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

Five Things to Love at the Hyatt Huntington Beach

February 14, 2018 / Local Love, Style Files, Travel / 3 Comments

Sail to Sable dress (c/o); Marc Fisher wedges; GiGi New York handbag; Julie Vos bracelets; Banana Republic hat; Karen Walker sunglasses Sail to Sable dress (c/o); Marc Fisher wedges; GiGi New York handbag; Julie Vos bracelets; Banana Republic hat; Karen Walker sunglasses BP shorts; Sincerely Jules sweatshirt; Levi’s jacket; Romwe sandals (c/o); sunglasses Trina Turk caftan (c/o); Julie Vos bracelets and ring; sunglasses; Kayu bag

If you were following along on the good old ‘Gram this past weekend, then you probably noticed quite a few snaps from the Hyatt Huntington Beach. Because we can never stop adding on projects for our house, Eric and I decided that we wanted to add wainscoting to a couple more walls in our living room and bar area. Sounds simple enough. Once the wood panels are up, then starts the sanding, bonding, and painting, and suddenly the entire house is covered in a thin layer of dust and SO many fumes.

So as a sort of early Valentine’s Day (and a definite way to keep from losing our minds), we used our best evacuation route and headed down the street to one of our favorite hotels, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. We’ve stayed here once before for Eric’s birthday, but this time we brought along the pup and settled in for four nights. So just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m rounding up five things to love about the Hyatt Huntington Beach.

Dog-Friendly Hotel: Like I said, we took Louise along with us, and the Hyatt was more than accommodating. When we checked in, there was a dog bed, food and water bowls, and even a few toys in our room for Weeze which was such a nice surprise for this less-than-prepared dog mom. She loved exploring around the property and was able to hang with us on a patio area where we had margaritas on Saturday. Plus, she got so much love from strangers and plenty of beach walks while we were there. Which brings me to…

Bridge to the Beach: I always talk about this in my Instagram stories while I’m there, but it really is SO convenient that there’s a bridge from the Hyatt property across Pacific Coast Highway to the beach. It’s the only hotel in the area that has one, and it made getting out on those beach walks so quick and easy. And trust me, I needed the exercise after…

Pete’s Sunset Grille – If you’re staying at the Hyatt or just live somewhere around Huntington Beach, you have to check out Pete’s. Their spicy margaritas (made seriously spicy with jalapeno-infused tequila) are my favorite of any place around here, and their Barrel Bowls are my jam. (Think coconut rice, broccolini, protein of your choice, a fried egg…) I’m not really a fish taco gal, but Eric and a bunch of our friends love them here. And if you’re still hungry…

Watertable: We ate at Watertable the last time that we stayed at the Hyatt, and we loved it. So this time, we made sure to go back. Twice. In a row. It really is that good. On Sunday night, we shared a bunch of appetizers (Get the meatballs! and the fries!), and on Monday night, we went with favorites from the entree list. Eric went with the Chilean sea bass, and I had the Branzino – both were delicious.

So Many Outdoor Spaces: We’re super lucky to live in a place that has beautiful weather most of the year, so why not spend as much time outside as possible? The pool area (there are a couple, but I prefer the quieter, more adult-friendly one) is huge with tons of seating and a yummy lunch menu. There are fire pits that we sat by at night, and Weeze loved roaming around the big open grass areas.

Overall, we had a wonderful stay and didn’t want to leave! If you’re looking for a really great place to stay in the town that I call home, you really can’t go wrong with the Hyatt Huntington Beach. Now it’s back to reality with my two favorite Valentines – Eric and Weeze, of course. Hope everyone has a great week!

xoxo

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.

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

December 22, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Banana Republic jeans and sweater (c/o); plaid scarf; GiGi New York handbag; Hush Puppies shoes; Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage (c/o); Vasiliki Designs necklace (c/o); Jemma Sands beaded bracelets (c/o); Stella & Dot rose gold bangle; Ray-Ban sunglasses (c/o) Shopbop

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays. And for me these days, that counts for both our California and Louisiana Christmases. Eric and I switch off every year, and this year, we’re spending my favorite holiday at our home in California. My parents are in town, and we’re dog-sitting for one of Weeze’s dog buds (a 200 pound Mastiff named Angus), so it’s a full and happy house for sure.

But today I’m teaming up with Banana Republic to share a holiday travel look that’s ideal for those days when we’re headed south to Louisiana for the holidays. It’s my favorite outfit for traveling – high rise skinnies, a super soft sweater, the comfiest shoes, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket for the plane. (This poncho is also a dream for flying.) It’s comfortable enough for flying but classic and stylish enough for actually going out and about once you land. (Because you KNOW we always have to grab a meal somewhere in New Orleans when we land.)

And as for the luggage, well recently those got a stylish upgrade too. (Because what’s a good airport Instagram without a couple of stylish bags? I know, don’t answer that.) But these really are great. They’re durable and sleek, roll like a dream, and they’ve got a ton of compartments, perfect for organizing the 50 additional sweaters I’ll most likely pack. (And you can enter to win a set of your own.)

Well we’re in the final stretch before Christmas, y’all, and no matter where you’re spending the holiday, arrive in style. And here’s hoping you’re surrounded by the people you love.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

Brought to you by Banana Republic

Cyber Monday Deals and Steals

November 27, 2017 / Giveaways & Deals, Style Files / 0 comment

Aqua dress (on sale!); pink velvet heels; CATHERINE Catherine Malandrino jacket (c/o); Strathberry handbag (c/o) – on sale with code SBF-STYLE; sunglasses; Kendra Scott bracelets (c/o)

Soo, are you shopped out yet? I’m not gonna lie, it seems like every year this whole Cyber Week thing gets a little more out of hand. While I LOVE a good sale, I’ve usually hit my shopping limit by the time Cyber Monday rolls around. But if you’re unlike me and happened to take it easy on Black Friday, then today’s your day, girl. Below I’m listing a few of my favorite sites for scoring a few deals and steals today, and with retailers offering up to 50% off, there’s no time like the present to cross a couple of names off of that Christmas list.

Today’s look also includes a few deals. I bought this little navy floral dress to wear for my birthday this year, but I think it could be so cute for upcoming holiday parties. Plus, it’s currently 25% off for a limited time. The heels are under $40, and right now you can use code SBF-STYLE to take 20% off any Strathberry handbags – I get a ton of compliments on this one. (Plus, use code BPMC17 for 40% off any backpacks and MC Midi bags.)

There are only a few hours left to shop the best sales, so don’t miss out! Happy shopping, gals!

xoxo

Abercrombie – 50% off everything

Anthropologie – 20% off all full-priced items

Ann Taylor – 50% off everything + free shipping with code BESTMONDAY

ASOS – 30% off everything with code EPIC30

Banana Republic – 50% off everything

Baublebar – 35% off everything with code CYBER35

Express – 50% off everything + free shipping

Framebridge – 20% off all black frames with code Black20

Gap – 50% off everything

GiGi New York – up to 35% off sitewide, details here

Gorjana – 20% off sitewide with code GOLDEN20

Henri Bendel – 30-60% off sitewide

J.Crew – 40% off plus an additional 10% off with code SHOPFAST

Julie Vos – up to 35% off

Kate Spade – 30% off full-priced items, 40% off sale with code MOREJOY

Kendra Scott – 20% off everything with code YELLOW20

Loft – 50% off everything + free shipping with code CLICK

Loren Hope – 20% off with code SHOPNOW

Lulu & Georgia – 20% off everything with code CYBER

Madewell – 25% off with code GOODMOOD

Minted – 25% off everything with code CM2017

Nasty Gal – 50% off everything

Nine West – 60% off sitewide

Old Navy – 50% off everything

Rebecca Minkoff – 25% off sitewide

Tula – 20% off + free shipping (orders over $30) with code MYSTYLEDIARIES

Vince Camuto – 40% off everything with code CYBER40

World Market – buy more, save more with code CYBERSALE

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

Little White Summer Shirtdress (And It’s Under $35)

April 19, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Who What Wear x Target dress (also love this one and this one); denim jacket; wedges; GiGi New York bag; Julie Vos bracelets; Karen Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)

Oh hey, gang. Happy day after taxes were due – did everyone survive? Nothing hurts more than writing that doom’s day check to the IRS, so today I’m easing the pain with a too cute for school little white dress that’ll cost you less than $35. I figured we could all use a little break for our wallets, no? (Unless you’re one of the lucky ones who actually gets a refund, and in that case, what are you doing here? You should be over here shopping the Neiman Marcus Last Call killer handbag sale. I’m not gonna lie, I’ll be checking out the goods of that one today myself.)

Anywho, back to this dress and the sweet little ruffle sleeve details and its even sweeter little price tag. I have to say, it’s been a little while since I hit the clothing department at Target, but I recently ended the drought and it’s good to be back. Have you guys checked out this amazing section yet? Holy moly, so many good pieces. Snag the dress, add the jewels, and then, well, I really can’t recommend these wedges enough. (Check out the look for less here.) They’re super comfy and somehow instantly make my legs look more toned. I don’t know how, but I’ll take a little magic on this, the day after taxes. Who’s with me?!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Gabi Wells

Just Another Bell-Sleeved Dress

March 23, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Because I can’t go more than a couple of weeks without finding something new that I love with bell sleeves, well, here we go. Since fall, I’ve been all about a little flared out sleeve action, and Likely makes some of the best. Remember this little lace dress? It’s still a fave, and this lightweight navy version is a new toned-down spring go-to. Paired with comfy suede sandals, it’s a “ready for anything” look that can go from day to night, easy peasy.

Another new part of this look? This week I can’t stop smiling because I FINALLY got my teeth professionally whitened. I’ve become a little teeth-obsessed lately, but I mean, these chops are mine to keep so I’d better take care of them, right? Right. In the past, I’ve tried out the strips, the trays, the fancy toothbrush (which I still love) and had pretty decent results, but I was really looking for something with a little more oomph.

So this week I tried out the Boost in-office whitening from Dr. Mark Olson, and I can’t believe I waited so long to do it. Of all the lotions and potions and treatments I do for my skin, it’s about time my teeth get a little love. And if you’ve been thinking about it, I really can’t recommend it more. Hope everyone is having a great week! (The weekend is in our sights!)

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

6 Neutral Handbags for Spring + a Gucci Giveaway

March 16, 2017 / Giveaways & Deals, Style Files / 1 Comment

(Left to Right, Top to Bottom) 1. Metallic Snake Satchel 2. Tory Burch Chain-Strap Crossbody 3. Flower-Embellished Clutch 4. Metallic Animal-Printed Crossbody 5. Loeffler Randall Top Handle Crossbody 6. Satchel with Scarf Detail (also here)

You know how sometimes you’re like, “hmm, I think we could use some more junk food in the house” and then suddenly you have a pantry full of snacks and enough Girl Scout cookies to win your own merit badge? What, don’t look at me like that. It’s called going a little overboard, and recently, I MAY have gone overboard in the neutral handbag department.

I’m normally a “change your bag everyday” kinda gal, but a few months ago I decided that I really wanted a neutral everyday bag that I could just throw on and go with any look. And I REALLY had my heart set on this one. I mean it was bad, y’all, I had caught a serious handbag fever. But there were a couple of thoughts that prevented me from taking the plunge. Besides the fact that I feel like everyone and their mother in the blogging world is currently carrying that bag, there’s that whole nagging home remodel that’s going on in my life. Rats! (I kid.) And as an added bonus reason, it is tax season, but I’m not here to ruin your Thursday.

Fast forward to now and suddenly I find myself with quite the smorgasbord of nude, camel, blush, and metallic bags, and depending on your size preference, I can’t recommend these more for spring. While they’re all still a bit of an investment, they’re classic and seasonless, and you won’t regret a single one. And once you’ve got the neutral handbag covered, maybe you’d like a little something bright for spring? Lucky for you, I’m teaming up with a few fellow bloggers to give away the coveted Gucci Marmont Mini Bag in Pink. Just follow the prompts below to enter. Good luck, and happy handbag shopping!

xoxo

This week I am teaming up with an amazing group of ladies to bring you an INCREDIBLE giveaway. One lucky reader will win a Gucci Marmont Mini Bag in Pink.

The giveaway is open internationally! The more “tasks” you complete below, the more entries you will receive, increasing your chances of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You’re Invited to a Spring Beauty Event

March 7, 2017 / Health & Beauty, Style Files / 0 comment

Likely dress – on sale; sneakers – so comfy; GiGi New York crossbody bag; denim jacket; Loren Hope bracelets; Quay sunglasses

I know I’ve talked about it for weeks now, but y’all, spring is seriously just around the corner. I mean, Daylight Savings and the year’s best time change is happening THIS coming weekend. Get your spring things ready, friends. And with the start of a new season, it’s time to give your beauty routine a little refresh. Local beauty junkies like myself, I’m so excited to share this upcoming event that I’m hosting with Bloomingdale’s at Fashion Island.

On Saturday, March 18th, I hope you’ll join me for a super fun morning of makeup application, chair massages, beauty consultations, deluxe samples, a sweepstakes, and sneak peeks from 8 of the best beauty brands out there. I’ve seen the list of products that will be showcased by each brand, and you seriously don’t want to miss it. We’re talking mattifiers, illuminators, anti-cellulite treatments, summer palettes, and so many more goodies to get your skin ready for spring as well as the best beauty tips from some amazing pros.

Spaces are filling up quickly, so see the details below to make your reservation ASAP. There is a $25 reservation fee that is credited to the beauty purchase of your choice on the day of the event. I’m so looking forward to it and hope to see you guys there!

xoxo

P.S. – Happy to answer any questions about the event – just shoot me an email (Nikki@mystylediaries.com) or comment below.

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

In partnership with Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island

Spring Staple: Denim Jacket

March 1, 2017 / Style Files / 0 comment

Spanx leggings – use code GOBIG17; lightweight sweater tunic (under $20); Jacket (on sale! – size down); New Balance sneakers; GiGi New York crossbody (c/o); sunglasses; Henri Bendel necklace; Kendra Scott bracelets and ring (c/o)

I’m pretty sure there was a point in time when I would have laughed at myself for wearing (or obsessing over) a denim jacket. And an embroidered, oversized, trucker jacket? Probably wouldn’t have crossed my mind. But in recent years, a good denim jacket has become my absolute go-to in the spring and summer. In Southern California, even the nicest, warmest days can turn into chilly nights, and a great denim jacket is so easy to throw over so many spring looks. Pair it with white or black denim, sundresses, or in this case, the suck-you-in faux leather leggings that I’ve lived in since fall. Hashtag, uniform.

Gap has always been the first place I go for denim jackets (I have this classic style and LOVE it – use code YOURTREAT for 40% off), but when I came across this embroidered style recently, I couldn’t get it out of my head. Annnd after, like, two days, I had to go back for it. Two denim jackets are better than one, right? I love the oversized fit of it, but definitely size down – it runs pretty big. (I’m wearing the medium.) It’s the softest denim, and I find myself throwing it on over everything lately, including my PJ’s when I forget that it’s street sweeping day and have to sprint out of the house to move my car before getting a ticket. But that’s, you know, just me. The rest of today’s look couldn’t be easier, and I can’t tell you how much use I’ve gotten out of these sneakers. (Head over here for SO many color options.) Hope everyone is having an amazing week!

xoxo

P.S. – Don’t forget to head over here for details on the big Shopbop sale that’s going on now!

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

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