Cozy Neutral Basics + Comfy Wide Width Fall Shoes

October 4, 2021 / Style Files / 0 comment

Madewell jeans; Free Assembly tee; H&M cardigan; Dolce Vita mules (wide version here) (look for less here)

This might sound crazy, but happy October, friends! I really can’t even believe it’s October already, but I am THRILLED. I mean, summer is fine, but October, November, December – it’s the best quarter of the whole year, I don’t care what anyone says. Southern California even welcomed the month with a couple of random, out-of-the-blue thunder storms so far, and I took the opportunity to bust out some favorite cozy neutrals that I’m loving right now. (I ordered this sweater back when it was like 90 degrees and have been impatiently waiting to wear it. Sadly this color is currently sold out, but it’s fully stocked in black.)

And as for the shoes, they were such a happy discovery. Anyone with wide feet like mine can probably agree that fall boots, booties, mules, loafers, etc. can be actual torture devices on the foot, and if you find something that comes in a wide width, it’s normally NOT very cute. I saw these little suede mules during the Evereve store opening at Fashion Island and loved them but just didn’t know how comfy they would be for me. A couple weeks later I was searching them online (yet again) and noticed that they come in a wide width option on the Dolce Vita site! I ordered them immediately (along with the now sold out pair below) and am so happy with the fit, the style, the look- LOVE! If you have feel on the wider side, I can’t recommend these more. (And if you’re looking for a great look for less, you can’t go wrong with this pair.)

xoxo

Madewell jeans; Free Assembly tee; H&M shacket; Dolce Vita booties (wide width here); Ray-Ban sunglasses; Amazon hat

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Favorite Finds from the Huge LOFT Sale

July 15, 2021 / Style Files / 0 comment

LOFT gingham tank and cardigan (use code LOVEIT for 50% off); Daze Denim shorts; Schutz sandals; Time & Tru sunglasses; Bottega Veneta handbag

While your Instagram feed (and all social media feeds for that matter) may be flooded with posts about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (guilty – you can catch mine here), it certainly isn’t the only sale in town.

Recently I popped into LOFT for the first time in basically forever and ended up snagging a couple of pieces that I LOVE. In fact, I was pretty surprised by how many cute things I saw. So many tops, dresses, and just plain lounge-y goodness that I’m loving for summer, and currently it’s ALL on sale. The entire site is 40% off, except for the sale section which is an additional 50% off already reduced prices, with code LOVEIT.

My gingham smocked tank above and the cutest striped top that I’m wearing below? Both on sale under $20 – no Nordy Club, sell-out stressing, midnight shopping required. My FAVORITE summer-weight joggers are also included in the sale and now come in three colors. (You can see a full post on those here.) So if all your favorites from the #nsale are selling out (or you just want to shop for pieces to wear right now), then take a little scroll below where I’m rounding up some of my favorite finds from the giant LOFT sale.

LOFT striped top (Use code LOVEIT for additional 50% off); Free People shorts; Amazon sandals and horn bangles; similar hat; Eric Javits handbag

xoxo

My 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

July 13, 2021 / Style Files / 0 comment

Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan

Marc Fisher booties

Nordstrom long sleeve PJ’s; PMD Clean

Nordstrom short PJ’s

Spanx layered shorts

Striped Madewell cardigan; Solid Madewell Cardigans

Spanx faux leather leggings

Barefoot Dreams dog bed; similar Ugg slippers

Happy Tuesday, friends! In case you haven’t heard on social media (over and over again), the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicked off for card-holders this week. (I’ve never been one to have a store credit card, but I did get the Nordstrom debit card years ago to shop the sale – it connects straight to my own bank debit card.) I personally can’t shop the sale until Friday, but I figured I would put together some faves ahead of time for all the gals that can shop the sale right now.

The sale certainly has mixed reviews these days (as opposed to the all-out bonanza that it used to be in the blogger world), and while I don’t think I’ll be buying much, I do think there are some really great finds. Above are some of the things I own and love from years past, and below are some of the pieces I’m digging this year.

Up at the top of my list? I usually snag a new set of these PJ’s every year, am loving these ivory slides, eyeing this perfume set (I already use the Santal 33 scent), and although I do not need another sweater that I’ll never wear in Southern California, this one is just so pretty. There are a couple of dresses I’m loving below, and I think these pants could be so pretty (although I haven’t seen them in person). Turns out maybe I’ve got a few more things in my shopping cart than I thought I would, imagine that, ha!

If you’re shopping the sale, then here’s hoping your faves don’t sell out before you snag ’em!

xoxo

Getting Used to the “Mom Jean” Trend

March 22, 2021 / Style Files / 0 comment

Daze jeans; Target sweatshirt; Amazon mules; GiGi New York handbag (25% off with code FAMILY25); Quay sunglasses; Amazon bangles

Daze jeans; Goldie tees shirt; Scoop cardigan (old, similar here); Bottega Veneta handbag; Marc Fisher heels (20% off with code LTD2169); Amazon hat; Quay sunglasses; Amazon bangles

Daze jeans; Carve Designs sweater; Lulu’s heels; Louis Vuitton handbag; Quay sunglasses; Amazon bangles

By now I’m sure we’ve all heard what the Gen Z crowd thinks of our “uncool” skinny jeans. And while I surely don’t place much importance on what the Gen Z’ers think of my tried and true skinnies, I’ll admit that after a year of stretch pants and too many days at home I’m just not grabbing for them like I used to.

About a year ago I bought and fell in love with this pair of mom-ish jeans from Daze Denim, and I’ve been obsessed with the brand ever since. Something about this brand, y’all – I’ve loved almost every pair that I’ve tried, and the mom jeans above are just the latest fave. (I’m also obsessed with this pair that I recently found in a few sizes on major sale – under $32!)

The high rise somehow hits at just the right place for me every single time, and the denim itself is so comfy. And while I normally gravitate towards dark denim, I’m actually loving this light wash for spring. Pair them with a sweatshirt, a duster cardi, a spring sweater, or just a plain old tee – if you haven’t tried the “mom jean” trend yet, you may just be pleasantly surprised when you do.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Strong Shoulders and the Best $20 Combat Boots

December 2, 2020 / Style Files / 3 Comments

Levi’s jeans; Shopbop tee; Walmart boots; Bottega Veneta handbag (similar look for less); Quay sunglasses; necklace via Fashionphile

File it under trends I said I’d never try, but here we are discussing this year’s oddly satisfying strong shoulder trend. I snagged this little padded shoulder tank during Shopbop’s last sale, and while I wasn’t so sure at first, it’s kind of grown on me since. Is it something I’ll have in my closet forever? Nope, just ask the 80’s. But for now, I think it’s something really fun. Also yes, I’m sleeveless in December because we’re back in 70+ degree days here in SoCal.

Shoulder details aside, the rest of this look will probably live in my closet for quite some time. Combat boots are literally everywhere right now, and I just couldn’t resist this $20 pair (also below) that happens to be seriously comfy. (There’s a memory foam insert – SO cushy!) They’re simple and classic, so if you’re looking to try out the combat boot trend without breaking the bank, look no further than this pair – NO ONE will know they were only $20.

And then there are the jeans. If you’re perpetually on the hunt for high rise jeans that are actually high enough, this is probably the pair for you. They’re seriously high rise for those of us with a longer torso (even named the “Mile High Super Skinny”), suck you in, and fit like a glove. It’s my second pair in this style – I’ve had this dark blue wash for years, so when I saw the black pair on major sale, it was an easy “add to cart” decision.

Here’s hoping everyone has a great rest of their week ahead!

xoxo

High rise jeans, band tee, duster cardigan, combat boots, crossbody bag – all via Walmart

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

The Annual List of Cyber Week Sales

November 26, 2020 / Style Files / 0 comment

Barefoot Dreams pants and cardigan; Madewell tank

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! What a wild year it’s been, but we finally made it to the holidays and I couldn’t be more excited. 2020 will be remembered for a lot of things, but it’s also been a year of renewed gratefulness and a constant reminder of just what really matters. Today and everyday, I’m so thankful for my husband and our pups, our families and friends, our health, and the life that we are lucky enough to enjoy together in a country that we love.

Every year I round up a bunch of my favorite Black Friday sales to shop, and admittedly this year it seems especially unimportant. Thanksgiving this year will be a little less about “stuff” and a little more about stuffing with the fam. But important or not, I’ve decided to still share a list of some Black Friday deals, so if you’re in the mood, feel free to take a little scroll. (I’ve used the sales to get a little jumpstart on my Christmas shopping.) And if not, then no worries.

Regardless of what your holidays look like this year, here’s hoping you guys find a way to be surrounded by love.

Abercrombie – 40% off everything

Aerie – 40% off everything

Anthropologie – 30% off everything

Emu Australia – 20% off everything

Free People – extra 40% off sale items

Gap – 50% off everything

H&M – 30% off everything

Keikico – 30% off entire site

Living Proof – 20% off everything + bonus dry shampoo with $60 purchase with code HOLIDAY

LOFT (and Lou & Grey) – 50% off select items with code INDULGE

Madewell – lots of deals with code VERYMERRY

Old Navy – 50% off everything

Quay Australia – Buy One, Get One free

Red Dress – 25% off sitewide with code FAMILY25

Shopbop – 20% off $200+ with code SHOP20

Steve Madden – 35% off with code BF2020

Tarte – 40% off + lots of $10 steals

Ulta – tons of Black Friday deals here

xoxo

Photo thanks to Katie Stuart

Travel Recap: Lone Mountain Ranch

November 10, 2020 / Travel / 0 comment

Similar sweater and here; similar beanie; Keikico travel blanket (use code MSD20 for 20% off); Walmart boots; Quay sunglasses Lou & Grey pants; All in Favor tee; Barefoot Dreams cardigan; Amazon mules; similar beanie; Quay sunglasses; Gold & Gray long necklace Spanx leggings; Walmart sweater, boots, beanie, and sherpa coat; Keikico scarf (20% off with code MSD20); H&M faux fur bag Madewell jeans; Amazon plaid flannel; Carve Designs coat (similar here); Walmart boots; Wool socks; Quay sunglasses; similar Free People scarf Spanx leggings; Walmart sweater, boots, beanie, and sherpa coat; Quay sunglasses; Keikico scarf (20% off with code MSD20) Bison in Yellowstone National Park Spanx leggings; Walmart sweater, boots, beanie, and sherpa coat; Quay sunglasses; Keikico scarf (20% off with code MSD20)

Happy Tuesday, friends! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you probably noticed more than a couple of snaps from a snowy winter wonderland recently, and today I’m sharing a bit more about our trip to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana.

Eric and I first laid eyes on Lone Mountain Ranch during this road trip last summer, but they were completely booked at the time so we settled for a quick lunch before hitting the road again. We knew we wanted to eventually make it back for a stay, so we started looking into packages and summer dates sometime around January of this year. Obviously within a couple of months Covid-19 was the new reality, and that trip was shelved for the future.

Fast forward to sometime around the end of summer and I came across an Instagram ad that Lone Mountain Ranch was staying open through the month of October (something they don’t normally do) and offering incredible cabin rates for that month. For reference, LMR offers a bunch of different packages, but for the most part, it’s an all-inclusive experience that includes your meals, trail rides, horse-back riding, and tons of different activities. (And for additional reference, the packages are pricey.) But because it’s 2020 and nothing is normal, we were able to book a cabin for a sort of a la carte stay that was so perfect for us.

We stayed in the “Ouzel” cabin, and given the chance, I would 100% book it again. It was spacious but so cozy with a wood-burning stove fireplace and a clawfoot tub that I loved. There are no TV’s (which we both enjoyed), but the wifi and cell service on the property is excellent which made it easy to get work done when needed. Horn & Cantle, the restaurant on the property, is seriously delicious, and we ate there for every breakfast and almost every dinner. The Korean Chicken Wings were probably the best wings I’ve ever had, and the Vegan Enchiladas were a surprising favorite for a couple of meat-eaters. The entire staff was beyond friendly, warm, and so helpful, and going during Covid restrictions, we felt completely safe – mask rules were in effect in any building we entered.

When I first booked it, I figured we would get some pretty chilly weather. I wasn’t really thinking it would be covered in snow and -6 degrees during one of the days, but it honestly just added to the trip. We spent one full day exploring Yellowstone National Park, and after seeing it last summer on our road trip, it was pretty cool to see it again in the winter. The snow really does add a magical layer to the park. We spent Saturday eating and shopping in downtown Bozeman (about an hour from the ranch) and then a lazy Sunday in the cabin, sitting by a fire, reading a book, and watching the snow. (I had scheduled horseback riding that had to be cancelled due to the weather – even the locals were surprised by the amount of snow and negative temps in October.) Overall, the trip was incredible, and Eric and I both agree that we’ll be back to Lone Mountain Ranch, hopefully sooner rather than later.

xoxo

P.S. – We were supposed to leave on Monday and fly home, but we decided we were just too close to Jackson Hole to NOT go. (Jackson has been a favorite of ours that we try to visit at least once a year.) So we extended our trip a couple of days and took the rental car the four hours to Jackson. It was a short stay but totally worth it. (You can see a bunch of my favorite spots to visit in Jackson Hole here.)

Madewell jeans; Time & Tru sweater and boots; Wool socks; similar fur jacket; Saint Laurent handbag; Quay sunglasses Grounds of the Rustic Creek Inn Madewell jeans; Free People scarf; Time & Tru boots; Carve Designs coat (similar here); Quay sunglasses

Graphic Tees, Loungewear Faves, and More Recent Looks

August 24, 2020 / Style Files / 0 comment

Daze denim (available in a second wash here); Grateful Dead tee; Tory Burch slides (also love this leopard pair); Barefoot Dreams cardigan (on sale); black leather clutch; Quay sunglasses; Amazon bracelets

It’s been a bit, but happy Monday, friends! Is everyone still surviving 2020? Shutdowns, mask mandates, distance learning…and with the recent additions of back-to-back hurricanes coming, hundreds of wildfires burning, and widespread rolling blackouts and power outages, this year just gets wilder and wilder. Anyone else want to just decorate the Christmas tree and pretend the holidays are here?

It’s not all bad though. I really can’t complain about staying home a bunch with the husband and pups, and lately on the weekends, you can find us cruising around on bikes or hanging at the beach instead of hopping around from one obligation to the next. We see friends, take drives, and have been loving all of the outdoor dining options at restaurants around town. (Bring on the parking lot dining!) It’s definitely been a learning time of figuring out OUR own new normal, the things we want to get back to and the things we’ll be leaving in 2020.

And while we’re on the subject of the good, I gotta admit I’m ALL about the stay home style and my growing collection of loungewear. Graphic tees, matching sets, roomy linen shorts – I’m 100% here for it. (If you like graphic tees, these are seriously a STEAL, and I can’t recommend these $35 shorts more.) So today I’m sharing a few snaps of some recent looks, and not surprisingly, there are lots of stay-at-home staples and affordable finds in the mix. Here’s hoping you find something that makes you smile today, friends!

xoxo

Linen-blend shorts; sweater tank; Saint Laurent handbag; similar silver bangles; similar rings H&M shorts, sweatshirt tee, and belt bag; Tory Burch slides; Amazon bracelets similar denim shorts; Grateful Dead tee; Tory Burch slides Linen-blend shorts; Old Navy henley tee; Dolce Vita sneakers; Saint Laurent handbag; Quay sunglasses Linen-blend shorts; Old Navy henley tee; similar chambray shirt; Sam Edelman sandals (also here); Gigi Pip hat Gap shorts; All in Favor tee; BP jacket Linen-blend shorts; Gap sweatshirt; Sam Edelman sandals (also here) Old Navy joggers, tee, and jacket; Tory Burch slides

My 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

August 7, 2020 / Style Files / 0 comment

Barefoot Dreams cardigan; similar Ugg slippers (also LOVE these); Quay sunglasses; Old Navy tee

Well, friends, it’s here again. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is back, and if you follow a few bloggers, I’m sure you’ve seen it mentioned a time or two. (It’s only open to certain cardholders now and will be open to everyone on the 19th.) Full disclosure – the sale is nowhere near as good as it’s been in the past, in my opinion. The selection is pretty tiny compared to previous years, but hey, that’s 2020, right? That said, I do think there are still some items that are worth it. Scroll down to see a roundup of things I’m digging, the ones I’m buying, and the pieces I already own and love.

What I’m Buying:

Barefoot Dreams – Call me basic, but I’m literally here for any and all things Barefoot Dreams. I don’t care, I just love this fabric. I bought the circle cardigan above last year and have worn it a ton – it stays parked on my desk chair so that I can always throw it on. This year I’m thinking I’ll grab the long cardigan (but what color?), one of these blankets (as if we need another blanket…), and don’t judge me, my dogs are totally getting this Barefoot Dreams dog bed.

This plaid shirt jacket – I saw this online and thought it was pretty cute, but after trying it on in the store, I’m sold. Y’all, this thing is so cute, I might snag both colors. I love that it’s a super soft flannel that can be worn as a shirt or jacket, and it has pockets. It’s meant to be oversized, but I’d recommend sizing down – I’m wearing a medium here for reference.

Adidas sneakers – If there’s one thing I’ve been doing during this wild Covid year, it’s 100% been getting my steps in so I feel zero guilt about buying a new pair of sneaks. I’ve heard really good things about this UltraBoost pair, but how cute is this printed pair? Decisions.

This basic tee – I pretty much live in solid tees, and this one is so good. I checked it out in store, and I think it’s the softest in the sale.

The things I own and love:

My favorite PJ’s – I currently own these PJ’s in two colors and will most likely be grabbing a third this year. I actually prefer them to the Eberjey version because the fit is a bit looser, and they hold up better wash after wash.

Spanx leggings – There’s a reason everyone raves about these leggings – they are just SO good. I love the high rise, and they suck everything in. I have a few pairs of these and wear them nonstop in the cooler temps. Pair them with sneakers, boots, booties, or flats.

Barefoot Dreams cardigan – You can see my ode to BD above, but legit, I love this cardigan.

PMD – I own both the Personal Microderm and the PMD Clean and love them both. (In my opinion, the Clean is a way better buy than a Clarisonic as you don’t have to worry about bacteria build-up in the brush head.) They’ve especially come in handy recently with my battle against the mask acne, ugh. The discount on these is pretty substantial, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to order.

Gorjana Crescent Necklace – This is just such a pretty statement piece that I’ve had for years, and at under $50, it could make a great gift for someone in your life.

Brixton hat – I’ve owned, loved, and traveled with this hat for years, and it still looks brand new. The quality is so good, and I’m thinking maybe I need to snag this one while it’s still in stock.

Ugg slippers – While I don’t own this exact pair of Ugg slippers, I do own another pair (above) and have spent many, many days in them over the last few months. I REALLY want to buy this pair, but I’m just not sure I can justify another pair of slippers. (Although I’m pretty sure I would not regret it.)

xoxo

Keeping It Casual: A Few Recent Looks

July 29, 2020 / Style Files / 0 comment

Scoop sweater tank; Free People shorts (also here); Welden handbag; Jessica Simpson sandals; similar bracelets and rings

While California is still pretty shut down right now, I’ve finally made it past the “everyday sweatpants” phase I was in because, well, the weather got warm. Full disclosure, you can still find me in workout gear or these Gap sets that I swear by (sweatshirt here and shorts here – both on sale) a TON, but these days I’m mixing in some easy basics and fun accessories to at least pretend like I tried, ya know?

Here are a few casual staples that have been in heavy rotation lately:

The under $10 Walmart t-shirt dress (I bought a medium and had it hemmed an inch or two)

The denim shorts I own in 3 washes

These $20 henley tees that wash and wear SO well

This jumpsuit that feels like PJ’s (bonus – you can try before you buy with Amazon Wardrobe)

These bike shorts and these cross-back tanks (LOVE) for outdoor workouts

What are some pieces you guys are living in these days?

xoxo Amazon jumpsuit; woven handbag; Gigi Pip hat; Steve Madden sandals