Unplugging for World Mental Health Day

October 4, 2018 / Health & Beauty / 0 comment

Lace-up tee; Joggers; Metallic leopard sneakers; Suja Ginger Love juice

Happy Friday, friends. October is here and I’m HERE for it. And next week, there’s a particular day that I’m definitely here for. My friends over at Suja reminded me that Wednesday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and I can’t support it more.

In this world, there is literally no cause or day I can get behind more, and I shared a little bit of my heart last year in this post. I miss my brother a ton and always aim to celebrate his memory. Today I also want to celebrate and spread a little love to those going through the rough time right now, or maybe, those who could just use a little self-love.

Life is crazy. The work grind, the mortgage or rent cycle, balancing relationships, car issues, this problem and that. Sometimes I think we all need to take a little time for ourselves. You’ve probably seen people posting about “Self-Love Sundays” or something similar, and while it may seem a little cliche, it’s something we should all get behind.

Sometimes we all need to check out. To do a little something just for ourselves. For me? It’s a long bath, doing ALL the treatments to my face, taking my pup for a walk around Balboa Island, and my favorite, taking a little time to unplug. How much does Instagram mess with my head and make me a crazy person? A ton. (Thanks, algorithm.) So on October 10th, I’ll be taking a little unplug day. No blog post, no Instagram posts, and maybe a long bath. (Go, me!)

I really can’t think of a better reason to unplug, take a second, and give myself a much-needed day off. And I wish the same to you! Let’s take a day to focus on ourselves, reach out to the family and friends who need us, and maybe give a stranger a smile. You never know who needs it. Can we all just try to be nicer to each other? I think we can. Happy weekend, friends.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Shopbop’s Fall Stock Up Sale

September 25, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Free People thermal (available in 11 colors – size down); similar New Balance sneakers; similar Zac Zac Posen handbag (on sale); Gorjana bracelets (on sale); Quay sunglasses (on sale)

Happy half-week, friends! Today I’m excited to share one of my favorite sales with you guys. Shopbop, one of my favorite retailers for both (affordable) shopping and (high end) inspiration, is having one of their only sales of the year. Pick your faves, and receive 20-25% off your entire purchase (some brands excluded, depending how much you spend) with code STOCKUP18.

Now admittedly, I took these photos thinking my beloved Spanx leggings would be included, but sadly they are not. (Side note, whether they’re on sale or full-priced, you will never regret them. I have a few pairs and wear them ALL the time.)

Spanx leggings aside, I’ve searched and searched a ton of my favorite brands on Shopbop, and so many are included. The Quay sunglasses, Zac Zac Posen handbag, and Gorjana bracelets above? All in. This little black dress and handbag duo that’s so comfy and easy? Included. The sweet home and gifts category? Go for it. (See the rest of my favorites below.)

If you’ve had your eye on something new for fall or maybe something from the sale section, now’s the time, sister. Personally, I grabbed this jacket for an upcoming wine-tasting trip, this sweater for those brutal Southern California winters (I kid), this tee for wearing eight days in a row with said Spanx leggings, and a few other things. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that the pieces I picked are as good as I think they’ll be, but I’m not stressing. Shopbop has free (fast) shipping and free returns, so we’re good, girls.

And whether you choose to shop the sale or not, hoping you enjoy a few photos above with my main girl, Weeze. Great rest of the week, y’all.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

The Weekend Skirt for ALL the Activities

September 14, 2018 / Style Files / 2 Comments

Zadig & Voltaire X Aqua skirt; H&M tee; Urban Outfitters blazer (sold out – similar here); sock booties (also love these); Zac Zac Posen handbag; Kendra Scott bracelets; Ray-Ban sunglasses

Whoo-Wheeeee. Currently writing this blog post from a million miles in the sky as I’m heading home from two days in New York City. Two days. It was a super short trip, but wouldn’t you know it, the Big Fat Apple left me feeling all kinds of inspired? It’s been two years since I last attended fashion week, and by default, two years since I last visited New York. While I don’t really miss the hustle and bustle of that particular week in the city, I do miss the inspiration from it.

I bought this skirt thinking that it was perfect for a dinner night in New Orleans, and it definitely was. (Bee-Tee-Dubs – these photos were taken in New Orleans, not New York. I took zero photos in New York and I’m 100% Coolio with that. I shopped instead. Why are NYC Zara stores so much better than the ones in Southern California?) But I digress. So I bought the skirt, loved it, wore it, and thought – I can’t wait for the next time I can wear it.

Then I got to New York City and changed my thought to, What am I waiting for? The women in New York I swear just kill it. They’re commuting by buses, trains, and good old fashioned footwork, and some of these gals could be running right off a runway. I saw a girl yesterday hopping on a bus in a pleated metallic maxi skirt, a graphic tee, sneakers and a leather tote with all of the things. It was raining and humid and sticky and just freaking gross, but she had taken that pretty maxi skirt and made it rainy day, bus-hopping, city appropriate. So chic.

Which brings me back to this new favorite metallic skirt. I love it dressed up (blouse + heels), dressed down (graphic tee + sneakers), or somewhere in between like the look above. And now I can’t wait to get home and pull out more favorites from my closet. What are some things in your wardrobe you’ve been “saving” for a special occasion that you could just pull out now? Finally splurged on that lust-worthy handbag? Don’t let it sit on a shelf, girl!

(Oh, and apparently I’ll be wearing these sock booties all fall long, so hopefully you don’t mind?)

Here’s hoping everyone has a great weekend ahead, guys!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

The Lilly Pulitzer Afterparty Sale Starts Today

September 10, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Lilly Pulitzer pants and cardigan; white tee; similar Cole Haan sneakers; Ray-Ban sunglasses Lilly Pulitzer romper (c/o); Rebecca Minkoff heels; Henri Bendel clutch (sadly sold out); Julie Vos bracelets; Ray-Ban sunglasses

You guys know I’m a sucker for a good sale, and today, one of my favorite sales of the season kicks off. It only happens twice a year, but the Lilly Pulitzer Afterparty sale is happening today, friends. I’ve worn a ton of Lilly over the years, and the pieces I have are serious closet favorites. In general, I keep things pretty neutral, but when I want to add a little color, Lilly Pulitzer is the go-to.

The sale has a ton of styles, all for a huge discount, and when it comes to the #AfterpartySale, the early bird definitely gets the worm. Head over to the site, get in line, and get ready to shop. (Full disclosure, the wait times can seem a little long, but just leave a browser open while you’re waiting and check back occasionally.)

Here’s wishing everyone a great week ahead! Happy Monday, friends.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Favorite Activewear in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 25, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Nike shorts, sweatshirt, and sneakers (all on sale); MZ Wallace bag; Quay sunglasses

If you haven’t seen me whining like a baby over on Instagram this week, y’all, it’s been hot. Hot sleeps have been driving your girl nuts! (As a little background, I know that I grew up in Louisiana, but houses in Huntington Beach for the most part have no air conditioning. So, hot sleeps.)

So I’ll take any excuse possible to get my butt out of the house, and luckily, that means workouts too. I’ve been all about a little bike ride, long walk, “take in a little ocean” action, so when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hit a couple weeks back, I was like, gimme all the activewear.

The activewear section of the sale is definitely one of the most neglected, but hey, friends, don’t sleep on it! It’s the stuff we all want but don’t want to spend full price on. It’s the pieces we’re grabbing out of drawers ALL of the time…hopefully to work out in. And me? I was feeling like my workout drawer needed a little refresh.

Obviously, the sweatshirt above is not for right now, but it’ll come in super handy in the late fall. (I love when I can leave a workout and throw on a dolman-sleeved topper. Dolman, friends, because you know you don’t want anything touching your armpits. Just me?)

But the shorts and this tank have been my LIFE right now. They’re perfect for getting outside and avoiding that sweet, sweet capri legging tan. (I mean, it’s just not my style.) They’re both loose and comfy, and the sneakers are just as great. So if the clothing, booties, and handbags aren’t really catching your eye, scroll on over to the activewear, and live your best life outside. (And as a side note, this MZ Wallace bag is not on sale, but I’m obsessed with everything they make. So there’s that.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: What I Bought…So Far

July 17, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell dress; Marc Fisher wedges; Tory Burch bag; sunglasses; Julie Vos bangles

So who’s had a little luck with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this past week? I can definitely say that I found some pieces I LOVE this year. A few days ago I shared a bunch of my favorite picks from the sale, and today I’m dishing on the pieces that actually made it home with me. Well, so far. My main strategy this year was to focus on pieces that I could wear now rather than stocking up on sweaters and boots that will take months (and months and months) to make it out of my closet, and I’m happy to say there are a TON of pieces in the sale that are heat wave approved.

The little coral dress above may be a favorite find in the sale, but I’ll admit that I’ve probably got a few favorites. This dress is SO lightweight and comfy, and I love the ruffle detail of the skirt. It’s a color that I don’t wear often, but now I’m wondering why I don’t wear it more. This one is under $100, and you can still snag it in all sizes. Also, this bag is so good and currently over $75 off.

Wayf dress (c/o); Gap jacket; Rebecca Minkoff heels; similar bag; sunglasses; Julie Vos bracelets

This Wayf dress is an updated version of one of their best-selling styles from last year, and I can see why it’s so popular. It’s light and airy, easy to wear, and currently comes in two prints plus this pretty purple color. Oh, and it’s under $50. I’m thinking it’s pretty perfect for those upcoming summer weddings on everyone’s horizons.

Floral dress (under $40); Dolce Vita wedges; Tory Burch bag; Gorjana beaded bracelets; similar hat (and here); Ray-Ban sunglasses

OK, this dress, y’all – all the heart emojis. I took this one to Boulder with me this past weekend for the Dead & Company show, and although it was definitely toasty out, this little floral number managed to keep me pretty cool. It’s under $40, and I’m super tempted to snag it in a second color. (And maybe another color in this bag?)

Madewell jeans; Basic tee; Cardigan; Isola sandals (c/o); leopard handbag; sunglasses; Ricardo Travel luggage; Gorjana beaded bracelets

Every year in the sale I look for a great pair of jeans, and for me this year this pair is IT. (Although I’ve heard there is a pair of Blank NYC jeans that I also need to hunt down and try.) I’ve been a fan of Madewell jeans (and really, all things Madewell) since snagging this pair a few months ago. Their high rise is actually high, and their denim gives without stretching out so you won’t be pulling them up all day. (The sizing has been in and out of stock, but my guess is that these will be completely restocked when the sale goes live for everyone, not just card-holders, on the 20th.)

For me, these are a total win as well as the $15 tee, coziest cardigan for upcoming summer flights, and the leopard bag that will go with everything.

Pleated dress; Steve Madden booties; Leopard Bag; Julie Vos bracelets

This dress is probably the piece that I searched for in my local store first. I just LOVE the jewel tone color, the dramatic sleeves, and pretty pleats. This one definitely runs a bit big, so make sure you size down.

I know I said my goal was to focus on pieces that I could wear now, but these booties were just too good to pass up. They’re about to be my staple fall footwear with dresses, skirts, leather shorts, you name it and are actually the only pair of shoes that I bought in the sale so far. (Although my plan is to scoop up a pair of sneakers today – I just can’t decide which ones!)

There are a couple more days to shop the Early Access sale, and then everything is open to the public from July 20th to August 5th. (If you’re not a card-holder and getting a little worried that things are selling out quickly – they usually do a pretty big restock when the sale opens to everyone.) Happy shopping, friends!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Palm Springs Outfit and Restaurant Recap

March 20, 2018 / Style Files, Travel / 0 comment

Vici palm print coverup (c/o); White Elephant Designs personalized hats and beach bag (c/o); Mark & Graham striped towels (c/o) Lilly Pulitzer dress (c/o); Rebecca Minkoff heels; Cult Gaia bag; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here); Julie Vos bracelets Miraclesuit swimsuit; Vici palm print coverup and sunglasses; Dolce Vita sandals; JadeTribe woven bag; Brixton hat Free People shorts (also here); SheIn sweater (c/o); Sam Edelman sneakers; GiGi New York handbag; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here) Vici wrap dress (similar here and here); Rebecca Minkoff heels; Cult Gaia bag (under $50 version here); Ray-Ban sunglasses Free People shorts (also here); banana print sweater; Sam Edelman sneakers; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here) KAS New York dress (c/o); similar hat; Sam Edelman straw bag; Rebecca Minkoff heels; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here) BP shorts; Lilly Pulitzer sweater (c/o); Cult Gaia bag (under $50 version here); Jemma Sands necklace and bracelets; Ray-Ban sunglasses; Steve Madden wedges La Blanca swim top and pants (c/o); JoFit Apparel chambray shirt; White Elephant Designs hat; Ray-Ban sunglasses; similar beach bag; Mark & Graham striped towel; similar Joss & Main hammock chair It’s really not that often you get to have a laugh-filled girls’ weekend in someplace sunny, and this month, somehow I managed to have two. I’m fresh off of an amazing long weekend in Mexico (more on that coming soon), but today I’m throwing it back to a fun few days in Palm Springs with Kathleen, Jenn and Krystal.

We had been planning the week in Palm Springs for months, and I was so looking forward to some pool time and a little tan. BUUUUT, then the day arrived and things were looking more like sweater-and-shorts weather than anything warm enough for taking a dip. So we stashed the flamingo pool floats, snapped a couple of swimsuit pics (I mean it is Palm Springs), and then settled in with ALL the snacks and a little wine and made the best of it.

We stayed at our home in Palm Springs and made sure to check out a couple of my favorite restaurants while there. You just can’t go to Palm Springs without a little food on the agenda. This time around, these are the spots we picked.

Dinner at Las Casuelas Terraza – Palm Springs has a handful of Mexican restaurants that I really enjoy, but this one is probably my favorite for a skinny spicy margarita and shrimp fajitas. The place is HUGE, but don’t be fooled – it can get packed and sometimes has long wait times. Reservations are usually a good idea – especially if you want to be near the live band.

Lunch at Melvyn’s – It’s a bold statement, but I think I’ll say that currently this is my favorite place in Palm Springs for lunch or dinner. It’s an old-school restaurant that’s been around since the 70’s, and the food is just plain GOOD. Lunch is served on the prettiest little patio (the Chinese chicken salad is my favorite), and dinner is in a swanky, dark dining room. If you’re going for dinner, the lobster pot pie is what dreams are made of.

Dinner at Tropicale – So this one isn’t exactly a rave review, but I have friends who have eaten at Tropicale and loved it. So maybe I need to give it another shot? We ordered Vietnamese Spring Rolls and the Firecracker Shrimp as appetizers, and those were great. My entree though, as well as everyone else’s, was just kind of, meh. (For reference, I ordered the fried chicken salad which was supposed to be amazing. I guess I was thinking it would be boneless chicken, which to me makes much more sense in a salad.)

Breakfast at Norma’s (located in the Parker) – On our last day in Palm Springs, we figured we’d leave town on a high note. A REAL high note. Breakfast at Norma’s is pricey, but if you haven’t been, it’s definitely worth a try. We ordered a few things to split and loved every bite. The “Waz-Za?” and the Huevos Rancheros are seriously where it’s at, and taking in the pretty scenery at the Parker is a nice little bonus.

Overall it was an amazing few days, and I’ve already got the itch to go back. Eric and I are always looking to try out new restaurants in the area, so I’d love to know – what are some of your favorites?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

Going Green: St. Patty’s Day Inspiration

March 13, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

1. 1901 Stripe Knit Dress 2. Topshop Crossbody Bag 3. Alex and Ani Beaded Bracelet 4. Adidas Mint Sneakers 5. RDI Cold Shoulder Sweater 6. Cult Gaia Acrylic Crossbody 7. 1901 Shaker Knit Cardigan 8. Cult Gaia Malachite Earrings 9. Jenny Packham Hinge Cuff 10. Dolce Vita Tropical Print Slides 11. Caslon Striped Linen Dress 12. Sam Edelman Suede Heel 13. BP Sunglasses 14. 1901 Ruffle Sleeve Tee 15. Forever 21 Crossbody Bag 16. Monica Vinader Ring 17. Halogen Modal V-Neck Tee

St. Patty’s Day is officially upon us, and if you’re lucky enough to have some fun plans, then you’re gonna need some green, girl. (Me? I’m lucky enough to have some killer plans as I’ll be celebrating Jenn’s wedding in Mexico. Thankfully my dress has a little green in it so I can avoid getting pinched.)

Annnd if you’re like me and find yourself scurrying around at the last minute with no green in sight in your closet, well you’re in luck because it’s not too late. Sites like Shopbop have super affordable 2-day shipping, and even better? They’re Amazon Prime eligible, so if you’ve got a Prime account, then you can upgrade your shipping fo’ free. Not bad, right?

If Nordstrom is more your jam and you’ve got a local store, then you have to check out their in-store pick-up option. It’s seriously been a lifesaver for those times when I’m not exactly on the ball. I live pretty close to two Nordstrom stores, so when I’m in a pinch, I just find the things I need online, pay for them, and pick them up in the store within an hour or so. One of our Nordstrom stores even has an outdoor pick-up window to make things super fast.

As for my favorite picks above, that’s a tough one. I’m always a sucker for a good t-shirt dress, LOVE the cut-out sweater for the cooler temps this weekend, and have had my eye on that crossbody pretty at number 6 for weeks. The ruffle-sleeve tee is seriously so fun, and you can’t beat the price ($23!) on the top-handle box bag. So good.

It may only be Tuesday, but there’s no better time than now to get that weekend outfit ready. (And if you’re looking for a little more inspiration, check out this post from last spring which I admittedly still love.)

xoxo

The Best Denim Shorts for Under $50

March 5, 2018 / Style Files / 1 Comment

EVIDNT Los Angeles sweater; BP shorts; Sam Edelman sneakers (c/o) Zappos; Evve Milano handbag (c/o); Quay sunglasses

Hey, hey, friends! How was everyone’s weekend? After a couple of gloomy, slightly rainy days around here, it’s finally back to the sunshine and inching closer and closer back to shorts weather. I mean, can a girl just get a little spring already? Alright, I guess it’s not quite fair to complain when we DID get a couple of warm weeks back in February, but at this point that’s just feeling like a tease. I’m ready for shorts, sundresses, and swimsuit coverups. (That’s right, coverups – my favorite part of swimsuit season.)

So a couple of weeks ago I jumped the gun on shorts weather and picked up this distressed pair from Nordstrom. They fit pretty loose in the legs (exactly how I like ’em), aren’t too short, and will set you back less than $45. The struggle to find good denim shorts can be so real sometimes for those of us above the age of 16 – who the hell is buying all these “denim undies” I see in stores every year? Not me, sister. If you like a little more coverage, the ones above are a pretty safe bet. (I sized up 2 sizes from my normal skinny jean size for reference, which just seems to be my norm these days for shorts because I do like to wear them lower on my hips than normal skinny jeans.)

Oh, and I figured I’d mention these leopard sneakers again because I knew when I got them that I’d wear them a ton, but they’ve become a real obsession. They’re super comfy for all-day wear, and pretty much anytime I wear them, someone will ask what they are or where they’re from. So if that question just so happened to come from you, you can grab a pair right over here.

Here’s hoping everyone has the best week ahead!

xoxo

A Ladylike Look That’s Under $30

February 8, 2018 / Style Files / 0 comment

SheIn dress (c/o) – under $30; similar OTK boots (also love these); Chanel boy bag (similar look here); Ray-Ban sunglasses; Julie Vos bracelets and ring

I’m not gonna lie, the uniform around here lately has pretty much been workout clothes, denim, sweatpants, repeat. When I’m not trying to get a workout in or wear out my crazy pup on long walks, I’ve been living in these jeans and about five different pairs of sneakers almost everyday. (Two favorites – this leopard pair and these leather kicks.)

But every now and then I like to switch things up with something a little more ladylike and dressed-up, and this dress is IT at the moment. I picked it out on a whim and thought for under $30, how good could it be? And I am so glad that I was wrong. Look, it’s no designer quality, but the sheer flowy sleeves, pearl button details, tie-neck, and fringe tweed hem – it’s all so good.

I paired it with over-the-knee boots and my favorite classic handbag (get the look for less here), but this dress can just as easily go with a pair of pumps and a bold, colorful handbag. It’s the perfect little frock for transitioning to spring. Spring? Did I just go there? I sure did because these days I’ve got nothing but warm weather on my mind and all the sandals and dresses and swimsuits that go with it. (And may have just ordered these sandals this morning – gimme all the heart emojis.)

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

Searching for "sneakers"

Unplugging for World Mental Health Day

Shopbop’s Fall Stock Up Sale

The Weekend Skirt for ALL the Activities

The Lilly Pulitzer Afterparty Sale Starts Today

Favorite Activewear in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: What I Bought…So Far

Palm Springs Outfit and Restaurant Recap

Going Green: St. Patty’s Day Inspiration

The Best Denim Shorts for Under $50

A Ladylike Look That’s Under $30

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