer. I’m also a huge fan of the lightweight trench for integrating into your work wardrobe. I’ve linked several options below that I think would be great additions. Look for a lightweight material, preferably unlined, and also with roll-up sleeves to adjust between temperatures.
I wanted to keep this look pretty tonal, so I added some black heels that have a white stripe accent; grey, gold and black jewelry; a faux snakeskin work bag and a black suede knee-length skirt fro StitchFix that I’m just in love with right now.

Suede vest / BohoCheri // Tank / Everlane // Trench / H&M // Skirt / StitchFix // Heels / Jimmy Choo // Tote / JustFab // Open bracelet & necklace / LA finds // Cage cuff / Nectar Clothing // Sunglasses / Amazon
Other great trench options here, here and here.

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.

Cocoon Wrap and Lace-Up Bodysuit

May 7, 2016

Hello, loves!!
I was so excited to put this outfit together and had so much fun shooting it! I think one of the reasons it was enjoyable for me was because it made me think of all of things about the 90’s that I loved (and miss!)

My dress code in the 90’s, when I was very much still figuring out my style, was truly all over the place. I remember wearing glitter screen-printed baby t’s and super wide leg jeans almost every day. One of my favorite outfits, which still makes me cringe, was a metallic mesh t-shirt that flashed cobalt blue and silver, which I paired with either my silver JNCO hugely wide leg pants or a silver tulle ball skirt that I wore to a school dance. Who knows what the hell I was thinking, but when I was 14, those outfits were the sh!t! To me at least, haha! Back when Hot Topic was truly for goth & punk kids, not any of that mainstream pop-y, vampire drama paraphernalia, and Delia’s, Alloy, Moxie Girl and Girlfriends L.A. catalogs were torn through with reckless abandon searching for the latest in trendy gear. It’s crazy how so many of the trends I used to rock, like platform mules, lace-up shirts, and velvet chokers are totally on-trend right now. I won’t be bringing everything back, that’s for sure. While I think chokers are cute, now they give me a suffocating, choking (weird, right!?) feeling and I can’t stand them. I also feel like wide leg pants, on my frame, just don’t do me any favors.

My beauty M.O. in those years was all about the glitter gel. It was one of the first beauty items that I ever hoarded. I had glitter in all forms – gel for body and hair, body spray, creams and sticks for eyes, loose for mixing with lotion, and in every color and size you could imagine. I’m really glad that I toned that all way down, but I totally feel that hit of nostalgia whenever I do a toned-down glittery eye for a GNO. I think everything shiny was kind of a theme with me, and it’s funny how much I’ve stuck with that, just made it more refined and, dare I say, grown up!

What clothing trends make you nostalgic for the decade you grew up in?

Cocoon wrap c/o BohoCheri // Bodysuit / H&M // Jeans / MaviUSA // Wedges / JustFab // Necklace / vintage // Bracelet c/o BohoCheri // Sunnies / Amazon

Pictures by Holli Zenko Photography.