We kicked off 2017 by packing up our house and getting ready for a pretty easy remodel.  We were adding on a dining room and an office for Eric and changing out all of the existing exterior plaster for new.  We found an awesome rental house and thought we’d make ourselves at home there for about a month.  (The plaster changing meant we wouldn’t have exterior walls, so the house was just too cold to live in.)  You know what they say, the best laid plans…

Fast forward five months, and our sweet little remodel turned into an entirely different house.  We eliminated walls, vaulted ceilings, did an entire kitchen remodel, and changed just about every room in the house.  Over the next seven months, we added on a front patio with a fire pit that we love, completely reworked the backyard to include a built-in BBQ and jacuzzi area, and finally switched out the dirt yard and port-o-potty out front for actual grass and landscaping.  (Hashtag, that construction life.)  And I swear, more photos of the home are coming soon.

In May after moving back into our house, we welcomed our sweet pup Louise, and although girlfriend certainly put me through it for a couple of months, she’s now the sweetest little member of our family.  (And as you can probably tell from the photos above, my furry sidekick loves a good photo opp.)

Over the summer we were super fortunate to purchase a house in Palm Springs (more photos here) and worked with a handful of amazing companies to furnish, decorate, and make it a home.  We’ve loved every single day we’ve gotten to spend there, loved ringing in the new year there, and can’t wait to spend more time in the desert this year.

Over the past year, I’ve gotten to enjoy some amazing travels – both near and far – from a crazy nice girls’ getaway to Playa de La Paz in Mexico to my dream long weekend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my love and a couple of friends.  (More on that Jackson trip, still to come.)  This year, I got to work with some amazing brands, interview Reese Witherspoon (even if I did stumble all over my words like a starstruck idiot), celebrate one whole year of marriage, and keep this little blog going, doing exactly what I love doing.

Year after year, I’m so very fortunate that you guys keep reading and following along on my journey.  I’m so thankful for all the comments, likes, emails, in-person hello’s and so very thankful for this little community.  There are already some fun things in the works for 2018, so I certainly hope that you’ll keep following along!  Here’s hoping everyone has the best year ahead!

xoxo

P.S. – For all outfit details and photographer info, click the photo above to see the original post.

Good morning, friends!  If you’ve been following along here for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I never miss out on snagging a few favorites every season from cabi, and when I find something of theirs that I love, I tend to wear it to death.  I’m super excited to share a couple of pieces from their brand new collection, Penny Lane Lovely, that’s finally available today.

No surprise here, the new pieces are SO good, and this playsuit just may be my new fall uniform.  I’ve styled it here super casual for a day of running errands or grabbing brunch with friends, and guys, these loafers are seriously so comfortable.  Add a pair of heels and some fab accessories, and you’ve got a completely different look a la Sam from Style of Sam and Jo from Le Fab Chic, below.  (Head over to their blogs to see more on how they styled the playsuit.)

If you’re a cabi girl like me, don’t miss out on this brand new batch of goodies because we all know, once a piece is gone, it’s really gone, girl.  Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Tyler Chase

What do you do when you can’t wait a single second longer for denim shorts season?  You pair ’em with a couple of cozy, layered tops and call it a day.  I’ve been yammering on and on lately about cabi clothing, and this little sweater tank is another fave of the season.  Wear it with a pair of flowy pants, skinny jeans, or your favorite denim shorts.  And these shorts (first worn back here) are definitely my faves.

Every time I wear these shorts someone asks where they are from because they’re not like the usual tight-fitting, suctioned to your legs fit that seams to fill the retail shelves.  Why is it so hard to find denim shorts that aren’t like denim undies?  Can I get an amen?  If you’re looking for something that’s a little more comfy and appropriate then I’d definitely suggest checking these out.  Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

Look #2: cabi striped dress, wedges and bracelet (c/o);  Gucci bag;  Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)

By now I’ve shared favorite cabi pieces with you guys countless times over the years, and it’s for good reason: I freaking love this brand.  It’s seriously an amazing company for women, run by women, supporting women, and what’s better than that?  Every person I’ve met that is involved with the brand genuinely loves it.  Plus, the collections are just really cute.  Every single piece is so well-made and thought-out with some why didn’t I think of that details.  The fabrics are always really great quality, and as an added bonus, most of the pieces travel really well.  (As in, easy to pack and pretty wrinkle-free.  Winner, winner.)

One of the questions that I get the most from you guys when I post something cabi is, How can I order that?  So here’s a little reminder of how this whole things works.  cabi is sold through independent Stylists, and no, I’m not one of them.  (I’m telling you, I just really love wearing cabi.)  If you’re interested in finding a Stylist in your area, just head over here.  They’ll get you in contact with the gal in your town that can help you get your hands on the latest and greatest, easy peasy.

The Spring 2017 collection has been so dang cute, and on May 4th, the New Arrivals Two collection is hitting the site.  And it is SO good.  The little lace shorts and striped dress above were standout favorites for me, but I really could’ve picked out five more pieces.  And now for the best news.  Whether you’re a longtime cabi fan or a newbie who’d like to get her hands on the line, today I’ve got a giveaway for you.

Follow the prompts below to enter to win a head-to-toe look of your choice, courtesy of cabi.  Even better?  I’ll be choosing five (5!) winners on Thursday, April 27th, so don’t miss out!  Good luck, friends!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Gabi Wells

Brought to you by cabi.

True story, a couple of summers ago, Eric and I were hanging out on our patio in Newport Beach with a couple of friends when this guy rode by on a bike and yelled “Why aren’t you guys at the Lido Theater right now?  You’re missing it, man!”  Obviously we were pretty curious, decided to head over to the theater and found out they were live-streaming the last-ever Grateful Dead concert from Chicago.

I wasn’t much of a fan at the time, and although Eric knew a bunch of their songs he certainly was never really a Deadhead.  But we decided to stick around anyway because we didn’t have any plans and it seemed like a fun place to have a couple of cocktails.  We were definitely the youngest people in the theater, but y’all, it was so much fun.  While some people sat in their seats watching and listening, a ton of people were dancing in the aisles, singing along, reliving some past concert I’m sure.  I thought, is my generation going to do this someday to Backstreet Boys or something?  Probably not.

Anywho, it was a pretty cool experience, and so this little Grateful Dead tank is definitely a new favorite of mine.  And how great is it for festival season, which is officially upon us?  Add a pair of cut-offs and sandals for an easy-peasy, Coachella-approved look.  And while I’m not actually heading to Coachella this year (I’ve decided that maybe I’m too old for all that jazz?), I’m definitely down with dressing the part.  Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

What do you do when you’ve got a little chiffon dress just calling your name but it’s, ya know, winter?  Grab your favorite turtleneck and layer up, friends.  I’ve pretty much worn this little layering turtleneck on repeat this fall and winter, and I’ve just found a super similar version that’s under $40 and available in six colors.  I’m thinking I may need to scoop up the ivory version STAT.  (I also just Googled what the letters in STAT stand for.  Turns out, nothing – not an acronym.)  Anywho, just layer the dress that you’re trying to wear over a thin turtleneck, and add a little outerwear.  A shearling vest is the perfect way to stay warm, and there are a ton of great options here.  (Bonus points for any clothing that feels like an oversized teddy bear.)  Over-the-knee boots add the perfect finishing touch because they’re, like, almost pants, right?  I’m obsessed with this grey pair.  Once the temperatures warm up for spring, I can’t wait to break out this dress again with sandals or wedges, and if you love it like I do, then you’re in luck.  It’s currently 25% off, just in time to wear it now and later into Spring.  Versatile pieces that hop from season to season?  Happy layering, friends!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

Hey, girlfriends, anybody up for a little hump day cabi giveaway?  Two whole months ago I gave you guys a little peek at a couple of my favorite things from cabi’s Fall 2016 collection, and finally, finally – fall is almost here.  (Well, technically it’s here, but the fall weather seems to be a little delayed with this week’s SoCal heat wave.)  Since the initial launch, I’ve fallen for so many more pieces like this long cardigan that I’m basically obsessed with for fall.  Pair it with a dress (like this printed cabi number), skinny jeans, or comfy leggings to take this killer cardi anywhere, day or night.  (Last week I actually needed a little outfit boost for dinner, so I paired with denim cutoffs, a tank, and leather mules for an easy transitional look.)  Also loving this sweater pea coat and this beyond comfy layering piece that are both coming to the blog soon.  If the first collection didn’t have enough goodness, cabi just added fourteen new arrivals yesterday so you can update that wishlist of yours.  (And mine.)  And while we’re on the topic of that wishlist, here comes the fun part.  I’m teaming up with cabi to give one lucky reader $250 towards whatever your heart desires.  So get the cardigan!  Or don’t.  It’s your prerogative, babes, but whatever you do, don’t miss out on entering this week’s cabi giveaway.  Happy Wednesday, and good luck!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Jenny Megenney

Look #2:  cabi jeans, tank (last season), and vest (c/o);  fringe bag;  heels;  Quay sunglasses;  Kendra Scott bracelets

Over the past couple of years I’ve become a huge fan of cabi clothing because their stuff is just so well made.  I’ve got a particular green jacket of theirs from about four years back that I still wear ALL the time.  I look forward to every new season reveal, and this week, cabi’s fall collection has arrived.  It’s packed with everything I’ve come to expect – a few great blouses, the best basic tees and tanks, a couple of versatile jackets, luxe sweaters, and a few denim pieces that I love.  The Waterfront Shirt was the first piece that caught my eye and is probably my favorite denim shirt, like, ever.  It’s SO soft with a little bit of stretch, and I love the neck-tie detailing – so cute.  I couldn’t wait for fall, so I paired it with my favorite denim shorts for a denim on denim transitional look.  These skinnies are also so good.  They fit like a dream, and I can’t wait to wear the vest with everything this fall.  Head over here and check out cabi’s fall collection for yourself, and stop by the cabi blog today where I’m featured along with a couple other blogger babes.  Happy almost Friday, y’all!

xoxo

Happy Monday, lovelies.  How was everyone’s weekend?  Today I’m spilling the beans on one of my favorite brands season after season, cabi.  Over the years I’ve worn quite a few cabi pieces, and it’s with good reason.  The entire collection is meant to be mixed, matched, and worn a ton of different ways, and the quality is just so good.  I’ve got favorite jackets and one particular blouse that I’ve worn for years now, and they still look brand new.  cabi is sold through a community of female stylists (over 3500 of them currently), and although I’m not a cabi stylist, this week I’ll get to join them at their bi-annual “The Scoop” in San Diego.  I’m so excited to check out their Spring 2016 collection at this year’s Scoop fashion show on Thursday and can’t wait to share it all with you guys on my Twitter and Instagram!  So tune in this Thursday at 4 pm (PST), and in the meantime, check out the video below for a sneak peek.  I’ve already got my eye on so. many. pieces.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Taylor Cole

Disclosure:  This post is in collaboration with cabi, but all opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.