Can every clothing company just agree to start putting pockets in, like, everything? I don’t know what it is, but I think most girls would agree that there’s just something about a dress with pockets. It’s not that I’m actually storing things in there or carrying a man wallet or something. It’s just…convenient for some reason. And considering my recent plaid addiction, this little shirtdress (that’s under $25) was a real no-brainer. Reeeeeal no-brainer. And don’t even get me started on the boots because I’d be sleeping in them every night if I could. But that’s weird so I won’t do that, whatever. Here’s hoping everyone’s week is off to a great start.
Today I’m sharing one last post from New York Fashion Week, and y’all, this day was beautiful. It was right after a stormy day in NYC, and it absolutely felt like the first day of fall. Packing this sweater cape for the trip felt a little ridiculous because I knew it was supposed to be very warm all week, but I couldn’t resist bringing it “just in case”. And on this breezy, beautiful day in New York when I got to wear it, I was like, “See? This is why I pack like a maniac and bring about 75% more clothes and shoes and bags and accessories than I need.” After all this time, my over-packing paid off. Small victories, people.
Another small victory? It’s Friday! And I’m celebrating with a little brunch action with two of my favorite Orange County bloggers – Kathleen and Miriam. Miriam has a serious knack for finding the best EATS around (Exhibit A), so Kathleen and I were like TAKE US WITH YOU! (Because a week of eating in New Orleans wasn’t enough…) I’m thinking it’s the perfect way to kick off this fall weekend. What do you guys have planned?
Growing up in the South and in a football-loving family, I’ve never been one to pass up a game day during football season. I love watching the game itself, but it’s really even more about the whole day. The tailgating, the friendly rivalries, the first signs of fall, and the perfect excuse to lounge on the couch all day on Saturday when your team is playing an away game. And while I love football season, you probably won’t catch me sporting a jersey or some team logo emblazoned get-up any time soon. I like to keep things simple with lightweight (I said first signs of fall, not actual fall weather) jersey dresses and accessories in whatever colors you want. This dress from Shop Bella C comes in five colors including a couple of neutrals like the black that I chose. (What can I say, I love a great little black dress for the weekends.) Once the temperatures finally drop, you can pair this one with a jacket and over-the-knee boots. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
When preparing and packing for New York Fashion Week, there are two things that tend to throw me into an over-packing tizzy: the shoes and the handbags. Having given up on packing fewer shoes years ago, I turned my attention this season to keeping the handbags under control. I needed a versatile bag that would standout but also compliment several outfits. One that could fit a New York day’s worth of crap including fold-up flats (Yosi Samra’s are the best), a phone charger, a back-up charger, and a slew of other nonsense, and still be appropriate for nights out. I headed to T.J.Maxx and quickly found three bags that I loved. I threw them all on as crossbody bags and walked around the store for a while like a crazy bag lady. (I mean, you gotta take a new bag for a test spin, no?) I finally settled on this spotted little pretty because it’s perfect with a ton of different outfits and colors, and I love the print. (Especially when paired with other prints like this one.) It was a total score and ended up being the perfect Fashion Week companion. While at T.J.Maxx, I scooped up this perfect plaid and much-needed suitcase for the trip as well. The plaid is now in heavy rotation, and the suitcase somehow made it back home with me in one piece. (Those airline people are AGGRESSIVE when it comes to kicking around new bags.) Hope you guys are having a great week – it’s almost Friday!
As they say, all good things must come to an end, and today marks my very last post from last month’s trip to Cabo and also a kind of farewell to summer style. Seems like forever ago, right? Well with the whole computer crash thing and then New York Fashion Week, I’ve had a few delays in getting these last looks up. This one is definitely one of my favorites from the trip, and while I may be saying goodbye to summer style, I’m holding onto these suede lace-up heels and denim cutoffs for a couple months longer. Unfortunately it’ll be warm in Southern California for at least a few more weeks, and I love using denim cutoffs as a fall transition piece with loose sweaters, plaid button-downs, or lightweight jackets. This staple pair is definitely my favorite from a couple seasons back, and they’re currently 30% off and available in most sizes. So don’t miss out! Because there’s nothing I love more in my closet than my worn-in, stretched out, ripped and destroyed denim cutoffs. Anyone else?
Ahh, happy Tuesday, loves! Yesterday in Southern California was the dreamiest gloomy, overcast day, and I was one happy camper about it. It reminded me of just how close we are (hopefully) to fall weather and, most importantly, fall fashion. Bring on the leather, the boots, the fur, and drum roll, please….the blanket scarves. By far the best fall accessories, blanket scarves have become my go-to for getting cozy and especially for traveling. (They easily double as a blanket or pillow on chilly airplanes.) Above are a few of my favorite picks from this season, and below are some of my own blanket scarf looks from the past few seasons. Now bring on the pumpkin spice everything and call me basic because it’s time to get REALLL cozy, people.
Today I’m fall daydreamin’ y’all, and my cart runneth over. There are so many killer trends this year (helloooo, 70’s revival…yet again), but right now my mind is on all things basic. This season, I’ve got my eye on three types of denim: destroyed black skinnies, clean dark flares, or button-front skirts. And I need them all. Since we’ve got a little more hot weather than I’d like left, I’m loving this racerback dress that can be worn alone with booties now or layered up later. And the thing I need the most from this little list? (And yes, I realize the word need is ridiculous in this case.) I’m dying over the jumbo version of my beloved Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody. I mean, isn’t there a saying about this? If you love something, let it go buy it in jumbo? My shaky trigger finger is just hovering over that “Place Order” button. I’m weak, people! What do you guys have your little fall hearts set on?
Happy Friday, lovas and friends! Who’s ready for some weekend shenanigans? Well I don’t know what shenanigans there will be, but I’m super down for a little weekend action. Today I’m super jazzed to talk about…wait for it…yet another Target find. By now you’re probably like, we get it, girlfriend loves Target. But y’all I’m telling you: You must try the new denim. I shot these photos a couple of weeks ago, and since then, I’ve worn these pieces nonstop. The jeans went for a little bike ride and BBQ last Sunday, and the plaid was perfect during our recent trip to Yosemite. I think it was somewhere around $50 for both, but based on the fit and quality, you’d never know it. I know, I know, I’m pretty passionate about a pair of jeans, but trust me – there are a ton of ways you could blow $30, and this isn’t one of them. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!
Ever had that dressing room moment where you wanted to jump for joy because you’ve just tried on something amazing? I had that moment recently when I put on this swimsuit at Marshalls, and I seriously wanted to knock on the person’s door next to mine just so I could get a high five or something. Then I thought, “Get your shit together, that’s weird, Nikki.” Let me rewind here. I headed into Marshalls that day with a challenge: find the perfect swim look. Armed with a $50 gift card, a good attitude and admittedly low expectations, I began browsing through the swim racks which were mostly on sale because it’s mid-July and every retailer is already thinking about fall. (I, on the other hand, am thinking about working in a swimsuit everyday to try and beat this mid-summer heat.) I picked up a cute top here, bottoms there, and then I came across this suit. It may not look like much to most, but to those of us with curves up top, it’s a rare find. A bandeau with enough coverage, a bit of hidden underwire, and a removable strap that doesn’t have to tie behind the neck (and cause neck pain all day). It fits like a dream, and the best part? The set cost me a whopping $16. No joke. On the way out, I scooped up a pair of my favorite denim shorts (in a color I didn’t have already, of course) for a fraction of their original price. It was pretty much one of those Marshalls days that makes you feel like you just kicked total ass. The type of day that makes you want to just grab a killer beach bag (this one is TLC&You and it’s amazing) and hit the beach. Happy weekend, everyone!
Happy Friday, and even better, happy July 4th weekend! I’ve never seen the 4th celebrated quite like it is here in Orange County. People are SERIOUS about this holiday. As I type this post, all of the neighbors on our entire street are working together to string American flags from house to house, zig-zagging back and forth across the street. I watched earlier as a guy on a bicycle went from house to house today selling American flags, t-shirts, hats, anything you could think of really, and I was amazed by how many people were buying. I’ve got a fridge full of hot dogs, my outfit is ready, and I’m ready to celebrate the weekend with a few favorite people. Whether you live in a place that goes all out or not, here’s hoping everyone has an amazing Independence Day weekend in my favorite country in the world.
Photos thanks to Taylor Cole 
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