Sundance Film Festival with Stella Artois

January 29, 2018 / Style Files, Travel / 1 Comment

Topshop jacket; NastyGal sweater; cabi turtleneck; Free People scarf; Zac Zac Posen handbag and fur strap; faux fur-lined leggings; Over-the-knee boots; Ray-Ban sunglasses SheIn sweater (c/o); Topshop faux fur jacket; Levi’s jeans (on sale); Over-the-knee boots; Zac Zac Posen handbag and fur strap; Free People scarf and beanie; Ray-Ban sunglasses SheIn dress (c/o); Topshop faux fur jacket; fleece-lined tights; Saint Laurent handbag (more affordable version here); Ray-Ban sunglasses Moon River sweater (runs big, size down); plaid scarf; Carve Designs coat (also love the black version here); faux fur lined leggings; Hunter boots; Hunter boot liners; Love Your Melon beanie Moon River sweater; Free People scarf and beanie (on sale); faux fur lined leggings; Hunter Boots; Ray-Ban sunglasses SheIn sweater (c/o); Topshop faux fur jacket; Levi’s jeans (on sale); Free People scarf and beanie (on sale); Zac Zac Posen handbag and fur strap; Over-the-knee boots; Ray-Ban sunglasses Blank NYC jeans; similar Knowlita sweatshirt; Love Your Melon beanie; Ray-Ban sunglasses; similar leather sneakers; Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage; Free People fringe scarf; Carve Designs jacket; Louis Vuitton Neverfull

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know that I spent a long weekend last week with Stella Artois at the Sundance Film Festival. And it was awesome. I had never been to Sundance before (or Park City for that matter), and I was super excited to get there and experience all the excitement firsthand. We kicked off the weekend with a welcome dinner at 501 on Main, and the food was so delicious.

We stayed at the Newpark Resort Hotel which was just a short drive from the Main Street / downtown area, and the rooms were so, so nice. This room was seriously HUGE and included a gas fireplace, a kitchenette, and a big balcony with a jacuzzi on it. Every morning I had my coffee in bed with the fireplace going, looking out on a snowy mountain view. It was the best way to start my day and such a cozy place to come home to at night.

The Stella Artois team had the cutest lounge set up on Main Street, and it became our sort of home away from home on the trip. It was a comfy spot to thaw out, listen to live music, grab a snack (thankfully since we could not get into any restaurants in town – everything was booked solid) and enjoy cold Stellas and Cidre hot toddies. There was also a limited edition chalice shop helping to give access to clean water to communities without. (You can find more info on that partnership here.) This was also the place where we listened in on an amazing Women in Film panel, joined in on a Sunday night hip-hop dance party, and did most of our celebrity spotting.

On Sunday we went on a snowmobiling excursion, and it was SO MUCH FUN. I’ll admit that I was a little nervous at first and maneuvering this beast machine was a little aggressive, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. It’s really a shame that Orange County’s weather doesn’t support my new favorite hobby. Guess it just means I’ll have to make my way back to the snow a little more often.

And then there were the movies – it was Sundance after all. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not much of a movie buff and don’t even watch much TV these days, but seeing movies in a tiny theater in the presence of all the people that helped make that movie possible was totally cool.

Kathleen and I saw Search together on Sunday night, and we loved it. It was like a Dateline murder mystery (one of my TV faves) on the big screen set in this crazy cyber world we live in. It was so cool to hear from the film’s director and cast during a Q&A after the movie, and afterwards we walked over to Twisted Fern for dinner. This was definitely my favorite meal of the trip – the brussels sprouts appetizer, house red wine, and the lentil-mushroom burger were all amazing. (Thankfully we could get into restaurants that were a bit out of town.)

Overall it was an amazing trip with some pretty great people, and when it came time to leave, I was pretty sad to go. Sundance was such a cool experience, and Park City was so beautiful. But after one last delicious bite to eat at the High West Distillery in the Salt Lake City Airport (thanks to this recommendation from Female Foodie), it was back home to the husband and the pup.

Here’s hoping everyone has a great week ahead!

xoxo

Thank you so much to Stella Artois for the amazing trip. All opinions are my own.

Taking the Holidays in Stride with Famous Footwear

November 29, 2017 / Holiday, Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Dolman long tee (c/o); cabi jacket; sneakers (c/o) Famous Footwear; Crossbody bag (c/o); Jemma Sands beaded bracelets (c/o); Stella & Dot engraved bangle; Karen Walker sunglasses

While scrolling through Instagram over the last couple of days, I’ve noticed that we tend to chat a lot about the hectic pace of the holidays, how busy we are, so much shopping to do, parties to attend, meals to prepare, blah, blah, blah. Maybe sometimes we forget – it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season I look forward to all year long. So this year, I’m not letting that holiday to-do list get me flustered. I’ll be taking it all in stride with a coffee in hand, Christmas tunes in my head (and in my car), and comfy kicks on my feet.

I’m excited to team up with Famous Footwear to share a little inspiration to “do it all in style” this holiday season. And my holiday footwear of choice? Well you can find me in sneakers, girl. And specifically, THESE new sneaks from Famous Footwear. They’re seriously so comfortable, and the grey and rose gold color combo? Get outta town.

They’re actually running shoes, so they come in REALLY handy when a certain puppy grabs an ornament and runs with it. I’m not naming names. But for running errands around town, I love these comfy kicks paired with faux leather leggings, sweatshirt dresses, and distressed denim. I’ve now had these on my feet for four days in a row, and the compliments just keep on coming. How’s that for fueling some holiday happiness?

Hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season so far!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Samantha Klose

Brought to you by Famous Footwear, all opinions are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys

November 28, 2017 / Holiday / 0 comment

1. Plaid Flannel Shirt 2. Ugg Slippers 3. John Varvatos Vintage Cologne 4. Classic Leather Watch 5. Nike Sneakers 6. Crosley Radio Turntable 7. Stance USC Socks 8. One Blade Electric Trimmer and Shaver 9. RVCA Bomber Jacket 10. Intense Therapy Lip Balm Duo 11. Brixton Flannel Shirt 12. Amazon Echo Dot 13. Leather Money Clip 14. Luxe Leather Trimmed Duffle 15. Vans Leather Slip-On Sneaker 16. Nest Learning Thermostat 17. RVCA Soft Hoodie

Ahh, gifts for the guys. I must admit that even on the rare year that I actually get a good head start on my holiday shopping, I tend to save the guys for last. Occasionally I’ll come across something great for Eric or my dad, but in general, I just have more fun shopping for the girls. (Maybe because it’s easier to throw in a little something for myself along the way? Guilty.)

But this year I’m determined to change my ways and get a jumpstart on shopping for the boys. This year’s list of potentials includes a flannel shirt or two, new sneaks, Eric’s favorite cologne, and Stance socks to replace a few pairs that have recently gone missing. (Eric loves Stance socks and stocked up on them a couple of years ago. Unfortunately these days there is someone in the house who loves them just as much as he does – a guilty-looking puppy named Louise.)

Perhaps this is finally my year to be done, cool, calm and collected by December 23rd. Maybe, but then what’s the fun in that? Happy holiday shopping, friends.

xoxo

How I’m Focusing on a Healthy Holiday Season

November 20, 2017 / Health & Beauty, Local Love, Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Cowl-neck sweater; cabi jacket; Cole Haan sneakers; Louis Vuitton neverfull; Quay sunglasses

Oh, ho, ho, the holidays, y’all, and I am ready. We’re kicking things off with our annual Friendsgiving festivities tonight and hopping on a plane to Louisiana tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving week with my family. It’s my hands-down favorite time of year, but it can also be a stressful time if you let it. Travel, work responsibilities, and party after party can really take a toll on a gal’s health, ya know? And there’s no better way to ruin my favorite season than by getting all sick and exhausted and pooped out. So today I’m sharing a few ways that I’m focusing on my health this holiday season. (And don’t get it twisted, I still fully intend to live my best life in the weeks ahead – bring on ALLLL the food!) But here goes anyway…

Drink Your Juice (and Eat a Veggie or Two) – And the candied yam variety probably doesn’t count. We all know that the holidays can get a little out of hand with the meals, the treats, the cocktails, you name it, but it’s important for me to remember that holidays or not, my body needs a little actual nourishment regularly. And you can call me crazy, but I’m totally one of those juice enthusiast people. When I start to feel sick, I usually book it to Juice Served Here for their Hot Shot and Turmeric shots and the Pipe Cleaner juice. Last I checked, loading up on ginger never hurt anybody. (And bonus, this week all of their juices are just $5.) My mom has this theory that whatever you believe in will work, and I gotta say, she’s probably right. If you build it, they will come, y’all.

All About the Essential Oils – Call me crazy twice, but I’m also a huge believer in essential oils, and doTERRA is my oil drug of choice. My friend Corrine introduced me a year or so ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Lemon, lavender, Breathe (amazing for snoring husbands), and Peppermint are in constant rotation around here, but my favorite by far is On Guard. It smells amazing (especially around this time of year) and is my go-to when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. I’m constantly grabbing the oil and also love the softgels.

Get Some Exercise – Well, this one is groundbreaking. I know, it’s not rocket science, but sometimes when I’m being pulled in 100 different directions the last thing on my mind is fitting in a workout. But 10 times out of 10, when I make the time and get a workout in, I’m 100% happy that I did. I work out at Core Reform Pilates a few times a week (and have since wayyy back here) and normally take my wild ass puppy on long walks everyday. We’ll be traveling a couple of times over the holidays, so I’m making it a goal for myself to get in so much walking.

And Some SLEEP – I’m pretty much always guilty of not getting enough sleep. I’m a natural night owl, and let’s just say that mornings generally aren’t my jam. (I get these genes from my dad.) But sometimes in the real world, a girl’s gotta wake up early, so I’m making it a priority these days to get a bit more shuteye. For a little nighttime help, I occasionally rely on Olly Restful Sleep Supplements or Dream Water – both work like a charm to relax and turn off my overactive mind.

Take a Little “Me” Time – As a blogger, the holidays can be an especially busy time for me. End of year projects kick into high gear, the event invites are more frequent than any other time of year, and there are personal obligations on top of that. But over the past couple of years, I’ve found that it’s so important to learn to say “no”. I can run around from event to event, trying to please this company and that one, but in the end, no one wins because I’m burnt out and giving everything only half of my attention. These days, I pick and choose my obligations and make sure to take a little “me”time. My ultimate “me” time? A good old fashioned bath, y’all.

And a Little More “Us” Time – What are the holidays if you’re not spending them with people you love? I love the holidays – love, love them – and there’s nothing better than creating new holiday memories with family and friends. I made a priority list for myself a while back, and it goes like this: my husband and my marriage, my family and friends (and pup), and then my blog and career and anything else. It’s admittedly over-simplified here, but when I remember what’s important in life, I think it can do wonders for my mental health and overall happiness. And don’t we all just want to be happy this holiday season?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Samantha Klose

Favorites From the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale

November 3, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

1. Thermal Tee 2. Faux Fur Ankle Strap Sandal 3. Coffee Weekend Rendezvouz Pullover 4. Embellished Cuff Trio 5. Leather and Calfhair Crossbody Bag 6. Tie Hem Sweater 7. Fringed Ankle-Tie Sandal 8. Distressed Plaid Shirtdress 9. Leather Vintage-Style Sneakers 10. Turtleneck Sweater 11. Taupe Over-the-Knee Boots 12. Cashmere Infinity Scarf 13. Tory Burch Fringe Shoulder Bag

Happy Friday, friends! Hope everyone’s as excited for the weekend as I am – I already know it’s gonna be a good one. We’re kicking things off tonight with dinner with Eric’s family at one of our favorite little Italian places around here. Spaghetti Bender, anyone? If you live in Orange County, you HAVE to try this place. Yummy spaghetti, garlic bread that I could eat as my meal, house wine by the carafe, and the cutest little cozy atmosphere – it’s a pretty great way to start a weekend.

Then on Sunday we’re headed to Sip’n’Shuck at The Deck in Laguna Beach for the third year in a row. It’s a charity event benefitting CASA, and it’s become one of our favorite events of the year. There are wine and liquor vendors doing tastings and mixed cocktails, oysters and delicious food everywhere, a live band, and in general just lots of fun. The general admission tickets are unfortunately already sold out, but you can still get your hands on a VIP ticket if you’re so inclined. (And I’m telling you, get inclined.)

And as for today on the ‘ole blog, I’m rounding up a few favorite picks from the Nordstrom fall clearance sale that’s going on now. Over the last two days of rare gloomy, rainy weather, I’ve had lots of time to click through all the pages, and there are definitely some deals worth grabbing. For me, it’s the perfect time to scoop up a few cold-weather essentials for our upcoming trip to Jackson Hole, and if you’ve got any holiday trips on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to do the same.

So happy sipping and happy shopping – here’s hoping everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

15 Fall Finds I’m Digging Right Now

October 17, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

1. Wine Velvet Blouse 2. Lurex Turban Headband 3. Snake-Embossed Block Heel Bootie 4. Velvet Ruffle Edge Skirt 5. Leather Mini Skirt 6. Convertible Leather Crossbody 7. Aqua Stone Cuff Bracelet 8. Rose Gold Sneakers 9. Slouchy Tunic Sweater 10. Lavender Distressed Sweater 11. Distressed Skinny Jeans 12. Waffle Knit Scarf 13. Faux Fur Lined Leather Mule 14. Sweatshirt Dress 15. Small Top Handle Crossbody Bag

Velvet, leather, snake prints, and every single sweater I find – the fall fashion lust is real these days, and today I’m rounding up 15 favorite finds. Although Southern California has been WARM these last couple of weeks with no real end in sight, we did get a little taste of cool weather back in September that has me all about the fall things.

I’m honestly having a hard time even picking a favorite from today’s roundup because I’m loving everything, but I will say that the distressed sweater at number 10 has already made it into my closet. Also, how cute would it be to pair the velvet top, leather skirt, faux fur lined mules, and top handle bag at number 15? So, so cute.

Fall is also my favorite time for sneakers paired with just about everything – dresses, denim, and especially faux leather leggings. I’m loving the rose gold-ish pair at number 8, but check out so many more sleek styles here.

Someone seriously needs to hide my wallet. What pieces are currently on your fall radar?

xoxo

Snag My Favorite Leggings on Sale

September 28, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings (currently up to 25% off); cabi turtleneck tunic (c/o); Beyond Yoga wrap; cabi booties (c/o); Henri Bendel handbag (c/o); Brixton hat; sunglasses; Julie Vos bracelets and ring

Happy end of the week, friends! Earlier this week I let you guys know about the big ol’ sale going down at Shopbop right now, but I forgot to mention one of my must-snag pieces in the sale: these leggings!

Y’all, I got these leggings last year and have since worn them close to a bajillion times. When we moved out of our house in January for the remodel, these were one of the only pairs of pants I packed for some reason. (In my defense, I think it was oddly warm out when I packed, so I wasn’t thinkin’ right.) I don’t even want to admit how many days in a row I would reach for these.

They’re made by Spanx, so you know they instantly suck you in, give you a high five, and send you on your way. Plus I feel like they toe that line of sporty and sleek, so I’ve worn these all kinds of ways – with sneakers, with OTK boots, and anything in between. Annnd I have a feeling they’ll be making many appearances in the months to come paired with this cabi turtleneck tunic because it is SO easy and comfortable.

The Shopbop sale ends tomorrow (9/29 – are we really almost done with September?) at midnight, so don’t forget to snag your favorites with code EOTS17. Happy shopping and happy almost weekend!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Tyler Chase

Shopbop’s Entire Site Is on Sale

September 26, 2017 / Giveaways & Deals, Style Files / 0 comment

1. Flare Sleeve Scoop Dress 2. Lace-Up V-Neck Tee 3. ZAC Zac Posen Cross Body Bag 4. Block Heel Shearling Mules 5. Mile High Skinny Jean 6. Studded Slip-On Mules 7. Quay Mirrored Sunglasses 8. Burnout Velvet Shift Mini Dress 9. Cropped Feather Jacket (also love this faux fur jacket) 10. Lace-Up Sweater 11. Sherpa Lined High-Top Sneakers 12. Tan Leather Crossbody 13. Pale Grey Wool Hat

Anybody ready for some fall weather? This girl is. (But to be fair, I’m always ready for some fall weather. That sweaty forehead just isn’t where it’s at, girl.) And while we may be experiencing some fake fall here in Southern California, my wardrobe is ready for a few more cozy updates. Lucky for me, and all the gals like me with the shopping bug, Shopbop is having their End of Season Sale, starting today.

Now I know what you’re thinking. End of season? I don’t need any summer things, fool. Well, don’t fear, my dear, because this sale covers the whole dang site. Sale finds, new arrivals, and everything in between – including a half-off bag that looks so much like the one I posted on Instagram yesterday. I’ve got number one and number six in my cart currently, along with way too many other things. (That shopping bag editing process though.)

Now through September 29th, get 20% off of everything and 25% off when you spend $500 or more. Just use code EOTS17 at checkout, and live your best fall life – fake or not.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

The New Favorite Fall Combo

September 19, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

cabi Flashdance Dress and Hanson Anorak (c/o); Nike sneakers; Zac Zac Posen handbag; Quay sunglasses; Kendra Scott ring (c/o)

Happy Tuesday, friends! This week Orange County is taking a much-needed break from that whole heatwave business, and although I don’t want to jinx it, we MAY even get a smidge of rain. GASP! Maybe I’m a total weirdo (actually that’s more than a possibility), but I love a good rainy day around here. I’m currently working from bed, looking out at a super gloomy morning, and thinking about ALL of the fall fashion that I’m dying to get my hands on.

If there’s one thing I’ll definitely be wearing on repeat this fall, it’s this little fall combo from cabi, styled 100 different ways. The sweatshirt dress is SO soft and cozy – the perfect fall substitute for summer’s t-shirt dresses. Wear it with sneakers, booties, over-the-knee boots, ballet flats, whatever. It’s so versatile and easy, you seriously can’t go wrong with a sweatshirt dress.

And then there’s the jacket. cabi designed a similar jacket to this one so many seasons ago, and I pretty much wore it ’til the wheels fell off. It was my absolute favorite year to year, and this one is like a tricked-out, updated version. The embellished patches are so good, and I love the easy fit of this one. It’s so good over a dress and will definitely be a go-to over skinny jeans and leggings in the cooler months.

And now I’m off because, y’all, little Weeze girl is headed off to school today – for ten whole days! – so I’m headed to the big drop-off. Wish me luck!

xoxo

P.S. – Reminder about tomorrow night’s Kendra Gives Back event with Kendra Scott at Fashion Island. If you’re in the Orange County area, I’d love to see you there!

Photos thanks to Gabi Wells

Stay Here: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

September 15, 2017 / Style Files, Travel / 0 comment

Amour Vert t-shirt dress; sneakers (c/o) DSW; Gap denim jacket; Gucci crossbody; Henri Bendel duffel; Ray-Ban sunglasses similar Articles of Society jeans; Lush top; studded heels; Sam Edelman handbag; Quay sunglasses Eberjey pajamas (similar version here) Articles of Society jeans; studded heels; Sam Edelman handbag Lilly Pulitzer coverup and crossbody; Quay sunglasses; Ace of Something Hat Eeeeeeats at Seasons Restaurant Amoressa swimsuit; straw bag; Hat; Tory Burch flip flops Driftwood Spa waiting area Lilly Pulitzer two-piece set (c/o); Gap denim jacket; sneakers (c/o) DSW; Gucci bag; Henri Bendel duffel (c/o); Julie Vos bracelets; Ray-Ban aviators

Y’all, this trip. This trip right here is how I’d like to spend the Monday and Tuesday nights of my week just about every week. Back in August, Kitty Kat Kathleen invited me to join her for a couple of nights at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara in North San Diego, and I clearly was like, yahs.

As soon as we checked in, I was feeling the vacay vibes even though we were only a couple of hours from home. Our room was actually larger than any of my Los Angeles apartments and boasted a full kitchen, two full bathrooms, and two balconies. (Oh, and a sleeper sofa in the living room that was perfect for watching a movie with room service on our second night. No shame in our game.)

Our first order of business? Hit the spa, girl. I had a facial, and let me tell you, these pores were happy. The esthetician asked what I’d like out of my facial, and I told her I wanted to be young forever. She laughed, and I’m still wondering what was funny. Seriously though, the spa was so relaxing, the perfect way to kick off the trip. I don’t know if I’ll be young forever, but my face did feel pretty dang smooth.

That night we had the most uh-mazing dinner at Seasons, the restaurant on the property. We got to dine at the chef’s table in the kitchen like some sort of fancy people, and for two girls who can never decide what they want to order, having the chef serve up whatever he wants at the “kitchen counter” really is the way to go. Each course was paired with wine and was somehow just as amazing as the last, and by course number 387, I was really questioning my decision to wear skinny jeans. By the way, the restaurant is open to the public, so San Diego area peeps – go there! (Also go there for brunch and order the avocado benedict with smashed potatoes – it’s legit.)

The next day we spent roaming around the property and hanging by the peaceful pool. Admittedly, it was a Tuesday, but man was this pool relaxing and also responsible for my first suntan of the summer. First tan in August? Not bad. We ended day numero dos by taking a few photos and then enjoying the aforementioned room service. Why does food taste better when you eat it in a robe?

This place really is meant to be a home away from home, and it was so nice in the mornings to just walk into our own kitchen, make coffee, and sit out on the balcony. Although we never even left the property, its location is just a short drive from beaches, restaurants, shopping, and so much exploring. Plus, no one even looked at me funny when I decided to have a little seat on a luggage cart in the middle of the outdoor lobby, so, ya know, that’s important.

If you guys are looking for a relaxing place to stay in the San Diego area with beyond yummy food, I really can’t recommend the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara more. Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Arielle Levy

Searching for "sneakers"

Sundance Film Festival with Stella Artois

Taking the Holidays in Stride with Famous Footwear

Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys

How I’m Focusing on a Healthy Holiday Season

Favorites From the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale

15 Fall Finds I’m Digging Right Now

Snag My Favorite Leggings on Sale

Shopbop’s Entire Site Is on Sale

The New Favorite Fall Combo

Stay Here: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

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