The Cold Weather Essentials That Actually Work

January 8, 2018 / Style Files, Travel / 0 comment

Spanx leggings; Loft sweater; Free People scarf and beanie (c/o) Shopbop – snag the hat and scarf on sale here; Carve Designs jacket (c/o) – also love this black version; Hunter boots and fleece socks; Ray-Ban sunglasses

Last week I shared all about our December trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and mentioned that it was just a little COLD. There was no snow, but we did get a night of 9-degree temps, so, you know, pretty chilly. Luckily for me though, I was way prepared and packed my suitcase (OK, suitcases, plural) with all of the cozy things.

I’ve got another chilly trip in just a couple of weeks (Sundance, YAY!), and since half the country is currently freezing their tails off, I figured I would share a few of the cold weather essentials that saved my butt from the crazy cold in Jackson Hole.

Carve Designs Down Puffer Jacket (also love the black version here) – This jacket is so lightweight and easy to pack, so I had my doubts that it would actually be warm enough. And I’m happy to say that I was so wrong. The hood and “handwarmer” pockets are lined in the softest fleece which made a world of difference – as long as I had my hood on and my hands in my pockets, I barely noticed that it was, oh, nine degrees out one night. Plus, I loved all of the zipper pockets so that I could leave my handbag at home and just carry the essentials in my coat.

Free People chenille infinity scarf (on sale) and beanie – You know I’m ALL about ALL the chenille things this year, and this infinity scarf and hat combo just may be my favorite. I’m seriously thinking I may need to snag the blue version for an upcoming trip to Utah.

Free People oversized fringe scarf – This one was also super warm – wrapped up tight, it seriously helped a sister out while watching the snowmobile races and on a morning out in the National Elk Refuge.

cabi Layer Turtleneck (similar version here) – I have a couple of these layering turtlenecks from last year, and I wore one every single day of the trip. A snug-fitting first layer is a must for me, and these easily layer under pretty much anything.

Hunter boots and fleece sock inserts – Layering up my frozen toes was KEY. I had seen a ton of photos of gals wearing their Hunter boots in snow, so I decided to order them for the trip and give them a whirl. The boots alone would have been pretty chilly, but paired with the boots socks (and these cozy socks as a base layer), these were super warm and comfy for roaming around town.

Ugg boots – Although it was SUPER cold in Jackson Hole, there wasn’t much (if any) snow on the ground so Uggs worked just fine for the daytime for me. For nighttime though, I definitely would have needed a taller pair like this one or these.

Faux fur lined footless tights (and these fleece-lined footless tights) – Y’all, these were AWESOME for beating the cold. I picked them up at Target a couple of hours before we left for the airport, and I was so happy that I did. Besides the one day that I wore jeans, I lived in these faux fur lined footless tights and can’t recommend them enough for cold climates.

What cold weather gear do you guys swear by?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Erin Wheat

Here’s Lookin’ at You, 2017

January 2, 2018 / Style Files / 2 Comments

It seriously seems like just a couple of months ago that I was writing a little recap of 2016, and yet somehow, here we are, already a couple of days in to 2018. I know that lots of folks are having lots of mixed reviews of 2017, but I gotta say, it was a pretty wonderful one around here.

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.

My Favorite New Year’s Eve Dress Ever

December 20, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Parker sequin dress; cabi booties; similar Blank NYC jacket; Ray-Ban sunglasses; Loeffler Randall clutch

Y’all, I know it’s not even Christmas yet (and thank God because this Christmas shopping list seems to keep getting longer…), but I thought we’d break things up a bit and talk New Year’s Eve. I love Christmas like a crazed five year old or a giant adult elf named Buddy, and after the 25th has passed, the only thing that keeps me from having the serious post-holiday blues is looking forward to New Year’s Eve. (I usually just go ahead and save those blues for January. Good plan.)

Normally we spend New Year’s Eve at Eric’s family’s cabin in the mountains, so sparkles and fun dresses are far from my mind. I trade in the disco ball sequins for faux fur and so many layers. But this year, we’re headed to the desert to ring in the new year, and I couldn’t be more excited. There’s no place like Palm Springs to break out a sequin or two!

I posted this dress last year on the blog for New Year’s Eve, but I figured since it’s my favorite NYE dress ever, why not rework it for another go ’round? This year I’m planning on pairing it with an easy (hint: easy to wear all night) bootie and a leather jacket to tone it down a smidge. The silver version is sadly no longer available, but this year there’s a pretty, pretty new burgundy version in town.

Admittedly this dress is a total investment, so I’m linking a few more similar styles below. And now let’s get back to Christmas, shall we? I’m so so excited that my favorite day is almost here!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

A Little (Velvet) Something Extra

November 9, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Levi’s jeans; cabi velvet top (c/o); Banana Republic jacket (c/o) – similar version here; Henri Bendel handbag (c/o); Mari A. heels (c/o) – (similar here); Quay sunglasses

Any country music fans out there? My music taste is admittedly a little all over the place, but I’ll also admit that I’ve got big love for some country music and big BIG love for last night’s CMA Awards. Did anyone else watch? Gah, I love watching country performances because they’re such a good time, the artists actually SING, and everyone is just so sparkly. Am I right? I always watch country stars and think I could use a little more sparkle in my life.

And while daytime sequins and glitter aren’t always encouraged, I think the modern fall equivalent is velvet. From the cutest polka-dotted burnout blouse (which JUST launched from cabi) to a sweet little pair of velvet heels (or maybe both at once), velvet just adds that little something extra to your look.

And add a sheen-y printed bomber on top? Well, girlfriend, then you’re getting extra, extra. Or maybe not, but you can still pretend. It’s only Thursday, but I’ve got my sights set firmly on the weekend. To be fair, we’ve got a Friday afternoon wedding in Palm Springs, so today’s sort of like a Friday. And what better way to kick off my birthday weekend than by playing hooky on a Friday?

Hope everyone has an amazing Thursday and weekend ahead!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Kathleen Barnes

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

The Best Romper for Tall Girls

May 30, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Banana Republic romper (on sale!) and heels (c/o); Handbag (c/o); sunglasses (affordable version here); cabi bracelets (c/o); Julie Vos ring

It may not feel like it here today, but summertime is officially upon us, and that means it’s officially romper season. I’ve been a romper fan for years – I mean, what’s not to love? A one-and-done outfit that consists of shorts instead of a skirt? Sold. Add shoes and a bag and you’re done.

Unfortunately for me though, finding a romper that actually fits can be a bit of a challenge. I’m 5’8″ (or something close to that) with a really long torso, so getting into a romper sometimes requires a little maneuvering. Not today though!

I recently picked up this easy navy romper from Banana Republic, and guess what – she fits like a dream. I’m wearing the regular sizing (in a medium for reference), but this utility romper is also available in tall sizes if you need even more room. The design is so versatile, can be dressed up or down, and I love that it has pockets. (Duh, always.)

I actually paired this romper with printed pumps and a leather jacket for a blogger event last week. I got about halfway to the event before realizing I had the date wrong (blame the new puppy), so I’ll be saving that look for a future event. Anywho, the romper is currently on sale, and right now you can take 40% off your entire purchase with code BRSUMMER. Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start, and happy shopping!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

Summer and Travel Essentials with lucy

April 17, 2017 / Style Files / 1 Comment

lucy dress (c/o); White Elephant tote (c/o); Dolce Vita sandals; sunglasses (affordable version here); Brixton hat; cabi necklace

When packing for someplace tropical (or just beating the heat at home during the summer), you probably don’t immediately think of an activewear line to stock up on essentials. Well, think again, friends. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite little dresses from my recent trip to Mexico, and it’s from my very favorite activewear line, lucy.

I’ve been a fan of lucy’s leggings and tanks for years for actually working out, but in recent seasons, I’ve especially gravitated towards their dresses, jumpers, and separates to support my love of all things athleisure. Today’s midi dress is just about as lightweight as they come, has a mesh detail in the back for added ventilation, and is just SO comfortable. After a day in the sun or night out, it was pretty much the only dress I wanted to throw on and wear all day. Plus, the fabric is so great for packing and travel because it stays pretty wrinkle-free and won’t look like a hot mess when you pull it out of your suitcase.

Other travel-friendly favorites include these denim-look leggings that are perfect for the plane, these easy crops that I want to live in, and this lightweight wrap cardigan that’s a go-to for chilly nights. Well, and maybe this little jacket top too. And everything else below. When everything is this cute and comfy, picking favorites is hard to do! Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

Brought to you by lucy

My Favorite Summer Dress on Sale

April 14, 2017 / Style Files, Travel / 0 comment

Embroidered dress (on sale with code EVENT17); Kork-Ease wedges (c/o); Lilly Pulitzer bag (c/o); Hat (c/o); Ray-Ban sunglasses; cabi bracelet (c/o)

I’d say if I had to describe my ideal summer dress, it would be something with tassels, embroidery, stripes, or shades of blue. Boom – all of the above. I ordered this little summer frock off of Shopbop a couple of weeks ago before our Mexico trip, and I’ve since worn it more than a couple of times. It’s so easy and comfortable and combines all of my favorite things. Plus, I really dig the long sleeves on it. (I always have to remind myself that in Orange County, we have chilly nights well into July. I went to dinner tonight in jeans, a sweater, and a leather jacket. No joke, although I am a bit of a baby when it comes to the cold.)

Anywho, it was the perfect frock for roaming around the city of La Paz last week, and lucky for you, it’s currently on sale. (Head over to this post for the deets on the sale.) I’m telling you, you won’t regret it, and as an added bonus it’s surprisingly wrinkle resistant, perfect for packing and traveling. Also, if you’re looking for the most comfy summer wedges around, I’ve found ’em. I knew these would be comfortable enough for the long haul the second I put them on, so I had no worries about wearing them to explore La Paz. They’re a dream and come in 7+ colors – shop your heart out, girl. I’m adding in a few more summer dresses on sale below as well as my hat, bag, and jewels, so here’s hoping you find a little something special to treat yo’self. Happy Friday, loves!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

Does Anyone Else Miss Gossip Girl?

March 29, 2017 / Style Files / 1 Comment

cabi top, skirt, and blazer (c/o); Tory Burch handbag; Kenneth Cole heels; sunglasses (affordable version here); Kendra Scott necklace and ring

You guys, over the past few years, I’ve worn a ton of cabi pieces on the blog (and in real life, of course), but today’s look of theirs may be my favorite to date. This little nautical blazer is just about the cutest thing for spring. It’s a thick jersey material, so it’s flattering and stretchy, and the striped cuffs are removable for more versatility. Pair it with this floral two-piece look (wear it together, separate, tucked, or untucked), and I feel like I should be setting sail for someplace fabulous.

When I showed up to shoot this look with Vincent, he told me I reminded him of Blair Waldorf, which is obviously the highest form of flattery. (Also obvious, we’ll go with Blair with a dose of Serena mixed in – the blonde hair doesn’t lie.) Does anyone else miss Gossip Girl? I was always a Gilmore Girls type of gal, but I have to admit, once I watched all the seasons of Gossip Girl, it was hands-down my favorite GG show. And I probably haven’t watched a full season of anything since it went off the air. Sad but true. Actually, I take that back. I’ve seen quite a few episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. How times have changed.

Anywho, I tend to get a lot of questions anytime I share a few cabi pieces on how to buy. If you don’t already know a cabi stylist near you, just head over here and they’ll set you up with one. Easy-peasy, just like this little top-skirt-jacket combo. Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

Festival Season Style

March 13, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Grateful Dead tank (c/o); denim jacket – on sale!; cabi white jeans (similar here); Marc Fisher wedges (look for less version here); Loeffler Randall handbag; Loren Hope bracelets – here and here (c/o); Karen Walker sunglasses (look for less version here)

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

Searching for "cabi jacket"

The Cold Weather Essentials That Actually Work

Here’s Lookin’ at You, 2017

My Favorite New Year’s Eve Dress Ever

A Little (Velvet) Something Extra

The New Favorite Fall Combo

The Best Romper for Tall Girls

Summer and Travel Essentials with lucy

My Favorite Summer Dress on Sale

Does Anyone Else Miss Gossip Girl?

Festival Season Style

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