Last week I shared a few of my favorite picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and after scrolling through the sale for days (Seriously. Days.), I realized that I was drawn to a ton of things in my favorite color for fall. Regardless of any trendy colors for the season, I find myself always buying pieces in oxblood, or burgundy, or whatever other name it may be called this year. From easy dresses to killer accessories and the blanket scarf that I need, there are SO many great fall pieces to snap up for a total steal. So don’t miss out!
Remember that girl you hated posting Instagrams at the beach in March? Well consider this my official apology. This week Newport Beach has dealt us a serious taste of our own medicine with overcast days followed by cold and windy nights that have given me a bit of wanderlust. (I write this post wrapped in a blanket scarf.) While I have no travel plans at the moment, I know exactly what I’ll be wearing as soon as the chance comes my way. Lucy has been a go-to for workout wear for me for a while, and I’ll find any way to wear my sweats all day, everyday. These pants are about as comfy as they come (go figure), and paired with a few other over-worn basics from my closet, they’re good to go and hot to trot. I’m packin’ my bags. So come on, people…where to?
Confession: I have WAY more jackets than someone living in Southern California should. And with limited closet space, it’s kind of a problem. But is there anything better than cozy-ing up in a soft jacket and big blanket scarf as soon as fall starts? I think not. And although I’ve got a few winter toppers, this little wool boucle jacket from Lands’ End was the perfect addition for this fall. It fits me perfectly and is incredibly versatile. Today I’m pairing it with a little denim on denim, mixed prints combo, and I could just as easily wear it as a feminine touch to an edgy leather look. It’s timeless and can work in my wardrobe for seasons to come. If you’re looking to add to your own fall and winter outerwear, check out the selection from Lands’ End for everything from dressy to casual, neutrals to prints and bold hues. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend and a happy Halloween!
xoxo
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lands’ End, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
Happy Tuesday, friends! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you probably noticed more than a couple of snaps from a snowy winter wonderland recently, and today I’m sharing a bit more about our trip to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana.
Eric and I first laid eyes on Lone Mountain Ranch during this road trip last summer, but they were completely booked at the time so we settled for a quick lunch before hitting the road again. We knew we wanted to eventually make it back for a stay, so we started looking into packages and summer dates sometime around January of this year. Obviously within a couple of months Covid-19 was the new reality, and that trip was shelved for the future.
Fast forward to sometime around the end of summer and I came across an Instagram ad that Lone Mountain Ranch was staying open through the month of October (something they don’t normally do) and offering incredible cabin rates for that month. For reference, LMR offers a bunch of different packages, but for the most part, it’s an all-inclusive experience that includes your meals, trail rides, horse-back riding, and tons of different activities. (And for additional reference, the packages are pricey.) But because it’s 2020 and nothing is normal, we were able to book a cabin for a sort of a la carte stay that was so perfect for us.
We stayed in the “Ouzel” cabin, and given the chance, I would 100% book it again. It was spacious but so cozy with a wood-burning stove fireplace and a clawfoot tub that I loved. There are no TV’s (which we both enjoyed), but the wifi and cell service on the property is excellent which made it easy to get work done when needed. Horn & Cantle, the restaurant on the property, is seriously delicious, and we ate there for every breakfast and almost every dinner. The Korean Chicken Wings were probably the best wings I’ve ever had, and the Vegan Enchiladas were a surprising favorite for a couple of meat-eaters. The entire staff was beyond friendly, warm, and so helpful, and going during Covid restrictions, we felt completely safe – mask rules were in effect in any building we entered.
When I first booked it, I figured we would get some pretty chilly weather. I wasn’t really thinking it would be covered in snow and -6 degrees during one of the days, but it honestly just added to the trip. We spent one full day exploring Yellowstone National Park, and after seeing it last summer on our road trip, it was pretty cool to see it again in the winter. The snow really does add a magical layer to the park. We spent Saturday eating and shopping in downtown Bozeman (about an hour from the ranch) and then a lazy Sunday in the cabin, sitting by a fire, reading a book, and watching the snow. (I had scheduled horseback riding that had to be cancelled due to the weather – even the locals were surprised by the amount of snow and negative temps in October.) Overall, the trip was incredible, and Eric and I both agree that we’ll be back to Lone Mountain Ranch, hopefully sooner rather than later.
xoxo
P.S. – We were supposed to leave on Monday and fly home, but we decided we were just too close to Jackson Hole to NOT go. (Jackson has been a favorite of ours that we try to visit at least once a year.) So we extended our trip a couple of days and took the rental car the four hours to Jackson. It was a short stay but totally worth it. (You can see a bunch of my favorite spots to visit in Jackson Hole here.)
Happy Tuesday, friends! Did anyone else completely take the day off yesterday for Presidents’ Day? I really can’t remember the last time I had a full-on lazy day lounging with the pups with zero responsibilities (slash none that couldn’t wait until today), and it was glorious. We also went to bed super early snuggled under a ton of blankets because currently in Southern California, it IS COLD. Eric left for work this morning with ice on his car, and we’ve been using our heater more in the last couple of weeks than we did all last winter.
But cold or no cold, spring fashion is on its way, and I am ready for it. A few weeks ago I got to once again attend cabi’s annual “Scoop” fashion show, and it was just as fun as ever. I’ve chatted about it here before, but cabi Scoop just epitomizes the idea of women supporting women. It’s a huge room filled with ladies who seem to genuinely love what they do and are also SERIOUSLY enthused about the next season of fashion from cabi. And when I saw the spring runway, I was pretty enthused myself. We’re talking a slew of spring blouses, three pairs of wear-everywhere shoes, a handful of adorable sweaters and cardigans, the basic knit tees that have become my go-to favorites, and so much more.
If you missed out on the Scoop it, take a look at the video below to see the a peek at cabi’s spring line, and scroll down for a few of my favorites (including this striped blouse that will be on the blog soon). Which pieces would you guys like to snag for spring?
And just like that, it’s Christmas Eve, y’all. And I’ve got one thing to say about it: WILD. The holidays always seem to fly by, but this year in particular, I’m over here scratching my head wondering where the last month has gone. I’m sure it’s because, as I mentioned in my last post, I’ve spent lots of time traveling over the last month or so (and this year in general).
Warm weather trips, cold weather gear, dressy staples, casual exploring gear – I’ve packed and unpacked a few times this year, and I have to say, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I am ALL about our hard case luggage from Ricardo Beverly Hills. It’s been tough enough to last through a ton of trips and fits SO. MUCH. STUFF. (Because let’s be real, I’m not always the best at editing down the packing list.)
And when it comes to carry-on luggage or just a bag for short trips or errands around town, I seriously love everything MZ Wallace. My friend Jenn introduced me to the brand years ago, and I’ve now got a few different styles. The fabric is super durable, there are a ton of interior pockets and pouches, and the straps are so comfortable to carry all day long.
The latest bag I’m loving? The Large Metro Tote is seriously so nice. I love the larger size, the zipper closure at the top, and the sleek, easy design. I used this tote on a recent trip home to Louisiana with Weeze and managed to fit a full-sized blanket, my computer, and ALL of the other puppy necessities with room to spare. I put all my purse essentials in the Metro Pouch and used it as a clutch once we got to New Orleans.
If you’ve got travel planned for the new year and want to get organized, check out MZ Wallace to get your act together, girl. Merry Christmas Eve, friends!
Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays. And for me these days, that counts for both our California and Louisiana Christmases. Eric and I switch off every year, and this year, we’re spending my favorite holiday at our home in California. My parents are in town, and we’re dog-sitting for one of Weeze’s dog buds (a 200 pound Mastiff named Angus), so it’s a full and happy house for sure.
But today I’m teaming up with Banana Republic to share a holiday travel look that’s ideal for those days when we’re headed south to Louisiana for the holidays. It’s my favorite outfit for traveling – high rise skinnies, a super soft sweater, the comfiest shoes, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket for the plane. (This poncho is also a dream for flying.) It’s comfortable enough for flying but classic and stylish enough for actually going out and about once you land. (Because you KNOW we always have to grab a meal somewhere in New Orleans when we land.)
And as for the luggage, well recently those got a stylish upgrade too. (Because what’s a good airport Instagram without a couple of stylish bags? I know, don’t answer that.) But these really are great. They’re durable and sleek, roll like a dream, and they’ve got a ton of compartments, perfect for organizing the 50 additional sweaters I’ll most likely pack. (And you can enter to win a set of your own.)
Well we’re in the final stretch before Christmas, y’all, and no matter where you’re spending the holiday, arrive in style. And here’s hoping you’re surrounded by the people you love.
Ahhh, Monday, we meet again. It’s the start of a busy but exciting week around here, and it’s a much needed reminder to me that sometimes I just need to trust the road that I’m on. The blogging world can be such an amazing, supportive community, but it can also create a bit of unwanted competitiveness. From time to time I struggle with comparing myself and my blog to others, wishing I could do this better or that, grow my social media more quickly, connect with this brand or that one, and so on. I hate that I do it, but I do. Eric is constantly reminding me to slow down and focus on how far this little blog has come. And then there’s my mom. Well I swear sometimes she just knows. (That’s what moms do I guess.) She sent along another gem from Max Lucado last week that was exactly what I needed, and I just have to share.
A little boy named Adam wanted to be like his friend Bobby. Adam loved the way Bobby walked and talked. Bobby, however, wanted to be like Charlie. Something about Charlie’s stride and accent intrigued him. Charlie, on the other hand, was impressed with Danny. Charlie wanted to look and sound like Danny. Danny, of all things, had a hero as well: Adam. He wanted to be just like Adam. So Adam was imitating Bobby, who was imitating Charlie, who was imitating Danny, who was imitating Adam. Turns out, all Adam had to do was be himself. Stay in your own lane. Run your own race. Nothing good happens when you compare and compete. God does not judge you according to the talents of others. He judges you according to yours. His yardstick for measuring faithfulness is how faithful you are with your own gifts. You are not responsible for the nature of your gift. But you are responsible for how you use it. – Max Lucado
Pretty good, right? So here’s to a great week ahead and a little more focus on staying in my own lane. Cheers, y’all.
Happy Ho-Ho-Holidays, people! I’ve made my list and checked it twice, headed to the mall to start my Christmas shopping, and immediately ran home once I saw the crowds. I mean, B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Making my way through the oblivious mosey-around crowd and the hard-core, here-on-a-mission crazy ladies made we wanna lose my marbles. And really, why battle the crowds when there’s this brilliant little thing called the internet? (Eureka!) So today I’m putting together a few must-have, bound to please gifts for the gals in your life. (And selfishly, a few things that I’m hoping and praying end up under my tree.) The PJ’s at #1 are officially my favorite of the season – I bought them and would like to live in them. The blanket at #2 is the softest you’ll ever feel, and (bonus) it gives to an amazing cause. I could go on and on, but whether she’s in need of new kicks or fresh nude lips, there’s something here for the ladies on your list. Happy shopping!
One time in high school, I flew up to Virginia with my parents to visit my brother in college. While waiting for our bags, my mom and I got to chatting, and I kind of maybe wasn’t paying attention when I pointed to a black bag that I thought was mine circling around. My dad grabbed it, asked if it was definitely mine, and we left. An hour and a half later when we got to our hotel, well what do you know it’s actually not my bag? Oops. Big oops. My dad was less than pleased about that drive back to the airport in the morning. And I’ve sworn off black suitcases ever since.
So when Jenn and I headed to the International House Hotel for a little New Orleans stay-cay (more on that coming to the blog soon), I was thrilled to find these chevron-printed suitcases from French Bull available exclusively at Target. Sure, you should probably still double-check the name on the bag, but I think it’s pretty easy to spot your bag when it’s this bold. Plus, it’s just a great bag – tons of zippered compartments, an included laundry bag, and rolls and spins like a dream. Sometimes it’s the little things in life. Hope everyone has a great week ahead!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by French Bull, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
1. Leith Crepe Trapeze Dress ($20 off) 2. Leith Floppy Felt Hat ($9 off) 3. Franco Sarto Granite Bootie ($40 off) 4. Deux Lux Mae Vegan Fringe Bag ($39 off) 5. Halogen Windowpane Blanket Scarf ($18 off) 6. BP Trott Bootie ($40 off) 7. Halogen Fit and Flare Lace Dress ($39 off) 8. Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip ($65 off) 9. Rebecca Minkoff Chevron Quilted Love Crossbody ($98 off) 10. Sam Edelman Faux Fur Topper ($70 off) 11. Tasha Beaded Multi-Cord Bracelet ($10 off) 12. Via Spiga Tasa Sandal ($96 off)
Bison in Yellowstone National Park
Grounds of the Rustic Creek Inn
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