It’s crazy to say, but I realized recently that I’ve now lived in California for over ten years.  Ten!  It certainly feels a lot more like home now than the big, scary place that it once was, but no matter how comfy I get here, I’ll never get used to the crazy beautiful views around here.  The California coast is seriously one of my favorite sights to see.  Today I’m sharing another look from my evening of Laguna Beach exploring with Pura Soul Photo, and man, was this a pretty sunset.

After roaming the beach a bit, we made our way to a rock that extended into the ocean to take in the last bits of sunlight.  It was gloomy and chilly and moody and perfectly dreamy.  I could have stayed in this spot for hours, but a rogue wave snuck up on me, drenched me head to toe, and pretty much called it a day for us.  Whatever.  Totally worth the damp drive home and necessary next-day pedicure.  Some things are just too good to take for granted, right?

This white midi caftan is a recent find that I’m beyond obsessed with.  It’s lightweight and easy-breezy, and sadly, already sold out.  Agghhh.  But if you missed out on ordering, I’m linking a few similar styles (like this one that’s next on my shopping list) below that just might get you in the beachy summer spirit.  Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Pura Soul Photo

Ever met a maxi dress that just made you wanna twirl?  Well maybe now perhaps you have.  I can’t even tell you how much I love this lightweight caftan for the summer months ahead, and I may just have to order this palm print version too.  It’s perfect for throwing on over a swimsuit or layered over a slip for any day that the weather has you hot and bothered.  (Also heads up, it runs pretty big, so I’d definitely recommend sizing down.  I’m wearing a medium for reference.)

I scooped this little tasseled maxi up before Eric and I headed to Palm Springs last weekend, but I had to test it out before the weekend when I met up with the most lovely couple behind Pura Soul Photo.  A mutual friend of ours made the introduction, and I’m SO glad that she did.  They’re a couple of Southern transplants now living in San Diego, and hanging out with them was like getting together with a couple of old friends.  Plus, I’m pretty obsessed with the photos that they share.  (Also any shoot that starts off with a glass of wine is A-OK in my book, y’all.)

So here’s to new friends, dresses that make you twirl, a little rosé on a gloomy day, and a great rest of the week ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Pura Soul Photo

Happy Friday, friends!  You guys know that there are only a few swimsuit brands that I swear by, and I get pretty excited when I find a new top that works for busty gals.  Well, I found one, and it’s a sweet deal.  Like, you can find it at everyone’s favorite: Target.  I recently discovered Vanilla Beach Swim, and I’m hooked.  (Pretty sure I need this pretty beach scarf, no?)  The suit fits like a glove, and I love the palm print.  And the coverup is just the icing on the cake.  How good is this crochet coverup?  So good.  And total steal.  Don’t think about it, you need it.  Also, this is the beach you’ll find right outside of the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, about a 20 minute drive from my house.  I think that if I really kept track, I could find a new reason that I love Southern California every single day.  Another place I love?  New Orleans.  And we’ll be there…getting married…exactly 2 weeks from today.  Crazy, right?  The countdown is on.  Hope y’all have the best weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Taylor Cole

Ready or not, here it comes. Swimsuit season is almost upon us y’all, and this year, I’m diving in head-first.  Who’s with me?  Hear me out.  We all have different bodies, different curves (and non-curves), different strengths and insecurities.  This year, let’s all try something new: just go with it.  Think of all the things you miss out on because of body insecurities or swimsuit avoidance.  Way lame, girl!  So I’m teaming up with Target for their #NOFOMO campaign to get up, get suited, and get out there.

Living at the beach, there’s no excuse for me, but being more than a smidge top-heavy, it can be hard to find swimsuit tops that fit.  Over the past couple of years, I’ve found a couple of triangle top styles that work for me, and I’ve been sticking with them.  This year, though, I pledged to find a little something different.  I went into Target with an open mind and some time on my hands and was surprised when I went into the dressing room with, like, 1,000 suits.  I couldn’t help myself.  I was even more surprised when I found these three solidly different, solidly “outside of my comfort zone” suits.  (Clearly though, I’m into crochet.)

First up?  A neon bandeau style with a mismatched bottom.  (I prefer mismatched bikinis usually.)  The straps are adjustable and surprisingly supportive.  And finally?  A one-piece.  GASP!  I know!  Y’all, I haven’t had a one-piece swimsuit in a couple of decades.  They’ve been back in style for a couple of seasons, but they’re usually a big no-no for gals with boobs.  Add in a long torso like mine and you’re just asking for trouble.  But this one?  Just trust.  But don’t take my word for it – head over to Target and give it a whirl, girl.  And because three suits weren’t enough for January, I’ve got this one on order.  (Get ’em while they’re hot, am I right?)

So I ask again: who’s with me?  What will you challenge yourself to do this swimsuit season with #NOFOMO?

xoxo

Find your style @TargetStyle.

Photos thanks to Taylor Cole

SheIn dress (c/o);  Similar Circus by Sam Edelman sandals;  Similar bucket bag;  Blue Planet sunglasses (c/o);  Kendra Scott necklace and ring;  Gorjana cuff;  Julie Vos cuff

This weekend was another one for the books.  (There’s been a few recently, I must admit.  I’m a lucky gal.)  We celebrated my future sister-in-law at her bachelorette party, and we were seriously spoiled.  Hellooooo, Bacara!  It was pretty much the most beautiful place, and we had an amazing time meeting new girls and partying with old friends.  I got back yesterday and started uploading these photos, and I was like, well, so this place is pretty beautiful too.  (Taylor Cole takes me to the nicest places, y’all.)  We headed down to Crystal Cove for a bit, and I’ll say, I’m obsessed.  We hiked down to the bottom (those pics coming soon) and saw this guy in a lawn chair set up on the rocks in the ocean conducting business calls.  You’ve got it right, sir.  Killing it basically.  So here I am on a cliff looking at the prettiest view in the easiest little white dress.  You’re pretty, California.  Realllll pretty.

xoxo

Swimsuit and denim shorts (c/o) Marshalls;  Plaid Shirt;  similar gold sandals;  sunglasses;  TLC&You beach bag;  Rebecca Minkoff fringe bag;  Mad Jewels bracelets

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!

xoxo

Liz & Honey romper (c/o);  Bucco sandals;  Wallaroo hat;  Ray-Ban sunglasses;  Sam Edelman bag;  Mad Jewels bracelets (c/o);  My Jewel Bar necklaces (c/o)

Happy Monday, people.  How was everyone’s weekend?  Mine was pretty stellar because in Southern California we got…wait for it…rain.  Whaaat?!  And not just a little.  It rained for a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday, and we even got a little thunder and lightening.  It’s such a rare occurrence here that when we do get a rainy day, all I want to do is curl up on the couch and listen to it.  And although the rain was supposed to last through today, I woke up to a beautiful sunny SoCal morning here.  I guess it’s kind of hard to complain about that.  So today I’m sharing this sunny look from Liz & Honey boutique, and I’m pretty much in love with this romper.  From the color to the billowy shape to the lightweight fabric, it’s so perfect for the hot summer days ahead.  Worn with tall gladiator sandals, a fringe bag and a hat, it’s a little touch of boho glam at the beach.  Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

xoxo

Well helloooo! (Said in my best Mrs. Doubtfire voice.)  How was everyone’s weekend?  Mine was one for the (wedding planning) books – I said yes to the dress!  But more on that later.  Today I’m sharing part two of the “Fit For Every Body” campaign with target, and today it’s all about style.  Last week I shared a few fit tips for finding the perfect swimsuit along with Zanna, Sarah, Nash, Chante, and Target, and this time, we’re talking about taking those suits from pool to street.  Living in Newport Beach, I typically live in coverups and kimonos every summer weekend, so I LOVE the idea of belting this crochet-embellished kimono for a wrap dress feel.  Along with stacks of layered jewelry, it takes the whole look up a notch.  Check out today’s video for a few more tips and a bit more chit chat on finding your perfectly styled pool look.  Thank you SO much for all the sweet comments, Tweets, posts, and texts about this campaign – I hope you guys have enjoyed it as much as I did! xoxo

KAS New York Kaftan (c/o);  Becca bikini;  Wallaroo hat (c/o);  Kendra Scott necklace and ring;  Gorjana cuffs;  Ray-Ban sunglasses

“The wind, you guys…Is this necessary?”  That’s right, I’m quoting Kim K. because this particular day at the beach felt like a sunny, sandy hurricane, and this kaftan was about to take flight.  But hey in hindsight I guess fabric like this was just made to be moved by the wind.  (Unfortunately I can’t say the same for my hair, yikes!)  I’m pretty much obsessed with this kaftan (and all kaftans if I’m being honest) because after a day at the beach or pool, there’s nothing better to throw on than something that’s lightweight and flowy.  And the colors on this one: killing it.  Fingers crossed for a little wind-free beach weather this weekend and hoping everyone has an amazing Friday!

xoxo

Because I’m a sucker for all things summer, I’ve pretty much never met a beach bag I didn’t like.  From oversized totes and structured straw bags to adorable clutches (perfect for tossing inside your bag to take you from beach to street), there are so many great options popping up this year.  Above I’m rounding up a few favorites that’ll make you want to pack your bags for the beach.  I’ve particularly got my eye on #6 – how great would this structured tote be with a little white dress for summer?

xoxo